[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 21: Ascent to the Apex

The Sanctuary of Origins was bathed in ethereal light, its vibrant aura shimmering as Calla, Sora, Miranda, and Jun treaded resolutely on its sacred grounds. The ancient garden, the neglected epicenter of primal power, housed at its heart a legendary artifact: the Sap of Origin, the source of all magic and creation.

As dawn pierced through the celestial canopy, the protagonists found themselves on the brink of the unimaginable. They were about to ascend Mount Astral, a colossal structure where each tier embodied a distinct aspect of creation.

« This mountain is the key to our quest, » declared Jun, his eyes fixed on the imposing heights. « Each level will confront us with our greatest fears and hopes. »

The path would be marked by personal trials, forged from their deepest fears and aspirations. Jun, with newfound immortality, faced his eternal solitude. Calla had to tame the night that stirred within her. Sora, a dignified stranger, sought a lost kingdom to rule. Meanwhile, Miranda, the voice of truth, sought reconciliation with the specters of a betrayed past.

The first tier of Mount Astral confronted them with a vision of their past. Realistic illusions of their old battles, sacrifices, and lost loved ones emerged around them.

« We must traverse these trials by remembering our strengths and weaknesses, » murmured Calla, her eyes shining with determination.

Each step resonated with the latent power of ancient tomes, unleashing abilities synchronized with the fibers of their beings. The Sap of Origin promised to transcend them, granting Jun and his allies myriad faculties made possible by their quest.

Mount Astral was an enigma, a contradiction to logic. Built by the Archiprimes themselves, it was both labyrinth and pantheon, its echoes and architectures woven from divine dreams.

At each level of the mountain, essences of ancient civilizations revealed lost chapters of history, encouraging the protectors to interact with the memorable souls of ancestors, teaching them forgotten legends that resonated with their own epic.

« Each legend we encounter is a lesson, » explained Miranda. « We must learn from those who have walked this path before us. »

The legends of Mount Astral soon spread among the realms of the City of Mirrors and beyond, reaching readers through the winds of fate that carried incredible stories. Tales of their exploits began to inspire those fighting against the darkness, strengthening the resistance against the Order of Güldenstern.

At the summit, under an interstellar astrolabe draped with living constellations, the heroes had to surrender entirely to the Sap. Only a perfect balance of their combined strengths would allow them to reach the apex of their potential and forge a new destiny for their fragmented world.

« We're almost there, » declared Jun, contemplating the astrolabe. « But the true challenge still awaits us. »

As night gave way to the twilight of destiny, the Sap of Origin laid one final choice at their feet: would they accept a future that stripped them of their humanity in exchange for the salvation of worlds, or would they choose to remain mortal, anchored in a beloved reality blessed with imperfections?

The dilemma weighed heavily on their minds. Each member of the group pondered deeply over the proposition.

« Losing our humanity... » murmured Calla. « It's a steep price to pay. »

« But the salvation of worlds depends on it, » replied Sora, his gaze fixed on the stars above. « We must choose wisely. »

Jun, sensing the gravity of their decision, took a deep breath.

« Our humanity is what makes us strong, » he said softly. « But we must also think of the greater good. »

Miranda, always the voice of reason, added:

« If we lose what makes us who we are, can we truly protect what we love? »

As they contemplated their choice, the heroes felt the strength of the Sap of Origin flowing within them, preparing them to face the next challenge with renewed determination.

4o