Chapter 3: The Orb!!
Orion drowned in the sea of darkness.
Vast, consuming, and merciless, its waves surge with unrestrained power, swallowing everything to the endless abyss of deep darkness, as no light dared to break its reach, no warmth lingered in its embrace—only an unbroken, endless darkness that freezes all hopes, wrapping everything in despair.
Each wave brought emptiness crashing against the shore of consciousness, eroding memories and dreams alike. No matter how one resists it, it becomes futile to the mighty waves.
Even hope flickers like a distant star, barely visible and easily extinguished as it drowns in the depths of the abyss and replaced by intensifying despair.
Help!
Someone, please save me...
I still want to live!
At the heart of it all, Orion stood as a witness and a victim, experiencing everything firsthand.
Helpless and unable to express his pain, he felt the time slowing in his senses—seconds, minutes, hours, days, and weeks slipped by as he drowned in the sea of darkness, followed by his own decline.
Just as he was about to let go of the thread called 'hope' and accept his demise, he caught a glimpse of four faint lights slowly dissipating in the distance, much like himself.
In desperation to survive, he mustered his remaining strength, yet he realized they were unreachable no matter how he tried to reach them.
No!!!
His only hope flickered. Unwillingness filled his heart and mind, but he could only accept the fact that he was powerless and was about to die, just like his predecessor.
Suddenly, when he thought all hope seemed lost, Orion saw one of the four lights drift towards him. Yet, as it drew closer, it began to dissipate even faster, on the verge of its collapse. It touched his index finger, granting him a small surge of strength, and he felt a part of it merge with him, filling him with tranquility, hope, and freedom, followed by a whisper of giggle that he interpreted as interest or something deeper before finally, his mind turned chaotic that shattered the darkness.
.
Hoo... hoo-hoo-hooo...
The owl's call pierced the stillness of the night. Orion, who lay unconscious on the floor, jolted awake. His red eyes showed fear, pain, shock, and disbelief.
Hhh-haah! Hhh-haah!
He gasped for air while clutching his chest, each inhale sharp and desperate as if it were his first time breathing.
Minutes slipped by before he finally calmed down. His attention focused on the flickering lights of the wall lamp, realizing the time he spent was different from reality.
'by the great sleeping embers... Was that the power of the unknown orb?' Mustering his strength, Orion leans on the chair, thinking before smelling a foul odor. Only now did he realize he was coated in a layer of sweat and a slick, slimy substance clinging to his skin and clothes.
The overpowering stench hit him—putrid and sour.
'Impurities.'
But before he could delve deeper into the nightmare of darkness brought by the orb and the stench smell permeating, he held his head, feeling a little bit of pain.
This time, new knowledge appeared in his head, and what shocked him was that this knowledge was all about the 'orb' that almost killed him.
'Primal Core?' Orion massaged his temples as the so-called primal core appeared in his mind.
The orb showed an illusionary dark aura, and it appeared translucent, brimming with chaotic energy that could easily kill anyone or anything. Its surface was marked in an unknown language, representing the number zero (0).
According to the superficial knowledge he acquired, the 'Primal Core' was one of the so-called 'Parts'. It holds mystery and power and could change a person's fate if they pass the trial.
While those who fail the trial will forever be trapped inside the orb, their souls and memories slowly eroded by chaos, becoming the orb's nourishment as it enters deep sleep—still hiding in the deceased body. Once it awakens, it will again resume its search.
Search for the rightful holder or victim...
Should I be happy obtaining the orb or curse it?
Orion slowly opened his eyes. He felt mixed emotions about the 'orb'. If not for the faint light saving him at the last moment, then it's likely he'd be joining the ranks of deceased holders.
Sigh!
"Forget it. I should just be thankful that I survived and obtained a magical item. As for its use, I need time to explore since the 'superficial knowledge' did not cover them."
"Father once said there are such magical items in this world, though using them will have some negative effects... Is this one of them, then what are its drawbacks?"
Orion mumbled to himself while digesting the superficial knowledge and his near-death experience.
Deep down, he was quite afraid of the orb and its unknown origin. However, he still understood that he must face, explore, and use the orb rather than running away from it or being controlled by fear.
After all, the orb was already inside his body, and he also passed the trial by fluke.
Half an hour later, Orion rushed to the nearest water well. The moon hangs high in the sky; its calming glow showered the world.
Seeing that there was no one near the water well, Orion decided to wash on the spot, feeling the cold water. Thanks to the 'orb,' it not only cleansed the impurities from his body but also made him slightly stronger, his skin smooth yet tough, and his height increased from 5'5 to 5'8 feet.
He scratched his ash gray hair as he dressed up, feeling more comfortable.
.
.
In the Leaf Tavern...
The spacious hall was furnished with sturdy, rough-hewn wooden tables and chairs, illuminated by the dim, gentle glow of lanterns hanging on the walls while aromas of alcohol, sweat, and fried meat wafted in the air along with unending loud chatter and laughter.
Pushing open the door, Orion walks directly to the bar counter, where he takes his seat and is greeted by his village uncle, who runs the whole leaf tavern.
"Ah, if it isn't Orion! So, what'll it be—Troll's Bane beer or another inquiry?" the old bartender laughs.
"Uncle Sam, sorry for disturbing you again, but I'm here to inquire about the caravan."
Old Sam lost his smile as he turned serious. "Oh great mercy of the slumbering stone! You understand the danger outside the walls, right?"
"Uncle, I know that's why I'm risking everything."
"Hmn, so be it." Old Sam huffs, putting the cup down. "Go to the left room to the side and also take these five Troll Beers with you. Whether he accepts you or not depends on your eloquence, but I hope he refuses... The forest is too dangerous."
Feeling his uncle's reluctance yet supportive of his decision, Orion could only shake his head with a wry smile as he took the five cups of beer to the left room.
He knocked on the door and exchanged pleasantries with one of the guards, then met the caravan owner, who was known as fatso.
After a half hour of mingling and complimenting the fatso, the two hit off as friends and finally joined the caravan team.
He learned the time of departure and a few stories from the fatso, and after two glasses of Troll's Bane, he left the tavern to take a rest, saving his strength.