Cronicals of the Abyss

The gates of Drakmor loomed tall, their blackened stone etched with fiery runes that pulsed faintly, as if alive. The Dominion of Ashes, known for its caste system and its mastery of Fire Seals, had a reputation as a land of both power and tyranny. Revan could feel the heat radiating from the city even before stepping through its gates, a stark contrast to the oppressive darkness of the shard of the Primordial Abyss now bound to him.

Kael whistled, his eyes scanning the imposing walls. "Impressive. But if this place is as strict as the stories say, we might want to keep a low profile."

Revan nodded, his expression unreadable. "Drakmor's rulers won't be kind to outsiders. Especially not ones like us."

Kaelar adjusted his cloak, making sure his appearance didn't draw unnecessary attention. "The caste system here is ruthless. Unless we find a way to blend in, we'll be marked as either servants or vagrants—and both are at the mercy of the Infernal Sovereign."

Revan didn't respond, his focus on the gates and the guards stationed there. Their armor gleamed in the sunlight, and the crimson flames embroidered on their tunics marked them as members of the Infernal Guard. Each of them carried a weapon infused with Fire Seals, their heat palpable even at a distance.

"Let me handle this," Revan said, stepping forward.

Kael raised an eyebrow. "You're not exactly the diplomatic type, but sure, go ahead."

As Revan approached the guards, their gazes sharpened, and one of them raised a hand to stop him.

"Halt," the guard commanded. His voice was deep and authoritative, and his eyes swept over Revan with suspicion. "State your business in Drakmor."

Revan met his gaze, his tone steady. "We're travelers seeking passage through your Dominion. We've heard of Drakmor's strength and wisdom and hope to trade for knowledge and supplies."

The guard's eyes narrowed. "Travelers, you say? You don't look like traders or scholars. What proof do you have of your intent?"

Revan's Abyss Seal burned faintly beneath his cloak, but he kept it hidden, knowing that revealing its power would only invite trouble. Instead, he reached into his satchel and produced a small pouch of coins.

"We have no intention of causing trouble," Revan said, handing the pouch to the guard. "We only seek safe passage."

The guard opened the pouch, inspecting its contents. After a moment, he nodded, satisfied. "Fine. But keep in mind that outsiders are watched closely in Drakmor. Any disruption, and you'll answer to the Infernal Guard."

Revan inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Understood."

The guards stepped aside, and the gates creaked open, revealing the city beyond.

---

Drakmor was a city of contrasts. Its lower districts were crowded and grimy, filled with the sounds of merchants haggling and laborers toiling under the sun. The air was thick with smoke from forges and fire pits, and the heat was stifling, a constant reminder of the Dominion's affinity for flame.

As Revan, Kael, and Kaelar moved through the streets, they drew wary glances from the locals. Their cloaks and weapons marked them as outsiders, and the people of Drakmor were clearly distrustful of strangers.

"We need to find a place to stay," Kaelar said, keeping his voice low. "Somewhere quiet where we won't attract attention."

Revan nodded. "And we need information. If the libraries here have knowledge of the Abyss or the shard, we'll need access to them."

Kael smirked. "You make it sound easy. But something tells me Drakmor's scholars don't just hand out their secrets."

They found a small inn tucked away in a quieter part of the city. The owner, a grizzled man with burn scars on his arms, eyed them warily but didn't ask questions as long as they paid in advance.

Their room was modest, with a single window overlooking a narrow alley. The furnishings were sparse, but it was clean and, most importantly, private.

Kael dropped onto the bed with a groan. "Finally, a chance to relax. That forest was bad enough, but this heat is unbearable."

Kaelar stood near the window, peering outside. "We can't afford to relax for long. The Covenant might not know where we are yet, but it's only a matter of time before they track us here."

Revan sat at the small table, his gaze distant. The shard's energy was a constant presence in his mind, a dark whisper that urged him to embrace its power. He clenched his fists, pushing the temptation aside.

"We'll start with the libraries," he said, his voice firm. "Drakmor is known for its scholars. If anyone has knowledge of the Abyss, it'll be them."

---

The next morning, they set out for the Scholar's Quarter, a district known for its grand libraries and academies. The journey took them through the heart of the city, where the caste system was most evident.

The lower districts were filled with laborers and merchants, their faces etched with exhaustion. As they climbed higher, the streets grew cleaner, and the people more finely dressed. The upper districts were a stark contrast, with grand mansions and well-tended gardens that spoke of wealth and privilege.

When they reached the Scholar's Quarter, they were met with towering spires and domed buildings, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings. The largest of these was the Flameheart Library, its doors guarded by scholars in red robes.

Revan approached the entrance, but the guards blocked his path.

"State your purpose," one of them said, his tone sharp.

"We seek knowledge," Revan replied. "We've traveled far to study the works of Drakmor's scholars."

The guard raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think you're worthy of such knowledge? The Flameheart Library is not open to just anyone."

Kael muttered under his breath, but Revan remained calm. "We're willing to pay for access," he said, holding up another pouch of coins.

The guard glanced at the pouch, then at Revan, as if weighing his options. After a moment, he nodded. "Very well. But know this: the Flameheart Library is a sacred place. Any disrespect or disturbance will not be tolerated."

Revan inclined his head. "Understood."

The doors opened, and they stepped inside.

---

The interior of the library was breathtaking. Rows upon rows of shelves stretched into the distance, filled with tomes and scrolls that radiated knowledge and history. The air was cool, a stark contrast to the heat outside, and the faint scent of parchment filled the space.

Revan wasted no time. He approached one of the scholars and asked for texts related to forbidden Seals and the Abyss. The scholar hesitated but eventually led them to a secluded section of the library.

Hours passed as they combed through the texts, searching for anything that could help them understand the shard and its connection to the Primordial Abyss. Most of the information was fragmented, riddled with contradictions and half-truths.

But one text caught Revan's attention: a journal written by a Resonance Master who had studied the Nine Abyssal Pillars. The entries spoke of immense power and the price of wielding it, as well as cryptic warnings about the Elders Beyond the Veil.

"This is it," Revan said, his eyes narrowing as he read. "The Nine Abyssal Pillars… they hold the key to severing the Veil."

Kaelar frowned. "If the shard is connected to one of these Pillars, it could explain its power. But it also means we're dealing with forces far beyond our understanding."

Kael leaned back in his chair. "Great. More cosmic horrors. Just what we needed."

Revan closed the journal, his resolve hardening. "This is our path now. If the Pillars are the key to stopping the Elders, then we need to find them—before the Covenant does."

The room fell silent, the weight of their mission pressing down on them. Outside, the city of Drakmor burned with the light of its eternal flames, oblivious to the shadows that now gathered within its walls.