Shadows of Ascension

49. The well of fate

After days of grueling travel through treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather, Aiden and Luca finally arrive at the Well of Fate. The air is thick with anticipation as they stand at the edge of the chasm, gazing down into its depths.

"It's even more awe-inspiring than I imagined," Aiden says, his voice filled with wonder as he takes in the sight before him.

Luca nods in agreement, his eyes fixed on the swirling mist that rises from the depths of the chasm. "This place holds so many secrets," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can feel it in my bones."

As they stand there, taking in the sights and sounds of the Well of Fate, a sense of excitement washes over them. They may not know exactly what lies ahead, but they are determined to face whatever challenges come their way.

With a shared glance and a silent nod, they steel themselves for the journey ahead and take their first steps into the depths of the Well of Fate, ready to uncover its mysteries and forge their own destiny.

As they approach the edge of the chasm, a figure steps out from the shadows, her presence shrouded in mystery. It's Riona, a fellow hunter they had met on their travels.

"It's been a while," Riona says, her voice echoing in the cavernous space.

Luca and Aiden exchange surprised glances before stepping forward to greet their unexpected companion.

Riona says, her voice filled with a mixture of sadness and determination. "So you made it after all. You're a C-rank hunter," she says, her eyes lingering on Aiden's mark.

Aiden nods, a sense of pride swelling within him despite the heaviness of the moment. "Yes, I did," he says, his voice tinged with emotion. "But what about Kaiden? Is he a C-rank hunter now too?"

Riona's expression darkens, and she looks away for a moment before meeting Aiden's gaze once more. "Yes, he did make it to C-rank," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "But...he's not here. B rank hunters attacked us and..."

Aiden's heart sinks at her words, and he reaches out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Riona," he says, his voice filled with genuine sympathy. "I had no idea..."

Riona offers him a sad smile, her eyes reflecting the pain of her loss. "It's okay," she says, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling within her. "Me and Kaiden traveled a lot together. We managed to make it to the lawless area...but it was too much for us."

Her words hang in the air like a heavy weight, and for a moment, none of them know quite what to say. But then Luca steps forward, his expression grave but determined.

"What are you doing here, then?" Luca asks, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Riona offers a wry smile. "I could ask you the same question," she says, her eyes flickering with amusement. "But I suppose we're all here for the same reason."

"And what reason is that?" Aiden asks, his curiosity piqued.

Riona gestures towards the swirling waters of the well. "The Well of Fate," she says, her voice filled with reverence. "Legend has it that those who drink from its waters are granted insight into their destiny."

Aiden's eyes widen with curiosity, and he takes a step closer to the edge of the chasm. "Do you believe it?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

Riona shrugs, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Who's to say?" she says. "But there's only one way to find out."

With a sense of determination, Luca, Aiden, and Riona approach the edge of the chasm, their eyes fixed on the swirling waters below. They can sense the power emanating from the well, and a shiver runs down their spines as they prepare to take the plunge.