The atmosphere in Aeloria was heavy with anticipation as Kael and Varin prepared to leave. The faint shimmer of magic lingered in the air, remnants of their recent visit to the Veil's vault. But Kael's thoughts were elsewhere, swirling around the extraordinary moment he had touched the Rebirth Gem. It had felt like a pulse of raw power, a conduit to something greater than himself, and now that feeling haunted him.
"Limo? Ethan?" he muttered under his breath, frustration creeping in. They were supposed to guide him, yet they felt so distant, as if they had vanished into thin air. Kael turned to Varin, who was busy storing potions and scrolls into his virtual storage. "Hey Varin, have you tried calling your guide? I can't seem to get through to mine. It's like they're ghosting me."
Varin glanced up, surprised by Kael's sudden concern. "I can call Sion," he replied, his brow furrowing in thought. He focused, his eyes glazing over for a moment as he reached out to his guide. After a brief pause, he snapped back to reality. "No problems on my end. Sion's fine. Why?"
Kael's worry deepened. "Could you ask Sion for me if there's another way to summon our guides? Something feels off."
"I'll try." Varin closed his eyes again, losing himself in a trance. When he finally opened them, he looked both intrigued and concerned. "Kael, Sion says your system is undergoing a change. When a system is rebooting or upgrading, the guides go dormant to prevent distractions."
"A system change?" Kael's mind raced. He recalled the surge of power from the Altar. "I've leveled up to 35, but I from what I know I can only level up my Rebirth core once I reached level 40. But it doesn't trigger system change last time. What's causing it?"
Just then, a notification echoed in his mind.
System class change notification
Upgrading Rebirth Core Class progress
Unlocking 1/3 of the Rebirth Core Seal…
Setting the guides in hibernation mode…
Warning: Rebirth core class is currently undergoing a change. This process will take approximately 72 hours to complete. You will be notified once upgrading is complete. This change will not affect your skills or abilities. During this system class change, you will not be able to summon your system and rebirth core guides.
Kael stared at the message, stunned. "Seventy-two hours? What the hell is going on?" He felt a mix of excitement and anxiety brewing within him. This was a pivotal moment; perhaps a sign of growth he hadn't anticipated. But why now?
"Looks like I'll have to manage without them for a bit," he mused, his thoughts turning to the quest ahead. He needed answers, specifically about Aethlar's Dark Essence. "Varin, let's meet with Arthur before we leave Aeloria. I need to confirm something about Aethlar's Essence."
Varin nodded, sensing Kael's determination. "Right. If anyone knows where to find it, it'll be Arthur."
They made their way through Aeloria, the vibrant city alive with energy. The streets were bustling, filled with merchants hawking their wares and citizens going about their daily lives, blissfully unaware of the looming threats beyond their borders.
As they approached the Veil's base, Kael's mind was racing with possibilities, each more dangerous than the last.
Upon entering, they found Jareth, the enigmatic Veil member, engrossed in his tasks. His expression shifted from confusion to curiosity as he noticed Kael and Varin still lingering. "You guys are still here? I thought you were in a hurry to leave?"
Kael stepped forward. "We need a favor. We want to meet with Arthur."
"Arthur?" Jareth raised an eyebrow, but quickly shrugged. "Fine. You might as well be back in time for tea." With a flick of his wrist, he produced a shimmering orb. They were instantly transported to a vast, white space, a realm that felt both alien and familiar.
Before them stood not Arthur, but another Eternal—a being of commanding presence. His ash-blonde hair was tied back, revealing sharp features that seemed chiseled by the hands of a master sculptor. His black eyes held the weight of countless secrets. He was dressed in a tailored suit, exuding an air of authority.
"I am Sylvan, the Eternal of Mindshaper," he announced, his voice smooth yet echoing with an otherworldly resonance. "You wish to find Aethlar's essence."
Kael and Varin exchanged glances, taken aback. "You know what we're here for?" Kael asked incredulously.
"Of course," Sylvan replied with a hint of amusement. "I control the mind and read thoughts; it's hardly surprising."
Varin stepped forward, his curiosity piqued. "Then can you help us? Do you know how we can find Aethlar's Dark Essence?"
"I do not," Sylvan stated, his gaze steady. "However, this orb may prove useful." He extended a hand, revealing a dark orb, smaller than a fist, etched with intricate runes that seemed to pulse with energy.
Kael reached out cautiously, taking the orb in his palm. It felt cool to the touch, its surface humming with latent power. "This orb… it looks similar to the one we saw in Aeloria, but darker. Does this mean we'll need to undergo a trial to retrieve the essence?"
Sylvan nodded, his expression unreadable. "Indeed. But as I do not own this orb, I cannot provide details about the trials. You must experience them for yourself. They could be dangerous, or they may not. You might die, or you might not."
Kael felt a spark ignite in his chest. Danger was a familiar companion, and he welcomed it with open arms. "Without risks, there will be no gains," he declared, determination hardening his voice. "I'm ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. I've promised Varin I'd help him fix his core."
