by : BlackbeardtheBear
After a night filled with anxiety, Erik, Astra, and Largas eventually fell into a restless sleep, their minds too troubled for true rest. Despite their exhaustion, the unease lingered, gnawing at them even in their dreams.
Morning came, and Erik was roused by a soft knock at the door. He rose and opened it, finding one of Assel's servants standing there. The servant informed him that breakfast was ready and that they should eat before meeting with Assel.
The three gathered in the dining room, a space both luxurious and mysterious. The room's dim lighting, reflected off the chandelier, created shadows that danced across the walls. Every corner seemed to hold secrets, from the intricate artwork that adorned the walls to the elegant yet ominous decor.
As they sat down to eat, Erik broke the silence. "After breakfast, we should meet with Master Assel. She likely has a plan for us by now."
Astra and Largas nodded in agreement, though doubt still lingered in their eyes. Assel's power seemed far greater than they had anticipated, and they couldn't predict what she had in store for them.
After finishing their meal, they were led to Assel's study, a room filled with ancient books and powerful magical artifacts. Assel was seated at her desk, her gaze lifting as they entered, a smile playing on her lips.
"Erik, Astra, Largas," she greeted them one by one. "Today, we begin. I will take you to meet someone important who can aid you in this endeavor."
"Who might that be?" Erik asked, curiosity piqued.
Assel rose from her chair and glanced out the window. "My husband, Roman. He understands this situation well and has the influence to connect with the nobles who haven't yet fallen under Seraphil's control."
"Roman…" Erik murmured, suspicion creeping into his voice. "Why would he help us?"
Assel turned to face them, her eyes gleaming with secrets. "Roman is a devoted husband, but he doesn't help anyone without expecting something in return. You might have to offer him something of value."
Astra, who had been silently listening, finally spoke up. "Where do we find him?"
Assel smiled and motioned for them to follow. "Come with me. We'll use a warp gate here to travel to Roman's castle, which is located in the central tower of the continent."
They followed Assel to the basement, where an ancient warp gate stood. When Assel channeled her mana into the gate, it activated, emitting a soft blue glow that illuminated the intricate carvings on its surface.
"Are you ready?" Assel asked, her voice calm and steady.
Erik, Astra, and Largas nodded. Though they had no idea what awaited them on the other side of the warp gate, they knew this was their only path forward.
Upon stepping through the gate, they found themselves in an ancient castle bathed in a soft, warm light. The stained glass windows reflected the morning sun, casting colorful patterns across the floor. It was a stark contrast to the eerie mansion they had just left.
"Welcome to Roman's castle," Assel said with a smile. "Let's go find him."
As they started down the hallway, the sound of soft footsteps echoed, and a man with gray hair appeared, clad in white robes adorned with blue designs. Despite wearing a white blindfold, his regal aura was undeniable. In one hand, he held a black staff etched with white symbols.
"Assel…" the man spoke in a gentle voice, "it's been a while, my dear wife."
"Roman," Assel replied, her tone softening, "I have a favor to ask of you."
Astra and Largas exchanged glances, feeling both awe and unease. This man, undoubtedly the 8th Grand Magus, radiated an overwhelming mana that seemed to fill the entire castle.
Roman turned his gaze to the trio, assessing them with a sharp eye. "The Seraphil cult, isn't it? I'm already aware."
Astra, hesitant but determined, spoke up. "If you can help us, we'll offer you anything we have in return."
Roman's lips curled into a smile. "Princess… there's no need for that. If Assel wishes to help, so do I."
Astra felt a wave of relief but also a deep sense of unease. Roman was a man she couldn't easily read.
"Thank you," Astra whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Largas regarded Roman with a mix of respect and apprehension. While the man was undeniably charming and powerful, the enigma surrounding him made them all wary.
Roman led them to the castle's grand hall, decorated with intricate tapestries and a large altar at its center. The walls were adorned with ancient paintings depicting battles and victories from centuries past.
"Prepare yourselves," Roman said, turning to face them. "This is the Chamber of the Mind, where I will see if you're truly ready. Erik, you may step aside; you don't need to undergo this test."
Assel offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, this test isn't as difficult as it seems. But it will help Roman understand your abilities better."
"What do we need to do?" Largas asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"In this room, there will be only one light," Roman explained. "But within the surrounding darkness, you'll have to confront the fears, doubts, and shadows that dwell in your own hearts. If you can pass through it without losing yourself in the dark, it means you're ready."
