As they ventured deeper into the heart of the island, Aldric began to feel a strange pull, as if something was calling out to him. The sensation grew stronger with each step, and he found himself walking ahead of Elysia and Thane, drawn towards an unseen destination.
"Elysia, Thane, I need to follow this," he said, his voice tinged with urgency. "Something is calling me."
Elysia looked concerned but nodded. "We'll be right behind you."
Aldric followed the pull, his surroundings blurring as he focused on the sensation. It led him to a small clearing, where a large, ancient tree stood at the center. Its bark was a shimmering silver, and its leaves glowed with a soft, ethereal light.
He approached the tree, placing a hand on its trunk. The moment he touched it, a wave of energy surged through him, and his vision blurred. He felt himself being transported, his surroundings shifting into a landscape of light and shadow.
Aldric found himself standing in a vast, open space, surrounded by swirling mists. In the distance, he saw a figure—tall, regal, and cloaked in light. The figure approached, and as it drew nearer, Aldric realized it was a vision of an ancient mage.
"Who are you?" Aldric asked, his voice echoing in the void.
The figure spoke, its voice a harmonious blend of many. "I am Alarion, guardian of the Eternal Echo. You, Aldric, are the one foretold in the prophecy. You possess the power to either save or doom our world."
Aldric felt a surge of fear. "But I don't know how to control this power. How can I save Thaloria?"
Alarion raised a hand, and a beam of light shot towards Aldric, enveloping him in warmth. "The power within you is a gift, but it must be tempered with wisdom and courage. You must trust in yourself and in those who stand beside you. The journey ahead will be fraught with trials, but you are not alone."
The light began to fade, and Aldric felt himself being pulled back to reality. "Wait! How do I find the Eternal Echo?" he called out.
Alarion's voice echoed as the vision dissolved. "Seek the heart of Elaris. There you will find the first key."
Aldric blinked, finding himself back in the clearing, his hand still on the tree. Elysia and Thane stood nearby, watching him with concern.
"Aldric, are you alright?" Elysia asked, stepping forward.
He nodded, feeling a sense of clarity. "I had a vision. An ancient mage named Alarion spoke to me. We need to find the heart of Elaris. It's the first key to finding the Eternal Echo."
Thane's eyes widened in recognition. "Alarion... He was one of the greatest mages of the ancient world. If he has guided you, then we are on the right path."
Elysia placed a reassuring hand on Aldric's shoulder. "Then let's find the heart of this island. Together."
Aldric felt a renewed sense of purpose. The journey ahead was uncertain, but he knew now that he was not alone. With Elysia and Thane by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges awaited them and uncover the secrets of the Eternal Echo.