Chapter 718 163.2 - Sanctum

Chapter 718 163.2 - Sanctum

Irina's question lingered in the air, her hazel eyes studying the guide intently. For a moment, the guide's smile faltered, as though she were weighing her response, but then she recovered with practiced ease.

"Well," the guide began, her tone steady and measured, "it is said that the Solarians came from another world through the cracks in space in the time of the Nexus of Convergence. In their original world, their religion was the primary faith of the Holy Church-a vast and powerful institution."

Irina blinked, her curiosity piqued. "Another world? So they're... not from here originally?"

The guide nodded. "That's correct. According to the fragments of records we've pieced together, the Solarians believe they were guided to this world by their deity, the sun. For them, the cracks in the space at the time of The Nexus of Convergence are thought to be some form of divine or mystical gateway, but the specifics are shrouded in mystery."

Astron remained silent, his sharp gray eyes focused on the guide as she continued.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"What's fascinating," the guide added, "is that despite their deeply rooted faith and traditions, most sculptures and records from Awakened who've visited Aurora Sanctum suggest the Solarians are remarkably welcoming. They accept visitors of all races and beliefs, provided they adhere to the rules of their land. It seems they prioritize harmony over exclusion."

Irina frowned slightly, her thoughts turning inward. 'Welcoming, huh? That doesn't quite match the picture of an isolated and self-sufficient society.' She crossed her arms, leaning closer to the display case containing the sunburst talisman. "If they're so welcoming, why isolate themselves so completely? Why not share their traditions more openly?"

The guide chuckled softly, her expression thoughtful. "That's a question many have asked, but there's no definitive answer. Perhaps they view their isolation as a way to preserve their purity and way of life. Or maybe they see the outside world as too chaotic to risk full integration. Whatever the reason, it seems to work for them."

Irina hummed thoughtfully, glancing at Astron. His calm expression offered no hint of his thoughts, but she had the distinct feeling he was dissecting every word.

The guide gestured for them to follow her to the next section. "Now, if you'll come this way, we'll look at some of the artifacts inspired by Solarian artistry. While the originals are closely guarded in the Sanctum, many craftsmen and artists have tried to replicate their designs. These pieces offer a glimpse into their style and creativity."

They entered a gallery lined with artifacts, each displayed on a pedestal beneath soft

lighting. A sun-themed ceremonial mask, a gilded chalice with intricate solar motifs, and an ornate dagger with a curved, shimmering blade were among the items showcased.

"This mask," the guide said, pointing to the sun-themed artifact, "is a recreation of the ceremonial masks used during the Solarian solstice festivals. Each mask is said to represent a different aspect of their deity's light-guidance, protection, renewal." Irina tilted her head, examining the mask. "It's intricate, but there's a simplicity to it too. Like they didn't want to overdo the design."

"Exactly," the guide agreed. "The Solarians believe in balance. Their creations are meant to be beautiful, but also practical. The balance between form and function is a recurring theme in their culture."

They moved to the dagger next, and the guide gestured to the blade's subtle curve and radiant sheen.

"This dagger," the guide continued, gesturing toward the elegant weapon, "is a replica of a piece originally crafted by Elarion Talsi, a renowned Solarian artisan from Radiant Citadel. Elarion was known not just for his remarkable skill but for his philosophy: that weapons and artifacts should embody the ideals of the culture they represent. For the Solarians, this meant a perfect balance between beauty, functionality, and their reverence for the sun."

Irina leaned closer, her hazel eyes tracing the intricate etchings along the blade's edge. "So, this isn't just a weapon-it's a statement."

Estelle.

The name surfaced in her thoughts, unbidden but undeniable. It was from the dream-

or was it a vision?-the fragments she'd glimpsed when she had somehow seen pieces of Astron's past. A younger Astron, his purple eyes filled with a light that had long since dimmed, standing in a village surrounded by unfamiliar yet hauntingly intricate

symbols.

Her gaze darted back to the artifacts in the case. The sunbursts, the balance between form and function, the deliberate precision in every curve and line-it was all eerily similar to the markings she had seen in that vision.

The symbols on the homes of his village... They looked like this. Not identical, but

close. Too close to ignore.

Her heart quickened as she traced the lines of the artifacts with her eyes, piccing

together fragments of a memory that felt both distant and urgent. Is this connected somehow? Was that place tied to Aurora Sanctum? Or... was it something even older, something lost?

Irina clenched her fists slightly, a mix of curiosity and unease swirling in her chest. She glanced at Astron, who now stood silently, his expression as unreadable as ever. He had said so little, and yet she couldn't shake the feeling that he had noticed the same resemblance-or perhaps he had already dismissed it as insignificant. Does he remember? she wondered, her lips pressing into a thin line. Does he know what these symbols mean, or is it just a coincidence?

The guide's voice broke her train of thought, cheerfully leading them to the next display. Irina forced herself to follow, nodding occasionally at the explanations, but her mind remained elsewhere, caught between the fragments of Astron's past and the mysteries of Aurora Sanctum.

She didn't say a word about her realization. Not yet. There were too many questions and not enough answers, and she doubted Astron would be eager to discuss something so personal in the middle of a museum tour.

But as they moved through the exhibits, her curiosity only deepened. This can't just be

a coincidence, she thought, stealing another glance at Astron. I'll figure it out.

Eventually. Irina's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, piecing together fragments of memory and

possibility as she moved through the museum. Her gaze occasionally drifted to Astron, his calm demeanor an anchor amid her swirling doubts.

'Could he know? Or is it just me chasing shadows?' she wondered, her fingers idly

brushing against a nearby exhibit. Then something happened!