The sky in the war dimension grew darker. The clash of swords, the screams of trapped souls, and bursts of metaphysical energy echoed from every direction. Yet amidst the chaos, Zara stood with unwavering resolve, flanked by Ayla and several other dimensional guardians who had sworn to protect the balance of the worlds.
"To find the Soul Relic," Ayla said as she walked slowly beside Zara, "you must retrace the path of your own soul's energy. It's hidden in memories, in trauma, in the emptiness you once felt. The relic isn't out there, Zara. It's within you."
Zara frowned. "You mean… I have to face all my memories?"
Ayla looked at her with eyes full of sympathy. "Yes. And not all memories will be calm. Some you've forgotten because you wanted to forget. But the Soul Relic will only appear when everything hidden in your heart is brought to light."
They arrived at a large stone that emitted a purple glow. Ayla placed her hand on the stone. A strange vibration buzzed through the air.
"Touch this stone, and it will take you to the 'Mirror of the Soul'. From there, you'll see what's been hidden," Ayla explained.
Zara swallowed hard. Her hand trembled slightly, but she gathered her courage and reached out to touch the stone.
ZAP!
Everything turned white. When Zara opened her eyes, she found herself in a small room. The walls were covered with old photos, and the atmosphere… felt all too familiar. Her heart instantly grew heavy.
It was her old room. When she was ten.
In the middle of the room sat a small child, staring blankly. Her face was full of sadness. Her eyes were swollen, her cheeks red as if she had just cried.
"That's… me?" Zara whispered.
Ayla's soft voice echoed from an unseen dimension. "Yes. This is an old wound that never healed. You need to speak to her. Face that pain."
Zara stepped slowly toward her younger self. The child looked at her, timid and afraid. Her face looked like it might break into tears again.
"I know you feel like everyone left you… like you're empty… like no one understands…" Zara's voice cracked, "But you're strong. You survived. And now I, your future self, have discovered who we truly are."
The child began to cry but then stood up and embraced Zara. In that hug, Zara felt a burst of light from within her. The walls of the room shattered, and a glowing orb of light floated toward her—the Soul Relic.
It was small, but pulsed with extraordinary energy. As Zara touched it, she felt her body pulled back into the war dimension—only now, she was no longer the same person.
Ayla smiled in satisfaction. "You did it. You've found the Soul Relic."
Zara held the relic tightly. It felt like a part of her very soul.
But before Ayla could say more, the sky darkened suddenly. A storm wind appeared out of nowhere. And on the horizon, a colossal black figure emerged—its red eyes glowing like embers.
"Nyx…" Ayla whispered. "He knows you've found the relic. He's coming to stop you."
Zara clenched the Soul Relic tighter. "Let him come. I'm ready."