Not too long after, Aether stood before the entrance of the hidden chamber, its large stone door etched with intricate patterns and symbols of the Order of the Eternal Blades. A faint glow surrounded the doorway, as if the very air hummed with ancient magic.
Kaelen and his companions stared at the entrance, feeling the weight of its significance, though none of them dared to approach it without permission.
"This," Aether said, his voice low and reverent, "is where the essence of the Eternal Venerables resides. Only the wielder of the Blade of Eternity is permitted to enter."
Guinevere glanced at Kaelen, her brow furrowed in concern. "What’s inside? And why only Kaelen?"
Aether turned to her, his gaze steady. "Inside lies the fragmented consciousness of the Eternal Venerables, the founders of the Order of the Eternal Blades. They were the greatest swordmasters and sages of their time, their wisdom and power passed on through generations.
When they departed from this world, they left fragments of their souls within this chamber, to guide and test the next generation of wielders. Only the true bearer of the Blade of Eternity can commune with them."
Kaelen felt a shiver run down his spine. The idea of facing the consciousness of such legendary figures made him uneasy, but there was also a sense of anticipation building within him. This was a part of his destiny, a step toward mastering the blade that had chosen him.
Morris, always curious, leaned closer. "So, what happens when Kaelen enters? Will he be tested by the Venerables?"
Aether nodded. "The Eternal Venerables will assess him. They will determine if he is worthy of fully awakening the Blade of Eternity’s true potential. Only they can unlock its deepest powers."
"Wait, what about the Great Alaric. Wasn’t he the one who created the blade? Why I asked is because he helped me unlock the potential of the blade in the past" Kaelen suddenly asked with a perplexed expression on his face.
"Yes you are right concerning Alaric creating the blade" Aether replied with a light smirk on his face. "But who do you think guided him on how to create it? Or who gave him such otherworldly materials to forge it? The materials he used to forge that blade of eternity is so rare that even both money and connections put together couldn’t hope to be used to bargain for"
"Oh sh*t!" Morris swore out loudly with a shocked look on his face, while the rest had grim look on their faces.
"It was only through the help and tutelage of the Eternal Venerables that Alaric was able to forge that blade so its completely believable for the Eternal Venerables to unlock the deepest potential of that blade" but Aether didn’t want to give them time for a breather as he continued.
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Kaelen took a deep breath, steeling himself. He had faced many challenges, but this felt different—more personal, more profound. He turned to his companions, each of them giving him a nod of encouragement. Guinevere smiled, her eyes filled with silent support. Morris, though curious, also looked proud. Sofia and Ethan remained quiet, but their steady gazes told Kaelen they believed in him.
Aether stepped aside, gesturing to the door. "Go, Kaelen. The Venerables await."
Kaelen approached the door, the Blade of Eternity at his side vibrating softly, as if in recognition of the chamber ahead. He placed his hand on the stone surface, and the door began to glow brighter. Slowly, it opened, revealing a dark corridor that seemed to pulse with the same energy that filled the room.
As Kaelen stepped through, Aether placed a hand on his shoulder briefly. "Remember, Kaelen, the Venerables are not just teachers. They are guardians of the Order’s legacy. They will test your heart, your will, and your soul. Be prepared for whatever they may reveal."
Kaelen nodded, then stepped fully into the chamber. The door closed behind him, sealing him off from his friends. He felt a sudden rush of energy, the air around him thick with an almost tangible presence. The Blade of Eternity hummed louder, as if sensing the spirits within.
The chamber was vast, filled with floating orbs of light that danced in the air. In the center of the room stood three towering statues, each one depicting an ancient figure, clad in flowing robes and wielding different versions of the Eternal Blades.
Suddenly, the orbs of light coalesced into ethereal forms. They were the Venerables—spectral figures of the past, their faces calm and wise, their eyes glowing with a faint, otherworldly light.
"Kaelen of the Dragonyx family," one of them intoned, his voice deep and echoing. "Bearer of the Blade of Eternity, you have entered the sacred chamber of the Venerables. We shall now determine your worthiness to wield the power of the Eternal Blades."
