Several pieces were falling into place thanks to the information that the Guardian Spirit had provided. But Ezekiel knew that there were several things that didn’t match up.
“Wait! How do you know all this if you’ve been down here since before the Cruor were a thing? This Ancient Legacy requires all ten elements to be opened.” This was the biggest flaw in the Spirit’s story. “Not only that, but back then, Void Mages were exiled to the Desolate Lands. They wouldn’t be able to enter this place from there.”
The Spirit just shook their head.
“This Legacy isn’t some Ruin, or Temple. It is a trial and testing ground born from the power of all the Ancient Spirits combined. The entrance you used was just one of ten. There used to be an entrance in the old Desolate Lands. Each entrance has different requirements, as well as leading to different trials. The one you entered exists at the top of the world. A tip for the axis that this world spins on.”
The fact that the Spirit was using words like axis, and described the north pole, was surprising. But if this Spirit was assigned to guard this place, it made sense for the Ancient Spirits to have given him some non-standard information. He made no mention of it, however, since had more important questions to raise.
“Why would the Ancients have made an entrance inside the Desolate Lands? What was the requirement for it?”
“Likely because the Ancient Void predicted that things would go badly for the so-called useless-Mages. The entrance that used to exist in the original Desolate Lands only required nine Void Mages to activate crystalline structures infused with the other elements.”
Ezekiel remained silent as he pondered over the information the guardian had provided. Its words made sense. If the Ancient Void predicted the exile of the Void Mages, then leaving a Legacy that allowed them to gain something, and balance the scales, would make sense.
It was just a shame that the Ancient Void’s good intentions had plunged the world into hell.
“You said that Drake came to this world already having knowledge of magic, right? Why couldn’t he figure out anything to do with Void Magic? The Remnants told me that no one before me was able to do so. But the world I came from didn’t have any magic at all.”
The Spirit shrugged. “I do not know. All I know is that, according to his words, magic is different in different worlds. His past one did not have elemental magic like Eldramir. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to speak to the Broods while they were fully sealed. Even after speaking to me.”
Ezekiel couldn’t deny that the possibility of new magic, foreign to Eldramir, peaked his curiosity to new heights. He had been slowly unraveling the secrets of the higher Tiers but was still stuck due to the sheer amount of time it was taking to grow his soul to the point where he could once again break through.
‘Maybe the Spirit has some more ideas? Other than that, the only thing I can think of that will improve our power without Tiering up would be more [Understanding] of the Void.’ Shine gave their own opinion regarding Ezekiel’s thought process. ‘Like how Riley got much stronger, even in Tier three, when you taught her about different colored flames.’
That final statement was like a bolt of lightning piercing Ezekiel’s brain. But not because it was a revolutionary idea.
“Riley! Dammit! I was so caught up in this Legacy that I forgot about the others. Guardian, can you please tell me how the others are doing? Are they alright? The Flame Hunter in particular.”
The guardian seemed shocked at Ezekiel’s behavior. It had thought that he would have more questions regarding the first Broodlords, or the secrets of this Ancient Legacy.
A mile crossed its face. It seemed like Ezekiel had passed a test of some sort.
“You are truly different from that man...” The Spirit muttered. It waved its hand to the side. A stone wall rose up, and somehow, a series of images began to play on it.
Three figures seemed to be fighting different enemies. A Cavern Hunter was facing off against a Swarm of insectoids that glowed red hot and melted the stone that he used to defend against. An Obscure Hunter was fighting a horde of luminescent golems, her shadows forcibly fading away. The third, a Tempest Hunter, fought against a nest of Wyrms that rained down on her from the ceiling.
It was very reminiscent of Ezekiel’s test, where the environment and numbers made things impossible for them to win in a fight. This was a trial of will and withstanding an endless barrage.
Additional images showed the bloody remains of four more figures. Two were in the tunnels with the wall carvings, and two were in the large, cavernous rooms of the first challenge. The failures that hadn’t made it through the first, or second, trials.
Finally, the last two screens showed a Radiant Hunter and a Riley, respectively. Each one stumbling through another sealed gateway. The Radiant Hunter had made his way to another rest area. Having forced his way through a gate protected by crystalline golems that refracted light.
