Chapter 2591: Destiny

เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 มี.ค. 2569 15:34

"The Earth Mother is all-knowing… You think you could go against her will?" The Sun Guardian's presence radiated authority like the midday sun—searing, absolute. Their failed escape unraveled instantly under his gaze. They were escorted back to the sacred shrine—back to the heartwood sanctum where the Earth Mother resided. Inside the shrine, the light was soft and golden, filtered through enchanted leaves that never withered. The air shimmered with the breath of divinity. Kaeylin Silverleaf knelt before the immense figure embedded into the living bark of the Great Tree. Vines wrapped around the Earth Mother's torso like veins, her form both woman and nature itself. Kaeylin lowered her head in shame. "Earth Mother... I was wrong." The Earth Mother gazed upon her with compassion in her evergreen eyes. Her voice was the rustle of wind through leaves—soft, ancient, and filled with knowing. "Tell me, my child. Tell me what lies in your heart." Before Kaeylin could respond, the Sun Guardian interrupted. "Earth Mother, she's been reckless... Ever since we named her Priestess of Light, she's made decisions beyond her wisdom. She is too young." His anger radiated like solar fire, but the Earth Mother's presence diffused it with a simple gesture. A soft breeze passed through the shrine, and the Guardian's fury faded like mist. "Kakeitsu… you speak harsh truths, but your concern for her is clear. Let her speak freely." Kaeylin lifted her head, her voice steady now. "Earth Mother… I believe he is the one we've waited for. The chaos in Pardera—the invasion, the unraveling of balance—it is no coincidence. I believe he is the key. We cannot keep him hidden while the realm burns." Emery's breath caught. The one they've waited for? Him? He didn't move, didn't speak, but the Earth Mother's gaze shifted to him, and in that instant, he felt seen—not just his body, but his soul. "Child," she said, "it is time you learn of your lineage." As her voice echoed, a vision flooded Emery's mind. He saw the distant past—thousands of years ago. The Fey Clans, guardians of the realm, stood against a monstrous tide that threatened to obliterate their existence. A war with the darkness that clawed at reality itself. In desperation, the clans sent their bloodlines out across the realms—to survive, to preserve their lineage. Emery was a descendant of one such bloodline. Forgotten. Lost. Hidden in the cracks of time. Then came the prophecy—of one born from the migrated line, one who would return at the cusp of collapse. A "Chosen One." A bringer of change. But Emery… He had returned not only with tainted fey blood but also with something darker. A dark primordial entity. Therefore, the Earth Mother decided to keep him restrained until he gained the power to control such an entity. When Emery's vision faded, the Earth Mother's voice guided him back. "Your lineage is true," she said. "But prophecies shift like rivers. And you… especially for you... one who is not bound to fate... a destiny breaker." Destiny breaker That was the name the Celestials had whispered before—the title that branded him. Emery remembered the weight of those words. A label not of fate's servant, but of one who could defy it. The Earth Mother's ancient eyes were locked onto him, as though reading the very fabric of his thoughts. She spoke softly, yet her words echoed with immense power. "Yes," she said. "You have met the architect." Emery's breath caught. "The Architect?" The Earth Mother gave a gentle nod. "The one you call the Celestials—keepers of the design that holds the realms together" Her voice resonated with both reverence and warning. "To have their favor convinced me that you truly are the one foretold in the oldest songs of the forest. The chosen one. But such a title is not a gift—it is a burden. And one that you cannot bear unless you master what lies within you." She leaned closer, her form shifting with the bark and vines of the ancient tree. "You must learn to control Khaos." Emery's voice caught. "Even… even you know of Khaos?" So… there truly was nothing hidden from her. He gave it a moment of thought, then asked, "The… Jade Threads. Is it a sacred technique meant to help me control Khaos isn't it? Is that why you forced me to learn them?" "Indeed." The puzzle pieces began to fall into place. The forced training. The imprisonment. All to prepare him for this. Kaeylin stepped forward once more. "Earth Mother, please. I believe it is my destiny to help him fulfill his. Let me find his other half...." The Earth Mother looked upon her with deep pride. "Child… these weeks have tested not only him, but you as well." Kaeylin blinked, faltering. "Earth Mother… What do you mean?" "I've seen what dwells in your heart. I waited to see if you would choose this path willingly. And you have, you have shown your resolve... But your destiny lies beyond the search for his soul fragment." Afterward, following the Earth Mother's silent will, a ripple stirred across the nearby pond. The still waters shimmered with light as a single blue flower slowly emerged from the depths, its petals glowing faintly with ethereal energy. The blossom hovered gently above the surface before drifting through the air—weightless—until it reached Kaeylin. She caught her breath, eyes wide as the flower floated into her open palms. Her expression trembled with emotion. Tears welled in her eyes, though she smiled softly. Then, the ancient guardian turned her gaze toward Emery. What she said next stunned them both. "She will go with you. She will teach you the sacred technique… and guide you on your journey—until the time of your return." "Wait—what?" Emery blinked. Emery struggled to process the Earthmother's intent, but what happened next made things clearer. Not only was Kaeylin permitted to follow his plan, but Emery was also granted permission to take the primordial wisp with him. The realization struck him like lightning: the Earthmother intended for him to bring Kaeylin—the Fey Priestess of Light—back home to the Magus Realm. It took Kaeylin mere seconds to accept the Earthmother's words. She swiftly began her preparations, gathering her personal belongings and supplies as if setting off on a long and uncertain journey. At the same time, Emery met with the Moon Guardians to reclaim the entity known as Khaos. Soon after, the two of them joined the final batch of reinforcements being sent back to Pardera. An elite team of specialized experts had been assigned to aid them in their efforts. Among them was Grand Magus Soltz. As they approached the portal, the elderly Grand Magus narrowed his eyes at Emery and muttered, "Once we return to Pardera… let's part ways. I don't want to see you again."

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