[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapitre 17: The Celestial City and the Echo of Sacrifice

The light of the ether had engulfed their silhouettes, and as the veil between dimensions dissipated, a cosmic melody breathed its final sigh. There lay the Celestial City, a shimmering oasis of harmony and wisdom. The crystal-paved streets unfolded before Calla, Sora, and Miranda, reflecting the pure gold of the heavens.

The three companions advanced, carried by the resonance of Jun's sacrifice, their determination renewed by his bravery. Yet, the absence of Marcus, Lila, Aeliana, and Marco was palpable. They had stayed behind to protect the City of Mirrors and ensure that the Order of Güldenstern did not gain the upper hand.

Before crossing the mirror, the Master Book had manifested in a bloom of ink and whispers, delivering a clear message: « The entrance has a price; one of the souls must remain, a guardian at the threshold between worlds. » Jun's eyes had met those of Calla, Sora, Miranda, Marcus, Lila, Aeliana, and Marco, his companions who had become much more than mere traveling allies.

In that charged silence, a decision had to be made, one that would alter the expected course of their destiny. Calla had instinctively stepped forward, but Jun, in a voice soft yet resolute, had volunteered. « The path of the Immortal is a solitary one, » he had said. « This is my burden to bear, and I want you to find the answers we all seek. »

They had protested, of course, but Jun's gaze left no room for argument. He had stepped forward, his heart heavy but resolute, and placed his hand on the mirror. An intense light had enveloped him, and his features had softened into an expression of peace. « Take care of each other, » he murmured before disappearing, absorbed by the mirror, leaving his friends behind.

The memories of that poignant moment surged back, especially for Calla. The tears she refused to shed shone in her eyes, her gratitude for Jun mingling with a deep sense of loss.

« We must honor Jun's sacrifice, » declared Calla, her eyes gleaming with emotion. « And prove that his choice was not in vain. »

Sora, always at the forefront, nodded solemnly. « Jun placed his faith in us. We cannot fail. »

Miranda, still bearing the marks of the last battle, murmured incantations of protection as they ventured deeper into the City. « The spirits of the ancients guide us, » she whispered, her hands tracing circles in the air.

Before crossing the mirror, a lively discussion had taken place. Marcus, Lila, Aeliana, and Marco had shared their thoughts on the necessity of staying behind.

« We must ensure that the City of Mirrors does not fall, » Marcus had insisted, his eyes fixed on Jun. « You need to move forward, but without a solid defense here, all could be lost. »

« We will protect the city and keep the Order of Güldenstern at bay, » added Lila, determined. « That is our role in this quest. »

Aeliana, observing the stars with an Olympian calm, had added, « The cosmic alignments indicate that we have a crucial role to play here. We must keep this door open and provide you with a possible retreat if things go awry. »

Marco, with a reassuring smile, had concluded, « You have our support. Continue the quest, and we will ensure your path remains clear. »

Jun, touched by their devotion, had responded, « Thank you, my friends. Your courage here is as vital as our progress. Take care. »

In the heart of the Celestial City, Calla, Sora, and Miranda were greeted by a sage whose prismatic wings unfolded through the interstices of light. « You seek answers, » he proclaimed, his voice singing like a harp in the wind. « They shall be yours, for the sacrifice resonates with the symphony of the ages. »

As they walked along paths of glass and gold, Jun's sacrifice pulsed in the stars, and in the Orb of Primordial Truths that stood at the heart of the crystalline palace, they saw not only worlds and epochs revealed but the echo of Jun's bravery—a steadfast light uniting past, present, and future, guiding their quest now sealed by the immortality of his sacrifice.

« We must find the answers he sought, » said Calla with calm certainty. « For the balance of the worlds. »

« And we will find them, together, » replied Sora, his eyes shining with unwavering resolve.

In a hall adorned with frescoes depicting ancient legends and myths, the Orb of Primordial Truths emitted a soft yet penetrating light. Each hero placed a hand on the Orb, connecting to the timeless energy it radiated. Visions flowed, showing worlds in balance, intertwined epochs, and paths yet to come.

« The Order of Güldenstern seeks to break this balance, » explained the sage. « But with the Key of Forgotten Time, you can counteract their actions. »

Calla, feeling the weight of their mission, clutched the Key of Forgotten Time to her heart. « We will not let their sacrifice be in vain. »

Miranda, absorbing the knowledge and visions, murmured, « Every star, every breath of the universe supports us. We must rise to this call. »

The sage gave them his final instructions, and as they prepared to leave the hall, he said, « Go now, and carry with you the light of immortality. You are the guardians of balance. »

The group turned towards the next stage of their quest with the determination of an unyielding constellation. With the Key of Forgotten Time in hand, they knew the journey would be long and perilous, but they were ready to face any challenges that lay ahead.

« For Jun, » murmured Calla, looking up at the sky.

« For the balance of the worlds, » they repeated in unison, united in their sacred mission.