Chapter 7 - The Ruby Trial
Edmund walked into the elven academy alone. The surroundings seemed covered in a light blue mist, with soft light scattered down from all directions, like stars sprinkled on the earth, adding a mysterious solemnity to this ancient space. The walls are covered with magical instruments of ancient elves, symbolizing the inheritance of wisdom through the ages. The bookshelves are filled with scrolls studied by generations of elven elders, glistening with the luster of time.
Philly stood before a vast magic stone, his silver-white hair shining like silk in the light. He was holding an ancient tome in his hand, and he looked like he and the tome were the only things in the world. The moment Edmund stepped into the room, Philly did not look up, but his voice, full of years, echoed in the air, full of majesty and wisdom.
"Edmund, you're just in time.
" He said, "The power of the ruby is ancient and powerful; it is both a source of light and a seed of darkness. You must learn to control it, or its power may consume you."
Edmund stepped forward and placed the ruby in his hand on the table, the red light flickering in his fingertips, beating like a heartbeat. His gaze was calm, but inside, he was seething with the fire of vengeance. "Philly, I need your guidance. This power ... I can't fully control it yet."
Philly raised his eyes and stared at the glittering ruby, his gaze as deep as the sea. "This ruby is both a salvation and a curse. Its power comes from ancient times, and its price is just as high. Depending on how you harness it, it can guide or destroy you."
"I knew the danger of it," Edmund's voice was low with a hint of exhaustion. "But I couldn't stop. I couldn't let go of Leah."
Philly's gaze was sharp as a knife, penetrating Edmund's cover. "Hatred is the seed of darkness. The ruby magnifies every bit of pain and resentment in your heart until it consumes you. You must learn to control not only the power but yourself."
Edmund's brow furrowed as hatred rolled through him. "I'm not afraid of the dark. I have wandered in the darkness for too long. I would give anything to avenge Evelyn's death."
"This is not a price you can pay," Philly's voice was cold and decisive.
"It's not just the enemies outside you that you must face; it's the darkness inside you. How are you different from Leia if you're manipulated by hate?"
Edmund lowered his eyes, his inner turmoil evident. His fists were clenched so tightly that his nails almost dug into his palms. "So, what should I do?"
Philly walks towards the ruby and touches it lightly with his fingers; the ruby's red light instantly becomes brighter, like a fiery flame flickering at his fingertips.
"You must learn to channel its power, to combine your vampiric instincts with the ruby's energy to form a new form. It is a fusion of power and a balance of the mind. Darkness and light coexist, and your nature intermingles with this ancient magic."
Edmund stares at the ruby and feels the power within begin to stir. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to connect his will to the ruby. Time seemed to freeze at that moment, and he felt a wave of power coming from deep within the ruby. He felt his vampire instincts collide violently with this force that seemed to tear him apart.
"Control it, Edmund," Philly's voice was low, as if from an abyss.
"Make it a part of you, not your master."
Edmund closed his eyes, trying to calm the rage within him. He felt the power in the ruby trying to erode his will like a powerful vortex dragging him down toward the abyss.
"It ... seems like it's rebelling against me." Edmund whispered, tiny beads of sweat oozing from his forehead." Philly smiled, showing some compassion. "It's not that it's resisting; it's that your fear is shaking you. Don't resist; let it become part of you, like your blood."
He gritted his teeth and forced himself to calm down, channeling the power into his vampiric instincts.
Suddenly, the ruby glowed intensely, and the room was filled with a brilliant red light. Edmund's body began to tremble, but he was no longer afraid this time. He grips the stone firmly in both hands, creating a deep connection. As the light faded, he opened his eyes and felt the power between him and the ruby grow stronger.