Ascension of the Eternal Game-Chapter 40: The Gate’s Echo

The sanctuary groaned like a dying beast, its ancient stones cracking and splintering as the gate's dark energy pulsed through the chamber. Dust rained from the ceiling, stinging Lyra Vex's eyes as she stood frozen, staring at the figure before her. It wore Alex Kain's face, but twisted—his familiar hazel eyes now glowed with an unnatural light, and his smile was a cruel mockery of the warmth she knew. The echo of Alex tilted its head, its gaze piercing through her like a blade.

"You've come far, Lyra Vex," it said, its voice a chilling blend of Alex's tone and something far older, far darker. "But the gate does not yield its secrets to the unworthy."

Lyra's fingers tightened around her bow, the wood creaking under the strain. "You're not Alex," she spat, her voice raw with defiance. "What are you?"

The echo's smile widened, sharp and predatory. "I am the gate's shadow, its will made manifest. And I am here to ensure its purpose is fulfilled."

Kael Stoneforge stepped forward, his daggers drawn, his usual smirk replaced by a scowl. "Enough riddles. What's the gate's purpose? And how do we get Alex back?"

The echo's gaze slid to Kael, its eyes narrowing. "The gate was forged to bind the Devourer, a force that feasts on mana and worlds alike. But the seal is fraying, and the Devourer stirs. Alex Kain's spirit holds it back—for now. To free him, you must find the Gatekeeper's Key, a relic lost to time. Only then can the seal be remade without sacrifice."

Lyra's heart lurched. "Where is it?"

The echo's laugh was a dry, rattling thing. "Hidden in the Whispering Woods, guarded by the forest's wrath. But beware—the key demands a price of its own."

Before Lyra could press further, the sanctuary shuddered violently, a massive crack splitting the floor. Thorne's voice boomed over the chaos. "We need to get out of here—now!"

The echo's form wavered, its voice a fading whisper. "Time runs thin. The gate's true master wakes, and when it does, no world will be safe."

It dissolved into shadow, leaving them alone in the crumbling chamber. Lyra snapped into action, grabbing Alex's arm—he was still weak, his skin pale and clammy. "We're leaving. Mikey, stay close."

Thorne charged ahead, his warhammer smashing through a collapsing archway, clearing a path through the debris. Elara's staff flared with light, her magic weaving a shimmering barrier that held back the falling stones long enough for them to pass. Kael darted to the side, his sharp eyes spotting a hidden alcove behind a crumbling mural. "There—another exit!"

They bolted through the narrow passage, the sanctuary's groans growing louder, the air thick with dust and the scent of ancient decay. Mikey stumbled, but Thorne scooped him up with one arm, his massive frame shielding the boy as they fled. Alex leaned heavily on Lyra, his breath ragged, but his grip on her hand was fierce.

They burst into the open air, the Whispering Woods stretching before them, their gnarled branches clawing at the sky. The sanctuary collapsed behind them with a thunderous roar, sending a plume of dust into the mist-laden forest.

Lyra sank to her knees, panting, her heart hammering in her chest. Alex slumped beside her, his face drawn with pain. "You're safe," she whispered, brushing a lock of sweat-soaked hair from his forehead. "We've got you."

But his expression was grim, his voice hoarse. "It's not over. The gate's echo—it spoke the truth. The Devourer's waking, and the seal won't hold much longer."

Kael sheathed his daggers, wiping blood from a gash on his cheek. "Then we find this Gatekeeper's Key. Simple enough—woods, wrath, and all."

Thorne grunted, setting Mikey down gently. "Nothing's ever simple with you lot."

This content is taken from freёnovelkiss.com.

Mikey's small hands trembled as he clutched his pack, but his voice was steady. "We'll do it. For Eryndor—and for Alex."

Elara knelt beside Alex, her fingers glowing with healing magic as she tended to his wounds. "The Whispering Woods are treacherous, but the Gatekeepers left clues. If we can find their old paths, we might locate the key."

Lyra's gaze drifted to the forest, its shadows shifting like living things. The echo's warning echoed in her mind: the key demands a price of its own. She didn't know what that meant, but she'd face it—whatever it took to bring Alex back whole.

Kael's voice broke through her thoughts, his tone lighter but tinged with worry. "Hey, at least we're not stuck in a collapsing ruin anymore. Progress, right?"

Lyra managed a faint smile, grateful for his attempt to lift the mood. "Right. Let's make camp and rest while we can. We'll need our strength for what's ahead."

They set up a small fire in a clearing, the flames crackling softly against the encroaching dark. Thorne took first watch, his hulking form silhouetted against the trees, while Elara brewed a healing tea from herbs she'd gathered. Mikey sat close to Alex, his small hand resting on his brother's arm, as if afraid he'd vanish again.

Lyra settled beside them, her bow resting across her knees. "We'll find the key, Alex. And we'll free you from this—whatever it takes."

Alex's smile was faint, his eyes shadowed with exhaustion. "I know you will. But... be careful, Lyra. The gate's power—it's not just about the Devourer. There's something else, something older. I felt it when I was inside."

A chill crept down her spine, but she nodded, her resolve hardening. "We'll face it together."

As the fire dwindled, a faint rustle broke the silence—a whisper of movement in the underbrush. Lyra's hand snapped to her dagger, her senses alert. The others stirred, weapons ready, as shadows crept from the trees, their forms indistinct but menacing.

"More of them?" Kael muttered, his daggers glinting in the firelight.

The creatures emerged—twisted, shadowy beasts with eyes like burning coals, their claws scraping against the earth. They circled the camp, a pack of hunters closing in on their prey.

Lyra rose, her bowstring taut. "Looks like the woods aren't done with us yet."

The beasts lunged, and the night erupted into chaos once more.