Riley was being carried by Celia, who was limping with holes in her wing, and chunks missing from her limbs. A frozen wasteland lay behind them. Snow and ice blew away the crumbling remains of the golems they had survived.
“Thank goodness...” Ezekiel nearly slumped to his knees as he saw that Riley was okay. He felt bad about the four that had died so far. But there was nothing he could’ve done at the time. “Can you tell me if they’ll be coming to speak with you as well?”
“They will, such is the reward for passing the first three trials.” Relief filled Ezekiel, but the Spirit continued. “Although, what rewards they get will be different from yours,” the Spirit replied. “Not only were you the first to complete all the previous challenges, but you are also the pioneer and savior of Void Magic. I don’t know what the Remnants would’ve told you, especially since they weren’t given information about me and this Legacy, but you are essentially the heir to the Ancient Void’s repository of magic.”
Ezekiel couldn’t help it. His jaw literally dropped in shock. The Void Remnants hadn’t mentioned anything like this. Only that they were limited in how much they could tell him, and that he wasn’t any sort of chosen one. Just that he had fulfilled the criteria set out by the Ancient Void in the past.
“Why didn’t the Remnants have a repository of knowledge?” he couldn’t help but ask. “Did Drake get access to this repository?”
The guardian shook its head. It seemed that Drake hadn’t gained access to the Ancient Void’s knowledge. Just that of the guardian.
“Because they were bound to Temples of the Void. Structures that were publicly known, and accessible. This Legacy was never made known to the world at large, beyond the Ancient Spirits. Each entrance was kept a secret. I am also bound, and prevented from speaking of where the other entrances are. Though, I can communicate with those that find said entrances, before they enter. So long as they don’t meet the entry requirements. To instruct them as to what they need to do to enter.”
A thought crossed Ezekiel’s mind.
“Is that how you know so much about the state of the world outside? Like how the Cruor are a thing, and how Drake succeeded in weakening the seal on the Broods.”
The Spirit shook its head.
“No. When this Legacy was created, the Ancient Void set up a sensory array that was tied to the seals in the original Desolate Lands. It broke roughly two years after Drake Cross left here. It also captured the images of the ones who broke it. Drake and his companions were the only ones there. Really, I would’ve thought that the Remnant you spoke with would’ve told you. The temples had similar devices, though they didn’t display recordings.”
Ezekiel could hear a sense of sadness and regret that filled the guardian’s voice. It seemed like it truly blamed itself for the weakening of the seals on the Broods.
The screen suddenly shifted, and Ezekiel saw an image that was unfamiliar to him. Filled with nine human figures. At the head of the group, was a man with waist length hair that seemed to ooze and greasy oil like substance.
His jaw was thinner than Ezekiel’s, and he almost wanted to say that the man had aristocratic features. The figure, who could only be Drake Cross, held himself upright in an arrogant manner, and a wicked grin spread across his face.
Not only that, but there was a human head hanging by its hair, which was held in a tight grip. Blood oozing from its severed neck.
The image only appeared for a few seconds, before the Spirit changed it. A lapse in concentration, perhaps? But Ezekiel decided not to dwell on the Spirit’s actions.
“I don’t think the Remnants told me, because I was only Tier two at the time.” Ezekiel replied.
“Ah... still in the lesser Realms of transcendence. Then it makes sense that they would hold back certain information.”
The Spirit’s words garnered more questions from Ezekiel, as it was obvious that the Spirit knew more about the requirements to reach higher Tiers than he did, but for now, he had other things he felt the need to focus on.
“Can you send me to where Riley is? I’d like to help her if I can.”
The Spirit nodded. It waved its hand once more, creating a tunnel that Ezekiel assumed led to Riley’s awaiting chambers.
“We will continue to speak later. I brought you here before the other’s trials were completed because I hoped to gain a measure of understanding regarding what you are like.”
Ezekiel nodded, having already guessed this earlier when the Spirit smiled at his actions.
“I hope that I impressed you and didn’t remind you of the last Void Mage to come here.”
The Spirit smiled again. This time, Ezekiel got the sense that it was happily reminiscing.
“No... it is not Drake that you remind me of.” The Spirit must’ve seen Ezekiel’s confused look, because it clarified itself a moment later. “You remind me somewhat of the Ancient Void themself.”
