Kapitel 5: Chapter 5: No Sleep Or Rest For The Wicked
Keiran and Lira trudged on into desolation to the horizon and beyond, the sun beating down relentlessly upon them; an infrequent gust of wind did little but stir the dust.
Keiran kept glancing at the Zenith System's interface, hoping for any updates or hints. The words "Travel to the Forgotten City" still glowed faintly in his vision. His grip on the iron rod tightened. Whatever awaited them at the city had better be worth the struggle.
"You're quiet," Lira said, breaking the silence.
"Thinking," Keiran replied without looking at her.
About what? The big, scary system you won't tell me about?" Her voice was teasing but her eyes flicked to him, curious.
Keiran hesitated. He didn't even know how much he ought to say about Zenith. It wasn't exactly a device-it felt like something driving, or more accurately manipulating, his every move in some way.
"Something like that," he said obscurely.
Lira snorted. "Mysterious and brooding. Great. Just what I need in a travelling companion.
Keiran smirked despite himself. "And you're the picture of openness?"
"Touché," she admitted with a grin.
As the day wore on, the monotony of the wasteland was relieved by something out of the ordinary. In the distance, a structure loomed a clump of jagged, broken spires half-buried in the sand.
"What's that?" Keiran asked, squinting against the sun.
Lira shaded her eyes with her hand. "Old ruins. Those are everywhere. Most aren't good for squat, but a few … Well, just because it ain't gold doesn't make it less of a treasure."
Keiran's heartbeat quickened. In his head, the Zenith System churned.
[Hidden Opportunity Detected: Investigate the Ruins. Possible Rewards: Gear, Information, Skill Points.]
"It's on the way," Keiran said as he went off in its direction.
Lira's brow arched. "You're awfully keen. You think you'll get yourself to someplace useful?"
"Mayhap, or mayhap I enjoy the prospect of a reprieve from walking."
Lira snorted, clambered to her feet, and followed.
Closer up, the remains felt strange-the spires had grown out of some sort of dark stone, slick cold beneath the finger despite all that sun beating down: weighted air, heavy almost as electric energy.
"This place gives me the creeps," Lira muttered, clenching her blade tightly.
Keiran couldn't disagree. The Zenith System pinged again.
[Warning: Anomaly Detected. Proceed with Caution.]
"What do you think this place was?" Keiran asked, his voice low.
"Does it matter?" Lira said, scanning the area. "We get in, see if there's anything useful, and get out."
Keiran nodded, stepping carefully over the uneven ground. Inside the ruins, they found remnants of a bygone age cracked murals, shattered pottery, and a strange, oppressive silence.
Lira paused near a mural, running her fingers over the faded symbols. "These markings… they're old. Older than anything I've seen before."
Keiran joined her, studying the mural. It depicted a figure standing amidst the churning elements: fire, water, air, earth, all bowing to its command. Above the figure's head was a glowing sigil that looked suspiciously like the one on Keiran's interface.
"Interesting," Lira murmured. "Think it means anything?"
Keiran swallowed hard. "Just a story, probably.
Further in the ruins, they found a pedestal, and lying in the center of it was a small orb that glowed with an otherworldly light. It hummed with energy at its core.
Lira approached it warily. "Think it's safe to touch?"
Keiran didn't answer immediately. The Zenith System buzzed.
[Relic Detected: Mana Core. Absorption Possible. Do you wish to proceed?]
"What are you waiting for?" Lira asked him.
"Just… being careful," Keiran said, stepping closer.
He reached out, his fingers brushing the orb. In an instant, a surge of energy coursed through him, and the voice of the Zenith System echoed in his mind.
[Mana Core Absorbed. Skill Upgrade Unlocked: Elemental Sense.]
Keiran staggered back, clutching his head as visions filled his mind-flashes of fire roaring, water cascading, winds howling, and earth trembling.
"Keiran!" Lira grabbed his arm, her voice sharp. "What's happening?"
"I'm fine," he managed, shaking off the visions. "Just… overwhelmed."
She eyed him skeptically. "You're not going to explode, are you?"
"Not planning on it."
As the sensation faded, Keiran felt something new, a connection to the world around him. He could sense the faint hum of energy in the air, the subtle shifts in the ground beneath his feet.
What did that thing do to you?" Lira asked.
Keiran was silent for a moment. "It… it unlocked something. I can feel the elements now, like they're alive."
Lira stared at him, unreadable. "Full of surprises, aren't you?"
Keiran said nothing but instead closed his eyes, centering himself on his newfound ability. The air around him began to ripple, and he almost could see the flow of energy coursing through the ruins.
A nexus, he said, his opening eyes. The elements here are strong. It's why the ruins have managed to survive.
Lira puckered her face in a frown. Why does that matter?
"Because," Keiran said, "this place wasn't left behind on accident. There is an event that happened here leaving this. power behind."
Sniffling slightly, she screwed up her nose. Great, more mysteries. Can't we just go now?
Keiran nodded; yet his head wasn't so convinced.
By the time they had left the ruins, the sun was already halfway to the west. Outside, indeed, the wasteland did look even grayer under this dying light.
"So, what's next?" Lira asked, clenching her blade.
"The Forgotten City," Keiran concluded.
Lira exhaled. "Of course, no rest for the wicked."
Keiran just smirks. "You can rest if you want; I'll just leave you behind."
"In your dreams," she shot back.
AUTORENGEDANKEN 
JJ_Francis
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