In the last chapter, Ember and Mister Ryu, on a quest to find the third temple, encounter a mysterious temporal distortion in the Black Veil. Despite differing perceptions of time duration, they realize the environment itself is manipulated by the temporal distortions. Mister Ryu attributes Ember's extended perception of time to the Black Veil and suggests heading in the opposite direction of the elusive opening. During their journey, they discover a Temporal Vase, a magical artifact harmonizing time perception. The ancient map reveals a cryptic message which leads to the unknow.

Stumbling upon the artifact within the enigmatic confines of the Black Veil and grasping the shifts in time perception, Ember and Mister Ryu witness a dramatic transformation in the ancient map. The revelation manifests as an old adage: 'The Vase of Time, Eats the Veil, Commands the Veil, and Raises the Veil.' The duo swiftly comprehends the essence of the saying, understanding its profound implications about the Temporal Vase.

Mister Ryu conveyed, "Upon a single reading of the scriptures on the Ancient Map, it becomes evident that the Temporal Vase is synonymous with the true nature of the Black Veil. Alternatively, one could assert that the Temporal Vase functions as both the container and controller of the Black Veil."

"Yes, Mister Ryu, your observation holds validity, but the predicament lies in the fact that the vase remains unresponsive. I find myself unable to enact any actions that might alter the atmosphere or exercise control over the Black Veil," I conveyed.

"No issue, let's seek guidance from the Ancient Map on how to manipulate this Temporal Artifact. 'Oh, venerable Map, kindly enlighten us on the method to operate the Time Artifact,'" Mister Ryu suggested.

Mister Ryu's summons were met with a response from the Map, triggering a transformation in its appearance. The inscriptions clarified that the Temporal Vase was not merely an old saying; its true mastery depended on correctly naming it. The Ancient Map unveiled the authentic name of the Temporal Vase, the vessel harboring the ancient veil and capable of distorting time—it was revealed to be known as the 'Black Chronos.'

Upon discovering the genuine name of the Vase, Ember held it aloft and proclaimed, "Black Chronos." In response, the Vase underwent a transformation, adopting a deep obsidian hue with cracks radiating a blood-red color, presenting an aura of omnipotence. However, to their astonishment, this alteration did not yield any significant changes in controlling the black veil.

"It appears that I've forged a connection with the Vase, yet I can't think of anything that might change the Black Veil and guide us out of this predicament," Ember remarked.

As Ember pondered the seeming impasse, a low hum emanated from the Black Chronos. The Vase, now in its transformed state, exhibited a subtle vibration in response to Ember's contemplation. Mister Ryu, observing the unfolding events, suggested, "Perhaps the key lies not in altering the Black Veil directly, but in understanding the nuances of this newfound connection. The Vase may hold untapped potential that goes beyond our current understanding."

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Ember, encouraged by Mister Ryu's insight, focused her thoughts on the nature of the Black Chronos. As she delved deeper into her connection with the Vase, a surge of memories and emotions flooded her consciousness. Visions of their journey through the Black Veil, the challenges faced, and the moments of triumph flashed before her eyes. In that introspective moment, Ember realized that the power of the Black Chronos was intricately tied to the experiences and emotions embedded within it.

With this realization, Ember whispered words of gratitude and acknowledgment to the Black Chronos, expressing appreciation for the journey they had undertaken together. As she did, the obsidian hue of the Vase deepened, and the cracks pulsated with a harmonious rhythm. The Black Veil around them responded, its distortions aligning with the vibrations of the Black Chronos.

The darkness of the Black Veil enveloping the duo began to surge towards the Vase, converging and accumulating within its confines. The lid of the Vase descended, and a metallic chain sealed it shut.

"The Vase is now sealed; it seems your current power isn't enough to control the Black Veil. I suggest you keep this artifact and utilize it sparingly, especially in dire situations. Continuous use in your present condition may result in severe mental strain," Mister Ryu advised.

Taking Mister Ryu's counsel to heart, Ember carefully stowed the sealed Vase within the storage ring bestowed upon her by Fire King Ignis. The duo emerged from the Black Veil, entering the third region—the final destination in their quest to collect the tokens enabling Ember to ascend to the skies.

"Mister Ryu, how did you manage to inquire from the Ancient Map about the genuine name of the Vase, and how did it actually reveal the information?" Ember inquired.

"Miss Ember, with my background as a merchant, I possess a heightened sense of perception. Whenever we faced confusion regarding locations or the names of things and places, I noticed a pattern in the Ancient Map's behavior. Taking a chance, I decided to ask the map about the true name of the Vase," Mister Ryu explained.

Engaged in conversation, the duo confirmed that they had arrived at the ultimate destination—the last of the ancient regions. Confirming their intuition, the Ancient Map underwent another transformation. Its hues shifted, transforming into a crystalline white sheet adorned with inscriptions revealing the name of the final region awaiting their exploration. This sacred land was named ‘The White Valley of Crystal Dew'

With the revelation of the final region's name as 'The White Valley of Crystal Dew,' Ember and Mister Ryu felt a sense of anticipation and curiosity. As they ventured into this pristine landscape, the surroundings transitioned into a breathtaking tableau of crystalline formations and ethereal mists.

"Miss Ember, I'm afraid I won't be able to navigate through this snowy region. The temperatures here are so extreme that they can turn water into ice in a matter of seconds, and I lack the necessary protective gear. I believe it will take me one to two days to create a device strong enough to shield me from this intense cold. My suggestion is for you to proceed ahead, and I'll join you as swiftly as possible," Mister Ryu conveyed.

"Alright, Mister Ryu, I'll follow your advice and proceed ahead. Once you've crafted the necessary protective device, you can catch up with me. However, I'm concerned about whether you'll be able to locate me in this vast and expansive region," Ember inquired.

……. To Be Continued