As they crossed the threshold of the sealed door, the air changed. Not just in density, but in its very nature. It was as if they had stepped through a veil between realities. The sound became muffled, as if the world there breathed differently—more slowly, more ancient.
The walls of the corridor ahead were smooth, made of a material that appeared to be a fusion of stone and crystal. Gentle reflections danced upon them, yet no visible light source could be seen. The silence was absolute, broken only by the careful footsteps of the group.
— It's like walking inside a thought — murmured Lira, her hand near the ceremonial dagger she carried.
Kael let out a low whistle, attempting to break the weight of the atmosphere.
— I've been in dungeons and secret chambers, but nothing like this. This... this place is alive.
The Chamber
The corridor opened into a large circular room. In the center, a pedestal of black crystal floated a few centimeters above the ground, slowly rotating. Upon it rested a small golden sphere, pulsating in a measured rhythm—as if it had a heart.
Around the room stood six pillars adorned with statues of mythical creatures. Each one unique and imposing, as if having guarded the place since time immemorial. Among them, Ethan recognized the form of a Solar Hawk, a beast extinct for more than two centuries, and a Mist Leviathan, known only from legend.
But that wasn't all.
The Presence
At the back of the chamber, partially shrouded by darkness, someone observed them. Not a beast. A human figure, draped in a worn cloak adorned with ancient symbols stitched in golden threads. The face, hidden beneath a hood, remained in shadow.
— You heard the call — said the figure, the voice old yet serene. — And the fragment answered.
Everyone tensed. The beasts did too. The Nebulous Serpent hissed, its eyes fixed on the figure. The Spectral Crow circled overhead. The Ancient Forest Deer stamped its hooves, motionless like a statue.
— Who are you? — asked Neyra, her voice firm.
— Someone who has guarded this secret far longer than anyone should. One of the last Guardians... or perhaps merely an echo of them.
The figure stepped forward. When the light touched the face, it revealed features marked by time—silver eyes, wrinkled skin, yet with a sparkle that defied decay.
— This chamber was sealed to prevent the balance from being broken. You should not be here... and yet, you have come.
The Test
In the next moment, a tremor ran through the floor. From the pedestal, the golden sphere rose by itself, floating above the group. Its light spread throughout the room like a force field. The beasts began to stir—not in anger, but in response to something more instinctual.
— It's a test, isn't it? — said Ethan, looking at the Guardian.
— Not for you. For them — replied the elder.
The sphere then split into four luminous fragments, which fixed themselves before four of the beasts: the Deer, the Serpent, the Crow, and the Golem.
— Each one will be confronted with an ancestral memory. A vision that only those connected to the veil of nature can face. You will see... through them.
The Visions
The Deer's pupils dilated. Ethan staggered a step back as his mental bond was pulled into the beast.
He saw a forest devastated by black flames.
He felt the weight of a decision—flee or protect the weak.
He experienced fear, the heat of the fire, and the pain of sacrifice.
The same intensity was mirrored on the faces of Lira, Kael, and Neyra. All connected to the visions of their respective beasts. Each lived, simultaneously, stories that were not originally theirs, but became so through the deep bond between tamer and creature.
And then, silence.
The beasts withdrew. The lights faded.
The Choice
— Did they pass? — asked Kael, breathless.
The Guardian nodded.
— They have been accepted. You as well. But this comes at a price. What lies beyond this room cannot be undone. Knowledge, once revealed, is a curse.
The sphere returned to the pedestal.
Ethan stepped forward. His hand hovered over the relic.
— I want to know. Even if it comes at a high cost.
— Then so be it — said the Guardian.
As he touched the sphere, Ethan felt his body freeze from within.
And in his mind, a single word appeared, emanating from the fragment, from the pedestal, and from the chamber itself:
"Awakening."