KEIICHI MIURA
[ You have arrived in the 19th realm—Route 54 : Locwiznds, Lands of the Locust]
As I arrived in the 19th realm, known as Locwiznds, the vast and desolate landscape stretched out before me. The grasslands seemed endless, devoid of any significant vegetation, and an unsettling atmosphere of perpetual dusk hung in the air. The absence of proper sunlight gave the realm an eerie and unsettling ambiance.
Taking in the surroundings, my mind drifted back to the events of the past month. After the tragic loss of Wallace and Elsie in Avaldur, I embarked on a relentless journey through the lower realms, driven by a newfound determination.
With the power of the Blessing of Eternal Vigour coursing through me, I no longer needed to sleep or consume food and water. The ambient sunlight in the atmosphere provided me with the vital energy I required to sustain myself.
This unique ability allowed me to push forward without the limitations of fatigue or hunger, enabling me to dedicate all my time and effort to honing my skills and growing stronger. As I traversed through the 16th, 17th, and 18th realms without pausing to rest, my progress was unhindered, and I could sense my power steadily increasing.
Suddenly, a loud noise shattered my thoughts, and I immediately heightened my senses, activating my enhanced state, which now lasted for an extended three-hour duration. Just in time, I braced myself as a fierce gust of cold wind surged towards me, threatening to knock me off balance.
With great effort, I managed to withstand its force, aware that any ordinary person would have been torn apart by its ferocity. As the wind subsided, I heard a distinct sound resembling a helicopter hovering above.
Before my eyes, a colossal flying creature emerged, resembling an insect with dark green skin, prominent compound eyes like those of a fly, and razor-sharp appendages that resembled blades.
Its enormous wings reverberated through the air, causing the distinctive sound I had heard. Realising the nature of this realm, aptly named the Lands of the Locust, I braced myself for what lay ahead.
Without warning, the creature lunged at me with astonishing speed, but my heightened state of awareness allowed me to narrowly evade its attack. However, to my astonishment, a horde of similar creatures materialised behind me, numbering at least a dozen.
Their collective screeches and noises merged into a haunting cacophony, signalling the imminent danger closing in on me.
Without hesitation, I made the decision to flee, my enhanced speed and agility aiding me in my escape. The ground beneath my feet blurred as I sprinted, the chorus of their relentless pursuit echoing in my ears. As I dashed through the desolate grasslands, I knew that the true test of my strength and resilience had just begun in this hostile realm of Locwiznds.
**
"Phew. I managed to escape." I let out a sigh of relief as I found sanctuary within the confines of a cave. It was a narrow entrance that could barely accommodate me, but it proved to be an effective barrier against the towering creatures that had pursued me. Their immense size prevented them from squeezing into the small opening, forcing them to retreat.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Once inside, I discovered that the cave opened up into a surprisingly spacious chamber, reminiscent of Avery’s hideout in the Second Realm.
The comforting expanse provided me with a temporary respite, allowing me to catch my breath and collect my thoughts. It was a fortunate find, and I could rest here without the need for food or sleep, thanks to the power of the Blessing of Eternal Vigour.
As I settled down, I reached into my pocket out of habit and retrieved the glowing spherical orb that Wallace had entrusted to me. It had been a puzzling artefact, seemingly dormant and unresponsive thus far.
However, with the luxury of time in this secluded refuge, an idea sparked within me. Since the orb was connected to Limbo, there had to be a link to Sol, the essence of life.
Without hesitation, I directed the flow of sol within me towards the orb, infusing it with radiant energy. To my amazement, the orb began to emit a brighter glow and gradually turned translucent, as if it had transformed into a spectral form. I had finally unlocked its true potential.
As I took in the surroundings, a projection materialised before me. It depicted a figure wearing glasses, strikingly similar to the statue I had encountered in the final chamber of Avaldur. It became apparent that the projection was that of the 9th Overseer.
The projection came to life and began to speak, as if playing a recorded message.
"In this vast tapestry of existence, the essence of duality weaves its intricate patterns, casting contrasting shades upon the canvas of reality," he started.
"The celestial dance of the sun and moon, the interplay between light and shadow, and the eternal struggle between kindness and ferocity—all bear witness to the profound dichotomy inherent in our world," he elucidated, his voice carrying a scholarly aura.
"As I delved into the depths of knowledge and traversed the annals of time, I unearthed a long-forgotten power, obscured by the veils of ages past," the explanatory voice continued, its tone resonating with wisdom accumulated over countless eons.
"During the primordial epochs when the universe was born, a fierce cosmic battle raged unabated. Two formidable energies clashed, vying for dominance over the cosmos. This celestial clash spanned aeons, a billion years of unfathomable struggle."
"Finally, in the end, only one energy emerged triumphant, the radiant force we now know as ‘sol.’ Its brilliance and life-giving properties pervaded the universe, casting its benevolent embrace upon all creation."
Pausing momentarily, the voice carried a sense of reverence and ancient wisdom.
"Yet, the tale does not cease there. The vanquished energy, once mighty, was cast into the abyss, seemingly erased from the annals of existence. But appearances can be deceiving. It lingers, obscured and enigmatic, awaiting discovery amidst the interplay of the cosmos," the voice continued.
Delivered with profound purpose, the words conveyed a sense of deep exploration and a thirst for hidden knowledge.
"Through tireless pursuit and countless voyages, I sought to unravel the forgotten enigma, to reclaim the lost fragments of that energy. Ancient tomes were studied, cryptic engravings deciphered, and forgotten wisdom pieced together across the eons. And now, I share with you the revelation: Lune, the energy of death and misfortunes." He finished.
I sat there, my eyes widening in amazement, as I eagerly anticipated the continuation of the projection. The enigmatic words reverberated through my mind, creating a profound impact that seemed to suspend time itself. The weight of this revelation settled upon me, filling me with a mix of awe, curiosity, and a thirst for understanding.
This newfound power held the potential to unlock the secrets surrounding the enigmatic concept of death, which had been my primary motivation for embarking on this arduous journey. It was the driving force that propelled me forward, pushing me to uncover the truth that lay hidden within the realms of sol and lune.
As I sat there, consumed by anticipation, the projection’s gaze remained fixed on me. The silence stretched on, filled with a palpable sense of expectation. And then, finally, the projection took a step forward, closing the distance between us.
"Do you have any questions before I continue, young man?" He spoke.