Relics: The Ashes of a Lost World

Ade and Nur emerged from the ruins into a frigid expanse, the snow-covered landscape giving way to a forest of jagged, ice-coated trees. The faint glow of the light at the island's center pulsed on the horizon, distant but ever-present.

"Still no Merchas," Nur muttered, flames flickering faintly in his hands as he scanned the area. "That's either a good sign or a terrible one."

Ade's grip on Opa tightened, his gaze darting between the towering trees. "Let's hope it's the first."

Crack.

The sharp sound of a branch snapping underfoot made them both freeze. Ade spun around, staff at the ready, while Nur's flames flared brighter, casting eerie shadows against the snow.

"Who's there?" Ade called out, his voice steady but firm.

From the shadows, a figure stepped forward, her movements deliberate and measured. She was young, no older than eighteen, dressed in a finely crafted coat that bore the unmistakable insignia of West Yuesai's royal family. Her piercing gray eyes met theirs, calm yet commanding.

"I could ask you the same," she said, her voice steady and unflinching.

Ade's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"

The girl stepped closer, the faint golden glow of markings on her arms and face catching the light. "Aaminata bint Fula. Princess of West Yuesai."

Nur's flames dimmed slightly as he tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his gaze. "The famous Princess of Illusions?" he said slightly surprised.

Aaminata's gaze flicked toward him, unreadable but sharp. "So you've heard of me."

Nur nodded, his tone neutral. "Hard not to. Your name's everywhere" His eyes narrowed slightly. "You've been in the wars, haven't you? The Xetas conflicts?"

Aaminata's posture remained poised, but her expression grew colder. "I only did what was necessary."

Ade glanced at her. "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?"

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 tone skeptical. "And let me guess, you've got a relic too?"

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

Ade stepped forward, his voice steady. "Have you seen anyone else? Other people like us?"

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

Before they could press her further, a low rumble shook the ground beneath them. Thud… Thud… Thud.

Nur tensed, flames springing to life around his fists. "And here we go again."

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

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

"Plural," Nur muttered.

The first of the machines burst through the icy trees, its jagged limbs gleaming in the faint light. Another emerged behind it, then a third. 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."

Before Ade could protest, the golden markings on her skin began to glow brighter. The air around her shimmered, bending and warping as illusions took form. A second Aaminata appeared beside her, then a third, each holding identical swords.

The Merchas hesitated, their red eyes scanning the illusions. One lunged forward, swiping at an image. Its claws passed through harmlessly, the illusion fading into glowing golden skeleton lines before maintaining its intangible form. The machine hesitated, unsure which target to prioritize.

Aaminata moved swiftly, striking at the distracted machine. Her blade cut through the joint of its leg, sending it crashing to the ground. The illusions danced around the remaining two Merchas, drawing their attention.

Ade and Nur didn't wait for orders. Ade swung Opa in a wide arc, the staff expanding mid-motion to strike the second Mercha squarely in its torso. Sparks flew as it staggered back.

Nur hurled a fireball at the third machine, the flames exploding across its chest. It roared, its red eyes flaring brighter as it turned toward him.

The fight was chaotic, the three of them moving in sync despite their unfamiliarity. Aaminata's illusions kept the machines disoriented, while Ade and Nur combined their strengths to deliver crushing blows.

Finally, the last Mercha collapsed with a metallic groan, its red light fading.

The group stood among the wreckage, breathing hard. 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 fallen machines. "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 toward 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 before answering. "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 at 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."

The trio moved through the icy forest, the pulsing light guiding their way. The tension between them remained thick, unspoken questions lingering in the air.

Ade glanced at Aaminata as they walked. "What do you think is at the center of the island?"

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

Nur scoffed lightly. "That's helpful."

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

As they approached a ridge, the ground began to tremble again. Thrum… Thrum…

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

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

The light at the center of the island flared suddenly, brighter than before. The trio shielded their eyes as the glow bathed the landscape in an otherworldly radiance.

When the light faded, a strange structure loomed in the distance—tall, angular, and pulsing faintly with energy.

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

Aaminata's gaze hardened.

The next test.