As they approached the camp, Jacob heard the sound of weapons being unsheathed and prepared for battle. He quickened his pace, despite Lila's warnings to be careful. Upon entering the camp, Jacob saw a group of armed men and women, dressed in black armor, surrounding a large stone pedestal. On top of the pedestal lay the Prodigon Stone and the Nexus Crystal, glowing brightly in the sunlight. One of the armed men stepped forward, blocking Jacob's path. "Halt! Who goes there?" he demanded. Jacob recognized the man's voice. It was one of Ethan's comrades, Marcus. "Marcus, it's me, Jacob. I've come for the stones," he replied, feeling the surge of energy, signifying the presence of the stone since it had special connections to him, he approached Marcus - his hand on the hilt of his sword that he stole at the campbase earlier. Marcus narrowed his eyes, suspicious. "Jacob? Is that really you? What business do you have with the stones?" Jacob hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I need them to stop the Archon. They're the key to defeating them," he said, hoping that would be enough to convince Marcus. But Marcus seemed unconvinced. "The Archon? You mean the thing that's fucked you and your friends up? I don't think you're capable of stopping him, Jacob. Not in your condition," he said, glancing at Jacob's empty eye sockets. Jacob felt a surge of anger at Marcus's words, but he knew he couldn't let it consume him. He took a deep breath and tried to reason with Marcus. "I understand your doubts, but I have a plan. With the power of the stones, I can create a weapon strong enough to defeat the Archon. Please, Marcus, I beg of you. Trust me," he pleaded. Marcus looked at Jacob skeptically, then glanced at the others. They seemed divided, some wanting to give Jacob the benefit of the doubt, while others were adamantly against it. Just as it seemed like Marcus was about to make a decision, a loud commotion erupted outside the camp. The ground shook beneath their feet as a massive creature emerged from the trees, its scales glinting in the sunlight. "It's the Archon!" someone shouted, panic in their voice. Jacob's heart raced as he realized his worst fears had come true. The Archon had found them.
As the camp erupted into chaos, Jacob sprinted toward Ethan. "We can't fight the Archon directly," he shouted over the din. "Evacuate the camp immediately!"Ethan nodded grimly and began organizing a retreat. Jacob then spun and pushed his way through the panicking crowds toward the stone pedestal. He could feel the artifacts' power calling to him - with them, he stood a chance. But as he reached out, a hand grasped his arm. "Jacob, it's too dangerous!" cried Lila. He tried to wrench free. "I need the stones! They're our only hope!" Lila held fast. "You're in no shape for battle. Now come on, before the Archon -"Her words were cut off by an unearthly roar. The Archon had arrived. Lila yanked Jacob away just as a massive claw smashed down where he'd stood. In the madness of retreat, Jacob lost track of Lila. When next he got his bearings, the camp was emptying, the pedestal deserted. Rage and despair washed over him. Without the stones, all was lost. He wheeled on Lila as she rejoined him. Jacob paced agitatedly as the remnants of the camp fled into the night. "Why did you stop me, Lila?" he demanded. "I had a plan - with the stones' power we could have defeated the Archon!" Lila met his glare with calm resolve. "You're still injured, Jacob. Rushing into battle half-blind would have meant certain death. Preserving your life secures our future against the Archon." He opened his mouth to protest but Ethan intervened. "She's right. Losing you or the stones is a blow we can't afford right now. We live to fight another day." Jacob sighed, shoulders slumping in frustration. Lila laid a gentle hand on his arm. "I know you want vengeance, but you must heal and regain your strength first. Then, when the time is right, we'll retrieve the stones together.", Jacob shook his head in disbelief, "No... This is your fault!" he snarled. "Because of you, the Archon now wields unstoppable power!" Lila flinched but held her ground. "I was protecting you, Jacob. We'll find another -" "No!" Jacob cut her off. "It's over. We've lost...because of you."
