Shadow slave:The Forgotten Spawn

Volume 2: Shards of Unity

Chapter 32: Echoes of the Past

The air was still thick with tension as Eryth and the group regrouped near the crumbling remains of the ruins. The shadows had dissipated for now, retreating into the depths of the broken landscape, but everyone knew they wouldn't stay gone for long.

Eryth knelt near one of the glowing runes etched into the stone floor. The light had faded, but faint traces of energy still pulsed through it. He ran his fingers along the symbol, his mind racing.

"The relic," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "It's connected to all of this. But how? And why does it… know me?"

Nyx stood beside him, its posture tense, as if it expected another attack at any moment. Its golden eyes scanned the surroundings, but it occasionally glanced at Eryth, a silent reminder of their bond.

The armored woman approached, her helmet tucked under her arm. "Eryth, whatever that… thing was, it's tied to the relic. If we're going to figure this out, we need to start digging deeper. These ruins might hold the answers."

Eryth nodded, rising to his feet. "You're right. If we can find where these runes lead, maybe we can get some clarity."

The Descent

The group moved cautiously through the ruins, following a faint trail of runes that glowed intermittently along the walls and floor. The deeper they went, the colder the air became. The oppressive weight of the place pressed down on them, each step heavier than the last.

The youngest fighter, a wiry boy barely out of his teens, shivered as he looked around. "This place feels… wrong. Like it's watching us."

"Stay sharp," the armored woman said, her voice firm. "If anything moves, call it out. We don't need surprises down here."

Nyx led the way, its glowing form a beacon in the darkness. The ruins seemed to respond to its presence—the runes flickered more brightly whenever it passed, as if drawn to its energy.

After what felt like hours, the group reached a massive chamber deep beneath the surface. The walls were covered in intricate carvings, depicting scenes of battles between shadowy figures and radiant beings of light. In the center of the room was a stone pedestal, atop which rested a sphere of pure black obsidian.

Eryth's eyes widened as he approached the pedestal. The relic around his neck began to hum softly, vibrating in sync with the sphere.

"This… this is part of it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The relic's connected to this place."

An Unwelcome Revelation

As Eryth reached out toward the sphere, Nyx growled sharply, its claws flexing. Eryth stopped, turning to look at the creature.

"What is it?" he asked.

Nyx's golden eyes narrowed, and it let out a low, warning growl. The air in the chamber seemed to shift, growing colder and heavier.

The armored woman cursed under her breath. "We're not alone."

The shadows at the edges of the chamber began to move, coalescing into humanoid shapes. Unlike the mindless creatures they had fought before, these figures were more defined, their forms clad in shadowy armor.

One of them stepped forward, its voice echoing through the chamber. "You do not belong here. The secrets of this place are not for the unworthy."

Eryth's grip tightened on the relic. "Who are you? What is this place?"

The figure ignored his questions, raising a shadowy blade. "Leave, or face the consequences."

A Test of Resolve

The group quickly formed a defensive line, their weapons at the ready. Nyx stepped in front of Eryth, its claws glowing brighter as it prepared to fight.

"We're not leaving," Eryth said, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him. "This relic—whatever it is—has brought us here for a reason. If you want us gone, you'll have to force us out."

The shadowy figures didn't respond. Instead, they charged.

The chamber erupted into chaos. Nyx met the first attacker head-on, its claws clashing against the shadowy blade. The impact sent a shockwave through the room, shaking the walls and causing dust to rain down from above.

The others fought desperately, their movements precise but strained. The shadows were faster and stronger than the creatures they had faced before, and every strike against them seemed to only delay the inevitable.

Eryth hung back, his eyes darting between the battle and the pedestal. The relic around his neck was pulsing more intensely now, almost as if it was urging him forward.

"Keep them off me!" he shouted, rushing toward the pedestal.

The armored woman glanced at him, her face grim. "You better know what you're doing!"

A Leap of Faith

Eryth reached the pedestal and placed his hand on the obsidian sphere. The moment he did, a surge of energy shot through him, forcing him to his knees. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he was somewhere else—a vast expanse of light and shadow, endlessly intertwining.

A voice echoed in his mind. "The path is not given—it is earned. Show your resolve, or be consumed."

When Eryth's vision cleared, he found himself back in the chamber. But something had changed. The runes along the walls were glowing brightly now, and the shadowy figures had paused, their movements hesitant.

Nyx stood protectively in front of him, its golden form blazing with newfound intensity. Eryth felt the bond between them strengthen, their energies merging into something more powerful.

"I understand now," he said, his voice steady. "This isn't just about survival. This is a trial. And we're going to pass it—together."

The shadowy figures hesitated for only a moment before resuming their attack. But this time, Eryth and Nyx were ready.

To Be Continued…