The manifestation of the Mana Art released by this enigmatic figure made time itself seem to slow beyond comprehension, and I couldn’t do anything against it. Only the man in black was unaffected, free to move as he pleased, and with him was an Aura that was overpowering.
Blades of energy manifested at his will, swirling around him in a cyclone, even his being began to distort like a thousand mirrors reflected his image at once, “I am the clock hand that is this world. A force beyond all mortals and deities. I am, the one you could call Fate. I am the new god that will bring forth the dawn of a new era,” The man stated in what seemed to be like thousands of voices that echoed through the air, his intentions were clear, and at this moment we were simply in his way.
At a mere wince of amusement, he commanded the blades of energy that formed around him to cut through the air in a flash of light toward us.
Then in a singular moment, Indrath stepped forth through this spell that held me frozen in place, his golden aura radiated outward in an instant as his once calmed Gaze now that of a glare of golden fury. Indrath didn’t speak as his palm extended outward, and from a mere clench of his fist, a golden wall of energy formed around us, deflecting the blades of energy in a brilliant display of force.
“Bask not in arrogance, Fate isn’t yours to toy with, you have forgotten your place yet again. I don't have the energy nor patience to deal with you," Indrath spoke before another wave of force expelled from him.
I couldn't tell what happened, but a sudden surge of energy pushed the man backward, and his Mana Art seemed to shatter as the earth trembled around us.
A moment of silence fell between the three of us before Indrath spoke again. "I should have known you would try something like this," Indrath said, as the air began to return to normal.
The man in the dark robes scoffed at Indrath's remark, "clinging onto a power you no longer possess is laughable…” the masked man said with words of mockery, amused that Indrath shattered his Mana Art. “…Well I succeeded in getting you to reveal yourself again, after so many years, so that is plenty enough for me," he stated before a cold and unforgiving remark left his mouth, "The presence of your existence and this Xios will serve my plans, regardless. until the time comes for the next stage to commence." he stated with his mask remaining undisturbed, a smile hidden from view.
Within a moment, the pressure I felt lifted and the darkness around us seemed to vanish as if it were never there, which left me and Indrath in the fading light of the sun as the night settled in.
As I stood there in awe with no words to speak, Indrath's golden gaze fixed on me as his gleaming aura settled and the wall of energy around us slowly dissipated.
"I apologize Kazu, it would seem the dangers I warned you about have already begun. I’m sure you have endless questions for me, but it would seem we must leave, not only Carith but this very continent," Indrath said with an unwavering smile, understanding my confusion at something that shook my entire being.
“… Dangers? Celestials? What was that guy talking about,” I asked in a moment of what seemed to be anger at the confusion I felt boil over in my words.
Indrath never lost his smile, even as the anger left my voice, his gaze remained soft as he hummed to himself, "All things will come in due time, risking your sanity isn’t something I will allow. And yes it’s true, The man you saw was a deity from another age, although his existence isn't one that exists in this world anymore.” he stated while taking a few steps forward before looking back toward me, “For now, let us leave. Those who hold power have seen our presence, and it won't be long until they come to investigate," he said motioning me to follow him.
I wanted to question him further, but there was something about the look in his golden eyes and the fact I knew he was trying to protect me, I followed him without another word.
Not even another word left Indrath's mouth as we walked away from both Carith and the life I had known for years. We traveled through the night, my mind filled with questions and confusion that I had no answers for, it was clear Indrath would only give me a brief explanation or two if any at all.
The passing scenes of Abris’s landscape was nothing more than a blur in my eyes as I followed along. “Hey Indrath,” I asked in the silence between us, as if I needed to break it in some way, to say anything.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
"Yes, Kazu?" He answered calmly with glance toward me as he led on.
It took me a moment to find my words, “… Where are we going,” I asked letting a small sigh escape my lips.
Indrath only shifted his attention toward the stars in the sky above us, "That which is called The Exiled Isle, A land deities once protected, a place you can call a sanctuary,” he said, with a smile before he continued with pride and nostalgia in his words “That place is better known as Mythral,”
I stared at Indrath for a moment, I knew of the Exiled Isle the place Cursed Clans were said to reside, but never had I heard it called by its name.
