Cherreads

Chapter 279 - Chapter 279 After the Grand Cross — Fate and Fear

The sky begins to turn once more.

But this time, it's not like before.

The stars have formed a new pattern.

Blue Earth has ceased its trembling.

The divided seas gradually merge again, though the remnants of their separation linger in every gust of wind and every crack in the earth. The roar of the waves, once thunderous, has now softened, as if celebrating a newfound peace, akin to the calm that follows a tempest, leaving tranquility in its wake. This phenomenon illustrates how, in both nature and the human soul, recovery often follows profound trauma, emphasizing that such healing processes require time, understanding, and care, much like the natural cycles of ecosystems recovering after environmental disturbances.

The Grand Cross has erased the old phenomena.

And allowed a new will to begin to grow.

Fitran stands amid the transformed Center Stones:

the ancient megaliths have become transparent crystal pillars, containing filaments of light flowing like the veins of a new world. The light dances in a slow rhythm, seemingly in tune with the breaths of souls newly born from the void.

The Spiral Galaxy formation behind his back faded.

The starlight on his skin vanished,

the recesses that once shone now left only a faint memory, as if indicating that all that has transpired remains woven into an eternal history, creating a tapestry of time that can never be separated. This highlights the complexity of the relationship between the past and daily identity, where memories and experiences intricately shape who we are today and how we respond to life's changes, similar to how cultural heritage influences individual identity in contemporary society.

Now standing there is Fitran — a human.

But he is no longer entirely the same as before. He feels a new awareness, as if each thread of the world is woven within him, merging with his decisive steps.

Rinoa stepped slowly, the Harmonia Septem surrounding her dimming, leaving only a soft violet aura. The light radiated warmth, giving hope to the souls bound by uncertainty.

"Fitran..."

The voice trembled.

Not due to wounds.

Not due to fatigue.

But because of fear.

The fear of a truth he never wanted to face.

"Earlier... what I saw..."

Rinoa gazed into Fitran's eyes.

"That... is the power that once destroyed Gamma, isn't it?" In her gaze lay a world pulsating with longing and uncertainty, reflecting all that had been lost and what might be reborn from the ashes of pride. It served as a poignant reminder of the duality of power—the same force that can create beauty can also bring devastation, a theme echoed throughout history and folklore, such as the tale of Prometheus, who stole fire for humanity, ultimately facing severe consequences for his actions, emphasizing the importance of responsibility in wielding such formidable power.

Fitran fell silent.

The cold wind blew softly between the crystal pillars, carrying the damp scent and remnants of power that flowed in the air. Around them, the shadows of the past seemed to fill the space with forgotten tales. There were no more sounds of guards.

No more echoes of the old world, only a tense silence, like the flow of time halting for a moment.

"Yes."

"That power from before... not only erased a nation.

But erased their meaning from history.

I don't want to use it again. But... the path demands it."

Fitran's heart trembled at those words, feeling them peel away the layers of fear that had been buried deep within, like curtains drawn back to reveal the darkness behind the light. In his mind, the shadow of a hollow world loomed, where every dream and hope could vanish as swiftly as a flicker of light, disturbing the fragile peace of his soul.

"I always said... I will walk with you no matter what happens."

"But... just now... for a moment... I was afraid."

Fitran did not respond.

He understood that the battle within them was the heaviest burden they had to bear at that moment. At that time, the silence felt even heavier, as if the world were trying to press them down with the weight of an unavoidable past.

Even Rinoa, who had endured the will of Void and Harmonia,

could not deny what she felt, a creeping doubt slithering into her mind like a venomous snake, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

What she had witnessed earlier was not merely power.

It was a will that could erase reality.As if the world were being sucked into an endless darkness, signaling that everything in existence could vanish in an instant. This theme resonates with concepts found in various mythologies, exemplified by the figure of Eris in Greek mythology, whose discord leads to strife and loss, underscoring the cautionary tales surrounding immeasurable strength and the dire consequences that can ensue when power is misused.

