Golden odyssey

Ash swirled around them, carried by an invisible force. The air vibrated under an overwhelming pressure, and the massive, formless creature seemed to merge with the darkness itself. Its gaze glowed with a spectral light, like two fragments of living night.

Facing it, the hooded man remained motionless, his sad smile frozen on his lips. But this time, something had changed. His shadow stretched unnaturally, blending into the red light pulsing in Eryndal's palm.

— The choice has been made, murmured the man. But do you truly understand it?

A shiver ran through Eryndal. He didn't need to answer. He knew that everything happening here was merely an echo of what he had set in motion. This power, this red light—he had taken it without fully grasping its magnitude. And now, he felt its crushing weight on his shoulders.

Darek drew his sword, eyes locked on the creature.

— If we have to fight, we might as well start now!

Alessia placed a hand on his arm, stopping him with a sharp look.

— No.

Her tone was hard, cutting.

— This isn't a battle we can win with weapons.

Elion stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the hooded man.

— You're a version of Eryndal, aren't you?

The man gave a slight shrug.

— Perhaps. Perhaps not.

— Enough with your shadow games, Darek growled. If you know something, say it!

The man glanced at him before turning his attention back to Eryndal.

— You still want to fight against the inevitable, he whispered. You think your courage will save you, but what you're facing here…

He gestured toward the creature with slow deliberation.

— It's not just an enemy. It's an answer. A consequence.

Eryndal felt his breath catch in his throat.

— A consequence of what?

The man paused, then slowly pulled back his hood, finally revealing his face.

And Eryndal understood.

It wasn't just a version of him. It was himself—older, worn down, his reflection scarred by years of struggle and failure.

— A consequence of you.

The realization struck like a frozen blade.

— No…

— Yes. The man gave a bitter smile. You still believe you can save everyone. But the truth is, every choice you make leads you here. To me.

He opened his hand. The same red mark burned in his palm.

— You can't stop me, Eryndal. Because I am you. And this power you've taken… it's what shaped me.

The creature stirred, rising slowly, a monster born from the night itself. Its voice echoed through the fractured space.

— Eternity awaits you.

The ground split beneath them, a gaping chasm opening at their feet. The air twisted, as if time and space were shattering into pieces.

A primal fear surged through Eryndal. But he couldn't retreat.

— No.

His voice rang stronger.

— I refuse.

His other self stared at him intently.

— You refuse?

Eryndal clenched his fists.

— If this power led me to this, then I'll make another choice. A different one.

He raised his hand, and the red light pulsed even stronger.

— This cycle will not repeat.

The hooded man smiled.

— Then show me.

The creature roared.

And the battle began.