The halls of the Gold Tower were eerily silent, the faint hum of mana crystals embedded in the walls casting a soft golden glow along the polished floors. Dawn had yet to break, and the deep blues of early morning bathed the campus in quiet stillness. But the serenity shattered when heavy, deliberate footsteps echoed down the corridor, halting outside a particular door.
Thendris Kaelthorn, the academy’s no-nonsense combat instructor for Gold-ranked students, pounded on the door with a fist like a hammer. “Eike Eravyn! Up. Now.”
A muffled groan came from the other side, followed by a shuffling sound. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Eike, his golden eyes squinting in the dim light. His hair was a mess, and his signature scarf was conspicuously absent, leaving him looking more disheveled than usual.
“What’s the rush?” He mumbled, leaning against the doorframe. “Did Ayo blow something up again?”
Thendris crossed his arms, his silver beard twitching as he scowled. “This isn’t about blame. You’re escorting your brother’s squad to the Garnet Tower. Every last one of them.”
Eike raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth quirking into a smirk. “All five of us? Fancy. Sounds serious.”
“It is.” Thendris’s tone brooked no argument. “Get dressed. Now.”
Eike sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. Give me a minute to grab my scarf and a sense of humor.”
Eike and Thendris ascended the spiral staircase to the next floor, where Ren Luroth’s room was located. The air grew colder, the faint glow of mana crystals tinged with a silvery hue, matching the disciplined aura of the Gold-ranked mage.
Thendris rapped sharply on the door, his voice stern. “Ren Luroth! Wake up. Garnet Tower summons.”
The door opened promptly, revealing Ren, fully dressed in his usual neat attire, silver eyes gleaming with quiet curiosity. His room, lined with alchemical tools and shelves of neatly stacked books, stood in stark contrast to Eike’s chaotic quarters.
“This must be important if you’re dragging us out before dawn,” Ren remarked, his voice calm but sharp.
Eike smirked. “Oh, it’s definitely important. Thendris here is practically glowing with urgency.”
Thendris glared at him. “Enough. Keep up, Luroth.”
Ren stepped out without another word, falling into step beside Eike. “I assume this is about Ayo,” he muttered, glancing at Eike with a knowing look.
“Isn’t it always?” Eike replied with a chuckle.
The Silver Tower exuded an elegance all its own, with intricate carvings on the walls and soft blue light emanating from mana-infused crystal sconces. The trio reached Tessa Yvareth’s door, and Thendris knocked sharply.
“Tessa Yvareth! Out of bed. Now.”
The door creaked open slowly, revealing Tessa, her vibrant blue hair a wild mess and her eyes half-closed. She leaned against the doorframe, yawning. “Do you people ever sleep? What now?”
Eike leaned against the opposite wall, grinning. “We’re rounding up Ayo’s fan club. Thought you’d want in.”
Tessa groaned, rubbing her temples. “If this is about him again—”
“It’s not a debate,” Thendris interrupted. “Get ready and follow us.”
“Fine, fine,” Tessa muttered, stepping back inside to grab her gear. “But someone better explain what’s going on when we get there.”
Eike chuckled, glancing at Ren. “Why do they always assume it’s Ayo’s fault?”
Ren shrugged. “History.”
As the group made their way toward the Gray Tower, Thendris walked ahead with a brisk, unrelenting pace. The air was crisp, the first hints of dawn peeking over the academy’s walls.
“Why haven’t we gone to Lirien Veyra’s room yet?” Thendris asked without turning around.
Eike smirked, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. “You told me not to waste time. Trust me, this is faster.”
Thendris shot him a suspicious glance but said nothing. “Fine. Lead the way.”
When they reached Ayo’s room, Thendris didn’t hesitate, pounding on the door with the same intensity as before. “Ayo Solara! You’re summoned by the Garnet Tower. Get up.”
The door swung open, and the group was greeted not by Ayo, but by Lirien Veyra. Her fiery red hair was disheveled, and her green eyes narrowed in annoyance.
“Do you have to yell?” she snapped, her voice sharp. “You’ll wake—” She froze mid-sentence, her gaze locking onto Thendris. Her expression shifted from irritation to wide-eyed embarrassment.
“Oh. Uh… Sorry. Thought you were Eike,” she mumbled, stepping aside awkwardly.
Eike burst out laughing, leaning against the wall for support. “This just keeps getting better.”
