As the blinding light subsides, a staircase emerges from the brilliance, revealing its old and weathered steps. Edén gazes down, greeted by an abyss of nothingness, a profound darkness that seems to devour any hint of light. A subtle gust of wind whispers from the depths below, and an eerie silence blankets the staircase—a silence so complete it feels like an embrace from the clutches of death itself.
The sensation overwhelms Edén, a surge of fear creeping into the corners of his mind. His heartbeat quickens, and a voice within him cries out, "No more, I can't deal with more unknown today" With a deep breath, he closes the door to the mysterious depths, putting a temporary halt to his exploration of the sanctum.
As Edén walks back, he notices the subtle details in the architecture of the sanctum. The halls seem to pulse with life, responding to the changing energy within. The old murals on the walls tell tales of forgotten heroes and ancient battles, their colors vivid and resonant. Yet, beneath the vibrant surface, there's an underlying melancholy, a sense of loss that permeates the very essence of the sanctum.
Returning to the newly transformed room that resembles a lab, Edén takes a moment to survey his surroundings. The walls, once etched with the scars of battle with the monster, now bear murals depicting his recent victory over the dark creature. The atmosphere in the sanctum has shifted, and Edén can sense the ancient energy resonating with his own.
The lab, though not conventional by Edén's standards, serves its purpose. Shelves line the walls, holding peculiar vials and ancient tomes, each radiating a faint glow. The furniture, a fusion of mystical and familiar, seems to respond to Edén's presence, rearranging itself to suit his needs. At the far end, a worktable reminiscent of his own from home stands with an array of tools and ingredients.
Despite the magical transformations and newfound comfort within the sanctum, hunger gnaws at Edén. He contemplates exploring the surroundings for sustenance but decides to prioritize rest. The weariness from the battles and the unsettling revelations has taken its toll. Edén finds a comfortable spot amidst the rearranged furniture, lies down, and succumbs to the embrace of sleep.
As he drifts into slumber, the sanctum, now attuned to its new guardian, seems to hum with a subtle rhythm, a melody of old memories and untold tales that echo in the hallowed halls. The mysteries that lie beneath the surface of the sanctum await Edén's awakening, promising revelations and challenges.
In his sleep, Edén finds himself being awoken again, standing in the realm of Azalor, surrounded by ethereal mist. Before him, the imposing figure of Azalor materializes, his form shifting between shadows and radiant light. Settling into a more humanoid form, Azalor resembles the figure from Edén's first visit.
Azalor's voice, both soothing and commanding, resonates through the realm. "Edén, my chosen champion, you have taken your first steps into the mortal realm, even claimed ownership over a Sanctum—all within one day”
Edén, feeling a mix of awe and trepidation, responds, "Thanks, Azalor. But may I ask, what is that place?”
The god's eyes, shimmering with ancient wisdom, lock onto Edén. "A sanctum is a nexus of forgotten tales, a haven that bridges realms. Its purpose unfolds with each guardian, and you, Edén, are the catalyst for your own story"
As Azalor speaks, the dream shifts, revealing glimpses of other guardians who had once stood in Edén's place. Each had faced trials, challenges, and choices that shaped their destiny. Shifting once more to Edén and a dream depicts people surrounding him, a destiny yet to come.
Edén, looking up from his hand with hundreds of thousands of lives lived in an instant, asks, “Why me? Why of all people on earth, why me?”
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With Azalor’s demeanor changing in an instant, showing a new seriousness, he explains, “Edén, You need to know this. I have too many enemies to count. I never knew what I did to them or why I was thrown out. But that's why I chose you; we are the same in that regard”
Azalor further reveals the sanctum from the sky,
"Now that you have ownership of a sanctum, even though it's not full ownership yet, I can help and guide you if you ever need it. You can connect to me"
Before Azalor can finish his sentence, Edén interrupts,
“Through the Altar. I felt it when I first touched the altar. But before you disappear, can you explain to me how I, a single person, can do all this?”
“Time and acceptance will help you. Stretch out your hand to those in need, and they will help you when the time comes”
With those words fading from Azalor's voice, the mist envelops Edén again, and with a subtle hum of the sanctum, Edén finds himself waking up from his slumber in the sanctum once more. The mystical energy seems to have mellowed, resonating with a soothing rhythm. Stretching out, he rises from his improvised resting spot and decides that today will be a day of respite.
Sitting up from his slumber, Edén hears his stomach growl. He remembers that many fruits in his world could be used for food in need. Looking around the lab, he starts picking up all kinds and has his system register them.
Moon Berry
"These small, luminescent berries glow softly in the moonlight. Known for their mild sweetness and healing properties, they are often used in elixirs to boost vitality and accelerate recovery"
Silverroot Herb
This herb has silvery leaves and a distinctive, refreshing aroma. It is commonly used in potions to alleviate fatigue and promote mental clarity"
Dusk Blossom
"A flower that only blooms during the evening hours, the Dusk Blossom is prized for its calming properties. It is often included in sleep-inducing potions and teas"
Stardust Fern
"Found in shaded areas, this fern collects stardust on its fronds, giving it a faint sparkle. When used in combination with other herbs, it enhances the potency of healing elixirs"
Crystalized Nectar
"Gathered from the rare Crystalized Bloom, this nectar has potent healing properties. It is a key ingredient in elixirs that mend wounds and restore vitality"
Dune-Spider Silk
"Found around old ruins and desert caves. Used for all kinds of elixirs and some tools like bows and fishing rods"
Taking some Moon Berries and eating them, Edén feels better instantly. Indeed, they have a sweet and delicious taste. He can think of many things he can pair them with. But with something in his stomach, he can now function better. Looking back to the silk, he thinks back to the river he has seen on the way to this sanctum here. He can maybe make a fishing rod and fish for food, a little more fulfilling. Walking out of the lab and towards the entrance, for he has a plan for food.
Opening the doors once again but now with a new and improved mindset than before, he steps out and looks around again. Recalling where the river he had glimpsed before was, Edén starts walking towards it. As he wanders the forest, he notices all kinds of life he never saw before lingering around the sanctum and in the forest itself.
New kinds of blooms and creatures seem to have come out of nowhere. Many more of those he had seen from his first time here. Even the Sylvanfox has become more open, and he now sees them in the open. One fox stares him down before just walking slowly away. It's like the fox sees him as safe and a lot different from his first time seeing it when they just ran away.
Seeing the riverbank, he once again sees its beauty, its waters flowing peacefully as if untouched by the chaos that once has taken hold of the sanctum. Coming closer to the river, Edén starts looking for fish, and without real problem, he sees all kinds like before. Picking up a good stick from the bunch close, he binds the silk to it and with some small metal scrap he found back in the lab, he makes a makeshift hook. With some Moon Berries as bait and a wonderful day ahead of him, Edén lays back against a tree and waits for something to get hooked…