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Ezekiel didn’t know what to say to that. His own memories of the Ancient Void clashed a great deal with what he saw of himself. But perhaps there was more to the Ancient Spirit than what he had experienced in his prior meeting.
Shaking his head in wonder, Ezekiel nodded in thanks to the Spirit, and walked down the path that would lead him to his lover. He could worry about the revelation he’d learned later on. After he knew she had recovered properly.
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Stepping through the opening at the end of the tunnel, Ezekiel ducked beneath a stream of blue fire that came spewing out the mouth of a small dragon that was standing protectively over Riley’s unconscious form.
“Celia! It’s me!” Ezekiel hastily erected a [Void Pane] to partially deflect the fire. Saving himself from direct burns that would’ve charred his face in an instant.
Yet, even with a protective barrier he still felt the heat make him sweat. He was incredibly thankful when the fire went away a moment later. A sigh of relief left his lips as he stood back up.
Looking over at the bed that Riley was lying on, Ezekiel wasn’t surprised to see that Celia was still glaring cautiously at him. The short spines along her back were raised like the hackles on a dog. Her wings were spread out, even with the holes that oozed motes of mana.
“Hey, it’s okay, I’m going to help her, okay? I’m going to help her, and you. But you need to let me.” Ezekiel made sure to keep his voice low and remove any sense of urgency or threat that he might’ve conveyed by accident.
Slowly, Celia’s seemed to gain a clarity that Ezekiel realized wasn’t there when he first came in. The Flame Spirit then rolled limply onto her side, eyes closed, and chest shallowly expanding and contracting. The worried Void Hunter moved and was instantly beside both his lover and her Spirit.
“Healing potion, healing potion...” Ezekiel looked through his bag for the medical supplies he knew would help. Riley was in much worse condition than he was when he first finished his trials. He was worried that Riley and Celia wouldn’t make it before whatever Life magic the Legacy had finally kicked in.
A moment later, before he could pull out a healing potion from his Void Pouch, the bed that Riley was lying on began to glow green and red. Ezekiel immediately began examining the magic that was being used.
It appeared to be a mixture of Life and Flame Magic. The Life Magic he could understand, even if the complexity of it was beyond what he had seen performed by the healers he was familiar with using in the past. But it was taking him longer than he liked to figure out what the Flame Magic was for.
Then he saw the dark blue and black patches spread across Riley’s body. Frostbite covered her extremities. It was bad enough that Ezekiel knew that, outside this Legacy, normal Life Magic wouldn’t be able to save the frozen limbs. But this magic was left behind by the Ancient Life Spirit. So, he figured it made sense that there were differences and better results from it.
‘I guess that there was nothing to worry about. So long as they pushed the door open, that means they passed. That means that the Legacy would keep them alive for whatever came next.’ Shine’s words helped Ezekiel calm down, and he collapsed backwards onto the ground.
‘That’s true... We collapsed just inside the doors. Even if our physical injuries were significantly less than theirs.’ Ezekiel realized how pointless his worries were. ‘We’ll have to ask the guardian about the difference in the challenges. There must be a difference in the level of [Will] needed to open them.’
Ezekiel could feel Shine nodding in agreement in the back of his mind.
‘That would make sense. Not to disparage their abilities, but I’m almost certain that Riley’s will isn’t as strong as yours. Though, we can’t say much about that Radiant Hunter, so who knows.’
Pushing away Shine’s musings, Ezekiel moved to stand vigil over Riley and Celia’s unconscious forms. He had hoped to get a moment to speak with her but figured that letting her and her Spirit rest was a better choice.
A soft ‘clink’ drew his attention to the other side of the room. An alcove appeared, and an hourglass with the sand running down was now visible.
‘The others must’ve passed their trials.’ Shine made their guess as to why things changed.
‘Or they died...’ Ezekiel didn’t like it, but the possibility was still there.
Shine’s silence indicated that they realized that Ezekiel’s guess was more likely.
Splitting his attention between Riley and the hourglass, Ezekiel allowed himself to enter a semi-meditative state, to keep his mind calm and aware of anything and everything.
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Nearly half of the hourglass had run out before Riley finally woke up. Though, Ezekiel knew that well over half an hour had passed by this point. Perhaps as much as half a day, but it was hard to tell when there were no working timepieces within the Legacy. Timer-hourglass included.
