Chapter 59: Purpose

  Not knowing the depth of the Void, I hesitated to activate Flight right away. Level 3 Flight allowed me to stay airborne for ten seconds, with a low cooldown of just one minute. But ten seconds wasn’t much, and if I activated it too soon, I might find myself free-falling to my death.

  Sure, Checkpoint was active, and I’d respawn even if I died – but that didn’t make the idea of plummeting into the unknown any less nerve-wracking. Plus, it would go down as the most embarrassing death ever.

  The wind rushed past my face as I fell down, roaring in my ears. Even with the effects of Lumindew, the oppressive darkness around me revealed nothing and I felt unsettled. The fall turned out to be longer than I had expected.

  At a certain point, a faint shift below caught my eye – an outline that might have been land.

  This has to be it. I hope.

  I activated Flight, the air carrying me as I slowly descended down, landing on solid ground.

  But where? What the hell was the Void?

  The Lumindew revealed…nothing. I couldn’t see anything. Just pure, empty darkness, and the smell of blood and decay that made me want to vomit.

  “Goren?” I called out, my voice echoing everywhere around me, adding to my nervousness.

  No response.

  Reluctantly, I moved forward, the darkness and scents around threatening to suffocate me. The floor was wet - it almost felt like I was stepping inside puddles.

  I briefly considered equipping my magical torch, but the radius of light it provided wasn’t much larger than that of the Lumindew, and it would also occupy one of my hands – not exactly ideal if I ran into trouble.

  A sudden, pained groan to my side startled me, and I immediately summoned Silverfang, gripping it tightly.

  “Who’s there?” I called out, freezing in place and scanning my surroundings.

  I activated Distance Gauge, but nothing came up. I was alone – or so it seemed.

  The sound was faintly human, but in this cursed place, I couldn’t be sure.

  I stood still, listening, waiting for any further sounds. When none came, I cautiously continued forward.

  God, it was so dark. I wasn’t even sure if I was walking toward a wall or an open space. I couldn’t see jack shit beyond my immediate surroundings.

  Seeing the Lumindew’s effect fading, I swallowed another.

  [Item Consumed: Lumindew x1]

  [Night Vision activated. Duration: 30 minutes. Visual range enhanced in low-light areas]

  “Goren?” I called again, but still, there was no response.

  Goddamn it. Rogues had their unique skills to guide themselves through dark areas. For someone like Goren, this place was probably as bright as the Royal Palace of Tepan. He brought me here and then left me on my own. I’d known I couldn’t trust him, but this was just annoying.

  “Help me!” a raspy voice called out to my left, breaking the silence.

  I spun toward the sound and began moving in its direction, gripping Silverfang tighter. “Who’s there?”

  I scanned the area, searching for the source of the voice. Still, Distance Gauge picked up nothing.

  I stopped, my thoughts racing. Then, an idea struck me. Could this be a Wraith?

  Wraiths were notoriously difficult to detect even with Distance Gauge because of their ethereal nature. But something didn’t sit right – Wraiths weren’t known to mimic human voices. That trait was exclusive to a different species of monsters: the Hollowmimics.

  If this was a Hollowmimic, it was even worse than a Wraith. Those monsters didn’t just imitate human voices – they preyed on the hope and curiosity of their victims.

  The problem was that Hollowmimics would get picked up by Distance Gauge.

  So, what the hell was this?

  Mentally preparing myself to strike, I moved forward slowly, expecting to encounter a monster.

  Instead, I stumbled upon a body – seemingly a human one.

  I approached quickly, and as I got closer, I realized the body was in such a bad state it was barely a body at all. Most of it was skeletal, with only a few bits of rotting flesh still clinging to the bones.

  I knelt beside it, studying it carefully, trying to learn anything useful from its condition.

  Judging by the degree of decay, the body had likely been here for a long time – but how long? The traces of rotting flesh suggested it couldn’t be more than five to ten years, as far as I could tell. Rotting flesh typically decomposes fully within a year or two, depending on environmental factors, but the preservation of even small remnants suggested this tomb’s conditions might slow decay.

  So…five years? Maybe ten at the most?

  Was this some unlucky adventurer who entered the tomb a decade ago? Someone who thought they could escape with the king’s treasures but instead met a gruesome fate down here in the Void?

  I stared at the skeletal remains, my thoughts swirling.

  Come to think of it, didn’t Temporal Trace claim I could watch Vestiges of Time from most things I touch? What a lie…

  But just as I dismissed the thought, a notification appeared.

  [Temporal Trace: Vestiges of Time - ON]

  Wait, what?!

  I froze, the realization hitting me harder than the Razor Basilisk did.

  Did I actually have it turned off this entire time? God…for how many runs? How many useful memories have I missed because of this stupidity? Why did I even turn it off in the first place?!

  Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  I turned my attention back to the body. This time a faint purple aura surrounded the remains.

  [Temporal Trace: Vestige of Time #13 - Available]

  Heart pounding, I touched the body, my fingers brushing against the bones.

  The world around me blurred as the memory engulfed me, pulling me into a fragment of its holder’s past.

  ***

  [Vestige of Time #13]

  “Marcus, wait!” a young woman called out, her wide smile lighting her surroundings as she chased after the young man ahead of her.

  The man glanced back, laughing, but didn’t slow his pace. “How about you run faster instead, slowpoke?”

  The woman grinned mischievously. The air around her suddenly swirled, propelling her forward. In a flash, she overtook him, darting ahead and turning to stick her tongue out at him as she ran backward.

  “You cheater!” Marcus yelled, leaping forward as a burst of air lifted him off the ground, sending him flying after her.

  The couple raced through the dark corridors, which looked eerily similar to the tomb’s. Their laughter echoed against the walls around them.

  With a final burst of speed, Marcus pushed ahead of the woman, but she wasn’t about to let him win so easily. With a flick of her wrist, a whip of wind lashed out, wrapping around him and pulling him back to her.

  The momentum brought them face to face, inches apart, both breathing heavily from the exertion. For a moment, neither of them spoke, their eyes locked.

  Then, Marcus leaned in and kissed her passionately.

  “Well, that’s cheating.” The woman said with a teasing smirk as their lips parted.

  “Well, you cheated first when you used your magic.” Marcus replied, his voice full of playful smugness. “I just returned the favor, my dear Megara.”

  “I love you.” Megara said, laughing as she kissed him again.

  The two continued forward hand in hand, their fingers intertwined as their race gave way to a leisurely stroll.

  “Why do you think Lady Lysandra called us so suddenly?” Megara asked, her voice curious but tinged with concern.

  Marcus shrugged. “No clue. Maybe she wants to praise you, oh great Second Circle Priestess.”

  Megara punched him lightly with her free hand. “Stop teasing, you doofus.”

  They both laughed, the warmth of their connection banishing the darkness around them.

  “But seriously,” Megara continued, her tone softening, “it doesn’t make sense for her to call you too if that was the case.”

  “That’s true, I guess.” Marcus nodded thoughtfully, then his expression lit up with confidence. “Still, it has to be something good, right? Maybe she wants to promote you to First Circle finally?”

  Megara hesitated, a nervous look crossing her face. “I don’t know about that.”

  “What’s wrong, baby?” Marcus asked, stopping suddenly. He brought her hands to his lips and kissed her finger gently. “Are you still worried because of that incident with Alisia?”

  Megara nodded, her expression becoming fearful. “A year has passed since then, but I just can’t get it out of my head. The Third Circle girls told me everything. I haven’t been able to look at Lady Lysandra the same way since I heard it.”

  Marcus sighed and nodded solemnly. “It’s definitely a troubling story. And seeing how Lady Lysandra didn’t even try to refute it only makes it worse. But still, she’s the High Priestess. I’m sure the Third Circle girls didn’t tell you the whole truth. Maybe Alisia disrespected her and deserved punishment.”

  Megara pulled her hands away, her eyes narrowing. “Marcus, even if Alisia disrespected her, there was no reason to freeze her and shatter her into pieces to prove a point. We’re not the savages from outside.”

  Marcus looked uncomfortable, clearly struggling to refute her words. Megara pressed on, her voice becoming more frustrated.

  “And what about the temple move three months ago? She forced all of us to leave the village and move here – why? I even asked the First Circle girls, and none of them knew anything. All they say is that we should trust Lady Lysandra, but…” She shook her head. “How am I supposed to trust someone who had murdered my junior in cold blood?"

  Marcus sighed again, his shoulders slumping. “I know. I don’t like it either. We haven’t seen the sunlight in so long…but there has to be a good reason for that, right?”

  Megara shook her head slowly, doubt clouding her face. “I hope so.”

  The couple continued forward, eventually reaching a wall. Megara stepped ahead and pressed two specific bricks. The wall groaned softly before sliding aside, revealing a hidden chamber.

  The chamber was barely lit, but its most striking feature was its design – an empty space with a large hole in the middle – an abyss, really.

  A woman waited for them inside. She was breathtakingly beautiful, with long, dark hair cascading down her back, and a dress that left her back bare.

  High Priestess Lysandra.

  Megara stepped in first, immediately bowing to her knees before the High Priestess.

  Behind her, Marcus entered more hesitantly, lowering his head slightly in respect but not bowing.

