Chapter 20

The once transparent Core was now a light blue. Without delay, Nova summoned her Est.

Ice crystals formed around her hand. 'Uncommon!' It was rare to not be one of the four Affinities (Fire, Water, Wind, Earth).

Finally, Nova remembered her real worry. She looked at her Nox Marble. It reduced to its regular size and still produced Nox as if nothing happened. However, now Nova could see a thin blue barrier formed around the marble. 

Nova glanced down, and by her side was the same sword from before. It was a beautiful mix of white and light blue. 

'No time to be mesmerized, how do I get out of this godforsaken place?' She rubbed her eyebrows in frustration. 'I should just blow this place apart.'

However, she quickly cooled her irrational thoughts and went to inspect the rest of the throne room. The harsh cold winds no longer bothered her because of her Affinity.

She desperately searched the room in hopes of finding an escape.

***

After an eternity, Nova finally gave up. On the cold floor sprawled out she chuckled. "How pathetic I'm gonna starve to death"

Meow

Nova's head turned to Nero who rubbed his head on her arm. His large black eyes seemed to soften with worry. 

"Come on, you know I'm just joking," she got up and dusted her clothes. 'If it's not this room, maybe there is a clue outside.' However, just as she began to head toward the door, she heard a sound. 

Suddenly, a wall in the corner cracked open. Nova's eyes widened once she saw a narrow staircase.

Immediately intrigued, Nova continued down the dark stairways into the unknown. She was constantly on alert since everything in the cave was dangerous.

A few candles lit the tiny pathway. Nova continued walking for a long time before she appeared in front of a door similar to where she found the first sword. However, unlike the dark colors on the ice throne's door, this door was full of a variety of bright colors. 

Strangely, there was no guardian for this door though. Without delay, Nova pushed open the doors. A wave of hot air assaulted her.

Again, in the center, there was a lonely sword stuck into an empty throne. 

The heat began to peel off Nova's skin.

'Maybe, I need to grab this sword as well!' At her current rate, Nova was sure she would die from the heat. In a last-ditch effort, she reached for the sword. Immediately, she grabbed her chest in pain.

Her Core began to split colors. The once icy blue color fought with a bright fiery red. The physical and mental burden almost made Nova pass out. 

"ENOUGH!" Nova screamed out loud and suppressed the rampage in her core.

Finally, the two existences calmed down. Nova turned to the new sword in her hand. Unlike the cool colors of the ice sword, it was a mix of bright red, yellow, and orange.

***

Nova's internal energy stabilized. The two Affinities shared her Core equally without trouble. Also, another light red barrier formed around her Nox marble. She could draw out more Nox due to the extra safety measures.

Nova found a small stone next to the fire sword's throne. Immediately, she broke it and was transported outside the cave. Nova almost cried in relief she was finally free.

She rushed to the last place where she saw the members in hopes they were still there.