The Cathedral's chains swayed as if something unseen brushed them. The bells above gave off faint clicks, metal teeth grinding.
Kael's chest burned with every breath. The Key at his side felt heavier than before, like it didn't want to be used here. The system's words still rang in his head:
[Debt to Cathedral: Active] Further payment required.
Seren crouched by a column, hand pressed to the carvings. She scribbled on her scrap: We can't walk past. It won't let us.
Riven groaned. "So it's toll road rules now. Pay up or get eaten. Great." He fished in his pouch, shook the two tokens left like dice. "Guess this buys us, what, three steps? Four?"
Kael didn't answer. He touched the altar again. Cold. Hungry. The plate shimmered, waiting.
The system whispered:
Options: — 2 Tokens (doubled cost). — 1 Memory (unmarked). — 1 Name (permanent).
His gut twisted. Not name. Never name.
Seren scribbled fast, shoved it at him: Memory. Safer than name. Her hand shook as she underlined it.
Riven huffed. "Memory? What if it takes the good ones? I only have like two."
Kael rasped, "You sure… you want to keep both?"
Riven barked a laugh, but it was thin.
Kael pulled a thread of something from his chest — a memory of an old street, rain splashing against cobbles. He wasn't even sure if it was his or someone else's. It felt light enough to lose. He pressed it to the plate.
The altar drank it in silence. The bridge pushed further, stone grating out over the pit.
[Memory Accepted] Bridge extended. Echo +1 (Kael) Debt reduced, not cleared.
Kael staggered. His chest felt hollower.
Riven's grin faded. He stepped forward, put one of his tokens down hard on the plate. "Fine. Eat this too."
The plate flashed once. The bridge extended a little more — not enough to cross.
[Token Accepted] Debt reduced. Balance remains.
Riven cursed. "Figures. Greedy bastard."
The bells above trembled, louder now. The air grew thick.
Kael's Compass buzzed hot against his chest. The Key burned in his palm, as if warning him.
Seren scribbled: It wants more. Too much. She shoved the scrap at him, eyes fierce. We leave.
Kael hesitated. The bridge was half-built, the arch ahead glowing faint with promise. But the altar wasn't done. The system's next words cut cold:
Next demand: A name.
Kael's heart slammed. His own name burned in his chest. The Ledger waited, patient, eager.
Seren grabbed his arm, dragged him back. Riven was already moving, cursing under his breath, shadows clinging to his legs.
They ran, bridge crumbling behind them. The bells screamed without sound.
Then the gong tolled.
BOOOONG.
It shook the pillars, rattled the chains, pressed into Kael's skull.
The system whispered, cruel and calm:
[Trial Failed: The Silent Cathedral] Tag: In Debt — Ongoing. Interest will grow.
Kael gasped, throat raw. The word Hollow throbbed sharper than ever. The Cathedral had let them go. For now.
Riven spat on the stone. "One day, I'm burning this whole place down."
Seren shoved a scrap at him: You'll burn first.
He grinned weak, sweat dripping down his face. "Worth it."
Kael closed his hand around the scrap Seren had given him earlier: Name never. He pressed it to his chest.
The Cathedral wasn't finished with them. They'd failed it once. It would call again.
And next time, it would demand more.