Chapter 27: "The Forgotten Bell’s Echoes"

 “I thought it was a legend: I can’t believe this place exists hidden beneath Aurethys.” I said in astonishment.

On the walls of the catacombs stretched a complex city, filled with houses stacked atop one another. They formed towers, whose balconies were vast enclosed corridors connecting both sides of the crevice.

“They are fabulous. The stairs linked the towers in the most peculiar shapes. There are even arches that mark the way! Despite their terrible condition, they still retain their majestic splendor.” Zera pointed out, delighting in the scenery.

Majestic or not, this city is chilling. The only light that illuminates us comes from the floating river above. Everything else lies in shadow, almost indistinguishable.

We explored the place, searching for an exit. There were hundreds of paths winding through every level of the towers. They were so tempting that Zera could not contain her desire to venture into them.

This place has no end. Once we finished traversing one crevice, others appeared.

The arrangement of houses, towers, and stairs became more random the deeper we wander though the catacombs.

It was as if their layout were random. No human could conceive such a convoluted design.

After a while, we came across fallen towers, stairs reduced to dust, and a nostalgic, melancholic scene.

“The destruction here is invasive: it wasn’t time that ravaged this place.” Jix remarked.

The atmosphere grew ominous. Who could have caused this disaster? An earthquake?

“Perhaps we’ve found the reason why the city was abandoned and forgotten.” Zera replied. “This part was destroyed by a threat, and out of fear, the other inhabitants fled.”

“There are times when you say sensible things, human.” added Jix.

“Nevertheless, I think the reason lies right before us.” I said, pointing toward a structure.

It was a mausoleum. Four black pillars rose imposingly. At their apexes were arches connecting them to each other. Yet beyond that marvel, the most astonishing thing was its immense size.

It seems designed for giants. Who rests here?

On its roof crawled emaciated creatures that emitted agonizing squeals. The building was riddled with ancient, cryptic inscriptions. In the center stood a statue, draped in a black mantle. The only visible part of its body were the arms.

They are indescribable. What kind of incomprehensible being is that?

From the torches on the walls arose a black light, identical to that emitted by the Feather.

I have a bad feeling: this place exudes a corrupt aura. I sense that it is connected to the Creation, but I cannot explain why.

Zera was the first to step inside. As she placed a foot on the mausoleum’s foundations, a massive golden bell descended over the statue.

Something is wrong with it: its brilliance has been profaned. It is an image beyond my comprehension.

We approached in silence, immersed in a mixture of intrigue, skepticism, and fear. Then, three shadows began to glide across the surface of the bell.

“Finally, you have come, brother,” said one. He paused to speak, and once he finished, continued her course.

“We have been waiting for you since you left Aurethys.” remarked another, mimicking the movements of the first.

“What do they mean?”

They undulate in a repulsive manner.

“Before you, there were other souls who were used by Zenith.”

“But, like you, we failed in our mission.”

“We were discarded by her. Now what remains is a vestige of our essence.”

They were deceived, used for Zenith’s wicked purposes. I was lucky: had I not escaped in time, I would have ended up like them.

They moved over the bell with delicate care, caressing it.

“What do you need? How can I get you out of here?” I asked, moved by their story.

I cannot leave them like this. They are like me; I must help them. What kind of redemption am I seeking if I don’t even aid those who went through what I went through?

The creatures on the roof poked their heads in our direction. Looking with morbid curiosity, they examined our presence.

“Embrace our flame in your abyss.”

“Shelter us in the depths of your heart.”

“Make us one with you, body and shadow intertwined.”

The bell began to swing frantically, striking the walls of the mausoleum. Yet no sound escaped from it.

“We are Sons of Silence too.” The three cried in unison.

I approached the bell, ready to free them.

I will not let you fall, my brothers.

“Stop, Darek.” said Zera. “Don’t you think that’s rushed? I believe they have intentions they haven’t yet told you. Look around you. They are three shadows inside a mausoleum. They give me chills.”

Weren’t you the one who always wanted to help others? What happened to that spirit? Has the cruelty of this world made you indifferent?

“Although I hate to admit it, I agree with the girl.” Jix replied. “I sense in them an unholy aura: they are connected to Creation. There are pasts no mortal should disturb.”

“You don’t know what they and I have experienced. You will never understand.”

I placed the palm of my hand on the surface of the bell. Then their souls manifested, taking on a flagellated appearance. They crawled up my arm until they merged with my chest.

“I don’t need your approval: I will decide who my allies are in battle.”

This world has not been merciful to you, has it? Don’t worry, I will protect you from now on.

Without another word, we left the altar, wandering through what seemed like an eternity.

After a while, we saw sunlight filtering through a fissure in the ceiling of the catacombs. In front of us, the collapsed towers formed a staircase which, by climbing, could lead us out of the place.

“What a relief. I thought we’d never get out of this place.” Zera said, sighing.

As we climbed a tower, a roar shook the catacombs. A cloud of dust formed behind us, blocking our view of what had happened.

What had collapsed?

Immediately after, a barrage of impacts destroyed the buildings we had climbed: something was following us.

We ran in terror while Jix used his powers to help us escape.

“The sunlight is very close. If we hurry, we can get out of here.” I told Zera. She responded with a determined look.

The exit is near: I can feel it within our reach.

When we had only one pile of rubble left to climb, the cloud of particles caught up with us, blinding us. I grabbed Zera by the arm, and we hid inside one of the houses.

Damn it! We were so close…

After a few seconds, the blows stopped and the dust cleared. We peeked out the window and saw the creature.

“Look, it has no arms or legs. It’s floating…? This is insane!” Zera whispered, fascinated.

Chains extended from its shoulders, holding enormous steel fists adorned with fine golden decorations. Its body was draped in a tattered white robe, stained with dried blood.

“We have to avoid being seen at all costs. Do you see the twisted expression on its face? It has a fierce aura: it could dismember us in seconds.” I told Zera.

“It’s a Ruin Adept. A servant who, during Creation, assisted the World Gods: they are a fundamental extension of our essence.” Jix explained. “Of course, its power pales in comparison to mine.”

A shadow emerged in the darkness. As it manifested, the room was destroyed in an explosion of fire and debris. Then, we were thrown toward the Adept.

That silhouette… it feels familiar…

My head kept spinning from the shock. Half of Zera’s body was scorched, and Jix was burning, charred.

You’re the only persona who attacks from behind, master.

The one who had been silently stalking us finally deigned to appear.