Road to Eruption (End of the Arc I)

As the Jumper dissipated, Asdras's body stiffened. Though the journey had proceeded at its usual pace, each moment felt endlessly prolonged, turning the passage of time into a surreal experience.

'Amazing,' Asdras thought as his eyes darted around, absorbing every intricate detail of the landscape.

He watched as the students hurriedly organized themselves, their sharp, jittery movements reflecting their anxiety.

A determined-looking girl fumbled her dagger, the metallic clang echoing sharply in the still air. Her hands trembled as she quickly retrieved it, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

She glanced around nervously, her eyes darting to her peers, wondering if they noticed her mistake as keenly as she did. Her shoulders hunched slightly, as if trying to make herself smaller. Her fingers tightened around the hilt of the dagger in a desperate bid to steady herself.

Nervous whispers floated through the air, forming a symphony of anxiety. Another boy, his hands trembling, struggled to fasten his cloak, the fabric slipping through his fingers repeatedly, until a friend stepped in to help, offering a comforting smile.

Asdras tilted his head, taking in the towering rock formations and their rugged surfaces, a patchwork of grays and browns. The sprawling arches, crafted from ancient stones, bore the marks of time, their surfaces etched with delicate patterns of frost.

A web of cables and metal buildings interwove the snow-covered landscape. The biting chill nipped at his skin, and the snow crunched densely underfoot.

His gaze lifted to a grand archway, a relic of a forgotten age. Massive, weathered stones formed an imposing bridge, with frost adorning its edges, sparkling like countless tiny diamonds in the pale, diffused light filtering through the overcast sky.

"Where are we?" Asdras asked.

Teacher Zafir lit a cigarette, the flicker of the flame momentarily drawing all eyes. He took a deep breath, the smell of tobacco mingling with the crisp, icy air, made him smile.

"This place," he began, his voice calm and steady, "is the pathway between Martimus and Baurous, and also where the Eruption will happen. Follow me closely; we have little time to waste."

"Oh, they're here," Finn muttered, his voice a blend of relief and apprehension as he pointed. "I saw the military and church symbols."

Following Finn's gaze, Asdras noticed the banners fluttering to his left. One banner, crafted from dark, heavy fabric, unfurled like a sonnet of doom. Emblazoned with a menacing skull and crossed swords, it symbolized death's eternal watch, a grim reminder of the countless lives lost to the Eruption.

The other banner, made of bright yellow silk, bore a radiant cross that stood out like a beacon of hope against the bleak backdrop. This symbol, reminiscent of sunlight piercing storm clouds, represented the unwavering faith and resilience of those who dared to stand against the darkness.

As they neared the formations, he spotted other people gathered near a crystal-clear pool. They whispered and talked in hushed tones, as if the ancient spirits of the place might awaken if disturbed.

Asdras took notice of some particular people. He first saw Bishop Elias, who acknowledged him with a small nod and a warm smile, a gesture that did little to ease Asdras's growing unease.

Near the bishop stood a woman who sent shivers down his spine. Cloaked in thick, fur-trimmed velvet, she exuded a regal authority that demanded attention.

Her armor, a masterpiece of dark metal, was etched with swirling patterns that resembled abstract flowers, catching the pale sunlight and casting intricate shadows.

The cold wind seemed to bite deeper as Asdras gazed at her, his breath catching in his throat. Her eyes, piercing and unreadable, met his, and for a moment, he felt as if he were peering into an abyss.

He felt as if he had been plunged into a trance, the snow around him seeming to melt into pools of molten silver and the wind transforming into a mournful, ghostly chant. The eerie sensation gripped him, rendering him motionless.

The woman's expression oscillated between a blank stare and a frown, her eyes betraying a depth of hidden emotions beneath her stoic exterior. She shifted her gaze from his face to his palm, then blinked slowly before returning her stare to the void, as if peering into a realm beyond their reality.

The moment left Asdras feeling as though he had glimpsed something profoundly unsettling, a harbinger of unknown horrors that gnawed at the edges of his consciousness.

As he struggled to steady his breathing, the haunting image lingered in his mind, casting a dark shadow over his thoughts. 

'What was that?' Asdras thought.

He stood absent-minded, staring blankly at her, until he felt a firm pat on his back. Snapping from his trance, he turned to see Brian grinning widely at him.

"Ah, my good ol' brother," Brian said, his grin broadening as he clapped Asdras on the shoulder. "Looks like you finally took my advice and paused to admire the beauty around us."

"No, it's not that!" Asdras sighed, deciding against arguing. "Good to see you, and… nice style."

