Chapter 25 – Guardian of Vulpenthos

Chapter 25 – Guardian of VulpenthosMadelyn woke with a start, her heart pounding as her eyes darted around, trying to make sense of her surroundings. She was still in the living room, the familiar comforts of home slowly settling into her mind. But her parents were close, their faces etched with fear and worry as they looked at her.

Her mom leaned in, pulling her into a tight, comforting hug. “It’s okay, Madelyn. We’re here. There’s no need to cry,” she murmured gently, stroking her hair.

Only then did Madelyn realize the wet warmth of tears streaming down her cheeks. She wiped at her face, bewildered by the strength of the emotions lingering from her dream. The words Help me… find me… they keep me locked away echoed in her mind, her heart aching with the woman’s desperate plea.

She clung to her mom, letting the familiarity of her embrace ease the unsettling sorrow that weighed on her.

“You had a nightmare,” her mom whispered softly, still holding her close. “But it’s okay now. It must have been a very bad one—you were screaming, crying… even growling.”

Madelyn stiffened slightly, not sure how to respond. She could still feel the weight of the dream, the desperation in the woman’s voice, the plea for help echoing in her mind. But did she want to tell her parents? Would they even understand? This wasn’t a typical nightmare—it felt as something much more, something she couldn't understood herself.

She pulled back a bit, looking at her mom’s concerned face, then at her dad’s quiet, watchful expression. She hesitated, the words caught in her throat, uncertainty flickering in her amber eyes. They had been so supportive through everything, but this felt different, like she was pulling them into a world she didn’t understand.

Madelyn took a deep, steadying breath, her fingers nervously gripping the edge of the couch as she looked up at her parents. “I… I’ve been dreaming of a woman in a glass tank,” she began, her voice soft but steady. “It feels so wrong, like I’m supposed to understand something, but I don’t know what to do.”

Her mom and dad listened in silence, their expressions shifting from concern to quiet attentiveness.

“In my dream, she asked me to find her… to help her,” Madelyn continued, her voice trembling slightly. “She said she’s locked up somewhere, that she can’t reach me on her own.”

She glanced down, almost afraid of how they might react, feeling the weight of her words hanging in the air. The dream had been so vivid, and now that she was speaking it out loud, the urgency of the woman’s plea pressed on her even more.

Madelyn took a shaky breath and continued, her voice gaining strength as she spoke. “It started before… before I was Madelyn. The night before, actually. I don’t know who she is, or what she really wants. But somehow, I know she’s connected to all of this.” Her words tumbled out faster as she tried to make sense of it all, her mind racing to piece together the fragments of her dream. “There’s just this feeling… that if I can find her, maybe I’ll understand what’s happening to me.”

Her parents listened quietly, their expressions filled with concern but unwavering support. Her mom kept her arms wrapped around her, holding her close, her warmth a reassuring anchor.

“We’ll figure it out, Maddy,” her mom murmured softly, brushing a comforting hand through Madelyn’s hair. “We’ll take this one step at a time. You’re not alone in this.”

Madelyn nodded, feeling a flicker of relief despite the lingering uncertainty. For now, at least, she had them by her side.

Her dad leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. “It does sound like it could be connected to everything that’s happening to you. What else can you remember about the dream? Any detail, anything at all, that might give us a clue.”

Madelyn took a steadying breath, searching her mind for every memory of the strange visions. “There’s… always this long, empty hallway,” she began slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s sterile, white, and… it feels wrong, like it’s somewhere I’m not supposed to be. And I always end up in a room with a huge glass tank, where the woman is. She’s just… floating there, like she’s trapped.”

Her parents listened intently, her dad nodding as she continued.

“Then, there’s the other part of the dream. It’s different, almost like a memory or… a glimpse of something else. I’m in a cave, a cozy place with torchlight lighting up the place. There’s this little fox kit darting around, playing. And the woman—she’s there, too, laughing. She’s free, happy.” Madelyn’s gaze grew distant as she pictured the scene again, warmth filling her at the memory of the fox kit’s playful yips.

“The cave feels comforting, but I don’t know what it all means,” she admitted.

Madelyn’s voice trembled as she continued, her gaze shifting between her parents, who listened with rapt attention. “And now… this last dream was in the same cave. But it was different. The little fox wasn’t there. The woman was alone, crying. She kept saying it was her fault… like something terrible had happened.”

Her mom’s expression softened with sympathy, her hand still resting gently on Madelyn’s shoulder, while her dad’s brows furrowed in concentration, clearly thinking through every word.

Madelyn swallowed, trying to steady her voice. “Then she looked at me. Really looked at me, as if she could actually see me. She said she’d failed. And then she asked me to help her… to find her. She kept saying she’s locked away, hidden, that she can’t reach me. And that she… she can’t protect me.”

Her father’s face grew even more serious, his jaw set in quiet determination. “Locked away,” he murmured, as if testing the words, trying to understand their weight. “It sounds like she’s trapped somewhere… held against her will. Protect you, protect you from what? I wonder...”

Her mom pulled her in a little closer, her voice soft and reassuring. “Whoever this woman is, Maddy, she seems to care deeply about you. If she’s reaching out like this, maybe she’s still trying to protect you from wherever she is.”

