Ashes to Light

Chapter 2: The Ruins of Rhimbos

CHAPTER II

The Ruins of Rhimbos

As the bus meanders down the narrow path, shrouded by the dense canopy of an ancient forest, the first glimpse of the Ruins of Rhimbos emerges through the foliage. Towering stone structures, half-swallowed by nature, speak of a civilization that once thrived. The air, thick with the scent of moss and mystery, carries a palpable energy, a silent testament to the area's magical heritage. With each step closer, the ruins reveal more of themselves: arches and columns stand defiant against time, while intricate carvings hint at the profound knowledge and power that once flowed through this place.

Upon arrival, Mr. Calderon gathers the students, his voice resonating with a mix of excitement and caution. "These ruins," he begins, his gaze sweeping over the eager faces, "are imbued with Prana, a magical energy as volatile as it is powerful. Here, the Prana is so concentrated that even the slightest misuse of magic could have unforeseen consequences." His words hang in the air, a solemn reminder of the respect and restraint required in such a place.

As the group delves deeper into the heart of the ruins, the light-hearted banter between Marco and James is playfully interrupted by Sarah, who nudges her way into the conversation with a smile. "I heard you two from a mile away. What's so fascinating that it's got you hooked?" she teases, her curiosity piqued.

"Holy Seraphims!" James jumped back, caught in surprise by Sarah "You really have a knack for catching people off guard don't you?" He added.

Marco, seizing the opportunity, lights up with enthusiasm. "We were just talking about the legends of Rhimbos and his battles. Did you know he once stood against a thousand Tainted all by himself?" he begins, his audience captivated.

Sarah, intrigued, leans in closer. "A thousand Tainted? That sounds more like a myth than a battle. How could anyone, even Rhimbos, manage that?"

James chuckles, "Well, Marco's about to tell us, right?"

Nodding, Marco dives into the lore, his voice weaving the intricate tapestry of the Tainted society. "According to the Book of Light, at the very top of their hierarchy are the Ember Lords. The Flame Champion is the strongest among the Ember Lords and is like their king in times of crisis, leading with a power that's unmatched. Then, there are the District Masters, each ruling over their own domain of emotion. Imagine having a leader for every feeling you could think of."

Sarah's eyes widened with interest. "So, their whole society is built around emotions? That's... different."

"Oh yeah, that's why our parents usually say, 'don't get too angry or you will be taken by the Wrathion', that's because he is the Ember Lord of Fury and Anger." James Intervened feeling like he just solved a piece of the puzzle.

'Anyways, right below them are the Cinderborn," Marco continues, "with Ascendant Cinderborn at the top. These are the ones Rhimbos faced. They're masters of their emotions, using them to fuel their power. The Cinderborn Adepts and the Smoldering Sparks follow, each learning to control their emotional magic."

James interjects with a smirk, "Sounds like some people I know could use a lesson or two from them about controlling emotions."

Ignoring James's comment, Marco moves on, "Then there are the Shadow Weavers, the masters of stealth and illusion. The Weaver Prime leads them, teaching the Shadow Walkers and Veil Weavers how to move unseen, gather information, or create confusion among their enemies."

Sarah nods, impressed. "So, they're like the spies and saboteurs of their world. And the Sparks?"

"The Sparks are at the beginning of their journey into the Tainted society," Marco explains. "Starting as Flickering Sparks, they slowly learn to understand and control their powers, moving up to become Kindling and then Glimmering Sparks. It's a whole process of growth and mastery over their emotions and abilities."