Chapter 12 - The Ascent to Skymount

✨ After his experience in the underground sanctuary, Arlen knew his journey was far from over. The crystal shard was a key that would guide him to the next step: Skymount, a place where the winds whispered ancient secrets, and which, according to Harad'Zim, housed the last vestiges of Aurion.

✨ The journey to Skymount would not be easy. The terrain was treacherous, with steep cliffs and attacks from Dark Harpies, colossal birds that protected the peaks. The climb was exhausting, and Arlen felt his body and mind tested with every step. But the presence of the crystal shard kept him focused — he knew he was closer to Aurion than ever before.

✨ Upon reaching the top of the mountain, Arlen found an altar carved directly into the rock. The wind blew with a celestial melody, and the inscriptions began to glow on the ground, as if the cosmos itself were responding to his journey.

✨ In the center of the altar, words appeared in Arlen's mind, revealing themselves as a clear message: "The Crystal Bearer must travel to the Land where the Stars Touch the Ground." Arlen realized, with absolute clarity, that this place could only be Aurion.

🌀 After days of traveling, facing frozen deserts and twilight forests, Arlen finally found what he was looking for: the Stargate. The structure was colossal, made of a material that seemed alive, pulsating with a mysterious energy.

🌀 The symbols engraved on the surface of the portal were the same ones Arlen had seen in the ruins and on the mountain altar. He knew he was close. As he touched the portal, the crystal in his hand began to glow brightly, and a wave of energy enveloped his body, transporting him to Aurion. 🌀 There, the Aurians waited. Beings with eyes as bright as stars, they surrounded him in reverent silence. One of them, dressed in ceremonial robes, spoke:

💬 Featured Dialogues – Part 2

Aurians (in reverence to Arlen):

"Arlen Sharim, you have carried the crystal, overcome the trials, and followed the call. You are the Chosen One. The Symbol of Aurion has finally found its guardian."

Arlen (feeling the weight of his destiny):

"I… I am the Chosen One? What does this mean to me? To Aurion?"

Arlen (thinking as he gazes at the city of Aurion):

"The lost city unfolds before me. But this is only the beginning. The true purpose of this amulet… and of my journey… has only just begun."