"Let's try it again one more time,"
Emery said to Morgana, determination gleaming in his eyes. The two of them stood before a massive stone door covered in intricate runes—the gateway to the Waypoints Center of Khaos. The air around the door crackled with raw energy, and a sense of anticipation hung in the atmosphere.
Nodding in agreement, Morgana placed her hand on the door, her expression focused and resolute. As their palms made contact with the cool surface, a surge of energy passed through them, and the runes on the door began to glow. With a shared purpose, they stepped through the threshold and found themselves transported to a breathtaking realm of floating rocks suspended in the vast expanse of space.
The two navigated their way through the celestial landscape, their feet barely touching the ethereal platforms beneath them. They made their way toward the central landmass, where ancient ruins sprawled across the ground. Dilapidated structures and fallen statues spoke of a forgotten being that had once thrived in this enigmatic realm.
At the heart of the landmass stood a towering dark crystal, radiating an aura of mystery and power. It pulsed with a subtle energy, casting eerie shadows on the surrounding rune stones. Four immense stones, each marked with ancient symbols, encircled the crystal, forming a barrier that contained its immense power.
Drawing closer to the crystal, Morgana prepared herself for the challenge that awaited. Emery stood by her side, offering reassurance and encouragement. "Just relax, Morgana. You can do this." As she tentatively reached out to touch the crystal, a ripple of energy surged through the air, intertwining with her very being. The crystal responded, resonating with her touch, as if acknowledging her presence.
While Morgana delved deeper into the crystal's essence, voices whispered from the rune stones, skeptical of her abilities.
"I don't think she can do it, not from there, and not with her talent" one voice murmured.
Recognizing the familiar voices, Emery calmly responded, "If you are not going to help, then stay quiet."
Simultaneously, within Emery's mind, another familiar voice, the Khaos guardian of the Pestilence Gate, resonated. "Let them try," Chututlu's voice echoed. "If that young woman succeeds, I can finally escape from this stifling planet."
Emery had forged a connection with the two Khaos guardians, enabling them to engage in a three-way conversation within his mind. Their voices remained exclusive to him, a secret shared between them.
The two guardians exchanged their thoughts while Emery patiently awaited Morgana's outcome. Eventually, she emerged from her trance with disappointment etched on her face, while the rune stones remained unresponsive, indicating another failed attempt.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you," Morgana uttered softly, her voice tinged with regret. Emery could sense her frustration, knowing how much she had poured into her training.
For the past two years, Emery and Morgana had dedicated themselves to unlocking the secrets of the Khaos gate. Their goal was to open a portal to Earth, the elusive Famine Gate that held the key to Emery's other soul.
However, Morgana's inherent talent in space magic had proven to be limited. Despite her relentless training within the Pestilence Gate, she had been deemed unworthy by the Master of Khaos to open the gate.
This time, Morgana's revelation brought forth a message from the Master himself: "He wanted you, not me."
The fact that the primordial being overseeing the Khaos gates had been closely observing Emery came as no surprise. Apparently, the Master's eyes were fixed on Emery's recovery, waiting for his ultimate transformation.
On the other hand, Emery had spent months tirelessly honing his [Soul Walk] ability, seeking to establish a complete connection with his other soul. Yet, this effort had thus far fallen short, leaving him with two remaining options: to physically return to Earth or to fully recover his Nature core, embracing the role of the Champion of Khaos.
Despite Morgana's recent failure, Emery refused to be disheartened. "It's okay, Morgana. We'll try again next time," he reassured her, his voice brimming with unwavering determination.
Yet, this failed attempt, coupled with the unrelenting assaults from the dark elves, signified that it was time for Emery to relocate the Pestilence Khaos Gate once again. It's time to leave behind the humble hut that had provided them shelter and peace.
The invitation to Vanyar City beckoned, and it was an opportunity they could not afford to overlook.
"Okay, it's time to leave," Emery declared, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension coursing through him.
However, just as they were about to embark on their journey, a waypoint on one of the floating rocks suddenly radiated with a brilliant light. A figure emerged from within the radiant glow—a young human Magus adorned in dark elven attire. It was Cole.
"STOP THERE!" Cole's voice thundered across the open expanse as he soared toward the landmass where Emery and Morgana stood. Emotions surged within him, a tempest of anger and betrayal.
Maintaining his calm demeanor, Emery extended a greeting, his eyes filled with curiosity, while Cole's anger blazed like an inferno. "YOU! You have been tricking me all this time!" Cole accused, his voice seething with betrayal.
Emery remained composed, waiting to see how much Cole had finally uncovered about his true identity and motives. And then, the words Emery had anticipated finally emerged from Cole's lips. "Dont lie!! It's you!! You are that junior! Emery Ambrose!"
Emery was surprised, not the fact that he has been found, but instead, It had taken Cole nearly three years to connect the dots and unmask his true identity. It seemed that either information among the dark elves was not adequately shared or the Dark Elven Champion of Khaos himself was not privy to such crucial knowledge.
"Yes, it's me... Senior Cole. You have finally discovered the truth," Emery admitted, relinquishing the facade that he had maintained for so long.
With the second Khaos gate in his possession and a newfound understanding of the guardians, there was no need for further pretense. He also has no need to do so anymore as he already acquires the second Kahos gate and actually has built good acquaintance with the guardians. Both spoke the same truth that engaging in combat within this realm was forbidden by the primordial being.
Moreover, Emery had additional motivations for revealing his true identity to Cole. Curiosity tinged his voice as he asked, "Tell me, Senior Cole, what led you to betray our kind?"
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