Chapter 4: The Baptism of the Lines

Elias trudged through the desolate landscape, his footsteps heavy on the cracked ground. The air seemed thick with something intangible, almost oppressive, as though the entire world was watching and waiting for his next move. Behind him, distant mountains vibrated faintly under flashes of blue lightning streaking across the crimson sky.

"Is it always like this in this world?" Elias asked, breaking the silence. His voice betrayed his unease.

Ahead of him, Camille strode with purposeful confidence, her long black hair swaying slightly in the gusting wind. She didn't respond immediately, her eyes scanning the horizon with calculated vigilance.

"This is still calm," she finally replied without slowing her pace. "If you're going to complain, wait until you meet the real horrors of this world."

Elias clutched the medallion around his neck, feeling the persistent warmth radiating from the object.

"Could you at least explain what I'm supposed to do with this thing? These Lines, that golden light… none of it makes any sense to me," he said.

Camille stopped abruptly and turned to face him, her violet eyes sharp as daggers.

"Listen carefully, Elias. The Lines chose you, but they're not going to do the work for you. If you want to survive, you're going to have to learn how to control them. Ignorance here is a death sentence."

"But I don't even know where to start!" Elias protested.

"Then we'll start by putting you in a situation where you have no choice. That's the only way to learn," Camille said.

A shiver ran through Elias. He didn't like where this was going.

A Forgotten Temple

After several minutes of walking, they arrived at a massive structure rising from the earth like a relic of a long-lost age. Broken columns were scattered around the entrance, and luminous engravings danced across the walls, eerily similar to those on the medallion.

Elias stared at the building, equal parts awe and wariness.

"What is this place?" he asked.

"An ancient Temple of the Lines," Camille explained. "In the past, chosen ones came here to understand and master their connection to the Lines. Now, it's just a ruin, but it will suffice for your training."

"Great. Nothing like an abandoned temple to teach me how not to die," Elias muttered sarcastically.

Camille ignored his comment and entered the temple. Elias hesitated for a moment before following her inside.

The air within was thick with a palpable energy. The walls vibrated softly, and luminous lines seemed to dance, slithering through the space like living entities. Elias felt a familiar warmth emanating from his medallion, its glow intensifying.

"Why is the medallion reacting?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

"Because this place is connected to the Lines. It recognizes your connection to them, but that doesn't mean it's going to welcome you with open arms," Camille said.

Elias frowned. "What does that mean exactly?"

Camille raised a hand, and the luminous lines on the walls flared brighter. A vibration ran through the floor, followed by a deep, resonant rumble.

"It means you need to prove you belong here," she said.

The Trial of the Simulacra

The ground split slightly, and dark shapes began to emerge, twisting and solidifying into humanoid forms. Their bodies appeared to be made of pure shadow, but their glowing red eyes radiated malice.

"What are those things?!" Elias shouted, instinctively stepping back.

"Simulacra," Camille replied calmly. "They're not real, but they can kill you."

"Great. And what am I supposed to do?"

"Survive. Use the Lines."

Elias swallowed hard. "I don't even know how to use them!"

Camille didn't move, crossing her arms instead. "Then learn."

The simulacra advanced slowly, their movements silent but menacing. Suddenly, Elias's medallion vibrated violently, and a mechanical voice echoed in his mind:

A searing heat flooded Elias's body, and golden lines appeared around him, pulsing like a heartbeat.

"What… what is this?" he murmured, mesmerized by the light.

The first simulacrum lunged, its shadowy arm transforming into a blade. Instinctively, Elias raised a hand, and a luminous barrier materialized, blocking the attack in a shower of sparks.

"It worked!" he exclaimed, astonished.

But another simulacrum attacked almost immediately, forcing Elias to roll to the side to avoid it. He clutched the medallion tightly, desperately trying to replicate what he had just done.

"Focus!" Camille shouted. "The Lines respond to your will, not your fear!"

Elias took a deep breath, trying to calm the chaos in his mind. He extended his hand again, and this time, a golden wave shot forth, striking the simulacra and sending them flying.

The Baptism

The battle raged on for several minutes, each of Elias's movements growing more precise, more natural. He was beginning to understand how to channel the Lines, using them to defend himself and strike back.

From the shadows, Camille observed him with a faint smile.

"He's a fast learner. Maybe he actually has a chance," she thought.

Finally, after one last effort, the final simulacrum disintegrated, leaving Elias alone in the center of the chamber. He collapsed to his knees, panting, his muscles trembling from exhaustion.

Camille approached, her expression a mix of severity and approval.

"Not bad for a beginner," she said at last.

Elias looked up at her, exhausted but triumphant.

"You have a strange definition of 'not bad,'" he muttered.

Camille smirked slightly.

"Get some rest. That was just the first step. Tomorrow, the real challenges begin."

Elias let out a deep sigh, but deep down, he felt a flicker of hope.

I can do this, he thought, his gaze fixed on the glowing lines still dancing faintly around him.

To Be Continued...