He couldn't help but smile, taking in Brian's short, military-standard haircut. They took a moment to look each other over, smiling as they noted their shared core tier.

Brian's eyes twinkled with mischief as he continued, "A tainted too? You're surely my brother!" He chuckled, but Asdras sensed an underlying tension in his friend's demeanor.

"Now I'm curious about what you experienced," Asdras said, considering that if Brian's tainted core was the result of facing a similar beast, he too might need someone to talk to.

"Another time, bro." Brian shrugged, his gaze shifting to something behind Asdras. "Is it her?" he whispered.

Asdras followed his gaze and saw his group watching them with curious eyes. He coughed, trying to hide his embarrassment before making introductions.

"Brian, this is my group from the academy," Asdras said, gesturing toward them before pointing back at Brian. "And guys, this is Brian, my good friend."

"Good friend? I'm far more than that," Brian declared, clasping hands with each of them in turn, his smile unwavering. When he turned his attention to Merida and Lisandra, his tone shifted to one of dramatic reverence. "Ladies, I am a wandering poet, forever seeking the world's beauty, and I—"

He paused, his eyes glinting with theatrical flair, taking a deep breath before continuing, "Surely, I've earned Saint Rose's favor to be in the presence of such enchanting beauties!"

Asdras felt the world come to a screeching halt. Brian's words hung in the air like an overly ripe fruit on the verge of falling. He knew his friend had a penchant for romantic gestures and poetic declarations, but even this seemed over the top.

Finn's jaw had dropped so low that it nearly touched the ground. The more he tried to process Brian's words, the wider his mouth gaped, like a fish out of water.

Stig was grinning from ear to ear, his eyes sparkling with amusement. If not for their current setting, he would have burst into applause, convinced his uncle would indeed be proud of Brian's boldness.

Joah was scrutinizing Brian intently, his expression seesawing between solemnity and relief. He clenched and unclenched his fists, clearly wrestling with his thoughts.

Merida regarded Brian with the amused detachment of an outskirt girl humoring a lovesick suitor. She tilted her head slightly, a small smile playing on her lips, and crossed her arms in mock impatience.

Lisandra's cheeks flushed with heat as she glanced around nervously, as if expecting the summer sun to abruptly replace the winter chill.

"Oh, so you say that to every girl you see? Good to know," Zara mocked as she approached, her eyes narrowing at Brian with a look that could have vaporized him on the spot.

Brian scratched his head, trying to mask his embarrassed grin. In a sudden burst of inspiration — or perhaps desperation — he turned to Asdras, scooping him into a bear hug and patting his chest with exaggerated enthusiasm.

"This is the one I told you about, zero-five!" Brian declared, beaming. "Look at him! Doesn't he just match you perfectly? What do you think?"

At that moment, Asdras wished he was facing a cursed beast instead. His mind raced, grasping at any theory to explain why his friend had chosen this moment to play matchmaker and, worse, why he had become the unwitting focal point of Brian's poetic spirit.

Just then, Finn saved the day with a strategically timed coughing fit, loud enough to draw everyone's attention. Onlookers glanced over, some with confusion, others whispering conspiratorially despite having just met.

'Thank the heavens,' Asdras exhaled in relief as he spotted Elias making his way to the center, hands raised slightly to command attention.

"My dear young ones of the North," Elias began, his voice warm and resonant in the cold air. "Today marks a solemn occasion. For countless years, we've fought against these Eruptions, shedding our blood and sweat to safeguard our families, our people, and our home."

Elias stabbed his rod into the snow, the impact sending a small tremor through the ground. "Time has passed, and our lands have continued to be destroyed and corrupted. For every hundred victories, a single failure could result in catastrophic consequences." 

He paused, letting his words sink in, his gaze sweeping over the gathered faces.

"Our church, Saint Rose, has always aimed to be a beacon of hope," he continued, his voice softening with a hint of melancholy. "We battle not only the Eruption but also the despair that seeks to engulf us. It is both an honor and a heavy burden to face such darkness. We fight for ourselves and for the generations to come."

He sighed deeply. "The privilege of battling the Eruption is granted to the courageous, and it is a responsibility we must carry with steadfast determination."

Elias lifted his rod, waving it gently through the air. A wave-like light emanated from the tip, washing over them. The light was warm and invigorating, filling them with a renewed sense of energy. The healing glow mended outer wounds and soothed inner turmoil, lifting their spirits and fortifying their resolve.

