Chapter 20: Threads of Fate

Investigating More Depth

Derek, Emma, Lila, and Kai were getting colder as they went more into Relkar's old hallways. The imposing columns extended in the direction of a ceiling that appeared to disappear into nothingness. The gang had suffered losses in the fight against the darkness, but they couldn't afford to sit back and relax with so many unsolved problems hanging over them.

"Derek, what do you think that vision means?" Lila inquired in a quiet but inquisitive tone.

Derek paused. Though he had previously shared fragments of his visions with his pals, this most recent one felt more intimate and unique. He ran his hand through his hair and said, "I'm not sure." However, I always get the impression that figure is directing me when I see it in the direction of something. In the direction of a choice I must make.

Kai looked up at him, his countenance contemplative. Perhaps the focus should be on getting you ready for what's ahead rather than forcing you to make a decision. We all sensed throughout the battle that there were adversaries besides the shadow.

Emma looked at them from where she had been examining the markings carved into the walls. "These glyphs discuss an old prophecy about a select few chosen to resist the 'dark tide,' an all-encompassing force that threatens all realms." As she spoke, her fingers traced the runes, and her eyes narrowed. "The fact that the shadow recognized us is not a coincidence."

A Lost Lingua

A dim glow came from one of the neighboring walls as Emma carried on reading the glyphs. The group's attention was drawn to the pulsing glow. Emma's eyes grew wide with understanding. This is more than ornamentation. It serves as a doorway.

Derek moved in closer, his skin buzzing with electricity. "A doorway leading to where?"

Emma gave a headshake. "I'm not sure. However, if this location has been kept secret for as long as we believe, it must lead to a significant location—somewhere with additional answers.

Kai smiled, the daring one as always. "Well, there's only one way to learn."

He put his hand against the shimmering wall before they could argue. The gateway opened with a whirling vortex of light in response to a moment's notice. The library that encircled them vanished, and they were left standing in the center of an enormous, open sky with unending blue horizons and clouds.

The Heavenly Refuge

Transparent crystal made up the earth beneath their feet, reflecting the sky above like a mirror. High spires of light reached the sky, and in the distance loomed a massive structure, an ancient temple propped up by pure energy chains.

With amazement in her voice, Lila said, "This... is incredible." "Where are we now?"

Emma inhaled deeply. "If my theory is correct, we are in the Celestial Sanctuary, a location that lies in between worlds. The most powerful Ascended would go there to meditate and acquire strength and wisdom that transcended the material realm.

Derek sensed an odd tug in the direction of the distant temple. The identical person from his dreams momentarily materialized, standing at the gateway of the floating temple, then disappeared again.

With a forceful voice, Derek stated, "We need to go there."

With a nod of agreement, the others joined them as they started their trip across the sanctuary suspended in the sky.

A Holy Impediment

They discovered a group of old statues blocking their way as they got closer to the temple, their stone shapes emitting an unearthly energy. The sculptures came to life as they got closer, their eyes blazing with bright light.

An authoritative voice resounded loudly throughout the room. "Only worthy individuals are permitted to enter the Celestial Sanctuary." Show your mettle in the trial or face expulsion.

The statues suddenly launched an attack.

"Prepare!" Derek let out a roar and pulled out his energy sword again. Kai's sword charged with lightning gleamed in the sunshine as Lila and Emma readied their spells.

The conflict was intense. Despite being composed of stone, the statues moved with an unusual accuracy and speed. Derek used his sword to deflect a strong blow that would have otherwise sent a shockwave through his body. Kai battled next to him, their swords slamming into the stone weapons of the statues.

"These aren't your typical statues," Lila said, enveloping the group in a shield of protection. "The sanctuary's power is infused into them!"

Emma nodded and let forth a flurry of energy blasts, each one hitting the statues precisely. "The energy that keeps them engaged needs to be disrupted. Pay attention to their cores!

Derek saw the glowing cores inside the chests of the statues. In a quick motion, he sidestepped another blow, slamming his blade into the center of the closest statue. The stone statue gave a tremor and then fell to pieces.

Kai did the same, outpacing the other statues with his quickness. Together, Lila and Emma used their magic to cause the energy cores to become unstable. The sculptures collapsed one by one until the gang was triumphant.

With a deep rumbling sound, the temple gates swung open.

The Ascended Temple

The temple's interior was even more exquisite than the outside sanctuary. The walls were covered in elaborate sculptures that told the narrative of the Ascended, or those who had mastered the universal cultivation and attained godhood, and the air was filled with golden light.

The temple's centerpiece was a magnificent altar, and over it a single luminous orb throbbed with life.

Derek was drawn in again, more strongly this time. That's all, he muttered. "We have been searching for that."

Lila furrowed her brow. "What's that?"

Emma stepped gingerly up to the altar. It serves as a conduit. an association with the origin of all agriculture. We might be able to discover more about the prophesy, the black tide, and our part if we can access it.

Ever the doubter, Kai crossed his arms. What's the catch, then? Every time there's a catch,

Derek moved forward, his hand just over the sphere. "I'm not sure. But we're not going back at this point.

A jolt of electricity shot through him as his fingertips touched the ball. Abruptly, his vision became blurry, and he found himself in an immense cosmic emptiness encircled by whirling galaxies and lights. The white apparition from his visions stood in front of him.

However, the figure was more visible this time. It went beyond a vision.

It was him, an older, wiser, more formidable version of himself.

"Hello," the apparition remarked in a serene yet commanding voice. Derek, you've gone a long way. However, your adventure has only just begun.

Note from the Author:

"Universal Ascension: The Path of the Outlier," chapter 20, takes Derek and his companions to the Celestial Sanctuary, where they encounter fresh difficulties and learn more about the secrets that lay above the surface. Derek begins to learn more about his destiny and the role of the Ascended as he encounters the figure in his visions at last to come to pass. As they get ready for the next fights, the stakes keep becoming higher and the group's relationship gets stronger. Await the release of the next episode!