Chapter 16: Journey to the Ruins of Lumina
Eric held the ancient map handed over by the Seventh Elder, his eyes taking in every detail of its markings. The ink lines had faded in places, but the symbols of the Lumina ruins remained visible. This map was an important inheritance and only a few people in the Everia family knew of its existence.
As he prepared his pack, Eric made sure he had all the necessary equipment: a light weapon, healing potions, and a few scrolls of protective spells. A dark cloak was draped over his clothes to disguise himself during the journey.
"I have to move fast," Eric muttered. "The longer I stay here, the greater the risk that someone will notice my departure."
Eric exited the castle under the cover of night. The path to the ruins of Lumina began through the Thorny Forest, a place known for its dangerous nature and hidden beasts. The forest was also rumored to have a mystical influence that often led adventurers to get lost.
Eric's steps were steady. The cold wind bit his skin, but he kept moving forward. His ears were sharp, picking up sounds around him, while his hand was ready on the hilt of his sword. In the middle of the journey, he stopped for a moment under a large tree, opening the map to make sure he was on the right track.
"Not much further…" he whispered, looking towards the dark hills in the distance.
However, his steps stopped when he felt the presence of someone or something lurking behind the shadows. Eric didn't turn around, but he tightened his grip on his sword.
"Who's there?" he asked firmly.
From behind the bushes, an old man appeared. His face was unfamiliar, but the Everia family crest engraved on the medallion around his neck made Eric wary.
"So, you've finally decided to go to Lumina," the man said calmly. "I wonder if you're ready for what awaits you there?"
Eric narrowed his eyes. "Who are you? And what business do you have with me?"
The old man didn't answer directly. Instead, he threw a small scroll towards Eric, which he caught easily. The scroll contained an additional protective spell, just like the Seventh Elder had given him.
"Consider me the Everia family's shadow guard," the man said before stepping back into the darkness. "You'll need it."
Eric stared at the scroll for a moment before putting it away. Many questions crossed his mind, but he knew now was not the time to seek answers.
---
Facing the Thorny Forest.
As Eric continued his journey, the terrain began to change. Large roots jutted out of the ground, creating natural obstacles. Sharp thorns hanging from the branches made him have to be extra careful.
Suddenly, from the front, a low growl was heard. From the shadows, a large red-eyed wolf appeared, staring at Eric with hunting intent. Not just one, but three others came out of the darkness, circling Eric in coordinated movements.
Eric drew his sword calmly. "Let's see if you're tough enough to be the first test."
The first attack came from the left, but Eric deftly dodged and countered, cutting one of the wolves in the leg. The other two jumped at the same time, but Eric used the Arcane Shift technique, moving himself several meters back in an instant.
The fight was fierce. Eric relied not only on his physical strength but also his spiritual energy to coat his sword with a sharp aura. Within minutes, the wolves fell one by one.
Eric took a deep breath, looking around to make sure there were no more threats. His body was slightly injured, but he quickly used a healing potion to restore his condition.
"If this is just the beginning, I have to be more careful," he muttered.
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Resting on the Border.
As dawn approached, Eric finally reached the edge of the forest. In the distance, he could see the rocky plain that was the entrance to the Lumina Ruins. The place looked deserted, but a mysterious aura could be felt even from a distance.
Eric set up a small campsite beneath the cliff, deciding to rest before continuing his journey. He took out the small journal he always carried with him, recording his experiences thus far.
"If there is a legendary sword there, I have to prepare myself for more things like that," he thought.
As Eric closed his journal, his thoughts returned to the mysterious man he had met in the woods. Who was he? And why did he seem to know what Eric was looking for?
The question continued to fill his mind as he prepared for a short nap. The sun began to rise over the horizon, signaling a new beginning in Eric's journey to the Ruins of Lumina.
---
After a few hours of rest, Eric continued his journey towards the Lumina Ruins. As he approached the ruins, the air around him grew heavier, as if the place was rejecting the presence of anyone who tried to approach it. Every step he took felt slower, and the mysterious aura surrounding the area grew more oppressive as if testing his physical and mental endurance.
Eric took a deep breath and focused on his next step. His eyes continued to observe every detail around him. The ruins that stretched out before him were the remains of an ancient civilization that not many people knew about. Broken buildings, ruins that included cracked ground, and various types of wild plants growing out of control—all of these were evidence that this place had been forgotten for a long time.
Meanwhile, the shadows of history buried in the ruins began to flow through his mind. Some of the information he had gathered from the Seventh Elder's conversation echoed in his mind, giving him a glimpse of what he might be facing.
"This artifact can only be taken by those who are truly prepared," the Seventh Elder whispered in his memory. "In the Lumina Ruins, trials will come in many forms. Do not be fooled by what appears on the surface."
Eric gripped his weapon tightly, his steps becoming more steady. The anxiety that had been gripping his heart began to disappear, replaced by a stronger determination. He knew that only with the courage and strength he had now, he could face any challenge that lay ahead.
But as he approached the core of the ruins, something strange began to happen. Illusions began to appear, slowly forming an image that Eric was not familiar with. The image was clear—a fallen Eric, badly injured, surrounded by seemingly invincible enemies. The image felt so real, Eric could feel his own pain and despair in the image.
"What's going on?" Eric thought, his eyes narrowed, trying to control himself from getting caught up in this illusion.
It was then that the voice from within the illusion was heard, clear and threatening, "You will not pass this test, Eric."
The illusion transformed, revealing images of his family—Duke Alaric, Leon, and Seraphina—all with cold, calculating expressions. "You are nothing," they said in unison as if speaking of a bleak future.
Eric felt his heart pound, almost shaking at the image. "Is this... my destiny?" he thought, trying hard to focus his thoughts.
But the illusions did not end. Now, Eric saw another image of himself—an Eric who was easily defeated by a greater power. "You will never reach our level," the voice whispered, deepening his doubts.
The illusions that come in waves increasingly test Eric's mental resilience. However, he realizes one thing—this is not just a physical test, but a test of his mental courage and determination. Eric must fight the shadows that exist within himself, and not let the illusions destroy his self-confidence.
"I won't give up!" Eric whispered the words to himself. His eyes radiated a stronger light, and he began to concentrate, trying to control the illusion.
The Seventh Elder, who was present in his memory, whispered again, "Only those who are truly strong can face this illusion and face it without hesitation."
With the power he had, Eric focused on expelling the shadow. However, the illusion only grew stronger, and his body began to feel tired, sweat dripping down his body.
Meanwhile, a huge shadow began to appear, dark and terrifying. This illusion was not just a physical battle, but a battle of souls.
As the shadow began to attack, Eric stepped back, preparing himself. However, the shadow moved faster than he expected, and he felt his body grow weaker.
At this critical moment, a loud voice echoed through the room. "You are not ready to face true power..." The voice sounded terrifying as if shaking all the remaining calm inside Eric.
At the last moment, when Eric was about to give up, a powerful light emerged from within him. However, the shadow continued to persist, challenging Eric with unimaginable strength.
At the last second, the shadow drew closer and Eric felt his body draining of energy. "This isn't over yet, Eric. The true test has just begun..." the voice echoed as if to emphasize that the real challenge had just begun.
End of Chapter