Bab 22: Mirror Maze
Back with Magnus:
The realm between realms existed as a beautiful tapestry of ethereal beauty. It was a place that transcended the conventional boundaries of time and space, an intermediary space that connected different dimensions.
Luminescent flowers, unseen in the mortal realm, bloomed in radiant splendor, emitting a gentle glow. Floating islands, suspended in the astral currents, created a surreal landscape that seemed to defy the laws of physics.
As Nyx and I ventured through the surreal landscape of the realm between realms, the air hummed with astral energy, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Luminescent flowers illuminated our path, casting a soft, multicolored glow that danced with the astral currents.
I marveled at the beauty surrounding us. "Nyx, this place is incredible. No wonder it is called the realm between realms."
Nyx, her form pulsating with astral energy, turned to me. "Yes. It is also said to be the resting place of the Crown of Eldoria."
I scowled, both curious and nervous. "Huh. Crown of Eldoria. The one from the history books." Nyx nodded.
Nyx's eyes showed a dark expression. "Yes. I think Regulus is after it."
I clenched my fists. "If Regulus wants the crown, we can't let him have it. What makes the Crown so powerful? I know it gives power, but how?"
Nyx glanced at the distant silhouette of the crown atop a floating structure. "The Crown of Eldoria is a focal point of astral energies, a conduit to the deepest secrets of the Astral Realm. It can boost the powers of a gatekeeper, like yourself, Magnus. In the wrong hands, it could unleash chaos upon both the mortal and astral realms."
I nodded, taking in what was happening. "Then we can't afford to let Regulus reach it. What challenges lie ahead?"
Nyx's eyes gleamed with caution. "The trials are designed to test your mastery over astral energies. They will push you to the limits of your abilities."
Suddenly, we were teleported to the first stage of the trail: 'The Trail of Reflection.'
There were a lot of mirrors around us. Nyx pointed and said, "This must be a mirror maze." On saying that, she disappeared.
The mirrors were not ordinary; they distorted reflections and created illusions that mimicked adversaries. My task was to navigate through the maze, distinguishing between real paths and deceptive reflections.
The atmosphere in the maze played tricks on my senses. I felt like I was going in a different direction with every step. To overcome this challenge, I focused on the vibrations of astral energy. The real path resonated with a unique frequency, allowing me to differentiate it from the reflections.
But still, I got lost. I banged my hand against the nearby mirror. The illusions were getting into my brain.
To save myself, I struck a nearby mirror, hoping to shatter the illusions clouding my judgment. To my surprise, a hand emerged from the fractured glass, grabbing my fist. I looked at myself in the mirror and saw a darker side of me.
The malevolent doppelgänger sneered, mirroring my frustration. "Lost, are we? You can't escape the illusions in your mind."
I tried to pull my hand away, but the grip tightened, and the ominous reflection spoke in a frightful voice, "You abandoned her once, and now you're lost again. Pathetic."
Suddenly, the ground beneath me gave way, and I found myself plummeting into a surreal abyss. Amid the cosmic void, the figure of my sister in my previous life materialized. Her gaze pierced through me with accusatory eyes.
"Why did you leave me, Magnus?" she whispered, her voice echoing in the emptiness. "You promised you'd protect me, but you left, and I had no one. You left me alone, and I couldn't bear the pain. I took my own life because of you."
I realized the damage I had caused in my previous life when I killed myself. I am too selfish.
The weight of guilt and sorrow bore down on me as her accusations resounded. I stammered, "I... I didn't mean to. I didn't know."
She continued, her voice full of anguish, "You were supposed to be my brother, my protector. But you left, and I had nothing. It's your fault I died."
Her spectral form wavered in the dark void, the pain in her eyes piercing through my soul. As the accusations continued, I struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy I had unknowingly caused.
Amid her haunting echoes, I found the strength to question, "But why did you kill yourself? You were living happily."
The echoes faltered, and her spectral form wavered as if caught in the conflict between accusation and hidden truth. In a softer tone, she replied, "I wasn't happy after you left. The pain of loneliness became unbearable. I felt lost without you, and the darkness consumed me."
