The cold, stagnant air of the cavern clung to Ethan's skin as he turned away from the gutted pedestal. With the secret of the matrix laid bare, there was nothing left to do but ascend.
"Let's get out of here, Crul. This place feels more like a grave than a temple," said Ethan.
[The energy serpent is fading, Master. We should move quickly. The atmospheric stability of these lower tunnels is tied to the matrix's pulse. As it weakens, the structural integrity of the rock may shift,] Crul said.
Ethan began his climb, following the faint, red-gold shimmer of the residual energy. However, as he entered the first cluster of intersecting tunnels, a sharp crack echoed through the silence, followed by the heavy thud of a falling boulder somewhere in the darkness behind him.
Ethan froze, his amethyst eyes scanning the shadows.
"Did you pick that up?" said Ethan.
[Vibration detected. It sounded like a structural failure in the western gallery. Proceed with caution,] Crul said.
