Scar

Crest of the gods

As Kila and Marco turned to leave, Kila suddenly tapped his shoulder.

Wait, look down there , Is that not Ruby?

Marco's eyes widened in shock.

Ruby! What is she doing here?

Kila's expression turned grave.

She must have learned about the artifacts' importance to you. 

Someone must have told her...

Marco's mind reeled.

 Who could have betrayed him?

Before he could speak, he spotted another familiar face beside Ruby – Leo, his former friend.

Leo... what is he doing with Ruby?

Lyrien, the collector, approached Ruby, bowing low.

Welcome Ruby , What a lovely surprise. 

When you sent word you wanted these artifacts, we weren't sure if you'd make an appearance yourself.

Ruby shushed him, her voice low and menacing.

Take me to the artifacts and Stop all this hovering.

Lyrien nodded, leading Ruby away towards a private chamber.

Marco and Kila exchanged worried glances.

What are we going to do? Marco asked.

Kila smiled mischievously.

Our original plan: steal the artifact. 

If we're too late and Ruby takes it, we steal it from her.

Marco's eyes widened in shock.

Are you crazy? Stealing from Lyrien is one thing, but from Ruby?

Kila grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the shadows.

Come with me, I have a plan.

She led him through hidden passages and secret doors, avoiding Lyrien's guards and Ruby's minions.

 They reached a small room filled with strange artifacts and glowing orbs.

Kila began rummaging through the shelves, gathering various items: a vial of sparkling dust, a small crystal orb, and a leather pouch filled with dried herbs.

What are these?

 Marco asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Kila smiled.

These will help us sneak into Lyrien's vault and past Ruby's guards.

 The dust is a powerful illusion spell, the orb grants temporary invisibility, and the herbs will put any guards to sleep.

Marco's eyes widened.

You planned this all along, didn't you?

Kila nodded.

I always have a backup plan.

 Now, let's move before Ruby gets her hands on that artifact.

She handed Marco the crystal orb and the leather pouch.

You take point. 

Use the orb to sneak past guards, and the herbs to put them to sleep if needed.

 I'll follow with the illusion spell, making sure we're not detected.

Marco snuck past the guards, using the herbs to put them to sleep. 

Kila followed closely, her illusion spell masking their presence.

They reached Lyrien's vault, a large chamber filled with treasures beyond imagination.

 Lyrien, Ruby, and Leo stood near the center, the Heart of the Sun God and the Trident of the Sea god on a pedestal before them.

Marco crept forward, reaching for the Heart of the Sun God. 

But suddenly, Ruby's hand clamped around his wrist like a vice.

He became visible, the crystal orb's magic broken by Ruby's touch.

Oh no... Marco whispered, his eyes widening in fear.

Ruby's gaze locked onto his, her eyes blazing with fury.

Marco Valenti , I should have known you'd try something foolish like this.

Lyrien stepped forward, a smug smile on his face.

It seems we have a bonus prize tonight, Ruby. 

The warrior who seeks to stop you.

Leo stood silent, his eyes fixed on Marco. 

Nobody noticed Kila, still hidden by her illusion spell. 

She seized the momentary distraction to grab both artifacts and make a run for it.

Ruby's eyes, fixed on Marco, widened in rage when she realized her prizes were missing.

What the hell happened?! she yelled, her voice echoing through the vault.

In that brief moment of panic, Marco saw his chance.

 He twisted his wrist, breaking free from Ruby's grasp.

Then he ran for his life, dashing towards the vault door.

Lyrien shouted, summoning his guards.

Stop him! Stop them both!

Leo finally spoke up, his voice low and menacing.

I'll take care of Marco , You handle the girl.

Marco burst through the door, slamming it shut behind him. 

He leaned against it, panting heavily.

Kila! Where are you?

Kila appeared beside him, a smug smile on her face.

I knew it would work, Using you as a distraction was genius.

 The illusion spell can't affect people with strong magical energy, which is why Ruby sensed you.

Marco's jaw dropped.

You used me as bait?!

Kila laughed.

I had a backup backup plan, Marco. 

Don't worry, you were never in real danger.

Marco shook his head, a hint of amusement on his face.

Very funny ,and very mature.

Suddenly, guards shouted nearby, searching for Kila. 

Leo's voice echoed through the halls, calling out Marco's name.

We need to go, now , Marco said urgently.

Kila nodded, holding up the artifacts.

Follow me.

She led him through winding corridors, avoiding guards and traps. 

They finally reached the secret door leading back to the streets of Tenebrous.

As they emerged into the night air, Marco felt a surge of relief.

We did it, We actually did it.

Kila smiled, handing him the Heart of the Sun God and the Trident of the Sea god .

Now we return to the Ancient One and prepare for the next trial.

Now you return to that old grey man and prepare for the trial, Kila corrected him.

Marco looked at her, concerned.

Aren't you coming with me? 

The guards will be looking for you.

Kila smiled confidently.

I can take care of myself. 

I'm Mystic, remember? 

I can handle a few guards , You... you need to prepare for your trial and defeat Ruby. 

Do it for all the innocent lives she took...

Her voice trailed off, a hint of sadness in her eyes. 

Marco knew she was talking of her sister.

Marco hugged Kila tightly, gratitude and friendship in his heart.

Thank you Kila , For everything.

Kila smiled softly.

Go save the world, Marco.

The door behind her swung open, revealing the Mountain path. 

Marco stepped through, finding himself back at the Ancient One's chamber.

The Ancient One awaited him, wise eyes twinkling.

The artifacts? You retrieved them?

Marco nodded, still feeling Kila's presence in his heart.

Yes. Kila helped me.

That good , that all good.

The Ancient One's eyes gleamed with excitement as he took the artifacts from Marco.

Finally, the time has come. 

The Crest of the Gods shall be reborn.

He placed the Tear of the Moon goddess, the Heart of the Sun god, and the Trident of the Sea god on an ancient pedestal.

 The artifacts began to glow, their energies merging into a brilliant light.

The light coalesced into a shimmering crest – the Crest of the gods. 

It rose into the air, hovering above Marco's hand.

As he touched the crest, a searing pain shot through his skin. 

A new scar formed on his palm, the Crest of the Gods now a permanent mark.

The Ancient One smiled.

You are now ready for your next trial, Marco Valenti. The Trial of Wisdom.