Chapter 6 – The Journey Begins
He looked closer and found a small note that read:
> "An ordinary sword, but very durable. Clothes highly resistant to extreme climates — deserts and glaciers. A bracelet with supplies and healing potions. A cross-shaped amulet that stabilizes the body against negative effects. Son, we wanted to give you more, but your human body wouldn't withstand the power of the Sacred Artifacts."
Adrian finished reading the note and said:
— "So that means ordinary people can't wield a Sacred Artifact..."
While Adrian was deep in thought, the diary opened by itself, revealing a map pointing to a new location: a cave. Adrian noticed that the place was extremely well hidden. It would never have been found without the map.
— "So this is where it all begins," said Adrian, looking at the map.
He looked out the window and saw that it was already night. He decided to sleep and head to the cave the next day. He knew that, as a normal person, overpreparing wouldn't help much. He would be facing monsters with superpowers.
— "Tomorrow will be the day that defines my destiny," thought Adrian.
The next morning...
— "Adrian, wake up! Breakfast is ready!" — Maria shouted from the kitchen.
— "I'm coming!" — Adrian replied as he got up. — "Today is the day everything changes."
— "Mom, is Adrian taking too long? I'm hungry!" — complained Theo, sitting at the table.
— "He'll be right down. Theo, Lia, Noah, you all need to be patient," said Maria as she placed the last plates on the table.
— "I'm here!" — said Adrian, arriving slightly out of breath.
— "You took forever!" — Theo grumbled.
— "Sorry, sorry..." — Adrian laughed.
— "Enough talking. Let's eat," said Maria.
— "Yes!" — Adrian, Theo, Lia, and Noah said in unison, smiling as they began to eat.
— "Director..." — Adrian began. — "I need to stay at a friend's house for a few days. Is that okay?"
Maria paused, sighed, and replied:
— "Alright. What time are you leaving?"
— "Right after breakfast."
— "Thanks! I'll get ready then!"
Adrian rushed to his room to pack his things. His heart was beating a little faster — not from nervousness, but from anticipation.
— "That boy, honestly..." — Maria sighed with a faint smile.
A few moments later...
— "Guys, I'm heading out! Bye!"
— "Bye!" — Theo, Lia, Noah, and the director replied from inside.
As Adrian stepped out the door, he whispered to himself:
— "Let's see now..."
He pulled out the hidden map and chose his direction.
— "A bus won't be able to get through there..."
He thought for a moment, then grabbed his old, rusty bicycle and set off.
The path was long and exhausting. The sun was high, the road was uneven, and each pedal stroke felt heavier than the last.
— "Aaah... Aaah... I didn't think it would take this long…" — he muttered after three hours of cycling.
Raising his eyes, he finally spotted the cave. It loomed ahead of him, partially hidden by the forest. Slowly approaching, he stopped at the entrance and said:
— "So this is where it all begins."