The remnants of the resistance packed into a hover carriage that would carry them to safety. Jacob sat stiffly, still simmering with anger and grief. As the plains rolled by below, he suddenly exploded. "Have you ever experienced what it's like?" he rounded on Lila and Ethan beside him. "Being trapped in a cellar for months with no hope of escape?" His friends met his gaze steadily, letting him vent his trauma without interruption. "My friends were all so valuable to me," Jacob's voice cracked. "And I was a worthless fuck, unable to help them in their final hours!" Hot tears rolled down his scarred cheeks, but he was past caring. "That battle was my chance, my only ticket to rewinding time and making things right. But you stopped me!"Lila reached for his hand but he yanked it away. "Their last words...they called me worthless. But I'm trying to prove them wrong, trying to find purpose!" His fists clenched in impotent anger and grief. "I must get the stones back - it's the only way to bring my friends' souls to rest. Why don't you understand?" Several tense breaths passed before Ethan spoke gently. "Reckless vengeance helps no one, my brother. But we will find a way to honor your friends' memories while keeping you from harm." Jacob gave a hollow laugh. "Will we? Or will you stop me at every turn as you did today?" No answer came. For now, the questions hung heavy as the plain itself, clouding Jacob's future in uncertain misery.
The hover carriage continued travelling in silence for a long period of time. They were all deeply reflecting on the loss of Jacob and his torments. It seemed no words could adequately comfort the sorrow. Only with the passage of time would the hurt begin to fade. Afterwards, Lila spoke to Jacob in a gentle voice. "Your friends will always remain in your heart," she told him, guiding his hand to his chest. "Their hearts are now keeping you company, just as their spirits will." Ethan also offered words of solace. "We grieve alongside you and for you," he said. "But the grief will pass, leaving room for happier feelings once more.", "It's okay to be afraid, it's okay to cry, it's okay to hate yourself sometimes, we all have emotions." Slowly, with the kindness of his new friends, Jacob's expression of anger relaxed. When he spoke again, though his tone was still gruff, the rage had left him, though, he didn't say anything... The duo also became silent. The hover carriage raced on through the thickening gloom. None spoke for some time, each lost to their own tumults. After some while, Jacob broke the heavy silence. "We cannot run forever. The Archon's hunger will drive it to pursue us relentlessly." Lila nodded grimly. Deep down, she was relieved that Jacob's anger had calmed down. She turns to Jacob to respond: "Yet turning to face it now would be suicide. We must find another solution." Ethan gnawed his lip, thinking hard. Suddenly his eyes lit up. "Legend speaks of an ancient vault, hidden deep in the Mountains of Mûg. There powerful artifacts of magic are sealed away - ones with power to vanquish even the mightiest foes." Jacob stirred. "You think something there could stop the Archon?" "It's possible," said Ethan. "And our best chance, with the camp lost. But reaching the vault won't be easy - the mountains are filled with riddles for each passage.", this caught Jacob offguard, "Riddles?" he asked, Ethan nodded. "Yes, riddles... Those are celestial beings up there who ask questions, if you get it right, you can pass, but if you don't, they rip your two legs as they collect those, no one knows why.", Jacob's brow furrowed as he frowned, "We'd need to get smart then, but we don't have another way, don't we?" he asked Lila, to which she shook her head, Jacob frowned, but kept his composture, he sat right up "Alright... Are you all up for the quest?" Jacob and Lila shared a long look. At last Jacob turned to Ethan, resolve hardening his gaze once more. "Lead on. It's time this coward finds the courage of my friends." Jacob says, patting his chest playfully. Ethan smiled, hope rekindled by their daring. As one, they vowed to venture wherever the road might lead, and bring an end to the Archon's devastation at last.