  “Dear Megara,” Lysandra said, her voice smooth and warm as she smiled and stepped forward. She took Megara’s hand in hers, gently pulling her to her feet. “I’m glad you made it.” Her gaze shifted to Marcus. “And you brought your betrothed, as I asked.”

  Marcus straightened, nodding respectfully again. “High Priestess.”

  “It’s okay, Marcus.” Lysandra said with a soft chuckle, her tone disarming. “This meeting is a bit informal, so we can drop the courtesies for now.”

  Megara, now visibly confused, looked at the High Priestess, unsure of her meaning.

  Lysandra smiled warmly. “Yes, my girl. Congratulations on becoming First Circle Priestess!”

  Megara froze, trembling as the words sank in. Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks, and a smile spread across her face. “My lady…I’m so grateful!”

  “No, no, don’t worry about it.” Lysandra shook her head, her tone light. “I thought about this long and hard, and there was no other candidate as worthy as you. It had to be you!”

  Marcus grinned joyfully, clearly pleased his hunch had been correct. His betrothed was receiving this incredible honor. “Thank you so much, High Priestess.” He said, bowing his head again.

  Lysandra turned to Megara, her expression turning serious. “You’ll have much more responsibility now, my girl.”

  Megara nodded quickly. “I’m ready for anything!”

  Lysandra’s smile widened as she peered down into the large, dark hole beside her. “I know you are. That’s why I called you here specifically.”

  “What do you mean, High Priestess?” Megara asked, sounding confused.

  Lysandra nodded as though deciding to explain. She turned to Marcus. “Marcus, my dear, come closer, please.”

  Marcus hesitated but stepped forward as ordered. Lysandra gently grabbed his hand and guided him closer to the void. “Stay here.” She instructed, her tone calm.

  Then, she moved behind Megara, resting her hands on the young priestess’ shoulders.

  “What is this?” Megara asked, curious. She looked around her as if realizing where she was for the first time. “And…what is this chamber, really?”

  “Nah-uh.” Lysandra chided, shaking her index finger. “You know better. The First Circle Priestesses must never question me. You are one of them now, so act accordingly.”

  Megara and Marcus exchanged nervous glances. Finally, Megara nodded, lowering her gaze. “Forgive me, High Priestess.”

  “You’re forgiven.” Lysandra said, smiling. She turned back toward the abyss. “The Axul have endured so many struggles,” She began. “Our lives were never easy. Shunned by everyone, despite everything we gave them. But it doesn’t matter. We never did it for them. We never existed for them.”

  “Excuse me, High Priestess?” Marcus interrupted, sounding concerned. “I'm not sure I understood your phrasing here..."

  Lysandra didn’t even glance at him. “Just like I said, Marcus. Father Spurius never had anything else on his mind. And I am here to continue his legacy.”

  Before Marcus could respond, Lysandra appeared suddenly next to him and shoved him into the Void.

  “Marcus!” Megara screamed, lunging toward him, but Marcus was ready. He activated his magic, trying to halt his fall, but Lysandra raised her hand and sent a pulse of magic that pushed him further down.

  “No!” Megara cried, rushing at Lysandra to stop her, but the High Priestess snapped her fingers. Frost enveloped Megara, freezing her mid-step. She could do nothing but watch, helpless, as Marcus plummeted deeper into the darkness.

  The chamber grew silent until a distant thud echoed through the Void.

  Lysandra then turned to Megara, her expression calm as she approached the frozen priestess. Tears streamed down Megara’s cheeks despite her state.

  “Megara, it’s okay.” Lysandra whispered, her voice soothing. “This is what we were made for. This is why Father Spurius began all of this.”

  She circled around Megara, placing a hand on her frozen shoulders. “We were never meant for anything else. The Axul have only ever existed to serve Lord Erebus’ cause. That’s how it began with Father Spurius. How it continues with me. And how it will end with the heir.”

  She turned her gaze back to the abyss. “Marcus will serve his purpose, you see. Just like all of the Axul will. We were always intended to be the spawns of Darkness.”

  Lysandra shifted her gaze to Megara, her expression softening. “And you as well, my dear, exist to serve him…even in death.”

  Lysandra raised her hand, curling her fingers as if pulling something unseen from the priestess. Slowly, a black orb began to emerge from Megara’s chest.

  Megara’s body convulsed slightly despite its frozen state. Her eyes turned milky-white as the orb fully separated from her body and floated toward Lysandra.

  The High Priestess reached out, clasping the orb with reverence before bringing it to her lips. She kissed it and then threw it down the Void. "The first one."

  She looked at Megara. “Thank you.” Lysandra said, her tone calm. “You will serve your purpose now…regardless.” Then turned back to the abyss, her voice darkening. “There was never another reason.” She laughed, almost maniacally. “We always existed so Lord Erebus could thrive.”