The Underground City
The voices seem to be coming from the center of the underground city. Together with the old hunter, I carefully make my way toward the sound, dodging rubble and collapsed buildings. The air is heavy and damp, with a faint musty smell. Moss grows on the walls and floors, a sign that many years have passed.
Eventually, we emerge into a square. In the center of the square stands a massive altar, and several figures can be seen gathered around it. They are clad in tattered robes and have their faces concealed. On top of the altar lies a strangely shaped crystal, emitting a faint glow.
I observe them. They appear to be chanting something as they face the altar. Their voices are low and eerie, stirring a sense of unease within me. What is their purpose? Why are they here?
The old hunter whispers in my ear. “Those are the inhabitants of the ruins, aren’t they? They might be descendants of an ancient civilization.” His voice is tense. “But there’s something off about them. We need to be on guard.”
I nod and draw my Atlantis lyre. If they are enemies, I must be ready to fight at any moment. I slowly approach the altar.
Then, one of them notices me and turns toward me. His face is hidden in the shadows of his robe, so I can’t see it clearly. But his eyes emit an eerie glow.
“Who are you?” he asks me in a low voice. “What business do you have in this sanctuary?”
I reply in a calm voice. “I am an adventurer. I came here to unravel the mysteries of these ruins.”
His gaze grows even sharper. “An adventurer, you say? These ruins are our sanctuary. Outsiders have no business being here.”
“I mean you no harm,” I say. “I simply want to learn more about these ruins.”
He stares intently at me for a moment. Then, he slowly speaks. “We are the guardians of these ruins. We have inherited the knowledge of an ancient civilization and sworn to use its power rightly.”
I find a glimmer of hope in his words. “Do you also know the power of the ‘Words of Creation’?”
For a moment, his eyes fill with surprise. “‘Words of Creation’? Where did you hear of them? ”
“I was entrusted with that power by a certain person,” I reply. “And I swore to use that power rightly.”
A deep sadness crosses his face. “The power of the ‘Words of Creation’ is a double-edged sword. If used incorrectly, it could destroy the world.”
“I know that,” I say. “That is precisely why I am asking for your help. Please tell me the whole truth hidden within these ruins.”
He stares intently at me once more. Then, as if he’s made up his mind, he nods. “All right. I’ll trust you. But before that, I’ll have to put you through a trial.”
His words make me brace myself. A trial… What on earth will it be like? And will I be able to overcome it?
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