Thendris’s stern gaze didn’t falter. “Where is Ayo?”
Lirien sighed, motioning inside. “Still asleep. Probably pretending not to hear you.”
The crisp morning air bit at their skin as the group exited the Gray Tower and made their way across the academy grounds. The sun had just begun its slow ascent, painting the sky with hues of amber and rose. Dew glistened on the grass, and a soft mist curled around the bases of the towering buildings. Despite the beauty of the dawn, tension weighed heavily on the group.
Ayo trudged near the back, his head low, hands jammed into his pockets as if shielding himself from the teasing that had followed their departure. His shadows flickered faintly at his heels, betraying the emotions he tried to suppress.
Eike walked beside him, grinning like a cat with a fresh catch. He leaned over, nudging Ayo with his elbow. “So… this morning. Interesting start to the day, huh?”
“Shut up,” Ayo muttered, his tone sharp enough to make Eike laugh outright.
Ren, who walked a step ahead, glanced back, his expression as calm and steady as ever. “You’re not going to live this down, you know,” he remarked dryly. “Not anytime soon.”
Tessa, several paces ahead, stretched her arms over her head, her blue hair catching the soft morning light. “At least he’s giving the rest of us something to talk about,” she quipped. “By lunch, half the academy will think they’re married.”
Lirien, walking at the front with her arms crossed, smirked but said nothing. She seemed content to let the others do the teasing. Her fiery red hair swayed with each step, and every so often, she glanced back at Ayo with an amused glint in her emerald eyes.
“I hate all of you,” Ayo muttered, his shadows curling tighter around his boots like sullen children.
Eike clapped him on the shoulder. “Relax, little brother. We’re just saying what everyone else is going to be thinking. Might as well get used to it.”
The group finally reached the courtyard plaza at the academy’s heart. The teleportation circle shimmered faintly in the early light, its intricate runes glowing with a soft golden hue. Ayo slowed his steps, his eyes narrowing as he regarded the circle.
“You mean we’re using that?” he asked, a slight edge of nervousness in his voice. “The Garnet Tower’s off-limits to students.”
Lirien smirked, holding her arms wide. “Good thing we’re not regular students anymore.”
Standing beside the circle was Thendris, the glowing rune stone in his hand. Its surface pulsed faintly, synchronizing with the circle’s magic. “Quit dawdling,” he barked. “I don’t have time to wait for second thoughts.”
“This is a first for me,” Tessa murmured, stepping closer to examine the circle. “It’s not every day a Silver Rank gets to see the inside of the Garnet Tower.”
Ren tilted his head, his silver eyes scanning the glowing runes. “I always wondered why they kept it so restricted. Guess we’ll find out.”
Eike nudged Ayo forward, his grin wide. “Come on, little brother. Don’t chicken out now.”
“I’m not chickening out,” Ayo snapped, his shadows twitching as he stepped into the circle.
“Enough chatter,” Thendris growled, holding the runestone aloft. The circle flared to life, surrounding the group in a shimmering golden light. The familiar sensation of displacement washed over them as the teleportation spell activated, pulling them from the academy grounds in an instant.
The golden light of the teleportation spell faded, leaving the group standing in the Garnet Tower’s antechamber. The space exuded an air of gravitas, its high vaulted ceilings lined with intricate carvings of garnet and onyx depicting mages and warriors long past. The soft hum of magical energy coursed through the walls, a subtle reminder of the tower’s storied history.
For a moment, none of them moved. Even Eike, who typically approached everything with a casual grin, glanced around with muted awe. The Garnet Tower was unlike anything else at the academy—equal parts fortress and sanctuary, untouched by time yet heavy with the weight of centuries of purpose.
Thendris cleared his throat, his voice sharp. “This way.”
The group followed him through a set of ornate doors into a large council chamber. The space was circular, dominated by a polished garnet table that shimmered like liquid fire under the soft glow of mana lights. Around the walls, relics encased in glass displayed the history of the Garnet Rank: cracked swords, glowing sigils, and a massive banner emblazoned with the tower’s insignia—a garnet star surrounded by interwoven threads of gold.
At the far end of the room stood Caelith, his figure silhouetted by the morning light streaming through a tall window. Beside him, Isova radiated quiet strength, her silver hair gleaming under the soft glow of the room’s lighting.
“Sit,” Caelith instructed, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.
