Chapter 24: Interaction with Ancestral Spirits
The light from the Everia Sword grew brighter, radiating like lightning through the darkness. The power within the sword seemed to seep into Eric's body, giving him a new strength he had never felt before. However, that was when the soft voice calling out to him was heard again.
"Eric..." the voice echoed around him, seeming to come from all directions. "We are waiting for you here."
Eric looked around, trying to find the source of the voice. Suddenly, a blurry image appeared in front of him. The image showed the silhouette of an old man, dressed in ancient clothing that exuded an aura of honor and wisdom.
"Who... who are you?" Eric asked, his voice almost lost in the deep silence.
The old man did not answer immediately. Instead, his image changed, revealing an ancient scene: a row of Everia family standing tall in front of a large, majestic temple. Behind them, the Everia Sword lay, coated with a layer of spiritual energy that radiated with incredible power.
"This is the place where we were born, the place that binds us with a power greater than you know," the man's voice sounded clearer, deeper. "You are the heir of our blood, Eric Valentinus Everia."
Eric felt his blood boil at those words. "I am... the heir? Of your blood?"
"Yes," the man continued. "The Everia family is not just a human bloodline. We are the keepers of a deeper secret, a power that transcends time and worlds. We are bound by the Everia Sword, which is not only a symbol of power but also the key to maintaining the balance of the universe."
Suddenly, the image changed again. This time, an image of a great battle appeared. Eric could see the ancestors of Everia fighting against a large and evil creature, against a force so dark that it could shake the world. Everia's sword, which looked bigger and brighter, was used to hold back the dark force.
"Is this… the story of my ancestors?" Eric asked, feeling deeply burdened by what he had just seen.
The man nodded. "The Everia family has fought to maintain the balance of the world. However, there is a secret hidden within the Everia Sword, one that only the chosen ones can discover. A secret that could change your destiny... and the destiny of this world."
Eric stared at the Everia Sword still tightly gripped in his hand. Its glow grew brighter as if waiting to open the way to the secret.
"You must choose, Eric," the voice grew more serious. "To continue our legacy, or to destroy it. But remember, each choice you make will have grave consequences."
The atmosphere around Eric grew tense. The wind blew hard, carrying the scent of earth and dust, like nature responding to a big decision that was about to be made. However, before Eric could ask any further questions, other figures began to appear around the old man. Everia's ancestors, dressed in ancient clothing and carrying symbols of family power, appeared to surround him.
They all looked at Eric with eyes full of hope, but also deep worry.
"We have guided you this far," the old man's voice came again. "Now, the decision is yours. Bring this family back to the right path, or let it all fall apart."
Eric felt the burden of responsibility growing heavier on his shoulders. The Everia sword in his grasp felt heavier, like the weight of history and the fate of the world contained within it.
Suddenly, the light of the Everia Sword dazzled, and the entire room rumbled with powerful energy. It was as if the energy of the Sword was seeping into him, bringing Eric to a new understanding that he had never felt before.
Before Eric could respond further, the old man's voice came again, deeper and more demanding.
"Your decision will not only affect the Everia family. This world will change as well... are you ready to face the consequences of your choice?"
Eric gripped his sword tighter, his eyes fixed on the ancestors surrounding him. For the first time in his life, he felt that his destiny was truly in his hands.
Eric felt his body swaying from the immense energy, but for some reason, he felt a deep sense of calm. The Everia Sword in his hand was no mere weapon—it was a key that held great power, a power that would connect him to his long-lost ancestors.
The old man's figure drew closer, his mysterious aura grew stronger, and the energy flowing in the room became more oppressive. The ancestor's voice sounded again, this time deeper and full of meaning.
"Eric, you have a long way to go. This sword is part of our legacy, but it is also a burden you must bear. Only those with courage and a pure heart can face it."
Eric stared intently at the Everia Sword in his hand. Every word that comes out of the ancestor's mouth seems to be carving out the path he will take. A path that not only involves physical strength but also courage of heart, as well as sacrifices that he must make.
"Now, you must know one more thing, Eric," the voice continued. "There is a threat coming. A dark force more powerful than you can imagine. It will test not only your strength but your resolve and your soul."
