Lira and Kaden entered the large stone building, their hearts heavy with anticipation. The air inside was damp, carrying the scent of age and forgotten history, as if the place had been untouched by time. They followed the scholar's steps, who moved calmly as though he had known the place for years. Faint oil lamps illuminated the narrow hall, casting long shadows on the black stone walls.
The scholar stopped in front of a large door, sealed tight with ancient symbols carved into it. Without a word, he raised his hand and placed it against the door. There was a creak, and the door slowly opened, revealing a larger chamber beyond.
"This is the forgotten room," the scholar's voice echoed off the stone walls. "Here lies the key to everything. And here is where your journey begins."
Lira and Kaden stepped in, feeling as though they were entering a world beyond their own—a world untouched by the time and space they knew. The room was filled with large tables covered in ancient books and mysterious scrolls. In the center stood a large altar surrounded by flickering candles. On the altar was a stone box intricately carved with runes.
"This is a safe place," the scholar continued. "Only a few know about it, and even fewer know how to use it. But you, Lira, hold the key to understanding what is hidden here."
Lira's gaze shifted to the stone box, her anxiety growing. What were they really searching for here? What was inside the box? The scholar's piercing gaze met hers, as if he could read her thoughts.
"This box holds power beyond anything you can imagine," he said. "But to open it, you must understand the history buried deep in Aera's past. A history that has been forgotten, and most have no idea it ever existed."
Kaden, still eyeing the scholar with suspicion, finally spoke up. "What exactly are we looking for here? Is the shard just a part of something bigger?"
The scholar nodded, a thin smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yes, you are correct. The shard you carry is just a fragment of a much larger key, one that connects many dimensions and times. To unlock it, you must find the other pieces—fragments scattered throughout this world."
Lira's hand clenched around the shard in her pocket, feeling its warmth through the fabric. "So, we need to find more fragments?"
"Correct," the scholar confirmed. "But your journey will not be easy. Many are after the shard and the power it contains. They will stop at nothing to get it."
Lira felt a wave of unease wash over her, but deep down, she also felt a strong pull to continue. Ever since she got involved in this hunt, there had been an undeniable feeling that there was no turning back. She had to see this through, no matter the cost.
The scholar continued, "But there is more you need to understand. The power within the shard is not only dangerous to those who seek it but also to the world itself. You must decide whether to use it or destroy it."
Lira stood, trapped between two impossible choices. She looked back at the shard, the weight of it pressing on her conscience.
"Don't be afraid," the scholar reassured her, as if sensing her inner turmoil. "You are not alone in this. Everything that has happened so far is part of your destiny."
Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside the room. Kaden straightened, alert, while Lira felt an unsettling sensation creeping over her. Had someone else discovered this place? Were they being watched?
The scholar glanced toward the door and raised his hand, signaling them to stay calm. "Do not worry. It is only an old friend of mine."
The door opened, and a young woman appeared in the doorway, her face filled with concern, moving quickly as though in a hurry.
"There is something you need to know," she said, her voice anxious. "We don't have much time."