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Chapter 16 - Rewards

Chapter 16 - Rewards

Renier appeared in a square chamber; white marble covered the floor and walls. In front of him were six statues, four men and two women; among them was the figure of Ayg. Painted behind them was a map of the world. Six red dots and one black one were marked on the map. The one in the middle of the Pacific was glowing. In front of the statues was a pedestal with a dark blue bottle on top of it. 'Take the elixir, child. It will cure the poison,' instructed Ayg, but Renier had no strength to move to the pedestal. He simply fell forward, trying to reach the life-saving bottle. He grazed it with the tips of his fingers, and the action made it rock back and forth. Renier fell and hit his head on the pedestal; the bottle fell and shattered, the viscous liquid spilling on the floor. Renier's body slumped against the pedestal, the force of gravity making it list to the left until he lay on top of the puddle.

Slowly, the elixir seeped into the wound on his hand, and the Mu energy started to spread through his body. It wasn't enough to cure him of the poison, but it brought him back to consciousness. 'Quickly, child, weave a healing on yourself,' Ayg implored. The small amount of elixir gave him enough clarity to do the motions, and the familiar glow started to spread from his right hand. 'Breath in the four-seven-eight pattern and pull the Mu energy to you!' instructed Ayg with urgency in her voice.

But Renier fell unconscious before he finished his meditation, and the glow started to diminish. Inside the talisman, Ayg’s consciousness debated. ‘The boy would die if she didn’t do something, and there was only one thing to do.’ Ayg released the energy she had been hoarding for many months. There would be consequences for her, but it was this or nothing. The glow resumed, and the poison in Renier’s body was slowly cleansed.

Hours passed until Renier regained consciousness. He opened his eyes, disoriented, with extreme pain in his left leg. As he checked, two darts were sticking out of his calf. He pulled the darts out, plugging the holes with his fingers until the bleeding stopped.

Renier surveyed the room. The first of the six statues had a light blue glow. Hoarsely, Renier asked, 'Ayg, what do I do now?'

'Move in front of each statue. Each Sect Master left a message and a gift for anyone who successfully passed the labyrinth,' explained Ayg, her voice dimmer than usual.

Renier shuffled before the glowing statue hewn from a rugged grey stone. It gave off the feeling of unyielding strength. The man had a muscular frame and had adopted a stoic pose. His legs apart, arms crossed over his broad chest. His eyes were fixed forward, his gaze steadfast. 'I am Thorald,' a voice startled Renier, although no sound could be heard, 'the last sect master of The Order of the White Obelisk. Defender, your path will be besieged by tempests born of the darkest intent. Like the obelisk, stand unbroken amidst chaos. Your resolve shall be your greatest weapon, an indomitable fortress against despair. Let no tremor of doubt undermine your journey toward salvation. I leave you the Granite Shield Skill that it may protect you in your task as it did me.' A translucent stone cube with an array carved on its surface appeared before Thorald's statue, as the next statue started to glow.

'Take the soul stone, child. You can access it once you begin to develop your Samvid Nexus,' said Ayg.

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‘Are you all right, Ayg?’ Asked Renier, stranger by the weakness in her voice.

‘I’m fine, Renier. I’ll recuperate my energy once we reach Ombre Island.’

The next statue appeared almost like an ice sculpture. The beautiful woman wore a flowing gown that seemed to cascade like a frozen waterfall. Her expression was tranquil, almost meditative, yet her eyes glinted sharply and calculatedly. A delicate snowflake rested on her outstretched palm, emanating a bone-chilling coldness. 'Harbinger of hope, I am Eirlys. Let your heart remain pure and your intent as sharp as the icicle’s tip. Within the frigid wastelands of adversity, find the seed of unassailable will. May the chill of my spirit invigorate your resolve and freeze the onslaught of our shared foe. My gift is the Ice Cyclone Skill so that you may defend against the enemies of humankind.' A translucent square stone similar to the one before appeared.

A statue made of green jade depicting a man in mid-stride, barefoot, upon a bed of intricately detailed leaves and fauna. His eyes were closed, a gentle smile on his face, as if listening to the whispered secrets of the natural world. Vines entwined around his limbs, and many small, lifelike animals were scattered at his feet, showcasing a harmonious relationship with the wilderness and its creatures. 'The Verdant Eques welcome you, Vibrant soul; I am Faolan. Your destiny is entwined with our ancient purpose. The fate we could not avoid but must be rectified falls on you. Seek alliances and rebuild our legacy, for unity breeds strength, and nature shall rally to your call. As you walk through the verdant tapestry of life, may every step reinforce your connection to all living beings. Instead of a skill, I leave you knowledge. This soul stone contains the compendium of all the plants the Eques have found and their uses. May the knowledge help you grow strong.'

The fourth statue of a man started to glow. It was made of swirling azure and white marbles, suggestive of a tumultuous sky. His form, though solid, seemed to blur into the winds around him, a sculptural embodiment of speed and movement. His hair and light, billowing garments appear caught in a perpetually fierce gale. His outstretched arms were carved as if merging into the spiraling winds. 'I am Zephyros of the Vayuh Assembly, Free spirit. May the winds of change propel you forward. You have shown that the fetters of conformity do not bind your path; dance with the tempests and harness their boundless energy. In your journey, may you find steadfast resolve amidst the conflict. I leave you my Slip Stream Skill. May it allow you to reach your destinations quickly.'

The fifth statue glowed ember-like red, and a subtle warmth emanated. The man was seated cross-legged with a serene, concentrated expression on his ageless face while his fingers held a flame that seemed perpetually alive. His robes were detailed with intricate flames. A booming voice sounded in Renier's head, 'Radiant warrior, I am Pyxis of the Eternal Ember; a fire has been kindled within you to seek the justice we were denied. Do not fear the path of destruction; new life shall sprout from the ashes. Let the eternal energies flow in you, and their power guide you. I leave you the Elixir of Agnih that my sect's disciples used for millennia to strengthen their Nadi channels.' A bottle with a fiery red liquid inside appeared.

The last statue to glow was Ayg's. It was made of an obsidian-like stone, subtly gleaming under any trace of light. She had a dynamic pose, seemingly caught in a silent, graceful dance. The folds of her flowing, ethereal robe seem to melt into the darkness around her. Her eyes, carved with meticulous precision, held a mysterious gaze while her lips were gently curved into a knowing, enigmatic smile. 'Dearest child, my name is Ayg; I'm the last sect master of the Enclave of the Cerulean Coral. The task you take was one we six could not complete, yet the fate of all falls to you. We tested your strength and your resolve and found you worthy. So do not let doubt cast shadows, for all six of us believe in you. I leave you the Umbra Skim Skill so that the power of obscurity and mystery can become your shield against treachery.' Again, a translucent cube appeared.

The chamber was silent as the last statue stopped glowing. 'Renier,' said Ayg, ‘finishing the labyrinth proves you have in you the strength to become a great Sect Master. Let us go to the Sect. Meditate here, and then weave a healing for your leg. Once you're healed, memorize the map. Each dot represents a Sect. Although from here, you can only go to the Enclave. Once you’re done, go to the map and press the glowing dot. It will take you to the portal chamber for Ombre Island.'