As I drift into sleep, a sudden jolt shakes me awake. Confusion washes over me as I realize I'm no longer in my tent and no one seems to be around. What could have happened? Where am I? I question before speaking aloud.
Hello!.. Is anyone there? Where am I? I... I could have sworn I was just in my tent with Edger and Pearl... It was just a few seconds ago... How did I end up here?
I'm met with no other sound but the echo of my own voice reverberating through the empty space. As the sound dissipates, it leaves behind an unsettling void, leaving me desperately searching for any clue or sign to orient myself in this unfamiliar realm.
As I stepped a little further into this mysterious cavern I noticed that it was dimly lit with torches that lined both sides of the wall, flickering back and forth. Yet The air holds a subtle chill.
As I walk carefully on the uneven floor, I cannot help but notice its rough texture. It's not a collection of sharp rocks or hazardous obstacles, but rather a peculiar unevenness that adds an air of unpredictability to my every step.
As I walked deeper into the cave, The narrow passageway stretched before me, splitting into two distinct paths: one to the left, the other to the right.
Unsure of what to do but also feeling strangely adventurous I pull a coin from my pocket allowing it to decide what path to choose. heads for the right passage and tails for the left.
Holding the coin between my fingers I toss it into the air. I reach out, trying to grab the coin back into my hand, Unfortunately, The coin slipped through my fingertips causing it to bounce and roll across the floor down the left passage.
My heart skips a beat as I pick up the coin off the floor revealing it to be tails. I carefully proceed down the corridor. Each step I take echoes in the silentness as I wonder about what lies ahead.
As I take my first step into the tunnel on my left, I notice the once uneven floor behind me became unusually flat and smooth. And I can't help but notice the torches lining the tunnel have become more frequent lighting up my path.
With each step further into the passage Its once dull, grayish hue now gives way to a mixture of black and deep red stones and even deeper in the gray color disappears altogether leaving nothing but the deep red stone mixed with a more vibrant red.
Suddenly, the tunnel opens up, revealing a vast cavern stretching on for miles from what I could see. The area around me became warm as I looked around to see where to go from here.
As I venture further, my steps are guided by curiosity, I find myself standing at the precipice of a sheer cliff, gazing off into the distance. An ocean of molten lava spreads before me.
Through the thick smoky haze that envelops the scene, a sight catches my eyes. A castle stands among the lava standing out from the rest of the scenery.
However, my attention is stolen away from the castle as I notice a shadowy man standing on the cliff's edge nearby holding a Gigantic chain that drifts off into the land. how I didn't notice him till now surprises me.
"It's a nice castle, you know? It took me quite a while to build it. But, truth be told, I can't take all the credit. I did have some help with some remodeling after an incident but I think she turned out good.
Hello, my precious son, It's nice to see that you have discovered the treasures I left for you. I know it doesn't make up for the time we lost but I'll try to be there for you."
"Wait... you're my father? I have so many questions I don't even know where to begin."
"I understand, my dear boy, But Time is slipping away from us so choose carefully. I am already breaking rules just by projecting your subconscious into this realm."
"Okay, okay, I completely understand. Umm, can you please tell me what these treasures do? The small rod transforms into a staff while the rings turn into these cool guns."
"I may offer you some hints, but I want you to solve the puzzle on your own. Ah yes, the staff and the twin weapons I had developed for you.
First of all, these weapons are coded with your mana, making it impossible for anyone else to use them without your permission. Second, the guns don't use regular bullets; instead, they use a special kind of ammunition about which you can ask your mage friend.
Third, these weapons come in more forms than just the ones you've seen. Next question"
The chain in my father's hands begins to abruptly start rattling and a Deep breath alongside a grunting noise can be heard from the distance.
"What the fuck was that?"
With a calm tone, my father responds, "Don't mind that, it's simply my dog."
"Your name, please. It's something I've desperately longed to know. Yet, time and time again I would ask and get no response."
"Unfortunately neither I nor your mother can tell you this, we are sworn by the rules of Olympus that a descendant of a god or goddess must figure out their parent on their own. All I'm allowed to do is give you clues and hints as to who I am, this very place is a clue to who I am.
"Y..you are a God, My Father? With the way Mother always described you. I've always assumed that you are a wandering mage who is trying to learn more about the world and you just haven't been able to come home. That answers so many questions but also raises so many as well."
"Although I am aware that it does time is slipping away from us. Also, it is crucial for you to keep your divine lineage hidden from others in your realm. Alas, those who bear the blood of a god are often subjected to mistreatment and unfairness.
Some endure a lifetime of labor simply because of their divine heritage, while others suffer in captivity, clinging to the hope that their divine Parent might one day come to their rescue."
"Father, I completely understand, But I have just one more question. How am I going to Figure out who you are if all you can do Is give simple hints?"
My dear son, I want to tell you that everything you need is already within you. Through the gifts I have bestowed upon you, I have left you countless clues it's just up to you to solve them.
Take some time to delve deeper into the mysteries of the cloak and the treasures I have entrusted to you. They possess far greater significance than you may currently realize.
And remember that even though I may not be there with you now that doesn't mean I don't Love and cherish you. Be safe my son.
YOU ARE READING
Challenges of the Aether: Call of the Abyss
FantasiDo you remember the gods and goddesses who once ruled our world? They stood tall above mountains and deep into the sea, walked among mankind, and delved deep into the world. Perhaps you've heard stories or tales about them passed down through genera...
