The mysterious appearance hovered over Zara and Elias, causing the room to quiver. Its voice echoed with an otherworldly force, booming.
"I am the Keeper of Secrets, the defender of the truth in the Nexus. Its wisdom can only be claimed by the deserving.
With his sword gleaming dimly in the low light, Elias took a step forward. "We wish to avoid hurting you. We are here to provide answers.
The Keeper's icy, piercing laugh reverberated around the room. "Mortal, answers have a cost. Show your determination, or let the secrets you seek overwhelm you.
The Problem
The shadows surrounding the Keeper's uplifted arm twisted into enormous tentacles that swung out at them. Elias escaped the initial blow, just avoiding a sharp fragment of rock that splintered where he had been standing.
"Remain back, Zara!" he yelled.
Zara, however, felt the pendant draw her closer, its light becoming brighter with each stride. "No, Elias. I also have to deal with this.
The Keeper's tendrils moved to obstruct he
