The Heart of Arhivan: Trials of the Forgotten Empire

The sunrise tinged the clouds with a pale gold as the group spotted on the horizon a colossal structure carved into the mountainside. Giant columns of black stone supported an entrance arch so ancient that even nature seemed to respect its space, with trees bending around it as if revering its grandeur."The Arhivan Halls…" Kaela murmured, her tone laden with unusual reverence. "The last bastion of knowledge before the fall of the Old Empire."

Lucas observed the impressive architecture. The place exuded power. Pure mana undulated in gentle waves around the entrance, as if the very air were alive."This place… it feels like it's watching us," Selene said warily, her hands already near her daggers."It is," Iris replied, her eyes glowing violet. "This hall has been sealed for over a thousand years. But part of it is still… conscious."Lucas frowned. "You mean… a mana consciousness?"Iris nodded. "Almost like an ancient spirit trapped within the walls."

Kaela walked to the entrance, running her fingers over one of the columns. "There are secrets here that even the Black Order fears. That's why they sent troops. They're after something called the Heart of Arhivan."Lyra approached Lucas. "That artifact… it's powerful enough to alter the balance of a continent. We can't let them get to it first.""And where is this heart?"Kaela looked at Lucas with a slight sadness in her eyes. "In the center of the labyrinth. And only someone with a dual affinity can open it."

Everyone automatically looked at him.Lucas sighed. "Of course it's me…"

[Main Quest Updated]Title: Chains of the Old EmpireObjective: Penetrate the Arhivan Halls and find the Heart.Reward: ???Estimated Danger: Very High

As they crossed the main arch, a wave of cold ran through their bodies. The light gradually faded, replaced by torches that ignited themselves along the walls, revealing a narrow corridor flanked by statues of fallen knights — or so it seemed.The group moved cautiously until one of the statues cracked its neck and turned its head toward Lucas.

"Welcome, heir of light and shadow," the statue said, its voice reverberating through the stone. "Judgment awaits you."

Lucas swallowed hard."He spoke to you," Selene murmured, already drawing her blades. "The statue. It spoke to you.""I'm not the only one who heard that, right?""We all did," Lyra said seriously. "But it spoke directly only to you."

Then the statues began to move. One by one. Armed with stone swords and eyes glowing with embers of ancient mana."Prepare yourselves!" Kaela shouted, drawing her spear.

The battle began.Selene and Kaela attacked first, carving space between the statues that moved with mechanical precision. Iris scattered shadow spheres that exploded on contact, weakening the enemies' defenses. Lyra cast shields and healing spells, while Lucas activated his newly acquired skill:

Arcane Blood Chain [Active] — Lv. 2Mana Cost: 50 per secondEffect: Increases attack power, speed, and resistance. Each successful hit absorbs the enemy's vital energy.

Lucas sliced through enemies with precise movements. Each broken statue released a dense wave of mana that was absorbed by the mark on his chest."They're not infinite, right?!" Selene shouted, breathless."No," Kaela replied. "They test the 'heir.' When he passes, they stop."

Lucas charged at the largest statue, which wielded an axe inscribed with ancient runes. The energy surrounding it was suffocating. A mini-boss. Perhaps even a guardian."This one's mine," Lucas said, his eyes shining gold and black simultaneously.

The clash of his sword against the statue's axe echoed throughout the hall.Lucas retreated and used his fire affinity to explode the ground beneath the creature's feet. The statue staggered. He then spun and concentrated mana in his leg before leaping and delivering a shadow-charged kick straight to the enemy's chest.The statue cracked but still stood.

Lyra raised her hands, channeling a rare support magic:

Crown of Victory [Unique] — Lv. 1Effect: Increases an ally's attributes by 30% for 10 seconds.

Lucas felt his body erupt with power. Using all his mana, he channeled the final strike — a combination of both affinities shaped into a spear of dark fire."Sleep forever!"The spear pierced the statue's head, destroying it completely.

The hall trembled. Then… everything stopped.The other statues froze and returned to their original positions as if nothing had happened. A door ahead opened, revealing a spiral staircase descending into darkness.

Quest Updated: Approved by the Guardian. Proceed to the Heart's Crypt.

Lucas dropped to his knees, exhausted. He sweated cold but smiled."You passed," Lyra said, kneeling beside him. "And not just passed. You destroyed the Guardian.""Yeah… but it almost destroyed me too."Kaela placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're ready. Just don't lose yourself."Iris came up behind him, whispering, "What comes next is not physical. It's spiritual."Selene helped him to his feet. "We're with you. Even if we have to drag your spirit out by force."Lucas laughed. "Sounds fair."

With their wounds healed, the group began descending the staircase leading to the forgotten heart of the empire. The light gradually vanished, replaced by a golden mist floating from the floor.And, in the distance, a beat… like a heart.

TOC… TOC… TOC…

The sound echoed, calling to him.