Edge of the unknown worlds
Chapter 39
Edge of the known worlds>
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With that, Jack and Athena set off with Vanessa, heading for the boat that would take them to the Shadow Realm. As they approached the boat, they felt a sense of foreboding, but they pushed on, determined to see their mission through. When they reached the boat, they saw that it was crewed by dark, hooded figures. The figures did not speak, but they gestured for Jack, Athena, and Vanessa to board the boat. Reluctantly, they did so, and they began the journey into the unknown.
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As the boat sailed across the Cursed Sea, the sky grew dark, and the wind howled. The waves grew larger and more treacherous, and the boat rocked back and forth. Jack and Athena held onto each other, while Vanessa clung to the railing, her face pale with fear. But they pushed on, determined to reach their destination. Finally, the boat came to a stop, and the dark figures gestured for them to disembark. As they stepped onto the shore, they found themselves in a desolate, barren land.
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The air was thick with dust and ash, and the ground was covered in blackened rocks. As they looked around, they saw a vast, dark fortress looming in the distance. This must be the Shadow Realm, they thought. They were about to set off toward the fortress, when they heard a voice behind them. "You have come to the Shadow Realm," the voice said. "What is it that you seek?" Jack and Athena turned to see a hooded figure, who stood watching them from the shadows.
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Jack took a deep breath and spoke. "We have come to seek the sacred blade," he said. "It is said that it can break any curse." The hooded figure laughed. "You are very bold to come here seeking such a thing," they said. "But I must warn you that the sacred blade is not what it seems. It comes with a great price." Jack and Athena looked at each other, uncertain of what to do.
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They hesitated for a moment, then Jack spoke. "We will take the risk," he said. "We must free Vanessa from her curse." The hooded figure studied them for a moment, then nodded. "Very well," they said. "But first, you must pass a test. You must travel to the ruins of the ancient city of Sarek, and there you will find three trials that you must overcome." Jack and Athena looked at each other, steeling themselves for the challenges ahead. "We accept the challenge," they said.
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The hooded figure pointed to a path that led into the darkness. "This path will lead you to the ruins of Sarek," they said. "May fortune favor you on your journey." With that, they faded into the shadows, leaving Jack, Athena, and Vanessa alone. They took a deep breath and began to walk along the path, not knowing what lay ahead. As they walked, the darkness around them grew deeper and deeper, until they could barely see their own hands in front of them.
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Suddenly, they heard a noise from the darkness, a low growl that sent shivers down their spines. They stopped in their tracks, unsure of what to do. Then, from out of the darkness, a massive shape emerged. It was a beast, as large as a house, with glowing red eyes and sharp claws. It growled again, and the sound shook the very ground beneath their feet. The beast began to move toward them, and Jack and Athena felt their hearts pounding in their chests.
"What do we do"?,we can't fight the beast ,"jack"said,I will seek help from the guardian of the supernatural creatures, Athena said and brought out a golden scale..
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"Oh, great guardian of the supernatural," Athena called out, holding the golden scale aloft. "We seek your help. This woman has been cursed by dark magic, and we must break the curse. Please, lend us your aid." The great beast paused, its glowing red eyes fixed on the scale. Then, slowly, it lowered its massive head, and its eyes turned from red to a warm, golden light. The beast spoke, its voice deep and resonant. "You have proven your worthiness," it said,he looked at Vanessa and said,"you betrayed your clan ,but the chosen one has forgiven you,and so is the moon goddess,he dropped a tears of a phoenix from a vial and the curse was lifted and Vanessa became herself again..
"Mom jack said and immediately embraced her,jack my little pup, Vanessa said pouring kisses all over him, while Athena stood watching them, when they finally broke the hug, Vanessa went on her kneels,"thank you, chosen one for being merciful and just,No....stand up mama Vanessa,"jack is my friend and his happiness matters,she said smiling.
