After Light and the parasite survived the brink of death due to thirst in the scorching desert, exhaustion gnawed at their bodies. Light rested for a while to recover the energy he had lost during his long trek through the blazing sands. Once he regained a bit of his strength, he rose slowly and walked into the oasis surrounded by tall trees and palms, where the sounds of birds and the gentle breezes caressed his cheeks, easing some of his fatigue.
As Light walked through the oasis, he noticed an old, abandoned building. He approached cautiously, observing the details of the dilapidated walls and the ancient inscriptions that adorned them. The place suggested it held ancient secrets within its walls. Light entered the building, searching for any sign of previous life or something useful. But, unfortunately, the place was entirely empty, filled only with dust and the marks of time.
Light recalled his unique ability, which he had acquired since merging with the parasite. With intense concentration, Light used his ability to sense hidden objects. He felt a strange energy emanating from one of the walls. Driven by insatiable curiosity, he approached the wall and began to feel the carvings with his cold fingers. Suddenly, the wall opened, revealing a secret passage, dark and deep, extending to an unknown place.
The next challenge was finding the key. Light began searching every corner and nook of the abandoned place. After a not-so-short while, he found a small stone engraved with a strange symbol that glimmered in the dim light. He immediately realized this was the key. He pressed the stone gently, and the wall trembled slightly before opening, revealing the entrance to the secret passage.
Light entered the passage cautiously, with the parasite inside him watching every move. The passage was long and complex, full of twists and narrow paths. However, thanks to his ability to see in the dark, Light had no difficulty moving forward. The passage was covered with ancient drawings and inscriptions that told mysterious stories of an old civilization. The walls seemed to pulse with life, hiding secrets beyond human comprehension.
At the end of the passage, Light reached a vast hall. He was unprepared for what he saw there. A massive circular library with towering shelves surrounded a giant owl statue in the center of the hall. The owl was intricately carved, appearing as if it was watching anyone entering the place with its wide, gleaming eyes.
Light and the parasite inside him stood in shock at the sight. The hall exuded awe and grandeur, as if it contained all the world's wisdom within its shelves. Light began to slowly approach the statue, feeling the immense power emanating from it. Every step he took filled him with an indescribable sense of awe.
Light started examining the library, searching among the old books and ancient manuscripts. Some books were dusty, while others seemed strangely new. There was a wide variety of topics, from philosophy to magic, from science to mythology. Each book told a different story, and each manuscript held lost wisdom.
While browsing through the books, Light noticed a large book that appeared worn from frequent use. The book was placed at the library's center, as if it held special importance. He approached it, opened it slowly, and began reading. The book detailed the history of the ancient civilization that built this place, their wisdom, their power, and the dark times they had endured.
Light realized that this place was not just a library but a center of knowledge and power for this ancient civilization. The giant owl symbolized the wisdom and insight they possessed. He felt there was a hidden message in this place, one that needed to be deciphered to be fully understood.
At that moment, the parasite inside Light began speaking to him. "This place holds our secret, the power we seek. We must understand these books and manuscripts, uncover the hidden wisdom here."
Light began reading more books, searching for any clue that would help him understand the nature of this civilization and the source of their power. The more he read, the more his amazement grew at the depth of knowledge this civilization possessed. They had the ability to control elements and a deep understanding of nature and the universe.
Light spent long hours reading and researching, until he realized time was passing quickly. But something drew him towards the owl statue as time went on. He approached it again, trying to understand the message the statue was conveying. Then, he noticed a small inscription at the base of the statue, written in an ancient language. Using his knowledge of symbols, Light began translating the inscription.
"Here wisdom begins and ends. Search within yourself and discover the truth that hides in the darkness. Only those who dare to face their shadow can possess true power."
The words resonated with Light. He felt this was the key to understanding everything, the true power he sought. Ideas began flowing in his mind, each thread leading to another, each thought opening a new door of knowledge.
Light sat before the statue, contemplating the words he had read. He felt there was a test he had to undergo, one that relied not on physical strength but on the strength of spirit and mind. He realized he had to face his shadow, confront his fears and sorrows, to reach the truth.
At that moment, the hall began to transform. The walls seemed to melt, and the library began to fade, leaving Light in another world, a dark and quiet one. This was the darkness the words spoke of, the darkness that hid the truth within its depths.
Light started walking in this dark world, sensing his presence with every step. There were whispers around him, as if the shadows were trying to speak to him. He felt no fear, only determination and resolve. He knew this was his true test.
As he advanced in the darkness, the shadows began taking shape, manifesting as his old fears and sorrows. He saw images of things he wished to forget, of difficult times he had endured, of every deep wound in his soul. He was alone, standing alone before his shame, his pain, and his past.
But he walked and walked alone in this void, with only his past behind and ahead of him, the past he wished to forget. In the end, Light reached the center of the darkness. There, he found his true shadow, facing him directly. This was the final test. Light began speaking to his shadow, confronting it with all his sorrow and brokenness. It was not easy, but Light was determined to survive.
The shadow began speaking: "Do you dare to search for happiness?"
Light replied, "I know I don't deserve happiness, but I'm willing to sacrifice everything for the happiness of a few people."
The shadow responded, "I hope they know your past so they can leave you."
Light said, "I don't care if they leave me, as long as they are happy with their decision."
The shadow slowly began to fade as it said, "At that moment, you will know you weren't fighting for them but for yourself. You will feel the pain. I wish I could be there, but it's not possible." The truth began to reveal itself to Light. He realized that losing Dark and Lilith was like losing himself. True power was not about controlling the world around him but about controlling himself, saving himself by saving his family.
Light understood himself, but he had not reconciled with himself. This was the destiny that awaited him; he must obtain the power that would grant him the ability to change the world.
Light returned to the hall, finding himself again before the statue. The library was as it was, but Light had changed. He now possessed a deep understanding of himself and new knowledge that would help him in his upcoming journey.
This was a new beginning for him, the start of a new chapter in his life, full of challenges and tests. But this time, he was ready for anything, or at least that's what he thought.
[to be continued]