The sound of their footsteps ceased abruptly.
After sprinting through Dark Road, the light of the Mystic Lamp vanished without a trace.
The darkness that had enveloped them began to crack, revealing an unexpected wide chasm.
Amidst the dark shadows, a mysterious aroma wafted through the air, as if a night fairy was inviting them to cross the boundary between the real world and another realm. A gentle wind whispered through the trees, carrying the voices of souls trapped in limbo, reminding them of the warning inscribed in ancient tales—a warning that encompassed the journey of humanity, its trials, and the challenges faced throughout history.
Before them, the world seemed to transform into remnants of ancient will.
Forsaken Gate.
Four stone gates stand tall at the four cardinal directions.
Their heights rise over twenty meters, their surfaces intricately carved with patterns of the Void intertwined with Proto-Speech. These designs resemble a labyrinth of meanings that can only be deciphered by those possessing free will, creating imagery that unites power and freedom in the form of timeless art, echoing the philosophies of ancient wisdom.
The shimmer of moonlight illuminates this magnificent structure, casting shadows that seem to come alive and move against the stone walls. Each gate appears to vibrate gently, as if harboring a breath of life waiting for the perfect moment to glance at the outside world. They feel the presence of an entity far greater than themselves, ready to guide or plunge them into chaos.
Above each gate stands a colossal statue of the Empyrean Guardians — celestial beings entrusted by ancient megalithic ancestors.
South: Phoenix The Immortal Bird.
Its wings stretch towards the sky, feathers ablaze in a golden hue. A symbol of rebirth and hope.
North: Genbu The Black Justice.
A shell black as obsidian, emerald eyes observing with steadfastness. A symbol of courage and fair judgment.
East: Dragon The Inferno.
Its body elongated, scales glistening in blood red, claws carving through the air. A symbol of will, strength, and sacrifice.
These symbols are not merely statues, but powerful reminders of the journey they must undertake. The soft sound of gentle chimes, as if unseen fingers were delicately scratching the surface of the gates, heightens the atmosphere; it evokes an undeniable sense of mystery, something worth investigating amidst the rumble caused by the ever-interacting primordial forces that shape existence.
West: Tiger The Dictator.
A muscular body, gaping fangs, an undeniable gaze. Symbol of the power of will that governs the course of the world.
Behind the four gates lies a vast expanse of stone surrounded by a ring of colossal stones—Center Stones.
It consists of twelve large standing stones and four main pillars marking the quadrants of the cardinal directions.
At its center, a circle untouched by time:
Corona Concordia Gamma.
This circle contains patterns of Proto-Speech magic and symbols of the Voidwright & Astral Theorist, which can only be interpreted by those who have undergone the Pactum Harmoniae.
Among the towering standing stones, a thin mist whispered like the lost souls of the past, gently flowing through the beats of time. It served as a reminder to anyone who approaches of the sacredness of this place. Every visitor feels a magical pull enveloping them, drawing them deeper into the history etched in stone—where each mark reflects the hopes and fears of generations long past, creating a tapestry of collective memory.
The sky above was not blue.
It was cloaked in dark purple clouds, reflecting the soft light from the sun hiding beyond the horizon.
In the distance, a gentle voice called out, as if born from the womb of the earth, guiding their journey. "Here, every step is a song; every movement is part of the symphony of elemental power."
Fitran read the inscription on the circular stone gate:
"ꦲꦶꦤ ꦥꦿꦧꦸ ꦢꦶꦤ ꦏꦶꦠꦸ ꦲꦤ꧀ꦠ ꦄꦮꦸꦤ꧀. ꦲꦤꦺꦠꦶ ꦱꦏ꧀ꦱꦶ ꦏꦸꦠꦶꦪꦸ."
"Courage does not walk in front of the light, but alongside the darkness."
As they stepped closer, a heavy sound resonated from each gate.
It was not the sound of machines. It was not the sound of beasts.
It was the sound of the will of the world.
"Those who stand before us are not mere passersby.
They are the ones who choose wounds to bind the world."
The four guardian statues emitted a faint glow from their eyes.
Fitran took a deep breath.
The Voidwright within him throbbed, but the Astral Theorist calmed that wild pulsing.
Around them, the air vibrated with energy, as if the Forsaken Gate itself smiled at their presence. Every breath of wind conveyed ancient whispers, calling out to souls trapped within the illusion of time, as if to invite them into a deeper understanding. In the distance, the silhouettes of old trees loomed, their branches dancing to a mystical song that arose from the sacred ground, echoing the stories of those who had come before.
"Here lies a place older than all kingdoms.
A place where will is not inherited, but chosen."
Under the gentle light of the moon, the Forsaken Gate stood majestically, made of shimmering black stone that seemed alive. Shadowy forms swirled around it, guarding the gate from the eyes of the outside world, protecting the secrets held with utmost care. Each heartbeat of Fitran seemed to resonate with the pulsing of the gate, straddling the line between the tangible world and the unseen.
Rinoa stood beside him, her magical harmony merging with the cold earth.
