Chronicles of the Shardborne

The defeat of the Shard Beast marked Kael as something more than just another scavenger. By the next morning, rumors of his feat began spreading through the Shattered Lands, carried by whispers and wary glances. Notoriety brought danger, but Kael couldn't ignore the strange sense of pride it stirred within him.

"We need to move," Velis said, its voice sharper than usual as they traveled through the remnants of an ancient trade route. The road was cracked and overrun with moss, but the faint glow of old magic lingered in the air. "Staying in one place invites trouble. And I sense something ahead—an artifact. One that could strengthen your powers."

Kael adjusted the strap of his satchel, glancing at the rune etched into his palm. "You've been going on about these artifacts. What exactly are they?"

"Remnants of the old Order," Velis replied, its tone laced with both reverence and impatience. "Before the Shattering, mages of the Aeonic Order stored fragments of their power in objects to preserve knowledge and strength. The artifact I sense could amplify your control over magic—or destroy you if you're not careful."

"Reassuring as always," Kael muttered. "And how do you even sense these things?"

Velis's pages rustled, the grimoire hovering ahead of him as if to lead the way. "The magic bound to me resonates with what was lost. Consider it… an affinity for power."

Kael's brows furrowed as he stepped over the remnants of what had once been a grand stone bridge. "You make it sound like you're some sort of relic yourself."

"I am far more than that," Velis said, almost offended. "But yes, I was crafted in the height of the Aeonic Order's power. If it weren't for me, you'd still be scavenging scraps."

Kael smirked. "You do love reminding me, don't you?"

Their banter faded as they approached the outskirts of Tyrellos, a city once revered as a hub of culture and knowledge. Now, it lay in ruins. Cracked statues lined the overgrown streets, their features eroded by time. The skeletal remains of grand towers loomed over the horizon, casting long shadows over the crumbling homes below.

"This place feels… wrong," Kael said, shivering slightly as he adjusted his sword. The air was heavy, charged with an oppressive energy that made the rune on his hand throb faintly. "How do we know this artifact is even here?"

"You don't," Velis replied curtly. "But I do. The Heartstone lies beneath the old council hall—if you're brave enough to take it."

Kael couldn't tell if that last part was a challenge or a warning. He pressed forward, his boots crunching softly against the debris-laden path. The weight of silence bore down on him, broken only by the occasional creak of shifting stone.

As they neared the city's heart, Kael caught sight of the plaza Velis had described. The once-majestic council hall was now a husk, its pillars shattered and the grand archway reduced to jagged stumps. At its center stood a moss-covered altar, cracked and weathered by centuries.

Kael approached cautiously, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any movement. "No traps? No guards? Seems too easy."

"Never assume ease where magic is concerned," Velis warned. "Appearances are deceiving."

Embedded in the altar was a crystal the size of a man's fist. It pulsed faintly with an inner light, its surface swirling like liquid starlight. Even from a distance, Kael could feel the energy radiating from it, and his pulse quickened.

"This is the Heartstone," Velis said. "A relic of immense significance. It amplifies magic, but only for those strong enough to wield it."

Kael's steps faltered. "And if I'm not strong enough?"

"Then you'll die," Velis replied bluntly. "But trust yourself. You've already proven capable in ways few could imagine."

Kael exhaled slowly, his hand hovering over the crystal. For a moment, doubt crept into his mind, but he shoved it aside. "Guess we'll find out."

The instant his fingers brushed the Heartstone, the air grew cold. The ground trembled beneath his feet, and a deafening crack echoed through the plaza. Shadows began to gather, rising from the cracks in the stone like dark smoke. They twisted and swirled, taking shape as spectral figures.

Kael took a step back, his hand falling to his sword. The figures solidified into ghostly forms—ancient mages clad in flowing robes, their eyes hollow and glowing faintly blue. Each held a spectral weapon, shimmering with unnatural light.

"The guardians of the Heartstone," Velis said quietly. "They will test your worth."

Kael's grip on his sword tightened. "What kind of test?"

Velis chuckled darkly. "One you'll either pass or fail spectacularly."

The first guardian lunged without warning, its blade slicing through the air. Kael barely dodged, his enhanced speed saving him from the brunt of the attack. He teleported to the opposite side of the plaza, but the guardian followed, its movements unnaturally swift.

"Focus!" Velis barked. "They're not alive, but their magic mimics instinct. Anticipate, then strike."

Kael gritted his teeth, rolling to avoid another attack. He countered with a precise slash, his sword cutting through the ghostly figure. The guardian dissipated, its form scattering like smoke.

Two more advanced, their weapons raised. Kael's rune flared as he teleported again, weaving between them with dizzying speed. He struck one down, then parried the other's blade with a sharp clang.

By the time the last guardian fell, Kael was panting, his body trembling from the effort. The plaza was silent once more, save for the soft hum of the Heartstone. He looked down at his palm, the rune brighter than ever.

"Well done," Velis said, its voice filled with approval. "You've passed the first trial."

Kael sheathed his sword and stepped toward the altar, the Heartstone still glowing faintly. He knew this was only the beginning. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it with blade and magic.