Valverde waited for Ricardo, but to no avail. He spent the night in the chamber, restless yet patient. When morning came, he awoke, feeling the vigor of youth coursing through his veins. The entire monastery was alive with activity; the bells tolled loudly, and the monks busied themselves, save for the leaders. Valverde was amazed at their discipline and skill.Suddenly, a majestic white eagle appeared, its presence announced by the plaintive and solemn notes of a flute played from above. The eagle soared closer to the waterfall, beneath which lay a cavern where Ricardo lived in solitude. As the eagle neared, the cavern's entrance opened, revealing Ricardo—an ethereal figure with a long white beard, flowing white hair, and eyes that gleamed with crystalline brilliance. He stood there, his long staff in hand, as the waterfall cascaded around him. With a breath like a gale, Ricardo suspended the flow of the waterfall, stopping it mid-stream. He mounted the eagle, and together they descended as all the monks bowed before him, recognizing their great abbot.As Ricardo dismounted, he commanded, "Rise, all of you." The monks stood, their reverence evident. Ricardo then turned his stern gaze upon Valverde and spoke, "Welcome, Valverde Gregor, the greatest wizard and the son of Gregor, the foremost wizard of the First Order. It is you upon whom the fate of the world rests."Valverde was taken aback. "Me?" he stammered. "What do you mean, sir?""It is a long story," Ricardo replied. He then raised his voice, his words reverberating through the air, "Rejoice, O Earth, for the time has come!""I don't understand," Valverde said, confusion etched on his face. "What are you saying?""You are the hope of humankind, Valverde," Ricardo stated firmly."I'm still confused," Valverde admitted. "I don't know what you're talking about.""As I said, it is a long story," Ricardo responded. "Are you ready to know more?""Yes, I am," Valverde affirmed, his curiosity piqued."Then follow me," said Ricardo.With a command, Ricardo summoned a wind that lifted them both toward the cavern. They walked upon the wind, entering the cavern as the entrance sealed behind them. The waterfall, which had been suspended, resumed its tumultuous flow with a thunderous roar. They ventured into the deepest part of the cavern, where countless mysteries were kept. As they entered, a cloud-like mist enveloped them. To the north, a sea of glass shimmered beneath their feet. They walked upon it until Valverde's eyes were drawn to a golden scroll.The scroll shimmered like sunlight, suspended mid-air within the cascading waterfall. Its burnished gold surface was adorned with intricate etchings and glittering gemstones, which refracted light into tiny rainbows. Four majestic golden lions, their manes flowing like molten metal, stood guard around the scroll, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly intensity.As the scroll moved eastward and westward, it danced within the tempestuous waters, its movement hypnotic and mesmerizing. Wisps of ethereal light and delicate butterflies encircled it, creating an aura of enchantment and mystery. A small circular hole in the scroll, like a ring, pulsed with a mysterious energy, as if waiting for a key to unlock its secrets.Valverde's eyes widened in awe. "What is this?" he whispered, his mind struggling to comprehend the scroll's significance."This is the ancient scroll, the mystery of which resides within your heart," Ricardo explained."What do you mean by that?" Valverde asked, still unsure if this was reality or some vivid dream.Ricardo leaned closer and whispered in his ear, "Fear not, Valverde. Come with me to learn more about yourself."They moved deeper into the cavern, the entrance sealing behind them as emerald flames, born from Ricardo's eyes, flowed like an inferno to guard the path. Before them stood a majestic statue, crafted from the finest sapphire and onyx. Its tall, slender form radiated an aura of ancient mystique. In its hand, the statue held a tome of refined gold, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly glow. The tome's golden cover absorbed and reflected light simultaneously, casting a warm, ethereal radiance across the surrounding air.Resplendent wasps, their bodies gleaming like polished jewels, flitted about the tome as if guarding its secrets. Four ethereal birds, their feathers shimmering with iridescent colors, perched upon the statue's shoulders, their eyes gleaming with an unearthly intelligence. The birds' gentle hum harmonized with the soft buzzing of the wasps, creating a mesmerizing melody that drew them deeper into the mystery.The statue appeared ancient, its sapphire and onyx surfaces etched with intricate runes that pulsed with a soft, blue light. Its eyes, crafted from glittering gemstones, seemed to hold the weight of centuries, gazing out upon the world with a wisdom both captivating and unsettling.Valverde could hardly believe his eyes. "What am I seeing?" he asked, amazed."Don't be surprised yet," Ricardo replied. "There's more to the story." He then began to explain the events that led to Valverde's birth.A vision unfolded before them, revealing the story of Valverde's mother, Rachel, the beautiful wife of Gregor. Rachel, heavily pregnant, was being carried by chariot to a midwife's house when they were attacked by a giant wolf with eyes as terrifying as dark, burning coals. Gregor, armed with a sword, confronted the beast."I won't allow you to bring him into this world," the wolf growled, its voice chilling."You lie," Gregor replied fiercely. "I won't let you harm my wife or my child.""Then watch me," the wolf roared, summoning a pack of wolves that attacked with dark magic. But Gregor's defenses were strong, and the magic was deflected. The wolves, enraged, prepared to attack again, but Gregor cast a spell on the chariot, causing it to sprout wings and fly away with his wife in labor. Furious, the wolves grew wings themselves and pursued the chariot, intent on devouring Rachel and her unborn child.As they fought in the sky, magic and fire filled the air, their battle a terrifying spectacle. The chariot descended into a valley, where Rachel gave birth to Valverde, his first cries piercing the air. But as the newborn's wail echoed, a monstrous serpent emerged from the earth, its eyes blazing with fury."No!" the serpent hissed, its voice low and menacing. "I can't allow you to stay on earth."Rachel, though exhausted, stood tall. "What do you want from us?" she demanded.The serpent's response was chilling. "I want him dead. He holds