Secrets of the Ruins

When the mist finally dispersed, the landscape stretching before them was more terrifying than anything Kael had ever seen. The earth itself seemed scarred by a war fought thousands of years ago. Deep fissures split the ground, stones lay scorched, and fallen columns were scattered across the land. These ruins were remnants of a past so old that even the people of Nivareth had forgotten it.

Kael raised the crystal shard. Its light focused on a massive gate rising at the center of the ruins. Half-buried in the earth and covered in moss, the gate still bore symbols etched into its stone—symbols that remained clearly visible: three interlocking crystal rings. Lira immediately pulled out her book and compared the markings.

“This symbol,” she said excitedly, “marks the first part of the prophecy. It says: ‘The travelers of light shall pass through the forgotten gate and listen to the echoes of the past.’”

As Kael approached the gate, a cold wind slipped through the cracks in the stone. The wind seemed to whisper. He listened closely; the words were faint, yet carried meaning:

“Remember what was forgotten… Only those who remember shall be saved.”

When they stood before the gate, the stones began to tremble. Lira opened her book, and the pages turned on their own. One symbol flared brightly—one of the three rings was drawn as broken.

“This shows that one of the crystals has been lost,” Lira said. “So our journey isn’t only about finding the light—it’s about restoring what has been lost.”

At that moment, a deep hum rose from within the ruins. Shadows began to move among the shattered columns. Kael lifted the crystal; its light scattered the darkness, but instead of retreating, the shadows took shape.

A group of silhouettes emerged—the spirits of ancient warriors. Their armor was broken, their eyes hollow, yet swords still rested in their hands.

“These,” Lira said with a shiver, “are the echoes of the forgotten war. Their souls are bound to this gate.”

One of the spirits stepped forward. Its voice echoed—deep, mournful, and heavy with sorrow:

“Those who wish to pass must carry the burden of the past. One who forgets our memory cannot step into the future.”

Kael gathered his courage. “I do not forget you. My journey continues with the legacy you left behind.”

The crystal shard flared in Kael’s hand. The spirits fell silent, then slowly lowered their swords to the ground. With a heavy rumble, the gate opened. A dim light spilled from within.

Kael and Lira exchanged a glance. This gate was the first true trial of their journey. As they stepped inside, the echoes of the past followed them.