Another Venerable spoke, her voice sharp and commanding. "Your journey has only begun, but your spirit is tested now. Show us your resolve, your purpose."
Kaelen swallowed hard, but he stood tall. "I’ve come to protect the balance, to fight for those who cannot. The blade chose me, and I will live up to that responsibility."
The third Venerable, his eyes narrow and discerning, stepped forward. "Then we shall see if you are truly worthy."
With that, the room darkened, and Kaelen felt a surge of power rush toward him. His trial had begun.
Outside the chamber, Kaelen’s companions waited anxiously, their eyes fixed on the sealed door, wondering what was unfolding within. They could only hope that Kaelen would emerge victorious.
Aether stood in silence for a moment, his gaze fixed on the sealed door behind which Kaelen was undergoing his trial. The air felt heavy with anticipation, and Kaelen’s companions shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what awaited their friend within. Sensing their restlessness, Aether turned to them, his expression serious.
"Kaelen faces his own trial now," Aether said, his voice calm yet firm. "But his journey does not end here, and neither does yours. You, too, have a role to play in what is to come. If you wish to stand by his side in the battles ahead, you must grow stronger."
Morris furrowed his brow, his hand gripping his scepter. "Stronger? We’ve been through a lot already. What exactly are you suggesting?"
Aether’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he took a step forward. "The path Kaelen is on is one that will challenge him and those around him to their very core. The enemies you will face—both seen and unseen—will require more than just the skills you possess now. You must all become stronger, more attuned to your powers, and more in control of your abilities if you wish to aid him in the trials to come."
Guinevere glanced at Sofia and Eldric before speaking up. "And how do we do that? What exactly are you proposing?"
Aether gestured to the far end of the ruin, where a hidden passageway was barely visible through the overgrowth of vines and stone debris. "Beyond this ruin lies a place where your individual strengths can be honed, and your potential unlocked. It is a sanctuary, forgotten by time, where the elements of magic and combat intertwine.
There, each of you will face your own challenges, designed to test your resolve, your limits, and your willingness to fight for what you believe in."
Eldric’s eyes gleamed with interest. "So, it’s like a training ground for warriors and mages?"
Aether nodded. "In a way, yes. But it is not just physical training. You will be tested on your mastery of your element, your spirit, and your bond with one another. It will push you to your limits, but if you succeed, you will emerge more powerful than you can imagine."
Morris looked uncertain. "And Kaelen? What if he needs us?"
"Kaelen’s trial is his own," Aether replied. "But if you are to help him in the future, you must first help yourselves. He cannot bear the weight of the coming battles alone."
Sofia, who had remained quiet until now, spoke up softly. "If it means we can help him, then we should do it."
Guinevere nodded in agreement, her usual fire in her eyes. "I’m in. Kaelen’s done so much for us already. It’s time we pull our weight."
Eldric cracked a grin, clearly eager for the challenge. "I could use a bit of sharpening myself. Count me in."
Morris sighed, but a determined smile appeared on his face. "Alright then, let’s do this."
Aether gestured toward the hidden passageway. "Follow me. Your journey of growth begins now."
He led them down the ancient corridor, the walls around them pulsing faintly with ancient magic. As they walked, the air grew cooler, and the atmosphere more intense. Soon, they arrived at an open space, a vast chamber filled with towering columns and glowing runes carved into the ground. Each rune represented a different element, and the air crackled with energy.
Aether stopped and turned to face them. "Here, you will each face a trial specific to your strengths and abilities. The runes will guide you, but they will also test your deepest fears and greatest weaknesses. Only by overcoming them will you unlock the true potential within yourselves."
Eldric’s hand instinctively went to his sword. "So, what are we waiting for?"
Aether gave a small nod. "Step forward, and begin."
One by one, Kaelen’s companions moved to stand upon the runes that called to them—Morris with the rune of elements, Guinevere with the flame, Sofia with water and light, Ethan with shadow, and Eldric with lightning. As they took their places, the chamber filled with an overwhelming surge of power, and each of them felt a pull deep within their souls.
Their trials had begun, and though they would be separated in their challenges, they were united by the same goal—to become strong enough to stand by Kaelen’s side and face whatever fate awaited them together.