I straightened up as the tingling sensation subsided. Stretching lightly, I noticed Pyrrha approaching me. She congratulated me and then suggested we continue searching for the artifacts.
We entered a ruined building that must have once served as a cathedral. I gazed at the remnants of the ceiling, barely clinging to the rotting beams. I feared they might collapse on us at any moment. Suddenly, Pyrrha snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Look, Jaune."
On several stone pedestals stood gilded chess pieces. I stepped closer and noticed that some of the pedestals were empty. I saw a few pawns remaining, but my attention was drawn to the knight piece one of the more valuable pieces on the board. I carefully lifted it from the pedestal, ready for any potential trap. Thankfully, nothing happened.
Holding up the knight, I examined it closely before handing it to Pyrrha.
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"What do you think? Do you think it’s good enough?" I asked, a slight note of concern in my voice.
"I think it’s perfect. Great job, Jaune."
I smiled and was about to head toward the exit when I suddenly heard the sound of someone running.
Like a flash of lightning, a red-haired girl burst into the cathedral ruins. With a wild shout, she dashed toward the pedestals, grabbed one of the pieces, and then yelled at the top of her lungs:
"PONY!"
She ran several laps around the ruined altar, waving the piece energetically. Finally, she shouted with excitement:
"Look what I’ve got! Isn’t it beautiful?! This has to be it! We’re just amazing!!!"
I stood frozen, utterly stunned by the scene. After a moment, I realized she wasn’t addressing me but a boy dressed in white pants and a green vest, with black hair, who had just emerged from the doorway.
The stranger ran toward him, threw her arms around his neck, and started talking to him with great enthusiasm. Moments later, the two disappeared into the depths of the corridor.
Pyrrha commented on the whole situation with a soft chuckle and a smile.
"Let’s go," she said, and I nodded.
Together, we left the ruins.