Chapter 549 Vision (Part 1)
As Kaizen delved deeper into the bowels of the sea monster, his mind was filled with thoughts of The Eye of Hermodr. Cautiously, his steps led him closer and closer to the goal he so desired: the King's Sword.
The brightness of the blade seemed to intensify with each step, as if it itself were calling out for his presence. A mixture of anticipation and apprehension dominated the Psyker's heart.
As he explored this strange world made of flesh, Kaizen found himself surrounded by relics and exotic artifacts, each item seen in the depths of this sea monster seemed to tell a narrative of lost lives and long forgotten secrets.
Kaizen's gaze wandered over the remains of other adventurers, and the scattered bones were a constant reminder that this is an unforgiving environment. Even if an ordinary person survived a chomp from this monster and fell into its stomach alive, survival was unlikely. If one did not die of hunger or thirst, one would surely go insane in no time because of the constant noise of the monster's heart and the blood being pumped through its veins.
The walls of the sea monster's stomach also seemed to breathe, contracting and expanding rhythmically. The damp and oppressive environment, impregnated with the acrid smell of stomach acid, tested its endurance. Every step was a challenge, with the ground slippery and unstable beneath his feet.
As he advanced deeper, a shiver ran down Kaizen's spine. He looked around and suddenly a guttural roar echoed through the creature's innards, making Kaizen freeze in place. It was a deep and ominous sound, indicating the presence that either the monster was hungry or a threat even greater than the Corrupted Siren herself was deep within this place.
Despite the possible danger, Kaizen continued forward, his hand firmly gripping the handle of the Night Sword.
The seductive glow of the King's Sword became more and more intense, like a stream of cool air that caressed Kaizen's face.
Then, finally, Kaizen found the sword. It was lying inside a ruined boat, the hull of which was already shattered. In yet another act of courage, Kaizen rose with <Psychokinesis> and finally reached the dazzling radiance of the legendary sword. It radiated a supernatural intensity.
An electric shiver ran through Kaizen's body as his fingers wrapped around the cold, powerful handle. The ancient energy of the King's Sword pulsed through Kaizen, enveloping him in a cloak of power. His heart beat fast, fueled by the certainty that this artifact was the key to his destiny.
As the sword in his hand seemed to sing an ancient melody, an electric current coursed through his body, connecting him to the past and the future. And so, a series of visions plagued Kaizen's mind, in a similar way to what happened to Andrew when he touched the pedestal in the castle's underground, but also in a different way. Therefore, Kaizen suddenly found himself in a completely different place from where he was, totally contrary to the dark and dizzying scenery of the sea monster's bowels.
Opening his eyes, Kaizen found himself in a dazzling, radiant place. It was a circular chamber, illuminated by a golden light that seemed to emanate from the walls. The floor was made of polished stone, with intricate patterns carved into its surface.
Surrounding Kaizen were statues of warriors in shining armor and heroic poses. Very similar to the statues Kaizen had already found in various ruins he had explored throughout Tretidian. The eyes of these statues seemed to watch the Psyker intently, as if judging him. In the center of the chamber, on a raised pedestal, was an altar adorned with mystical symbols and ancient runes, and in the center of the altar was a door.
Kaizen then climbed the altar, up the long white staircase and cautiously pushed open the double door before him. A pop echoed with the opening of the door and Kaizen was bathed in a golden light from the setting sun.
It took a few seconds for his eyes to get used to the intensity of this glow, so to help he put up his right hand to be able to look ahead. Thus, he first saw lush green grass, which swayed gently in the light breeze. Then Kaizen heard birds singing merry melodies in the clear sky. There was a vast, flat, wild field ahead and, looking around, Kaizen saw a majestic kingdom in the background.
At the center of this kingdom stood an imposing city surrounded by high walls. Stately towers stood out on the horizon, and banners with unfamiliar symbols danced in the wind. The lively sounds of commerce and merchant activity filled the air, and by the way music was playing until it reached Kaizen's ears, a festival or something similar was taking place.
Confused, Kaizen wondered:
"Where the hell am I?"
By this time, Kaizen no longer knew if what he was seeing was just a vision or if he was indeed teleported. Before he could ponder further, Kaizen looked to his right and saw a figure wrapped in a white robe. It was a blue-eyed woman with silver hair cascading over her shoulders who seemed to be enjoying the view as well. Her face conveyed serenity and knowledge, and her eyes shone with a mysterious light.
However, a message appeared before Kaizen before he could open his mouth.
[Attention!]
[You are standing before a divine being].
"Psyker Kaizen, welcome to the Village of Destiny." said the woman in a soft voice. "You have been expected for a long time.... Your journey is more important than you can imagine."
Kaizen, still dazed by the visions and the sudden change of environment, looked at the woman with curiosity and unease.
"Who are you? Where are we?" asked Kaizen with his voice laden with surprise.
She smiled gently and replied:
"My name is Aelon, and what you see in the distance is the City of Destiny. However, pay no attention to that for now. You are a Psyker, a warrior gifted with exceptional abilities, and the King's Sword is the key to the fate of the world. I bet you've wondered why this sword is so important or what your role in all this is, haven't you? I will guide you now so that you can find the answers you seek for yourself."