A warm, resonant voice, like the gentle chime of distant bells, unexpectedly echoed within Henry's mind, completely separate from the lingering chaotic thoughts stirred by the strange current.
"Welcome to the Sanctuary Enclave."
At the same instant, the mystical emerald stream dissolved, yielding to a silent night that enveloped Henry's surroundings. The darkness was not frightening but possessed an uncanny tranquility, as if he were suspended in an infinite void.
Then, from the nothingness, a gentle orb of light slowly materialized before Henry, radiating a pure white luminescence that was soothing rather than blinding. Far above, countless soft ribbons of light in every imaginable hue gracefully flowed towards a colossal, hazy pillar, indistinct in the spiritual twilight.
"Hello," Henry spoke, his voice tinged with disorientation and doubt, "I am Henry. I seem to have wandered in here. Could you tell me where this is?"
The orb of light pulsed softly, emitting a warm, comforting sound, like the whisper of wind through ancient trees. "I am Will. This is your spiritual domain. Through some miraculous means, you have tapped into and resonated with the Lifestream. Your spiritual domain is now connected to us through this flow."
Henry frowned, trying to process the bizarre information he had just received. "You mentioned the Sanctuary Enclave. I've never heard that name before. And why is my spiritual domain linked to this Enclave?"
"The Sanctuary Enclave was established long ago," Will replied, his tone solemn but not secretive. "However, the Enclave does not actively proselytize or seek to recruit outsiders. Our existence is guarded like the deepest secrets of this world. Therefore, it is not surprising that you have never heard of us. All members of the Sanctuary Enclave are individuals chosen by the Lifestream."
"So, you're saying I'm qualified to join this Enclave, if I agree?" Henry asked, a mixture of curiosity and skepticism stirring within him.
"That is a way to put it," Will confirmed. "However, within the Sanctuary Enclave, there are also many rules and duties that members must undertake. But in return, you will also receive rewards commensurate with your efforts and dedication."
A moment of hesitation flickered through Henry's mind. "I am currently a devout follower of the Angel of Light. I am uncertain if I can join an enclave that might assign me tasks that go against or negatively impact the country and religion I serve."
"You need not worry about that," Will reassured him. "When assigning tasks, I will provide you with complete details. You have the absolute right to accept or refuse any mission. Therefore, the possibility of you having to perform actions that harm the values you cherish is virtually nonexistent."
"So, which deity does the Sanctuary Enclave venerate? And how does the Enclave operate?" Henry continued to probe, wanting to understand more about this mysterious organization.
"The Sanctuary Enclave does not venerate any deity," Will answered, his tone resolute. "Our ultimate purpose is to protect the balance and life of this world, Tehra. Members of the Enclave will silently eliminate dangerous seeds from the moment they are nascent, or prevent impending disasters that threaten Tehra's very existence."
"Preventing things that harm Tehra, that sounds truly grand," Henry mused. "Then you must have many members and an incredibly powerful force?"
A brief silence filled the spiritual space. "No," Will replied, his tone slightly different, "excluding myself, there are currently only six active members."
"Six members who claim to be protecting this entire world?" Henry couldn't hide the surprise in his voice.
"We have silently prevented hundreds of thousands of potential threats to this world over the past hundred thousand years," Will asserted, his tone filled with pride.
"Wait a moment," Henry interrupted, "so your Enclave has existed for over a hundred thousand years, and has remained this secret?"
"Indeed," Will confirmed. "Members of the Enclave are also regularly replaced. Those chosen by the Lifestream will join, and former members will depart due to lifespan or sacrifice in the line of duty."
"You are remarkably candid," Henry observed, "aren't you afraid that I might refuse to join, and then reveal the Sanctuary Enclave's existence to my country?"
"It matters not," Will replied calmly. "I merely advise you to think carefully before making your decision. The Sanctuary Enclave's existence is unique. Only those accepted by the Lifestream can set foot in this space. Therefore, I am not concerned if more people learn of us. The important thing is for you to consider whether revealing information you are not certain of will bring any benefit."
"Fascinating," Henry murmured, feeling a growing curiosity stirring within him.
"Since you have been accepted by the Lifestream, I also have a small gift I wish to bestow upon you," Will said, the orb of light flickering gently. "I hope it will help broaden your perspective before you make your final decision about whether to join us."
"I am also very interested in this 'broadening of perspective' you speak of," Henry replied, unable to conceal his anticipation.