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"For being kind, merciful and humble,
"I will grant you three gifts to aid you in your quest. First, take this sword. It is forged from the purest of light, and it will destroy even the strongest of curses." A sword appeared in the beast's claws, and it extended the sword toward Jack. He reached out and took the sword, feeling a surge of power flow through him. "Second, take this cloak," the beast continued. "It will protect you from harm, and it will grant you invisibility when you need it." A cloak appeared, and the beast placed it on Athena's shoulders.
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"Finally, take this vial," the beast said. "It is filled with the tears of a phoenix. It will heal any injury, and it will bring even the most grievous wounds back to life." A vial appeared in the beast's claws, and it placed it in Jack's hand. "But," the beast continued, "you must use these gifts wisely. They are powerful, but they can also bring great harm if misused. Only those who are pure of heart can wield them for good." Jack and Athena nodded, understanding the gravity of what the beast had said.
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The beast lowered its head once more, and its eyes returned to their original red color. "Now go forth, and may the light be with you." With that, the beast faded back into the shadows. Jack and Athena turned and continued down the path, feeling a new sense of purpose and determination. They knew that the challenges ahead would be great, but they also knew that they had been given a second chance. And they would not waste it.
As they walked, the path grew steeper and steeper, until it was almost vertical. They were forced to climb hand over hand, their muscles burning with the effort. But they pushed on, driven by their need to save Vanessa. Finally, they reached the top of the path and found themselves at the ruins of the ancient city of Sarek. The city was crumbling, its stone walls covered in vines and moss. But they could still make out the remains of a grand palace, its once-majestic spires now covered in dust and debris.
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Jack , Athena and Vanessa stepped into the ruins, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. They made their way toward the palace, their eyes scanning the rubble for any sign of the sacred blade. But all they saw were the remains of shattered furniture and broken statues. Suddenly, a low growl filled the air. They whirled around, their hearts pounding, and they saw a pair of glowing red eyes staring at them from the shadows.
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"Show yourself!" Jack cried, raising his sword. The eyes retreated into the shadows, and a voice spoke from the darkness. "You do not command me, immortal," it said, its voice cold and deadly. "I am the guardian of these ruins, and you will not leave here alive." Jack and Athena exchanged a look of fear, but they stood their ground. "We will not be intimidated by your threats," Athena said, her voice shaking but determined.
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The eyes flared brighter, and a large shape began to move toward them. As it emerged from the shadows, Jack and Athena's eyes widened in terror. It was a gargoyle, its stone skin covered in jagged spikes, its eyes burning red with fury. Its talons scraped the stone floor as it stalked toward them, its wings flared wide. "Prepare to die," the gargoyle hissed, its voice filled with malice.
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Jack and Athena raised their weapons, but they knew they stood no chance against the gargoyle. But just as it was about to strike, a hooded figure appeared, glowing with a radiant light. The figure raised her hand, and a blast of light struck the gargoyle, sending it reeling back. Jack and Athena looked at the hooded figure in awe. "Thank you," Athena said, her voice trembling. The hooded figure simply nodded..
"I shall lead you people out of the ruins,she said ,Athena looked at the hooded figure, her brow furrowed. " who you are?" she asked. The figure simply smiled,you can call me the lady in the red hood she said,now place your hands on the stone wall.
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They placed their hand on the stone wall, and a bright light filled the room. When it faded, they were no longer in the ruins, but standing in the woods, near the village. The hooded figure looked at them one last time,till we meet again chosen one,she said and vanished.
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Jack, Athena and Vanessa looked at each other, still reeling from what had just happened. "I think we just met an angel," Jack said, his voice hushed. "Or maybe even a god," Athena added. They began to walk back to the village.
When they reached the village, they saw a crowd gathered in the square."welcome back chosen one, jack and...Rang turned towards Vanessa,we forgive you for your betrayal,we hope you have learnt your lesson?,Yes Great seer and my apology goes to every family that suffered as a result of my betrayal, please she went on her kneels, crying.. forgive me...., Raise child for the moon goddess has forgiven you..
"This comes for a celebration,jack said and everyone shouted.....
Yes...