Shattered Symmerty

Chapter 5 Letters from the Ashes

The discovery of documents was supposed to be just another step in their already chaotic journey, but as Sunaina cracked open the dusty locker, something far more interesting awaited them. Instead of the usual dull files and broken trinkets, there was a bundle of scrolls sealed with a wax stamp-old, but meticulously preserved. And, because this was Symmetria, nothing came without a twist.

"Looks ancient," Marcus muttered as Sunaina cautiously unrolled the first scroll. "Think it's got a treasure map on it? Maybe some secret recipe for immortality?"

Jenna, always the practical one, sighed. "Or, you know, actual useful information."

The scroll was brittle, almost like it had been waiting for this exact moment to fall apart. But the handwriting, bold and precise, was as strong as the message it carried.

To the one who seeks the truth-

I am Meera S., archaeologist, and former researcher of Symmetria's ancient past. Before this city was Symmetria, it was known as Saptamatrika-a civilization built on a delicate balance of power and chaos. Beneath the perfection the Guild claims to uphold, there lies a darker, more complex history. I aimed to uncover the city's true origins and to restore what was lost, but my discoveries were not welcome.

I was met with threats. My findings were stolen, my research sabotaged. I reported my findings missing, but the Guild dismissed my claims, calling me a provocateur. They accused me of trying to stir unrest among the citizens. But I was not alone. Over one crore citizens of Symmetria signed a petition calling for the restoration of the city's true identity. Yet, the Guild silenced us all.
The Resonant Machines that power the city-machines that you believe maintain its harmony-are flawed. They are cracking. And one day, the city may break, perhaps in more ways than one. I fear that I will not live to see that day, but I have left something behind-a piece of Saptamatrika's legacy, a ruin that I managed to "illegally" protect from those who sought to destroy it. This ruin, though small, holds the key to uncovering the city's forgotten history.

If you are reading this, it means I did not survive the battle I fought. But I trust that you can continue my work. The ruin is hidden, in plain sight, where no one would think to look. My research was incomplete, but you have the tools to finish it. I leave this task to you-bring Symmetria back to its roots, and reveal the truth buried beneath the lies.

I fear that by the time you read this, I will either be dead or worse-brainwashed by the Guild. But if my words remain, then so too does the hope for change.

In defiance and faith,
Meera S.

---

The three of them stared at the letter, the gravity of it slowly settling in. Sunaina scanned the last lines again, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. "A hidden ruin? A conspiracy? What is this?"

Marcus, leaning against the crumbling locker, whistled low under his breath. "Well, it's definitely not the treasure map I was hoping for. But it's something."

Jenna, ever the problem-solver, frowned at the letter. "It's written in code, though. We can't just walk around asking people how to decode ancient scripts. We need someone who knows their stuff."

Sunaina shook her head. "And who exactly would that be? Because last I checked, decoding cryptic letters isn't on our list of skills."

Without missing a beat, Jenna spoke up. "I know a guy."

Marcus raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "You can't just know a guy like that, especially not an Outlier. I mean, you? Miss Sunshine and Optimism? How in the world do you know someone like him? Actually, scratch that-I'm not sure I even want to know."