OLD-WORLD EXTRA-Chapter 124: Cycle Break

A few months passed, or at least that is what Emir believed, as the cycle of hiding, cultivating, diverting, and running away continued, almost dulling his sense of time.

And in line with the cycle, after his escape, he found himself in an area surrounded by numerous cave-like structures.

While he contemplated which one to choose, a commanding voice echoed in his mind, one that he waited on for his every waking moment, giving him pause.

[Emir... You, you have truly amazed me.]

[At first, I was surprised that the monster compared you to the esteemed clan, but seeing how you made it this far, it seems it spoke true.]

[You are truly a child of the Eternal Star clan.]

Unfazed by Silent's sudden connection, Emir calmly replied:

"I've been waiting for you, Silent."

"It's been some time..."

[Yes, it has... friend.]

"...If your trial was truly about adaptability, then I believe I have long since passed it."

"As for the clan, the only thing that I know about them is what the Maligorth told me, so I expect you to explain it to me when all of this is over."

Silent responded with a tone of admiration:

[Indeed, you are Emir, the prince of the Eternal Star clan.]

[The trial was not meant for you to engage a Maligorth directly, but rather to escape from it and face challenges presented by the terrain...]

[You have defied my expectations at every turn. So I can confidently say that you've passed with flying colors.]

[I can release you from this trial whenever you wish, but I understand your desire to defeat the Maligorth. Therefore, I offer my assistance.]

Emir inquired, "How so?"

[It's simple. I will guide you to a cave that contains an extraordinary resource, a Well Of Eternity, a well that will significantly boost your strength.]

[This of course would have been your reward after completing the test, but I can expedite the process for you.]

Curiosity piqued, Emir questioned:

"How can this planet have something like that? I heard the monster say that it wasn't conquered?"

Silent scoffed, his reply coming with a sense of mystery:

[This planet has long served as one of the uncountable training grounds for celestial beings.]

[It holds many portals that I could use to send you back and also a well of eternity, which would help you greatly. Otherwise, you'd take many years to repay this debt of yours.]

Emir nodded in understanding.

"I get it, so let's just get on with it."

Silent's voice resonated with approval.

[Very well. I will lead you. Follow my voice, and you will remain safe.]

"By the way, Silent, did Lyra contact my family?"

He snickered.

[She truly did not lie about you, and yes, she mentioned that she contacted them even before you entered the portal, don't worry....]

[And I need you to get your head in the game sonny, you have much to do.]

Emir laughed at his reminder.

"You think that after all this time I would lose focus now?"

[Of course not, I'm only talking to you now as you seemed to be starved of conversation.] "Sure, sure-."

...

After an hour of traversing the labyrinthine tunnels, Emir arrived at another cave-like structure.

However, this cave was unlike any he had encountered before.

As he stepped inside, he was greeted by a mesmerizing sight-the walls were adorned with patterns of runes, their glowing hues casting vibrant colors across the chamber. ƒrēenovelkiss.com

The pulsating lights danced and flickered, creating an ambiance that filled the cave with an ethereal glow.

The air crackled with energy, carrying a faint scent of magic.

Put simply, it was a place steeped in Aether and the Arcane.

Emir cautiously made his way through the cave, his eyes scanning the walls adorned with runes as he followed a path that seemed to beckon him forward.

The symbols seemed to shift and change as he passed them, their movements guided by forces beyond his comprehension.

They were alive.

Pressing on, the glow around him intensified, enveloping him in a kaleidoscope of radiant hues.

Each step he took seemed to unlock a deeper connection to the runes that permeated the cave as if they were made to only resonate with humans.

Soon reaching the end of the path, he beheld a towering portal.

The portal shimmered with an iridescent light, swirling with patterns that seemed to hold glimpses of the other side.

"This is beautiful alright," he whispered to himself, excitement filling his voice.

Its sheer presence resonated with immense power, promising a new realm of potential and growth.

Emir felt the raw Aether radiating from within, beckoning him to step through and embrace the unknown.

And as he stood before the portal, he heard Silent's voice resounding in his mind once again:

[Emir, this is it—the gateway to the well of eternity.]

[Beyond this portal lies a realm, a realm that offers a chance of achieving greater power and enlightenment...]

[A realm where many have lost their minds in...]

[Are you ready to take this next step?]

Emir took a moment to gather his thoughts, his gaze fixed on the swirling patterns before

him.

"Silent, I've come this far, and I won't back out now...."

"I'll kill that Maligorth."

[Very well, Emir. Step through the portal, and let the well grant you the strength you seek.]

[But remember, this is just the beginning of your journey....]

[There is much more to discover and overcome, don't lose yourself.]

Emir nodded his expression firm.

He extended his hand toward the portal, feeling its gentle pull.

With a deep breath, he stepped forward, crossing the threshold between the familiar and the

unknown.

As he emerged on the other side, he found himself in a realm bathed in a soft, golden light.

The air was thick with Aether, and the ground beneath his feet hummed with power.

[Welcome to the well of eternity, Emir.]

[Take a moment to absorb your surroundings.]

[This place is a nexus of Aether, a wellspring of untapped potential.]