The ruins of Eldren lay eerily silent, the oppressive hum of corruption replaced by the occasional rustle of wind through the crumbled stone. The team lingered in the aftermath, their relief tempered by the enormity of what they had just faced.
Kaede stood at the edge of the courtyard, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Her fingers rested lightly on the hilt of her sword, but her knuckles were white, betraying the storm of emotions within her.
Ryo walked up beside her, his axe resting on his shoulder. “We made it, Kaede. Whatever that thing was, it’s toast.”
Kaede didn’t look at him. “For now. But this isn’t over. You saw how organized it was. That wasn’t just some random force of nature—it had intent.”
Ryo scratched the back of his head, frowning. “Yeah, I get that. But can’t we take, like, five minutes to celebrate not dying?”
She let out a short breath, almost a laugh. “Go ahead. I’ll join you in a minute.”
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A GLIMPSE OF THE TRUTH
As Mira and Dren worked to patch up their gear and tend to their minor injuries, Kaede wandered back to the site where the corrupted core had been. The ground still bore faint scorch marks, and the air felt... strange.
She crouched, placing a hand on the charred earth. A faint pulse of energy traveled up her arm, and her vision blurred for a moment.
A flash of light.
A crystalline mountain.
A figure standing within, eyes closed.
Kaede gasped, jerking her hand back. She stumbled to her feet, her heart racing. “What... was that?”
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HARUKI’S SILENT STRUGGLE
Within the mountain, Haruki stirred. He could feel Kaede’s touch, the brief connection sparking something deep within the crystal’s core.
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“Kaede,” he murmured, his voice echoing in the void. “You’re closer than you think. Don’t stop now.”
The crystal around him pulsed faintly, as if responding to his determination. Haruki closed his eyes, focusing on the faint link he’d felt with Kaede. He couldn’t do much from where he was, but if there was even a chance to guide her, he’d take it.
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THE ROAD AHEAD
As the group gathered to leave the ruins, Kaede’s expression was more resolute than ever.
“We’re heading back to the mountain,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Mira looked up from her spellbook, her brow furrowed. “Already? Shouldn’t we report this to the guild first? Let them know what we found here?”
Kaede shook her head. “If we waste time, the corruption could spread again. We have to cut it off at the source, and that means going straight to the heart of this.”
Dren raised an eyebrow. “You sure about this? That mountain’s not exactly friendly territory.”
Kaede’s eyes hardened. “It’s where this all started. And it’s where we’ll end it.”
Ryo gave a weary grin. “Guess we’re not taking that breather, huh? Fine by me. Let’s get this over with.”
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A TENSE DEPARTURE
As they left Eldren, the group’s usual banter was muted. The weight of their mission—and the unspoken dangers ahead—hung over them like a dark cloud.
Kaede walked slightly ahead, her thoughts consumed by the vision she’d seen. She couldn’t shake the image of the figure in the crystal, nor the strange sense of familiarity it evoked.
Behind her, Mira and Dren spoke in hushed tones, their voices carrying just enough for Kaede to hear snippets.
“She’s pushing herself too hard,” Mira whispered.
“She’s the leader,” Dren replied. “She doesn’t have much of a choice.”
Kaede clenched her fists, willing herself to stay focused. “I don’t have time for doubts. Not now.”
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THE MOUNTAIN BECKONS
The journey back to the mountain was fraught with tension. The once-familiar paths were now overgrown with the remnants of corruption, and the air seemed heavier with every step they took.
Kaede paused at the base of the mountain, looking up at its jagged peak. The crystal at its summit gleamed faintly, a beacon in the gloom.
“Whatever’s up there,” she said, her voice low, “we face it together. No holding back.”
Ryo smirked, gripping his axe. “Together, huh? Guess that means I can’t let you run off playing hero.”
Mira smiled faintly, her staff glowing softly. “We’re with you, Kaede. All the way.”
Dren gave a mock salute. “Lead the way, boss. Let’s finish this.”
Kaede took a deep breath, steeling herself. “Let’s go.”