The patter of rain resounded across my surroundings as I strolled along a wooden pathway. The environment was adorned with an array of structures, both modest and grand, all constructed from a curious wood that gleamed in an ivory hue, punctuated by sporadic ebony spots.
Above, the sky remained obscured by a dense canopy of an otherworldly forest, its leaves donning a gentle shade of lavender.
This settlement found its home encircling a colossal tree, its very essence seemingly blessing the dwellings that sprang from its timber. These were the natives of this mystical forest, deeply intertwined with the bounties of the grand tree.
Labyrinthine paths, all crafted from distinct timber, wove an intricate web, seamlessly connecting the town’s diverse edifices. Gazing downward, I could only make out a sea of mist, a telltale sign of our considerable elevation.
Natives of this realm cast curious glances my way as I made my way among them. These beings, standing at a diminutive four feet in stature, sported round noses of varying shades, their vibrant countenances framed by peculiar hats concealing their light-purple tresses.
I stood within Compound 001: Route 271: Realm 78 - Everwood.
Navigating through the elaborate network of wooden thoroughfares and meandering past the structures, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of melancholy. The warmth of these people, the sanctuary of the towering tree above, the innocence that radiated from their smiles—all of it seemed blissfully unaware of the impending peril, the impending assault. This might well mark the closing chapter of their existence.
I hastened my stride, fixating on my destination, a sizable structure reminiscent of a tavern. Emanating from within were a myriad of sounds and noises, a cacophony of voices engaged in lively discourse while imbibing a peculiar violet-hued liquid, reputed to harbour mystical healing properties—this realm’s famed ale.
Drawing closer, I approached the barkeep, a fellow human, and employed the coded phrase that had been imparted to me by the caretaker of Compound 001 during my journey here.
A flicker of surprise momentarily crossed his features before he swiftly regained his composure. "This way," he instructed.
Leading the charge, the bartender entrusted the bar to one of his comrades and guided me outside the lively tavern.
Silence prevailed between us as I trailed in his wake. We proceeded along a succession of wooden pathways, each leading upward. The crowd of people surrounding us gradually thinned, their presence fading away.
After approximately thirty minutes of navigating this labyrinth of timber, his footsteps came to a stop. His hand reached out, revealing a concealed mechanism that triggered a set of wooden stairs, ascending to the pinnacle of the mystical tree that cradled this realm.
I found myself enveloped by light-purple leaves, creating a natural carpet beneath me. Above, a blue moon cast a muted veil of light across the expanse. I had reached the very top of this awe-inspiring tree.
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Unexpectedly, a wooden path unfurled before me, guiding me to a platform crowned by a protective roof.
Midst this space sat a figure, his gaze fixed upon the azure moon. Sensing my approach, he turned his attention towards me, unveiling his countenance.
This man possessed a complexion that bore the warmth of brown, his medium-length silver hair cascading like a silvery waterfall. Silver eyes met mine, seemingly containing an immense reservoir of wisdom and knowledge. His form was clad in silver armour, radiating an aura of mystique and enchantment. His exposed skin bore the markings of age-old scars, carefully concealed though they were.
Lying adjacent to him rested a great bow, its proportions just slightly less than his own. The bow, too, bore the hue of silver, intricately embellished with enigmatic symbols and intricate patterns.
Before me stood none other than Kabir Khurana, the inaugural Herald. Renowned as the most potent of all harpers, he held the distinction of vanquishing three Voidshades. It was largely due to his might that Compound 001, the pioneering discovery, endures to this day.
A gentle smile graced his lips as his gaze met mine.
"So, you are the Voidwalker.... His words resonated like those of a sage, bearing the weight of profound knowledge.
My astonishment flared in response, for I hadn’t anticipated him unveiling my identity with such apparent ease. Convincing the previous three Heralds had proven arduous, yet this man appeared to possess a different discernment.
"Intriguing," I ventured with a curiosity-tinged inquiry, "how did you discern my identity?"
He met my query with a smile, his gaze thoughtfully assessing me before he proceeded. "I possess certain channels," he began, his tone laced with a measured confidence.
"My encounters with Voidshades have acquainted me with their distinctive aura. You, however, exude a different energy. There’s an air of spatial manipulation surrounding you, suggesting mastery over this domain. This leaves me with two potential options: either you are Mrizem or another entity altogether. Yet, were you truly Mrizem, your intentions would likely diverge from a direct journey to the fragment, given the location has long been exposed."
His explanation left me taken aback, his deductions nearing completion in a mere span of seconds.
"Moreover," he added, his voice resonating with conviction, "your command over spatial forces implies the ability to traverse compounds, aligning with the established profile of The Voidwalker."
"Now, I’m all ears," he intimated, his gesture accompanied by a sweeping motion towards the empty chair beside him.
Bearing an acknowledgment of his perceptive abilities, I didn’t allow a moment to slip away. With a firm nod, I settled into the offered seat, the wooden surface cooling beneath my touch. I understood the gravity of this encounter, the pivotal nature of the information I carried, and the urgency to convey it comprehensively.
Engaging his penetrating gaze, I launched into the heart of the matter without preamble. My words flowed, recounting the same narrative I had presented to the previous harpers, each syllable infused with purpose and resonance.
His attentive demeanour didn’t waver, and his focus was unwavering as he absorbed the intricacies of my account. Every description, every revelation, held its significance in the grand tapestry of events that loomed ahead.
**
"This turn of events was anticipated, albeit not without a sense of inevitability," he exhaled, the subtle release of breath carrying a mix of resignation and readiness. It was as though he had long harboured the knowledge that such a confrontation would eventually rear its head.
"My presence here will be unwavering, serving to reinforce your efforts," I said calmly, underscoring the rationale behind my decision.
His response bore the weight of understanding. "Indeed, I’ve deduced your purpose," he acknowledged, his tone inflected with a sombre gravitas. His gaze held a depth of insight, as though the weight of impending events had etched a map of foresight across his mind.
Grim realism painted his words as he delved into the core of the matter. "Their strategy will evolve. No longer will they deploy mere Voidshades to face me; they will marshal their ultimate resource, a Voidkeeper," he declared, the resonance of his voice carrying a sense of sombre premonition.