"There are five greatest secrets that shroud everything in this world," Will began, his tone becoming more serious. "Today, I will reveal two of them to you. Have you ever heard the prophecy of the five apocalypses in the year 999 of the Seventh Era?"
"I have heard of it," Henry nodded, "some churches also preach about them, but I only thought they were rumors or ways for the churches to attract followers."
"It is the truth," Will confirmed, his tone unwavering. "The year 999 will be the year of the apocalypse. Tehra will be completely destroyed. Even though the Sanctuary Enclave's duty is to protect Tehra, we must also accept this harsh reality."
"That sounds contradictory," Henry frowned, "so why do you maintain this Enclave?"
"Because I know the true nature of the Apocalypse, and the profound essence of Tehra," Will replied, his tone laden with hidden meaning.
"So, what are their natures?" Henry asked, feeling a strange anticipation rising within him.
"These are two separate secrets," Will said, "you only have one choice left; which one do you wish to hear first?"
"Is that really it?" Henry was slightly taken aback. "Could you at least tell me what kind of secrets the other four are?"
"The nature of the apocalypse in 999 - The true essence of Tehra - The history and truth hidden behind the current religions and nations - And finally, the way to save this world."
"You know how to save this world?" Henry exclaimed in surprise, "I want to know that!"
"Hmm," Will responded, his tone somewhat ambiguous, "The way to save this world... is to join the Sanctuary Enclave."
"..." Henry was speechless, feeling as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown in his face.
"..." Will seemed to be waiting for Henry's reaction.
"This has to be a joke," Henry finally spoke, his voice tinged with annoyance. "And you called that the greatest secret, encompassing the whole world? And said you'd tell me two out of five secrets. Weren't the two things you just told me just a deliberate ploy to lure me into your Enclave?"
"That was your choice, after all," Will replied, his tone still calm, "I didn't force you, did I?"
"The...!" Henry cursed inwardly, feeling like he had just fallen for a spectacular trick.
"To be honest, I quite like you," Will suddenly said, his tone shifting slightly, "so I will make an exception. For each of the remaining secrets, I will give you a small hint beforehand so you can ponder them."
Will's voice deepened, taking on an indescribably mystical quality. "What is called the apocalypse of the year 999 of the Seventh Era, is actually the best thing that will happen to this Tehra, if viewed from a different perspective."
Next, Will's voice carried a hint of sorrow. "The essence of Tehra is a colossal shield, bearing terrible blows to protect the one who created it."
Finally, Will's voice became cold and sharp. "The orthodox and heretical religions, the forces currently dominating the world, the leaders of nations all bear the influence of these religions to varying degrees - and these very things are the deep-rooted seeds that are gradually destroying Tehra."
"If that's the case," Henry said slowly, trying to digest the revelations, "wouldn't joining the Sanctuary be going against almost the entire world?"
"Hahaha," Will chuckled softly, the sound echoing in the spiritual space. "Take your time to think it over. I suspect that in the near future, you will personally verify whether what I have just told you is true or not. But the fact that you could step into this place suggests that your destiny will be intertwined with the last line of defense for Tehra. I truly look forward to meeting you again. Now, I give you this gift."
A strange tattoo, the image of a small emerald tree with strong, reaching branches, suddenly appeared on Henry's right shoulder. But as soon as it became clear, it faded and then vanished completely.
"This is the symbolic tattoo of the Sanctuary Enclave," Will explained. "When you have thought carefully and have your answer, you only need to touch the location of the tattoo and stir the aether within your body to contact me, transmitting your spirit back to this place."
"But right now... my body out there must be completely dead," Henry suddenly remembered his perilous situation, a sense of unease washing over him.
"Having merged with the Lifestream, you will be protected," Will reassured him. "Now, I will return your spirit. You only need to follow the flow of the Lifestream and choose a branch that leads back to the normal flow of water, and you will be able to exit."
Henry's consciousness gradually returned to his body. He realized he was still suspended in the warm Lifestream. Following Will's instructions, he followed the current, veering into the nearest branch that seemed to lead to the outside. Then, instinctively, he used the air bubble stones he had acquired earlier, allowing them to pull his body upwards, towards the air. After a few breathless moments, Henry broke the surface of the water, gasping for air. His entire body was nearly exhausted, but in his mind, Will's words and the image of the emerald tree remained vivid. A new path, filled with mystery and danger, seemed to have just opened before him.