Madelyn nodded, her mind racing with questions and a faint sense of urgency. “I feel like she’s connected to all of this—my transformation, the weird glitches in Astralyth Online. She’s at the center of it all. But how do I find her?”

Her dad looked at her thoughtfully, his brows knitting together as he processed everything she’d shared. “Mhm… if it's all connected. How is the question.” He paused, considering. “Do you think the room with the tank is a real place? Or… could it be somewhere in the game?”

Madelyn bit her lip, uncertainty flickering across her face. “I don’t know. It feels real, and the details… they’re so vivid. But I don’t understand why I’d see it, only outside the game and in my dreams, if it’s just a part of the game.” She let out a small sigh, her frustration building. “But then again, nothing about this transformation makes sense either.”

Her mom rubbed her shoulder gently. “Maybe it’s both, somehow,” she offered. “Maybe this world of Astralyth is a bridge—some kind of connection between what’s real and… whatever’s been happening to you.”

Madelyn’s ears perked up as she thought it over. It felt strange to think of the game as more than just a virtual escape, but if her dreams and the glitches were anything to go by, Astralyth might hold something beyond a simple fantasy adventure. Maybe the woman was reaching her through the game somehow, trying to guide her to something hidden within it.

Her dad nodded slowly, picking up on her train of thought. “If she’s locked away, like you said, and this room keeps appearing in your dreams… it might be possible that it’s buried somewhere in the game. Maybe not part of the main world, but something secret or hidden.”

Madelyn looked up at her parents, determination sparking in her eyes. “Then I need to go back in. Maybe if I explore a little differently or look for clues that could lead me there…”

Her dad placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “We’ll be here if anything happens. If you need a break or just someone to talk to, you can come right back to us.”

Her mom nodded. “Take it one step at a time, Maddy. We’re here every step of the way.”

Madelyn smiled, reassured by their support, but her mind was already racing with possibilities. She had to find a way to reach that hidden room, to uncover the woman’s secrets—and maybe even unlock the answers to her own mystery.

Madelyn made her way up to her room, her heart thudding with anticipation. The memory of the woman’s voice lingered, the desperation in her words, the sense of urgency. It was as if time were pressing down on her, urging her to act before it was too late. She didn’t fully understand it, but something told her that this wasn’t just a casual mission she could take at her own pace—she had to find that woman and uncover what was happening.

She slipped into the pod, fastening herself in quickly. The familiar hum of the machine surrounded her, and within moments, the virtual world of Astralyth Online blinked into view. She opened her eyes, her surroundings settling into focus, and realized she was back where she had last logged off: near the village fountain.

The memory of the little boy’s words echoed in her mind as she took in her surroundings—the fountain where he had said she looked like Aeloria. The name seemed significant, a part of the puzzle, but she wasn’t sure how it all fit together just yet.

Madelyn adjusted her gear, a determined look settling onto her face as her fox ears perked up. Alright, she thought, if this world has the answers, I’ll find them.

She took a deep breath, casting one last look around the familiar village square before setting off. She needed to think differently this time, to explore more carefully, and look for anything that might hint at hidden passages, mysterious NPCs, or areas that seemed out of place.

Madelyn took a steadying breath, deciding to try a different approach. Maybe someone here knows something. She glanced around the bustling village square, spotting a woman nearby with a friendly smile. Sёarch* The Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

She walked up slowly, her heart racing. “Ehm, e-excuse me,” she stammered, her voice wavering slightly. “Do you know anything about… Aeloria?”

At the mention of the name, the woman’s expression shifted, her friendly smile vanishing in an instant. Her eyes widened, and she took a quick step back, her face clouded with something close to fear.

“Sorry,” the woman said, her voice clipped, glancing around as if making sure no one else had heard. “I… I can’t help you.” Without another word, she turned on her heel and hurried away, practically breaking into a run.

Madelyn stood frozen, confusion swirling in her mind. What just happened? The reaction was so strong, so sudden, that she couldn’t help but feel unnerved. What’s wrong with the name Aeloria? Why would just saying it make someone react like that?

Madelyn tried her luck with two more people, hoping someone might offer a different reaction. But both encounters ended the same way—their faces fell, eyes darting nervously before they hurried off, leaving her even more bewildered than before.

Okay, this isn’t working, she thought, frustration bubbling up inside her. But how can I find out more about what’s happening if people are too scared to answer me?

She began wandering through the village, lost in thought, her mind racing with questions and dead ends. Every attempt only seemed to lead her back to the same confusing reaction, and each encounter left her more convinced that Aeloria was a key to everything she was experiencing. But if people wouldn’t speak to her, how could she uncover the truth?

As she rounded a corner, Madelyn’s gaze lifted, and she found herself standing in front of the Adventurers Guild building. The tall, familiar doors loomed before her, adorned with carvings of legendary quests and mythical creatures.

Maybe someone here would know something, she thought. The Adventurers Guild was full of seasoned explorers, rogues, and scholars—all of whom prided themselves on their knowledge of lore, mysteries, and secrets hidden within the world of Astralyth Online.

