The magician's faces suddenly contorted in shock, their eyes straining as they sensed an ancient power. Some stumbled back, blood trickling from their noses and mouths, overwhelmed by the sheer force emanating from the mountains. Master Rico steadied himself. That's the purest form of energy l have ever felt, he mumbled, shock etched on his face. The others were not faring well either. They all nodded, eyes locked onto the direction of the hut. The world shook and this phenomenon was experienced across realms.
21st Century Earth
Major news outlets flooded the airwaves, broadcasting an unprecedented event to a stunned nation. One of the world's most iconic mountains, long dormant, had suddenly roared to life, spewing forth a massive eruption that shook the very foundations of the earth.
The blast was so immense that instruments around the globe failed to fully capture its magnitude, leaving scientists scrambling to understand the scale of the event. The eruption sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving many wondering if this was more than just a natural disaster. Well, they were not wrong either. The same phenomenon was happening across different realms.
But earth, being a realm without inherent magic, was caught off guard by the eruption's force. Unlike other realms, where the land itself is infused with magical energy, allowing it to absorb and dissipate such shocks, earth's rigid, non-magical nature made it vulnerable to this unique phenomenon. But most realms were saved probably due to the shockwave being absorbed by powerful beings who were greatly affected.
Ark's eyes snapped open. Huh, he muttered, l'm still alive? He stared at his left palm in disbelief, the gruesome wound was already healed leaving behind a huge scar with complex black patterns. He took a moment to collect himself and arrange his disorganised thoughts before standing up and focusing on his surroundings.
He stood amidst an ancient building's ruins, skulls were scattered like pebbles beneath his feet. Cracks spread across the ground, leading his gaze to the weathered walls designed with intricate writings that seemed to whisper the very secrets of life itself. An otherworldly hum pierced through the air, making the hairs on his skin stand.
A voice as old as time echoed through the void, its words dripping with the weight of forgotten memories.
Who dares to tread the forgotten path
Hah! After waiting for centuries, another one stumbles here, the voice continued
Hope you won't end up like the millions who have fallen before you.
Ark's heart sank when he heard the last part, his eyes falling upon the dried bones and skulls scattered everywhere.His legs began to tremble giving way as he fell on his knees. The power was too much for him, it commanded respect before its presence. He lifted his head and stared into nothingness. Who are you? What is this place...he managed to squeak out.
The strange voice continued, his voice laced with humour.
The black ore led you here, that's the only way to this forbidden realm.
The path ahead is treacherous, mortal, the strange voice says, its humor now laced with an air of gravity. To claim the secrets of life origin, you must prove yourself worthy. Pass the test of the Elements, and you shall be granted an audience with the God of Beginnings. But fail, and you will succumb to the void. You will become like the millions who have befallen before you.
The air was heavy with anticipation as a doorway materialized before him shrouded in swirling mists. Four symbols etched into the stone above the door: Fire, Water, Earth and wind. Which path do you want to choose?
Wait! Ark shouted in urgency, l didn't choose this path!. This must be a mistake!
He has just escaped death, only to be thrown into another hell. He just wanted to go back home.
He took a step back, eyes locked onto the symbols on the stone. Hahaha!
You are different, that's unexpected. Many before you were clamouring to prove themselves only to end up dead. I will have to let your dead energy awaken. Maybe fate has a lot in store for you and there are surprises ahead.
The voice seemed to chuckle, sending shivers down Ark's spine. The mists swirled, and the symbols began to glow softly…..Suddenly, all the symbols began to pulse, slowly converging to one and like a streak of light. It shot into Ark's body. Slowly fusing into his pores till it was swallowed