The group complied, each taking a seat around the circular table. Ayo shifted uncomfortably, his shadows flickering faintly beneath his chair. Lirien sat to his left, her posture upright and confident, while Tessa and Ren mirrored her composure. Eike, on the other hand, leaned back lazily in his chair, though his golden eyes stayed alert.
Caelith’s piercing gaze swept over them, sharp and appraising. “The Ruins of Cindralith,” he began, his deep voice cutting through the silence, “are not merely the remnants of a forgotten city. They are a graveyard of ambition. A cautionary tale of what happens when power runs unchecked.”
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. The group exchanged uneasy glances, the gravity of the moment pressing down on them.
Isova stepped forward, her tone softer but equally commanding. “The ruins are steeped in unstable magic. The echoes of Cindralith’s fall linger there, twisting reality and testing those who enter. Many have tried to delve into its depths, but few have returned.”
“Those who did,” Caelith added, “spoke of shadows that whispered promises of power. Illusions that tore at their resolve. And a presence that judged their worth—or lack thereof.”
Ayo leaned forward slightly, the tension in the room sparking something in him. “So, let me get this straight,” he said, his shadows flickering with a faint pulse. “The place is guarded by unstable magic and shadow constructs? Wouldn’t it make sense for me to, I don’t know, just… link up with the shadows and fix the situation?”
Lirien raised an eyebrow, clearly trying not to laugh, while Eike snorted softly.
“I mean,” Ayo continued, his confidence growing, “it’s shadow magic, right? Seems like I’m kind of built for this. Maybe it’ll even recognize me as a long-lost friend.”
A tense silence followed his words, broken only by the faint hum of magic in the walls. Caelith’s expression hardened, his golden eyes narrowing as he leaned forward.
“Is that what you think?” he asked, his voice dangerously calm. “That your affinity for shadow magic makes you invincible?”
Ayo hesitated, his earlier bravado faltering under Caelith’s piercing gaze. “Well, not invincible, but—”
“You are playing with forces that consumed an entire civilization,” Caelith interrupted, his tone sharp. “The shadows of Cindralith do not ‘link up.’ They devour. They corrupt. And they destroy.”
Isova stepped in, her voice quieter but no less firm. “The shadow constructs you will face are not allies, Ayo. They are remnants of a failed experiment. They do not recognize loyalty or lineage. They exist to guard the Core Forge and to test those who seek its power.”
Ayo leaned back slightly, his shadows flickering erratically. “Right,” he muttered, his earlier confidence replaced with a mix of apprehension and frustration. “Got it. No linking.”
“You would do well to remember that,” Caelith said, his tone cutting. “Your shadows are a tool, not a solution. And they may very well turn against you if you underestimate the magic within the ruins.”
The room fell silent, the weight of Caelith’s words pressing down on them. Tessa glanced at Ren, who nodded slightly, his expression somber. Lirien, however, kept her gaze fixed on Ayo, her green eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Finally, Isova gestured to the map spread across the table, its surface glowing faintly with magical markers indicating key areas of the ruins: the Obsidian Plaza, the Glyphic Nexus, and the Core Forge. “Your task is to navigate these areas and recover the Garnet Sigil. It represents unity, restraint, and strength—the values that define the Garnet Rank.”
Ren studied the map closely. “What happens if we fail to stabilize the Core Forge?”
Caelith’s expression darkened. “The ruins will collapse, and you with them.”
A heavy silence fell over the room. Finally, Eike leaned back in his chair, his usual grin replaced by a thoughtful frown. “Well, when you put it like that, how can we say no?”
A faint smile crossed Isova’s lips, but her voice remained firm. “The question is not whether you accept, Eike. It is whether you are ready to face the consequences.”
The Garnet Tower’s council chamber was bathed in a soft, golden glow as Caelith leaned over the garnet table, tracing a finger along the glowing map. His golden eyes swept over the group, his expression as sharp as a blade. The glyphic markers of the Obsidian Plaza, Glyphic Nexus, and Core Forge pulsed faintly, casting shifting shadows across the room.
“The Ruins of Cindralith,” Caelith began, his deep voice steady, “are a graveyard of ambition. The magic that lingers there destroyed a civilization and consumed countless mages who underestimated its power. It is not something to be trifled with.”
The group sat silently around the table, their gazes fixed on the map. Even Eike, usually the first to break the tension, kept his mouth shut, his golden eyes narrowed in thought.
