Enchanted woodlands [Pt 9]

As the mist dissipated, revealing a changed landscape, I found myself standing in front of Deadra, the higher spirit.

He looked at me with a nod, acknowledging the intensity of the battle. "Well fought, mortal. Your skills are commendable," he congratulated.

Grateful, I thanked Deadra and then inquired about the whereabouts of the other spirits. Deadra's response was solemn, "They've gone for an important task, leaving me as the keeper of this realm. Now, what is it that you seek, Alex?"

Pondering for a moment, I reached into my shirt and pulled out the "Dark Book," a mysterious artifact bestowed upon me by that mystery God.

"Can you please tell me what's written inside this book? "

To my surprise, Deadra's expression changed abruptly.

His ethereal form tensed, and in an instant, he gripped my throat, his eyes narrowing with intensity. "Where did you get this book?"

He demanded a sense of urgency in his voice. The once congratulatory atmosphere turned into an unexpected confrontation.

"Ar-arh.. Arhh! What are yo-you do..oinng? "

"Tell me from where did you get this book?" (Deadra)

'What should I do now? Should I tell him that I got it from God, shit! He would not believe me what should I tell him? Think, think, think, Alex, should I say that? No that will be too risky, he may instantly kill me, hmmmm, yes, I could use my strongest weapon. hahaha, I have got this. "

Struggling to breathe under Deadra's tightening grip, I managed to gasp out, "I got this book from another unexplored ruin."

He scoffed, "I don't believe it! This cannot be possible! This book was destroyed centuries ago," and his grip tightened even more.

Panicking, I pleaded, "I'm telling the truth! Believe me!"

But Deadra seemed unconvinced, his eyes piercing into mine. The pressure on my throat increased, and I felt the grip pushing me to the brink.

"I am telling the truth! Believe me!" I persisted.

In a moment of desperation, I gathered my thoughts and continued, "The book is torn in the middle."

Deadra, still sceptical, examined the book in my hands. As he saw the torn pages, his expression shifted. He released his grip and took a step back. "I... I apologize. It seems I was mistaken."

Relieved, I regained my breath, realizing that the confrontation had taken an unexpected turn. Deadra was now composed. I had managed to trick him successfully, and as I contemplated the mysterious artifact in my hands, I felt a weight lifted from my chest.

"Why'd you attack me?" I wheezed, clutching my throat. "What's up with this book?"

Deadra sighed, his eyes showing how serious this was. "This book, Alex, isn't just any book. It's the 'Cursed Book.' Way back, it was a faulty version of my special book, the 'Dark Call.'"

I looked puzzled, so I asked, "Cursed? Dark Call? What happened?"

Deadra started telling a story about a friend he trusted, who went after power. "A long time ago, my buddy and I wanted to share the 'Dark Call' with the folks in the Netherworld. But my friend got greedy."

His ghostly shape showed sadness and anger. "Betrayed by my friend, he locked up the real 'Dark Call' and turned it into this 'Cursed Book.' When I tried spreading my teachings, I got humiliated, ridiculed, and kicked out."

Listening with wide eyes, I heard Deadra go on, "The cursed version messed up what I taught, leading readers down a dark path. The Netherworld thought I turned evil. I got kicked out, and the truth got lost."

"Why did your friend turn on you?" I asked, caught up in the story.

"He wanted crazy power, and in chasing it, he forgot our original goal. He wanted control over the Netherworld and thought my teachings could get him there," Deadra explained, sounding sad.

"I see," I replied, empathizing with the higher spirit's plight.

Deadra continued, "I apologize for my rash actions. It seems I let my past cloud my judgment. You are not responsible for the sins of my friend. Can you forgive an old spirit burdened by betrayal?"

I nodded, realizing the depth of Deadra's struggle. "Of course, I understand. But can you tell me what happened with your book Dark Call? "

Deadra, still reflecting on the past, sighed deeply. "The 'Dark Call' is locked away, hidden from those who might misuse its power. I've kept it with me to prevent further chaos."

Changing the topic, Deadra then asked, "Now that the misunderstanding is cleared, mortal, what is it that you seek in return for completing the challenges laid upon you?"

'The 'Dark Call' seems amazing! This place has lots of secrets hiding in the shadows. Reflecting on the memories I absorbed, Deadra is the toughest guardian out of the 3 watching over the forest. So, the book he wrote must be way stronger than this garbage book.'

Considering my options, I carefully responded, "As an apology gift and for my efforts, I would like the 'Dark Call' in return. I believe I can handle its power responsibly."

Deadra, still carrying the weight of his past, responded, "The 'Dark Call' isn't just a present, mortal. It holds immense power and should be handled carefully. I can't just give it away."

Not giving up, I looked into Deadra's eyes and started a story of feeling sorry and making things right, "Think about it, Deadra. You attacked me for no reason, a mistake because of being hurt by a friend. What better way to make things right than by giving me the 'Dark Call'? Let it be a sign of us understanding each other and trusting each other now."

Deadra stayed unsure, but a bit of thinking showed in his ghostly eyes. "You can't simply use my past actions against me."

Keeping my tone convincing, I went on, "Think of it as fixing the mistakes. The 'Dark Call' can be a link between our worlds, healing the hurts caused by your friend's betrayal. It could symbolize a new era, where trust is restored."

As my words got through, Deadra's expression got softer. The heaviness of his past seemed to change, and he hesitated. "This isn't an easy choice, mortal."

Taking the chance, I continued, "I get it, Deadra. But the 'Dark Call' can be a sign of making things better for both of us. It could bring balance and peace to any place."

After a thoughtful pause, Deadra agreed. "Okay, mortal. You convinced me. May the 'Dark Call' be a link between our worlds and a sign of trust coming back."

A mix of relief and success filled me as Deadra handed over the special 'Dark Call.' Excitement hung in the air as I held the powerful item, aware of the big responsibility it brought.

But suddenly I heard a robotic voice ring in my head and a virtual screen materialized in front of me.

[Congratulations... ]