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The Ether of Dreams: Between Gods and Shadows
Chapter 46: Set and the Dark Pyramids

Chapter 46: Set and the Dark Pyramids

The Nile flowed silently under the moonlight, its silver reflection winding through the vast expanse of Egypt. On the other side of the river, in the distance, stood the imposing Dark Pyramid, a structure that starkly contrasted with the majestic pyramids of Giza. Where the more famous pyramids radiated wisdom and power, this one emanated a sense of unease, as if the very air surrounding it was charged with chaotic and dangerous energy.

The protagonists, guided by Khepri, crossed the Nile in silence, feeling the atmosphere shift as they approached the Dark Pyramid. This pyramid was not adorned with the symbols of life and resurrection they had seen in the temples of Osiris and Isis. Instead, twisted inscriptions covered its surface, seeming to move under the dim light, creating a growing sense of discomfort.

—This is Set's domain, the god of chaos —Khepri explained, his tone more cautious than usual—. Here, you will learn that the balance we’ve spoken of in Egypt is not just harmony, but also destruction. For something new to be born, something old must die. And Set is the guardian of that process.

With a final warning, Khepri took his leave. The protagonists moved toward the entrance of the pyramid, where a heavy stone door creaked open before them. Inside, the darkness enveloped them like a cloak, but a palpable presence guided them toward the pyramid’s center, where a solitary figure awaited.

Set, the semi-human god of chaos, sat on a throne made of black rock. His imposing figure, with the head of a jackal and glowing red eyes, radiated power and disdain. Unlike the other gods they had encountered, Set did not offer a sense of protection or guidance. Instead, his aura seemed unstable, as though his very existence was a constant struggle between order and chaos.

—So, you’ve finally arrived —said Set, his deep, resonant voice filling the chamber—. You’ve learned about life, death, and balance. But what do you truly know of chaos?

The air around him seemed to move erratically, as though reality itself was distorted within the pyramid. The protagonists, who had so far walked confidently on the path of wisdom and balance, began to feel a growing internal doubt. The chaos surrounding Set challenged their understanding of everything they had learned up until that moment.

—In Egypt, balance is not just peace and harmony —Set continued, rising slowly from his throne—. For something to grow, something must be destroyed. That is the nature of chaos. Without chaos, there is no creation, and without destruction, there can be no renewal.

Set extended a hand, and in an instant, the chamber around them began to change. The pyramid's walls began to crack, and the ground beneath the protagonists' feet trembled. Fragments of rock fell from the ceiling, and a deep fissure opened in the floor. But while everything seemed to be falling apart, Set remained motionless, watching them with a nearly mocking smile.

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—Chaos is not something you can avoid —he said, his voice calm amid the tumult—. It is part of life. Even the Realm of the Dead, which you seek to reach, is built upon chaos. It is the principle that governs both creation and destruction.

The protagonists found themselves in a dilemma: everything they had learned up to this point had revolved around order and stability, but now Set was teaching them that chaos was equally important to the balance of the world. They felt the chaos inside them, in their thoughts, in their emotions, and in the very structure of the pyramid that threatened to collapse.

—To reach the Realm of the Dead, you must first understand and accept chaos —Set continued—. Destruction is just as important as creation, and death is only the beginning of new life. Those who fear chaos are destined to be destroyed by it. Those who embrace it can control it.

With a gesture of his hand, Set caused the fissure in the floor to slowly close, as if all the chaos he had unleashed was a simple demonstration of his power. The walls stopped shaking, and silence once again reigned in the pyramid.

—To move forward, you must stop clinging to stability —Set said—. Only those who can embrace chaos without being consumed by it are worthy of facing what lies ahead in the Realm of the Dead. Creation and destruction are two sides of the same coin. You must find the balance between them.

The protagonists, though shaken by the experience, began to understand what Set was trying to teach them. Chaos was not just a destructive force but an essential part of the cycle of life. Just as the Nile's waters nourish and can destroy with its floods, Set's chaos was necessary to keep the universe's cycle in motion.

—The other gods have taught you balance from the perspective of order —said Set, his eyes glowing intensely—. I teach you that true balance includes destruction, chaos, and darkness. Only when you understand that will you be able to face what awaits you beyond the gates of the Realm of the Dead.

Set approached one of the protagonists and, with a swift movement, extended a hand toward their chest. Instead of feeling pain, the protagonist felt a surge of raw, uncontrolled energy coursing through their body. It was as though Set was infusing them with a fraction of his chaos, a force that, if not properly controlled, could consume them.

—Take this as a reminder —Set said, withdrawing his hand—. Chaos lives within you. What you do with it will determine your success or failure in what is to come.

With those words, Set turned back to his black stone throne, sitting once more as if everything that had happened was merely a part of his daily routine. The protagonists, still feeling the chaotic energy within them, realized that they had received an invaluable, though dangerous, lesson.

Set’s chaos was not something that could be easily controlled, but they also knew it was a fundamental part of what awaited them on their journey to the Realm of the Dead.

Before they left, Set gave them one final glance.

—Remember, chaos is inevitable —he said—. You will decide whether it consumes you or whether you use it to create something new.