Isova stepped forward, her silver eyes gleaming. “This trial is not meant to be completed in a single day. The ruins will test your strength, your unity, and your resolve. You’ll face illusions, traps, and guardians that will not hesitate to kill you if you falter.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
She gestured to a nearby table where five neatly packed satchels rested. “You’ve been provided with tents, rations, and water for a week. Use them wisely.”
Tessa shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “A whole week?” she asked, her blue hair catching the light as she glanced at the others. “How big are these ruins?”
“Big enough to get lost in,” Ren said quietly, his silver eyes scanning the glowing markers. “And then some.”
Caelith tapped the Core Forge marker, his expression grim. “The Forge is your final destination. Its unstable magic is what fuels the constructs and traps that guard the ruins. Stabilizing it is the only way to retrieve the Garnet Sigil.”
Ayo, leaning back in his chair, crossed his arms as his shadows flickered faintly at his feet. “What if I just… link with the magic?” he asked casually. “You know, get it under control and solve the problem before it starts?”
The room went silent. All eyes turned to Ayo, who met their stares with calm confidence.
“You’re joking,” Lirien said flatly.
Ayo shrugged. “What? It’s shadow magic, right? I’ve got a pretty solid track record with that.”
Caelith’s golden eyes narrowed. “If it were that simple, we wouldn’t need this trial. Other mages with an affinity for shadow magic have tried—and failed.”
Isova’s voice cut through the room like ice. “Those who attempted to link with the ruins were consumed by them. Their magic became part of the ruins’ defenses.”
Ayo frowned, his confidence faltering slightly. “Consumed?”
“Consumed,” Caelith confirmed. “The ruins take what they want. And they always want more.”
For a moment, Ayo said nothing, his shadows curling faintly around his boots. “Right,” he muttered. “Guess I’ll stick to the plan, then.”
Caelith’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before he straightened, stepping back from the table. “This trial will test every strength and flaw you possess. If you fail, it will cost you your lives. But if you succeed, you will prove yourselves worthy of the Garnet Rank.”
Isova added, her tone softening slightly, “This trial is as much about unity as it is about strength. Do not let ambition blind you, and do not let fear divide you.”
The teleportation circle hummed softly, its golden runes glowing as the group gathered within it. Their satchels were slung over their shoulders, the weight of the trial pressing heavily on them.
Caelith and Isova stood at the edge of the circle, their expressions unreadable. “Remember,” Caelith said, his voice carrying authority. “The ruins judge more than strength. They demand balance, unity, and control. Do not forget that.”
Isova added, “And do not underestimate what you face. Magic this old is as volatile as it is dangerous.”
The group nodded silently, their expressions a mixture of determination and unease. Caelith raised the rune stone, and with a sharp pulse of golden light, the world around them dissolved.
The sensation of teleportation faded, replaced by an oppressive stillness. The Ruins of Cindralith loomed before them, jagged and broken against the gray horizon. Dark spires jutted out of the ground like fractured bones, and the air itself seemed heavy, filled with an unnatural hum. A faint mist curled around the ruins, carrying whispers that were just out of reach.
“This place is… awful,” Tessa muttered, clutching her pack tightly. “And I hate it.”
“You’re not alone,” Ren replied, his silver eyes scanning their surroundings. “The magic here feels... wrong.”
Lirien stepped forward, her emerald eyes narrowing as she took in the desolate landscape. “Stay sharp. We’re not alone.”
As if in response, shadowy figures began to emerge from the mist. The constructs took shape slowly, their fractured forms glowing faintly with red and black light. Their eyes burned with an eerie intensity as they locked onto the group.
“Here we go,” Eike muttered, stepping into a defensive stance. “Ready?”
Before anyone could respond, the constructs lunged.
The group scattered, each member drawing on their abilities to fend off the attacking constructs. Lirien’s emerald mana surged, her spear spinning in a deadly arc. Ren’s precision strikes shattered the constructs’ weaker points, while Tessa’s barriers deflected incoming blows.
Ayo stood in the center of the chaos, his shadows swirling violently around him. One of the constructs lunged at him, and instead of dodging, he grabbed it by the arm and pulled it closer. Its glowing red eyes met his.
“Bow,” Ayo commanded, his voice low but resonant.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then the construct froze, its head lowering as it dropped to its knees. The others followed suit, one by one, their glowing eyes dimming as they knelt before him. Some dissolved entirely, their magic drawn into Ayo’s swirling shadows.
