Chereads / The Heir of Setharion / Chapter 16 - The Tower of Knowledge and the Shifting Guardian

Chapter 16 - The Tower of Knowledge and the Shifting Guardian

Seth stood before the crystal-clear tower that rose majestically into the sky. A sense of awe washed over him, mingled with an undefined anticipation. What awaited him inside this mysterious structure? What secrets would be revealed to him?

Suddenly, he felt a gentle touch in his mind, like a warm breeze brushing through his thoughts. It was the sublime being that had appeared to him in the Trial of the Soul.

"Setharion," the being's voice whispered, filled with deep joy and affection. "You have finally arrived. The tower awaits you."

Seth closed his eyes and focused on the being's presence. "I sense you," he replied telepathically. "You are here, with me."

"Always," the being replied. "I will accompany you on your path, guide you, and protect you."Seth opened his eyes and looked around searchingly. "But where are you? I can't see you."

A warm light filled the space, and before Seth, the being took shape. It transformed from a shadowy apparition into a human-like form. A young man with kind eyes and long, silver hair now stood before him. He wore simple clothes made of linen and leather, and around his neck hung an amulet of shimmering crystal.

"I have taken the form most familiar to you," the being explained. "This way, I can better accompany and assist you."

"That's... incredible," Seth marveled. "Who are you?" he then asked. "And why do you call me Setharion?"

"I am Ymir, a guardian created by Setharion himself to watch over this tower and await your arrival," the young man explained. "You carry his legacy within you, his power and his destiny."

"But I don't understand," Seth said. "I'm just a simple boy. What am I supposed to do with this power?"

"You will learn in time," Ymir assured him. "The tower will guide you. It holds the knowledge and wisdom of the seven gods. It will teach you to control your powers and find your true destiny."

"My destiny?" Seth asked. "What is my destiny?"

"That is still hidden," Ymir answered. "But the tower will reveal it to you. Trust in it, Setharion. Trust in your heart."

Seth nodded slowly. He sensed the truth in Ymir's words. The tower was the key to his future, to his destiny.

Grandmaster Alaric stepped to Seth's side. "This tower," he began in a reverent voice, "is a marvel in itself. It is not only a symbol of what you are, but also a place of knowledge and power. It is said that it is larger than it appears from the outside, and that it holds all the secrets of magic and the world within."

Seth looked at the tower. He could see the golden circle that formed a protective barrier around the entrance. "What is that?" he asked."A protective barrier," Alaric explained. "Only you can pass through it. No one else. And even if you allow someone to enter, no one but you will be able to climb the first step of the stairs. This place is for you alone until you are ready to share its secrets with others."

Seth nodded and hesitantly stepped forward. The golden runes on the gate began to glow as he approached, and with a gentle, inviting sound, the large marble gate swung open. The entrance was bathed in a warm, golden light, and Seth felt a strange mixture of awe and curiosity.

"Go inside, Seth," Alaric said with an encouraging smile. "This is your home. Everything you need to know will be revealed to you when you are ready."

With a deep breath, Seth, accompanied by Ymir, stepped across the threshold. The interior of the tower was breathtaking. He found himself in a large, circular hall, filled with a soft, golden light. The walls were covered with elaborate frescoes depicting stories of ancient legends and lost secrets. A large, vaulted ceiling rose above him, adorned with a mosaic of sparkling stars and cosmic patterns. In the center of the hall stood a fountain from which crystal-clear water gushed.

"Welcome, you who are and who you will always be," Ymir's voice echoed through the hall. "The path of the wanderer begins here. Enter the Tower of Knowledge to begin your journey."

Seth felt a deep calmness spreading within him. The tower felt familiar, as if he had always belonged here. He knew this was just the beginning, that there were still many challenges and secrets to discover. But for now, he felt ready.

"Thank you, Ymir," he whispered, stepping further into the hall. He walked towards the fountain and looked at his reflection in the water. He looked tired and weary, but his eyes shone with curiosity and determination.

"This tower is much larger than it appears from the outside," Ymir explained. "It was created to unlock your potential, Setharion. It is a place of infinite possibilities."

Ymir led Seth through the different levels of the tower. They entered a vast library, its shelves stretching to the ceiling and filled with countless books and scrolls. Here lay the collected knowledge of the world, from ancient wisdom to the latest discoveries in magic.

"Read, Setharion," Ymir said. "Absorb all the knowledge you can find. It will help you understand and control your powers."Seth marveled at the sheer number of books. "Where do I even begin?" he asked, overwhelmed.Ymir smiled. "Follow your intuition. The books you need now will find you."

Seth strolled through the endless rows of shelves, letting his fingers glide over the spines of the books. Suddenly, his gaze fell upon an old, leather-bound book. He took it from the shelf and opened it. The pages were filled with strange symbols and runes that Seth didn't understand. But as he looked at the characters, he felt his mind opening, developing an understanding of the language of magic.

He continued reading, and the symbols began to make sense. He recognized spells and incantations, instructions for magical rituals, and descriptions of powerful artifacts. He learned about the history of magic, the different schools and traditions, and the dangers associated with using magical powers.

Hours passed as Seth was engrossed in the book. Ymir sat beside him, patiently explaining the more complicated passages. Seth absorbed the knowledge like a sponge and felt his own magical powers growing stronger within him.

They walked through archives with endless collections of magical texts, laboratories with alchemical equipment and magical artifacts. Ymir showed him how to brew potions and craft magical items, how to control the elements and harness the forces of nature.

In the training rooms, Seth practiced using various weapons with Ymir and learned to use his magical powers in combat. Ymir was a patient and experienced teacher, and Seth made rapid progress.

Finally, they reached the top level of the tower, the Star Hall. A breathtaking sight unfolded before Seth. The ceiling of the hall was a giant window that revealed the night sky. Countless stars twinkled and shimmered, and Seth felt as if he could sense the vastness of the universe.

In the middle of the hall floated a single star, shining brighter than all the others. It pulsed and radiated a warm, golden light.

"This is your star, Setharion," Ymir said. "The Star of Change. It shows you your destiny."Seth felt a wave of energy surging through him. He was the Star of Change. He was destined to achieve something great. But what? What exactly was his task?

Ymir smiled. "You will learn, Setharion. When the time is right."

With every step Seth took in the Tower of Knowledge, he learned more about himself, about his unknown role, and the power that lay dormant within him. He felt the immense responsibility that rested on his shoulders, but he also felt the strength and determination to face this challenge.

As the first rays of sunlight fell through the window of the Star Hall, Seth felt exhausted but also filled with a deep satisfaction. He had gained a first glimpse into the wonders of the tower, and he knew he had found his place here.

He lay down on a soft carpet and immediately fell asleep. He dreamt of stars and magic, of adventures and challenges. And when he awoke, he wasn't sure if he had been dreaming or awake. But he fervently hoped that everything he had experienced was real. Because he felt that his journey had only just begun.