Suddenly, a dark image appeared in his mind. A group of creatures filled with black energy that swallowed the light. The creatures towered over him, threatening to destroy the world. In the image, Eric could see the face of someone very familiar—a shadow from the past that was directly connected to him.
"Who is that?" Eric almost whispered.
The old man didn't answer with words, but the image grew clearer, revealing a figure that looked very much like someone he had met on his previous journey. Leon—his half-brother. Leon's face was distorted by the dark energy that seemed to be taking over him. His eyes were filled with hatred and ambition.
"Leon..." Eric gasped.
"Someone in our line has gone astray, Eric," the ancestor's voice was full of regret. "And he will bring destruction upon the Everia family. If you wish to save this legacy, you must face him."
Eric understood. This was more than just a family matter. This was a greater war, between the Everia family line and a dark force that wanted to destroy everything they had built.
Unconsciously, Eric raised the Everia Sword into the air, as if responding to the call of the ancestors. The surrounding energy grew hotter, merging with the power within him. In an instant, Eric felt as if he was filled with infinite power, and his body was filled with unshakable confidence.
"So... I have to face Leon?" Eric asked in a determined voice.
The old man stared at him silently, then said, "Not only Leon... there are even greater ones waiting for you. Only by facing them will you find a way to save this world."
The atmosphere grew tense. The wind howled, and the light from the Everia Sword grew brighter. Eric felt the heavy burden he had to carry—not only as the heir to the Everia family but also as the guardian of the balance of the world.
At that moment, Eric felt like the world around him was about to disappear, and he was connected to something bigger. Something much bigger than just the Everia family's destiny. This was a life journey that would change everything.
"If that is the path I have to take, I'll be ready," Eric said confidently.
The old man nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Very well, Eric. You are ready for your next journey. But remember... This sword is not just for use in battle. It is a reflection of your heart. Only if your heart is strong will you be able to control the power within it."
Eric stared at the Everia Sword, which now glowed brighter in his hand. It felt like something deeper was connecting with him, something greater than mere physical strength. The sword was not just a weapon, but a symbol of a destiny that must be faced.
He felt an energy flowing through his body, deeper and stronger than anything he had ever felt before. It was as if he was now connected to every ancestor who had ever held the sword, and they were all speaking in silence—giving him clear direction on the path he should take.
However, Eric knows one thing for sure: this journey will not be easy.
The first step he must take is to learn more about the threats that await him out there. Leon and the dark forces that control him are just the beginning. If what he saw earlier is true—if a greater threat exists—then the world will undergo a change that he cannot even imagine.
With steady steps, Eric put the Everia Sword on his waist and walked out of the Everia ancestral temple. The large doors of the temple slowly opened, and the fresh outside air greeted him. However, in his heart, there was a heaviness that he could not escape. This world would never be the same again, and he had to be ready for whatever came next.
As soon as he stepped outside, the surrounding atmosphere seemed to remind him of the weight of the task he now had to carry. The radiating sun was blocked by dark clouds that suddenly appeared on the horizon. It was as if the world felt what was about to happen.
In the distance, he saw a shadow pass by, so fast it seemed to fly. Leon? Or some other, more dangerous creature?
Eric couldn't wait any longer. With a swift movement, he headed towards the shadow, Everia Sword in hand, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
However, on the way, a black shadow appeared in front of him. The shadow exuded an extremely terrifying aura, stronger than anything he had ever faced. The face behind the shadow was vague, but it did not seem like Leon he was seeing—it was a figure that was bigger, stronger, and darker.
Eric paused, the Sword of Everia raised. He knew this was a defining moment.
"Who are you?" Eric asked in a steady voice, though his heart was pounding.
The shadow laughed softly, a deep, powerful voice. "You do not know who I am yet, Eric. But soon, you will."
Suddenly, the shadow moved quickly, like lightning that struck Eric. He raised the Everia Sword, preparing for the incoming attack. But deep down, he knew—this battle was just part of a larger puzzle, and no matter what, he had to move forward.
End of Chapter