Chapter 137: The Light in the Abyss
As we moved away from the chamber, a solemn silence filled the air, broken only by the faint, rhythmic pulse of the object in my hand. The dark passages seemed to narrow around us, as though the dungeon itself was shifting, aware of our intentions, of the legacy we now carried. The light from the object was our only guide, casting eerie shadows that danced along the rough stone walls.
Kijin's steps were cautious, his ears flicking at every sound, while Raijuu remained close to me, his fur charged with faint crackles of electricity. I could sense their wariness, their awareness of the gravity of what we had just undertaken. We weren't just exploring a dungeon anymore. We were on a path that bridged the past with the present, the living with the forgotten.
"Chat," I murmured, glancing at the scrolling messages on my screen. "We're not just in a dungeon anymore. This place feels… alive, as if it knows we've chosen to carry its secrets."
The chat was a mix of awe and caution.
: Tsukasa, this is intense. It's like the dungeon is reacting to you.
: Whatever lies ahead, stay strong. You're carrying something huge.
: This is like watching a legend in the making. We're with you every step.
The corridor eventually opened into a vast cavern, larger than any we'd seen before. At the center of the room was a colossal archway, carved from stone so dark it seemed to absorb the light. Intricate symbols ran along its surface, pulsing faintly, casting a cold, pale glow over the floor. Beyond the archway was only darkness—a void so deep that even the light from my torch couldn't penetrate it.
I felt a shiver run down my spine. This wasn't an ordinary dungeon portal or gateway. It was something more, something ancient and powerful, like a doorway between worlds.
Kijin and Raijuu stopped beside me, their eyes fixed on the archway. I could feel their tension, their readiness to defend if something emerged from that darkness. But the object in my hand pulsed softly, guiding us forward, as if it recognized the archway as part of its own forgotten story.
"Look at this, chat," I whispered, focusing the camera on the archway. "This isn't just any portal. It's like… a bridge, maybe a gateway to the past."
The chat was alive with excitement and fear.
: That archway looks like it leads somewhere else entirely. Be careful!
: It's like something out of a myth. Whatever's on the other side… it's not of this world.
: You're walking into history itself, Tsukasa. Just be ready.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my decision settling over me. There was no turning back now. The Forgotten's story had to be told, and I was the only one who could carry it forward. With a nod to Kijin and Raijuu, I stepped toward the archway, the object's glow intensifying with each step.
As we passed through the archway, a wave of cold swept over us, as though we were stepping into another realm entirely. The world shifted, and the darkness lifted, revealing a scene that took my breath away.
We stood on the edge of a massive, underground city, its structures carved from stone that glowed faintly with a silvery light. Towers stretched toward the ceiling, their surfaces covered in ancient runes and symbols that shimmered like stars. The city was silent, frozen in time, yet filled with an energy that felt alive, like a memory waiting to be awakened.
The chat was awestruck.
: An entire city? Hidden beneath the dungeon?! This is beyond anything we've seen.
: It's like you've discovered a lost civilization. Tsukasa, you're in the heart of the Forgotten's world.
: I can't believe this is real. You're literally walking through history.
I stepped forward, my footsteps echoing in the vast silence of the city. Kijin and Raijuu followed, their eyes scanning the buildings, their movements cautious but curious. Every structure, every pathway felt purposeful, like the remnants of a story waiting to be uncovered.
As we walked, I noticed faint carvings along the walls—scenes of life, of people gathered in the streets, of festivals and gatherings, of a community thriving. The Forgotten hadn't just been powerful; they had been a people with a culture, a society that had been erased from existence.
I ran my fingers over the carvings, feeling a pang of sadness. This wasn't just a dungeon. It was a grave, a monument to a people who had been erased from history.
"Chat," I murmured, my voice barely a whisper, "we're standing in the remnants of the Forgotten's world. This city… it's like a memory, preserved in the dark."
The chat was silent for a moment, then filled with words of encouragement and reverence.
: Tsukasa, thank you for sharing this with us. This is… beautiful.
: I never imagined a dungeon could hold something like this. You're honoring their memory.
: This is why we watch you. You're not just a dungeon explorer—you're a storyteller.
As I continued through the streets, a soft, ethereal light appeared at the edge of the city, casting a gentle glow over the buildings. The object in my hand pulsed in sync with the light, guiding us forward. I followed it, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and respect.
We reached the source of the light—a small, open square with a stone pedestal at its center. On the pedestal lay an ornate crystal, its surface etched with runes that shimmered in the darkness. It glowed softly, casting a warm light that felt comforting, almost like a heartbeat.
The chat was filled with awe and wonder.
: That crystal… it looks like the heart of the city.
: I think this is what the Forgotten wanted you to find. Their legacy.
: Be careful, Tsukasa. This feels important.
I approached the crystal, feeling its energy radiate through the air. It wasn't just a relic; it was a memory, a piece of the Forgotten's essence. As I reached out to touch it, a faint whisper echoed in my mind, soft and distant, like a voice from another time.
"Bearer of the key… thank you… for remembering us."
A warmth filled my chest, and I felt a surge of emotion that I couldn't quite place. It was as if the entire city, the memories of the Forgotten, were flowing into me, entrusting me with their story. I closed my eyes, letting the energy wash over me, feeling a sense of connection, of purpose.
When I opened my eyes, the crystal had dimmed, its light fading as though it had fulfilled its purpose. The city around us felt different, quieter, as if its spirit had finally found peace.
The chat was filled with messages of support and reverence.
: That was beautiful, Tsukasa. You've given them what they wanted.
: This journey has been incredible. Thank you for bringing us with you.
: You're carrying something sacred now. Whatever comes next, we're with you.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the Forgotten's legacy settle within me. This wasn't just a story or a memory—it was a part of me now, a responsibility to carry their voice forward.
As I turned to leave the city, Kijin and Raijuu followed, their gazes steady, their loyalty unwavering. We made our way back through the streets, the silence of the city now filled with a sense of peace. The light from the archway guided us back, casting one final glow over the ancient stones as we stepped through.
The pathway beyond was dark, but I knew that the journey wasn't over. The Forgotten's story would live on, and I would carry it, one step at a time, into the light.