The Echoes Of The Past

The forest grew darker as the group ventured deeper into unfamiliar territory. Ancient trees towered above them, their branches intertwining to form a canopy that blocked out the sun. Vines clung to crumbling stone structures scattered around the area, remnants of a forgotten time.

"What is this place?" Kazuki asked, running his hand along a moss-covered wall.

Lumi's eyes narrowed, her voice unusually serious. "It's what's left of the Original Eidolon."

The group froze.

"Original Eidolon?" Sonnet tilted her head. "Like… the old, corrupted one?"

Lumi nodded. "Before the Savior built the dreamscape, this was the real Eidolon. The war and the corruption left it in ruins. Not many dare to explore these parts—it's dangerous."

"Dangerous how?" Andreas asked, intrigued rather than worried.

"You'll see."

They continued walking, their footsteps echoing eerily in the silence. The structures became more elaborate—towers leaning precariously, shattered bridges, and statues standing solemnly in the shadows.

Kazuki slowed as he noticed a strange statue ahead—a woman with her hands covering her face, weeping silently.

"Creepy," Sonnet whispered. "She looks… too real."

"Just don't blink," Lumi said, her voice low.

Kazuki frowned. "What?"

Suddenly, the sound of stone scraping against stone echoed through the air. Kazuki spun around, and his eyes widened. The statue had moved.

"Run!" Lumi shouted.

The group bolted through the ruins, the sound of grinding stone following close behind. Every time they glanced back, the weeping angel statues were closer, their arms outstretched and mouths open in a silent scream.

"Faster!" Andreas yelled, vaulting over a fallen pillar.

Sonnet laughed, despite the danger. "This is insane! We're being chased by creepy statues!"

"I thought you said you wanted adventure!" Kazuki shouted back, narrowly avoiding another statue.

Lumi led the way, weaving through the ruins. "Over here! There's a way out!"

They burst into a clearing, gasping for breath. The statues remained at the edge of the ruins, motionless once more.

"What… was that?" Kazuki panted, clutching his knees.

"Guardians of the old city," Lumi explained, wiping sweat from her brow. "They're cursed to protect these ruins. As long as we stay out of their territory, we'll be fine."

"That was… terrifying," Kazuki admitted, still catching his breath.

"But kind of fun," Andreas grinned. "I mean, it's not every day you get chased by ancient cursed statues."

Sonnet nodded. "10 out of 10, would do it again. As long as we don't die."

Lumi rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile. "You guys are hopeless."

As they left the ruins behind, Kazuki glanced back one last time. The statues stood frozen in place, but something about them felt… watchful.

"We'll come back one day," Lumi said quietly. "There's still a lot to learn from the past."

Kazuki nodded. "Next time, let's bring a map."

The group laughed and continued on their way, unaware that the ruins had already taken an interest in them—and that their adventure was only just beginning.