A gloved hand gripped a protruding rock tightly as its owner used it to pull herself up. Taking a second to catch her breath, keen eyes scanned the structure in front of her, taking note of the intricate details that covered every inch of its stone walls.

"This…this is it?" one of her companions asked as they followed her shortly from behind.

Emerald Sustrai nodded her head, walking forward with purpose. It took all of her self control not to break into a sprint. Reaching the front of the structure, she examined the circular symbol engraved on it.

"Sunseva," she breathed out, a shudder rolling down her spine. A weight dropped on her like the full implications of what she was about to do only now were made clear in her mind.

"Too late to turn back now"

The place looked abandoned, just as expected from the research they had done. But still, it was better to be safe than sorry. She snapped her fingers and her companions immediately drew their weapons and stood on guard. Letting go of the breath she had been holding, she reached forward. Placing her hand on the engraving, she closed her eyes and let the familiar thrum of magic flow through her veins.

Her companions gasped, and she opened her eyes to see the engraving come alive, its details twisting and turning as the loud sound of a gate being opened made itself known.

The structure - a temple, opened its doors to the first visitors it had in years. Emerald felt her pulse quicken as she carefully stepped past the entranceway. Her crimson eyes took note of her surroundings, ensuring no harm was coming their way. Her companions followed steadily, drawing their weapons and walking quietly, as quietly as they could. Their steps still echoed through the structure, each one feeling like the ticking of a clock to Emerald.

Not once did she let her guard down, every little sound, each pebble that tumbled down cracked stone, had her tense. You did not do anything half measure, that was how you got killed.

A feeling took over her as she strode, "There, that had to be it". She guided her companions through the temple, following the feeling as it hummed and took a hold of her every step. All the while she kept her guard up. Stepping over a stone formation, she scanned what came ahead and saw her prize sitting on a pedestal.

Adrenaline coursed through her veins as she quickened her pace, slowing down as she neared it. Looking side to side, she decided to experiment. Picking up a stone, she tossed it towards the object. She watched it as it clattered to the ground, the sound echoing through the chamber. And…nothing. No traps, nothing from the object itself. Whoever left it here didn't set anything up for future visitors. Lucky for them. Even still she kept her guard up as she approached the long, slender object. Brushing aside dust and cobwebs, she grasped her prize in her hand. Her companions kept silent, they too entranced by the object.

"This was it, the way forward, to take back what was lost."

Beside her, Lilac whispered in a raspy voice. "Wha…what now?" Emerald shook herself from her stupor and gazed upon her companions, her smile all teeth.

"Now, we seek the others." She paused as though ruminating. "Know this, I will not let anyone stand in our way. I trust you all to do the same." Those around her nodded feverously, their loyalty was unquestionable.

"One rests in the hands of the Spared Knight, one more belongs to Atlas's High Commander, the whereabouts of the last one remains a mystery." She paused again before continuing. "But if my hunch is correct…" She chuckled dangerously. Snapping her fingers to signal her companions, she turned back the way they came.

Emerald Sustrai, the Fall Maiden, left the temple of Sunseva with the Relic of Creation clutched tightly in her hands.