Chapter 23: Unraveling Mysteries

The Resurrection

Though Derek, Emma, Kai, and Lila had triumphed over the challenges, they were more than simply tired after their time in the Realm of challenges. Each of them now had a greater sense of connection to their fundamental skills and a deeper comprehension of their strengths as a result of the experience.

Derek felt the cultivation energy change as they left the testing grounds. It was distinct in addition to being stronger. His grasp of elemental forces had grown, adding another level of intricacy.

Emma said, "I can feel it too," seeing Derek's inner thoughts. "The trials weren't just tests—they were designed to unlock hidden potential."

Kai cracked his knuckles and extended his arms. Yes, I do feel fantastic! It feels as though I've advanced twice. We ought to. I can't wait for some action; therefore, I'm going to charge into the next battle!"

Lila, who was more quiet, looked about warily. "While we could have become more powerful, this is also a warning. We've merely become more targeted since the cosmos is aware of our evolutionary trajectory."

Derek gave a nod. Lila's remarks struck a chord with me. Their environment grew more perilous as they ventured farther into their cultivation routes. And little doubt the adversaries in the shadows would notice.

The Forgotten Age's Prophecy

They camped in the wilderness on their journey. They sat in a circle, the fire crackling quietly, the night air silent. As Kai was making light of how simple the trials had been, someone emerged from the shadows.

It was a wrinkled old woman with cloudy yet shining eyes full of knowledge. Like a wisp of fog, her ragged robe swirled about her.

Her voice was clear yet hoarse as she remarked, "You've passed the trials, but the real journey has yet to begin."

Derek sprang to his feet, reaching automatically for his sword. "Who are you? How are the trials known to you?"

The elderly lady gave a knowing smile. I'm quite knowledgeable, Derek. This was only the beginning in the realm of trials. This is not the first road you have taken, and it won't be the last.

Emma narrowed her eyes and stepped up next to Derek. "What are you trying to say? Is there anything else we should know?

The elderly woman looked at Emma. "The prophesy of the Forgotten Age is an old prophesy. It alludes to a moment when the universe's power dynamics will change, the selected would ascend, and either the world would be destroyed or regenerated."

Lila's gaze expanded. "Are you saying we're part of this prophecy?"

Slowly, the elderly woman nodded. "Yes, little one. The people mentioned in the prophecy are you and your friends. But heed the warning: There is treachery, darkness, and decisions that will determine the course of existence as a whole."

Kai went from being excited to being worried. "All right, now what should we do? How can we be certain that we are fulfilling this prophecy correctly?"

The elderly woman laughed quietly. "Neither good nor bad is the prophecy," malevolent. It just is. The way you carry it out is up to you. However, I can assure you that the solutions are located in one location. At the end of the earth lies a forgotten temple called the Hall of Memories. You'll discover the answers you seek there."

Derek and his mates looked at each other. This was it—a way forward, a location where they might get the information required to comprehend their part in the events as they were happening.

"How do we find this Hall of Memories?" Derek enquired.

The elderly woman gestured to the far-off mountains. "Go north through the Storm Peaks and beyond the Sea of Silence. Beyond the mountain range, the temple is concealed from view from anyone attempting to harness its power for

malevolent. It just is. The way you carry it out is up to you. However, I can assure you that the solutions are located in one location. At the end of the earth lies a forgotten temple called the Hall of Memories. You'll discover the answers you seek there."

Derek and his mates looked at each other. This was it—a way forward, a location where they might get the information required to comprehend their part in the events as they were happening.

"How do we find this Hall of Memories?" Derek enquired.

The elderly woman gestured to the far-off mountains. "Go north through the Storm Peaks and beyond the Sea of Silence. Beyond the mountain range, the temple is concealed from view from anyone attempting to harness its power for sick."

The elderly woman vanished into the darkness at that point, leaving just a brief trace of her presence.

The Trip to the Memorabilia Hall

With their hearts set on their new destination, the gang broke camp early the next morning. It would be a dangerous trek, but they had survived worse. They sorely needed the answers that the Hall of Memories promised.

The terrain grew more dangerous as they traveled more into unknown area. As they neared the Sea of Silence, the trees gave way to steep cliffs and the wind howled through the small passageways.

The sea lived up to its name; it was eerily silent, with neither sound nor waves. The surface of the lake was black and reflective, perfectly reflecting the sky, creating the appearance that they were flying.

Kai looked around suspiciously and murmured, "It gives me the creeps." "It's way too quiet."

Lila gave a nod. "We ought to continue traveling. It is best if we cross more quickly."

Derek's thoughts was racing as they traveled across the water on a little, old boat they discovered near the coast. Everything about the prophesy, the trials, and the Hall of Memories seemed too perfect, too coincidental. What if they were something much more harmful than pawns in a bigger game?

Threats from the Shadows

The gang did not know they were being monitored when they crossed the Sea of Silence. A mysterious figure stood on a floating platform high above in the clouds, watching their every action.

With a menacing grin sweeping over their face, the person uttered, "So, they are headed to the Hall of Memories." "How practical. I was starting to worry about when they might act."

The person turned to face a group of soldiers in cloaks behind them as they stood, their robes flowing in the breeze.

"Get the army ready. Now is the moment to act. We are unable to let them into the Hall of Memories. They already know far too much."

The soldiers gave a collective bow before vanishing into the haze, leaving the shadowy figure alone itself with their eyes shining with malice.

Note from the Author:

As our heroes discover the truth behind the prophecy, Chapter 23 of Universal Ascension: The Path of the Outlier presents them with even more secrets and difficulties. They made their way toward the fabled Hall of Memories. New perils arise, and old foes return as they journey into more hazardous areas. Watch out for the upcoming chapter, when the group embarks on their most dangerous adventure to date!