Chapter 20: A Judgment of Fate

The air grew heavier as the tomb trembled, the ancient stone walls groaning under unseen pressure. Arkhael looked down at Elias, who lay unconscious, his body still reeling from the intense pain of the failed awakening. Before Arkhael could make sense of the situation, the shaking intensified, and an ethereal figure began to materialize before him.

Arkhael froze, his normally composed demeanor giving way to pure astonishment. As the form solidified, his breath caught. It was unmistakable—the regal stature, the flowing robes adorned with ancient runes, and the aura of overwhelming authority.

"Master Kaelith..." Arkhael dropped to his knees, his head bowed low. He couldn’t believe his eyes. The figure of Elder Kaelith, his long-departed master, stood before him. Though translucent and ethereal, the presence of the legendary body magic user was undeniable.

"Rise, Arkhael," Kaelith’s voice echoed, calm yet commanding. "There is no need for formalities. I am but a fragment of my will left behind to guard this place should circumstances grow dire."

Arkhael stood, though confusion etched itself across his face. "Master… dire circumstances? I do not understand. What is happening? And this boy…" He gestured to Elias.

Kaelith’s piercing gaze shifted to the unconscious Elias, and his expression darkened. "This boy is an anomaly, Arkhael. A being that should not exist within this world."

Arkhael’s confusion deepened. "An anomaly? What do you mean, Master?"

Kaelith clasped his hands behind his back, his voice grave as he explained. "This boy bears no link to the threads of this world’s essence. The world does not recognize him as one of its own. He exists outside its laws, its cycles. Such anomalies are exceedingly rare… and exceedingly dangerous. Yet, somehow, he is here."

The weight of the words settled heavily on Arkhael. "You’re saying he doesn’t belong to this world? But how could that be possible, Master? Surely, there must be an explanation."

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Kaelith nodded solemnly. "There have been records of such occurrences, though they were thought to be myths. Anomalies like this one… they are aberrations, disruptions to the natural order. The last time one appeared, it led to catastrophe. The consequences of such a presence in our world are unpredictable, potentially disastrous."

Arkhael’s eyes widened in realization. "You mean to say…"

Kaelith met his gaze, his expression grave. "Yes, Arkhael. Such anomalies, by their very nature, pose a threat to the balance of the world. That is why they are not allowed to exist."

Arkhael’s gaze flickered to Elias, his face pale and unmoving. A mixture of dread and sorrow churned within him. "But this boy... He has shown courage, resilience. He has passed the trials, Master. Is it not unfair to condemn him simply because of his nature?"

Kaelith’s tone softened, but the gravity of his words remained. "It is not my decision to make, Arkhael. That is why I am asking you. You, who have judged his character through these trials. If you believe he is worthy of a chance, I may grant it. But understand this: should he prove to be a danger, his existence will bring ruin. The choice is yours. Decide carefully."

Arkhael stared at his master, his mind racing. He had never questioned Kaelith’s judgment before, but this was a responsibility he had not anticipated. He turned his gaze back to Elias, studying the boy who had fought so valiantly, who had endured pain and challenge without giving up.

"I…" Arkhael hesitated, the weight of the decision bearing down on him.

Before he could answer, Kaelith continued, "There is another reason for my appearance. While the boy was attempting to choose a treasure, I sensed a response. A reaction from one artifact in particular."

Arkhael stiffened, a cold chill running through him. "Master, you don’t mean…"

Kaelith’s expression hardened. "Yes. That thing. The artifact you and I sealed away long ago. Its power is far too dangerous to be unleashed, and yet it responded to him. This alone was enough to summon my will."

Arkhael’s eyes darted back to Elias, his shock evident. "But Master, if that artifact responded to him… what does that mean?"

"It means," Kaelith said grimly, "that this boy is tied to powers far beyond what we can comprehend. Whether he is a harbinger of hope or destruction, I cannot say. That is why I leave the decision to you. Shall I grant him the chance to live and prove himself, or shall we end this now, for the sake of the world?"

Arkhael clenched his fists, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The image of Elias, standing firm against the trials, flashed through his mind. This boy had fought tooth and nail, not just for survival but for something greater.

After a long silence, Arkhael finally spoke, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Master Kaelith, I have seen this boy’s resolve, his strength of spirit. He is no ordinary child, but neither is he malicious. I believe he deserves a chance. Let him prove his worth."

Kaelith regarded Arkhael for a long moment, his piercing gaze seeming to look straight into his soul. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. Your judgment shall guide my actions. But understand, Arkhael—this is a path fraught with danger. If he falters, the consequences will be severe."

With that, Kaelith’s form began to fade, his parting words lingering in the air. "I leave the boy in your care, Arkhael. Prepare him well, for the trials ahead will be unlike anything he has faced before."

As Kaelith vanished, Arkhael turned back to Elias, who still lay unconscious. The weight of his decision settled over him, but he pushed it aside for now. There would be time for doubt later.

For now, they had a path to follow.