Relics: The Ashes of a Lost World

The cold forest stretched before them, the faint glow of the central light pulsing like a heartbeat against the icy horizon. Nur glanced at the barren trees coated in thick ice, their jagged branches like skeletal arms. He flexed his fingers, flames flickering faintly as he scanned the surroundings.

"Still no Merchas," he muttered, trying to keep his tone neutral, though the silence unnerved him. "That's either a good sign or a terrible one."

Ade, walking beside him, gripped his staff tightly, his eyes darting from tree to tree. "Let's hope it's the first."

Crack.

Nur's flames flared brighter as he froze mid-step. The sharp sound of a snapping branch echoed through the stillness. His eyes flicked toward the shadows, his body tensing as Ade spun around, Opa at the ready.

"Who's there?" Ade called out, his voice steady but edged with caution.

From the dark, a figure emerged. Nur narrowed his eyes as he took in her deliberate, confident steps. She was young, dressed in a finely tailored coat bearing the unmistakable crest of West Yuesai's royal family. Her piercing gray eyes locked onto them, calm and commanding.

"I could ask you the same," she said, her tone unflinching.

Ade stepped forward, his stance guarded. "Who are you?"

Nur studied the golden glow of markings on her arms and face as she moved closer, the faint light catching their intricate patterns. He clenched his fists, his flames dimming slightly as she answered, "Aaminata bint Fula. Princess of West Yuesai."

The Princess of Illusions, Nur thought, his curiosity flickering.

He tilted his head, his tone neutral but intrigued. "The famous Princess of Illusions?"

Her sharp gaze flicked to him. "So you've heard of me."

Nur gave a curt nod. "Hard not to. Your name's everywhere." He narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone shifting. "You've been in the wars, haven't you? The Xetas conflicts?"

Aaminata's posture stiffened, her expression cooling. "I only did what was necessary."

Ade glanced at her with clear surprise. "You fought in those battles?"

Her piercing gaze met his, unwavering. "You sound surprised. Did you think a princess's only job was to wave and smile?"

Nur smirked faintly at the edge in her voice but didn't comment. Ade adjusted his stance, lowering Opa slightly. "Anyways, what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same," she replied coolly, her hand resting on the hilt of a sword at her side. "But I imagine we're all here for the same reason—this island brought us."

Nur crossed his arms, his skepticism clear. "And let me guess, you've got a relic too?"

Aaminata gestured to the faint gold markings shimmering on her skin. "Obviously."

Come to think of it, all the people in have encountered so far have been relic users. Nur thought to himself.

Ade stepped forward, his tone shifting to something more thoughtful. "Have you seen anyone else? Other people like us?"

Aaminata hesitated, then nodded. "I've seen traces—footprints, remnants of battles. But no one I could approach. You're the first."

Before they could ask more, a low rumble vibrated through the ground. Thud… Thud… Thud.

Nur's flames sprang to life, his fists glowing brighter. "And here we go again." His voice expressed an obvious irritation at this never ending encounters with Merchas.

The sound grew louder, closer. Nur turned toward the source as Ade tightened his grip on Opa. A faint red light flickered through the trees, pulsing steadily.

Aaminata unsheathed her sword, her voice sharp. "Merchas."

Nur groaned. "Plural."

The first machine burst through the trees, its jagged limbs gleaming. Two more followed, their glowing red eyes locked onto the trio. The rhythmic clang… hiss of their movements echoed ominously.

"Three again?" Ade muttered, stepping into a defensive stance.

"Stay close," Aaminata commanded, her tone steady. "I'll handle this."

Nur raised an eyebrow, skeptical of her confidence, but didn't argue.

Golden light flared as the markings on Aaminata's skin glowed brighter. The air shimmered, bending and warping as illusions formed. Two more Aaminatas appeared beside her, each holding identical swords.

The Merchas hesitated, scanning the illusions. One lunged forward, swiping at an image. Its claws passed through harmlessly, the illusion flickering but holding form.

Impressive, Nur thought, though he didn't voice it.

Aaminata moved swiftly, her real blade slicing through the joint of one Mercha's leg. It collapsed with a metallic groan. Her illusions danced around the other two, drawing their attention.

Nur hurled a fireball at the third machine, flames exploding across its chest. It roared, turning toward him.

The fight was chaotic. Aaminata's illusions kept the machines disoriented while Ade and Nur delivered precise, crushing blows. Sparks flew as Ade's staff struck another Mercha, and Nur's flames engulfed the last.

Finally, the last machine collapsed, its red light fading.

Nur leaned against a tree, extinguishing the flames around his hands. "Please tell me that's the last of them."

Aaminata sheathed her sword, the golden glow on her skin dimming. "Doubtful. They're drawn to us."

Ade frowned, glancing at the wreckage. "Why?"

"Because of our relics," Aaminata replied. "The more we use them, the more they come. It's like the island itself is testing us."

Nur groaned. "Great. More tests. Just what I wanted."

Aaminata turned to him, her gaze sharp. "You can complain later. For now, we need to move."

Ade stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "You said you've seen signs of others. How many do you think there are?"

Aaminata hesitated. "I don't know. But there's more than just us."

Nur crossed his arms. "And how do we know we can trust them? Or you, for that matter?"

Aaminata raised an eyebrow. "You don't. But you don't have much of a choice."

Ade sighed, glancing toward the horizon. The faint glow of the light at the island's center pulsed steadily. "She's right. We're all heading for the same place. We might as well work together."

Nur muttered something under his breath but didn't argue.

Aaminata gave a faint nod. "Then let's not waste time."

As they walked, tension hung in the air. Ade broke the silence, glancing at Aaminata. "What do you think is at the center of the island?"

She didn't look at him. "Answers. Or more questions."

Nur scoffed. "That's helpful."

Aaminata shot him a sharp look. "You'll find out soon enough."

The ground trembled again, faint vibrations rippling through the snow. Thrum… Thrum…

"More Merchas?" Nur asked, flames flickering to life again.

Aaminata shook her head, her expression unreadable. "No. This is something else."

The light at the center of the island flared suddenly, bathing the forest in an intense glow.

When it faded, a strange structure loomed ahead, its angular form pulsing faintly with energy.

Ade's grip on Opa tightened. "What is that?"

Aaminata's gaze hardened.

The next test.