The three companions journeyed onward, their determination strengthened by their shared goal. As they approached the towering Mountains of Mûg, a sense of unease settled over them. The peaks stretched towards the sky like jagged teeth, shrouded in mist and mystery. The air grew colder, and the wind howled ominously through the valleys. Ethan led the way, his knowledge of the ancient lore guiding them towards the entrance of the vault. They encountered several obstacles along the path, including treacherous terrain and dangerous creatures. However, with Jacob's combat prowess and Lila's agility, they managed to overcome these challenges. Finally, they arrived at the entrance of the first passage. It was guarded by a massive stone statue of a long-forgotten king, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. Ethan stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Greetings, travelers," boomed a voice from within the statue. "What brings you to the resting place of the ancients?" Ethan replied, "We come seeking the power to cut the strings of the puppet masters and forge our own destiny, one that threatens to entrap us all in its laid-out path. Our quest is noble, and our intentions pure. Grant us passage, oh celestial guardian." The statue remained silent for a moment, as if considering their request. Then, it spoke again. "Very well. You may enter, but first, you must answer my question. What is it that a man may see, yet not perceive?" Jacob and Lila exchanged puzzled glances. Ethan scratched his chin thoughtfully before answering. "The answer is 'his own death.' A man may witness his own demise in a vision or dream, yet he cannot truly perceive it, for he will not be alive to experience it." The statue's eyes dimmed, signaling approval. "Well done, travelers. You have proven yourselves worthy. Enter, and may the spirits of the Prodigon within guide you on your quest.", With a mighty rumble, the stone doors parted, allowing them access to the second passage. As they entered the second passage, they found themselves in a vast underground chamber filled with strange symbols and murals depicting the history of the world. The walls seemed to pulse with a soft blue light, illuminating the intricate carvings that told stories of creation and destruction. In the center of the room, a pedestal held a magnificent tome bound in black leather, adorned with silver etchings. The book radiated an intense energy, as if it contained the secrets of the universe within its pages. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, cloaked in darkness. Its presence was imposing, and the trio instinctively drew closer together, ready for battle. The figure revealed itself to be a hooded being, dressed in flowing robes that seemed to shift and change color like the stars in the night sky. It regarded them with an unnerving intensity, as if piercing through their souls. "Who dares wander into the resting place of the ancients?" the being asked in a voice both ethereal and commanding. Jacob stepped forward, hand on the hilt of his sword. "We seek the power to defeat a great fate that threatens our destiny. The Archon, a group of Nexus worshippers had done a great cleansing, executing a great multitude of people who dared to oppose and speak against the Nexus, we conspire to stop them and exterminate the Nexus, for the sake of our destiny and for the freedom of will and our story. We have heard that within these vaults lies an artifact capable of stopping it." The hooded being regarded them silently for a moment before speaking again. "Indeed, such an artifact exists. But it is guarded by a trial that will test your courage, wisdom, and strength. Are you willing to undertake this challenge?" Lila nodded eagerly, her determination evident. "We have come too far to turn back now. We accept the trial." The hooded being gestured toward the pedestal where the tome lay. "Then let the trial begin. The book contains three passwords, hidden within its pages. Each password will reveal a segment of the path leading to the artifact. You must work together to find the passwords, and each one will be tested in a different way. If you succeed, the path to the artifact will be revealed. But if you fail, the consequences will be dire." Without another word, the hooded being disappeared into the shadows, leaving the trio to face the challenge ahead. They looked at each other, knowing that their journey had reached a critical point. Together, they approached the pedestal and opened the tome, ready to embark on the trial that would determine their fate. As Jacob, Lila, and Ethan delved into the task of uncovering the passwords hidden within the cryptic book, they quickly realized the complexity of their mission. Each password was veiled within intricate verses and symbolic riddles, challenging their intellect and understanding of ancient texts. "The birth of the world," Jacob muttered, flipping through the book's pages. "It must be referring to the creation myth." Lila leaned over, studying the passages alongside him. "Look at this stanza. It speaks of elements converging. Perhaps it signifies the beginning of existence?" Ethan, engrossed in another section, interjected, "In many cultures, the birth of the world involves the coming together of primal forces. Let's search for references to elements or primordial entities." The trio meticulously combed through the verses, dissecting metaphors and unraveling symbolisms. Hours passed in a fervent exchange of ideas, debates, and shared revelations. "This line here," Jacob exclaimed, pointing at a particular stanza. "It's describing the collision of celestial bodies!" Lila's eyes widened in realization. "That could signify the creation of the universe, the birth of the cosmos!" Ethan nodded, his expression determined. "We're onto something. Let's focus on deciphering this sequence." Their collaborative efforts bore fruit, leading them to the first password: "In principio erat verbum" (In the beginning, there was the word). Encouraged by their success, they moved on to the next challenge—a prophecy foretelling the end of times. The enigmatic verses spoke of cataclysms, celestial alignments, and impending chaos. "It's a prophecy about cosmic upheaval," Ethan noted, drawing connections between astronomical events and apocalyptic scenarios. Lila furrowed her brows, contemplating the metaphors. "The gate of life... death being the gateway. It could mean a transformation, a transition." Jacob's eyes lit up as he deciphered a hidden message. "It's symbolic! Death leads to rebirth, the cycle of life!" After intense deliberation, they unraveled the second password: "Mors janua vitae" (Death is the gate of life). Their journey through the book's tales of love and sacrifice presented an emotional and intellectual challenge. Themes of selflessness, devotion, and profound sacrifices permeated the narrative. "This narrative is about sacrifice," Lila murmured softly, moved by the poignant tale. Jacob nodded, deeply engaged in deciphering the emotional nuances. "Love intertwined with sacrifice... there's a deeper message here." Ethan scrutinized the passages, connecting the story's underlying themes to their quest. "The sacrifice here embodies self-awareness, a profound understanding of oneself." Their concerted efforts paid off as they uncovered the third password: "Sola nosce te ipsum" (Know thyself). With the passwords in hand, they hurried back to the pedestal, hearts pounding with anticipation. As they inserted the passwords, the book's cover slid open, revealing a luminous crystal within its pages. However, their victory was short-lived as the chamber began to tremble. The hooded figure reappeared, imparting cryptic words about the crystal's significance before vanishing, leaving the trio to contemplate the impending challenges ahead. Determined and united, they departed from the second passage, prepared to confront whatever trials awaited them in their pursuit of the artifact. With newfound determination, they stepped into the unknown, their bond and resolve stronger than ever.