Madelyn stepped into the bustling Adventurers Guild, her nerves prickling as she took in the crowded hall. Her fox ears flattened slightly at the noise and energy of the space, a mixture of voices, clinking armor, and laughter echoing off the high walls. Groups of adventurers clustered around tables, swapping stories, checking their equipment, and preparing for their next quests.

Maybe I’ll have more luck with players than with NPCs, she thought, steeling herself. She scanned the room, her gaze landing on a small group of adventurers who looked like actual players, chatting and comparing gear near the job board.

Taking a deep breath, she made her way toward them, her steps hesitant. Halfway there, she paused, turning back, second-guessing herself. But a surge of determination pushed her forward. If I’m going to figure this out, I have to try, she reminded herself, willing herself to keep moving.

With her heart racing, she approached the group, stopping a few feet away. She took one last steadying breath, forcing herself to speak.

Madelyn cleared her throat, glancing nervously between the adventurers who had stopped their conversation to look at her, their expressions a mix of curiosity and mild impatience.

“Ehm, excuse me,” she started, her voice barely steady. “Do any of you know anything about… Aeloria?”

The adventurers exchanged puzzled looks before one of them, a tall man with a broad shield slung across his back, shook his head. “Aeloria?” he repeated, the name sounding foreign on his tongue. “Can’t say I’ve heard of it. Sounds like something from the lore, maybe?”

Another player, a woman with twin daggers at her sides, nodded in agreement. “Yeah, could be world lore, or some old NPC story. We don’t really bother with that stuff much—most players don’t, actually.”

Madelyn’s heart sank. They didn’t know either. She forced a polite smile, thanking them as they shrugged and turned back to their conversation.

As she stepped away, disappointment gnawed at her. Maybe players don’t know it, she thought, trying to make sense of it. If it’s hidden or part of the world’s deeper lore, then it’s likely something only certain NPCs would know… and even they seem afraid to speak about it.

She sighed, realizing this wasn’t going to be as easy as she’d hoped.

Maybe the receptionist could help, Madelyn thought, spotting the familiar bunny-eared woman behind the counter. The receptionist had been kind to her both times they’d spoken, so if anyone might have a soft spot for her and be willing to offer a little extra information, it was probably her.

With a sense of purpose, Madelyn made her way over, relieved to see there was no line. The receptionist glanced up, a welcoming smile spreading across her face. “Oh, it’s you again! Good to see you again. How can I help you?”

Madelyn took a breath, steadying her nerves. “Ehm… do you know anything about Aeloria?” she asked, her voice low.

At the mention of the name, the receptionist’s smile faltered, her eyes widening with a flash of alarm. Her ears drooped slightly, and her gaze darted around, as if to make sure no one else had overheard. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but Madelyn quickly pressed on, her voice firmer.

“I need to know. I don’t understand why it’s so bad to talk about her, but I have to find out.”

The receptionist’s expression softened, a conflicted look crossing her face. After a moment’s hesitation, she leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. “Madelyn… it’s dangerous. Aeloria isn’t spoken about because her story was… silenced. It’s not just bad to mention her—it’s forbidden.”

Madelyn’s eyes widened, but she stayed silent, sensing there was more to come. The receptionist gave a cautious glance around the room before continuing.

The receptionist glanced around once more, as if to ensure they were truly alone, before leaning closer, her voice barely a whisper. “Aeloria was the guardian goddess of Vulpenthos,” she said, her tone reverent and sorrowful. “She was loved by all, her blessings keeping the region safe and the land prosperous. But then, 16 years ago… she disappeared. Just like that—gone. Nobody knows what happened to her. Prayers went unanswered, blessings ceased… People began to wonder if she’d abandoned us.”

Madelyn listened, her heart pounding as the woman continued, her words thick with the weight of memory.

“With no signs, no explanations, belief in Aeloria began to fade,” the receptionist continued, a sadness darkening her gaze. “People said she must have left us, moved on to another realm. But then, a few years ago, things changed again. People—Outlanders like you—started appearing.”

Madelyn’s ears perked up, her focus sharpening. Outlanders… like me, players? she thought, but she stayed silent, waiting for the woman to explain.

“They were different than the Outlanders that appear now,” the receptionist whispered. “Stronger, more powerful, with knowledge and skills beyond what we’d ever seen. They began taking over, claiming authority, and soon they outlawed all mention of Aeloria. Anyone who still believed in her, anyone who spoke her name or tried to pray to her…” She swallowed, her face tightening. “They were imprisoned. Silenced. It was as if Aeloria had never existed.”

Madelyn’s heart felt heavy, the story weighing down on her. “But why would they do that?” she whispered back, her voice trembling.

The receptionist shook her head. “I don’t know. But they control Vulpenthos now, the region we're in, and no one dares to challenge them. Anyone who even hints at the old ways is punished.” She paused, her expression pained. “Whatever you’re searching for, Madelyn… tread carefully. Some things in this world are buried for a reason.”

Madelyn’s mind raced, pieces of her dreams and recent experiences clicking together. Aeloria… a guardian bound, locked away, hidden. It felt as if the mystery were deepening, a darkness lurking beneath the surface of the world.