In the last chapter, Ember and Mister Ryu, after receiving a gift from the Citadel's High Manager, discuss a mysterious message sent to Grandmaster Blacksmith. They use masks and aliases to maintain confidentiality during a communication crystal conversation with Grandmaster Blacksmith, identified as Draxis Von Hudd. They possess a rare material, Black Obsidian, and propose a deal: crafting a sword for Ember and other items in exchange for the experience the thrill of making a weapon out of Black Obsidian. Draxis accepts but suggests waiting until Ember reaches the Fiftieth Sky. Mister Ryu agrees, concluding the meeting. Ember questions the abrupt end, seeking more information.
After sealing the deal with Grandmaster Blacksmith, the duo hastily concludes the crystal meeting. Observing Mister Ryu's abrupt ending, Ember questions the reason behind concluding the meeting so quickly.
"Mister Ryu, why did you conclude the meeting with Grandmaster Blacksmith so abruptly, and you also mentioned something about work you had to attend to?" Ember inquired.
Upon hearing Ember's statement, Mister Ryu displayed a subtle fissure, intensifying Ember's curiosity.
"Miss Ember, doesn't it strike you as odd? Someone from the higher skies reaching out to those just beginning their ascent might raise suspicion and attract unwanted attention to our conversation," Mister Ryu remarked.
"If we had continued our conversation with Grandmaster Blacksmith, someone would have intervened, making it challenging for you to progress in your ascent through the skies," Mister Ryu stated.
Ember, noting the subtle change in Mister Ryu's demeanour, became even more intrigued. She pressed further, "But Mr. Ryu, what kind of intervention were you expecting, and what work could be so urgent that it required such a hasty conclusion to our meeting?"
Mister. Ryu sighed, his gaze shifting as he contemplated how much to reveal. "Miss Ember, the Skies are filled with both allies and potential adversaries. The higher you climb, the more intricate and delicate matters become. Our communication, if prolonged, could have drawn attention from those who might not have our best interests at heart. As for the urgent work, there are certain preparations and arrangements that need to be made for our upcoming journey through the Skies."
As the duo prepared for their ascent to the new Sky, they organized their belongings and set out to commence their journey. Making their way to the reception area, they expressed their gratitude to the helpful receptionist who had facilitated their stay. Additionally, they extended they’re thanks to the High Manager of The Citadel. In return, they were provided with the token for ascending to the next Sky, along with a guide to the teleportation gate.
Strolling for nearly an hour, the pair traversed beyond the city's fence and entered the expansive plains of the initial Sky. The vast and eerily tranquil lands stretched out, presenting a mysterious allure. Continuing onward, the duo eventually arrived at the edge of the First Sky, where the teleportation gate had stood for as long as the island had existed.
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The ancient teleportation gate, standing tall and wide with an air of timelessness, exuded a majestic and mysterious presence that inspired awe in anyone who beheld its grandeur.
In the silence of the vast plains, a low hum emanated from the gate, resonating with a subtle energy that seemed to vibrate through the air. The air around the gate shimmered with a faint luminescence, adding to the otherworldly ambiance that surrounded it.
"This is where I must bid farewell. Thank you for your patience," expressed the guide.
"Miss Ember, behold the gateway to a chapter of mysterious journeys. Are you prepared for further peril?" inquired Mister Ryu.
"You don't need to always encourage me like that; I'm well aware of what lies ahead. I'm prepared for any danger that may come my way," Ember affirmed.
Seeking reassurance from each other, the duo proceeded directly toward the gate. The gateway emitted vibrations, and the air in its vicinity began to be drawn inward. As they stepped through the gate, their surroundings underwent a dramatic transformation, with millions of lights streaming past them. The journey lasted a minute before they arrived at the next Sky.
Venturing beyond the gate, the duo found themselves in the heart of a dense forest, where sunlight scattered and bent, yielding to the will of towering trees that dominated the woodland.
The forest served as the initiation challenge for those who had successfully completed the test administered by the Arcane Library and the collaborative task set by the Citadel. While navigating through the woods in search of clues for their next undertaking, the duo stumbled upon a colossal wooden board. Time had weathered the wood, turning it black with corrosion. The board bore the name of the island - 'The Forest of Cradles.'
The very mention of the name sent shivers down the spines of those who laid eyes on it. Beneath the aged wooden board, intricately etched with the eerie name 'The Forest of Cradles,' a small inscription outlined the task in delicate, almost cryptic, scribblings. It conveyed a profound challenge: "Demonstrate your strengths and prove your worth to the skies, challenge the formidable beasts inhabiting the forest; it is through might that you shall find the path leading to the next Skies."
"The upcoming challenge involves hunting beasts in the forest, not much different from the goblin-hunting task given in the First Sky. I might as well eliminate all those creatures while I'm at it," Ember remarked.
"Miss Ember, indiscriminately eliminating everything in your path is certainly not the right approach to completing the task. The phrase on the board, 'Forest of Cradles,' carries a deeper meaning. I recommend exercising patience, waiting for a moment, and gathering information," advised Mister Ryu.
As Ember absorbed Mister Ryu's advice, she paused to reflect on the profound challenge laid out before her. The haunting aura of the Forest of Cradles seemed to whisper secrets of ancient trials and hidden truths. Determined to approach the task with wisdom, she decided to heed Mister Ryu's counsel and gather more information about the mysterious beasts dwelling within the forest.
Together, Ember and Mister Ryu navigated deeper into the woodland, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. The atmosphere grew thick with an otherworldly energy, and the creatures of the forest stirred in response to their presence. Ember, rather than resorting to brute force, chose to observe the behaviours of the beasts and understand the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
……. To be continued