CHAPTER 5 - Hidden Realms
Several hours later, as the sun sits high in the sky, painting the landscape in brilliant hues of gold and azure, the soft, rhythmic thud of a knock on the carriage’s door disrupted Desmond’s thoughts.
"Young Master Bale," Lucian's unmistakably refined voice filtered through, "We are halting for a midday meal. We have prepared a space for you. Please join us whenever you're ready."
Stretching to awaken his senses, Desmond descended from the plush confines of the carriage.
To his delight, he found himself amidst the tranquil embrace of a serene lakeside, the gentle ripples of water reflecting the sun's dance. Birds sang their afternoon serenades, creating a harmonious backdrop to the scene.
Yet, something about the scene perturbed Desmond. Cedric and Lucian sat at a long wooden table, which was flanked by rustic benches. The setup was placed perfectly at the water's edge, complete with tabletop and cutlery. Had they chanced upon a designated camping site for travelers?
As he approached, the winds carried to him a peculiar sight. An ethereal glow emanating from Cedric's ornate ring caught his attention. With a subtle shimmer, the ring materialized a delightful array of warm, fragrant dishes, their scents intertwining, tantalizing the senses and causing his stomach to rumble in eager anticipation.
Intrigued, Desmond inquired, "How did you do that?"
Lucian, with a hint of amusement, replied, "Are you referring to our little banquet, Young Master?" He held up his hand, proudly showcasing the radiant ring adorning his right finger. "This here is a marvel called a Pocket Ring. A clever invention, it allows us to store numerous items, shielding them from the ravages of time, even maintaining their warmth. Lord Stallard, in his boundless generosity, gifted this to me upon my initiation into his esteemed personal guard…”
Lucian trailed off, his gaze slowly settling on Desmond's hand.
Blinking in surprise and following his line of sight, Desmond himself was taken aback to find an identical ring snugly fitted on his finger. He quickly met the curious eyes of Cedric and Lucian, feeling an unexpected flush rise on his cheeks.
He hastily explained, "It was gifted to me," a touch of awkwardness evident in his voice, "but its capabilities were left rather... ambiguous."
With an amused shake of their heads, the two guards heartily began their meal. While Desmond mentally bookmarked to explore the ring's potential later, conversation flowed, centering around their expedition.
"Given our current pace," Cedric began, pausing momentarily to appreciate the flavors of his bread, "we should glimpse the towering walls of Lyrhaven in less than two week's time. Our strategy is to deliberately avoid bustling hubs and populated zones. The logic is simple: fewer interactions translate to diminished risks. We aim to stay inconspicuous, evading any unforeseen confrontations."
Cedric's words carried an underlying warning. This was especially evident when he cast a brief, pointed glance towards Lucian, who responded with a mild look of contrition
Clearing his throat, Lucian began, "Once we approach the vicinity of Lyrhaven, the specialized team Lord Stallard has procured will take the lead. Their expertise lies in navigating the treacherous terrains of the Ice Crest, the true destination of our journey."
Lucian, filled with tales of the region, eagerly shared, "You know. Lyrhaven isn't just a city; it's a canvas of myths and legends. Whispered tales speak of an ancient Magi, a being of unfathomable power, who once graced the very soil Lyrhaven stands on today. Its imposing walls, which have stood defiantly against the test of time? Rumor has it they are the remnants of this Magi's might, safeguarding the city for millennia from the numerous adversities of the region."
Curiosity piqued, Lucian, voice laced with a hint of caution, ventured, "Young Master, if I may be so bold, what is the allure of the Ice Crest? Why brave such daunting terrains?"
Before Desmond could muster a reply, Cedric interceded, "Lucian, we mustn't overstep."
Ignoring Cedric's caution, Desmond responded, "Since we are on the topic, enlighten me. What should I brace for in the Ice Crest?"
Lucian's voice dipped to an almost inaudible murmur, "Beyond the beasts inhabiting the area. The Ice Crest is one of 'The Five Peaks'—legendary territories that stand proud at the continent's heart, free from any kingdom's dominion. None dare lay claim to them. Myths speak of ancient dragons and other mystical creatures that call it home. Yet, it's the relentless, piercing cold that's the most fearsome adversary. Even for seasoned cultivators of our stature, the Crest's chill is unforgiving. Many set foot upon the mountain, but a mere few return."
