Chapter 17: The Final Trial in the Ruins of Lumina
The ruins of Lumina stood before Eric like an unsolved puzzle. An invisible force enveloped the place in a mysterious aura as if reminding anyone who approached it that this was not a place for just anyone. The closer he got to the center of the ruins, the heavier the air became, as if forcing his body to feel the depths of the secrets buried within.
With the ancient map in his hand, Eric took careful steps, keeping his cool. He knew that only those brave and intelligent enough could conquer this place. But he also knew that everything he encountered here might not be what it seemed on the surface. There was something much greater beneath these ruins—something far beyond anything he could have imagined.
"This is just the beginning," Eric murmured, feeling his heart beat faster. "Every step I take, I get closer to the truth."
As Eric stepped deeper, the collapsed ceiling of the ruins gave off a flickering light. It was as if the ruins were alive, welcoming his arrival. Suddenly, the atmosphere around him began to change.
Around him, large shadows began to appear. Human silhouettes, like the shadows of the ancestors of the Everia family, lined up neatly along the walls of the ruins. However, there was something strange. They moved, staring at him with sharp gazes as if testing whether he was worthy to go further.
Eric paused, feeling the energy swirling in the air. Not long after, a soft yet powerful voice reached his ears.
"You have arrived, Eric Valentinus Everia. Are you ready to receive the power that will change the world?"
Eric stared at the shadow, feeling a powerful aura flowing around him. A shadow of himself, a stronger version, appeared before him. The shadow's eyes flashed with tempting ambition.
"Look at yourself now. The power you have always wanted. The power to rule this world, to control your destiny and the destiny of others. This is your chance to become a true leader, to overthrow all who stand in your way."
Eric felt his body filled with immense energy. His strength had multiplied, and he could feel that in the blink of an eye, he could wipe out all the obstacles. However, his heart felt doubt.
"Is this what I want?" Eric muttered to himself. His stronger self laughed, teasing his inner desires. "Do I want to take this path?"
With strong determination, Eric gripped his sword tighter and stared at his reflection. "Uncontrolled power will destroy anyone. I will not be like you."
He closed his eyes and channeled his spiritual energy into the sword, unleashing a pure energy strike that sliced through the illusion. As the illusion shattered, the world around Eric returned to calm. The ruins were silent again, with only the roar of the wind hitting the stone walls.
"This is not my path," Eric whispered, feeling his body relieved after defeating the illusion.
After the illusion disappeared, Eric continued his journey deeper into the ruins. A few steps later, he arrived at a stone altar located in the center of a large room. On top of the altar, a large sword shone, as if summoned by its presence. The Sword of Everia—a legendary weapon that only those who could control its true power could wield.
As he approached, Eric felt a profound change in himself. The energy surrounding the sword was so strong, almost alive. Everything around the altar seemed to fade. Even time seemed to stop as Eric held the sword's hilt.
The moment his hand touched the hilt of the sword, an incredible flow of energy flowed through his body. Every inch of his body was filled with an incredible power that instantly made him stagger. The sword was not just a physical weapon but also contained a spiritual power that connected him to the ancestors of the Everia family. Eric could feel the blood of the ancestors flowing through the sword, giving him a power he had never felt before.
But at the same time, he felt a warning coming from within him. The Everia Sword was not just a tool for killing. It was a power that could change whoever wielded it. Without control, this sword could lead to destruction.
"This sword will test your strength, Eric," a voice in his mind said. "Only those who know its purpose can control this power. If you are not ready, this power will destroy you."
Eric held the sword tighter, pondering for a moment. He knew that this power was not something to be used carelessly. There had to be control, there had to be a clear purpose.
"No one can lead the world without understanding their responsibilities," Eric thought, calming himself.
As the sword began to glow brighter, Eric's body felt stronger than ever. The power of the sword affected not only his physical body but also his heart. So great was this power, that he could hardly imagine what would happen if he used it.
However, at that moment, a loud voice was heard, disturbing his peace. "Do you think you can control this power, Eric Valentinus Everia?"
A large shadowy figure appeared before Eric, larger than any he had ever seen. The shadow radiated a power that shook the earth. The figure was a manifestation of the energy contained within the Sword of Everia, a power that had been waiting to be tested.
"You have chosen to take up the Sword of Everia. Now, prove yourself worthy."
