Between Two Worlds
1. Back in the sub-dimension
Dune stopped in front of a rift of light floating in the air. Her impassive gaze scanned the changing reflections of the unstable energy. She reached out and the rift widened, revealing a passageway to a world where only a chosen few could enter.
As she stepped through the portal, she was greeted by an infinite sky studded with stars and illuminated by three silvery moons. Floating islands drifted gently in this space suspended between dimensions.
An immense palace of black stone stood at the centre of the sub-dimension, its architecture reminiscent of lost civilisations.
- "There you are at last, Lady Dune."
A slender figure bowed before her. Mirias, a thousand-year-old elf, stood there, dressed in a deep blue robe. Her piercing gaze scanned Dune with respect.
- The land is stable, but there are rumours of a new threat beyond our borders.
Dune crossed her arms.
- "Any details?"
- "Some scouts speak of an unknown force approaching the Obsidian Veil."
The Obsidian Veil was the barrier separating their domain from the void.
Dune nodded.
- "Double the surveillance. No intruder must get past our defences."
Mirias bowed again and withdrew. Dune, for her part, activated a communication artefact linked to Erd.
- "I've come back Master. Report back."
Erd's voice echoed through the artefact.
- "Everything is in order here. I've arrived in a new town and I'm getting ready to sell the recovered materials. On your end?"
- "The sub-dimension is stable, but a threat looms. I'll make sure everything's under control before I join you."
- "Be careful."
The link was severed. Dune looked up at the starry sky for a moment, then turned back to her palace.
---
2. Erd's arrival in the city
Erd was walking through the busy streets of Arkhaven, a market town where everything could be found: ancient artefacts, enchanted weapons and rare materials from dungeons all over the world.
His appearance did not go unnoticed: an imposing silhouette, a black cloak floating behind him and an indecipherable aura.
He headed for the black market, a place where only seasoned adventurers dared enter. The vendors, seated behind makeshift counters, greeted him with wary glances.
He stopped in front of an old man with a grey beard.
- I want to sell this.
He set down a bag filled with monster scales, claws and horns.
The merchant examined the contents and whistled in admiration.
- Black Ogre skin, Basilisk fangs... Impressive. I can offer you five hundred gold pieces."
Erd crossed his arms.
- "Eight hundred."
- "Six hundred. That's my final price."
There was silence. Then Erd nodded.
- It's a deal.
The exchange went quickly. As he was about to leave, a hooded man whispered not far from him:
- "You should leave while you can... Something's going on here."
Erd stared at him, but the man disappeared into the crowd.
He made a mental note of this warning and left the market.
---
3. The explosion and the meeting with Lyria
As he walked towards the inn, an explosion shook the town.
A shockwave swept through the street, raising a cloud of dust and debris. Passers-by screamed and ran for cover.
Erd squinted his eyes and quickly spotted the source of the disaster: a small blacksmith's workshop with a gutted façade.
He approached and found a young woman collapsed on the floor, covered in soot. She coughed and raised her head, revealing dishevelled red hair and bright blue eyes.
- "Shit... Missed again."
She tried to stand up, but winced in pain.
Erd crouched down beside her and put a hand on her shoulder.
- "You're hurt."
She looked up at him in surprise.
- "Who are you?"
- "Someone passing by. Don't move."
He channelled his energy and a golden light surrounded his palm. The young woman's pain eased immediately.
She stared at him with round eyes.
- Healing magic?! Are you a healer?"
- "No."
He withdrew his hand and looked at the damage. The workshop was in ruins, and several metal objects were still smoking.
- What happened?" he asked.
She sighed and wiped her face with her sleeve.
- "I was trying to create a new weapon... an explosive blade that combines magic and forging."
- "And obviously, it didn't work."
She grunted.
- "Let's just say I still have some fine-tuning to do."
She held out her hand.
- "I'm Lyria. Blacksmith of genius... Well, in theory."
Erd shook her hand.
- "Erd."
There was silence, then Lyria scratched her head.
- "Well... Now I have to rebuild everything. But I'm not going to give up. I can do it!"
She stood up and put her hands on her hips.
- "Tell me, Erd... Do you have any interesting materials for me?"
He stared at her for a moment, then smirked.
- That depends. What do you want to create?"
She smiled back, a glint of defiance in her eyes.
- "A weapon the likes of which we've never seen."
As the conversation continued, an ominous murmur swept through the town.
Rumours were circulating about a new dungeon that had appeared not far from here. But this time, there was something unusual: the monsters seemed coordinated, as if guided by a higher intelligence.
A shiver ran down Erd's spine.
This wasn't going to be a peaceful town for long.