Chapter 637: Collision
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In a vast void of darkness, shaped by the dreams and memories of Atlantis, there existed an alien presencea shadow not native to Atlantis itself.
This was the first time Duncan had realized its presence.
By the name of Lahem! exclaimed Lune, eyes wide as he stared at the immense structure emerging from the dark void above. What in the world is that?!
Duncan didnt respond. Instead, he walked slowly towards the window, contemplative as he observed the dark structure looming over Atlantis, frozen in time. After a moment, his expression subtly changed, signaling a moment of realization.
The Great Annihilation So thats what it is
..
The once peaceful forest was now overtaken by a sinister blight, spreading over the vast landscapes and threatening the world.
An evil force invaded the sacred lands of the elven realm, causing the ground to shake and warp like an inflamed sore. Shadows twisted and opened, revealing numerous menacing eyes and jagged teeth. Trees that had stood tall now grew wildly and disappeared as though consumed by an invisible flame. The natural order was disrupted, replaced by chaotic transformations, as if the world was caught in a relentless, nightmarish illusion.
The sharp cries and anguished roars echoed continuously through the forest. These eerie sounds traveled through the majestic tree-top cities of Atlantis, moving between the skies and the ground as though determined to extract souls from their earthly confines.
From her viewpoint, Shirley could barely believe her eyes. The once lush and vibrant landscape was now a desolate wasteland, a scene more terrifying than the darkest nightmare. She watched the grotesque changes below: voids forming in the forest floor, the pulsing earth, and the shifting, ominous shadows.
Can this really hold us? Shirley thought as she tightened her fingers around the edge of the paper boat. Glancing at the small paper vessel she was standing on, she looked to the mysterious witch beside her for reassurance.
Not long ago, as the forest decayed rapidly, Lucretia had quickly folded a piece of paper into a boat and pulled Shirley aboard. Shirley was still trying to comprehend the magic that made the boat float. All she knew was that they were floating above a terrifying landscape, and standing on paper filled her with fear.
Dog beside her seemed equally nervous, hesitating to place its paws fully on the boat.
I havent fallen with it yet, Lucretia said casually, her attention on folding more pristine paper. As her skilled hands crafted various intricate designs, she said, If youre feeling anxious, just close your eyes and imagine youre back home on your sofa.
How can you even suggest that?! Shirley exclaimed, incredulous. But then a sudden gust made the boat sway, and she cried out in alarm. Noticing Lucretias new creations, she asked, What are you making now?
Winged soldiers, inspired by the book Ginny Hedways City in the Clouds, Lucretia replied smoothly. We need to observe the ongoing events from a distance, and if we encounter enemies, these soldiers will protect our boat.
Continuing their conversation, Lucretia casually released the paper figures into the air, where they magically grew wings and enlarged to human size. They bowed to Lucretia in a gesture of deep respect and then flew off into the horizon.
Shirleys eyes widened in amazement at the magical scene before her. Just as she was about to express her wonder, an ethereal voice, both haunting and mesmerizing, interrupted her thoughts: First came the corrosions at the worlds edges. Then, everything began morphing into monstrous and malevolent forms
She exchanged a look of startled recognition with Lucretia. The voice they heard was childlikeinnocent yet ominous. It was unmistakably the voice of Atlantis itself.
..
As the howling winds picked up, the once formidable desert storm mysteriously faded away. What remained were chaotic whirlwinds of sand, obscuring their view and distorting the faint glimmers of distant light.
When the climates started to change ominously, our scholars issued urgent warnings, telling people to prepare themselvesbut for what?
Amid the swirling sands, a strong, unwavering voice echoed, reminiscent of a massive rock standing firm against a fierce storm.
The tower appeared to be regressing, as if time was reversing. It shrank, gradually morphing back into a recognizable human form.
The sky was now completely overtaken by an inverted, fiery forest. A different world was superimposing itself on theirs. Within the fiery inferno of the woods, Vanna began to recognize some of the landscapes her comrades had described from their explorations within the Dream of the Nameless One.
Eventually, the tower collapsed. As the world around them reenacted its cataclysmic end, he too reverted to his original form. He had become human.
This newly transformed man had skin like coarse stone, adorned with intricate, metallic designs, and was bathed in a gleaming golden light. He continued to shrink, and soon he would be so small that Vanna would lose sight of him from her viewpoint.
He seemed to be emitting a scream of terror. In the dire moments before his imminent annihilation, this being, dormant for ages, finally took a step in the flowing river of existence.
Traveler, boomed the voice of the giant. The ancient god, clad in weathered robes, bent down, approaching Vanna. He forcefully planted a gigantic staff into the ground and reached into his robes to retrieve something to offer Vanna. Take this.
Vanna looked in awe at what the giant held out.
It was a glowing sphere, pulsating and emitting a silent brilliance amidst the chaosit was a sun.
As she tilted her head to inquire, the giant shook his head gently, stopping her. Accept it nowTraveler, my memory has been restored. Our sun has been freed. Take it. It mustnt be trapped in this illusion any longer.
In a trance-like state, Vanna reached out and let the luminous sphere rest in her hand.
It radiated a soothing warmth, a promise of hope amidst despair.
The giant, his eyes twinkling, let out a hearty laugh. As he did, his enormous form stretched upward, casting a vast shadow on the ground below. He turned his gaze, ancient as the stars, toward the seemingly endless horizon before him.
Still overwhelmed by the revelations, Vanna found her voice. What do you intend to do? she asked, her tone a mix of bewilderment and concern as she stood a few steps behind the colossal figure.
I aim to bring him some comfort, replied the giant in a soft, almost whisper-like voice.
But
Its alright, Traveler, the giant reassured her, a touch of sadness in his voice. Every story has its end. We all must face our final moment especially since Ta Ruijin passed away a long, long time ago.
Taking a deep, resonant breath, he said, And before I leave, I want you to keep the staff. Let it be a reminder of our time together.
The towering deity, a symbol of ancient wisdom and power, did not look back. With a graceful motion, he began his walk toward the vast abyss that lay ahead.
With each ground-shaking step, the giant appeared to grow taller, yet paradoxically, he also became more transparent, as if fading into the very fabric of the universe.
The ancient ruins, known as The Archive, began to tremble and disintegrate with every thunderous step of the giant, eventually succumbing to the relentless march of time.
This godlike figure, the keeper of countless untold stories and histories, eventually merged with the ever-shifting sands. The final chapter of the last recorded individual concluded as two realities slowly and inevitably merged in a cataclysmic event.
Amid the vast wasteland and swirling sands, Vanna, with a heavy heart, looked up.
Above them, the fiery silhouette of Atlantis dominated the skyline.
The countdown to annihilation was nearly complete, and in this critical moment, the civilizations of two worldsthe golden-skinned inhabitants and the elvesmet their end.