NOVEL WEB Chapter 24: The Orb
The forest was silent once more, safe for the heavy breaths of Kai and his companions. The battle against the Psycho Bears had left them weary, but there was no time to rest. Kai's eyes turned to Isolde, who stood at the edge of the group, clutching the mysterious orb he'd entrusted to her.
The orb glowed faintly within her satchel, as though responding to the surrounding magic. Its light pulsed rhythmically, almost like a heartbeat. Kai's curiosity burned brighter than ever. Whatever secrets the orb held, it was time to uncover them.
"Isolde," Kai said, his tone gentle but firm. "It's time. We need to know what's inside that orb."
Isolde hesitated, her fingers tightening around the bag's strap. Her usually calm demeanor seemed to falter. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kai nodded. "It's been reacting to everything around us. I think it might be connected to the shadows, the beasts, and even… us."
The others gathered closer, their curiosity piqued. Lyria crossed her arms, her expression serious. "We can't afford to keep any secrets. If the orb has answers, we need them now."
Reluctantly, Isolde pulled the orb from her satchel. Its surface shimmered like liquid glass, shifting between hues of blue and silver. As she held it, the orb began to hum, its light growing brighter.
"It feels… alive," Seraphina murmured, taking a cautious step back.
"It's resonating with Isolde," Aelira added, her eyes narrowing. "Almost as if it recognizes her."
Kai's gaze flickered between Isolde and the orb. "You've been holding onto it this entire time. Do you feel anything from it?"
Isolde closed her eyes, her brow furrowing in concentration. "It's… speaking to me. Not with words, but feelings. It wants me to open it."
"Then do it," Kai urged.
Isolde took a deep breath, steadying herself. As she focused on the orb, a soft chant escaped her lips, a language none of them recognized. The orb responded, its glow intensifying until it was almost blinding.
A sharp crack echoed through the forest as the orb split open, releasing a wave of energy that rippled through the air. Everyone shielded their eyes as a figure emerged from the light—a small, ethereal being that seemed to float effortlessly. It was humanoid in shape, with translucent wings that shimmered like starlight.
The being's voice was melodic and ancient, carrying a weight of knowledge far beyond their comprehension. "You have unlocked the vessel," it said, its gaze settling on Isolde. "I am the Keeper of the Forgotten Truths, and this orb was a fragment of my prison."
"Prison?" Lyria asked, her hand instinctively moving to her sword. "Who imprisoned you?"
The Keeper's expression darkened. "Long ago, I was bound by those who feared the knowledge I carried. Knowledge of the dragons, the shadows, and the war that shaped this land."
Then lyria asked the humanoid being, "Do you have any information on the Wraithlord?"
"The Wraithlord is a harbinger of ruin, bound to the will of those who seek dominion over the dragons' legacy. Its presence confirms that your journey has not gone unnoticed. The shadows, and those who command them, hunger for the power you now carry."
Lyria's voice was sharp as she stepped forward. "And this power… what is it, exactly? Why would anyone go to such lengths to take it?"
It replied "This orb is one of many fragments scattered across the world, each containing a piece of the dragons' essence. Together, they form the key to unlocking the true power of the Dragon Heir. But beware—this power is as much a curse as it is a gift. It will draw enemies to you like moths to a flame."
Kai stepped forward. "You know about the dragons?"
The Keeper nodded. "Yes, and more. The power you wield, young heir, is but a fraction of the legacy left behind. The dragons entrusted their secrets to a chosen few, but that trust was betrayed. The shadows you face are remnants of that betrayal."
"What about the orb?" Aelira asked. "Why was it reacting to Isolde?"
The Keeper turned to Isolde, its gaze piercing. "Because she is a hybrid—a child of two worlds. Dragon and elf. Her blood resonates with the ancient magic of the dragons, allowing her to access what others cannot."
The revelation hung in the air like a thunderclap. Isolde's eyes widened in shock, her hands trembling. "A hybrid?" she whispered. "That can't be…"
"It is the truth," the Keeper said. "Your existence is rare, but it is also dangerous. Both dragons and elves would see you as an abomination, a threat to their purity. It is why you have hidden your true nature for so long."
The group fell silent, processing the weight of the revelation. Lyria's expression was unreadable, but her hand tightened on her weapon.
Kai stepped closer to Isolde, his voice steady. "Isolde, this doesn't change anything. You've been with us through everything. Hybrid or not, you're one of us."
Isolde looked at him, her eyes glistening with unspoken gratitude. "Thank you, Kai. That means more than you know."
The Keeper's voice broke through the moment. "The orb was only the beginning. There are more fragments scattered across this land, each holding a piece of the truth. If you wish to unlock the full potential of your power, you must find them."
Kai nodded, determination blazing in his eyes. "We'll find them. Whatever it takes."
"You are not alone in this journey. Each of you carries a purpose, a role to play. The power of the dragons is not solely for the heir but for those who walk alongside him." It said...
Aelira stepped forward, her expression resolute. "And what about me? What role do I play?"
The being regarded her thoughtfully before speaking. "You have been chosen to uphold balance, guided by divine principles. You are granted the Heavenly Commandments, a blessing that manifests as shields of light and judgment against those who threaten harmony."
Aelira's hands glowed with a soft golden light, and she felt the warmth of the blessing coursing through her veins. "I'll make sure it's used to protect our cause," she vowed.
The Keeper's form began to fade, its energy dispersing into the air. "Beware," it warned. "The shadows are drawn to the fragments. They will not let you succeed without a fight."
As the light dimmed and the forest returned to its natural state, the group exchanged glances. The path ahead was clearer now, but it was also more dangerous than ever.
Kai turned to Isolde, who still held the remnants of the orb. "Do you think there are more like this out there?"
"There must be," Isolde replied, her voice steady. "And if we don't find them first, someone else will."
Kai nodded, his resolve firm. "Then we keep moving. The shadows won't wait, and neither will we."
Kai turned to his companions. "We've faced worse. Let's keep moving. We have a mission now—and I won't let anything stop us."
With renewed purpose, they ventured deeper into the forest, unaware of the challenges that lay ahead. The secret of the orb had been revealed, but its consequences were only just beginning to unfold.