In the last chapter, Within the enigmatic confines of the Black Veil, Ember and Mister Ryu unlock the potential of the Temporal Vase, known as the 'Black Chronos.' Grappling with its mysterious power, they discover that the key lies in an emotional connection. As Ember expresses gratitude, the Vase resonates, aligning with the Black Veil's distortions. They emerge from the Veil, sealing the powerful artifact. The duo then embarks on the final leg of their journey, 'The White Valley of Crystal Dew,' where extreme cold separates them temporarily. Ember proceeds alone, while Mister Ryu plans to join her after crafting protective gear, navigating the challenges of the icy landscape.
"Mr. Ryu, in this expansive region, how can you locate me if I proceed further? I'm concerned that continuing ahead might make our reunion challenging. What do you suggest?" Ember inquired.
"Miss Ember, no need to fret. Take this with you – it's a female horn larva. I have the male counterpart. As you advance, keep the female larva with you; the male will be drawn to it, allowing me to locate you. And here, also take these mud leaves; the larva favours them as food," Mister Ryu explained.
Accepting the female horn larva from Mister Ryu, Ember embarked on her journey, venturing deeper into the icy expanse of the region. The larva, nestled safely in her care, became a guiding beacon as she navigated through the crystalline landscapes and shimmering frost. The profound silence of the White Valley was broken only by the subtle crunch of ice beneath her boots as Ember pressed on, fueled by the knowledge that this unique creature in her possession held the key to a reunion with Mister Ryu. The ice-encrusted wonders of the valley unfolded before her, and the female horn larva, a luminescent presence in the frozen terrain, carried the promise of connection in its delicate form. Ember moved forward with determination, guided not only by the beauty of the landscape but also by the anticipation of a rendezvous enabled by the mystical attraction of the horn larva pair.
In the crystalline expanse of 'The White Valley of Crystal Dew,' Ember faced the otherworldly beauty of the icy landscape. As she ventured deeper, encountering frozen wonders and shimmering spectacles, she felt an undercurrent of energy resonating from the sealed Black Chronos. The landscape itself seemed responsive to the artifact's presence, guiding Ember through the frosty labyrinth.
A considerable amount of time had elapsed, and Mister Ryu was still nowhere to be seen. Ember traversed the region in solitude, confronting various perils and honing her resilience in the unforgiving cold. Navigating the icy terrain and awaiting Mister Ryu's arrival, Ember eventually reached the epicenter of the region. As she approached the valley, a pivotal feature alluded to in the region's name, Ember readied herself to descend when the distinct sound of footsteps suddenly caught her attention.
"Pray, reveal your identity. How have you managed to traverse into this remote region?" inquired a gentle, melodic voice that resonated with a feminine grace, echoing through the crisp air.
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"I am Ember, a wanderer by nature. I've heard tales of a magnificent temple nestled within this region, and my heart yearns to witness its grandeur and offer my respects to its sanctity," Ember responded.
"Ah, a traveller seeking to pay homage to the temple of our clan. I cannot deny such a noble endeavour. Allow me to extend a warm welcome to our domain, 'The White Clan' greets you. I am a member entrusted with the temple's care, and my name is Liliana, though you may refer to me as Lily," spoke Lily with a gracious nod.
"As the guardian of the temple, could you kindly guide me to its sacred halls?" Ember inquired.
"My apologies for the misunderstanding. I'm merely following the trial of my clan and hold no guardianship over the temple. However, if you wish to reach the temple, the path lies through descending into the valley. Fortunately, I'm also headed in that direction, so I offer you a ride along the way," Lily expressed with courteous sincerity.
Conveying this to Ember, Lily sounded a horn, and within moments, a colossal shadow loomed over the terrain. Gazing skyward, Ember witnessed the descent of a magnificent Ice Griffin, gracefully intertwining with Lily. The majestic White Beast possessed immense strength, formidable enough to dominate any adversaries below the realm of players of the Skies.
"How did you manage to tame such a formidable companion? It appears to be incredibly powerful," I asked.
"Each direct member of the Clan has their own Griffin, and I, too, possess one. However, this particular one is still in its youthful stage, yet to reach full adulthood," Lily explained.
Comprehending Lily's formidable authority, Ember then ascended onto the back of the Ice Griffin, joining Lily. With a swift beat of its wings, the Griffin created a gust of wind, and within a few minutes, they descended to the valley's base where the frigid air grew even denser than above. Navigating the chilling terrain became challenging, yet the Griffin's feather, graciously provided by Lily, enabled Ember to move through the cold expanse effortlessly.
"Ember, here is where our paths must diverge. It has been a pleasure meeting you, and I would enjoy conversing further. Unfortunately, I'm bound by a trial and cannot stray from the designated path. If you follow this trail for about half an hour, you'll arrive at the temple. Ensure you pay your respects; it may prove beneficial in the times to come," Lily conveyed with sincerity.
Parting ways with heartfelt farewells, the bond forged in their brief time together had grown strong, transforming Ember and Lily from acquaintances into sisters and steadfast partners. Following the path Lily had illuminated, Ember embarked on her solo journey, encountering the ancient ruins foretold by her newfound friend. The presence of these ruins served as a reassuring sign that the temple Lily spoke of was in close proximity.
The expedition through this region unfolded seamlessly, thanks to Lily's invaluable assistance. Her guidance and the majestic Ice Griffin's protection ensured Ember's safe passage, turning what could have been a daunting trek into a secure and even enjoyable adventure. As Ember traversed the path toward the temple, a burgeoning excitement took root within her. The anticipation of ascending to the skies, coupled with the memories of the camaraderie shared with Lily, fuelled Ember's determination and enthusiasm for the challenges that lay ahead in her extraordinary journey.
……. To Be Continued