The journey from the Scarlet Dunes to the foothills of the Obsidian Caverns was a test of endurance. Granite peaks rose against a storm-dark sky, and volcanic glass glinted like broken mirrors strewn across the earth. Snow dusted the jagged outcroppings, the wind carrying a sharp tang of sulfur.
> SYSTEM NOTICE
Current XP: 279/400 Level: 8
Next Unlock: "Core Thread Weave" at Level 9
Seal Integrity: 85%
Cedric's ribs throbbed with each step. Lynne walked beside him, Memory Core and three fragments secured in her pack. Elric and Kerran scouted ahead, scanning for signs of patrols or wandering beasts.
As they crested a ridge, the cavern entrance yawned below—a ragged maw of black glass. Whispered legends spoke of the Obsidian Seer, a guardian spirit forged from nightmares and truth. Its domain was a labyrinth of reflective tunnels, designed to ensnare the unworthy.
Lynne narrowed her eyes. "Once inside, our own reflections could turn on us. The caverns warp perception. We must stick close."
Cedric nodded. "Stay vigilant. We seek the Core of Reflection."
---
Into the Glass Labyrinth
They entered the caverns at dusk. Torches cast wavering light on walls of pitch-black glass. Every surface mirrored flickers—shadows dancing as if alive. Cedric's status panel faintly glowed:
> Threat Scan: Yellow
Ambient Mana: Unstable—Reflections Detected
Recommended Action: Proceed with Caution
No sooner had they taken a dozen steps than a figure materialized from the darkness—a shifting silhouette, limbs fractured like broken glass, eyes twin mirrors reflecting their fears.
> Obsidian Seer Appears
Threat Level: Red-Black
Estimated Level: 9
Host Level: 8
Elric gripped his sword. "Stand together. Do not engage alone."
The Seer advanced, its voice echoing through the tunnels: "Prove your truth, or be lost in the shards of doubt."
Cedric tightened his grip on his blade. The Seer lunged—its form dissolving into shards of living glass that rained toward Cedric. He dashed forward, activating Quick Strike—blurring into motion. His sword arced through the glass, but shards reformed behind him.
> HP -24 → 82/106
Pain seared his shoulder where a fractured piece cut him as he rolled aside. He spat blood and rose, focusing on the Seer's glinting core—its single, unbroken eye.
Lynne called out, "Use your Threads! Disrupt its cohesion!"
Cedric reached inward, seeking the Seer's stabilizing threads. He pulled a taut strand of raw mana—guiding it into a surge that fractured the Seer's outer shell. The creature staggered, shards dropping to the floor like tears of obsidian.
Elric seized the moment, charging with a swipe that shattered the Seer's mirrored arm. Kerran fired a flaming arrow, its embers scorching the reflective floor, causing the Seer to shriek as its fragments flickered.
Summoning all his will, Cedric lunged, slashing at the core eye. The Seer's form collapsed, melting into a shimmer of glass dust and suppressed cries.
> XP +189 (Obsidian Seer Defeated)
Current XP: 70/400
LEVEL UP! Level 9
HP +45, MP +25
+3 Skill Points
New Unlock: Core Thread Weave Function
---
The Core of Reflection
Silence followed. The caverns' distorted echoes settled into stillness. At the chamber's center, a crystalline pedestal stood where the Seer had fallen. Embedded atop it was the Core of Reflection—a perfectly round orb of smoky glass, faintly pulsing.
Cedric stepped forward carefully. "We've earned it."
He lifted the orb. Warmth coursed through his hand as threads of balanced light and dark coalesced within it.
> SYSTEM NOTICE
"Core of Reflection" Acquired (Fragment 005/∞)
Seal Integrity Restored: +8% → 93%
Lynne exhaled. "Only two fragments left—if the prophecies are correct."
Kerran wiped sweat from his brow. "Then we press on. The Volcanic Forge lies to the west—Guardian of Magma awaits."
Elric sheathed his sword. "And I will stand beside you when we face it."
As they exited the labyrinth, their reflections vanished behind them—no longer trapped by mirrors of doubt, but guided by a purpose forged in truth.