The descent into the valley felt like crossing into a forgotten world.
Vines as thick as arms coiled over shattered temples. The statues we passed were ancient—cracked, headless, leaning against the moss as if they were tired of standing. Most were humanoid, though a few bore wings, horns, or elongated faces. All of them had the same symbol carved somewhere on their form:
A spiral etched inside a crescent moon.
Lira didn't speak much, but I could see the thoughts stirring behind her eyes. That Echo… she'd seen the same things I had. Maybe more.
We reached a small shrine nestled between two fractured towers, its roof half-caved in. But unlike the others, it hadn't been abandoned. Someone—something—still tended it.
Fresh candles.
Arranged bones.
Symbols painted in recent blood.
[System Notice: Shrine of Memory Located]Spiritual activity detected. Risk Level: Low to Moderate.—Soulbound Presence recognized. Shrine may respond.
I stepped closer, boots crunching softly over gravel and bone-dust.
The shrine's altar pulsed faintly, like a fading heartbeat. It wasn't just stone—it was alive, in some way. Beneath the soot and lichen, I could see engraved lines forming a network of spirals, moons, and flame.
Then a voice—not spoken aloud, but threaded into the air—reached my thoughts.
"One who bears the Echo. Do you seek the flame?"
I froze.
Lira clutched my sleeve. "What is that?"
"Not sure yet," I said, scanning for threats. Nothing moved. No enemies. Just… presence.
"I seek understanding," I said aloud, not sure who I was speaking to. "And power. To survive what's coming."
"Then kneel."
I hesitated only a moment, then did as the voice asked.
The shrine pulsed. The air shimmered.
And the world fell away again.
This time, the vision was narrower—more focused. I saw the same girl from before, the one with silver eyes and the crescent blade. But she was younger now. Kneeling before this same altar. Her hands bled. Her mouth whispered words I couldn't hear.
Then—she stood.
Her blade rose.
And from the shrine, fire burst forth—not red, not gold—but silver, flickering like memory itself.
She didn't smile. But there was peace in her eyes.
And I understood.
This wasn't a shrine for worship.
It was a test.
And she'd passed.
[System Notice: Trial of Memory Initiated]Spiritual link confirmed. Your soul echoes the forgotten rites.The Flame will test your resolve.
Objective: Endure the memory flame without breaking focus.Duration: 60 seconds.
Flame erupted around me. It didn't burn flesh—but it gnawed at thought.
Memories surged.
My death in the other world.
The cold inside the coffin.
The first corpse I devoured.
Lira's eyes when I saved her.
The Spiral Cultists. The wretches. The endless dark.
"You are not chosen by blood," the voice whispered. "But you carry what was lost."
I gritted my teeth.
'Then I'll make it mine.'
[Trial Complete – Flame Recognizes Your Will]Skill Seed Acquired: Moonlit SigilA weapon born of memory and faith. Its strength scales with Willpower and Intelligence.[Status Gained: Soulkindled – Your soul has kindled a fragment of the ancient fire.]
My eyes snapped open.
The shrine was burning—but only spiritually. No heat. Just radiant silver flame flickering along the altar.
In my hand?
A weapon.
Not metal. Not bone.
It looked like the crescent blade from the vision, but simplified—unfinished. A sigil-saber, curved and humming with pale light. It pulsed with my heartbeat.
Lira gasped softly. "That… is beautiful."
I stood slowly. The blade shimmered—then vanished into motes of light, waiting to be summoned again.
I could feel it now.
The next path forward wasn't up to chance anymore.
It was one I had to carve myself.
Status Update – New Skill Gained[Moonlit Sigil – Rank C]Conjure a spiritual blade forged of memory and moonlight.Damage scales with Willpower and Intelligence.Deals bonus damage to Spiral-aligned and cursed entities.Cooldown: 12 seconds
I turned to Lira. "Let's find the rest of the ones who ran."
She nodded, quiet fire behind her gaze.
Because now, I wasn't just a survivor.
I was kindled.
And the Spiral?
It was going to learn what it meant to be burned.