Chapter 100: The Path of Shadows

Rodrigo and his companions stood in silence, each contemplating the decision ahead. The stone pulsed with ancient energy, the runes glowing an unsettling green. It was as if time had stopped around them, and the cave waited patiently for their choice.

Alfonso, sensing the group's hesitation, approached the stone. He placed his hand on its cool surface, and the light around it glowed brighter. "There is a story that has not been told to you," he began, his voice firm but low. "This stone is not just a source of power. It was created to contain an even greater evil. What is imprisoned here is an entity that, if released, will bring true chaos."

Rodrigo frowned in surprise. "Why didn't you tell us this before?"

Alfonso sighed. "Because you needed to understand the weight of responsibility before you made your choice. The power contained here can be used for good, but it can also be corrupted. And the entity that is sealed within the stone is a greater threat than any war or tyrant." Sebastian, who had been silent until then, took a step forward, his eyes fixed on the stone. "So, if we destroy the stone... do we release this entity?" Afonso nodded slowly. "Yes. And the world will never be the same again." Rodrigo looked at his friends, feeling the weight of the decision grow even more. They had faced dangers before, but nothing compared to this. The idea of ​​releasing something so terrible made him hesitate, but he also knew that they could not simply leave the stone intact in the wrong hands. "So, what is the third way?" Olavo asked, a touch of desperation in his voice. "If destroying it is a disaster, and leaving it as it is is not an option, what is left?" Afonso looked at them with an enigmatic glint in his eyes. "The third path involves sealing the power within yourselves."

The silence that followed was heavy. Rodrigo felt his heart race. Afonso continued: "Each of you must take part of the essence of this stone. It will be an eternal bond, and the weight of this power will be on your shoulders for the rest of your lives. There is no turning back, and it will require immense sacrifice. But this way, evil will be kept at bay, and you will have the power necessary to face any threat."

Rodrigo and his companions looked at each other, absorbing what this meant. They knew that this journey had already changed their lives forever, but this decision surpassed anything they could have imagined.

Olavo stepped forward, looking directly at the stone. "If this is the only way... then I accept. I would rather carry this weight than let the world be destroyed."

Sebastião, after a few seconds of hesitation, nodded. "I'm in too. If we're going to do this, let's do it together."

Rodrigo knew it was the only choice they could make. He took a deep breath and looked at Alfonso. "We are ready. What should we do?"

Alfonso placed his hands on the stone and began to mutter words in an ancient language, making the runes glow even more intensely. The light around the stone began to split, forming beams that connected to the bodies of Rodrigo, Olavo and Sebastião. They felt a wave of heat and energy run through their bodies, as if the very essence of the earth was entering their souls.

The power was overwhelming, but at the same time, there was a strange sense of unity, as if they were now connected not only to each other, but to something greater.

When the ritual was finished, the light from the stone disappeared, leaving the cave in silence once more. Rodrigo looked at his friends, feeling the weight of what they had just done. But he also knew that they were now stronger, ready to face whatever came.

Alfonso smiled slightly, his eyes tired but satisfied. "The third path has been chosen. Now, the fate of the world is in your hands."

Rodrigo nodded, feeling the new energy pulse through his body. The real battle was just beginning.