Chapter 4

A long corridor greeted me. Unlike the white walls from before, this one was surrounded by metal plating. Though, the metal plating was polished to the point that I could see my own reflection. What surprised me though was the fact that there was light glowing on the path. It’s as if there was electricity here. If I recall though, I couldn’t see any hints of electricity from the town at the base of the mountain. So, electricity shouldn’t be possible… unless, it was lost technology. Honestly, this ruin is giving me more and more questions that I want answered. I should probably visit the town soon if I want some of my questions answered.

Arriving at the doorway, I instantly sucked in my breath. What greeted me beyond it was an amazing image. A gigantic chamber could be seen. On the walls, pictures and images were carved on the stone. Yes, the metal plating was not used in this room. But, I didn’t care about that. I was shocked by the images I saw. Many were mixed together, almost forming a chaotic picture. But some showed clear and peaceful images of people and… animal people? Oh, this must be the so called demi humans! I wonder if I’ll be able to meet some in the town.

But, the images on the walls wasn’t the main focus of this chamber. It was the beautiful marble tree at the center. This time, I knew it was marble, seeing that it had a murky appearance. It was beautiful and was highly detailed. If I didn’t look close enough, I would have mistaken it for a real tree. Even its withered branches had leaves carved on the stems. It was truly a beautiful carving. Not only that, there were light blue lines crisscrossing around it, leading to the base of the tree. Looking closely, you could see that the light was moving. It was water, illuminated by some sort of light. It truly gave the place a peaceful ambience.

Looking at the roof, I also noticed an opening. Light was coming through it, but the light didn’t diffuse to the surrounding. Instead, it only focused on the tree in the middle.

I began walking towards it, my curiosity being piqued.

[Welcome Empress]

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A clear faint sound reverberated throughout the room. It was a soft mechanical voice that was pleasant to hear. It almost tickled a sense of maternal instinct that shouldn’t even exist within me. But, I wonder who’s saying this. Looking around the room, I couldn’t find the source of the voice. I then walked up to the tree, its brilliance shining over me.

[May the gods watch over you and your kingdom]

Suddenly, I heard a huge crack. To my amazement, the white tree began to crumble before me. Soon, small pieces began to chip away. To my shock, a huge piece was falling towards me. Of course, I immediately jumped back avoiding it.

Just what in the world is going on? I stared at the crumbling tree and soon, nothing else remained of it. Before it collapsed though, I was sure the voice was saying something else. I wonder what it was? I pondered for a bit, before something caught my eyes. Where the tree used to be, I saw a small blue medallion. The gem on it was beautiful, the rope seemingly made from tightly coiled gold.

I suddenly perked my ears. Hmm… I thought I heard something. Almost like a young girl’s voice. It was barely audible though, and seemed to be a short laugh.

[hee…]

There it was again? Just where is this coming from. Suddenly, I stared at the medallion. Was it coming from there? I walked up to it, curiosity once again taking over. Is it this? Was this thing making the sound? I slightly touched the medallion with my paw. Nothing happened. Putting my head close to it, I tried sniffing it. Suddenly, another blinding light appeared.

This one was the worst of it since it gave me a piercing headache. I began rolling on the floor, the pain getting worse with each roll. To my relief, the pain began to subside and I managed to regain myself. As soon as it fully disappeared, I then noticed that the entire room was shaking. My face began to pale as I saw tiny bits of the room collapsing. This… is not good!

I instantly jumped upwards, not even daring to look back at the amulet. It caused me enough pain, so I really don’t care about it. I quickly bounded back to the corridor I came from, out the gate and into the ruins. As this happened, the pillars holding the place were collapsing. Even the floors were beginning to give out. With my speed, I managed to make it to the opening hallway of the ruins.

Safe! I’m almost safe!

Suddenly, I heard a loud thud. I looked behind me to see a huge boulder running towards me. I didn’t even wait as I quickly bounded forward. I ran as fast as I could, unwilling to die in this ruin. I really can’t help but regret going here! Why is there even a trap like this? Looking back, I saw that the boulder was right behind me. It was so close that I felt it touching my tail.

NOOOO, I REFUSE TO DIE LIKE THIS!

With another burst of speed, I pushed myself towards the exit. To my surprise though, the floor from beneath me gave in and pushed itself into an angle. As soon as I pushed off from it, I felt myself flying to the outside. I must have been going so fast since I didn’t even register the sudden change from inside the ruin to the outside. Before I knew it, I felt something hit me in the head and soon, my consciousness faded into the darkness.