Akira stood still, gazing at the silver armor before him. Its surface, though aged and weathered, bore the scars of countless battles, each one telling a story of struggle and resilience. The faint silver light emanating from the armor seemed to whisper secrets long hidden in silence. Intricate carvings on its surface depicted the tale of a warrior who fought endlessly on a battlefield with no end in sight.
"This…" Akira murmured as he reached out to touch the cool, smooth surface of the armor.
The moment his fingertips made contact, a brilliant white light erupted, enveloping his body like sunlight breaking through the darkness. It pulled him swiftly into the deepest recesses of hidden memories.
"Brother!" Yue cried out in alarm, attempting to rush forward.
Draco quickly stepped in front of her, raising his arm to stop her. "Don't. It might be another kind of trial," he said firmly, his eyes locked on the radiant light with a cautious intensity.
In the Depths of Memory
Akira found himself standing in a sunlit meadow, surrounded by swaying grass and distant mountains. A gentle breeze carried the melody of chirping birds, creating an atmosphere of serenity. He turned his gaze around and saw a young man seated beneath a large tree.
The man's sharp features exuded warmth, and his simple white shirt added to his unassuming demeanor. He radiated a quiet contentment.
"Who is that…?" Akira muttered as he cautiously approached.
"Gael…" a soft voice spoke, drawing Akira's attention to a young woman who appeared beside the man. She had radiant white wings and a smile that glowed like the morning sun.
Akira stared at her, captivated. She was stunningly beautiful, her sapphire-blue eyes brimming with kindness. Yet, what startled Akira most was her uncanny resemblance to his own mother.
"Elenaar…" Gael said her name with a voice filled with love.
The two of them laughed gently as they conversed, their voices carrying a warmth that lightened Akira's heart.
Suddenly, the scenery shifted. Akira was now standing in the midst of a battlefield. The deafening roar of enemies and the clash of swords filled the air. Gael stood at the center, wielding twin swords—one black, one white—that radiated a light so brilliant it seemed to pierce through the surrounding darkness.
"For Arcadia… for Elenaar!" Gael shouted before charging into the fray.
Akira watched in awe, frozen by the sight of Gael's fierce determination.
Then, the scene changed again.
This time, Akira saw Gael kneeling in utter despair, surrounded by shadows. Elenaar, her wings torn away, sat beside him, her face pale and lifeless.
"Elenaar!" Gael's anguished cry echoed, filled with desperation.
Akira felt an overwhelming ache in his chest. The pure love he had seen earlier had been crushed by betrayal and cruelty. He saw Gael clench his fists, his eyes blazing with fury.
"I will not forgive them! I will destroy everything that took you from me!" Gael's voice thundered, reverberating through the darkness.
Return to Reality
Akira gasped as he was pulled back to the present. He stood trembling, his breath heavy as he stared at the armor. Its glow had dimmed, but it continued to emit a faint, steady light.
"Brother… are you okay?" Yue asked, gripping his hand tightly.
Akira nodded weakly, still catching his breath. "I… I saw something."
"Saw what?" Draco asked, his brows furrowed in concern.
Akira turned his gaze back to the armor, his expression somber. "It was the story of Gael… A man who fought for the one he loved but was betrayed and lost everything."
"Gael…" Yue whispered. "I've never heard that name before."
"He was a hero… but also a man consumed by rage and despair," Akira said softly. He looked at the armor again, determination hardening his gaze. "But I believe his story didn't end there."
This revelation was not just about Gael and Elenaar's tragic tale—it was also a turning point for Akira. He understood now that anger and vengeance could overwhelm a person, but they could also serve as lessons. Akira resolved to use those lessons to protect what mattered most in his life.
The three of them exchanged resolute nods, ready to face whatever awaited them next. Together, they would uncover the truths buried in the shadows of history. Together, they would keep moving forward.