Chereads / ETERNAL: Shadows of Ashborne / Chapter 6 - Fragments of Light and Shadows

Chapter 6 - Fragments of Light and Shadows

The library of the Ashborne Duchy was an inexhaustible treasure trove of knowledge, but not all books were within reach of just anyone. Kevin, in Kael's body, knew exactly what he needed to find: the keys to understanding his role in this world and how to avoid the fate that seemed to be marked by the dark forces.

The Fragments of Eternal Light

In a tome worn by time, Kael found crucial information about the fragments. These sacred relics were the essence of the power of the Eternal Heroes, and their loss during the Fall of the Seven marked the beginning of Lumineth's decline.

Each of the seven fragments represented a fundamental virtue for the stability of the world: Valor, Wisdom, Justice, Hope, Sacrifice, Faith, and Unity. These fragments not only protected the balance of the world but also served as the seal that contained Umbrael, the fallen deity and the source of the Primordial Shadows.

The Primordial Shadows

Described as a corruption that devours everything in its path, the Primordial Shadows represented the greatest danger to Lumineth and its surroundings. The connection between these shadows and the chaos that followed the fall of the fragments was well known, but what was most unsettling was what the texts hinted at: those with an affinity for the shadows, like Kael, were more susceptible to their influence. This affinity of Kael with the shadows, revealed during the awakening of his powers, could become his downfall.

Kevin mentally reviewed the key events of the game:

The main hero, Aeron Valefor, a humble young warrior, was chosen by the Sword of Eternal Light, an artifact capable of destroying the Shadows. Aeron had to gather the fragments, face powerful guardians, and resolve conflicts between the kingdoms to restore balance.

In the game, Kael Ashborne was a tragic and ambiguous figure: the heir to the Ashborne Duchy, manipulated by Umbrael, his affinity with the shadows led him to betray the protagonists, becoming a tool of destruction.

Kevin slowly closed the book, feeling the weight of reality pressing on him like a stone on his chest: Kael was destined to fall, but now he had control. He had the knowledge of the game, but this also made him more aware of the risks he faced.

A chill ran down his spine as a familiar voice echoed from the nearby shadows:

—"The fate is already written, heir. Do you really believe you can change it?"

Kael did not respond. Inside, Kevin promised he would not make the same mistakes as before.

The dimness of the library enveloped Kevin in a mantle of tranquility as he flipped through another dusty book. However, his mind was not entirely there; he was struggling to organize the events of Eternal: Hero of the Light in his head.

—"If my memory serves me right, the events of the game begin right after the Awakening Ceremony," Kevin thought, clenching his fists. "The protagonist, Aeron Valefor, arrives at the Luminis Academy as a young peasant with a secret... But what was I doing while that happened? What was Kael doing?"

Kael Ashborne, the heir to the Duchy, played an ambiguous role in the game. In the prologue, he was a distant figure who rarely interacted with Aeron, but in the second act, his destiny crossed with the protagonist's in a catastrophic way. It was at that point that Kael fell from grace, becoming a traitor.

—"That can't happen. I won't let it happen," Kevin whispered to himself as anxiety overtook his mind.

He knew he needed allies, but in his current situation, he had no idea who could be trusted. In the game, Aeron had a diverse group of allies, each with their own talents and secrets, who started to unite at the Luminis Academy.

Kevin reviewed the familiar faces he remembered. Each of these characters played a vital role in the game, and now they would become key pieces in his plan to change fate:

Celestria Dawnlight: A young woman with bright blonde hair and sky-blue eyes, from the Dawnlight family, known for their connection with the Arcane Council. An elemental mage, perfectionist and proud, with an organized personality that often clashed with Aeron's impulsive attitude.

Gareth Ironshield: A robust man with brown hair and brown eyes, from the Ironshield family, known for their loyalty to the Crown. A knight expert in hand-to-hand combat and leading charges, his courage and loyalty were his virtues, though at times he could be naïve.

Lyra Shadowveil: An orphan trained in stealth and assassination by the Brotherhood of the Veil, a clandestine organization of assassins. With a cold and sarcastic personality, her unwavering loyalty to those who gained her trust made her indispensable.

Althea Lumina: The Saint of the Church of Light, an avatar of Illyria's primary deity. Her sacred magic made her the group's healer, but her morality and the internal conflicts arising from her responsibilities were a constant challenge.

Isabella Ravenshade: Daughter of the Ravenshade family, allied with the Ashborne Duchy. She was Kael's childhood friend, and although there was never a formal commitment, there was a deep connection between them. An expert in illusion magic and diplomacy, her cunning and loyalty were essential for avoiding conflicts.

Kevin knew he would have to meet these characters sooner or later, especially since some of them were already at the Luminis Academy. The key would be to form connections before the game's narrative forced them to separate or confront each other.

—"If I play my cards right, I can turn them into my allies before things get complicated," Kevin thought as he closed the book.

Lysandra appeared behind him, as always, with her stoic expression.

—"Have you found what you were looking for, young master?"

Kevin nodded slowly.

—"Yes, though this is just the beginning."

As he left the library, he was clear that his next stop would be the Luminis Academy. There, the events Kevin knew so well as a player would begin to unfold, but this time, he had the chance to change fate.

Hello everyone, how are you liking the book so far? I apologize for the information dump in the last few chapters. I tried to summarize it as best as I could, but it's necessary to understand the direction the story will take. In the upcoming chapters, we will start delving into the events of the game. I hope you continue to follow along, and thank you so much for reading my story.