Chapter 11: Traces of Destiny and the Secret of the Runes
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Cleaning Up Lyndor
That morning, Lyndor was filled with townspeople slowly emerging from their hiding places. The once-vibrant city now lay in ruins. Homes were destroyed, streets littered with debris, and the air still carried the acrid scent of smoke.
"The city will take time to recover," Reina said, helping a resident lift a wooden beam blocking their door. "But they're strong. They'll rise again."
Kano stood in front of the guild's ruins, his gaze vacant. He felt not only guilty for failing to prevent the attack but also haunted by the words of the cloaked figure the night before. "The key to unlocking this world." What could it mean? he wondered.
"Stop blaming yourself," Dorian said, placing a hand on Kano's shoulder. "We did our best. Without us, this city would've been completely lost."
"But I feel like I missed something important," Kano murmured.
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Discussion with Master Arvyn
Inside the guild's still-intact meeting room, Master Arvyn examined the pendant Kano had found in the Dark Forest of Tirmel. "This artifact is ancient—far older than I thought," he said, turning the pendant over in his hands. "I believe it's the key to balancing the energy of your runes."
Kano nodded, though his thoughts drifted to the runes on his body. "Arvyn, do you know how these runes appeared on me? Or why I can use them?"
Arvyn sighed, his expression turning serious. "There's an old legend about runes like yours. They're called the Primordial Runes, a form of ancient energy usable only by those chosen by fate. But typically, those wielding these runes don't originate from our world."
"Not from this world?" Reina asked, surprised.
Arvyn nodded. "It's possible that Kano, despite his past here, is part of something much larger. The Voidus Fragments, the runes on your body, and even your awakening in this world—they may all be connected."
Lyra, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up. "If that's true, then our enemy must already know this. That's why they're after Kano."
"We need to find out more," Tharn said. "Is there anywhere else we can gather clues?"
Arvyn unrolled a large map and pointed to a location at the eastern edge of the continent. "The Arkanis Temple. It's believed to hold records about the Primordial Runes. But the journey there will be perilous."
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Journey to the Arkanis Temple
The team set off eastward, traveling through vast grasslands and small villages that appeared untouched by the Voidus creatures' war. However, the tranquility was short-lived.
On the third night of their journey, Kano was awakened by the sound of rustling around their camp. He rose quietly, grabbed his sword, and scanned the area.
"There's something out there," Reina whispered, also awake.
From the shadows emerged Voidus creatures, though they looked different this time. They were smaller but moved faster and more deliberately.
"Wake the others!" Kano shouted, striking one of the creatures with his sword.
The team quickly assembled, each preparing to fight. Lyra used her wind magic to create barriers while Dorian and Tharn attacked with their weapons.
"These aren't ordinary creatures," Lyra said. "They're like hunters."
Kano noticed that the creatures weren't attacking at random. They seemed to focus on one thing: the pendant hanging around his neck.
"They're after this!" he yelled, clutching the pendant tightly.
"We need to get out of here!" Reina shouted. With Lyra's help, they created a large explosion, driving the creatures back long enough for them to escape.
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The Mystery of the Arkanis Temple
When they arrived at the Arkanis Temple, the place looked long abandoned. Massive pillars stood tall, adorned with ancient runic carvings that glowed faintly under the moonlight.
"This is it," Lyra said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I can feel powerful magic here."
They stepped inside, passing through halls filled with towering statues. At the center of the main hall stood a large altar, engraved with the same runic symbols found on Kano's body.
"Kano," Dorian said, pointing to the altar. "I think this is connected to you."
Kano approached the altar, feeling the energy pulsing around it. When he touched its surface, the runes on his body lit up brightly, projecting a holographic image into the air.
"This... is a map," Reina said, staring at the image in awe.
Lyra examined it closely. "Not just a map. It shows the locations of all the Voidus Fragments."
Before they could study it further, a cold, echoing laugh reverberated through the hall. They turned to see the cloaked figure standing at the temple's entrance.
"You're quick," the figure said, his steps deliberate and menacing. "But this game has only just begun."
"Who are you really?!" Kano shouted, raising his sword.
The figure chuckled softly. "Me? I am a herald of Voidus' will. And my task is to ensure that you, Kano, never reach your destiny."
Before they could react, the figure raised his hand, summoning massive shadows that filled the room. From the darkness emerged Voidus creatures—larger and more terrifying than any they had faced before.
"You want the truth?" the figure said with a sly smile. "You'll have to survive first."
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End of Chapter 11
Narration: In the heart of the Arkanis Temple, Kano and his team uncover clues about their destiny. But an increasingly powerful enemy will not let them continue their journey unchallenged. With darkness closing in, a fierce battle is inevitable.