Temple of Endless Darkness - Coin

Gurvel raised his head and wiped his eyes. "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me." He apologized, carrying a hint of shame within his heart.

"Do not apologize. I, too, have loved ones waiting for me, but we cannot stop!" I encouraged, stretching my palms towards the man upon his knees. Reaching for my hand, he flashed me a smile.

"Aye Lad,"

Yep, this fucker is going to be a stew. I can even give Sif his cock to eat. I have zero use for such a thing. But once his heart is overflowing with betrayal, only then will he be ready.

Lifting him off his knees, I asked, "By the way, when will you recover?"

"I need a few years," He so foolishly said, failing to grasp my betrayal. "My body cultivation was that of a demi-god when I ascended into godhood. So I remained a demi-god when my qi was lost. Let this be an essential lesson to you, my boy. Make sure you take the time to breakthrough in both realms. You never know when you may fall out of godhood."

Widening my eyes, I hesitantly nodded, "Why tell me this? I honestly thought you hated me. Or was I mistaken by the scorn you portrayed when I handed you the lamp?

Brightening like that of a crisp apple, he lowered his head, unable to hide his shame, "I... I know when I am wrong. Forgive me. But I have not been myself since I entered this place. The darkness has a way of pulling out the darkest emotions."

"That it does," I murmured in agreement.

But that is why I loved the darkness. It showed who we are at the core. Without my ability to peer into the hearts of my enemies, I do not think I would have grown close to Gurvel.

"Let continue on." He said, ready to fly up, but I swiftly reached for his robes pulling him back down.

"That may not be wise. Think of the mirrored lake. It was the hint, and these stirs could hold another meaning. Even if these books are empty, we could still glean some insight in regards to what Concepts resides here." I quickly said, wishing to walk around each layer to obtain every single copy of this library.

"That could take years," Gurvel said, hinting to refuse.

"Yes, but what if there is a hint? And we miss it? What are a few years versus the entirety of our lives? Once we exit this library, we may never return. We need to be careful of what we are doing."

Curling his lips upwards, he chuckled, "What are you really, my boy? That is not your real body is it?" He joyfully questioned. "You must be a true monster when your hole and not a shadow."

Blushing a bit, feeling I needed to exhibit more emotions, I nodded. "A little, I have yet to find any that are my match."

"Quite the bragger," He roared in laughter as we continued on by foot up the spiral crystal stairs.

Making conversation about the years, I told nothing but truth and lies to deepen my bond with Gurvel. I did not know if I would kill him or if Gurvel would die by this trip's end, but it's better to build the bond now. One never knows when a 'friend' may be needed.

And so, the years began to trickle by as we continued. There were times where we would simply remain silent; others where we spoke about enemies. I had learned many things in regard to the other planes.

Especially about the plane of Aether, known as the Origin of Elements and Magic. This was where Gurvel resided form. He had told me many things about this land which was considered to be the second Iluthath by many.

However, when it came to Iluthath itself, the aged hellion remained silent on the topic. Such a topic has been taboo since the great reset. Knowing I would learn of what had transpired from my so-called family on Yu'drol, I did not press the issue. I had, after all, learned what patience was during this time. Thank God I had books to read; how Gurvel was still sain was beyond me.

"Five hundred years," He said while I remained quite indifferent about the topic. I had understood that time was going quite slowly outside but fast for us. If five hundred years had truly passed, then I would definitely be recalled by my true self.

But I would not tell me dear friend Gurvel that. Through the years, I had peered into his cracked heart on multiple occasions. Casually mentioning his kids and his beloved, loving wife, Ala. And with each passing year, those cracks began to grow.

"Yet the stairs never seem to end," I added, "tell me, Gurvel, what do you think the difference between Endless and Eternal is if you consider them to be two sides of a coin."

"You figured something out?" He asked with hopeful eyes. Wishing to snuff it out, I held down my urge and nodded.

"A theory as to what this place is. What would you say is the difference between Endless and Eternal.

"Not much, " he said with pondering eyes. "There are adjectives ."

"True, but what do you think is more powerful. Out of these two concepts."

Pausing for a heavy moment, he drew still and silent, unable to reply. Eternal and endless. These were the two concepts I saw here every time I stared at the crystal steps and walls. I could not say how long this temple existed, but I felt my very soul within the shadow realm telling me longer than anything I could imagine.

"You think two concepts reside here?"

"No, one." I whispered to answer, "The two sides of a coin will remain a coin no matter which side it lands on. In the end, all you will have is a coin. It's the same for these two concepts. Or should I say a single concept? "

*Clink!*

Hearing the echoes of a lock being released, a radiance of unending light flickered through the endless crystals around me. It was vibrant yet dark, swirling with a profound radiance I had never seen before.

I was not ready to leave this place. It held knowledge about Noctem, the history of past princes, and monarchs. It held lore about Tenebrae and the Devil that came to her during the Dawn of End. A time of both at the beginning and end of it all. And the promise they shared.

A price must always be paid. So what price did you pay, little brother? What did you give up for me to live... I am not ready to leave yet. There are still things I need to learn. Not just about history, but even Dao or concepts. I was not done!