Bab 8: Confessions of the Past
After leaving the sanctuary chamber, the group continued to advance through the underground tunnels, but the atmosphere had changed. The intense experience they had just gone through had left its mark, not only in their minds but also in the dynamics of their relationship. The heavy silence that had accompanied them since the beginning of their journey was giving way to a growing need to understand, to put words to the mysteries surrounding them.
Aelion, who was leading the way, felt this tension growing, and he decided that the time had come to clarify things. They had all taken great risks so far, but the nature of their quest remained somewhat vague, even to their new traveling companions. He slowed his pace, turning to face the others.
"We've all felt the power of what we saw in that chamber," he began, his voice calm but tinged with a new gravity. "I think it's time we share more deeply what we know, what we're searching for, and why this quest is so important to all of us."
Liraë nodded gently, sensing too that the time had come to lift part of the veil surrounding their mission. "You're right, Aelion. It's time to talk."
They found a small alcove in the tunnel, wide enough to sit and take a moment of rest. The walls were adorned with old carvings, symbols that seemed to tell a story that time had nearly erased. Aelion sat down, placing his staff beside him, while the others settled around him, forming a circle.
Kaelith, ever on guard, placed his blades within reach, but his expression showed that he was ready to listen. Elindor sat beside Liraë, his face serene, ready to reveal what he knew.
Aelion took a deep breath and began to speak. "The Eternal Light… it's not just a relic or an artifact. It's a source of pure energy, a primordial force that existed long before our world took the shape it has today. It was created by the Ancients, those mysterious beings who shaped the first civilizations. But this light, as powerful as it is, is also dangerous."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "The Eternal Light has the power to restore what has been lost, to bring extinct civilizations back to life, to reactivate the technology that disappeared after the apocalypse. But it can also be used for destructive purposes. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could plunge the world into eternal darkness."
Liraë, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "Our family," she said, looking at her grandfather, "has been connected to this light for generations. We descend from a line of guardians, protectors of ancient knowledge. It is our duty to ensure that the Eternal Light is not misused. That's why we're here."
Elindor nodded to confirm his granddaughter's words. "For centuries, we have protected the secrets of the Eternal Light, waiting for the moment when those worthy of finding it would come to us. That moment has arrived, and that's why we embarked on this journey. We knew there would be dangers, but we also felt a call, a sign that the time had come to uncover this mystery."
Kaelith, arms crossed, pondered the revelations. "But why us? Why were Aelion and I chosen for this quest?"
Aelion turned his gaze to Kaelith, his expression filled with understanding. "We weren't chosen at random. Since we were children, Kaelith, we've been trained to protect our world, to defend what remains of civilization after the apocalypse. Our skills, our affinities with magic, all of this has prepared us for this moment."
Liraë looked at Aelion with intensity. "There's an ancient prophecy that speaks of two elven warriors, one mastering fire magic, the other nature magic. Together, they would be the only ones able to awaken the Eternal Light without succumbing to the darkness. That's why you were guided here."
Kaelith, still wary but more attentive than ever, shook his head. "Prophecy or not, I don't like the idea of our fate being preordained. But if it means protecting this world, then I'm willing to accept this role."
Elindor placed a reassuring hand on Kaelith's shoulder. "No one is forcing you to accept this destiny, Kaelith. But it seems you're destined to accomplish great things."
Aelion, sensing that the moment had come to share his own burden, leaned forward slightly. "There's another reason why I pursue this quest with such determination. My father, before he disappeared, spoke to me about the Eternal Light. He told me that he was trying to protect it, but he feared that his enemies were close to finding it. His disappearance has never been explained, but I believe it's linked to this quest. I have to continue it, not only to restore balance to the world but also to understand what happened to my father."
Silence fell in the alcove as everyone reflected on Aelion's revelations. Liraë, touched by his story, murmured softly, "You carry a heavy burden, Aelion. But you're not alone. We're with you, until the end."
Kaelith, though less emotional, nodded in approval. "We've already been through so much together, Aelion. I'll stand by you until the end."
Elindor, taking the floor to conclude, stood up slowly. "We all have our reasons for being here. This journey is more than just a quest for power. It's a journey toward truth, toward understanding what connects us all to this light. Whether we're here by destiny or by choice, we must move forward together."
The group remained in the alcove for a while longer, each feeling more connected to the others, more aware of the weight of their mission. Then, after a time of rest and reflection, they stood up, ready to resume their journey. The tunnel ahead was still dark and full of mysteries, but now they knew why they were moving forward and what they needed to protect.
Their quest, now clearer and more personal, was guiding them toward a common goal. They were united not only by fate but also by their determination to prevent the darkness from claiming the Eternal Light.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone