The Sage Rat stood before the boundary of the final land, where the sky seemed to merge with the earth in a veil of ethereal mist. The landscape here was unlike anything he had encountered before—a silent space where time appeared to stand still.
"This is where all endings and beginnings intertwine" he murmured, his eyes filled with determination as he passed through the colossal stone gate covered in glowing symbols.
This land, known as Eterna, was a mythical place from which no one had ever returned to tell their tale. It was said to be the center of all realities, where every question had an answer, and every truth was recorded.
Upon entering, The Sage Rat found himself surrounded by hills made of luminous crystals, reflecting countless images of the past and future. Above, ancient scripts swirled like clouds in the sky, forming endless stories.
A river of light flowed through the heart of the land, dividing Eterna into two halves. On one side was pure light, emanating warmth and serenity; on the other was profound darkness, filled with the whispers of forgotten secrets.
"You have arrived" a voice echoed—not from a person but from the land itself. The voice was soft yet commanding, as though Eterna was speaking directly.
The Sage Rat stopped, his eyes cautious but resolute. "I seek the ultimate truth, to complete my journey."
A pillar of light appeared in the center of the land, and a shadowy figure gradually emerged—it was a reflection of The Sage Rat himself, but with cold and piercing eyes.
"If you wish to grasp the ultimate truth, you must face yourself" the voice of Eterna continued, "all your fears, desires, and the mistakes you have tried to forget."
The shadow stepped forward, speaking in the Sage Rat's own voice:
"You think you're ready? Do you truly believe knowledge is everything? You've left everything behind—friendship, happiness, even the chance to live an ordinary life. Do you deserve this?"
The Sage Rat clenched his hands, looking directly at his shadow. "I know what I've given up. But I also know what matters most: truth is not something to possess, but something to protect. And I will not stop."
The shadow smirked coldly. "Then prove it. I am you—the only one who knows you better than anyone."
The surroundings transformed into an arena of light and darkness. The Sage Rat could feel the power of the shadow—an energy born from his deepest fears and regrets.
But amidst the faint glow of the river of knowledge, he recalled why he began this journey. Not for power or fame, but for a greater purpose: to bring light to what had been forgotten.
"I am not afraid of you" he declared, his voice steady, ready to face his final trial.
The story will continue as The Sage Rat steps into a battle that will decide his fate and uncover the ultimate truth.