Chapter 8: The Weight of a Crown

The ruins were illuminated by a pale, gray light at dawn, but the tension from last night was not dispelled. Arian stood on the brink of the collapsed balcony, his eyes fixed towards the heavens. He was amidst countless thoughts, each one leading him to closer to the realization of what was yet to come. The Hollows' power expansion and near-impeachment for the Crown of Shadows were revealed to them.

Behind him, Aldric sat on a damaged column and flicked an orb in his hand with nonchalant composure. Solenne's magic was on full display as she created runes on the ground to reinforce the ward of their camp. With a sharp gaze, Seris stood at the entrance, watching for any signs of movement.

The responsibility was overwhelming for Arian, despite their presence. He gripped his hands tightly and his nails pressed into his palms. "The Crown of Shadows," said the poet, with an indelible name on his tongue. The words were spoken by him.

With a sense of urgency, Aldric crouched down, his face flushed with confidence. "Would you mind sharing how you saved the world?" he quipped, but his voice retained hints of earnestness.

Looking at him, Arian gave him a grim look and said: "Aldric this is not joking.". If the Hollows are granted access to their Crown, our kingdoms and people will be destroyed.

Aldric let out a silent sigh, throwing the fruit into the air and grasping it tightly. "You are not mistaken, but worrying about it will not be helpful.". Arian: You have a good head. What can you do? Use it. ".

Arian is on the brink of something, Solenne whispered, with her runes gazing at her. The Hollows will not come back until they attain the Crown. To defeat them, we must possess greater intelligence, speed, and strength. ".

"Seris, who had been quiet recently, spoke up. She's correct.". Their agents have already met us and will continue to do so without delay. We have no business wasting time.

Upon facing them, Arian's determination was stronger. "Now, let'll move on.". Let us not let them stand in our way." --

The eastern cliffs contain an old library, which Solenne smiled at. The Crown's formation is said to be documented in it. We could potentially find something to gain an advantage if we make it.

Stretching with ease, Aldric's expression returned: "It'll be a great way to start the day. Good fortune!". Count me in. ".

Seris gave a shrug, her hand on her sword. "You are extremely chipper for someone who barely lifts if he's fighting.".

Aldric smouts at her. "Oh, that's really impressive.".

The team recognized the importance of their task, despite its relative lethality. The eastern cliffs were perilous, and the journey would challenge their perseverance and determination. ". But there was no turning back now.

The path leading to the cliffs was perilous.' Advancing through the winding trails, the group encountered remnants of the Hollows' impact villages, fields that had withered away, and eerie silence where life should have been nurtured.

There was an undercurrent of anger in Arian's mind. He recognized the Hollows as more than just a foe, but also repelled them like purged plagues. "We cannot escape this fate," he declared with conviction. Each victory and failure was affirmed.

As the sun set deep within them, the cliffs stood tall above and their shadows shrouded in an endless pattern. A hidden entrance to the library was only recognizable by a set of ancient symbols that were etched onto the rock face.

Solenne, with a focused look in her brow, scrutinized the carvings. "These symbols are merely observing.". If we misplace the key, the entrance may collapse or even crumble.

Aldric came forward with a firm head. "Stimme it down..". I have got this. ".

Before anybody could protested, traced his fingers over the symbols and had his magic exploding. The rock face broke apart and caused the ground to shake, revealing only one dark passage. It was now closed.

"See?

Aldric expressed a smile and said, "It's easy. ».

The inside was damp and cool, with walls lined with the books of old tomes.... The group dispersed, their gaze fixed on anything that could lead them to the Crown._________

With the symbol of the Crown on its back, Arian wiped a worn book with his fingers. He carefully opened it, its pages frayed with age.'". His heart raced while he read.

"The Crown is more than just a remnant, it's incredibly potent and powerful, capable of completely altering reality," he declared loudly. His words were echoing in the chamber.

Only those who have a pure heart and an unyielding will can wield it. ".

With a small gaze, Solenne joined him and read on his shoulder. "That's why the Hollows desire it.". Their concern is not about the cost, but about its potential to provide power.

While Aldric looked over there and heard a whistle. "Really sounds like something to play with.". Sadly, it's not present in my possession.

Arian snuffed out a look at him. "This is not trite, Aldric.". If they acquire it. ".

Aldric spoke with a serious tone, saying "We won't be here for long.".

The ground shook with force before they could explore the library's secrets. A deep, guttural laugh echoed through the chamber as dust and debris rained down. ".

A voice snarled, filled with bitterness, inquired: "Do you really think you could be out of harm's way?".

As Arian's blood ran cold through the sky, his shadow grew thick with figures. A massive man stood tall, his armor shining with a sickening black light at the center.

Seris drew her sword while hissing "The Hollows.".

The group leader stepped forward, his voice a whispered expression. "I want you to know that I have learned from you and may let you live.".

Arian stepped forward, his sword drawn and his eyes blazing with defiance. "You'll have to take it from us."

The battle erupted in an instant. Seris and Aldric fought side by side, their movements perfectly synchronized. Solenne cast protective barriers, her magic shielding them from the Hollows' onslaught.

Arian faced the leader, their blades clashing in a symphony of steel and sparks. The fight was brutal, each strike a test of strength and will. But Arian refused to back down.

As the dust settled, the group stood victorious but battered. The Hollows had retreated, their leader vowing to return with reinforcements.

Arian sheathed his sword, his body aching but his spirit unbroken. "We need to move," he said, his voice firm. "The Hollows won't stop until they have the Crown. But neither will we."

The group nodded, their determination renewed. Together, they stepped deeper into the library, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.