[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 2: The Path of Heroes

The entire night had been a tide of tormented reflections for Jun, as he and the Chronicles of the Immortal engaged in a silent dialogue. The hours stretched on as he scrutinized the words that danced on the pages, intertwining with the rhythm of his breathing and the irregular beats of his own heart. These disconcerting revelations irrevocably bound him to a saga that surpassed the framework of his previously peaceful existence.

With the sunrise, when Jun reopened the doors of the Kirin library, he discovered that reality had dissolved like a mirage under the first rays of dawn. The familiar quarters of Kirin had transformed into a patchwork of scenes ripped straight from the pages of numerous stories: here lay a futuristic metropolis with glaring neon lights, there extended a medieval market with shimmering stalls, and further on, a Victorian garden unfolded in tranquil symmetry.

Crossing this crossroads of worlds, Jun was accosted by a man whose appearance and equipment betrayed the epics of yesteryear. This stranger, a knight with archaic and firm speech, addressed him in a resonant voice:

« You, Jun Park, chosen by an opus of incomparable force, must now undertake the quest for the Rose of the Winds. »

Jun, still in shock from recent events, slowly nodded. The knight continued:

« The Rose of the Winds is the key to understanding and mastering the powers of the Chronicles of the Immortal. Without it, the power you have discovered will remain incomplete. »

As Jun tried to gather his thoughts, the knight placed a firm hand on his shoulder:

« Remember, Jun, the quest will not be easy. Dangers and mysteries await you at every turn. But you are not alone in this adventure. Seek allies among the pages of the books you cherish so much. »

At the borders of this new Kirin, his path crossed that of Calla. Her silhouette was one of newfound freedom, her graceful movements of a thief hiding the marks of a past long gone - broken chains, nights of escape under the stars. She too was linked to a tome, The Queen of the Night, whose words endowed her with a gift for slipping unnoticed into the shadows of dusk.

With a piercing gaze under a mysterious smile, she declared to him:

« Our paths converge, woven by the same entanglement of destiny. Together, let us face the challenge of this quest. »

Jun, intrigued by this encounter, felt an immediate connection with Calla. She explained to him how she had discovered her own magical book and the powers it conferred. Together, they decided to combine their strengths to advance in their common quest.

They roamed the transformed streets of Kirin, exchanging their knowledge and devising strategies to find the Rose of the Winds. Calla showed Jun how to use the shadows to move discreetly, while Jun shared with her the secrets he had discovered in the Chronicles of the Immortal.

As days passed, their bond grew, and they became inseparable partners in this adventure. They met other people affected by the Literary Awakening, thus forming an eclectic but determined group to accomplish their mission.

One night, as they camped under the stars, Calla told Jun a legend she had read in her own book. A legend about an ancient hero who had once wielded the Rose of the Winds to save the world from darkness.

« The legend says that the Rose of the Winds is more than just an artifact, » Calla murmured. « It is the symbol of balance between worlds. Whoever holds it can open portals to other realities, but also close those that threaten our existence. »

Jun listened attentively, realizing the magnitude of their quest. They were not just searching for a magical object, but a key to protect their world from dark forces.

The next day, their journey led them to an ancient temple buried under vegetation. The place exuded an aura of mystery and power. They advanced cautiously, aware that each step brought them closer to their goal.

In the depths of the temple, they discovered a room adorned with strange symbols. In the center, a pedestal bore an inscription in an ancient language. By deciphering the runes, Jun understood that the Rose of the Winds was hidden in an even older place, protected by legendary guardians.

« We must continue, » Jun said determinedly. « Each clue brings us closer to our objective. »

Calla nodded, ready to face the challenges ahead. Together, they left the temple, their minds focused on the next step of their journey.

Their quest was far from over, but they knew that as long as they remained united, they could overcome any obstacle. The Rose of the Winds awaited them, and with it, the promise of restoring balance between the worlds.