[treasure] Treasure Hunting - Ch 1

The fog still floated over the ancient gorge, as if holding the Sanctuary captive in its silent cover. The day, filled with anticipation and a light breeze, flowed slowly and leisurely, carried only by the quiet sounds of nature. But beneath this seeming peace lurked an ancient mystery, a ruin hidden at the foot of the cliffs, beckoning few daredevils.

Karmster walked along the narrow path leading to the remnants of civilization, her white hair waving in the breeze and her blue-purple horns shimmering in the light of the dawn sun. Her pink eyes were full of determination and excitement, and despite the slight chill of fear that hung around her, Karmster smiled, baring her sharp fangs. She had heard many legends about this place. The people who inhabited the planet long before the Symprites had left it, leaving behind strange structures hiding mysteries and possibly valuable artifacts. No one knew exactly what these ruins hid, but rumors ranged from incredible treasures to miraculous reality-altering devices.

As they made their way down to the gate, Karmster clawed at protrusions and bushes to keep from slipping. Moss and creepers densely covered the metal plates that locked the entrance, and beneath them she could see mysterious symbols carved once long ago and almost obscured by time. As she gazed into them, Karmster could feel the trepidation growing. These signs were like a bridge linking her to a long forgotten past.

She slowly ran her paw over the cold metal and suddenly noticed that one of the symbols glistened differently, as if it were important. Looking it over carefully, symprite began to sense that there was some system here, some hidden meaning, perhaps even an indication. She pressed the symbol, and it moved slightly. The mechanism worked, and with a creak, the door began to open, revealing a passage into the depths of the Keep. The darkness inside seemed thick and impenetrable, but Karmster knew it was too late to retreat.

Once inside, she found herself in a huge hall with a high vaulted ceiling and walls covered with ancient bas-reliefs. The images on the walls told a strange story: the people who once ruled on Capricorn-13 were leaving this world, leaving behind technological marvels and eerie secrets. Some of the images depicted symprit-like animals that the humans seemed to have interacted with. Karmster felt a strange oneness with this place - it was as if the ancient symbols on the walls drew her in, telling her of lost time, linking her to civilizations long gone.

Quietly, symprite approached the center of the hall, where a massive chest glimmered in the faint light. Its lid was covered with patterns and ancient locks. She looked it over cautiously at first, trying to figure out how the locks could be opened. Suddenly, she thought she saw one of the bas-reliefs glow slightly - very faintly, but it was enough to get her attention. As she got closer, Karmster noticed that the light was coming from a small indentation that looked like a handprint.

With a sinking heart, she placed her clawed paw against the indentation, and suddenly the mechanism inside the chest rumbled. With a heavy rattle, the locks began to open. She took a step back, keeping her eyes on the chest. The lid slowly lifted, and a light whisper came from within, as if the ancient spirits were greeting her, recognizing her courage and fortitude.

Inside were artifacts that would have amazed any sympathizer: small devices, strange glowing crystals, books written in a language creature had never seen but that sent shivers down her spine at the mere sight of. Some of the objects looked almost new, as if they had been left here only yesterday. But one object stood out among the rest-a small amulet, shaped like a circle, with a blue crystal in the middle. Karmster took it gingerly in her hands, and felt a warmth and calmness envelope her, as if the amulet had been designed to be her protector.

She glanced back - subtle footsteps could be heard from somewhere in the back of the hall. Karmster tensed, clutching the artifact in her hand, ready for any surprise. Perhaps she wasn't here alone, or worse, had awakened something that had long slept within these walls.

But instead, only a slight rustle came to her ear, like a greeting from a long-dead civilization.