In the last chapter, Ember and Mister Ryu's seamless journey to the Temple of Winter unfolds with encounters, camaraderie, and shared challenges. As they delve deeper, the temple's mystical atmosphere reveals intricate ice sculptures and ancient symbols, guiding them through frozen corridors and cryptic puzzles. The duo's anticipation heightens as they unearth ancient artifacts, and the Map shows unprecedented signs, signalling a pivotal moment. Standing at the threshold of 'The Temple of Winter,' Ember and Mister Ryu are poised for the culmination of their extraordinary adventure, eager to unravel the secrets concealed within.
While searching for the token within the temple halls, Ember and Mister Ryu observed a remarkable transformation in the Ancient Map—it morphed into an ice crystal, revealing inscriptions that read 'Spring of Ice Dew.' As this change occurred, the hall's surroundings shifted, exposing a concealed door that led to another chamber. Stepping inside, the room illuminated with light streaming from small crystals adorning the ceiling. In their quest for the token, the duo found themselves standing before a serene pond filled with crystal-clear water.
Mister Ryu exclaimed, "The Spring of Ice Dew, this is not mere water but Ice Dew. Miss Ember, this is a remarkable find. Submerging yourself in the Ice Dew Pond will assist in flesh reconstruction and contribute to your cultivation."
"Mister Ryu, while this discovery is intriguing, it won't aid in my body tempering, considering I recently employed the method in the Molten Miasma region. Taking a dip would only result in softer skin, and I prefer not to waste time. Let's focus on finding the last token," Ember remarked.
"Miss Ember, this isn't just any Ice Dew; it's the purest form of Crystal Dew. Judging by its purity, it seems untouched. Taking a dip in it will undoubtedly offer benefits yet to be discovered," Mister Ryu explained.
"How do you possess this knowledge? I assume you'll attribute it to the prowess of a merchant. I'll follow your advice, but in return, you must locate the last token while I take a dip. Ensure you wake me up if I haven't emerged within 3 to 4 hours," Ember insisted.
Mister Ryu agreed to Ember’s proposal and so Ember decided to immerse herself in the pure Crystal Dew. As she entered the pond, a soothing sensation enveloped her, and she felt an otherworldly energy coursing through her body. Unbeknownst to Ember, the Crystal Dew held ancient properties that went beyond skin softening.
While Ember focused on her rejuvenating dip, Mister Ryu diligently explored the chamber in search of the elusive last token. The room, illuminated by the ethereal glow of crystals, revealed hidden corners and mysterious inscriptions on the walls. As Ember relaxed in the Crystal Dew, the atmosphere in the chamber seemed to resonate with a newfound energy, as if the ancient spirits were guiding their quest.
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Hours passed, and Ember emerged from the pond feeling revitalized and invigorated. Mister Ryu, having meticulously scoured the chamber, discovered a concealed alcove containing the final token. The token, emanating a subtle radiance, held the key to unlocking the ways to climb the skies.
Upon emerging from the pond, Mister Ryu noticed significant changes in Ember's physique. The frigid Crystal Dew had formed a layer enveloping her bones, resulting in a breakthrough to the Ivory Forging stage of the Sky Body Resonance. With her newly reconstructed body, Ember could now harness the Aura she was previously unable to access due to her weaker constitution. The use of Aura, however, signified a shift in focus from body construction to cultivating a stronger internal force. As a result, the upcoming breakthrough might require a more prolonged period of time and concentration.
“Did you got the last token Mister Ryu” said Ember
“Yes I found it,” Mister Ryu replied
Retrieving the three tokens from his sizable backpack, Mister Ryu observed as they began to emit a radiant glow in their respective colors. The Iron Region token displayed a subtle grey hue, the Magma Region token glowed in fiery red, and the Ice Region token emanated a cool blue light. As they hovered in the air, the tokens initiated a circular motion, gradually accelerating. Eventually, the tokens seamlessly fused together, forming a singular key that now possessed the combined attributes of the three distinct tokens.
Upon discovering the new token, the Ancient Map underwent unprecedented and dramatic alterations. The map swiftly moved towards the token, transforming into a visage that resembled a face before engulfing the token. This unexpected action left the duo both curious and concerned. The map's unconventional behaviour triggered a structural transformation, evolving into a scroll reminiscent of its original texture at the beginning of the journey. However, this time, the map revealed its true form, recognized as the "Map of Origin." The artifact turned out to be the omniscient map lost in the annals of time.
The Map of Origin serves as a comprehensive guide, providing users with essential information, including the locations, items and recorded recipes from the time before it was divided into four pieces. This extraordinary map proves instrumental in ascending to the skies, revealing crucial details such as the teleportation array's location that leads to the first island.
"Finally, I can embark on my journey to ascend the skies and achieve my long-sought goal. Mister Ryu, I extend my gratitude for all the assistance you've provided, for guiding me to the tokens that unlocked the key enabling me to climb the skies. Thank you sincerely," expressed Ember.
"Well, Miss Ember, prepare yourself to express gratitude frequently because I'll be assisting you a lot. Congratulations on taking the first step toward achieving your goal, and I genuinely hope you attain everything you desire," conveyed Mister Ryu.
Expressing these words to Miss Ember, Mister Ryu proceeded to search for something in his backpack. While Ember pondered the mystery of fitting everything into a single backpack, she patiently awaited Mister Ryu's return. As he approached her, she noticed that he was carrying a large wooden box.
"This is my present to you for reaching your initial goal. I hope you find it to your liking," expressed Mister Ryu.
Upon opening the wooden box from Mister Ryu, a weighty atmosphere descended, accompanied by the emergence of a dark black and red aura emanating from the box, casting an ominous presence in the surroundings. The box holds…..
…….To Be Continued