Crystalline Pursuit

AWAKENİNG

''Millennia ago, the world of Elarion was a unified and beautifully magical empire. Magic and intrigue intertwined in a mesmerising dance, creating a realm of unparalleled wonder and harmony. This was a time when the very essence of magic flowed through the veins of the land and its people, shaping every aspect of life with its enchanting presence. The people of Elarion lived in a state of balance, their lives intertwined with the natural magic of their world. Yet, centuries ago, a cataclysmic event known as the Shattering fractured the land into floating islands, forever altering the face of Elarion. These islands now hover in the sky, connected by magical bridges and airships, remnants of a bygone era. The Shattering not only tore the land apart but also disrupted the harmonious flow of magic, leaving behind a world both beautiful and perilous.

The Shattering unleashed wild elemental magic, creating a world of diverse and dangerous landscapes. This elemental chaos permeates every corner of the Dominion, making it a land of breathtaking beauty and lurking peril. Forests of crystal trees, rivers of molten lava, and mountains that breathe fire and ice are now common sights. The once stable and serene world of Elarion became a place where the forces of nature were untamed and unpredictable, adding layers of complexity and danger to the lives of its inhabitants.''

I sigh as I read the text that had been engraved into my memory long ago, its words a constant reminder of the fragmented world I call home. The description of Elarion's transformation from a unified empire to a collection of floating islands is both fascinating and disheartening. It speaks of a golden age lost to time, replaced by an era of uncertainty and adventure.

"But... What about how it happened? Tsk, these texts are always incomplete..." I grumble, reaching for a pen to add my thoughts. "First... this happened because of the Aeon Stones," I scribble quickly next to the text. "Second... Aeon Stones are ancient artefacts of immense power scattered across the Shattered Dominion. These stones, long thought to be inert relics, have begun to pulse with energy, threatening to destabilise the already fragile balance of the floating islands. Legends say that the Aeon Stones were created by the ancient Guardians, beings of immense power who once protected the world... that was it, right...?" I mutter to myself, staring down at the now scrawled-over scroll.

The Aeon Stones—myths, legends, relics of a lost age—are the key to understanding our world's upheaval. As I gaze at the scroll, my thoughts drift to my father, who vanished during his expedition to uncover one of these elusive stones. His disappearance haunts me, driving me to seek answers in the fragmented texts and whispered stories of the past. The more I think about it, the more determined I become to uncover the truth behind these powerful artefacts.

The scribbled notes on the scroll blur as I recall my father's last words to me, urging me to find the truth. My hand tightens around the pen, determination flaring in my chest. I must uncover the secrets of the Aeon Stones, not just for Elarion's sake, but for my father's as well. His absence is a void in my life, a constant reminder of the mysteries that remain unsolved. Each piece of information I gather feels like a step closer to understanding what really happened to him.

"There's more to this," I say, my voice resolute. "There are so many questions that need answers... For instance, why did the Guardians create the Aeon Stones? Was it a quest for power? A trial for humanity? What was their true purpose? The mysteries surrounding both the Aeon Stones and the world of Elarion are endless. What really caused Elarion to become the Shattered Dominion?" These questions swirl in my mind, each one more pressing than the last. The Guardians, revered and feared in equal measure, are an enigma I must unravel if I am to understand the Aeon Stones' true nature.

If only my father were here, perhaps I could find some clarity. But knowing him, he might have only given me more questions than answers. The enigma of the Guardians and their artefacts is a puzzle I can't seem to piece together. The more I learn, the more elusive the truth becomes. It's incredibly frustrating..." I pack the scrolls and place them in my bag. "So many questions... and I'll be the one to solve them," I murmur to myself with determination. I pick up my journal and I start writing. ''The weight of these unanswered questions feels heavy, but it also fuels my resolve. Each query is a challenge, a puzzle that I am determined to solve.