Chapter 21: The Garden of Eternity
Leon emerged from the gateway into a place unlike any he had seen before. A vast expanse stretched out before him, filled with colossal trees that seemed to reach the heavens. Their leaves glowed with a soft, golden light, and translucent flowers floated in the air, shimmering like stars. Streams of water flowed freely, carving paths through the verdant landscape, their surfaces reflecting the beauty around them.
For a moment, Leon forgot about the trials and simply stared, awestruck. The Garden of Eternity was breathtaking, a stark contrast to the harsh challenges he had faced so far.
But the peaceful atmosphere did little to ease his tension. He knew better than to trust appearances.
The Arbiter's voice echoed, its tone calm but firm. "Welcome to the Garden of Eternity, marked one. Here, the trials are not of strength but of the mind. Each choice you make will shape the path ahead."
Leon scanned the garden, noticing three paths branching out before him. Each was marked by a distinct feature:
The first path was lined with crimson flowers, their petals glowing faintly, as if pulsing with life.
The second path shimmered with frost, the air around it cold and sharp.
The third path was veiled in shadow, the ground beneath it covered in blackened vines.
"Great," Leon muttered, crossing his arms. "Another puzzle."
As he approached the paths, an inscription appeared in the air, glowing with golden light:
"The heart, the mind, the soul. Choose what guides you, and the truth shall follow."
Leon frowned, reading the words again. "Heart, mind, or soul… It's a test of values."
The crimson path, vibrant and alive, seemed to represent the heart—a path driven by passion and emotion.
The frosted path, cold and calculating, spoke of the mind—logic and reason above all else.
The shadowed path, mysterious and foreboding, hinted at the soul—a deeper, more enigmatic truth.
Leon hesitated, weighing his options. He'd always relied on his instincts, but he couldn't afford to be reckless now.
"What's the catch?" he asked aloud, his voice echoing in the stillness.
The Arbiter responded, its tone impassive. "Each path leads to a trial. The nature of the trial depends on your choice. There is no wrong answer, only the truth you uncover."
Leon sighed, his gaze shifting between the paths. "No pressure, then."
Finally, he stepped onto the shadowed path. There was something about its mystery that drew him in—a pull he couldn't ignore.
As he walked, the blackened vines shifted, wrapping around his ankles and wrists. The shadows thickened, swallowing the light until Leon could barely see.
Then, the world around him changed.
He stood in a dark chamber, a single flame flickering in the distance. The air was heavy, filled with whispers he couldn't quite make out.
"Leon," a voice called, soft and familiar.
He turned, his breath catching as he saw a figure emerge from the darkness. It was his mother, her face kind and gentle, just as he remembered.
"Mom?" Leon whispered, taking a step forward.
She smiled, holding out her hand. "Come with me, Leon. You don't have to fight anymore."
Leon froze, his mind racing. The warmth in her eyes felt real, but deep down, he knew better.
"This isn't real," he said, his voice trembling.
The figure's smile faltered, her form flickering like a dying flame. "Are you sure?"
The whispers grew louder, filling the chamber with doubt and uncertainty.
Leon clenched his fists, the mark on his chest burning brightly. "I've faced my past. I've faced my fears. You're not her."
The figure screamed, dissolving into shadow as the flame in the distance flared, bathing the chamber in light.
The Arbiter's voice returned, its tone measured. "You have chosen the path of the soul and uncovered its truth. The shadows of your heart no longer bind you. Proceed, marked one."
The light faded, and Leon found himself back in the Garden of Eternity. The shadowed path was gone, replaced by a glowing bridge that stretched into the horizon.
He exhaled, his resolve strengthening. Each trial was testing him in ways he hadn't anticipated, but he was learning—about the System, about the world, and about himself.
Without looking back, Leon stepped onto the bridge, ready for the next challenge.