The portal opened from the other side, and both figures jumped down to observe the dimension. It was unlike anything Dijon had ever seen, an odd and captivating place. The area resembled a floating island, with a sky tinted purple instead of blue. Among the intriguing features, there stood an ancient tower. The tower's cone-shaped turret roofs were grey and adorned with star and scale symbols. Aeon cleared his throat, breaking Dijon's mesmerized gaze. ''You've been staring here for a few minutes now... I think we should move on.''
Dijon snapped out of his reverie.' 'Oh... right... we should enter,'' he said, still in disbelief about the majestic place.
The two of them entered the main entrance, stepping into a simple round room. An upward-spiralling staircase lined the perimeter, leading to an upper floor. Aeon nodded and gestured for Dijon to follow quietly. They walked with a sense of reverence, reaching a room that revealed a fountain. Behind it stood an old bearded man dressed in a white coat, exuding an air of wisdom and senility. His long facial hair added to his venerable appearance. Aeon respectfully bowed. ''I have returned, Master Ages.''
''Ah, Ages?'' Dijon followed Aeon's lead and kneeled, showing respect for the man he had just encountered. The old man regarded the young boy with a scrutinizing gaze, then spoke thoughtfully. ''Well, well... you've brought him. Good to see. I never thought I would witness a random Wild Balancer of this generation.''
The orange hedgehog stood up. ''During an adventure with my teacher, Aeon, he mentioned that you could potentially enhance my Soulblade. Is this possible?''
''Indeed, I can accomplish that. I have no reservations about assisting those who seek to strengthen their Soul Weapons.''
Curiosity piqued, and Dijon found himself overcome with questions. ''Enchantments, how do they truly work and exist?''
The Master fixed his gaze on him again. ''Enchantments modify your Soul Weapon, making it more potent. However, I have a rule: only one enhancement per Soul Weapon.''
Dijon readily agreed. ''That's acceptable to me.''
''There's a reason I readily offer my assistance to your kind. Whenever I encounter a wild balancer, I'm inclined to aid them unless circumstances dictate otherwise.'' He chuckled, stomping his foot and igniting Dijon's eagerness to showcase the power of his Soulblade. And so, he did. Dijon summoned his pale-bladed Satusgai, prompting a gasp from the Master.
''Is something wrong? Is there an issue?'' Dijon inquired.
''That Sword is unique, and I cannot yet enchant it. However, I have an alternative approach.''
''An alternative? How will it work then?'' Dijon asked, his sword vanishing at his command.
''My boy, Aeon shared details about your training. It's indeed remarkable—a being wielding a Soul Weapon without a guardian. I could never have imagined it.'' The Master's words were accompanied by the sudden appearance of a peculiar Artifact: a white bracelet with a green shard. Dijon stared at it curiously. ''What does this do?''
Ages clapped his hands. ''This, my dear, is known as a "Potential-B." I devised it with my own magic. It doubles the user's potential, a crucial factor in a Soul Weapon's growth. Once you become stronger, a new guardian may replace you.''
Dijon appeared puzzled. ''Another... Soulner? They will simply come to me? What about Satsugai?''
''Forget about him. I heard he was apprehended by the Uni-Balancers.'' The Master's gaze grew sombre.
''Perhaps you're right. Maybe I don't need him.''Dijon lowered his gaze, torn between fond memories and moving forward. Aeon placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. The past is behind you, kid. Keep moving forward.
''You know what? I'll continue moving forward.'' A tear fell, but Dijon confidently donned the bracelet, though he felt no immediate change. A surge of bravery filled him, however, and he turned to the bearded man. ''Thank you.''
Ages nodded. ''Good. We'll likely meet again, Wild Balancer.''
''Wait, I have a question, old man.''
''What is it?''
''What exactly is a Wild Balancer?''
''A mortal who harnesses the powers of a Balancer. Their duty is to protect their loved ones. That's all you need to know about your existence. Happy now?''
''Yes, I am! Thank you for that answer, Ages. I look forward to seeing you again!'' Dijon's confidence about his future was bolstered by these words. With a wave, they returned to the living world, where the orange hedgehog transformed back into his mortal form. He glanced at Aeon ''We have a few days left until the weekends. Is there anything left for us to learn?''
''Ahh, not much. I believe immersing yourselves in the literature about my teachings will strengthen your minds.''
''I'm fine with that. See you.'' Dijon extended his hand for a handshake before departing, awaiting the next chapter of their journey.
-Chapter End-
YOU ARE READING
Sonic The Hedgehog: Dark-Bright
Hayran KurguAfter Sonic and his friends defeated Dr. Eggman, they finally found a moment of peace in a world free from danger. For a year, they enjoyed the tranquility of their hard-won victory. But their peace was shattered by the arrival of the Deminins, a si...
