The black flames lit the cavern in an eerie glow as Rayyan and Nael stepped inside the Vault. The air was thick with ancient power—like the breath of a sleeping god.
The walls whispered secrets in languages lost to time.
Nael's grip tightened on the silver staff, his eyes darting nervously.
"Brother, whatever lies ahead... we face it together."
Rayyan nodded but felt the weight of the prophecy heavy on his shoulders.
As they descended deeper, the path split.
To the left, a chamber hummed with blue light and strange symbols.
To the right, an iron door barred with runes pulsed faintly.
Suddenly, a rustle echoed from the left chamber.
Rayyan raised his blade. Out stepped a figure clad in flowing silk robes, her hair tied with delicate pins — unmistakably from the East.
She bowed slightly. "I am Meilin, a guardian from the Jade Monastery in the East. I've been sent by the Emperor's council to find the source of the dark stirrings."
Nael stepped forward, wary. "Why should we trust you?"
Meilin smiled softly. "Because our fates are intertwined, whether you believe it or not."
Before more could be said, a growl sounded from the shadows behind her.
From the darkness emerged a warrior clad in weathered armor with a tiger-striped katana on his back.
"Meilin, you bring strangers into the Vault," he said with a low voice — sharp and cautious.
She raised a hand. "This is Hiroto, my brother in arms from the Land of the Rising Sun. If you seek to survive, trust us."
Rayyan glanced at Nael, unsure. But for now, allies—even uncertain ones—were what they needed.
As the four stood united at the gate, the iron runes flared bright red.
The Vault was awakening.