Arcana System: Rise of the Forsaken Prince

Chapter 8 Touring to the Black Tower

They began to prepare for their journey to the black tower - a place where the truth and danger of waiting

That night, Leon sat on the edge of the fireplace, sharpening his sword while his mind continued to spin. Black Tower ... What will wait for him there? Answer? Or death? 

Variants come and sit next to him. "Are you really sure you want to do this?"

Leon nodded. "I can't retreat now."

Variant sighed. "Alright. We leave before dawn."

-

When Fajar messed up, Leon, variants, and small groups of riding soldiers leaving the camp. They moved quickly, crossing the grasslands and dark forests, headed north where the black tower stood in the distance like a dark shadow on the horizon. 

The closer they are to their destination, the air is getting cold and thicker with an unnatural magical aura. The surrounding land began to change-the trees were dry, and the wind brought a faint whisper that made their hair goosebumps. 

"This place feels ... die," murmured one of the soldiers. 

Leon swallowed hard. Even the system in him feels more alert. 

[Warning: Dark energy zone is detected.]

They continued to move until finally reaching an old stone bridge that stretched over a deep cliff. Opposite, the black tower stands towering, surrounded by thick fog. 

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed in the air. From the fog in front, the same black -robed figure appeared, as if he had been waiting for them. 

"You came faster than I thought, Leon."

Leon took a deep breath, preparing to face the future. 

. *** Black Tower Gate

Leon's footsteps echoed on the old stone bridge as he moved slowly. The cold wind blew from the abyss underneath, carrying a faint whisper that sounded like the lament of the dead. 

The black -robed figure remained silent, waiting for them to approach. The variant of putting his hand on the sword handle, ready to fight if necessary. 

"Who are you really?" Leon asked in awareness. 

The figure raised his head slightly, showing a pair of bright red eyes behind the shadow of his hood. "I'm just a messenger. You already know what you are here, right?"

"I'm here to get an answer," Leon said firmly. 

The figure chuckled, the sound of laughter that sounded like a piece of stone collided. "Answer? Yes, you will get it. But only if you dare to enter the black tower alone."

Leon clenched his fist. "Why should it be alone? Are you afraid I will bring help?"

The figure raised his hand, and suddenly, the black fog stretched around them. "Because this is not just a test of strength, Leon. This is a test of your courage and destiny."

The variant immediately go ahead. "If you think we will let Leon come in alone, you're wrong!"

But before anyone can react, the land around them trembles. Black shadows emerged from the fog, forming humanoids without facial creatures, each carrying dark weapons sparkling in dim light. 

"The choice is simple," said the black robe. "Go inside alone, or your friends will perish here."

Leon looked around. They were surrounded. If he fights, the possibility they will all die. 

He took a deep breath. "Fine. I'll be in."

The variant stared at him angrily. "Don't be stupid, Leon!"

Leon patted his shoulder. "Trust me."

Without waiting for an answer, he stepped forward, past the figure of a black robe and headed for the large gate of the black tower that began to open with a roar. 

When he entered, the shadows disappeared, and the gate was closed behind him. 

Now, he is alone. 

And the secret of the black tower is waiting for him. 

** Gate of darkness

Leon's steps echo in the big hallway of the black tower. The thick black stone wall flashed it on both sides, and the air inside felt heavier, as if every breath he took was filled with a pressing magical power. 

This tower is different from what he had imagined. There is no trace of life, there is no sound except the sound of his footsteps to resonate. This silence feels unnatural, like something is waiting behind his shadow. 

Leon stepped deeper, his eyes were aware of every corner. "System, do you detect something?" he asked in his heart. 

[Warning: Very high dark energy is detected. Possible traps.]

Leon bit his lips. "I've expected it."

Without further warning, the hall suddenly winded sharply, carrying Leon to a large room surrounded by giant stone pillars. In the middle of the room, an altar stands tall, wrapped around the roots of black trees that seem to live and move alone. On the altar, a black crystal ball shines with a threatening dark light. 

In front of the altar, the black -robed figure was waiting for him, standing in front of a crystal ball like a guard. 

"You have arrived, Leon," the voice of the figure sounded hoarse, as if it came from a very far depth. 

"What do you want from me?" Leon asked firmly. 

The figure raised his hand, and the crystal ball began to spin, creating a vortex of energy that sipped into the air. "I don't want anything from you. But you ... you are part of a bigger destiny."

Leon felt something strange. His body began to feel heavy, and the system gave a warning about the potential threats that came. However, he did not retreat. "Destiny? What do you mean?"

The figure chuckled, his voice echoed throughout the room. "You think you're just an ordinary player in this game, right? But your destiny has been outlined. You are a part of the power that is far greater than you can imagine."

Leon felt something was wrong. There is something that connects it to this power, and this is more than just an accident or coincidence. "What do you want from me, actually?"

The figure raised his face slightly, showing his eyes sparkling with tense red light. "I'm just waiting to see if you will finish your test, or whether you will let this darkness control you."

Suddenly, the crystal ball began to vibrate with a greater intensity, and the air around Leon getting heavier. He felt a strong urge to direct him to the altar. "You have to choose, Leon. Accept your destiny, or destroy everything."

Leon staggered backwards, trying to regulate his breathing that was getting heavier. "No. I won't get caught up in this dark game!"

With all his strength, Leon stepped back, ignoring the increasingly stronger energy push. However, when his feet moved, the ground under him began to crack, and a terrible voice was heard, like something big and evil rose from the ground. 

The black -robed figure smiled, "You're too fast against your destiny, Leon. Destiny can't be avoided."

Suddenly, the stone wall closes around the room, creating a prison that cannot be penetrated. Leon saw the crystal ball spinning faster, and the dark energy flowing from there began to wrap it. 

"System!" Leon shouted in his heart. "What happened?!"