Ascension Protocol

Chapter 3: The Slavers

Salome emerged from the eastern face of the mountain complex, blinking against the harsh sunlight. Before him stretched a vast panorama of untamed wilderness. Rolling plains, dotted with the skeletal remains of ancient cities, stretched towards the horizon. These were the forgotten corners of the world, untouched by the people of Opal for generations.

A sense of awe mingled with unease settled over him. This was uncharted territory, a stark contrast to the familiar comfort of his homeland. He stood for a moment, taking in the view, the weight of his newfound responsibility pressing down on him.

"Perhaps I can address your curiosity, Salome," Terra's voice broke the silence, a touch softer than before. "Would an explanation of my function alleviate some of your concerns?"

Salome turned towards the pouch slung over his shoulder, a faint warmth emanating from the device within. "Yes, Terra," he admitted. "Tell me, what exactly are you?"

Terra hummed thoughtfully. "Think of me as a medium, Salome. A conduit. The fragments we seek are... echoes of the past. They hold within them a sliver of history, a memory waiting to be awakened."

She paused, her voice tinged with a hint of something Salome couldn't quite decipher. "These fragments are potent, yet dormant. Without the functions I provide, they would remain inert, unaware of their own existence."

Salome frowned, struggling to grasp the concept. "So, you take a piece of the past and somehow bring it back to life?"

"A simplified explanation, yes," Terra replied. "The true nature of my abilities is intricate, but understanding will come with time. Trust me, Salome, the more you learn, the clearer the picture will become."

They descended the rocky slope, Salome navigating the treacherous terrain with practiced ease. Terra, silent for a moment, chirped back to life.

"Curious," she said. "The fragment's location seems to be shifting. It is now less than a mile to the northeast. We should make haste."

Salome quickened his pace, a surge of excitement replacing his initial apprehension. The thought of encountering a fragment of history, a tangible piece of the past, ignited a spark of curiosity within him. He was no longer just a reluctant participant; he was an explorer, on a journey to uncover forgotten secrets.

With newfound purpose, Salome led the way, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the elusive fragment. Terra's guidance echoed in his mind, her words hinting at a power far greater than he could imagine. The future remained uncertain, but as they ventured deeper into the wildlands, Salome couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. Perhaps, with Terra by his side, he could not only protect his home but also unravel the mysteries that had long been buried beneath the sands of time.

The relentless sun beat down on Salome and Terra as they pressed on, the signal from the fragment leading them on a twisting, erratic path. Their initial excitement had given way to a cautious vigilance as the device's readings grew increasingly erratic.

"Halt," Terra's voice crackled over the pouch, a hint of urgency replacing its usual monotone. "I'm picking up multiple signatures nearby."

Salome crouched low, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword. "What are they?" he whispered, his voice tight with tension.

"They emit a faint hum, indicative of circuitry, yet retain a humanoid form," Terra explained, her voice analyzing the data. "I sense something... disturbing up ahead. Several individuals, emitting unusual energy readings. And something else..."

Her voice trailed off for a moment, a flicker of something akin to excitement passing through her before she quickly regained her robotic composure.

"They have the fragment," Terra announced, her voice firm. "We must retrieve it."