"We’re almost there... I can see the entrance to the lakefront!" I exclaimed, taking a deep breath to steady myself.
Turning my attention to my companions, I couldn’t help but notice the state they were in. Their clothes were tattered, clinging to their bodies, evidence of the arduous journey we had undertaken. Layers of dust and dirt coated their skin, marking the challenges we had faced in the unforgiving expanse of the Amazon rainforest.
Over the past month, we have battled against a myriad of obstacles to survive. The dense foliage seemed to conspire against us, obstructing our every step and making progress slow and treacherous. Thick vines tangled around our ankles, threatening to ensnare us at every turn, while the oppressive humidity drenched us in a constant sheen of sweat.
The rainforest presented us with an intricate maze of towering trees, their sprawling branches reaching out like gnarled fingers and casting elongated shadows on the forest floor. We navigated through the undergrowth, hacking our way through dense vegetation with makeshift tools, desperate to carve a path forward.
Kei, having traversed this route before, assumed the role of our guide, leading us through the dense labyrinth of the Amazon rainforest. Despite the scarcity of sol, the energy source I had mastered in Limbo, I felt a newfound lightness and strength in my body. However, tapping into my Zen state proved elusive in this earthly realm, where sol was scarce compared to its abundance in Limbo.
Armed with the map provided by Chandler, we relied on our instincts and the faint surge of sunlight that I could sense when I closed my eyes. It guided us in a specific direction, confirming our path towards the lakefront. This subtle clue had been instrumental in our survival over the past month, and now it had led us to our long-awaited destination.
Approaching the entrance, I urged my companions to remain vigilant. We joined a line of weary travellers, each bearing the signs of their arduous journey. Our tattered garments blended seamlessly with the attire of others who had arrived in similar conditions from various directions.
Dust-covered faces provided an additional layer of disguise, making it challenging for anyone to recognise us. As we reached the entrance, a checkpoint awaited us where tickets and documents were examined. Although the tickets were returned to us, they would be crucial when we eventually embarked on our dive into the lakefront.
"It’s your turn. Documents, please," a guard called out as I stepped forward. Tension gripped me, but I concealed it beneath a facade of composure.
Handing over my documents, I observed the guard scrutinise them intently. Each passing moment felt like an eternity as I anxiously awaited his decision. Just as I braced myself to make a desperate escape, the guard returned my documents and motioned for us to proceed inside.
**
The lakefront welcomed us with its bustling atmosphere, filled with people from various corners of the world conversing in different languages.
Before embarking on our journey to the violet lake, we decided it was necessary to purchase new clothes and essential supplies. Spotting a nearby shop, we wasted no time in making our acquisitions. After surviving solely on what nature provided us for the past month, we relished the opportunity to enjoy a proper meal.
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"Are you ready?" I whispered to my companions, our eyes fixed on the entrance to the lake.
"Let’s not waste any time," Elsie translated Kei’s words as Kei produced his black ticket from the parchment given to us by Chandler Kraus.
I followed suit and retrieved my own ticket, and Elsie did the same. We had taken precautions to alter our appearances, changing our hairstyles and allowing dust to cover our faces.
With swift and purposeful steps, we seamlessly merged into the crowd, making our way towards one of the entry stations.
"Something feels off," I murmured, a sense of unease creeping in as I observed the empty entry stations.
Suddenly, a blaring siren pierced the air, causing guards to emerge from different directions, effectively blocking our path.
"No… We were so close!" I exclaimed, the realisation hitting me that our cover had been blown. The guard at the entrance must have noticed the falsified documents and alerted Gary.
Without delay, Gary made his presence known, accompanied by his niece, Cheryl. He signalled to the guards advancing towards us to halt their movements.
"Lad, I never intended to hinder your path to freedom. My only desire was for you to live. That’s all," he said with a calm tone. I could sense a profound sadness in his voice, but there was no trace of anger.
"What is the purpose of living a life where you feel as if you’re already dead? I would rather perish in Limbo than return to Earth and exist as a lifeless being!" I declared it passionately, emphasising my stance.
In response, Gary continued speaking in a composed manner, slowly approaching me.
"With the Herald’s demise this past month, the state of Compound 009 has undergone a drastic transformation. It’s like a human body that has lost its limbs. Venturers are departing in large numbers, and the order’s influence is spreading. Are you still determined to proceed, fully aware that the odds of survival may be stacked against you?" he elaborated, shedding light on the current circumstances.
As I contemplated his question, my gaze shifted to my loyal companions, Elsie and Kei, their expressions mirroring a mix of trepidation and unwavering support. Their presence reminded me of the bonds we had formed and the shared experiences and sacrifices that had brought us this far.
Drawing a deep breath, I locked eyes with Gary and spoke with newfound conviction.
"I understand the risks, Gary. I understand that the journey ahead may be fraught with danger and uncertainty. But I cannot turn back now. Limbo is where my heart longs to be, where I believe I can find my purpose." I declared.
"Do you possess the unwavering determination to bear the weight of Limbo’s fate upon your shoulders? Are you prepared to embrace the role of the Herald and live a life of seclusion? Can you shoulder the responsibility if your companions meet their demise due to your reckless behavior?" Gary’s voice thundered with seriousness as he posed his final question.
After a brief moment of contemplation, a burst of laughter escaped my lips. "Haha! Resolve? I am no saint, nor am I the protagonist of some grand tale. I am merely an explorer drawn to the allure of the unknown. I will never become a hare, nor will I burden myself with the weight of responsibility." I began.
"I will protect my friends, myself, and the essence of Limbo in my own unique way, through my personal journey of self-discovery. This is the path that Wallace Garret has chosen!" I declared with a resounding voice, ensuring that my words reached the ears of all those nearby.
A brief moment of silence settled over the scene as my declaration hung in the air, its impact gradually sinking in. As the weight of my words registered, an unmistakable expression of surprise etched itself across Gary’s face. His eyes widened ever so slightly, and his body seemed to stiffen, caught off guard by the unexpected proclamation. Time seemed to stand still, encapsulating the tension that lingered between us.
Suddenly, he turned on his heels, signalling his guards to stand down.
"Then go. I no longer possess the will to impede your progress any further. Your presence at this moment reveals your deep longing. But do not forget that you also have people here who care for you," he said, his words laced with a hint of nostalgia as he slowly retreated.
Gratitude welled up within me, and a warm smile illuminated my face as I witnessed the gates opening to reveal the shimmering expanse of the violet lake. It was as if the path had been cleared, beckoning me forward towards the unknown adventures that awaited.
.