Living as a Mortal In a World Full of Gods

The guttural growl grew louder, echoing in the chamber and sending shivers down Kael's spine. As the cocoon tore open, a monstrous spider-like creature emerged, its segmented body glistening with an oily sheen. Eight glowing, crimson eyes fixed on the group, and its jagged legs clicked against the floor with bone-chilling precision.

"Ren" Lys said again, her dagger glinting in the dim light. "You were right. Congratulations."

Ren didn't respond with his usual quip. Instead, he gripped his sword tightly, his jaw set. "What's the plan?"

"We need that artifact" Kael said, pointing at the jagged crystal pulsating beneath the creature. "It's causing all of this."

The spider's mandibles clicked, a grotesque sound that made Kael's stomach churn. It lowered its massive body, preparing to strike.

"Spread out!" Lys ordered, darting to the side. "Keep it distracted! Kael, get to the artifact!"

Ren charged forward, letting out a battle cry as he slashed at one of the creature's legs. The blade sparked against its tough exoskeleton but left a shallow gash. The spider screeched, swinging a leg at him. Ren rolled out of the way just in time.

Kael hesitated, his eyes locked on the glowing artifact. It was just a few meters away, but the spider's massive frame blocked the path. The crystal beneath his shirt warmed, urging him forward.

"Kael, move!" Lys shouted, throwing a dagger that embedded itself in one of the spider's eyes. The creature recoiled, ichor dripping from the wound.

The opening was brief, but Kael seized it. Clutching the lantern, he sprinted toward the artifact, the sticky webbing pulling at his boots. The spider shrieked and turned its attention to him, but Ren and Lys sprang into action, attacking its legs to keep it distracted.

Kael skidded to a halt in front of the artifact. Up close, its glow was mesmerizing, the red light pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat. He reached out, the crystal around his neck resonating with the artifact.

The moment his fingers touched the artifact, a surge of energy shot through him. Visions flooded his mind—a civilization long gone, their desperate attempt to harness the artifact's power, and the catastrophic consequences that followed. The images faded as quickly as they had come, leaving Kael gasping.

"Kael! Hurry!" Ren's voice snapped him back to reality.

The spider, now enraged, thrashed wildly. One of its legs struck Ren, sending him crashing into the wall. Lys darted in to cover him, slashing at the spider's wounded eye.

Kael gritted his teeth and focused. The crystal around his neck glowed brighter, and the artifact's energy began to flow into it. The spider let out an ear-piercing screech, its body convulsing as the red light dimmed.

"It's working!" Kael shouted, though his voice was strained. The energy transfer was taking a toll, his limbs growing heavy.

The spider wasn't done yet. With a final, desperate lunge, it charged at Kael. Time seemed to slow as the creature's massive form loomed over him. Just as it was about to strike, a blinding light erupted from the crystal.

The spider let out a final, agonized screech before collapsing, its body disintegrating into ash. The chamber fell silent, save for the sound of Kael's ragged breathing.

Lys and Ren hurried to Kael's side. Ren was clutching his side, a bruise already forming where he had hit the wall, but he managed a grin. "Not bad, kid."

Kael didn't respond immediately. He was still holding the now-dormant artifact, its jagged edges cool to the touch. "It's done" he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lys helped him to his feet. "Good. Let's get out of here before this place decides to collapse."

The journey back through the ruins was tense but uneventful. The oppressive whispers and shifting shadows were gone, replaced by an eerie stillness. When they finally emerged into the moonlit forest, the cool night air was a welcome relief.

Thorne was waiting for them near the entrance, his expression unreadable. "You found it" he said, his eyes narrowing as he spotted the artifact in Kael's hand.

"And nearly got killed in the process" Ren added, sitting heavily on a nearby rock. "Next time, you're coming with us."

Thorne ignored the comment, his focus on Kael. "Do you understand what you're holding?"

Kael hesitated, the visions from earlier flashing in his mind. "It's powerful. Dangerous. And it's connected to the Veil."

Thorne nodded. "That's an understatement. The artifact is a fragment of the Veil's core. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could unravel everything."

Lys crossed her arms. "Then what do we do with it?"

"For now, we keep it safe" Thorne said. "But there are others who will come for it. The shades you encountered are just the beginning."

Kael's grip on the artifact tightened. He felt its weight, not just physically but metaphorically. This was no ordinary quest. This was the start of something far greater than he had anticipated.

As they set up camp that night, Kael found himself staring at the artifact, its jagged edges catching the firelight. He could feel the crystal around his neck resonating faintly, as if the two were connected on a level he couldn't yet comprehend.

Lys sat down beside him, her expression softer than usual. "You did well today."

Kael managed a small smile. "It didn't feel like it."

"You're still standing, aren't you?" she said with a hint of a smile. "That's what matters."

Ren's voice cut through the quiet. "If you two are done bonding, maybe we can figure out how to stop the next giant death-spider before it happens."

Kael chuckled despite himself. For the first time in what felt like ages, he allowed himself a moment of levity.