Chapter 23: Echoes on the
Surface
After
emerging from the darkened depths, the trio found themselves back in the
luminous expanse of the upper Luminal Realm. The Guardians of the Abyss awaited
them at the boundary, their crystalline forms gleaming faintly.
“You have
passed the first trial,” one of the Guardians intoned. “The fragment you carry
has restored part of the seal. But there are more fragments to uncover, and the
Abyss will not make it easy for you.”
“We
know,” Rhea said, her voice steady. “But before we face the next trial, we need
answers.”
The
Guardians exchanged glances before nodding in unison. “Seek the Archive of
Radiance, where the history of the Luminal Realm and the Abyss is etched in
light. But tread carefully—the knowledge you seek may burden you as much as it
enlightens.”
The
Archive of Radiance was a marvel to behold. Towering pillars of glowing crystal
rose from a shimmering lake, each pillar engraved with symbols that shifted and
glowed as though alive. The air buzzed with ancient energy, and the shards in
their possession resonated faintly.
“This
place is incredible,” Mira murmured, her eyes wide as she ran her fingers over
the glowing inscriptions.
As the
trio moved deeper into the archive, the crystals reacted to their presence,
casting images in the air. The first showed the creation of the Luminal Realm,
a breathtaking display of light and stone coming together to form the vibrant
world they had explored.
The
second image was darker: a swirling void of shadow consuming the light,
spreading through the realm like a poison. The Guardians appeared, their forms
glowing as they battled the Abyss, eventually sealing it beneath the earth with
the Heartstone.
“But it
wasn’t permanent,” Mira observed, her brow furrowed.
“Something
weakened the seal,” Kiran added. “And it’s happening again.”
The final
image depicted the shards they carried, glowing brightly as they reactivated
the seal. A voice echoed through the chamber, ancient and resonant:
“The
balance of light and shadow must be upheld, but the Abyss feeds on fear and
doubt. Only those with unyielding resolve may carry the light into the
darkness.”
The
images faded, leaving the trio in silence.