The silence that followed was deafening.
“What…” Tessa whispered, her voice trembling. “What just happened?”
“They bowed,” Ren said flatly, his silver eyes narrowing. “To him.”
Lirien approached cautiously, her spear still raised. “Ayo, what did you do?”
Ayo glanced back at her, his expression calm. “I told them to bow.”
“And they just… listened?” Eike asked, his tone caught between awe and concern.
Ayo shrugged, his shadows flickering faintly around him. “Seemed like the right move.”
The group exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier confidence shaken. Ayo, however, appeared unbothered as he turned toward the ruins’ looming entrance.
“Let’s keep moving,” he said casually, his tone light. “We’ve got a Sigil to find.”
The Garnet Tower’s council chamber was dimly lit, the flickering light of mana crystals casting long shadows across the walls. Caelith stood near the arched window, his gaze fixed on the glowing teleportation circle in the courtyard below. The hum of its magic filled the air, a faint reminder of the group’s recent departure.
Isova entered quietly, her silver hair shimmering in the low light. She approached him, her expression calm but knowing. “You’re thinking about them,” she said softly.
“I can’t stop,” Caelith admitted, his voice heavy. He leaned against the window frame, his golden eyes troubled. “They’re capable, but this trial… it’s too soon. They’re not ready.”
“You’ve said that before,” Isova replied, stepping closer. “But we both know this isn’t about readiness. You didn’t have a choice.”
Caelith turned to her, his expression dark. “No, I didn’t. Sylvara made sure of that.”
Isova raised an eyebrow. “Still upset about Lirein spending time with Ayo?”
“Upset doesn’t even cover it,” Caelith muttered. He ran a hand through his dark hair, the tension in his movements betraying his frustration. “Sylvara wants complete control over Avarion’s future. She’s spent years arranging Lirein’s engagement to Caius Valeran, the heir to House Valeran—a perfect union to solidify Avarion’s power and influence.”
“And Ayo disrupts that,” Isova guessed, folding her arms.
Caelith let out a dry laugh. “Disrupts? He obliterates it. Ayo is an orphan. No noble lineage, no political ties—just raw, untamed power. To Sylvara, he’s a stain on Lirein’s reputation and a threat to her plans. She doesn’t just want Ayo gone; she wants him erased.”
“Why does she see him as such a threat?” Isova asked, her tone curious but cautious. “It’s not as though Lirein has shown any intention of abandoning her duties.”
“It’s not just about Lirein,” Caelith said, his voice lowering. “Sylvara’s afraid. Ayo represents everything she can’t control. He’s unpredictable, powerful, and worst of all—he’s likable. Lirein spends time with him, laughs with him, and—dare I say it—respects him. To Sylvara, that’s dangerous. She sees it as a slippery slope. If Lirein chooses Ayo over Caius, it doesn’t just disrupt her marriage plans; it undermines her authority as queen.”
Isova tilted her head. “And Caius? What’s he like?”
“Caius Valeran,” Caelith began, his tone laced with disdain, “is the textbook definition of a noble heir. Polished, charming, and utterly insufferable. He’s a skilled mage, but his arrogance outweighs his talent. Sylvara sees him as the perfect match for Lirein, but she’s blind to how much Lirein despises him.”
“And yet Sylvara would rather force her daughter into a marriage she doesn’t want than let her spend another minute with Ayo,” Isova said quietly.
Caelith nodded. “Exactly. Because in Sylvara’s eyes, Ayo isn’t just an orphan; he’s a nobody. No noble blood, no family, no ties to the world she’s trying to control. He’s a wild card, and wild cards don’t fit into carefully laid plans.”
Caelith sighed deeply, running his hand along the edge of the table. “And then there’s us,” he said, his voice quieter now. “We can’t even provide the academy with an heir. How can I expect anyone to take my decisions seriously when I can’t secure my own family’s legacy?”
Isova stiffened, her silver eyes flashing. “Stop,” she said sharply. “We’ve had this conversation before, and I won’t have it again.”
“It’s true, Isova,” Caelith insisted, his tone almost bitter. “Sylvara and the other nobles look at me and see weakness. No heir, no continuation of the Garnet Tower’s line. That’s why they’re so eager to see the Garnet Rank buried forever. To them, I’m just a relic holding on to an outdated tradition.”
