Chapter 43: Journey into the Secret Depths

The ocean depths where Callen and the team of Keepers ventured were shrouded in darkness and mystery. None of them had ever traveled to such remote places before. The Stones of Balance, shimmering in Callen’s hands, guided the way as if they were attuned to the call of nature itself.

“This place feels different,” Liriel remarked, her voice carried in a watery whisper. “There are no usual currents here, only a strange stillness, as if time itself has stopped.”

Akorrath, swimming behind with majestic calm, said:

“It is in such places that great secrets lie hidden. But secrets are rarely kind.”

The Underwater Caves

Their first stop on the journey was a series of gigantic underwater caves, their entrances resembling the gaping maws of ancient creatures. The light from the Stones of Balance pierced the water, illuminating walls adorned with ancient carvings. The images seemed so old that their lines were almost worn away.

“These look like writings,” Liriel whispered, approaching a wall. She ran her fingers over the lines, coated in a thin layer of coral. “There are waves depicted here, destroying cities. And something… something that looks like a giant creature.”

Callen studied the carvings with her. His gaze fell on a symbol that repeated several times – a circle surrounded by sharp lines.

“It must be a warning,” he said, stepping back. “These caves were created by those who wanted to preserve history to warn us.”

But before they could continue studying, a strange sound echoed through the caves – a deep rumble that made the water vibrate slightly. The team froze, readying themselves for potential danger.

Volcanoes and Mysterious Creatures

Leaving the caves, they moved forward, following the Stones’ glow. Soon, they were greeted by a breathtaking sight – an area of active underwater volcanoes. Giant columns of magma rose from the ocean floor, radiating a soft golden light. The heat was both pleasant and foreboding.

“We must be cautious,” Flaitha warned, her body pulsing in sync with the rhythm of the volcanic flares. “These volcanoes could become a trap.”

Their path was crossed by strange creatures – tall, almost column-like beings covered in glowing stripes. They moved slowly among the magma flows, paying no attention to the team.

“They live here?” Liriel asked, watching them in awe.

“Or guard something,” Akorrath muttered, his tentacles tensing.

Suddenly, one of the creatures stopped, turned its glowing gaze toward the team, and emitted a piercing sound. In an instant, the surrounding volcanoes began to erupt streams of bubbles, and the water filled with vibrations. Callen raised the Stones, hoping they would calm the strange phenomenon. The Stones glowed brighter, and the sound began to subside.

Remnants of Ancient Civilizations

When the danger had passed, the team stumbled upon an incredible sight – the ruins of an ancient city lying on the ocean floor. The remnants of buildings, covered in coral, rose from the sand, and among them were statues that had clearly been crafted by skilled artisans.

One statue caught Callen’s attention. It depicted a creature with massive wings and eyes that seemed frozen in an expression of rage.

“This must be one of the beings from the carvings,” Liriel suggested. “They were here long before us.”

Near the statue lay a large slab covered in writings. Callen knelt, trying to decipher the words.

“‘When the waters stirred,’” he read aloud, translating. “‘The forces bound in the earth broke free. The world fell, and the sea claimed its own.’”

“This sounds like a warning,” Flaitha said. “Perhaps those same forces are awakening now.”

Moving Forward

Leaving the ruins behind, the team continued their journey. The Stones of Balance glowed brighter, as if urging them to press on. Each new step revealed more mysteries, but also brought more questions.

“We’re on the right path,” Callen said, clutching the Stones. “I can feel that the answers are close.”

But what lay ahead – allies or enemies, salvation or destruction – remained unknown.