Origins: The Absolute

Chapters 20-22: Origins

Later, in a quiet moment, the Empress summoned me to speak to me privatley. "You've done well, Aza. Your journey has only just begun. There are many more challenges ahead, but I know you will rise to meet them."

I nodded, feeling a deep sense of responsibility and honor. "Thank you, Empress. I will do my best to uphold the legacy."

The Empress smiled, her gaze turning thoughtful. "There is something you deserve to know, Aza. The truth about Elrandium and what the 'Heart' truly was."

I leaned in, my curiosity piqued. "Please, tell me."

Empress Aerith began, her voice gentle but filled with ancient wisdom. "Elrandium is a subspecies of alien life forms that can morph and mimic any substance or element, regardless of its origin. They are living organisms with the ability to transform at a subatomic level, granting us the incredible powers we wield."

I listened intently, absorbing each word. "So, the Elrandium is alive?"

"Yes," Empress Aerith' confirmed. "They are incredibly advanced and versatile. The pieces of the Heart that are now fused with you are the original form of Elrandium that was found on Eldoria. It is the source of all Elrandium we have used to empower our people."

She paused, letting the gravity of her words sink in. "A piece of the Heart was placed on Earth eons ago. Although it multiplied, the original piece was found and kept by a man named Elaye Amoi, your great grandfather. The Elrandium fused with him, becoming part of him. When he died, the Elrandium took its original shape as the pendant you now possess."

I stared at the Empress, my mind racing with this new revelation. "How do you know all this?"

Empress Aerith's eyes softened. "The Elrandium grants me the past memories of anyone I touch. When I first met you and gave you a portion of my energy, I saw the history of your family and the Elrandium's journey."

I took a deep breath, trying to process everything. "So, the pendant...that's why it's been with my family for generations."

"Yes," Empress Aerith replied. "And now, it is part of you. The Elrandium has chosen you, Aza. It recognizes your potential and has entrusted you with its power. Use it wisely, for the future of Eldoria and beyond depends on it."

I nodded, feeling a profound connection to my heritage and the immense responsibility that came with it. "I will, Empress. Thank you for trusting me with this knowledge."

Empress Aerith placed a hand on my shoulder, her touch comforting and reassuring. "You are not alone, Aza. You have your comrades, your family, and the legacy of the Elrandium within you. Together, we will forge a new era."

As she spoke, I felt the heavy burden of what had been my situation slowly lift away and change to a new sense of direction and determination. The journey ahead was daunting, but I knew that with the support of those around me and the power within me, I could face any challenge. The future was uncertain, but it was also filled with endless possibilities. And I was ready to embrace them all.

However, a lingering question remained. "Empress," I began hesitantly, "even though I have complete and total mastery of my powers, I still don't know how the Elrandium makes my powers manifest."

The Empress simply smiled. "Your powers are absolute, Aza. The origin of Elrandium itself is still a mystery, even to the brightest minds of the Elrandi Sages. It chose you for a reason, and that reason may be beyond our current understanding."

I nodded, accepting the enigma that was Elrandium, just then I noticed a scar on Empress Aerith's face, just below her right eye.

"Empress, it may not be of my concern but that scar. Did you get it during the battle?"