Zeteo: The Seeking for Glory

Chapter 3: The Village of Earth

The sun was setting as Mathena, Thurman, and Pasithea continued their journey. The path became rockier, and the thick jungle opened up to reveal a vast landscape dotted with rocky outcrops and earthy mounds. As they walked, Mathena glanced over at Thurman, her eyes curious.

"Thurman, you mentioned humans now wield elements. What element can you control?"

Thurman laughed, scratching the back of his head. "Ah, well, I can't control any, actually. Not everyone can. Only the nobles and a few lucky commoners inherit the ability. The rest of us have to make do with our wits and skills."

Mathena absorbed his words, her expression contemplative. "I see."

They continued until they saw the stone walls of Khthon Village looming in the distance. The entrance was guarded by men dressed in brown armor, embedded with green gems that seemed to pulse with energy. The Khthon guards raised their hands as the group approached, and the ground rumbled beneath their feet. Large stone pillars emerged from the earth, blocking their path.

"Halt! Who enters Khthon without permission?" one of the guards shouted, his eyes glowing with the power of the earth element.

Pasithea stepped forward, her form blending with the evening mist as her eyes glowed faintly. She raised her hand, and a wave of calmness washed over the area. The guards' aggressive stances relaxed, their grip on the earth's power weakening.

"We mean no harm," she said softly. "We are travelers seeking guidance."

One of the guards blinked, as if breaking out of a trance. "Your illusions... they soothe the mind." He hesitated, glancing back at the others.

"Enough." A deep voice echoed from behind the guards. An older man, with a long, silver beard and clad in robes adorned with earthy patterns, stepped forward. His eyes, a piercing green, studied them carefully. "I am Argan, the leader of Khthon. What brings travelers such as yourselves to our village?"

Mathena inclined her head respectfully. "We seek knowledge from the elder known as the Living Histoire. We were told they reside here and have knowledge of the past."

Argan raised an eyebrow. "The Living Histoire is not one to entertain just anyone who wanders into Khthon." His eyes lingered on Mathena, as if sensing something familiar. "Why do you seek such knowledge?"

Mathena hesitated. She needed answers, but revealing her true identity could put their mission at risk. She chose her words carefully. "I've lost my memories and seek to understand the changes in this world. The past may hold the key to what I've forgotten."

Argan's gaze shifted to Pasithea, who maintained her calm, ethereal demeanor, and then to Thurman, who stood silently beside Mathena, tense but ready.

Argan nodded slowly. "Very well. But if you seek the Living Histoire, you must prove your intentions are pure. The trials of Khthon will test you."

Thurman's eyes widened. "Trials? What kind of trials?"

Argan's lips curled into a small smile. "The trials will reveal your character. Each trial is tied to the power of the earth and will test your resolve, wisdom, and strength."

Pasithea's expression was unreadable, but she whispered to Mathena, "This will not be simple. Earth magic is deeply connected to the soul."

Mathena nodded. "We accept."

Argan gestured for the guards to lower the stone pillars, allowing them to pass. "Follow me. The trials begin at dawn. You may rest for now, but know that failure means you will not be granted an audience with the Living Histoire."