“That shard better be worth it,” Ghoida said, glancing at the newly acquired piece in her hand.
“It will be,” Willie replied, his voice steady. “Every clue brings us closer to understanding this world—and ourselves.”
The floating islands ahead formed a path leading deeper into Ventosca. The air was filled with the faint sound of wind chimes, though no chimes were visible. A strange mist began to settle, wrapping around the islands like a living entity.
“This mist… it feels different,” Ghoida said, gripping her sword.
Willie adjusted his pack, his gaze scanning the area. “It’s not natural. Stay close. We can’t afford to get separated here.”
As they ventured further, the mist thickened, obscuring their vision. Shadows danced at the edges, and the wind carried faint whispers that seemed to call their names.
“Willie,” a soft voice echoed, sending a shiver down his spine.
“Ghoida,” another voice murmured, sweet yet chilling.
“We’re not alone,” Ghoida said, her hand tightening around her blade.
From the mist emerged ghostly figures, their translucent forms flickering like candlelight. They resembled people but lacked features, their faces blank and hollow.
“What are they?” Willie asked, stepping back.
“They look like… echoes,” Ghoida replied, her voice uneasy. “Memories, maybe?”
The figures moved slowly, their whispers growing louder. One reached out to Ghoida, its hand passing through her shoulder like smoke.
“Stay back!” she shouted, slashing at it. Her blade passed through harmlessly, the figure reforming instantly.
Willie held up the artifact, its glow intensifying. The ghostly figures recoiled, their whispers turning into pained wails.
“It’s working!” Willie exclaimed.
He focused the artifact’s energy, the light pushing the figures away. The mist began to recede, revealing the path ahead.
“Let’s keep moving,” Ghoida said, her tone sharp. “I don’t like this place.”
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They pressed on, the mist thinning as they approached a large, jagged island suspended precariously above the void. At its center stood a decrepit structure, its spires crumbling and its walls cracked.
“Another ruin,” Willie muttered.
“Of course,” Ghoida said, rolling her eyes. “Why is it always ruins?”
As they entered the structure, the air grew colder, and the whispers returned, louder than before. The walls were lined with carvings depicting creatures—monsters—emerging from portals. The images showed chaos, destruction, and despair, but also glimmers of hope in the form of a glowing artifact, much like the one Willie carried.
“This place tells a story,” Willie said, tracing his fingers over the carvings. “The monsters… they came from somewhere. This artifact might be the key to stopping them.”
“Or it could just be a really pretty rock,” Ghoida quipped, though her gaze lingered on the carvings.
Before they could study the walls further, a low growl echoed through the ruins. From the shadows emerged a monstrous beast, its body covered in jagged scales and its eyes glowing with malice.
“No rest for the weary,” Ghoida muttered, drawing her sword.
Willie prepared the artifact, its light flickering to life. The beast lunged at them, its claws raking through the air. Ghoida met it head-on, her blade clashing against its thick scales.
“Willie, some help would be nice!” she shouted, dodging a swipe.
Willie aimed the artifact, a beam of light striking the creature’s side. It roared in pain, turning its attention to him.
“Great,” he muttered, stumbling backward as the beast charged.
Ghoida seized the opportunity, leaping onto the creature’s back and driving her blade into its neck. The monster thrashed, throwing her off, but the wound slowed it down.
Willie fired another blast, this one hitting the creature’s chest. With a final roar, it collapsed, its body dissolving into ash.
“That was… exhausting,” Willie said, leaning against a wall.
“You don’t say,” Ghoida replied, brushing dust from her clothes.
In the aftermath of the battle, the artifact began to glow brightly, resonating with the carvings on the walls. A hidden compartment opened, revealing another shard and a small, intricately carved key.
“A key?” Ghoida asked, picking it up. “What does it open?”
Willie examined it, his expression thoughtful. “I don’t know, but it’s important. We’ll figure it out.”
As they left the ruins, the mist began to lift entirely, revealing the path ahead. The journey was far from over, but with each step, they were closer to uncovering the secrets of Elaris.
End of Chapter 17