Chapter 61: A Path Beyond
The air around the dormant obelisk was heavy with unease. Though its runes no longer glowed with malevolent light, its presence was an ominous reminder of the threat looming beyond their world. Arlen stood in silence, his gaze locked on the intricate carvings. His companions exchanged uncertain glances, waiting for his command.
"What's our next move?" Caden asked, his voice breaking the tense stillness.
Arlen didn't respond immediately. His mind raced, piecing together fragments of knowledge from their journey and the revelations from the obelisk. Finally, he spoke, his tone cold and decisive.
"We take the fight to Kaorath."
The declaration stunned his companions. Liora was the first to recover. "Arlen, you're talking about entering his domain—an unknown realm filled with unimaginable dangers. We barely survived his forces here."
"I know," Arlen said, his voice steady. "But if we stay on the defensive, we'll lose. Kaorath's forces will keep coming, and this world won't withstand another wave. If we want to end this, we have to cut off the source."
Liora opened her mouth to argue but saw the unshakable resolve in his eyes. She let out a resigned sigh. "If we're going to do this, we'll need to prepare. We don't even know how to access his domain."
"That's where the obelisk comes in," Caden interjected, tapping the now-dormant structure with the hilt of his dagger. "It's a gateway, right? We can use it to find a way in."
Arlen nodded. "Exactly. But first, we need to gather allies and resources. This won't be a fight we can win alone."
A Moment of Reflection
The group set up camp a short distance from the obelisk, deciding to rest before making their next move. The flames of their campfire danced in the night, casting flickering shadows across their weary faces.
As the others drifted into restless sleep, Arlen sat apart from the group, staring into the fire. His thoughts were a turbulent mix of determination and doubt. He had come so far, overcome countless trials, and yet the weight of what lay ahead pressed heavily on his shoulders.
Liora approached him quietly, taking a seat beside him. "You don't have to carry this burden alone, you know."
"I know," Arlen replied, his voice low. "But as the one leading us, it feels like I do."
Liora placed a hand on his arm, her touch gentle but firm. "You've led us through impossible odds before. We trust you, Arlen. And you need to trust us—to trust yourself."
He turned to her, a faint smile breaking through his somber expression. "Thanks, Liora. I needed that."
She smiled back, the tension between them easing. "Get some rest. We'll need all the strength we can muster for what's coming."
The Mystery Deepens
As dawn broke, the group returned to the obelisk. Liora, with her extensive knowledge of magic, began examining its dormant runes. Hours passed as she meticulously studied its intricate patterns, piecing together fragments of its purpose.
Finally, she stepped back, her face pale. "This isn't just a gateway—it's a beacon. It's sending signals to other gateways across the realms."
Arlen's expression darkened. "So Kaorath knows we're here."
"Not just that," Liora continued. "The beacon is designed to reactivate if left unchecked. We've delayed the invasion, but the clock is ticking. If we don't act fast, it'll open again."
Caden cursed under his breath. "Then we've got no time to waste."
Arlen placed a hand on the obelisk's surface, its cold stone sending a shiver through him. "Liora, can you manipulate it? Use it to take us to Kaorath's domain?"
"It's possible," she admitted, "but it'll take time and resources. This magic is ancient and volatile. One mistake, and we could end up in a worse place than where we started."
"Do whatever it takes," Arlen said firmly. "We're ending this."
As the group prepared to embark on their next journey, the weight of their mission settled heavily on them. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but for Arlen, there was no turning back.
The obelisk was the key, and Kaorath's domain awaited.