Chereads / World End: Lost Bonds / Chapter 17 - Labyrinth of Elements 2

Chapter 17 - Labyrinth of Elements 2

"Eldric.. how long does it took to get there?" Aria whining to Eldric while leaning on the back side of the cart.

Eldric glanced back at Aria and reached for the map, unfolding it to show her their current location. "According to the map, we are currently here," he pointed to a marked spot, "and the Labyrinth of Elements is approximately three days' journey from here."

Aria sighed, feeling a mix of anticipation and weariness. "Three days... It seems like a long journey ahead. But I suppose it's necessary to reach such a place."

As Eldric and Aria ventured on their journey to the Labyrinth of Elements, they traversed through a variety of captivating landscapes, each with its own unique charm and perils.

On the first day of their journey, they found themselves amidst a dense and enchanting forest. Towering trees reached towards the sky, their branches intertwined to create a natural canopy that filtered sunlight, casting a gentle glow upon the forest floor.

The air was filled with the sweet scent of moss and earth, and the sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds created a soothing symphony. However, within the tranquility of the forest, they encountered mischievous forest sprites.

The sprites of the forest come in different shapes and sizes, each with half humanoid half bug features. Four arms, six arms, of all shapes and sizes of sprites lived there, they ecountered a group of small sprites.

These small, playful creatures sought to divert them from their path, leading them deeper into the heart of the forest. Eldric and Aria had to navigate through the sprites' tricks and illusions.

At night, they rest with a burning incense, as well as a protective spell from Aria, that would kept the monsters away

Continuing their journey, they ventured into a vast expanse of rolling meadows and blooming wildflowers. The meadows seemed to stretch endlessly, with gentle breezes carrying the fragrance of blossoms that danced in the wind.

The plains was beautiful. It was a picturesque sight, a tranquil respite from the challenges they had faced. They traversed the land carefully, as danger looms just around the corner.

As they ventured further, days passed. The landscape transformed into a rugged and treacherous mountain range. Jagged cliffs loomed overhead, their peaks touching the clouds.

The air grew colder, and gusts of wind howled through narrow crevices. Scaling the steep slopes and traversing precarious paths. They encountered a group of mountain wolves, maybe five or six, These are fierce and territorial creatures that guarded their territory.

With calculated strikes and timely healing spells, they subdued the wolves and continued their ascent, undeterred by the harsh conditions.

Finally, as they reached the summit of the mountain, they were greeted by a breathtaking panorama. The world stretched out before them, a vast tapestry of forests, meadows, and distant horizons.

The waterfall, which they had been seeking, cascaded down the mountainside in a dazzling display of power and beauty. Its waters glistened under the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that drew their gaze. The sound of the rushing water reached their ears, a soothing melody that harmonized with the tranquil atmosphere of the mountain.

As they marveled at the sight, a gentle mist enveloped them, carried by the cool breeze that danced through the air. The mist seemed to hold a mysterious allure, as if beckoning them to follow its ethereal path. Eldric and Aria exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. They knew that their destination, the entrance to the Labyrinth of Elements, awaited them beyond the waterfall's veil.

The path led them through rocky terrain, their footsteps echoing in harmony with the distant rumble of the waterfall. As they drew nearer, the air grew heavy with moisture, and the ground became damp underfoot.

Finally, they stood at the base of the waterfall, its thunderous roar enveloping them in its embrace. The sheer force of the water created a misty curtain that obscured the entrance to the cave behind it. Eldric and Aria could feel the raw energy emanating from within, a pulsating presence that beckoned them to step forward.

Taking a deep breath, Eldric stepped closer to the waterfall and went inside the waterfall. Inside he raised his hand, He summoned a flickering flame to life, illuminating the darkness that lay beyond. With a steady hand, he held the torch high, allowing its light to penetrate the mist and reveal an entrance inside the labyrinth.

The entrance is locked. They search around for clues, but came out empty.

Aria wondered around, and finally came up with an idea.

"The Labyrinth of Elements, THATS IT!. We need all 4 elements present to open the door. We have the waterfall, the cave, the flowing wind, we're missing the fire." Aria told the Eldric his revelation.

The missing element, fire, was the key they needed to unlock the entrance to the Labyrinth of Elements. He glanced around the entrance, taking in the surroundings with newfound purpose.

His gaze fell upon the standing pillars that encircled the entrance. They stood tall and sturdy, their surfaces weathered by time and the elements. Eldric's mind raced with possibilities as he considered how they could incorporate fire into the equation.

Atop each pillar, they discovered a mound of charcoal-like substance. Realizing its significance, they gathered pieces of wood and carefully placed them on the top of every pillar, forming a neat stack. With a flickering flame, they set the wood ablaze, igniting a mesmerizing fire that danced and crackled.

As the flames illuminated the pillars and the air became charged with the elemental energies, a low rumbling sound reverberated through the chamber. Aria and Eldric watched in awe as the once-sealed entrance to the Labyrinth of Elements slowly began to creak open, revealing a mysterious passageway beyond.