Astra glanced at Largas, and in their eyes, they exchanged a silent determination, even as fear simmered beneath the surface.
"We're ready," Astra declared with resolve.
Roman nodded. "Good. Let's begin."
He raised his staff, and the altar began to emit a golden light. The glow gradually dimmed until only a single light floated in the center of the room, the surrounding space consumed by darkness. A faint breeze whispered through the air, as if beckoning them deeper into the recesses of their minds.
Astra and Largas stepped into the darkness, feeling as though they were falling into an abyss. As they looked around, illusions formed within the shadows, testing their courage and resolve.
Largas found himself surrounded by familiar yet haunting figures—villagers he once knew, now standing before him as lifeless corpses, their faces burned and twisted in agony. The memories he had tried so hard to bury resurfaced with a vengeance, dragging him back into the despair of that fateful day.
Their screams echoed in his ears as he witnessed his younger self, paralyzed with fear, unable to help as the village was consumed by fire. The smell of burning flesh hung heavy in the air, the guilt and helplessness suffocating him.
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry," Largas muttered, his voice trembling as he sank to his knees, surrounded by the accusing eyes of those he had failed. He relived the pain of that day, unable to escape the tormenting memories that plagued him.
Just as he was about to succumb to the overwhelming despair, a gentle voice called out to him, a voice he recognized all too well.
"Largas… Largas…"
Largas tried to focus, searching for the source of the voice, but saw nothing. It felt as though the voice came from within his own heart.
"Don't blame yourself," the voice continued, filled with compassion. "You were just a child. You shouldn't have to carry this burden alone."
It was the voice of his father. Largas shook his head, still feeling the crushing weight of guilt.
"You must let go, Largas," his father's voice urged. "This isn't your burden to bear alone. You were so young… Live your life without this pain."
Largas sat among the ashes of the past, the screams fading into whispers, replaced by the comforting murmur of those he had lost. He felt the darkness within him begin to recede, the grip of despair loosening its hold.
"I'll never forget any of you…" Largas whispered, his voice quivering. "But I won't blame myself… I'll keep moving forward…"
As he spoke, the figures around him began to fade, their forms dissolving into light. His father offered a gentle smile before disappearing into the ether, leaving Largas standing alone in the dark room, now bathed in a soft, soothing light. The weight that had once crushed him was lifted, though the scars of his past remained. He knew he could carry on without being consumed by it.
He stood tall, taking a deep breath before stepping out of the darkness and into the light that awaited him.
Meanwhile, Astra felt herself being dragged into the depths of sorrow and guilt that she had tried so hard to bury. The visions before her became increasingly cruel and unforgiving as she saw herself in the role of a princess who had failed to protect those she loved.
In the nightmare that unfolded, the treacherous betrayal of Cassian played out repeatedly, a nightmare that refused to end. The lives of innocent people were lost due to her poor judgment. The pain of losing Myla and Silas in such a brutal manner haunted her every waking moment, the weight of responsibility crushing her spirit. She could never erase the guilt that plagued her, feeling unworthy of any second chances.
She saw herself as a forsaken princess, abandoned and betrayed due to her failures. The deaths of Myla and Syrus left her isolated and burdened with guilt, the knowledge that her decisions had led to the cruel demise of those she cared about.
In the darkest moments, when despair threatened to consume her, Astra nearly gave in. But she knew she couldn't surrender to this pain. Her duty was to rise above it and confront the demons of her past, to bring honor to Myla's and Syrus's memories by continuing their fight.
"I can't change the past…" she whispered, clenching her fists, "but I will make things right, no matter how much it hurts."
With those words, Astra felt a warmth surge within her. The shadows that had sought to devour her began to recede, and a light broke through the darkness, guiding her back to the present.
As Astra and Largas emerged from the Chamber of the Mind, they found themselves once more standing in the grand hall, now illuminated by a warm, comforting light. Roman regarded them with a calm expression, as if already knowing the outcome.
"You've both passed the test," he declared, his voice carrying a note of approval. "You faced your past and didn't let it break you. That's what it means to be truly strong."
Astra and Largas exchanged a glance, their bond stronger now that they had confronted their inner demons. The weight of the past was still present, but it no longer held the same power over them. They were ready to move forward.
Assel approached them with a warm smile. "You've done well. Now, we can begin preparing for the battle ahead."