[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 22: At the Threshold of Infinity

The halls of the Sanctuary of Origins echoed with the footsteps of Jun and his companions, a resonance filled with antiquity and transcendent reveries. Mount Astral behind them, they now faced the Sentinels, guardians of the laws of creation, at the heart of a chamber where every wall was a palimpsest of the universe, a canvas of superimposed realities.

The Sentinels, embodiments of primordial energies, stood before them, imposing and silent. One of them, its eyes gleaming with infinite wisdom, spoke: «You have traveled a long way and faced many trials,» the voice of the Sentinels whispered, a sound that seemed to emanate from every atom in the room. «Now, a choice awaits you: you can return to your world, bearers of understanding and infinite power, to guide it into a new era of light. Or, you can stay here, forever guardians of this nexus, joining the ranks of the immortals.»

The proposition was as intimidating as it was intoxicating—a pact with eternity, a promise of the power to affect the very fabric of reality. Yet, it was not so much the fear of the unknown, but the cost of eternity that weighed on their decisions.

The dilemma spurred every thought, as Jun found in his heart a desire to finally balance the complex scales of his eternal existence. He grasped the offer as a means to close the circle, to play an active role in the inevitable evolution of the world he had sworn to protect.

Calla, touched by the golden light infusing the space, wrestled with her desire to embrace this ancient force, while fearing to lose the intimate connection she had with the night. Sora, his gaze fixed on the distant stars traversing the vault of the room, faced the prospect of surpassing his lineage and becoming a living legend for his people. Miranda, meanwhile, pondered the consequences of such powers on the delicate balance between shadow and light she had always maintained.

«What should we do, Jun?» asked Calla, her eyes shining with uncertainty.

Jun took a deep breath before answering: «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?»

A time of reflection was granted, an interstice within the very flow of time, a chance to absorb the majesty of their situation. The discussions that followed during this moment out of the world would forge the next chapter of their epic.

The Sentinels observed silently, their presence imposing but benevolent, filling the room. Each member of the group felt the weight of their decision, but also the collective strength that united them.

Jun, sensing the gravity of their decision, took a deep breath: «We must think carefully. Our humanity is our greatest strength, but we must also consider the mission ahead.»

Calla, Sora, and Miranda nodded, feeling the truth in Jun's words. Their final decision would need to be made with full awareness of the consequences.

The heroes stood before the altar, their hands placed on the crystalline orb that pulsed gently. A wave of energy passed through them, transporting them into a shared vision.

They saw themselves in epic battles, facing creatures of darkness and repelling the forces of the Order of Güldenstern. They felt the pain of past sacrifices and the determination of heroes of old. Each vision was a lesson, a guide for their own quest.

«We must remember these lessons,» Miranda murmured. «They will show us the way forward.»

Emerging from the vision, the group was more united than ever. They knew their mission would be difficult, but they were ready to face the challenge.

«The path to truth is fraught with obstacles,» said Sora. «But together, we can overcome any hurdle.»

With renewed determination, they left the hall of visions, ready to face the trials that awaited them to restore the balance of the cosmos.

The group crossed the threshold of the Sanctuary of the Sentinels, their silhouettes bathed in mystical light. They knew their final decision regarding their humanity would soon be made, but for now, they were ready to face the most formidable challenges, united in their quest for truth and justice, guided by the lessons of the past and the promise of a better future.