In the past, this power was known by many names:

Voidwright Apex

The Severance Spiral

Grand Cross: Prism of Severance

Word by word, ancient storytellers described its origins with a warning tone, yet only traces of memory remained.

But among the ancient Gamma people, this power was referred to by one older name:

Causarum Nihil — The Denier of All Consequences.This name flowed through their lives like a mantra, each whisper adding tension to the air.

The power, when fully unleashed, not only erases enemies...

but obliterates the very meaning of their existence from the world's memory. Darkness embraces every corner, leaving a gripping silence. It stands as a symbol of profound loss—a reminder that every action, especially those laden with power, carries challenges and responsibilities that must be faced, similar to the outcomes seen in historical events where leaders, in pursuit of power, have led to catastrophic outcomes, illustrating how every choice we make can have far-reaching and unforeseen consequences.

Fitran wielded it once, and Gamma fell. The echoing sound rang like the bells of death, recalling the moment when hope was cruelly snatched away.

Now, for the second time, he does it again.

Not to destroy.

But to create space for new meaning.

Like morning dew resting on leaves, this transformation feels subtle yet soul-stirring, heralding the birth of something new. However, the cost of such will is the fear that clings to every soul that witnesses it. It serves as a reminder that every growth brings its own challenges, akin to how after a forest fire, nature finds ways to endure and rejuvenate, demonstrating that courage in the face of uncertainty is an integral part of the human journey through adversity.

Rinoa stepped forward.

Her hands trembled, yet she held onto Fitran's hand tightly. Inside her heart, waves of tension and hope clashed, creating whispers from a world on the brink of collapse.

"I'm afraid... but I choose to stay here."

"I know that if I leave you now... the meaning we've built will shatter."

As their voices united, the dim light around them began to spread, as if the world was welcoming this brave decision. Fitran sighed.

He gently squeezed Rinoa's fingers in return, even though part of him still quivered—not from magic, but from the fear of loss.

As if responding to their hearts, a gentle breeze rustled, carrying an unforgettable fragrance—flowers blooming in a once barren place. "I can't promise I won't use that power again."

"But I can promise... I won't use it alone."

"This power doesn't belong to me alone."

"This power... is a will we choose together."

Above them, Blue Earth, which had briefly paused, now slowly begins to rotate again.

However, there is an undeniable change: the once calm blue sky is now filled with bold colors — purple and gold intertwine, creating a palette never seen before, signaling a profound transformational effect throughout the cosmos.

The once calm blue sky is now filled with bold colors — purple and gold intertwine, crafting a palette never witnessed before. Glittering energy bubbles surge beyond the horizon, as if signaling the dawn of a new era.

The orbits of planets have shifted.

Ancient beings hidden within the layers of the Void are now awakened.

Natural phenomena will no longer adhere to the old laws.

Atop Center Stones, strands of light project a new symbol:

Spiral of New Meaning.

Not the Grand Cross.

But a symbol of free will that is no longer subject to any guardians.

With every vibration of the emerging symbol, the ground beneath their feet trembles, creating a sensation as if the entire world is experiencing the same transformation. The sounds of fire and the drumming of water interact in a symphonic embrace, signaling that nature itself is engaged in this dance of change. This powerful imagery encapsulates the essence of ecological interconnectedness, where elements of the world unite in a new harmony, crafting a visual representation that embodies unity born from diverse components, illustrating how collaboration and diversity complement one another to forge something greater.

The final winds of the old era whisper:

"We who guarded have turned to ash.

But our meaning lives on...

in the choices you make."

"Do not let the new will become the old chains."

Fitran and Rinoa stand amidst a changing world.

No one governs them anymore.

No more tests.

Now... they are the ones testing the meaning of the world.

With a burning spirit, they feel adrenaline with every breath, as if they are pioneers on the brink of action. Each heartbeat serves as a reminder of new possibilities, positioning them as trailblazers in this unpredictable era.

And in the distance...

the resonance of the true Gamma will begins to move.

More Chapters