The Warlord's Second Life As A Commoner : 017

A cold gust of wind swept across the faces of Lucian and his retinue as they reached the plateau of Mount Aegis. At this altitude, the air felt heavier, mixed with the thick fog that hung low. The ruins of the ancient temple they were searching for finally came into view, hidden among large rocks covered in moss and light snow. The pillars of white marble stood proudly despite their cracks, like silent sentinels that had witnessed many mysteries of ages past.

"This is it," Lucian murmured, his voice nearly drowned out by the roar of the wind.

Eris approached the ruins, map in hand. She studied the ancient drawings that showed the layout of the temple and the location of the main altar. "According to this," she said, staring ahead, "the sword is sealed in the basement of the temple, just below the main altar."

Heracles sighed heavily, his sword hanging from his back. "Well then, let's find the entrance. I don't like this place. It's too quiet."

"We must remain vigilant," Alden added, looking around anxiously. "If the legends of this place are true, we're not just facing a trap. Something here feels... alive."

Lucian nodded in agreement, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. He could feel the strange aura surrounding the place. Every step they took seemed to take them deeper into the shadows of mystery.

They walked slowly towards the ruins. The piercing cold seemed to come not from the weather alone, but from something invisible. Every corner of the temple was adorned with ancient carvings, some depicting gods fighting, others showing humans kneeling before a giant sword.

"That sword really has a dark history," Eris said as she examined one of the carvings. "Many people have sacrificed their lives just to touch it."

"And now it's our turn," Lucian muttered.

In the center of the main room, they found a large altar. Beneath the altar was a circle of magical symbols that glowed faintly. The circle seemed to be an ancient seal protecting the door to the crypt.

"We have to break it," Eris said, kneeling down to examine the seal more closely. "This is no ordinary seal. It requires soul energy."

"Soul energy?" asked Alden, frowning. "What do you mean?"

Eris looked at them with a serious expression. "This seal is designed to test whoever tries to open it. Only those who truly understand themselves can pass this test."

Lucian stepped forward. "Then we have no choice but to face this test. I'll go first."

As Lucian stood in the center of the circle, the seal flashed brightly and he was instantly plunged into pitch blackness. There was no sound, no light, just himself standing in the void. But out of the darkness, a shadow appeared. It was himself, but with a darker face and burning red eyes.

"Caelum," the shadow's voice echoed, cold and sharp. "What do you seek here? Salvation? Power? Or simply an escape from yourself?"

Lucian clenched his fists, trying to stay calm. "I am here to stop the destruction. I am no longer the instrument of darkness I once was."

The Shadow laughed coldly. "You think you can leave your past behind? How many lives have you taken with your own hands? You are Caelum, the Shadow Warlord. Destruction is your nature."

"True, I have made many mistakes," Lucian said in a firm voice. "But that will not stop me from correcting them. I will fight anyone, including myself, for a better future."

The shadow stared at him intently before disappearing. Lucian felt a strange relief as the halo faded and he returned to reality. When he opened his eyes, he saw his comrades looking at him anxiously.

"I did it," he said simply, stepping out of the circle. "Who's next?"

One by one, they passed the test. Alden faced his fear of betrayal, Heracles battled the guilt of failing to protect those he loved, and Eris faced the shadow of a past filled with doubt. Though each faced an ordeal, they passed.

When the test was over, the seal broke, opening the way to the basement. Behind the door, a spiral staircase of stone could be seen descending into the darkness.

"We've come this far," Lucian said, lighting a torch and leading the way. "There is no turning back."

The underground passageway felt colder than the surface. The walls were filled with ancient carvings that glowed dimly, providing just enough light to see their way. After walking for a few minutes, they came to a large circular room.

In the center of the room, an altar stood majestically, surrounded by pillars adorned with protective talismans. On top of the altar was the Dusk Sword they had been searching for. The blade looked like a fusion of light and darkness, emitting an aura so powerful it made the air around it feel heavy.

"There it is," Eris whispered in awe. "The Dusk Sword."

Before they could approach, however, the sound of laughter rang out from the shadows in the corner of the room. Out of the darkness emerged a group of people dressed in black robes with a coiled snake symbol. Their leader was a tall man with long black hair and purple eyes.

"Well done," he said in a cold voice. "You have paved the way for us."

Lucian immediately drew his sword, his eyes narrowing. "Order of the Twilight," he muttered. "They are never far from chaos."

The leader of the Order smiled faintly. "Lucian Rayne, or rather Caelum. I know you couldn't resist interfering. But this is the end of your journey."

The battle broke out quickly. Members of the Order of Dusk attacked with their magic and weapons, while Lucian and his group fought with everything they had. Eris chanted protective spells to ward off magical attacks, while Heracles and Alden used their weapons against their opponents.

Lucian focused on the leader of the Order, who seemed to know him well. They exchanged fierce attacks, sword against sword, while the leader continued to provoke Lucian with his words.

"You think you can change this world?" he taunted. "This world was broken from the beginning. The Dusk Sword is the key to destroying it all and starting over."

"The world may not be perfect," Lucian retorted, "but I will not let you destroy it for your own ambitions."

Their fight was fierce, but eventually Lucian managed to wound the Order's leader. But before he could deliver the final blow, the man fled, leaving a threat in the air.

"You won't be able to stop us," he said before disappearing. "We will be back."

When the fight was over, Lucian approached the altar and looked carefully at the Dusk Sword. He could feel the immense power emanating from it. Cautiously, he touched the sword, and immediately, a tremendous energy flowed through his body.

"This sword is too dangerous to be left out," he said, his voice heavy. "We must hide it again, where no one will find it."

Eris nodded. "But we must be careful. The Order of Dusk will not stop until they have him."

Lucian looked toward the exit, his mind filled with plans and strategies to deal with the greater threat. "This is only the beginning," he murmured quietly. "We have a long way to go."