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Seeing Desmond's face lose a touch of its color, Cedric swiftly intervened, "Lucian, enough. Our duty is to safeguard our Young Master, not burden him with tales."
Lucian, realizing his blunder, apologized, "I truly apologize, Young Master. I have an unfortunate habit of getting lost in stories."
Desmond managed a slight, reassuring smile, in an attempt to lighten the mood, "No harm done. Knowledge is power, after all.”
Yet, as he took a moment to reflect, the magnitude of his upcoming journey weighed heavily on his mind. The path ahead appeared much more complex and challenging than he had initially perceived.
Lunch drew to a close, and without a second thought, Desmond began to collect the dishes, a simple gesture to help clear the table. However, Lucian was quick to intervene. "Please, Young Master, let us handle this." His tone was both polite and firm, seasoned from years of service and adhering to specific etiquettes.
Pausing, Desmond regarded him, slowly piecing together the dynamics of their relationship. He was no longer just Desmond; he bore the title of a Young Master, an identity he was still grappling with. He acquiesced, nodding his acknowledgment, and headed back to his carriage.
Settling into the opulent seating, Desmond felt the immediate presence of ORION. The now self-aware AI system swiftly initiated the intricate cultivation process. Desmond was once again enveloped in that surreal sensation of being both present and disassociated, with ORION commandeering his bodily functions.
Outside, the landscape morphed from dense woodlands to vast meadows, but Desmond's concentration remained sharply inward.
Lost in thought, a faint tingle near his temple roused him from his trance. The lingering pain from Bale's fatal injury was still palpable.
However, his gaze soon shifted to the gleaming ring adorning his finger. As his contemplation deepened, the ring's surface danced with luminous symbols.
Suddenly, a vast mental catalog opened before him, detailing the ring’s contents. The sheer volume and variety of items it held left him in awe: clothes, food, herbs, mysterious vials, armors, a sword, ropes, even an elaborate tent setup.
Taking a moment to absorb the enormity of the ring's capabilities, Desmond could only think, 'How is this even possible?'
ORION promptly chimed in, <
Desmond's eyes became contemplative slits, and his brows knitted as he dissected the information, formulating a myriad of theories and hypotheses about the ring's intricate mechanics.
ORION, sensing Desmond’s ponderings, chimed in, <
Desmond's fingers gently skimmed the glowing symbols on the ring's surface. He pondered, 'Could this be like the quantum physics principles that suggest realms beyond our everyday understanding? Microscopic, compacted dimensions that are almost too minuscule to even comprehend?'
ORION responded, << Precisely, sir. In the universe we're familiar with, we navigate through three-dimensional space, characterized by length, width, and height. Now, imagine if your Bio-Energy, channeled with precision through the patterns of this ring, could act as a distinctive key. A key that unearths and amplifies one of these hidden dimensions, ushering in access to an uncharted spatial domain. In essence, revealing a subspace.>>
Following the thread of thought, Desmond articulated his understanding. ‘So, if I'm getting this right, this ring isn't fabricating a new space out of thin air. Instead, it's exposing a layer of reality that's always been there, just hidden from our normal perception.’
<
Awestruck by the depth of the revelation, Desmond remarked, ‘Harnessing the Bio-Energy within cultivators to delve into and manipulate these obscured layers of reality is truly groundbreaking.’
A thought lingered, prompting Desmond to wonder, ‘Who has the prowess to forge such an artifact? The engineering behind this ring... it's almost otherworldly.’
<
The mention of the Magi sent an involuntary shiver through Desmond. He whispered, more to himself than anyone, ‘The Magi... Are they not just a myth after all?’
Intrigued and seeking a distraction, Desmond dived into the diverse inventory within his pocket ring, opting to retrieve fresh clothing, water flasks, and towels. After a brief refresh, his attention was drawn to several vials filled with a glowing pink liquid, reminiscent of the legendary brews he'd heard of in tales.
Turning his attention back to ORION, he inquired, ’Can you identify this?’
After a brief pause for analysis, ORION detailed, < Cautiously, Desmond let a single drop fall onto his finger. ORION swiftly assessed the droplet's makeup. < With newfound confidence, Desmond took a sip. He felt an immediate soothing warmth coursing through him, reducing the discomfort of his previous injuries. While some pain remained, its edge was notably softened. ORION added reassuringly, <