the key to the ancient Scroll of Lord Jehu. If it's revealed to the earth, we are doomed."As the serpent laughed, Gregor appeared, his sword aflame with blue fire. With a mighty swing, he struck the serpent, forcing it to recoil in agony. The serpent, enraged, retreated into the earth, leaving behind a trail of smoldering embers and the scent of brimstone.Valverde, now aware of the danger he had been born into, asked, "Why did they want to kill me? What key do I hold that they demand?"Ricardo closed his eyes and raised his hands, and the atmosphere around them began to shift once more. A vision appeared, showing a young Valverde, innocent and weeping. His tears, flowing like a river, formed into a glowing tome. The cover shimmered with unknown script, radiating an ethereal aura.Rachel and Gregor stood transfixed, their faces a mix of awe and fear. The weight of the unknown hung heavily in the air, and they seemed to consider abandoning their child, overwhelmed by the mystery surrounding him.But then, a voice thundered from above, commanding attention. A cloud-like figure materialized, its features shifting like living mist. "Behold!" it boomed. "Do not harm the child, for within his heart lies the key to unveil the ancient scroll, hidden for ages for the freedom of the earth."The vision faded, leaving Valverde searching Ricardo's eyes for answers. "What is the mystery of the scroll?" he asked."The scroll contains great power," Ricardo explained. "It was written for the sake of the earth, for a time when a great darkness, known as Lord Beelze, would cover the world. He is the enemy of the light, the one who changed the fate of our first father. But Lord Jehu, out of love, protected him from the spiritual court where Beelze's servants condemned him. In his love, Jehu decided to restore his offspring to their former glory, and this is written in the scroll. But Beelze and his cohorts have been the obstacle.""That's why the scroll must be revealed and placed on the great pinnacle of the earth when this darkness arises," Ricardo continued."Well, well, well," Valverde said thoughtfully. "Why didn't my father tell me?""He feared you might be corrupted by Malyster, Beelze's servant," Ricardo replied. "Have you ever wondered why Malyster demanded to occupy the Aethersea? He wanted the flute, the only entrance to this place. If he laid hands on it, he would invite Beelze and his cohorts to intrude and destroy the scroll—a plan he's pursued for two thousand years."And what about the tome?" Valverde asked, his voice tinged with concern. "Why was it taken from me? Am I a threat to the scroll? Does the prophecy foresee me as evil?""Oh no, no," Ricardo reassured him gently. "Calm your heart, my son. You are no enemy to the scroll. The tome was taken from you not out of fear, but to protect you. It was to shield you from the forces that would seek to corrupt and control you. The prophecy does not foretell you as evil, but rather, as the key to unlocking the scroll's secrets—a beacon of hope in a world threatened by darkness."Valverde sighed in relief, but his mind still buzzed with unanswered questions. "Why then did my father keep this from me? What could he have feared?""Your father loved you deeply," Ricardo said, his tone softening. "But he feared that the knowledge of your destiny would burden your heart too soon, that you might be swayed or overwhelmed by the power that lies within you. He wanted to prepare you, to ensure that when the time came, you would be ready."Valverde nodded slowly, beginning to understand the weight of his father's decisions. Yet, one question still gnawed at him. "Ricardo, what is the significance of the tome? Why is it guarded so fiercely?"Ricardo paused, considering how best to explain. "The tome," he began, "is the companion to the scroll. It contains the knowledge needed to wield the power within the scroll—knowledge that must be understood and respected. The wasps and birds you saw are its guardians, creatures of ancient magic who have protected it for centuries."Valverde's brow furrowed in thought. "But why was it connected to me as a child? Why did it appear when I cried?"Ricardo's eyes softened with compassion. "The tome was drawn to your innocence and your potential. In that moment, when you were pure and untouched by the world's darkness, it recognized you as the one destined to fulfill the prophecy. The tears of a child hold a purity that the tome responds to, as they are untainted by fear or greed."Valverde felt a wave of emotion wash over him as he absorbed Ricardo's words. He realized that his destiny was intertwined with forces far beyond his comprehension, yet somehow, it all made sense. "So, the tome and the scroll are bound to me, and I to them.""Yes," Ricardo confirmed. "Your fate is inextricably linked to these ancient artifacts. But fear not, Valverde. You are not alone in this. Your father, your lineage, the monks here, and I—we are all here to support you."A heavy silence settled between them, filled with the weight of the revelations. Ricardo, sensing the need for rest, placed a hand on Valverde's shoulder. "There is much more to tell, but not today. You've learned enough for now. Let your mind and heart process what you've heard."Ricardo turned and began to lead Valverde out of the cavern. As they walked back through the winding tunnels, Ricardo's emerald fire still flickering protectively around them, Valverde couldn't help but feel a growing sense of purpose. The mysteries he had encountered were vast and daunting, but they also awakened something within him—something powerful and resolute.As they reached the entrance, Ricardo paused. "Tomorrow, I will tell you more about your destiny, the trials you must face, and the true power you hold. But for now, rest, Valverde. The journey ahead is long, and you must be prepared."With a final gesture, Ricardo summoned the wind once more, and they descended back to the monastery. The waterfall resumed its relentless cascade as they left the cavern behind, its mysteries sealed for another day.Valverde retired to his chamber, his mind racing with the day's events. He lay down, staring up at the ceiling, thoughts swirling in his head. The golden scroll, the tome, the prophecy—all of it weighed heavily on him, but in a way that felt strangely empowering.As sleep began to claim him, Valverde whispered to himself, "I am ready. Whatever comes, I will face it."And with that, he drifted into a deep, restful sleep, his dreams filled with visions of the scroll, the tome, and the destiny that awaited him.