Chp 10 Revelation

As the chosen ones stood before the World Tree, the spirits whispered, urging them forward. "Come," a deep voice commanded. "Touch the tree and witness what awaits."Hesitant but resolute, they stepped forward, placing their hands upon the bark. The moment their skin met the ancient wood, the world around them blurred. A golden radiance consumed their vision, and then—darkness.A voice, vast and omnipotent, filled the void. "Behold the fate of Guardia."The darkness shifted, revealing a land engulfed in flames. The once-prosperous kingdom of Guardia lay in ruins, its mighty walls crumbling as monstrous figures tore through its streets. The sky was thick with black smoke, choking the sun and turning daylight into an eerie twilight. Screams of the innocent rang through the air, their pleas for salvation met only with the unrelenting advance of demonic entities."This... this isn't Altania!" Anthony gasped, his voice barely above a whisper."No..." Aria's eyes widened in horror. "These aren't human armies. They're demons."The vision shifted to other lands—kingdoms they had never seen before, each suffering the same fate. Powerful demons led the charge, obliterating everything in their path. The heroes saw themselves in the midst of battle, their faces contorted with anguish as they struggled against an overwhelming tide. They fought valiantly, but it was never enough. Over and over, they were struck down, forced to witness the helpless slaughter of those they swore to protect.Amy fell to her knees. "This can't be... we can't stop this."Grey gritted his teeth. "This is what we have to prevent."The voice echoed once more. "The path ahead is perilous. The fate of this world rests in your hands. Rise, chosen ones, and grow stronger, or perish along with all you hold dear."The vision shattered, and they were back before the World Tree, their breaths heavy, bodies shaking. The immense weight of what they had seen settled upon them.The spirits whispered once more. "Go forth. Fulfill your destiny."Still shaken, they turned away from the tree. There was no time to dwell on despair. They had to act.Days later, the group returned to the castle, summoned by King Orion himself. They walked through the grand halls, their minds still plagued by the vision.As they entered the throne room, their steps faltered. Standing before the king was Jackson. But something was different.His once-arrogant demeanor was gone. The bitterness, the resentment vanished. His expression was calm, unreadable. The air around him felt unfamiliar, as if he were a different person entirely."You're back..." Grey muttered, wary.Jackson turned, offering them an emotionless smile. "Yes. I am."Amy narrowed her eyes. "You seem... different."Jackson chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "Do I? Perhaps I have simply realized something important."Aria shuddered. This wasn't the same Jackson they had left behind.The king spoke. "Much has changed since you left for the trials. You have returned stronger and so has Jackson. But now is not the time for reunions. We must speak of the darkness that looms over us."The group exchanged glances. Whatever had happened to Jackson, whatever truth they had uncovered at the World Tree—there was no turning back now.The real battle was only beginning.That night, the heroes were given a rare reprieve. "For today, rest," the king declared. "Roam the city. Enjoy yourselves. But tomorrow, training resumes with a new instructor who will teach you about this world."Most of them welcomed the break, deciding to explore the city and momentarily forget the burden of their duty. But Jackson remained behind, declining their invitations.As the others left, he sat alone in his chamber, staring at his hands. His grip tightened as he muttered to himself. "How do I get stronger?" His voice was laced with frustration, with obsession. "I need more power... no matter what it takes."