Jacob, Lila, and Ethan journeyed forth, their spirits fortified by their unity and newfound knowledge. As they traversed deeper into the Mountains of Mûg, the path grew increasingly treacherous. The landscape shifted from sprawling plains to steep slopes and jagged peaks. The trio encountered tests at every turn, with riddles and challenges appearing like guardians protecting the secrets of the vault. In their ascent, they faced the trials set by the celestial beings who guarded the passages. Each riddle posed a test of intellect and perception, and while the questions seemed cryptic, the trio's combined wisdom and diverse perspectives helped them unravel the enigmatic puzzles. Jacob, driven by a fervor for redemption and vengeance, tackled the challenges head-on with a newfound determination. Lila's intuition and empathy allowed her to perceive the deeper meanings behind the riddles, while Ethan's extensive knowledge and keen insight provided crucial guidance. As they neared the heart of the mountains, the trio encountered the final challenge—an imposing gate guarded by an ancient entity, its eyes shimmering with an ethereal light. "You seek the power sealed within this vault," the entity intoned, its voice echoing through the chamber. "But to gain entry, you must prove yourselves worthy. Answer this final question, and the path shall be revealed." The trio exchanged determined glances, bracing themselves for the ultimate test. "What is the key to unlocking destiny?" the entity's voice reverberated in the chamber. Jacob pondered the question deeply, recalling their journey, the trials they'd faced, and the significance of their quest. Lila closed her eyes, reflecting on the interconnectedness of choices and consequences. Ethan drew upon his understanding of ancient texts and myths, searching for a clue hidden within the question itself. Suddenly, Jacob's eyes gleamed with insight. "The key to unlocking destiny isn't a singular truth," he declared. "It's the choices we make, the paths we forge, and the courage to embrace our fate." The chamber trembled, and the gate began to shimmer with a faint, iridescent light. The entity's gaze softened, a hint of approval in its luminous eyes. "You have found wisdom in unity and understanding," it spoke, its voice resonating with a profound sense of recognition. "The path is open to you." With a majestic rumble, the gate swung open, revealing the vault's inner sanctum—a chamber bathed in an ethereal glow, filled with ancient relics and artifacts pulsating with latent power. Among these mystical treasures lay the artifact they sought—a crystalline structure shimmering with an otherworldly radiance, emitting a gentle hum that reverberated through the chamber. Ethan approached the artifact cautiously, a mix of awe and reverence coloring his expression. "This is it," he whispered, reaching out to grasp the artifact. As his fingers made contact, a surge of energy pulsed through the room, bathing the trio in a luminous aura. The artifact, a medallion-shaped golden object pulsating with energy responded to their presence, resonating with the essence of their united purpose and unwavering determination. It whispered promises of hope and possibilities, resonating with the potential to vanquish even the darkest of adversaries. "We've done it," Lila breathed, her voice filled with a mix of relief and triumph. Jacob's gaze lingered on the artifact, a sense of fulfillment washing over him. "This is just the beginning," he declared, a steely resolve in his eyes. "With this artifact, we will rewrite our fate and bring my friends back, the Archon won't be expecting this... And with this artifact, along with the Prodigon Stone and the Nexus Crystal, once we get them back, we can take down those Nexus bastards."
ВЫ ЧИТАЕТЕ
FATE (Volume 1)
ФэнтезиJacob, a high school student recently discovers his power to manipulate reality. This power throws him to a venture of strange places along with some friends whom he met along the way, but with this power comes a great sacrifice as he discovers abou...
