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Star Dragons: Wings, Flames, and Magic.
The Gateway to Secrets, 06

The Gateway to Secrets, 06

Lieutenant General Druqir left without hesitation, his actions revealing the routine nature of the message received. Pierre, watching him depart, turned to Mrs. Peyton and asked, “What did I forget?”

Mrs. Peyton, with a questioning look, replied, “If it was forgotten and is of no importance, wouldn't it be better to leave it in the past?”

Pierre smiled faintly. “Very well, Mrs. Peyton. For a thousand reasons, we'll leave the past where it belongs,” he replied, trying to mask the lingering shadow of curiosity that still haunted him.

Changing the subject, Mrs. Peyton suggested, “What would you like to take, or should we take everything?” Pierre, still unsure like someone on their first day of work, hesitated, fearing making the wrong decision.

Seeing his indecision, Mrs. Peyton touched a bracelet on her arm and announced, “I propose we take everything.” A discreet light swept across the room, and within seconds, everything disappeared.

Pierre watched with fascination at the technology employed. He knew the world had advanced significantly since the last time he remembered being in it, but even so, the demonstration was impressive.

“How about we spend a few more days in the Gardens of Light?” Mrs. Peyton suggested, with an enthusiasm that contrasted with her usual serenity. “There, far from the castle and its distractions, you can resume your studies in a more tranquil and refined environment.”

Grateful, Pierre nodded. Although his memories were intact, he knew he had transmigrated into a new body and, for now, needed to rely entirely on Mrs. Peyton, his faithful robot.

The two left the empty room and closed the doors, walking through the castle's corridors. The ultramodern architecture blended fascinatingly with traditional touches and elements that evoked magic. Pierre, with his archaeologist's eyes, examined everything closely, absorbing the details.

The decorated curtains of the grand hall, in the distance, caught his eye. Beauty and refinement were everywhere, and Pierre could feel the magical presence permeating the air.

They boarded the old air transport, and Pierre felt a growing excitement. The prospect of exploring the Gardens of Light filled him with anticipation. Sitting down, he looked out the window as the transport took off, leaving the castle behind. The landscape quickly receded, giving way to a sea of white clouds.

After an hour of flight, passing over the vast estates of Eredan Staudan, they finally arrived at the Gardens of Light. The place was of magical beauty, enveloped by a luminous and enchanting aura.

As he descended, Pierre was impressed by the vibrant flowers, the crystalline fountains, and the well-kept gardens that adorned the place. The property where he would stay, though not as grand as the castle, possessed a refined charm, with classical architecture and details that exuded elegance.

The main house, a secluded yet luxurious villa, stood majestically amidst the natural scenery. Its large stained-glass windows allowed sunlight to filter through, illuminating the interior spaces with an almost ethereal softness. Pierre felt a deep sense of peace as he entered the house, a refuge where he could rest and study without the constant need for vigilance.

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With the activation of the Universal Cryptorock, the house was quickly filled with vibrant energy. “Now we are ready to resume your studies,” Mrs. Peyton said, heading to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

“This feels like a dream,” Pierre remarked, admiring the beauty around him as he watched Mrs. Peyton cook.

After dinner, Pierre and Mrs. Peyton settled into the living room, where the soft light of the sunset filtered through the windows, creating a cozy and introspective atmosphere. The air was filled with a respectful silence, as if it understood the solemnity of the moment that was about to unfold.

With precise and almost ceremonial movements, Mrs. Peyton extended her hand to a hidden compartment in her robotic body. There was a faint metallic click as the compartment opened, revealing within it three magical stones that seemed to contain the essence of the universe itself. She withdrew the stones with extreme care, as if handling relics of incalculable value.

The first stone, Avalamite, was embedded in an ancient gold necklace, its facets shining intensely in the light of the room. The glow of the Avalamite was hypnotic, radiating vibrant colors that danced like the stars of a miniature constellation. Each facet reflected the light uniquely, creating a visual spectacle that captivated Pierre's gaze.