It started simple and quietly, with Riley slowly shifting in her sleep. Yet, it was more than enough to get Ezekiel’s attention. He left his semi-meditative state and focused fully on Riley’s condition. From what he could tell, she no longer had any physical injuries, but spiritual strain on the soul was harder to read.
“Ezekiel...?” Riley seemed to be in a confused daze as she tried to speak.
“I’m here. Keep calm, and rest.” Ezekiel gently placed a hand on her cheek, to prove that he was real, and she closed her eyes for a moment and leaned into his touch.
Before her eyes shot open, and she tried to sit up. Only to remain in place, as Ezekiel had shifted his other hand to her shoulder to keep her down.
“Easy.” His tone was soft, but firm. “We’re safe. You passed the trial, and most of your injuries have healed. We have some time before we have to be anywhere. So, stay calm, meditate, and examine your condition. Your soul, in particular, might be strained.”
Riley seemed panicked and frantic for a moment, and her emotions bled through her bond with Celia, who shifted awake. But Shine was floating, their avatar having manifested a few seconds ago, and they were calming the Spirit down as best they could.
It took a bit, but Riley calmed down, and with a few deep breaths, entered into a meditative state to review the condition of her soul. Ezekiel kept a calm front up as he anxiously awaited her return to awareness. He hoped that there was nothing serious.
“I’m fine. I think my soul has begun to recover from the strain quite well. It’s made several leaps in growth since I last awoke from my rest after that second trial.” Riley looked over to Celia, who glanced her way, and silently nodded. “It seems like Celia is okay too, so I think we’ve made some pretty good gains from this trip.”
Riley faced Ezekiel head on, and her eyes narrowed inquisitively.
“Though, I have to wonder how you’re here... Are we the only ones left?”
There was a hint of sorrow in her tone, and Ezekiel knew that, even if they weren’t the best of friends with the other Hunters on this expedition, they were still companions for a while.
“We’re not the only ones. I was just the first, so I have a head start on things. There’s at least one other who survived. The Radiant Hunter, and there’s at least four others that were in the midst of taking the [Willpower] trial.” Riley relaxed a bit at that knowledge, but Ezekiel continued. “Though, that was a while ago, and it seems like we’ll be expected to meet with the guardian of this place in a while.”
“The guardian? Oh right, Wolken mentioned something about that. Did you already speak with it?” Riley looked interested in what Ezekiel was saying, and Celia shifted over to listen in as well. While Shine went back into their blade and attached themself to Ezekiel’s hip once more.
Seeing that he had her undivided attention, Ezekiel began to explain what he’d been through so far. He kept an eye on the hourglass, but otherwise focused on Riley. Just happy they had both survived to this point.
It didn’t take long for him to finish, but the revelations he provided were still a shock. Though, not as much of one for her as they were for him.
“So, what now?” Riley absent mindedly began petting Celia, who had crawled into her lap during Ezekiel’s tale. “Did the guardian explain the process for whatever this Legacy is?”
Ezekiel shook his head. He had been so focused on getting answers to the snippets that the guardian had provided, that he hadn’t asked about the Legacy. All he knew was that there was a repository of information regarding Void Magic.
“It likely contains information regarding the magic that the Ancients used. Given the increased understanding of magic that humanity now has, it might actually fill in some of the blanks regarding the elevation to Tier five.” This was something that Ezekiel had been hoping for most.
Beyond the need for multiple [Understandings] regarding one’s element, there was also the need to condense a core, at least for Spirits. For humans to break through on their own was still a mystery. But he had a gut feeling that it didn’t involve creating a physical core like Spirits did. The bodies of Spirits and Mages were just too different for that to make sense.
“Regardless, we’ll find out in a few more hours. For now, let’s just make sure that your mana is fully recovered.” Ezekiel pulled away from her, intent on letting Riley meditate and regain her strength. But a firm hand on his wrist stopped him.
“Please stay... I don’t want you to go anywhere right now...” Riley’s face was red as she refused to look Ezekiel in the eyes.
Letting out a light sigh, Ezekiel wrapped his arms around his girlfriend. Falling over onto the bed with her in his arms. Celia let you an indignant squawk that he ignored.
