At this moment, Lith remembered the mention of weapons stored in the Vault and turned to Celestara, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
"Celestara," he began, "tell me about the weapons here. Are they just as powerful as Evures?"
Celestara smiled, nodding with a hint of pride. "Yes, Master, they are remarkable in their own right. The vault holds countless weapons, each forged with unmatched strength and magic. They've fused with the energy of the Citadel itself, making them indestructible."
Her eyes gleamed as she continued. "These weapons respond only to you, Master. With but a thought, you can summon any weapon you desire—they await your command."
Lith raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Summon them? Just like that?"
"Yes, Master," she encouraged him, her voice soft but excited. "Why don't you try now?"
Lith closed his eyes, picturing the feel of a blade in one hand and an axe in the other. In an instant, two golden circles materialized behind him, glowing with an otherworldly light. From the circles, two weapons emerged: an elegant sword with a gleaming, crystalline blade and a massive axe with intricate carvings on its head. Both looked grand and majestic, releasing an immense pressure that seemed to vibrate through the corridor.
As the weapons hovered around him, they suddenly clashed into the walls, causing an echoing boom. Yet, the walls remained unscathed, the power of the Citadel making every inch of it indestructible.
Celestara laughed softly, seeing his amazement. "You needn't worry about causing damage here, Master. The Citadel is fortified beyond mortal comprehension."
Lith smiled, the thrill of wielding such power lighting up his face. With just a thought, the sword and axe floated gently back to his side, hovering there, attuned to his command. "This... this is incredible," he said, marveling at the energy pulsing from the weapons, his happiness uncontained.
Celestara's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Master," she said with a playful smile, "now that you've had a taste of your power, it's time for you to explore. Let me show you what lies beyond these walls."
With that, she took his hand once more and led him outside the grand doors of the castle. They stepped into a breathtaking world unlike anything Lith had ever seen.
Sprawling gardens stretched out before them, lush with flowers in every imaginable color, some with petals glowing faintly in the starlight, others that seemed to shift colors as if alive. Tall, ancient trees loomed in every direction, their leaves shimmering with silvery veins that caught the light of the stars. He could see floating castles far off, suspended as if weightless, held aloft by sheer magic. Each castle glowed with a different hue, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the night sky.
In the distance, smaller castles stood, each unique and mysterious, hinting at the power contained within them. There were tranquil ponds scattered throughout the gardens, their surfaces perfectly still, reflecting the stars above like a mirrored sky. Near one of the ponds was an open bath, where soft steam rose into the cool night air.
Lith glanced up at the sky, feeling an overwhelming sense of wonder. The vast expanse above them was lit by an endless stretch of stars, each twinkling like a small, eternal flame. It seemed as if he was standing at the heart of the universe, with stars shining all around him, so close he almost felt he could reach out and touch them.
Celestara watched him with a knowing smile as he took in the view. "Beautiful, isn't it, Master? This place is a realm of wonders, and it all exists for you to explore."
Lith nodded, nearly speechless. "It's more than beautiful… it feels like a dream."
She chuckled. "In some ways, it is, Master. The Citadel is a bridge between worlds. It holds countless mysteries, and everything here is yours to command."
They continued walking, passing under an archway entwined with vines that glowed a faint, soft blue. The light danced along the vines, giving the area an ethereal glow. In every corner, Lith could see small, magical creatures—a butterfly with wings that shimmered like crystals, a small deer with a silver coat, even tiny fairies who giggled as they flew by, leaving trails of stardust in the air.
After a few minutes, they arrived at a massive, ancient-looking door, standing alone amidst the gardens. The door was carved from stone, with symbols of every imaginable kind, giving it an air of mystery and power. Time itself seemed to pulse from it, as though it held ages of knowledge within.
Celestara paused in front of the door, turning to Lith. "Master, this is the Final Gate," she explained, her voice low with reverence. "With this gate, you can journey anywhere you've been before. It doesn't just open physical doors, but any barrier you might see as a door. Realms, dimensions, even memories—this gate can unlock them all."
Lith looked at her, intrigued. "Any door? Even concepts of doors? How is that possible?"
Celestara smiled knowingly. "It's a part of the Citadel's power, a gateway that obeys your will. Wherever your heart desires to go, or whatever boundary you need to cross, it will take you there. Think of it as a passage between realities."
He took a step forward, running his hand over the surface of the ancient stone. It felt cool to the touch, almost alive with magic. The symbols on the door seemed to shift under his fingers, like they were waiting for his command.
"Would you like to try it, Master?" Celestara asked, her eyes shining with encouragement.
Lith thought for a moment, considering all the places he'd been and all the places he'd yet to see. The power at his fingertips was overwhelming, yet exhilarating.
Turning to Celestara, he smiled. "Thank you, Celestara. I don't know what I did to deserve all of this… but I promise, I won't take it for granted."
She placed a gentle hand on his arm. "You have earned this, Master. And remember, whatever lies ahead, I will be here, by your side."
Together, they stood before the Final Gate, both knowing that endless worlds, adventures, and mysteries awaited beyond. The stars above seemed to shine a little brighter, as if welcoming Lith to a destiny far greater than he could have ever imagined.