Chapter 30: Whispers of the Forgotten Realm

The Initial Hint

As Derek and his pals continued their journey, the ocean in front of them shimmered brilliantly in the noon light, drawing them away from the island and its secrets. A slight reminder of the adventure they were about to undertake was felt when the wind pulled at their garments and hair. The only guidance they had received from the island's spirit was to locate the other seals that guarded power sources that were old and hidden; otherwise, they had no idea where they were going.

They sailed in relative calm for days. While Emma kept a watchful look out for any indications of danger, Lila meditated to enhance her connection to magic, Kai practiced swordplay on deck, and Derek studied the ancient books they had acquired for most of the day.

It wasn't the first indication that their next destination did not come until the fifth day of their journey.

"I see something!" Emma, looking far into the distance, yelled out from the crow's nest. "It looks like... a storm?"

When Derek and the others noticed a huge cloud formation in the distance, their eyes widened, and they hurried to the ship's side. The clouds, which were whirling strangely and softly shining with blue and purple light, were not your typical storm. Lightning crackled across the sky, yet the energy appeared to stay in the air, swirling around the storm like an electric halo rather than disappearing.

Lila's eyebrows knitted as she said, "That's not just a storm." "That's magic."

Kai straightened himself and stopped leaning on the ship's railing; a smile appeared on his face. "Looks like we've got our first clue."

Getting Through the Tempest

The air crackled with energy, and the sea got more choppy as they neared the storm. Derek sensed the old and potent magic encircling them. Anxiety made his heart race. One of the seals the ghost had described had to be this one.

"Everyone, get ready!" As the ship got closer to the storm's edge, Derek let out a cry. "This might get rough!"

As the waves became bigger and crashed against the ship's sides, Kai assumed the helm and kept his hands firm on the wheel. Lila formed a shield around the ship by standing at the bow with her hands up and chanting softly. Emma hurried to get the sails, the wind whipping about them and her motions crisp and fast.

As they approached its center, the storm raged. Instead of striking the ship, the lightning appeared to pulse around them, as if to test their determination, as it sped across the sky. Rising waves threatened to overturn them, but Lila's sorcery and Kai's adept navigation held them afloat.

The lightning's brilliance became brighter as they moved more into the storm, and Derek started to feel a familiar tug in his chest. Something old, strong, and essential to their mission was at the heart of this tempest.

"We're close!" Through the noise of the wind, Derek called out.

The storm suddenly broke, showing a gigantic building rising out of the water. It was a historic stronghold, bright runes adorning its stone walls. The stronghold hummed with life, almost as if it were alive, and at the top a huge crystal glowed, sparking with power, resembling the one on the island.

With wide eyes, Derek said, "That's it." "The first seal."

The Challenge of the Guardian

The storm subsided as the ship approached the citadel, but the atmosphere was still charged with anxiety. As soon as they set foot on the old stones at the crumbling stone pier, a heavy rumble could be heard coming from inside the citadel.

The gateway to the stronghold cracked open, exposing a vast, gloomy hall lined with sculptures of ancient warriors. The earth trembled and the water surged around them. At the far end of the hallway stood a huge, shadow-clad creature with weird light shining in its eyes.

The figure said, "Welcome, travelers," in a rich, warm voice. "You seek the power of the seal, but only those who prove their worth may claim it."

Smiling confidently, Kai took a step forward and removed his weapon. "Well, if it's a fight you want, I'm ready."

The apparition lifted a hand as its luminous eyes narrowed. The sculptures lining the hall started to move as a sudden pulse of electricity raced through the atmosphere. With their swords drawn, the ancient warriors materialized, causing the stone to fracture and break.

The statues approached, and Derek felt his heart race in his chest. "All of you, buckle up! It's the first trial here."

Test of Strength

The fight was close-quarters and fierce. With quick speed, Kai sliced through the oncoming statues, his blade blazing. His smooth and accurate moves demonstrated his swordsmanship. The stone warriors were unrelenting, regenerating just as fast as they were slain despite the strength of each blow.

With her hands raised, Lila stood at the center of the group, channeling magic into protective barriers to shield her allies from the attack. However, this magic was stronger and older than anything she had ever experienced, so even she could feel the strain.

Emma deactivated and rendered inoperable the statues as she scurried across the battleground, her twin daggers blazing. However, more seemed to be taken, regardless of how many they destroyed their location.

"We're getting nowhere!" Emma yelled, her voice cracking with frustration.

Derek's thoughts were racing. This was a strategic exam as much as a physical test. Beyond force he had to think. He yelled, his voice firm in spite of the commotion all around them, "Everyone, fall back!"

The gang reassembled while the statues kept moving forward. Derek momentarily closed his eyes and concentrated on the energy coursing through the stronghold. The energy had a rhythm, a pattern. Should he be able to stop it...

"Lila, I need you to focus on the runs!" Derek yelled. "The magic that's controlling these statues is coming from them!"

Lila nodded and focused her attention on the luminous glyphs carved across the walls, causing her eyes to narrow. She was reared by her palms and directed a powerful spell toward the closest rune with a harsh chant. The statues stumbled as the rune faded and flickered.

"It's working!" With a roar, Kai slashed through an unmoving statue with his sword.

They labored together to deactivate the runes, and the statues became weaker and slower as each one faded. Lila finally smashed the final rune, and the remaining statues collapsed to dust with a victorious yell.

As they neared, the sentinel at the end of the hall observed silently, its luminous eyes inscrutable.

Its voice had a touch of approval as it remarked, "You have passed the trial of strength." However, strength by itself is unable to break the barrier. Before you can take control, you have to go through two more trials."

Derek shared a determined glance with his companions. "We're ready."

Note from the Author:

As the journey progresses, the gang must overcome their first significant obstacle—the old fortress's trial of strength. As they get closer to breaking through the first seal, the stakes are getting higher. But the struggles are far from over! Watch out for more magic, action, and exciting combat in Universal Ascension: The Path of the Outlier's upcoming chapter.