Chapter 7: Whispers in the Shadows

There was an air of unnatural stillness within the fortification that had been destroyed, with only the faint footsteps of their occupants remaining. Arian and his companions ventured further afield into the maze-like hallways, their senses sharpened with each step. They were engulfed by the dim light of Aldric's conjured orb, which cast haunting shadows on the walls. Every move felt like a risky act, indicating that the Hollows had possibly been present before them or were still living in the shadowy areas of this abandoned location.

Arian held onto the blade, his eyes fixed and he looked ahead. It had never been a more challenging situation. They were determined to carry out the Crown of Shadows in this ruined city, but their mission was ultimately over. A powerful faction like the Hollows could cause ruin to both the empire and the surrounding areas. Nonetheless, they were faced with additional obstacles in order to prevent it from being stolen.

Arian signaled the group to stop as they approached a massive iron door, its surface warped but still invigorated, with his hand raised. With her fingers traced, Solenne stepped forward, scanning the metal for ancient runes. With a whispered tone, it appeared that her words could potentially revive the silent fortress.

"They're preventing runes, as they are meant to be," she stated in her tone.

"Warding runes?" Aldric glared at the wall. What did he mean? Please. A child's delight in comparison to my previous experiences.... Continue reading. Stand back, everyone. Let the master work. ".

Aldric raised his hand before anyone could raise their voice, with blue energy piercing his skin. He began to weave intricate sigils in the air, his movements being fluid and confident. ". Both with admiration and exasperation, Arian watched. Despite his arrogant and brilliance, Aldric's actions were in no way indicative of his good character, as Arian believed they were fortunate to have him.

Running off the door, runes grew brightly before they went dark, leaving the iron door unprotected. With a sharp bow, Aldric gestured towards the audience. "As such, my beloved prince," he said.

With a wide open door, Arian looked up and down. The space was unoccupied except for a single pedestal in the middle, and above it stood solitary with 'a strange black orb which seemed to pulse faintly with an inner light.

Seris inquired, her hand on her sword's edge, while keeping an eye out for danger. "What the hell is this thing?".

Solenne approached with a blend of curiosity and cautiousness, describing the object as if "a scrying orb.". However, this experience seems distorted.

The odd object drew Arian closer and closer, captivating him. He reached out to touch it, and Solenne grabbed his wrist.

"Wait.

This might be an unsuitable circumstance.

After a moment of hesitation, Arian nodded and brought down his hand. Aldric's smile was replaced by a serious expression, and he stood up instead.

Hold, let's get some rest," he said, palm over the orb.

But the room instantly went dark, with no light from the orb as it projected images into the air. ".

Arian's heart sank as they witnessed scenes unfolding before them of hollows invading key locations across the empire, their evil effect spreading like a plague. The visuals transformed into a massive gathering of soldiers hiding in the shadows, readying themselves for annihilation.

A figure covered in darkness, their features blurred but their presence felt sinister in the end. They swayed in the cold, unfeeling as they spoke.

Those who dare to go against us: you can't do anything about it.

Our Crown of Shadows will be taken by us and your world will bow down. ".

But then the projection dwindled, and everyone was in shock.

The reassurance of Seris was muted, "That... was disturbing.".

Solenne conveyed that the situation was more critical than anticipated. "The Hollows are not just a scattered threat, but... something else.".

They are organized and ready for any potential disaster.

With his fist clenched, Arian's thoughts raced. He was able to see the Hollows for what he believed were his worst fears, as the images confirmed their danger.

They are coming to hold the Crown in their hands, and they could potentially receive one before us, he added.

Aldric remained confident, saying, "We'll discover it first." However, they refused.

Their arrival will leave them with regret. "...

Despite Aldric's actions, Arian could see the issue in his eyes. Why? Despite their might, powerful wizards were unable to ignore the gravity of their sight.

The group's exit from the chamber was marked by a chilling laugh. Arian's blood drenched the people as they emerged from the darkness, their bodies covered in the black armor of the Hollows.

"As per one of the individuals, their words were tinged with malice. It seems like rats are lurking in an unfamiliar location.".

With a playful expression, Aldric came forward. "What the hell is this guy doing?" He asked. It's funny how the unkempt organization makes such jokes. ".

The Hollow agent sneezed, drawing a blade that seemed to absorb the light surrounding it. "You're overheard talking.". We can see that you are fighting well, even if you brag. "...

The war started abruptly.'... Seris confronted their closest competitor with a sound that rippled through the chamber, her sword being in direct contact with theirs. The group was protected by Solenne, who maintained her position with the aid of sly spells and barriers.

Arian encountered a second agent, who was swift and precise in his actions.' He observed their strikes, with each blade striking his arm. He struggled to keep up despite his training, and the skill of his opponent was greater than anything he would have faced before.

It was Aldric who made a breakthrough. A sudden wave of his hand caused a fireball to scatter and agents to flee.

He expressed his concern by saying, "I'm feeling mindful now, but I don't want to accidentally burn you."

The group stood in silence, catching their breath as the danger passed.

"That was too close," Solenne said, her gaze fixed on the door. "We need to move quickly. The longer we stay here, the more danger we're in."

Arian nodded, his resolve hardening. The encounter had shaken him, but it had also ignited a fire within him. The Hollows were a threat unlike any other, but he wasn't about to back down.

"We'll find the Crown," he said, his voice steady. "And we'll make sure the Hollows never get their hands on it."

As they left the chamber, Arian couldn't shake the feeling that their journey was only beginning.

For better or worse, their fates were now intertwined with the Crown of Shadows. And Arian vowed to see it through, no matter the cost.