The Winds of the New World-Chapter 44 - 41: The Secrets of the Lost Civilization

The underground chamber exuded an air of mystery and ancient reverence. The only sound was the echo of their footsteps on the polished stone floor, while flickering torches cast distorted shadows on the carved walls. Edmund, Kieza, and Voss walked cautiously, their senses sharp for any sign of danger or traps.

The walls were covered in hieroglyphs and murals depicting a civilization long forgotten by time. The images portrayed an ancient empire, filled with golden towers and colossal temples. At the center of many of these illustrations, hooded figures raised their hands toward a glowing orb, as if channeling a power beyond mortal comprehension. Further ahead, a darker scene unfolded—the same people who once worshiped this energy were now fighting against it, sealing something terrible within an abyss.

"They were an advanced empire... but something happened. Something destroyed them," Kieza whispered, analyzing the engravings with sharp eyes.

"And judging by what we've faced so far, I'd say they underestimated what they were trying to contain," Voss murmured, running his fingers over the fresh scar on his arm—a reminder of the battle against the Sleeper.

At the center of the room, a grand golden altar dominated the space. Resting upon it was a spherical artifact, surrounded by a bluish aura that pulsed faintly, as if alive. It was made of an unknown metal, its surface covered in intricate inscriptions that glowed dimly.

"This is no mere ornament. It's a key," Edmund stated, his eyes fixed on the relic.

Kieza nodded, pointing to a pillar beside them. "Look here. More inscriptions. They speak of... a golden city."

The three moved closer, carefully translating the ancient words:

'Three keys seal the gates of the Golden City. Only those worthy of the eternal flame may claim its glory. But beware, for the mistakes of the past await in the silence of the ruins.'

Edmund narrowed his eyes. "The Golden City... could it be the capital of this lost empire?"

"If it is, then maybe we'll find answers there about the power they tried to contain," Kieza said, her voice filled with both anticipation and unease.

"And what's stopping us from taking this key right now?" Voss asked, but the moment he finished speaking, the ground trembled slightly.

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Edmund raised a hand, signaling them to hold back. His gaze swept across the room, searching for any hidden mechanisms. The statues surrounding them—grotesque hybrids of men and beasts—seemed to watch silently, like eternal guardians ready to punish intruders.

"I'd bet that touching this sphere carelessly will bring us trouble," Edmund muttered, recalling the traps of the previous temple.

Kieza picked up a small piece of metal and tossed it onto the altar. The object bounced off the surface, but the instant it touched the sphere, an intense light exploded through the chamber. The ground trembled again, and a low, guttural sound echoed from the depths.

"I think we just woke something up..." Voss hissed, drawing his sword.

From the shadows of the columns, red eyes flickered to life. The statues around them began to move, their stone forms cracking as monstrous creatures emerged, shaped by the same dark magic that had given life to the Sleeper.

"Guardians..." Edmund whispered, clenching his fists.

The time for study was over. Now, they had to fight to make it out alive.