ECHOES OF THE VOID

The bitter cold winds whipped across the desolate terrain like an invisible force, tearing at the cloaks of the two figures. Embarking on their journey into the Greater World, Kael and Selene pressed on with grim resolve, leaving behind the familiar remnants of their ancestral home.

The usual gravitational pull of the Void changed the second they entered the portal. The air felt thicker and stuffier, like they were under constant pressure. As they retreated from the portal, Kael's link to the Void seemed to be weakening and threatening to break apart.

"This destination... In the distance, the majestic mountains jutted out like sharp fangs, and Kael spoke under his breath, his silver eyes darting from one to the other.

Selene looked around, her face betraying her emotions. "You're absolutely correct," she concurred. There is a precarious equilibrium here. The rules of the universe have been twisted by something, perhaps even the conflict that gave rise to the echoes we battled. However, it is not all. The atmosphere is infused with a distinct, enduring quality.

Frowning, Kael clamped down harder on the Void that resided inside him. Kael knew he couldn't ignore the power that had settled inside him like a beast at rest. The Void was never really asleep; it was more of a force that feigned sleep until it wanted to eat.

The air was rippled by an eerie hum that reverberated far away. A deep, guttural noise. Selene placed a hand on Kael's arm, halting his movement as he braced himself for another attack.

"It's not an attack," she said, her eyes narrowed in concentration. "But it's coming from... there."

Her glimmering silver gaze moved to a distant valley, where an enormous ruin stood, encrusted with moss and rot yet still incredibly intimidating. The ominous obsidian structure appeared to extend towards the sky.

That structure was known to Kal. Even before he completely awoke his link to the Void, he had seen glimpses of the unbroken pillar that pulsed with power. A spire like that wouldn't do. We were at a temple. The artifact dates back to a time before the dawn of time.

Whispering with a mix of wonder and terror, Selene identified the structure as the Temple of the Lost Ones, also known as the Obsidian Ascendant. Legend has it that anyone who sets foot in the temple will either be bestowed with unfathomable power or engulfed by it. Everyone who has gone inside has come out the other side.

Kael's narrow lips curled into an amused smile, but he was not actually laughing. "Our destiny is in our hands."

A squint formed in Selene's eye. "Keep humility in mind. You still have a lot to learn about the forces at work in the Greater World. The ancient disaster I mentioned encompasses both this temple and its location. There's no need to be proud of it.

The words "I'm not here to be cautious" came out of Kael's very determined voice. We arrived in search of solutions. Fear and superstition will not deter me.

He began walking silently towards the temple. Selene paused briefly before rushing after him, her step increasing in speed to match his.

It wasn't an effortless voyage to the temple. The air got colder as they made their way through the dense underbrush, and mysterious whispers appeared to come from everywhere. The ground beneath them shifted and twisted, seemingly challenging them, evoking a sense of life. It seemed as if the earth were actively resisting your every step.

Even Kael could sense it; the familiar and reassuring Void was suddenly working against him. It moved in unpredictable waves in response to the terrain, much like oil on water. Something was clearly wrong, and he could feel the place's spirit pushing back against him at all times.

He remained unfazed, though. As he continued on, the tug on his temple grew stronger, but he persisted. As it grew louder and more persistent, the hum in the air started to vibrate through his bones.

They finally arrived at the entrance of the temple.

The Obsidian ascendant stood in stark contrast to the previous constructions Kael had seen. An otherworldly aura seemed to emanate from the enormous monolithic black stone edifice, which was adorned with elaborate carvings. As if the stones themselves were alive, the walls gave off a subtle shimmer, and Kael could sense the old power's weight bearing down on them.

With her face contorted, Selene raised her eyes to the entryway. "This is the deal. Do you really wish to enter the building? Who knows what the future holds for us?

A look of recognition crossed Kael's face. Within lie the solutions we seek. This is our last chance.

Pushing open the gigantic obsidian doors, he did not wait for another word. The doors groaned and creaked from years of use but eventually gave way. The air changed as they entered the temple. Darker and colder. The weight of the old power that lingered in the temple was palpable, and the air was thick and stifling.

It grew darker as they continued walking. Along the walls, flickering torches created unsettling shadows that seemed to move and twist as though they were alive. As they proceeded with their journey, Kael started to feel a growing ache in his chest, akin to an itch he couldn't seem to eradicate.

They eventually made it to the sacred chamber.

At the very heart of the enormous room rested an altar, the inscribed surface of which Kael instantly recognized as the sigils of the Void, emblems of the authority bestowed upon him. But they were warped, twisted, as if changed by a force greater than the Void.

The previous murmur had become louder. It reverberated throughout the room, causing the stones under their feet to tremble.

Suddenly, an apparition materialized in the middle of the room. The apparition, quite towering, shrouded in darkness, had eyes that subtly gleamed with an otherworldly light. A deep, rumbling echo came from the figure's voice as it spoke. Truth has a price, and you, Kael Voidbreaker, are willing to pay it. Once you awaken the Void, you'll have to deal with the power loss.

With his gaze narrowing, Kael advanced. Whatever you've unleashed, I'm not scared of it. I came here to gather information. "And I will take it with me."

The figure's eyes became more luminous. You delude yourself into thinking you're in charge, yet the Void defies control. The Void, a power that devours even the gods, predates the stars. If you refuse to acknowledge your inherent worth, you will perish.

Although his voice stayed calm, Kael's heart was racing. Your warnings are meaningless to me. Either I will master it or I will demolish it. Still, I get to decide.

With a look of delight on its face, the creature cocked its head ever so slightly. "I understand. Your time has come. However, you should know that there is a cost to knowledge, Kael Voidbreaker. The Void will not bestow authority without first requiring payment.

Symbols on the altar sprang to life and blazed with an intense light as the figure reached out its hand. A strong, almost magnetic attraction drew Kael in its direction. In that instant, Kael felt a surge of the Void within him, and he knew: the decision was already made.

It would be too late to turn back now.