Chapter 298: A way through

The gradually increasing thickness, the cold saturation of the air, the lack of dampness despite the cavern walls covered in moss… There were many anomalies in this tunnel as Aiden ventured deeper and deeper to the core.

There was familiar energy in the air, with qualities similar if not actually the very same as his own [Soul Power]. What did this mean?

'Is this place related to… me or the Primals?' He asked inwardly. Either way, this realization would be shocking, and just as puzzling. 

If the place would be related to him, Aiden, the boy then someone in the past knew about him and made plans for him. Someone… maybe a related person? A family member perhaps? Could it be that shadowy figure was someone he should know about?

'No… How could that be true…' He shook his head, refusing to believe that conjecture.

On the other hand, if this place had some sort of relationship with the Primals, the ancient and long-forgotten race then that would be just as equally shocking. Just think about it, a race forgotten and most likely forcefully erased from the history books. A race that should have no imprint, any relic left to the current millennia, still managed to save something for the next generation. 

'Still… That would be just as unbelievable. How could anything survive the tens if not hundreds of thousands of years that passed since then? How or why did the orcs settle down around this Grotto then? Why did they worship this place? And, most importantly, what relation does that strange figure has with the Primals?' The more he thought about it, the more questions arose in Aiden's mind, with no answers in sight.

Either theory lead back ultimately to that thin figure, that shadow, that dark silhouette. Just who was he? Or maybe the figure was a she?

'No, his voice, although hard to discern, it was still masculine. His figure was also more on the male side than the other. However, who knows, he may not be a humanoid at all…' He lamented, letting out a long sigh. 

As he did so, the mature bell-like voice of Enya resounded in his mind.

'[Whilst I am prohibited to give a direct answer, I can tell you that what you seek is down there, and none of your thoughts are wrong. By basis, if you think about it, both theories are one and the same. There are no Primals anymore, you are the last surviving member. This is a fact, and that will not change.]'

'That…' Aiden wanted to argue, but in the end, he decided against it. He took a moment to calm himself, before resuming his lonesome journey.

'Fine, I can accept that. But, why couldn't the others come? What dangers would await them here? I can't sense anything…' He asked again. So far, he had trekked for ten minutes without any change in the scenery. What was so dangerous in this place that he had to make sure, that none of his party members follow after him? 

'[This place is unlike the outside. You will understand when you arrive. Trust me, Aiden.]'

Just like before, Enya's response was vague, shrouded in mystery, Aiden could only sigh, and let go of any further ideas to pry something useful out from her obstinate guide. Still, despite his failed attempts, he was glad, happy that he could finally hear her voice, feel her presence… 

After all, she was there with him ever since he could remember. She was the closest person to his heart, the only one that knew everything about him. There were no secrets in front of her all-seeing eyes.

---

'What is he doing, I don't understand why we couldn't follow him. What dangers? How could it be safer for him alone than with a group of 6?' sitting on the ground and leaning against the wall, Drake was grumbling. 

He had his majestic, ornate sword unsheathed and resting in between his legs. He was gazing at the blue, hollow gemstone etched into the pommel, just below the grip. What looked like a simple, expensive jewel to others, was his best friend, his companion, Mort. 

Mort was not a simple magical sword. It wasn't a simple enchanted item, with some feeble enhancements to the wielder's attributes. No. Mort was a being, a sentient presence. A creature with a soul. Or to be more precise, Mort was the creature living INSIDE the sword. 

Mort was the progenitor of the royal family. His full name was Mortimer Draquilea, the first king of the Kingdom. In his prime, Mortimer was a fierce warrior, a master of the sword. His blade, which by no surprise was the very same Drake was resting his hands on currently, was bathed in the blood of countless slain foes. Orcs, Goblins, Trolls, Ogres... All kinds of monsters. Legends say he even defeated a dragon, the previous owner of the land. 

Still, in the end, he himself couldn't overcome the unsurmountable foe that was Time. No matter how powerful you became, how long you could extend your own life force, in the end, you cannot overcome this opponent. Eventually, it will come after you, no matter how hard you try. 

"Hey, Mort… Do you think he would be fine? Shouldn't we have followed after him?" Drake asked as he glanced at the dark tunnel entrance. In front of it, the four servants of Aiden valiantly stood guard, stoic, and focused. Not even an insect could pass by them, they took their young master's words very seriously. He had thoughts about trying to push through, but he knew that by himself, without using the full power of his weapon, he would be no match to these monstrously powerful creatures.

In response to his voiced thoughts, the damp gemstone briefly flashed with a faint blue light for a brief moment. 

"I know that he is strong, I have experienced it. In fact, we both did, don't forget, even you weren't a match for him!" As if understanding the sword, Drake scoffed.

The gemstone flashed briefly once again, however this time there was a drop of yellow, lighter than gold, but darker than platinum mixed in with the blue glimmer. Still, it was once again, only a momentary flash, also a faint one. If you weren't paying attention to it, it would be very easy to miss it.

Drake's expression softened as he 'heard', processed the weapon's thoughts, revealing a soft, gentle smile. Giving a light rub to the black leather grip, he responded in a warmer, comforting tone.

"I know, I know. You haven't used your full power, the boy had no evil intentions. But that is exactly why I just can't sit still, knowing he could be in danger…" He looked at the burly dark brown Roas. This guy even with his fists alone was the most dangerous, most powerful of the quartet. Adding to that, he had a huge, crude-looking battle axe, the very same Drake had seen on many of the orc warriors outside placed at his side.

He alone would have been a huge challenge to get through, not to mention the rest of their group, two male dark green figures with human-like features, and a girl with a shy but determined look on her face. She may have looked the weakest, but Drake was sure that she herself held many secrets within her slender body.

There was no chance pushing through them, not without unleashing the full might of Mort. The problem was, if he would do that, he would also unleash the powerful killing intent, the bloodthirsty aura of a battle-hungry Asura with it. He wouldn't be able to quell its thirst without bathing the blade in the blood of his opponents.

Normally that wouldn't be a problem, he wouldn't care about these four in the slightest. Unfortunately for him, his friend, Aiden clearly said that they were not just his servants, but his family! He couldn't do anything to them, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't communicate with them, much less convincing them about letting him through!

As these thoughts tormented Drake's mind, suddenly the sword flashed once again with the same blue color as the first time. This time, the color didn't change, instead the flashes repeated for a couple of times before the sword returned to silence once again.

Processing what the sword had conveyed, surprise set on Drake's face initially. However, as he thought about it again, the surprise transformed into a smile, finishing as an understanding smirk in the end before returning to his expressionless outlook.

"Are you sure about this? It sounds risky, and it will eat up a lot of your power to do so… but I do not know any other way. We can't sit here waiting for that boy's return. He could be in danger, we need to try this at the very least!"

With the plan formed, he turned towards the living wall of the four servants blocking the path. Relying on his hands, he pushed himself up from the ground and leisurely stretched his back.

After making sure he had the attention of Aiden's servants, the faint smile expressed itself on his face, he grabbed the hilt of his sword with both hands. With the blade facing downwards, he swiftly plunged the sword into the ground to the great puzzlement of the quartet.

In the next moment, the gemstone in the sword lit up once again, glowing with a radiant blue hue.