Man On The Moon

Chapter 25: An Artifact

The group, led by Black Swan, cautiously entered the cave. The path was dark, lit only by the soft glow of a few luminescent crystals embedded in the walls. The air was cool and stale, suggesting that no one had visited this place in ages. After what seemed like an eternity of walking through the dimly lit tunnel, the group came across a large chamber. Sitting in the centre of the chamber, on a stone pedestal, was a small, crystalline object. Gunaifen, her eyes wide, stepped forward, entranced by the sight of the artefact.

Gunaifen: "Is...is this it? Is this the artefact...?"

Black Swan, her gaze fixed on the artefact, approached it slowly, caution in her steps.

Black Swan: "It would appear so. But we must be careful. No telling what kind of traps guarding it."

Dan Heng, his hand on his weapon, stayed vigilant.

Dan Heng: "Everyone, keep your guard up. Who knows what could be hidden here."

March 7th, her bow ready, agreed.

March 7th: "No kidding. Something about this place is giving me the creeps..."

Jingliu, though tense, kept her composure.

Jingliu: "Stay calm. We've come this far, we're not backing down now."

Feeling the tension in the air, Vettel took a moment to comfort Jingliu. He reached out and gently squeezed her hand, his touch a silent reassurance.

Vettel, his voice soft but firm, spoke up.

Vettel: "We'll get through this together. Just like we always do."

Jingliu, caught off guard by Vettel's unexpected gesture, looked briefly surprised before her features softened.

Jingliu: "...Right. Together."

The group, after a brief moment of respite, refocused on the task at hand. Black Swan approached the artefact, her hand hovering over it as she considered their next move. Just as her fingers were about to touch the artefact, a low, ominous rumble echoed through the chamber. The ground beneath them began to shake, and suddenly, stone slabs around the room started to shift and move. Dan Heng, recognizing the signs, shouted a warning.

Dan Heng: "Everyone, watch out! We've triggered a trap!"

As the rumbling grew louder, countless stone slabs shifted and slid, revealing sharp-edged blades and spikes. March 7th, reacting quickly, jumped backwards, narrowly avoiding being skewered by a blade that shot out from the floor. Meanwhile, Jingliu, displaying her swift reflexes, dodged several approaching spikes, her sword flashing as she sliced through them. Vettel, too, was quick on his feet, evading the deadly traps that were springing up all around them. Black Swan, though caught off guard at first, calmly assessed the situation, her eyes darting around the room.

Black Swan: "This was expected. We need to get to the artefact before we're all turned into pincushions!"

The group, fighting off the traps while trying to navigate through the shifting slabs, made their way towards the centre of the room where the artefact was displayed. The rumble grew louder, the blades and spikes becoming more intense as they neared the artefact. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the group reached the artefact. The room was a mess of shifting stone slabs and flashing blades, each step a potential danger. But before anyone could grab the artefact, a deep, echoing voice filled the chamber.

Dark Voice: "Not so fast, intruders."

The group froze, their gazes flickering around in search of the source of the voice. The voice, deep and booming, continued.

Dark Voice: "You seek the relic, do you? You think you can just waltz in here and claim it as your own?"

Gunaifen, her voice trembling slightly, responded to the voice.

Gunaifen: "We...we need that artefact. It's the only hope we have to save our world. Please, you have to understand."

The dark voice seemed to consider her plea.

Dark Voice: "Indeed, the artifact holds great power. Power to rewrite time, to change the very fabric of reality. But do you truly believe you deserve such power?"

Gunaifen, desperation in her eyes, pleaded further.

Gunaifen: "We're not trying to abuse its power. We just want to save our world, our family, and everything we love. Please...please help us."

The dark voice rumbled once more.

Dark Voice: "A noble cause, I admit. But the relic is no toy to be trifled with. If you intend to use it, can you promise you won't misuse its power?"

Gunaifen nodded fervently, her voice firm.

Gunaifen: "Yes, I promise. I swear on my life, that we won't misuse it. We just want to save our world."

The voice, seeming somewhat convinced, fell silent for a brief moment. Then, it spoke once more, its tone less harsh.

Dark Voice: "Very well. I will help you. But on one condition."

The group relieved that they had come to a compromise, tensed slightly at the mention of a condition.

Dan Heng, his voice steady, probed further.

Dan Heng: "And what might that condition be?"

The voice rumbled once more, its tone serious.

Dark Voice: "You must promise to return the relic to me once your task is complete. Its power is too dangerous to be left in the hands of mortals. Once you've saved your world, you must bring it back to me."

The group exchanged glances, weighing their options. This condition could prove problematic, but as desperation often leads to, they agreed. Black Swan, her voice cool and composed, responded.

Black Swan: "We agree. We will return the relic to you once we've completed our mission."

The Dark Voice chuckled, its tone somewhat amused.

Dark Voice: "Excellent. Then the deal is struck. You may take the relic. But remember, you're bound by your promise. Do not think to cheat or betray me. The consequences would be dire indeed."