Lanta sighed, feeling the weight of centuries on her shoulders. Karyan, still recovering, looked at her with eyes filled with curiosity, uncertainty.
The forest seemed to hold its breath as they stood in a moment of truth.
"I need you, Karyan," Lanta admitted, her ancient voice softer now. "But the power I offer comes with a heavy price."
Karyan, puzzled, questioned, "What do you mean?"
Lanta explained, "To inherit my abilities, you must become the guardian of this enchanted realm. You'll carry the burden of maintaining its balance and protecting its secrets."
Karyan hesitated but then nodded, realizing the gravity of his choice. "I'll accept it, Lanta. I want to make amends and embrace this responsibility."
"You will have to leave the human world forever, can no longer interfere as well."
"As for that…I still owe some people something and I still need to end Mateo's life, Lanta."
"So not now?"
"Give me some time…my body is stronger, older and more capable of doing things. I'm not in a child's body anymore, this time…I could…"
"Karyan, do you understand why I allowed your revenge in the first place?"
"Because of Anaksu?"
"Yes. Anaksu sacrificed himself to help you achieve this, don't disappoint him."
Karyan closed his eyes and clenched his fists, "I have my way of doing things, all thanks to that amazing snake…"
"And Sera, she suffered a lot because of you…"
"Sera survived?!" He leaned closer, in shock.
"Yes, and she helped that weird woman to look after you, repay her."
"It will be my pleasure," a small smile formed on his lips, he felt relieved.
"I will give half of it to you now, like we did the last time. We don't know how your body will take it."
"And the rest of the magic?"
"Once your revenge is over, you will get the rest of your powers."
"But how can I-"
"Nah-ah, this will be all."
"Understood."
As Lanta began the mystical transfer, the forest whispered its approval.
The colors of the sky intensified, and the green energy enveloped Karyan.
He felt the pulse of the ancient magic, connecting him to the very essence of the forest.
With the power now coursing through him, Karyan's red eyes gazed upon the rightful golden serpent, a mystical transformation took place.
The crimson hue of his eyes began to shift, fading away like the setting sun, yielding to a brilliant, radiant gold.
His gaze now held the wisdom and power of ancient serpents, to his rightful place among them.
Karyan's long, unkempt black hair underwent a profound metamorphosis.
The inky strands were infused with an ethereal energy, transmuting into a lustrous dark green that seemed to shimmer with a life force of its own.
Each tress now bore the essence of the verdant forests, it was like a true symbol of his deep connection to the natural world.
To complete his transformation, a robe materialized to enshroud his form. Woven from threads spun from the very fabric of magic, the robe cascaded around him, its color a harmonious blend of earthy greens and resplendent golds.
It draped him in an aura of ancient majesty, proclaiming his new status as the rightful guardian of the serpents.
As Karyan stood before the golden serpent, he was no longer the same. He had embraced his destiny, and the world bore witness to his metamorphosis, "finally…"
Lanta smiled. "You carry the legacy well, Karyan. May you be the guardian this realm needs."
As Karyan accepted his new role, the forest filled with a joyful song, marking the coming together of an old era and the rise of a new guardian.
Lanta's smile widened as she witnessed Karyan's resolve. "The balance of nature is now partly in your hands."
Karyan nodded, "I will not fail this realm or its creatures. I will protect them with everything I have."
The golden serpent, witness to the pact, slithered forward, its scales shimmering with the same energy that now coursed through Karyan.
It coiled around his arm, his new bond with the forest and its magic was present.
"You are one of us now," Lanta spoke, her voice echoing the whispers of the trees. "One with the forest, its spirit, and its ancient lineage."
"I will start by making things right with Sera and ending the threat Mateo poses. Then, I will return, ready to fully embrace my duty as guardian."
Lanta nodded, "The path is set, and your journey is clear. Go now, Karyan, and let your actions reflect the honor of your new title."
"Karyan, open your eyes now."
"Aaaah!" His eyes opened, forced to looked at the ceiling, "whe-where am I?" He gasped.