Varin's heart swelled with gratitude. Kael's unwavering spirit spurred his own resolve. He needed to regain his strength not only for himself but to assist Kael in facing the Abyss. "Let's do this," he affirmed, his voice steady.
"Very well," Sylvan replied, his tone turning serious. "Prepare yourselves; the path will not be easy." With a wave of his hand, he summoned energy that enveloped them, teleporting them back to Aeloria.
Once in the city, Kael wasted no time. He activated the dark orb, focusing on the intricate runes as they glowed with a pulsing light. Suddenly, a swirling portal materialized before them, its edges crackling with energy.
"Are you ready?" Varin asked, stepping closer to the threshold.
Kael nodded, a fire igniting in his chest. "Let's face whatever comes. The trials await."
As they stepped through the portal, the world around them twisted, colors blurring into a kaleidoscope of light. They were drawn into a realm that felt alive, charged with the pulse of ancient energies. The air thickened, and the ground beneath them shifted, revealing a landscape that was both beautiful and terrifying—a reflection of Aethlar's essence itself.
Before them stood Aethlar, the Eternal of Void and Shadow, an imposing figure cloaked in an ethereal darkness that seemed to pulse with life. Kael and Varin exchanged glances, both aware that this was not the true Aethlar, but a mere projection of his will—a harbinger of the trials that awaited them.
"Welcome, Kael and Varin," Aethlar intoned, his voice a monotone echo that resonated in the depths of the Shade Gate. With a sweeping gesture, he indicated the desolate expanse surrounding them. "This is where I was born, the heart of my essence."
The air felt thick with tension, an oppressive weight that pressed down on their shoulders. Kael's heart raced, a mix of excitement and trepidation swirling within him. He knew the stakes all too well.
"Many have attempted to complete this trial to obtain my dark essence," Aethlar continued, his gaze piercing through the shadows. "However, only a select few have succeeded. You will face three trials of void and shadow—the Trials of the Dark Gates of Requiem. Prepare yourselves. Death is inevitable in this trial."
The gravity of Aethlar's words sank into Varin like a stone. He paled, the blood draining from his face at the mention of death. It was a fate he could not afford; his Rebirth Core was damaged, a fragile remnant of what it once was.
Kael's brow furrowed, a dark expression etching itself onto his features as he glanced at his mentor. The uncertainty gnawed at him. "Aethlar, may we ask questions before we decide?" he ventured, his voice steady despite the turmoil within.
Aethlar nodded, his presence unwavering. "Speak, and I will listen."
"What form does the dark essence take? And do we need to be present to obtain it?" Kael inquired, his mind racing with possibilities.
Aethlar's response was immediate. "My dark essence manifests as a liquid. To obtain it, you must consume it."
"Do we need to consume it immediately?" Kael pressed, feeling the weight of their decision hanging in the air.
"No. The essence exists in droplets. You may carry up to five drops sealed within a container. There is no limit to consuming it on the spot."
The notion of consuming dark essence sent a shiver through Kael. He needed clarity. "When you said death is inevitable, does that mean we are required to die to complete the trial?"
Aethlar's eyes glimmered with a chilling knowledge. "Yes. One of the trials requires death to verify the existence of your Rebirth Core. Only those with this core can withstand the first trial. You will die, but you will not be lost; you will be reborn."
Kael's heart tightened at the implication. He turned to Varin, concern etched deep into his features. Varin could not afford another death; his damaged core was a ticking clock.
"I have one last question," Kael said, his voice firm. "Is this trial compulsory for all? Can only one person undertake it?"
"Only those who seek the dark essence may enter the trial." Aethlar gestured as a swirling portal materialized beside him. "Those who choose not to participate may remain here."
Kael's gaze locked with Varin's, the unspoken bond between mentor and mentee flowing like a current between them. "Varin, let me take this trial on your behalf. Your rebirth core is damaged. You can't activate the Rebirth ability. If you die, it will be permanent."
Varin hesitated, the weight of Kael's words sinking in. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded, determination mingling with fear in his eyes. "Just be careful, Kael. Underestimating the trials can lead to your end. Even with your rebirth ability, stay alert."
Kael's heart swelled with resolve as he returned Varin's gaze. He stepped towards the portal, breathing in deeply, the scent of ancient shadows swirling around him. With a final glance back at Varin, he plunged into the void.
The moment he crossed the threshold, a rush of darkness enveloped him, pulling him deeper into the abyss. For an instant, he felt suspended in time, the weight of fate pressing down upon him. When the darkness receded, he found himself in a realm shrouded in obscurity, the landscape a twisted reflection of his own fears.
A towering gate stood before him, wrought from the very essence of shadow. Kael approached, heart pounding in his chest. The air crackled with anticipation, and he felt a chill run down his spine. Shadows flickered around him, whispering secrets he could not comprehend.
With a deep breath, he placed his hand on the cold surface of the gate, ready to plunge into the unknown.