Chapter 3: A New Destiny

Kael exited the small glade, with a mixture of excitement and confusion churning inside. The way his new abilities functioned was strange, and the system on his arm barked at him with messages continually. "I have to learn how to understand this," he grumbled to himself as he journeyed on.

He was considering attempting his ability with a rock on the ground. "Rise," he labored to get air, struggling to speak the words. The rock trembled and then started to lift off the ground. Kael grinned. "Whoa, I really can do that," he panted at how well it had worked.

His computer beeped later. On the screen, he received a message: New Quest: Find the Relic of Balance. He bristled as he read the message. "Find the relic of balance. what is that supposed to mean?" he said to himself.

A voice behind him replied, "That is your way now." A native who had sat with him before, Joren, responded. Joren was speaking to him in a soothing and reassuring tone. "Aetherion is cryptic, Kael. The system selected you for a purpose."

Kael frowned. "I remember fragments and fragments before the eruption. There were visions—seeing a hall of grandeur, and hearing a voice, 'Kaelith, recall your purpose.' I have no idea what it is meant to be." Who was Kaelith?"

Joren shrugged. "All I have ever heard is that some think that Kaelith was an old guardian whose fate was tied in these shards. Maybe you have some connection to him."

Kael's eyes widened. "You think I could be. him? Or a piece of him?"

Joren nodded, her head shifting back and forth. "I think you're more than you used to be. The system provides you with power, and power sometimes stirs up old things. But you have nothing to fear. You need to learn how to tame it."

They proceeded on the trail of the woods. Kael sat back while Joren went on, "Aetherion was intact. The crystal of old was in balance, but it disintegrated ages ago. Its fragments – relics now – lay dispersed, and the world's fractured."

Kael's face was grave. "So my mission, then, is to go fetch one of these fragments, or relics, to bring things into balance?"

"Yes," said Joren. "The balance artifact is one of them. They say it will repair the rents in this world."

Kael looked at his arm, where the system still hummed with power. "I have this system, and it gives me quests. I am however afraid. What if these abilities change me? What if I become someone else?"

Joren placed a firm hand on Kael's shoulder. "All paths begin in fear, but you must have faith in yourself. The system is designed to instruct you, not dictate how you should live.

You are stronger than you know."

Kael took a deep breath. "I wish I knew how I got here. I wish I knew what happened, and what I am supposed to do now."

Joren grinned. "You'll manage it as you go. Remember, the quest mentions: 'Find the Relic of Balance.' That relic will also return your lost memories to you."

Kael agreed. "Alright. I'll do it. I'll complete the quest, no matter how scary."

As they strolled, Kael caught glimpses of memory. For a moment, he stood in a large hall of light and darkness. A low voice spoke, "Kaelith. remember who you are." The memory vanished as quickly as it came, leaving Kael both intrigued and disturbed.

"Did you see that?"

Kael halted.

"See what?" Joren turned back with a furrowed brow.

"These visions," Kael responded. "Perhaps it was so vivid, the recollection of another's, or mine."

Joren slowly shook his head. "The restored mind is filled with the reminders of things past. Perhaps you are bound to Kaelith. Don't let it worry you, though. Keep your eye on the mission."

Kael nodded, but he quite genuinely had no idea what that was supposed to be. His arm system glowed with a marker once more. "It reads, 'Head north to the Silver Grove.'"

"What is the Silver Grove?" Kael asked.

"It's a source of ancient magic," Joren said. "They tell you that it is where the relic of balance is kept hidden. It is where your memories might start coming back to you as well."

Kael's heart pounded at hearing this. "So I'm headed north. I need to get this relic and figure out what is in my past."

"Right," said Joren. "But remain clever, Kael. The world there is heartless. The system will guide you, but you have to listen to your gut."

They stood there for a moment in silence. The forest grew darker as the sun approached the horizon. Kael's head was a whirlwind. "What if I fail?" he muttered aloud. "What if I lose myself in this power?"