Isova stepped forward, placing a hand on his arm. Her touch was firm but gentle. “You’re more than a relic, Caelith. You’ve spent your life fighting to protect this academy and everyone in it. Ayo and his group are proof of that. You’re building something that goes beyond bloodlines.”
Isova was silent for a moment, her gaze thoughtful as she studied her husband. “But what if Sylvara’s biggest problem disappeared?”
Caelith frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“What if Ayo weren’t just an orphan with no family or ties?” she asked carefully, her voice calm but pointed. “What if he were… something more? Someone Sylvara couldn’t just dismiss or erase.”
Caelith narrowed his eyes. “And by ‘something more,’ you mean… a noble?”
Isova nodded faintly, her expression unreadable. “It would certainly complicate Sylvara’s plans.”
Caelith crossed his arms, his gaze skeptical. “And how exactly do you intend to make that happen? Let me guess—pair him with Lirein? Marry off the wild card just to spite her mother?”
Isova’s lips twitched in a faint smirk. “I hadn’t considered that, but it’s an amusing thought.”
“Isova,” Caelith said, his tone sharp. “This isn’t a game. We’re talking about people’s lives here. Reckless decisions like that—”
“I’m not suggesting anything reckless,” Isova interrupted, her voice calm but firm. “I’m suggesting we think strategically. Sylvara is pushing us into a corner because she believes we’re weak. But if Ayo’s presence threatens her plans this much, imagine what he could do if we gave him the tools to stand on equal footing.”
Caelith exhaled, his frustration mingling with reluctant understanding. “And what about Ayo? He’s already dealing with enough. Throwing him into the world of noble politics…”
Isova’s expression softened. “We wouldn’t be throwing him into it. We’d be giving him something he’s never had—a place to belong. A family.”
Caelith fell silent, his golden eyes drifting back to the glowing teleportation circle below. “Let’s see if he survives this trial first,” he said finally, his voice laced with both resolve and doubt.
The Ruins of Cindralith loomed ahead, their shattered arches and crumbling spires silhouetted against the dim glow of the surrounding glyphs. The group stood just outside the entrance, the oppressive weight of the shadows settling over them like a suffocating blanket.
Ayo stepped forward, his gaze scanning the darkened threshold. The shadows swirled unnaturally, forming jagged shapes that seemed almost alive.
“This place really doesn’t want us here,” Lirien muttered, her lance at the ready.
“Or maybe it’s just trying to figure out if we’re worth letting in,” Ren said, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.
Before anyone could respond, the shadows began to coalesce, shifting and twisting into humanoid constructs. They moved with jagged, unnatural motions, their glowing eyes fixed on the group.
“Well, that’s new,” Tessa said, raising her mana barrier instinctively.
“Let me try something,” Ayo said, stepping forward with surprising confidence.
“Ayo, wait—” Eike began, but Ayo cut him off with a raised hand.
Ayo’s shadows flared, rising around him like a living shroud. He locked eyes with the nearest construct and said firmly, “Bow.”
The construct hesitated, its fragmented form trembling. Slowly, it lowered itself to one knee before dissolving into pure magic that flowed into Ayo’s shadows.
The other constructs followed suit, kneeling in unison before disappearing into the ether.
The group stared, stunned into silence.
“Okay,” Ren said finally, his tone flat. “That just happened.”
“Yup,” Ayo replied, grinning. “Guess they like me.”
“Or they think you’re scarier than they are,” Lirien muttered.
As the group stepped into the ruins, the air grew colder, the oppressive atmosphere pressing down on them with every step. The glyphs along the walls flickered, casting jagged shadows that danced unnaturally in the dim light.
Ayo led the way, his shadows pulsing faintly in rhythm with the glyphs. He couldn’t shake the strange sensation that the ruins were alive, watching their every move.
The group entered a wide, open chamber with a cracked stone floor and jagged columns stretching toward the ceiling. As they moved further in, the shadows began to shift again, pooling together into larger, more menacing constructs.
These constructs were different—taller, bulkier, and radiating a dark, oppressive energy. Their glowing eyes burned with malice as they surrounded the group.
“Okay, now this is a bit much,” Lirien said, her lance glowing faintly as she prepared to strike.
Tessa raised her hands, creating a shimmering barrier around the group. “Ayo, whatever you’re going to do, do it fast.”