The two lay there quietly, just taking the time to properly rest before they met with the guardian once more.
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It was hours later when Ezekiel and Riley walked through the tunnel leading to the same meeting chamber that the guardian had been in earlier. Much to Ezekiel’s relief, most of the other Hunters had made it through the test of [Willpower].
Though, from what he could see, the Tempest Hunter had not.
“I see that everyone is here,” Ezekiel said after examining the room. To his surprise, it seemed like the guardian wasn’t here.
‘No, it’s here. It’s just that their presence is being concealed somehow.’ Shine informed Ezekiel after a moment of observation. ‘It’s on the roof, same place as before. The stalactite in the center.’
Ezekiel sent a mental thank you to his Spirit, but before he could say anything else, the other Hunters began to question him.
“What are you talking about?” the Cavern Hunter asked. “Half our party is missing!”
Ezekiel just shook his head. At that moment, the three other Hunters seemed to understand what he meant. But were more outraged than shocked.
“You... How do you know they’re dead!? What did you do!?” the Obscure Hunter seemed ready to lunge at him, but the Radiant Hunter held up a hand. Eyes narrowed, he glared at Ezekiel.
“Explain yourself,” was all he said.
Ezekiel sighed, even as Riley readied herself for a fight to defend him if need be. But he just waved her down.
“I was the first to finish the trials. Probably by luck, and the fact that I’m familiar with a few of the things that happened here.” Ezekiel recalled the sense of [Will] that he felt in the different enchantments that were part of the challenges presented. “Because of that, I’ve already met and spoken to the guardian of this Legacy. It showed me the state of each of you. Including the bodies of the others. Two died in the chase at the start. Two died at the first door. The final one died facing the last trial before this.”
While the Cavern and Radiant Hunters had somewhat calmed down, the Obscure Hunter looked ready to scream. Something that surprised Ezekiel, as she had seemed incredibly composed when he saw her fighting.
“You liar! There’s no way they would all die in those trials! A couple of dumb stone birds wouldn’t be enough to take each of them down! We’ve been through far worse in the past!” The fact that she was so concerned made Ezekiel think there was something more going on. But he wasn’t going to pry into others' relationships.
Looking at Riley, he saw that she was also confused, as were Radiant and Cavern Hunters.
“If you’re that doubtful, then just ask the guardian for clarification. I’m sure that they will give you the answers you’re looking for.” Ezekiel replied, keeping calm as he stretched his own senses upward.
“That’s another thing! How could you two, the youngest ones here, make it through the trials? Let alone come through first! Did Wolken give you something?”
Now, Ezekiel was willing to go along with a grieving friend's complaints, to an extent, but now she was just being rude. As well as crossing lines that he didn’t like other people touching. He had worked hard, and nearly died countless times by now. His power was earned, as was Riley’s, and it didn’t deserve to be questioned like this.
Taking a deep breath, Ezekiel looked upward, trusting Riley and Shine to protect him if things went poorly. Then, he yelled as loud as he could.
“Hey! Have you seen enough yet, or do you want to test them some more?”
The other three looked confused for a moment, before the Obscure Hunter withdrew her weapons from her Void Pouch. Riley moved her Spear to defend, but there was no need.
A massive stone monkey landed in the center of the room, shaking the ground and nearly throwing the Hunters to the ground. Except for Ezekiel, who had expected this.
“As entertaining as this argument is. The Void Mage is right. You are all that remains, and no one cheated. All of you were tested equally. Each trial is tailored to your respective elements. To the best of the Ancient’s abilities.” The guardian glared at the Obscure Hunter. “As for your friends... some were unable to run, others were unable to fight, and the last, failed to see the truth of the final test.”
In the face of the Mythical guardian, the other Hunters remained silent. They knew that, even if they refused to believe it, there was nothing they could do against the words of a being in a higher Tier than themselves.
“Now, since you have faced the three challenges pertaining to the lower realms of magic, I shall give out the rewards you get for making it this far. As well as answer any one question you have that pertains to the Ancients and their actions prior to their departure from Eldramir.”
The others looked fascinated, and almost excited to get their reward. Even Riley looked interested. But for Ezekiel, who already knew about this, nothing changed.
Except for the fact that the Obscure Hunter was still glaring at him.