As the light settled, Elias's voice proclaimed. "Remember this: 'From the ashes of despair, we rise; through the flames of adversity, we are forged anew. In unity, we find our strength, and in hope, we find our salvation.'"

The wave of light dissipated, leaving their spirits renewed. Those typically defined by their cautious nature found themselves momentarily transformed, like moths drawn to a flame.

Even the most reserved among them, usually the target of bold and reckless criticism, straightened their spines and leaned forward, ready to embrace a new adventure.

"For those wondering where the Eruption is," Elias said, guiding them to the present. "It's behind me."

The bishop stepped aside, revealing the pool. Asdras's breath caught in his throat. Before him stretched a sight so ethereal, it felt as though he had stumbled upon a fragment of another world.

The pool's water, an impossibly vibrant blue, shimmered with an otherworldly glow against the stark white snow blanketing the landscape. The icy surface mirrored the overcast sky, creating a celestial reflection that seemed to pulse with a quiet, serene light.

Asdras felt a profound calmness wash over him. The gentle ripples moving across the pool's surface whispered melodies, their rhythm akin to a lullaby sung by the earth itself.

"Beautiful, no?" Elias brought their eyes to him. "Each Eruption is unique in its own way, but each entrance is this pool. It can be in any region; this pure body of water would surface. And how do we know this is the Eruption? Simple, just use your blessed eyes to see it."

Asdras felt his eyes strain hard as he activated the system. It was like the energy around him was so strong that the flux of information overwhelmed his senses, causing him and the others to close their eyes.

"For Saint Rose's sake, I forgot to instruct against using the system," Elias lamented, shaking his head. "Pardon me, youngsters. What happened now is the difference of ars energy here. Only those above Challengers could read this pool."

Zafir took the opportunity to whisper words in the bishop's ears, causing him to widen his eyes while murmuring a silent prayer.

"Youngsters, the time has come." Elias clapped his right hand with the rod, spreading a vibration that made their eyes turn back to normal. "I need each one of you to step inside the pool."

They hesitated. Despite Elias's rousing speech and the surge of energy it brought, they remained acutely aware of their precarious situation. In their awakening, the odds were against them, forcing each to confront their fears and brace for battle against nightmarish creatures.

The Eruption, however, would be a collective experience rather than a singular one. This fostered a sense of unease and distrust among them, who were familiar with their own strengths and weaknesses but knew little of their peers's capabilities.

It wasn't until one brave soul stepped forward without looking back that the others followed the instructions. Asdras and his group lingered at the rear, making them the last to enter.

Asdras felt an odd sensation as his feet touched the water. It was solid, as if he were stepping on a surface of glass. He felt no weight or resistance as he adjusted his stance and glanced back at the bishop.

"Blessed Saint Rose, beacon of hope and strength, hear our plea," Elias intoned, his eyes closing in deep reverence. "We stand on the precipice of darkness, our hearts weighed by the fears of the unknown and the burdens of our past. Yet we are united in purpose, bound by the resolve to protect our home and our loved ones."

The bishop paused, allowing his words to sink in. The air around them was charged with sacred energy. "Grant us your hand, O Saint Rose, so that we may be brave in the face of adversity. Bless us with your courage, so that we may confront the shadows that seek to consume us with unwavering determination."

"May your guidance be our shield, your wisdom our sword," Elias continued, his voice growing stronger. "In your name, we seek to banish the darkness and stand as beacons of hope in a world shrouded in despair. Help us to trust in ourselves and in each other, to find strength in unity and purpose in our struggle."

"In the name of Saint Rose, we go forth," Elias concluded, his voice a beacon of hope in the stillness. "Together, we shall triumph over the darkness and emerge stronger, our spirits unbroken, our resolve unwavering."

Asdras felt the world shift around him. The serene blue pool darkened to a sinister, blood-like hue. An icy chill crept up his spine as the water thickened, tainted with misery and malice.

His hope seemed to siphon away, replaced by dread. The water's despair seeped into his soul. He tried to move, but his limbs felt sluggish, as if bound by unseen chains.

Suddenly, dark, tentacle-like appendages erupted from the pool, sneaking with malevolent life. They coiled around him, cold and suffocating, dragging him into the depths. Panic surged through him as he struggled, but their grip tightened, pulling him into the abyss.

The last sound Asdras heard before his vision darkened was a desperate, echoing yell from Elias. "Heavens, it's a Corrupted!" The words pierced through the chaos, filled with a mixture of shock and horror.

His eyes closed, the suffocating darkness enveloping him completely. The world faded away, and his mind went blank, swallowed by the void, as the tendrils of corruption claimed him.