Eric felt incredible tension, even with the power he possessed. This was his final test. If he failed, the sword would change him forever, making him part of a very dangerous force.
With determination, Eric gripped the sword tighter, ready to face this test.
At that moment, the great shadow moved forward, challenging Eric to a fight. "You have chosen. Now show me if you are truly worthy of carrying this power. If not, the Sword of Everia will choose its new master."
Eric took a deep breath, and in one swift movement, he swung his sword, ready to face the large figure in a fight that would determine his fate.
Eric felt his blood boil as the massive shadow moved forward, staring down at him with a power far beyond anything he had ever felt before. Before him, the shadow's form grew clearer, a figure not only large but also imbued with powerful spiritual energy—as if an entity created from the essence of the Everia Sword itself.
"I'm not afraid," Eric muttered to himself, feeling the aura of his new sword forming a protective energy around his body. "This power… I will control it."
In one swift movement, the huge shadow swung its giant hand towards Eric, as fast as lightning. Eric moved nimbly, dodging to the side with the agile steps he had practiced for years. His sword vibrated in his grip, filled with power greater than his body. Eric felt the heat of energy flowing through his body, barely able to control such great power.
However, he did not give up. In a flash, he swung the Everia Sword, slashing through the air with incredible force. The attack created a wave of energy that sent the large shadow back several steps, but it did not shatter. Instead, it laughed, a roar that echoed throughout the ruins.
"Great power," the shadowy voice echoed. "But power is not everything, Eric. Without control, without self-control, even the Sword of Everia can be a ruin."
Eric was undeterred. He knew what had to be done. "I will control it," he replied in a voice full of conviction. "I know the purpose of my power, and I will not let this sword control me."
With increasing determination, Eric focused on the flow of energy within his body, feeling it flow into the sword. He began to change the shape of the aura around his sword, directing the power at the weak points in the large shadow.
The large shadow stepped forward again, its massive hand raised to strike again, but this time Eric was better prepared. He focused his spiritual energy, adding power to every move. When the shadow's hand came swooping down, Eric swiftly dodged and countered with a more powerful strike. His sword struck straight through the shadow's body, sending out a blast of energy that shook the ruins.
The huge shadow staggered, struggling to withstand such a powerful attack. However, despite the staggering, it still stood upright, and from its body, streams of dark energy began to flow out, strengthening it again.
"You are not strong enough, Eric," the shadow's voice deepened and became more menacing. "Only those who truly understand the Sword of Everia can master its power. Do you truly understand the meaning of this power?"
Eric paused for a moment, feeling the test getting harder. He knew that to win, he could not rely on physical and spiritual strength alone. True strength came from within, from a deeper understanding of his purpose and the responsibility that came with this sword.
With a deep voice, Eric spoke to himself. "I know what I want. I want to protect those I care about. I want to be a wise leader. It's not just about strength, but about self-control and wisdom."
With those words, Eric pointed his sword once more, this time with a clearer intent than before. His sword glowed brighter, radiating with more controlled, more focused energy. As the Everia Sword touched the body of the great shadow, an even more powerful explosion of energy occurred, but this time, Eric felt that he had complete control. The shadow began to shatter, disintegrating along with the explosion of energy it created.
When the great shadow finally shattered into fragments of energy that dissipated into the air, the ruins of Lumina fell silent once more. Eric stood there, breathing heavily, exhausted but relieved. He knew that this test was the first step in a much longer journey.
However, even though the Sword of Everia was in his hand, he felt a deep tension. The power he had felt earlier was not just physical strength or spiritual energy. There was something greater waiting, something far more complex than he could have imagined.
"This is just the beginning," Eric whispered to himself, staring at the sword still shining in his hand. "I have overcome this trial, but the journey to understanding this power has only just begun."
With slow steps, Eric raised the Everia Sword higher, knowing that the path he had to take would not be an easy one. But with determination and a full heart, he knew that he was ready to face whatever was to come.
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Suddenly, from within the ruins, another voice came—deeper and older than anything Eric had heard before. It came from deep within the earth as if coming from the very core of the ruins themselves.
"Congratulations, Eric Valentinus Everia… but your exam is not over yet. Everia's sword only opened the way to the truth. A path that will reveal more secrets from the Everia family, from yourself…"
Eric straightened up, ready to face whatever lay ahead, even though he knew that this adventure was far from over.
End of Chapter