As I struggled to find words, the malevolent doppelgänger from the mirror reappeared in the void, circling me like a vulture, reveling in my anguish. "Look at the mess you've made. You couldn't save her. And now, you're repeating the same mistakes."
I shouted, "STUP UP!"
My sister's spectral forms began to merge, creating an eerie chorus of accusations. "You abandoned us. You left us to suffer. And now you want to play the hero? It's too late, Magnus. You can't change the past."
Desperation clawed at my chest, and I shouted, "I'll make things right! I'll protect everyone!"
The malevolent reflection laughed, a sinister sound that echoed in the void. "Protect? You can't even protect yourself from your guilt."
In that moment of despair, Nyx's voice cut through the torment. "Magnus, focus on the present. Clear your mind."
I cleared my head and realized my true purpose. I ran to my sister and held her hand. "I am sorry, Anna. It is my fault. I'll promise you, I'll be there for you regardless of where you are."
As I held my sister's spectral hand in the cosmic void, a moment of calm washed over us. The reflection's laughter faded into the background, drowned out by the sincerity of my apology.
Anna's spectral form softened, and she whispered, "It's too late for me, Magnus, but you have a chance to make things right. Protect those who depend on you. Don't let guilt consume you."
I gripped her hand harder and said with determination, "No. You are one of my important people. I will save you. It is never too late."
The mirror maze vanished abruptly, and my sister vanished into the darkness. I sat there, sadly hugging the empty air.
Sometime later-
In the aftermath of the Mirror Maze, the astral realm transitioned into a serene expanse devoid of illusions. Nyx stood beside me, her form pulsating with understanding.
Nyx spoke with a gentleness in her voice: "Magnus, the astral realm is a realm of truths and reflections. You bear a lot of guilt."
"I know. I must be stupid."
I sighed, the weight of my past actions lingering in my thoughts. "I never knew the consequences of leaving my previous life. My family suffered because of me."
Nyx nodded, acknowledging the depth of my regret. "Reincarnation is a complex cycle, Magnus."
Tears began to form in my eyes. I hate myself. How could I forget about my sister?
Seeking answers, I cast a sorrowful glance at Nyx. "Why did I forget my past life? Why was I given a chance to start anew?" I clenched my head and spoke.
Nyx explained, "The realm of mortals is bound by the limitations of time and space. The weight of our past lives would be too much to bear. Souls can start new journeys with a blank slate thanks to the veil of forgetfulness."
While I wept, I thought. "But what about the people I left behind? How can I protect anyone if my actions inadvertently harm them?"
Nyx placed a hand on my shoulder, offering reassurance. "There might be a way to save your sister by using the Crown of Eldoria."
What.
Nyx's words echoed through the astral expanse as she continued, "The Crown of Eldoria possesses the power to transcend the limitations of mortal choices."
I wiped away the remnants of tears and nodded in determination. "I will do whatever it takes to save my sister. But these trials... What's the next challenge?"
I realized the key solution is the Crown of Eldoria.
I pulled myself together and managed to take a step forward.
As I emerged from the trail grounds, I noticed Lumina at a distance. Lumina fluttered down gracefully, her scales shimmering in various hues.
Suddenly, I heard the voices of my friends.
Alina was the first to speak, concern etching her features. "Magnus, are you okay? What happened there?"
Alina?
I was shocked. I patted Lumina and said, "Are you using a telepathy connection?"
My friends, who had been waiting anxiously, started expressing their concerns. Alina, I could feel her eyes narrowing. She asked, "Don't dodge my question! Magnus, why did you take so long? We were worried about you. And yes, we are using telepathy."
Elijah chimed in; frustration was evident in his voice. "You can't stay in the Astral Realm indefinitely. It's dangerous, and we need you here."
Rowan scolded, "You should have come out sooner. We can't afford to lose you there."
I smiled and apologized, feeling a mixture of determination and guilt, saying, "I did not mean to worry you all. But I have to find the Crown of Eldoria."
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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