Joren heard him. "Failure lies ahead. You will learn step by step. Don't be afraid."

Kael took a deep breath. "I'll try my best."

A biting wind then cut through the trees. Kael looked into the night, and a dark, long-falling shadow swept across. "Did you see?" he whispered, shaking voice.

Joren hesitated and looked up. "Yes, I did. There is something in the air that flies. We have to be careful."

Kael swallowed hard. "I hope that shadow is following us."

"It might be a sign," Joren whispered. "Sometimes the unknown reminds us that we are not alone. It might be that your destiny is calling already."

Kael winced, his fear combined with a surge of excitement. "I don't know if I'm ready, but I have no other option now. I have to seek out the relic and find out the truth."

Joren nodded. "That is the path. We must all embrace our fates, Kael. Believe in the system, believe in yourself, and this: each step that you take, brings you one closer to what you were born to be."

Kael looked at the wet interface on his arm and said, "Alright, then. I'll proceed. He breathed in and said, "I'm ready to do whatever it is that we're going to learn. I need to know about my heritage and what this power will be able to do for me."

Joren grinned. "Cool. Let's go.". Before us is the Silver Grove." There may be secrets uncovered that censor all that is discovered. They walked on, the echoes of their steps ringing off the quiet of night. On, the device on Kael's arm hummed softly as it computed new data. Kael read it and replied, "The machine is guiding me, but I am lost.". I need to learn more about myself and what has occurred. Joren shook her head."

"I see, Kael. The universe is odd and lovely. You will not have all your questions answered today, but we cannot keep fighting. The Silver Grove has secrets."

"What if that which I seek comes from this power? I can feel it fermenting inside me. I have to know how to bring it back." Joren spoke to Kael, putting his hand on Kael's shoulder, "You are full of potential." Just remember that power will devour you if you let it engulf you. Have faith in the system and in yourself. These will be addressed." As the wind was blowing harder, they went on, their words being swept away by the wind. "The shadows ahead of me surprise me, but I hope," said Kael. I believe I can alter my destiny here. Joren smiled a small, warm smile. "Kael, hope is a good guide.". Don't be deceived." It is rather difficult to travel to the Silver Grove. There is great peril on the way. Watch out." The darkening horizon was mentioned by Kael as he looked up. "I can see a dark form darting to and fro up there, as if a ghost. Could it be an omen of danger?"

Perhaps it is," Joren answered.

"Or maybe it's the start. We never know what's going to happen."

Thoughts were running through Kael's mind along with him. "Joren, ever get the feeling your life is going to go another way? I swear each step I take leads me somewhere significant."

Joren's smile became serious. I did, indeed. I was no longer afraid of the unknown. I also carried the weight of destiny when I came. Now that I know our destinies are bound together. You must walk through your sorrows step by step.".

There was a glint in the eyes of Kael. "I'm not going to be controlled by fear. My life as an Aetherion begins now, and I have to find out who I am truly."

Joren stated, "Good." "I'm with you. We're doing it. Any danger that we are going to suffer will only make us stronger."

Kael nodded so emphatically, his eyes back on the face of the planet. "The computer shows us that where we need to go is nearby. We have to head for the Silver Grove."

Joren went on, "And when we get there, perhaps then you will get some of your answers at last."

The far-off, low rumble of the wind and muted sounds created the sensation of a hum in the air. Kael took another deep breath.

"Let's do it. I'm ready."

They walked into darkness. Their voices blended with the howl of the wind, each sentence infused with hope and a hint of fear. The dark evil presence on the wind in the distance did its best to make them aware that there was peril on the path.

"We must be cautious," Joren ordered.

"By my side always."

"I will," Kael declared.

"My path starts now.".

I am ready for whatever the gods may have planned for me."

And so they walked into the darkness, the faint light of the system guiding them along as the night descended on their trail.