Indrath must have seen me with some surprise as his golden gaze focused on me, and he cleared his throat. "Even without its protectors, Mythral has an overwhelming barrier of Magical energy that cannot be penetrated by most, you’ll be able to live freely and become stronger there, or if you wish it, you can stay as long as you like in a land of true history and beauty, where those who reside there won’t look at you with disgust and contempt like the seven domains have."
My mind lingered on such a fairy tale, but I could feel the truth in behind his words, the emotions in his Aura, and they were sincere. “Is that so? Mythral huh... sounds interesting I guess," I said with a small shrug as I kept pace.
A brief moment of silence followed before Indrath chimed in. "I am sorry for the lack of answers, you know the reason I can’t say much, but I promise to share more when you’ve become stronger."
"That's fine, I trust you. I guess this is my life now huh," I remarked as my eyes lingered on the road ahead.
"Indeed, a new beginning. Opening paths, you are free to take with no obligations or expectations. You have the freedom of your own will because that is what you chose. I won’t allow anyone to take that from you. A path you longed for,” Indrath stated as a glimmer within his golden eyes seemed to be filled with a certain emotion I couldn't describe.
I found myself wondering what exactly he meant by those words, but as usual, he wouldn't provide an explanation as he changed the subject to more comfortable matters. "We should continue our way to Mythral, and I am limited to what I can do, but Mythral’s hidden Gates are scattered throughout the seven domains for certain Cursed clans that return to the domains, this was simply to allow a safe and undetected passage." He stated continuing his walk forward.
It wasn’t till the night sky gave way to the first rays of sun that we found ourselves before a mountainous formation along the coast of Abris, the smell of salt water filled my nose as I watched the waves of the sea crash against the rocky cliff.
Indrath didn't waste any time as we walked down to a cave hidden within the mountainside well hidden from view, the cave system seemed to be quite natural inside, but I could feel the power of Magical Energy deeper within.
Indrath led further inside as a golden florescent light summoned by his hands guided us throughout the channel, it wasn’t long after the path opened to an area dimly lit by scattered glowstones within the walls.
In the center, atop several stairs, sat a structure constructed of aged steel, the faint colors of gold metal tainted with black, an intricate design forming a circle, with worn arches holding it in place.
Its appearance was similar to the teleportation Gates I knew of, despite the smaller and much older appearance, or the engraved markings and symbols along the arches were like a language I couldn't decipher.
Regardless, Indrath motioned me to step into the structure as we stood at its center. "This is the gate I spoke of that will allow us to travel to Mythral without being seen or detected. I will activate it and lead you to Mythral,” he explained before clearing his throat and raising his hands.
The gate within the room began to stir as the arches and design lit up in a brilliant golden glow before a powerful surge of Magical Energy burst throughout the cave.
WOOOSH
In a short moment the torrent of energy around us calmed, leaving a stillness in the air as in the center of the Gates crumbled center, a vortex of energy swirled awaiting our entry.
I looked at Indrath with uncertainty at first, who only gave a smile before speaking up once more. “Are you ready, Kazu?” He asked with his golden gaze on me, and hand extended out toward me.
“I guess I am, yeah," I answered in my typical demeanor and let a sigh escape my lips before I reached out to his hand.
Indrath only gave a soft hum before he spoke once more. "I’m glad I got to meet you again after all this time, I hope you find what you wanted this time… by the time you awake, I will be gone, but worry not I look forward to the day, we meet again," Indrath stated with his smile glowing brighter than any sun, his golden gaze seeming to shine through me, but it was already too late my hand grazed his, and I began to become dizzy and disoriented, I was barely able to comprehend his words.
"… Indrath…? What is this,” I asked as the feeling of nausea consumed me as I collapsed to my knees.
"Rest for a bit Kazu, everything will be okay," Indrath answered as he picked me up from the ground into his arms as my consciousness faded in and out.
With the last of my fading senses, I heard the voice of Indrath’s voice speak to me once more, still, the words seemed incomprehensible, but shuttered within me all the same. "The world has changed, my dear friend, and you will no doubt be faced with trials of your past in your path for what you desired the most. I don’t regret creating you, I… I’m sorry I could not do more. There are things I need to do to protect your new life in every way I can, but know you will continue to shine in my memories," He stated, fading from my limited awareness before I completely lost consciousness and into a slumber, one that would lead me to the place called Mythral and the beginning of my story.