chapter 57: The Dark Secrets of Oracleis
Shao strode confidently toward the throne suspended in mid-air, shrouded in mystery like a black cloak hiding an unknown past and a future stained with blood.
He stood before the enigmatic figure—his own reflection—masked by unseen pain and scars yet to appear on his true body.
A long silence prevailed before a cold whisper escaped the lips of the figure:
_"You've kept me waiting, heir of sacred blood… You've come to uncover the curse that binds your fate."_
Though Shao had endured wars and tragedies, the chill of those words crept deep into his soul. Still, it did not stop him.
_"Tell me the truth, no riddles. What is this curse? And why am I here?"_
The figure smiled a sorrowful smile and replied:
_"This curse is none other than your own blood—blood that holds within it the struggle between gods and humanity. You are tied to a fate that has yet to be written. Breaking it will not be easy. Every step you take in this world rewrites your past, present, and future."_
Just then, the ground trembled once more, and dark gray clouds swirled around Shao and the prophetic figure.
_"You'll face trials from a world you've never known… where lies become truths and truths morph into nightmares."_
Shao raised his hand defiantly and shouted:
_"I am Shao! No matter what awaits me, I will fight to claim my destiny!"_
His words were like a blade piercing the deep silence of Oracleis. Suddenly, a portal of intense light burst open, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Shao's journey toward uncovering forbidden secrets and confronting his true fate.
Light streamed through the portal that had appeared, a faint glow dancing across the scorched earth, revealing before Shao a scene carved into the memory of time. Sequential visions, distorted memories, and pulses from a life yet to be lived—or perhaps moments of a destiny still undone.
The air here vibrated with spectral voices, haunting whispers, and ancient cries—as though thousands of lost souls trapped in this realm called out from beyond.
Shao moved slowly, observing the visions assailing his mind like fragments of the dark puzzle he was trying to solve.
He saw his mother's face smile at him with sad tenderness, then watched it shift into a strange man's face, eyes filled with betrayal. Then a young boy dashed through a dark forest, followed by a mysterious shadow he couldn't identify.
This was no dream… but visions of his past, an obscure present, and possibly his future.
Suddenly, he stood still, breathing deeply under the weight of mounting burden.
_"This is no mere blood curse... it's an open book written into the fate of every soul that chooses the path of sacred blood."_
At that moment, a figure cloaked in black with a hidden face emerged from the shadows, approaching Shao with steps quiet yet filled with force.
_"I am Sythar, ancient guardian of Oracleis… I've been waiting for you. I have come to test your will. Are you prepared to carry the full burden of the truth?"_
Shao lifted his head with resolve, eyes gleaming with the fire of defiance.
_"All I seek is understanding. I cannot escape my blood, nor my destiny."_
Sythar smiled, then raised his hand as though calling forth a hidden power. Rings of light flared around him, shifting colors like twilight's brilliance.
_"To transcend this realm, you must face the truth of your blood, confront buried betrayals, hidden alliances—and above all… face your true self. Are you ready to endure pain like never before?"_
Shao gazed at the sky, where the gray clouds parted to unveil radiant forms resembling Norse gods—but twisted, like distorted echoes of their divine origin.
He recalled a philosopher's words:
_"Man is never free until he faces his shadow with courage."_
And now, Shao stood on the edge of that confrontation.
With quiet but determined voice, he said:
_"I will not run. This time, I fight to the end—no matter the cost.