The sound of the wind flowing through the cracks of the gate carried the fragrance of incense, reminiscent of ancient rituals. Rinoa felt a vibration of grace that was not only seen but also deeply felt within her soul. It was as if the past and future converged, intertwined in a loyalty to true meaning.
"Four goddesses bestowed upon me the color indigo. But this path... this path does not embrace color. This path only accepts meaning."
Fitran smiled faintly.
"And that meaning, we carry together."
In the midst of the Center Stones plain, a small podium faced the four gates.
Numbers in the fabric of space-time spiraled around them, creating an impression that time flowed slowly in this place. Every sound, every movement felt sacred, making them believe that their steps were not merely exploring the world, but tracing the footsteps of ancestors who had traversed the same path. Waves of magical energy filled the atmosphere, waiting to be embraced and brought to life.
With determination, Fitran raised his hand, resolved to alter the fate determined by history.
The magic of Voidwright united with the Proto-Speech inscribed on his palm.
"Potamu Huntenghu, Hin Prabhu Dhin Kithu Hant Awun."
"Gather the will, let those who choose the meaning speak."
Surrounding the Forsaken Gate, a thin fog floated, carrying the scent of wet earth and the remnants of long-forgotten magic. Each gust of wind seemed to whisper, inviting the present souls to explore the depths of meaning hidden behind this historical gate, reminiscent of rituals long surpassed. The rhythmic pulse of the earth's heart can be heard, harmonizing with the rustling leaves and the silent song of the guardians, encapsulating a timeless connection.
The four gates tremble gently, their resonant voices echoing like notes in a symphony crafted to awaken memories of the past.
Phoniex flapped its stone wings, with violet flames blazing behind the pillars. It seemed to emit a basin of light that danced around, highlighting every curve and scratch on the surface worn by time. This light unveiled traces of the past, reflecting images of tragedy and hope intertwined within the fabric of Proto-Speech, a visual testament to the resilience of the spirits that shaped this world.
Genbu shifted its shell as the ground trembled beneath them. The rumble felt akin to a hammer striking metal, underscoring the power underlying the reality surrounding them—a reminder that beyond silence lies a strength ready to be revealed. Each beat echoed the bitterness of past struggles, imparting a new understanding and introspection to those who stood before it, urging them to confront their own trials.
Dragon opened its jaws, its breath a flash of Void mixed with stars. Each exhale carried the potential of another world, with energy flowing like a river between dimensions. This moment transformed reality into something beyond the physical; it was an opportunity to experience everything that has been and will be in the infinite dimensions.
Tiger roared silently, the pressure of its will piercing the bones. As that will flowed, vibrations resonated in the air, as if all elements united to support or oppose the voice emerging from the depths. The symbolism of each movement and sound conveyed a deeper message for those brave enough to interpret it.
The four guardians of the old world did not speak with words.
They communicated with a resonance that shook the soul.
The voice of the world resonated, calling: "What is your will? Is that will to dominate, or to bear the wounds of meaning while becoming a conduit of light in darkness?" This profound question hung in the air, inviting contemplation on the nature of strength and the responsibilities that come with it.
The voice of the world resonated, calling: "What is your will? Is that will to dominate or to bear the wounds of meaning, becoming a conduit of light in darkness?"
Is that will to dominate?
Or to bear the wounds of meaning?"
Fitran stepped forward.
Around them, the aura of Forsaken Gate trembled in the darkness, casting a faint light that created dancing shadows on the walls, as if bringing to life the untold narrative of ages long past. Ancient trees towered above with twisted branches, seemingly whispering to one another, singing forgotten songs of love and loss.
"We do not come to demand the world.
We do not come to demand the world, but to give meaning to the wounds we have chosen, which shape us and make us stronger."
Rinoa followed.
Above them, the starlight filtered softly through the dense branches, providing a gentle and dim illumination. Each light seemed to radiate hope and stories from those who have come before, offering guidance for the path taken by Fitran and Rinoa—a journey toward an inevitable destiny.
"We are the will that bears love, not victory."
Four gates emitted light.
The central circle of Corona Concordia Gamma began to glow.
"ꦩꦺꦤꦠ꧀ꦤꦼꦫ ꦥꦿꦧꦸ ꦢꦶꦤ ꦢꦺꦴꦠ."
"Meaning goes further than power."
Fitran and Rinoa clasped hands, two souls united in a noble purpose: to spread meaning and hope in a divided world.
Voidwright and Harmony merged together.
As they advanced, a gentle voice emanated from the gate, echoing an ancient mantra that awakened strength within them. The entire space vibrated, creating a resonance that instilled confidence in each step, as if Forsaken Gate itself embraced them with a mystical energy.
The circle of magic began to open, not to grant power for conquest.
But to reveal a path where will shall be tested for the last time.
The sound of their footsteps became progressively slower.
The wind came to a halt.
Four guardians bowed their heads.
"You have chosen not an easy path.
But a path that will transform the meaning of the world."
And beyond that gate...
the road to the heart of Stones awaits.