"Wallace… Please!" Baek’s voice echoed in front of me, urging me to accept his request.

The darkness enveloped us, and in its obscurity, I could only discern his face, his features slowly fading away.

"I…" Before I could respond, a searing pain surged through my brain, abruptly jolting me awake from my dream.

My body was drenched in sweat as I rose from my bed.

"Again." For a week now, I have been plagued by the same recurring dream. The image of Baek passing away haunted me, relentlessly urging me to carry on his responsibility.

"You haven’t eaten anything in the past week. How much longer will you keep this up?" Elsie’s voice carried a hint of frustration.

"I understand that you’re going through a difficult time, but you need to at least take care of yourself, don’t you?" She remarked, placing a bowl of cereal in front of me.

"I’m sorry. You shouldn’t waste your time on someone like me. You should return and continue your journey, please," I implored.

"I won’t be able to do that because if anything were to happen to you, I would probably blame myself for the rest of my life for leaving you behind." Elsie’s words conveyed her unwavering commitment.

"But…" Before I could reply, she interrupted me.

"Listen. Once you’re done eating, come downstairs. There’s something I need to show you," she said, her voice filled with determination, and then she turned to leave.

I stared at the food in front of me for a moment and reluctantly decided to take a bite. However, the taste seemed to elude me, and everything appeared dull and lifeless. The world around me seemed devoid of colour, as if my life had returned to its old, monotonous state.

After finishing my meal, I made my way downstairs. There, I found Elsie seated by the table, an old and worn diary placed before her.

"I’m not sure if this will help, but I think you should read this... It’s my father’s journal from his travels through the realms. He eventually settled in Avlyrra and began investigating the void order," she explained, gesturing towards the book.

I realised that this diary held great significance to her, and by offering it to me, she was placing her trust in my hands. I didn’t want to let her down or make her feel guilty, so I decided to give the journal a chance, even though I had little hope that it would provide any solutions.

With a mix of curiosity and scepticism, I began flipping through the pages, scanning the contents of the journal. The worn pages held stories and insights into her father’s adventures and his quest to uncover the mysteries of the void order. Each entry revealed the wonders and dangers of the different realms, painting a vivid picture of a world beyond our own.

As I delved deeper into the journal, I stumbled upon a particularly intriguing entry. The words danced on the pages, appearing as if they had been erased and rewritten countless times, creating an ethereal and elusive effect. It was journal entry 167, and its contents struck a chord within me.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

The author, Elsie’s father, seemed to be grappling with a similar dilemma—torn between two diverging paths.

In journal entry 167, he confessed his inner conflict, torn between sacrificing his freedom and settling down in Limbo or continuing his journey of exploration. It was a choice that mirrored the very decision I was currently facing. I could empathise with his struggle—the weight of responsibility versus the allure of personal freedom tugging at his heartstrings.

Flipping through the pages, I discovered another entry, numbered 170. In this entry, the author revealed his final decision—to settle in Avylrath, a place where he had found warmth and acceptance. However, what struck me the most was his candid admission that falling in love with a woman in Avylrath had played a significant role in his choice. The simplicity of the answer intrigued me.

It made me realise that sometimes finding a reason, a purpose beyond oneself, could sway the scales of decision-making.

"What is my reason?" I asked myself, searching for a purpose that would guide my choice between the diverging paths laid before me.

And then, like a beacon in the depths of the diary, I stumbled upon journal entry 281. Within its pages, the words illuminated the profound love and unwavering devotion Elsie’s father held for his daughter. It was love that propelled him to shield her from the looming threat of the sinister void order.

In that moment, a realisation washed over me. The true essence of my decision lay not in simply becoming a Herald or continuing my personal journey. It was a question of finding a genuine purpose and meaning behind my actions. Elsie’s father’s words stirred something within me, urging me to reassess my motivations and contemplate the deeper significance of protecting Limbo.

For so long, I had believed that the only way to honour Baek’s will and safeguard Limbo was to follow in his footsteps and assume the mantle of a Herald. Yet, as the journal entries revealed their wisdom, doubts began to emerge. Was becoming a Herald the sole path to fulfilling my responsibility? Did strength and protection solely hinge on a specific title or role?

"The solution was always within my grasp," I proclaimed, a newfound determination gleaming in my eyes.

The concept of strength extended far beyond a mere title; it transcended such confines. True strength resided in the unwavering dedication and resolute determination to safeguard what truly held significance.

A smile curled upon Elsie’s lips as she sat across from me, her voice brimming with encouragement. "I am glad I could assist you. It appears that you have discovered a resolution."

With unwavering conviction, I expressed my sentiments: "I harbour a deep love for Limbo—the realms, its people, and the trials it presents. Simultaneously, I cherish my freedom. I confess my desire may be considered greedy, but I refuse to relinquish one aspect for the other."

Rather than being forced to select between the two paths laid before me, I chose to forge a new trail, one of my own making. In order to safeguard the place I hold dear, must I truly become a Herald? I shall attain strength comparable to that of a hare through my own abilities and defend this realm in my own unique way.

"And what of your reason? Have you discovered it?" Elsie inquired, her curiosity piqued.

With a serene determination in my eyes, I met Elsie’s gaze and replied, "Yes, Elsie, I have found my reason. It lies in the harmonious blend of my love for Limbo and my yearning for freedom. My reason is rooted in the profound connection I have forged with this realm, its people, and the challenges it presents."

"And the first step is getting out of here," I concluded, the words hanging in the air as silence enveloped the entire room.

Before I could embark on my journey within Limbo, it was crucial to ensure that I had truly entered its realm. To do so, I needed to escape from our current location and break free from the confines that held me captive.

"But how will you accomplish that?" Elsie voiced her question, her uncertainty evident in her tone.

Just as the question lingered in the air, a familiar voice chimed in unexpectedly. "Well, why don’t we figure that out together?" it suggested, as if holding a solution to our dilemma.