The constructs lunged simultaneously, their movements coordinated and deadly. Ayo barely dodged the first strike, his shadows reacting instinctively to shield him.
“Bow!” he commanded, his voice resonating with authority.
One of the constructs froze mid-attack, then knelt and dissolved into magic. The others, however, hesitated only briefly before resuming their assault.
“Ayo, they’re not all listening!” Tessa shouted, deflecting a blow with her barrier.
“Then I’ll make them listen,” Ayo muttered, drawing his sword. His shadows flared as he charged at the nearest construct, slashing through its chest with a single, decisive strike. The construct shattered into fragments of shadow magic that flowed into Ayo’s own.
The remaining constructs froze, their heads snapping toward Ayo. Without another word, they knelt in unison before dissolving.
The chamber fell silent, the oppressive energy lifting as the shadows dissipated.
“Well, that’s one way to handle it,” Ren said, sheathing his blade.
“You just had to decapitate one of them first,” Tessa muttered, her tone equal parts awe and exasperation.
“Hey, it worked, didn’t it?” Ayo replied, brushing off his hands. “Guess they respect strength.”
“Or they’re just terrified of you,” Lirien said dryly, lowering her lance.
The group moved deeper into the ruins, entering a circular chamber illuminated by shifting, glowing glyphs. The intricate patterns covered the walls and floor, pulsing faintly with an unnatural rhythm.
“This must be the Glyphic Nexus,” Tessa said, stepping forward to examine the pedestal in the center. “Looks like some kind of magical puzzle.”
Before she could analyze further, another wave of constructs emerged, these ones even larger and more imposing. Their jagged forms moved with unnatural speed, their glowing eyes fixed on the group.
“Of course,” Lirien muttered, raising her lance. “Can’t have a puzzle without a fight.”
The constructs charged, forcing the group into a defensive formation. Ayo’s shadows lashed out, creating barriers to protect the others.
“Ayo, we need you to clear them!” Eike shouted, parrying a strike with his sword.
Ayo focused on the nearest construct, his shadows coiling around him. “Bow!” he commanded, his voice echoing through the chamber.
The construct hesitated but didn’t kneel. Frustrated, Ayo stepped forward, slashing through the construct with his blade. As it dissolved, the others froze and, one by one, knelt before dissipating into magic.
The glyphs in the room flared brightly, aligning themselves as Ayo’s shadows resonated with the pedestal. The door to the next chamber unlocked with a low hum.
“Well, that was convenient,” Ren said, crossing his arms. “We didn’t even need to solve it.”
“Guess the ruins just like me,” Ayo said with a grin.
Lirien rolled her eyes. “Or they’re just smart enough to know they’d lose.”
The group stepped into a cavernous chamber that seemed to stretch endlessly into the shadows. At its heart stood the Core Forge, a monolithic structure of jagged obsidian, its surface etched with glowing red glyphs that pulsed like a living heartbeat. Tendrils of unstable magic spiraled upward from the forge, crackling and sparking as they clashed with the surrounding air.
The oppressive weight of the chamber’s energy pressed down on them, making each step feel heavier. A deep, resonant hum filled the air, vibrating in their bones.
“So,” Ren said, breaking the silence, “this is what we came for?”
“Impressive,” Lirien muttered, her emerald eyes scanning the forge. “I’ll give it that.”
“It’s more than impressive,” Tessa said, her voice tinged with awe. “This is ancient magic, unstable and raw. The Core Forge wasn’t just built to protect the Garnet Sigil—it’s alive.”
Eike tightened his grip on his sword. “And alive things usually don’t let you walk in and take what you want.”
Ayo, standing at the front of the group, stared at the swirling energy around the forge. His shadows flickered and pulsed, almost as if in response. He tilted his head, a cocky grin spreading across his face. “Alive or not, I bet it’ll listen to me.”
Lirien raised an eyebrow. “Ayo, don’t even think about—”
But before she could finish, the shadows around the forge began to move.
The chamber darkened as the swirling magic around the forge condensed, forming a massive, towering figure. The Forge Guardian emerged, its body made of fractured stone and shadow magic, its glowing eyes burning with an intensity that made the air vibrate.
It stood motionless for a moment, its gaze fixed on the group. Then it stepped forward, each movement sending tremors through the floor.
“Okay,” Ren muttered, drawing his weapon. “That’s a big one.”
Lirien readied her lance, her expression serious. “No kidding.”
Tessa raised a shimmering barrier around the group as the Guardian let out a low, rumbling growl. Its form seemed to flicker, parts of its body phasing in and out of existence like a glitch in reality.
“Let’s take it down,” Eike said, stepping forward.
“Hold on,” Ayo interrupted, his shadows flaring around him. He stepped in front of the group, his gaze locked on the Guardian. “Let me try something first.”
“Ayo, no!” Tessa shouted, but he ignored her.
The Guardian took a menacing step toward him, its massive arms raised as if to strike. Ayo’s shadows surged, coiling around him like a living shield. He raised his hand, his voice steady and commanding. “Bow.”
The Guardian froze mid-strike, its glowing eyes flickering. For a moment, it seemed to resist, its fractured body trembling with unstable energy. Then, with a sound like grinding stone, it knelt. Its massive form dissolved into pure shadow magic that flowed into Ayo’s own.
The chamber fell silent.
The unstable energy around the forge began to stabilize, the chaotic pulses smoothing into a steady rhythm. The glyphs on the walls glowed brighter, casting intricate patterns across the floor. At the forge’s center, a pedestal rose, revealing the Garnet Sigil—a flawless crystal etched with ancient runes, pulsing gently with a crimson light.
“Is that it?” Tessa asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“It has to be,” Lirien said, lowering her lance cautiously. “But this feels too easy.”
Ayo stepped toward the sigil, his shadows flickering with excitement. The others followed hesitantly, their weapons still drawn. As Ayo reached for the sigil, the ground beneath them trembled.
From the walls and floor, shadow constructs emerged, their forms larger and more aggressive than ever before. These constructs moved with terrifying speed, their attacks perfectly synchronized.
“Spoke too soon,” Ren muttered, drawing his sword.
The constructs charged, forcing the group into a defensive formation. Ayo’s shadows lashed out instinctively, deflecting one of the constructs’ attacks.
“We’re outnumbered!” Tessa shouted, her barrier cracking under the assault. “Ayo, do something!”
Ayo stepped forward, his shadows flaring with newfound intensity. He raised his sword, slashing through one of the constructs with a single, fluid motion. As its body dissolved into magic, the remaining constructs froze, their glowing eyes fixed on him.
“Bow,” Ayo commanded, his voice resonating through the chamber.
The constructs hesitated, their forms trembling. One by one, they knelt before dissolving into shadows that were absorbed by the forge itself. The room fell silent once more, the oppressive energy dissipating.
Ayo turned back to the pedestal, his expression calm as he reached for the Garnet Sigil. The crystal flared brightly before settling into a soft glow as he lifted it.
“It’s done,” Ayo said, turning to the group with a small smile.
Lirien shook her head, a mixture of awe and exasperation on her face. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Thanks,” Ayo replied, his grin widening.
The group emerged from the ruins in record time, stepping onto the teleportation circle with the Garnet Sigil in hand. A surge of magic enveloped them, and within moments, they were back in the Garnet Tower courtyard.
Caelith and Isova were waiting, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion.
“You’re back already?” Caelith asked, his golden eyes narrowing. “It’s been… two hours.”
“Give or take,” Lirien said, crossing her arms. “We work fast.”
Caelith’s gaze shifted to the sigil in Ayo’s hands. “You finished the trial? In two hours?”
Ayo stepped forward, his shadows flickering faintly. “Yup. And remember when you said I couldn’t ‘link up’ with the shadows? Guess what? I did.”
Caelith blinked, his mouth opening as if to respond, but Ayo cut him off. “Oh, and that super hard trial you were hyping up? Solved it. Less than two hours. No big deal.”
Lirien smirked, folding her arms. “He’s not going to let you live this down.”
Isova stepped forward, her gaze sharp. “Ayo, what exactly did you do?”
Ayo shrugged, his grin widening. “Nothing special. The ruins just liked me.”
Ren muttered under his breath, “That’s one way to put it.”
Caelith let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. “Shadow prodigy, huh? Just try not to let it go to your head.”
“No promises,” Ayo replied with a wink.
Isova’s expression remained serious as she studied the sigil. “The connection between you and the ruins… it’s stronger than we anticipated.”
The group exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the trial’s implications settling over them. Despite their success, the mysteries surrounding Ayo’s powers and the Garnet Sigil were far from resolved.