Aiden hesitated but found himself drawn to the mage's words. He took a seat across from Emrys, while Rowan and Sylva positioned themselves nearby. The orb on Emrys's staff began to glow brighter, and a shimmering image appeared in the air—a scene of Kieran and his vice-captain, a tall, fierce woman named Astraea, standing at the boundary between another merging continent.
The group watched intently as the projection expanded, revealing other warriors battling with weapons of light against clawing shadows emerging from cracks in the ground. The jagged breaches glowed crimson, pulsating like open wounds in the earth.
"That," Emrys began, gesturing toward the image, "is the boundary. A fragile line where the this world and yours overlap. Tiny Magic miracles like these form when despair or anger in colliding suddenly with love and energy until it reaches a breaking point. They're windows to another world—this one and what you aiden would call home. The Core, ever opportunistic, uses them to whisper its influence into your reality."
Aiden leaned forward, captivated. "What kind of influence?"
Emrys turned to him, his expression suddenly serious. "Nightmares. The sensation of being watched. A shadow darting just out of sight. Ghosts moving objects, voices in the dark, Ouija boards gone wrong—it's not just harmless spooks. It's the Core and its minions, planting seeds of despair."
Rowan let out a low whistle. "So every haunted house story…"
"Is likely some unfortunate soul caught too close to the Core's whispers," Emrys finished. "And just as your world leaks into ours, sometimes shadows from this place find their way into yours."
Sylva floated closer, her light steady. "That's why we fight to seal these cracks. Every breach allows the Core to sink its claws deeper into both worlds. And with just a little luck, pluck out a new piece for itself"
The projection shifted, showing Astraea and Kieran leading their team in a coordinated strike. Shadows erupted from the cracks, but with every swing of their weapons and every pulse of light, the breaches sealed.
"Sealing cracks is no small feat," Emrys continued, turning his attention to Aiden. "And it's something you'll need to learn."
Aiden frowned, looking down at the ring on his finger. "I thought the sword was a weapon."
Emrys chuckled. "Oh, young hero. Your weapon is whatever you make it. The quill-sword is just one expression of its power."
"So what am I supposed to do with it?" Aiden asked, frustration creeping into his voice.
"Think beyond the blade," Emrys said, his tone almost teasing. "What truly matters to you? What is the bond that defines you, the anchor that keeps you going? That is what your weapon should be tied to."
Aiden closed his eyes, trying to focus. His thoughts drifted to Lila—her laugh, her determination, the way she always pulled him forward when he doubted himself. He thought of how much he missed her, how he wanted to be by her side again.
When he opened his eyes, the quill-sword was gone. In its place was a ring glowing faintly with a soft, warm light. The band felt cool against his skin, but the weight of it was heavier, as if it carried his feelings for Lila within it.
"Interesting choice," Emrys said, his voice quieter now. "A ring—an unbreakable bond. But remember, Aiden, it's not just a symbol. That ring has power. And power, as you'll learn, can be... tempting."
"What do you mean?" Aiden asked, staring at the ring.
Emrys's expression darkened slightly. "Your weapon is tied to light, to creation. But just as it can heal and protect, it can also destroy. The Core thrives on twisting light into darkness. The more you use your weapon, the more you'll feel that pull. Do not, under any circumstances, let it consume you or tempt you to use its darkness."
Aiden nodded slowly, but the warning lingered in his mind like a whisper he couldn't shake.
Rowan broke the silence with a sarcastic laugh. "Great. Now we've got another thing to worry about—hero boy going full shadow mode."
Emrys smirked, though his eyes remained on Aiden. "The seed of darkness grows only if you nurture it. Stay true to your purpose, and you'll be fine."
Before anyone could respond, the door burst open, and Astraea entered, her armor splattered with dark ichor. "Captain Kieran has stabilized the eastern boundary," she reported, her tone clipped. "But the Core's forces are pressing harder than usual. He's asked for reinforcements."
"Reinforcements?" Rowan said, already standing. "Why didn't he just call us?"
"He thought you'd want to hear Emrys's lecture," Astraea replied dryly. "Now move it. We've got a boundary to protect."
Rowan grinned, twirling her spear. "Finally, some action."
Aiden rose as well, his grip tightening on the ring. He glanced at Emrys, whose gaze remained thoughtful.
"Go on," Emrys said with a wave. "I'll join you shortly."
As the group moved toward the boundary, Sylva floated closer to Aiden. "Don't let his warnings distract you. Your heart is in the right place, and that's what matters."
Aiden nodded, though doubt still lingered. He clenched his fist, the ring pulsing faintly against his skin. Proving himself wasn't just about the group—it was about showing he could hold onto Lila's memory without letting the Core twist it into something monstrous. But could he really resist the pull if the whispers grew louder?
Behind him, Emrys watched with a knowing smile, his staff glowing faintly. "The boy will do well," he murmured to himself."
Emrys's gaze darkened as he looked toward the eastern boundary.