Chapter 469 Ruins (Part 1)



As Kaizen, Xisrith, and the guide approached the imposing ruins, the grandeur and majesty of the ancient structure was revealed before their eyes. The structure stood like a solitary fortress, most of it buried by the desert sands over the centuries.

Al-Zahir paused for a moment to take in the sight before them, then looked at Kaizen and Xisrith with a glint in his eye. "These ruins are silent witnesses to the glorious past of this region. What was once the great capital of the Kingdom of Vrikhodour now lies in the merciless embrace of the desert. They are a portal to a forgotten era, a gateway to the secrets and mysteries still waiting to be unraveled."

Kaizen and Xisrith felt a mixture of awe and reverence as they approached the ruins. The magnitude of the place and the aura of mystery that surrounded it filled them with anticipation and determination. The worn remains of the building revealed the passage of time, but still retained an aura of grandeur and power. Great towers stood like lonely sentinels, and intricate carved patterns adorned the great windows, worn by the wind and time. Winds whispered through the cracks, as if sharing ancient secrets with those who dared to explore.

With an inviting gesture, Al-Zahir pointed Kaizen and Xisrith to an entrance to the ruins, a large window.

"What do you think? Would you like to explore the ruins? I warn you that there are monsters and countless dangers that the legions could not handle, but also countless rewards." Al-Zahir said.

Kaizen and Xisrith looked at each other for a second, but readily agreed and turned toward the entrance Al-Zahir indicated.

Al-Zahir smiled and said:

"All right, but be very careful. This place is full of old traps. Pay attention to the signs and symbols on the walls, for they may give you vital clues to your survival. Stay together and be ready to act quickly if anything threatening appears.

Kaizen and Xisrith's watchful eyes scanned the entrance, and the sounds of their own breathing grew louder. But when they turned to Al-Zahir to ask if he would accompany them, to their surprise the guide had disappeared. Emptiness took the place where he had been moments before, leaving only the intense sound of the strong wind.

Kaizen and Xisrith exchanged looks of confusion and unease.

"Al-Zahir?" called Kaizen, but there was no answer.

"Where did he go?" asked Xisrith, his voice filled with concern.

At that moment, Kaizen smiled, for as a Psyker, he understood exactly what had just happened.

"He was just a guide, so he wouldn't be of any use anymore. Shall we go in?"

Although she was cautious, Xisrith nodded. "Come on, who knows, maybe I can get some relics to bargain with the king of Vrikhodour and complete my mission."

In the disconcerting silence, a single certainty emerged: they were now alone to face the dangers and challenges the ruins held. The journey had become even more intriguing and dangerous. With cautious steps, Kaizen and Xisrith followed their guide toward the tower, through the arched portal that led into the palace. The ground was slippery with sand and loose stones. The sunlight filtering through the cracks in the tower's walls revealed long staircases leading up and down.

To enter the submerged ruins, they had to climb down, and so they did.

As they descended, the sunlight began to fade rapidly, replaced by a growing darkness. Sand fell from the ceiling above them, staining their hair and shoulders as the desert threatened to engulf the palace once again. The darkness soon took over their entire surroundings, completely enveloping the adventurers, forcing Kaizen to take ancient torches from the wall and light them to illuminate their path.

The muffled sound of the wind echoed through the corridors, creating a mysterious and oppressive atmosphere.

The torches they carried emitted a dim, flickering light, illuminating only the path ahead.

As they descended deeper and deeper, Kaizen and Xisrith felt a shiver run down their spines. The weight of the desert above them seemed to increase with every step they took, and crackling could be heard every second. Uncertainty began to settle in their hearts, but the determination to unlock the secrets of the palace drove them forward.

"Xisrith, why are you so eager to accomplish this diplomatic mission? Is there something important at stake?" Kaizen inquired, not wanting them to remain silent as they descended the tower stairs.

"Actually, no, there is no issue."

"Then why are you bothering?"

"Because it would be nice. I mean, it would be nice if I could change and improve the conditions of an entire race, wouldn't it?" She replied, then clicked her tongue. "Tsk! Fine, you can mock me and say it's ridiculous because it's just a game."

Kaizen stopped and looked at her. "I would never say that. I respect you for your choice. It's just not very common to see players who would do something so tedious that it doesn't reward them."

Descragon was surprised by Kaizen's reaction and smiled. "Maybe it's not very common, but sometimes it's not just about the material rewards. There is something rewarding about knowing that you have made a difference, even if it is in a virtual world. Besides, the challenge and the adventure are exciting in their own right.

Kaizen nodded, understanding Xisrith's words.

The duo continued down the stairs, step by step, cautious and alert to any danger that might arise. Darkness surrounded them, but the glow of the torches dispelled the shadows and kept hope burning in their hearts. The sound of their breathing and footsteps echoed as they moved forward. The grand architecture and intricate details of the walls and columns began to reveal themselves.

Eventually, they came to a massive door covered with ancient symbols and ornaments. It seemed to be the entrance to the heart of the palace. Kaizen pushed the door open carefully, and it creaked, echoing down the empty hallway.