As he observed the stone, Pierre felt a wave of emotions wash over him. The Avalamite was not just a jewel but a precious heirloom, a legacy left by his mother, Sigune Volker. The necklace seemed to pulse with the energy of generations past, carrying ancient memories and promises. It was as if the entire history of his family was contained in that small object, and now, he was the guardian of this treasure.

Cantheite and Petanesia, embedded in a delicate ring, intertwined elegantly. The blue stone had a soft, ethereal glow, while the golden stone radiated a vibrant warmth.

Carefully, Mrs. Peyton handed over the jewelry, and personal heirlooms of Sigune Volker, Pierre's mother. She placed the Avalamite necklace around Pierre's neck, followed by the Cantheite and Petanesia ring, which seemed to have been custom-made for him.

Pierre looked at the set with admiration, finding it elegant and sophisticated. However, he couldn't help but laugh at his own vanity as he thought a pair of earrings would complete the look.

As he put on the jewelry, Pierre expected something magical to happen—perhaps a display of sparkling lights or a mystical mist filling the room. However, what followed was far more enigmatic and unexpected. In the brightest corner of the room, a small door began to materialize, slowly emerging from the wall like a long-hidden secret. The discreet yet intricate structure resembled the ancient and mysterious false doors of Iteti, used to confuse and protect.

With his heart racing, Pierre approached the door, examining the hieroglyphs carved into the wood. His mind wandered to Egyptian tombs and their traps. “Could this door hide something sinister?” he wondered.

Curiosity proved stronger than fear. With a trembling hand, Pierre pushed the door open and stepped into the darkness beyond.

Pierre crossed the threshold, and in the blink of an eye, the surrounding scenery transformed completely. The quiet room was replaced by a lush and vibrant landscape, as if he had been transported to the heart of a divine creation. The air was perfumed with the fresh scent of wildflowers, and a gentle breeze carried the harmonious sound of rustling leaves, as if nature itself was in communion.

Before him stretched a vast expanse of fertile land, where a pulsing aura of energy emanated from every natural element. Majestic trees rose tall, their leaves glowing with a soft green light, as if they were nourished by an invisible life force. Vines intertwined in graceful spirals, blooming with petals that seemed to capture the very colors of the rainbow, while crystal-clear streams wound through the terrain, reflecting the golden rays of a sun that shone brilliantly in the sky.

Birds with iridescent plumage flew freely, leaving trails of colored light in their wake, like magical brushstrokes in the air.

As Pierre tried to absorb the wonder before him, he felt a powerful presence approaching. A man with long hair, floating gently above the ground, moved toward him. His presence radiated an intense energy that Pierre could see and feel as if he were an extension of nature itself, a guardian of the life and magic that permeated the place.

“I am Vogrim, the legendary master of ancient magic,” the man announced. “And who are you, young traveler, in this magical world?”

Pierre, feeling small in the presence of the mage, replied, “Milanion, sir. I inherited the magical stones from my mother, Sigune Volker, and was drawn to this world in search of knowledge.”

Vogrim examined Pierre closely. “You have potential, young Milanion. But first, answer me: from which plane did your soul come, and how did it enter a body with such impressive characteristics?”

Pierre felt a cold shiver run through his body in surprise. Vogrim's penetrating gaze seemed to pierce his soul, laying bare secrets he had never thought to reveal. The weight of the truth hung over him like a sword about to fall. He knew, without a doubt, that he had been discovered.

With no time to concoct a convincing lie and aware that the slightest slip could cost him dearly, Pierre chose to face the truth. Anxiety tightened his chest, but he summoned the courage to speak. “I… come from a different dimension, from a distant time in the past, sir,” he began, his voice trembling slightly.

“I am not a magical being,” he continued, the words coming with difficulty. “I am just the nephew of an ordinary man, a human who stumbled upon ancient books, written in a language few understand. My uncle dedicated his life to deciphering them, and I… I was raised among those pages. When he passed away, I inherited his discoveries and the mysteries he left behind.”