Chapter 103: A Close Rift

Words : 1010 Updated : Oct 4th, 2025

Chapter 103: A Close RiftThe sky was overcast by the time Inigo and Lyra left the Guildhall. What began as a steady wind had turned into a biting gale, tugging at the hems of their cloaks and whispering through the narrow streets of Elandra. The city felt different now—less celebratory than it had been the night before. After weeks of peace, the sudden assignment carried a familiar tension. They walked side by side through the western gate, passing sentries who gave short nods of respect. News traveled fast in Elandra. The moment word spread that another rift had opened—and so close, no less—there wasn’t time for hesitation. Lyra glanced over as they passed a bakery. "Still think that pastry was worth it?" "Honestly?" Inigo adjusted his pack. "Might be the last one I get for a while. So yes." The road to Windspire was dry, but the air felt wrong—like the wind was pressing down, not just sweeping past. A lingering pressure, almost unnatural, settled over the landscape as they moved into the open hills. They were nearing familiar ground. The cliffs, jagged and steep, loomed in the distance like the edge of a blade. This place had already been the site of violence. Now it was becoming something worse. They arrived at the first overlook just before midday. The same broken tower they had used for observation months ago still stood, though more eroded than before. They climbed it in silence, the crunch of gravel and wind the only sound between them. At the top, Inigo pulled out his scope. Lyra leaned her elbows on the edge of the stonework. "You see it?" He adjusted the scope, then tensed. "Yeah. It’s there." Down below, nestled between two ridges of the cliffs where wyverns had once roosted, a glowing fissure pulsed in the rock. Faint purple light bled out from the cracks, swirling like vapor. No wyverns this time. No nests. Just the rift. Wide open. Rift! "We can now confirm back to the guild that a rift appeared in Windspire," Lyra said. "In a place where we hunted down wyverns." "I know, to think that one would appear near Elandra. Well, at least we won’t have to travel hundreds of miles anymore. We have to inform Guildmaster Thorne about this and regroup with Arienne and Korrik." Lyra gave a short nod, already turning to descend the broken tower steps. "Let’s not waste time. Every hour that rift stays open is a risk." The wind howled louder now, like it had picked up on their urgency. Inigo adjusted his coat and followed, boots crunching against the loose stone as they made their way down. The sky had begun to gray, heavy clouds rolling in from the west—ominous, but fitting. The road back to Elandra was familiar, but their pace was different this time—quicker, tighter. No time for idle talk, no time for distractions. They moved with purpose, cutting across the hills and valleys like the trail was already mapped in muscle memory. By the time the outer walls of the city came into view, the sun had nearly dipped beneath the horizon. Lanterns lit the streets with a warm, amber glow. The guards at the west gate recognized them instantly, waving them through without question. Inigo offered only a curt nod as they passed, Lyra trailing beside him with her hood now drawn up against the wind. They crossed into the main square and turned toward the Guildhall, pushing through the heavy front doors just as the bell tower rang once to signal the arrival of dusk. Inside, the Guildhall was busy—but not chaotic. Adventurers spoke in low voices over bowls of stew and mugs of ale, while the staff moved between tables and posted new assignments along the eastern wall. Elise stood behind the central desk, scanning a parchment with a furrowed brow. She looked up as they approached. "You’re back quick," she said, eyes narrowing. "That’s either a good sign, or a bad one." Inigo didn’t waste time. He reached into his coat and pulled out a folded map, laying it flat on the counter. "We found the source. Rift’s active." "That’s bad." Elise didn’t hesitate. She turned, signaling to one of the runners stationed near the board. "Go upstairs. Tell the Guildmaster we need him. Immediately." The runner bolted up the steps. Elise returned her gaze to them. "This... it’s not good. A rift close to Elandra. "Not anymore," Inigo said quietly. Minutes later, the upper doors opened and Guildmaster Thorne descended the staircase with his usual silent authority. His coat was buttoned high, and his silver-streaked beard was sharper than usual. He walked straight to the desk, his gaze flicking briefly to the open map. "You confirmed it?" he asked. Lyra gave a crisp nod. "Yes. It’s stable. Unnatural. A clean tear like Hollowmere—but no decay yet." Thorne stared at the markings on the map for a long moment. Then he looked up. "Where are the others?" Inigo straightened. "Arienne’s still recovering in the city. Korrik should be at the barracks." Thorne turned to Elise. "Send for them. They’ll want to hear this." The runner was dispatched again. Inigo and Lyra stepped aside while the Guildmaster reviewed the report in full, murmuring with Elise about containment procedures and possible magical interference. Within ten minutes, the doors opened again—this time revealing Arienne and Korrik. Arienne looked like she’d been pulled straight from bed, but alert as ever, her coat thrown over her shoulders and tracefinder already in hand. Korrik, on the other hand, looked like he’d been in the middle of dinner. He was still chewing something as he walked in. "What’s the panic?" Inigo gave them both a nod. "We’ve got a new rift. Windspire Cliffs." Arienne’s expression turned serious immediately. "So, it’s true then." "You four will go in, and then hope that it won’t be a cavern like before," Thorne said. "We hope so," Inigo replied. "I do want to see the Demon King myself." "Okay, you four will depart immediately," Thorne said.

Chapter 103: A Close Rift

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