Gwen, the Queen of Britannia, had always known her world to be both wondrous and daunting. But the past week had truly expanded the horizons of her understanding. Each day was like the turning of a page, revealing deeper layers of the world's tales, its pain, its ambitions, and its fears.
From the instant she set her royal foot on the deck of the ship, leaving behind the familiar shores of Britannia Island, Gwen had felt the flutter of excitement mixed with apprehension. Her dream was no longer just a vague longing; it was now a tangible journey.
Yet, the journey was not just filled with the promise of adventure. They bore witness to her revelations about the menacing threats looming over the world, unraveling the ominous tapestry of gods' sheer indifference and cruelty towards the inhabitants of Earth.
These revelations shattered many of her previously held beliefs, forcing her to reevaluate her understanding of power, divinity, and humanity.
Then came Rome. A city of grandeur, art, and power. But as she witnessed its majestic structures crumble to the ground, the air echoing with the cries of its people, it was as if she was back in Britannia, watching her own subjects face similar trials. The difference in language and attire faded, and the essence of human pain and resilience stood starkly before her.
The Rome she had once read about, which dominated tales of conquest and grandeur, suddenly seemed vulnerable. Its intimidating aura was replaced with the familiar fragility she had seen in countless villages and towns. This realization was both humbling and terrifying. It begged the question: If even Rome, in all its glory, could be so defenseless, what hope did smaller nations hold? And amidst this vast, where did she, Gwen, fit in?
As these questions weighed on her, there was another burden she felt — the one carried by Emery. His stoic demeanor, his profound knowledge, and the depth of his commitment were awe-inspiring. Yet, Gwen could sense the immense weight of responsibility he bore, and it deeply affected her, causing her heart to waver with a mixture of admiration and concern.
She spent an entire night, restless, turning these thoughts over in her mind. As dawn approached, Gwen felt an urgent need to seek answers. Maybe, just maybe, if she could decipher the mysteries of the Magus realm, she could find her own place within it.
With the first rays of the sun casting a golden hue on the horizon, she finally approached him, her voice tinged with both hope and trepidation,
"Emery, I wonder if I could ever come with you? ...to the Magus World, I mean"
Emery's eyes, usually distant with secrets only he knew, now focused intently on Gwen. She could see the turmoil in them as he processed her request. But was merely a few moments, he shook his head in gentle denial.
"Even if I were to obtain a permit allowing you entry into the Magus universe, with your current realm, coming with me would be too dangerous."
He paused, taking a deep breath as if gathering himself, "This isn't just a week-long voyage across the seas. The Magus World is a different beast altogether. Beside... can you truly leave everything you've known, your responsibility, your kingdom... your people"
Gwen's face fell, and she let out a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the world. She had, perhaps naively, not given the entire scenario the deep thought it deserved. Yet, determination sparkled in her eyes. Not easily deterred, she sought another avenue,
"If I can't join you right now, please tell me how to be stronger, so one day I can"
Emery's response was unexpected. With a solemn expression, he took out the legendary sword Excalibur from thin air and extended it towards her.
Gwen instinctively took a step back, her eyes widening, "Why… with all the danger you are facing, you should keep it… I know Arthur will understand"
Emery let out a weary sigh, his gaze never leaving the blade. "I really could use this sword, unfortunately, the soul within this sword is tethered to Earth. It took an unbreakable oath to safeguard this realm. It also has chosen you, recognizes the depth of your compassion to the people of Earth."
As Gwen's fingers wrapped around the hilt of Excalibur, an unexpected sensation gripped her. Emery's hand clasped over hers, and a surge of energy, both warm and intense, flowed from his touch, winding its way through her veins and settling deep within her core. She gasped, her breath catching in her throat, her eyes locked onto his.
With a weighty silence, the moments stretched. Emery finally exhaled a sigh heavy with emotion and burdened knowledge. "Your aspiration to become stronger, it's commendable. To think you've ascended to rank 8 in a mere eight years is staggering. I've pondered if this accelerated progression was influenced by the sword." He paused, looking deeply pained, "However, I fear this is as far as you can go..."
She stared at him, perplexed, "What?! Why?"
Emery's eyes, filled with a blend of sorrow and concern, met hers. "During my time with the sword, I've come to realize that the power it grants isn't unconditional. It bolsters you, yes, but without the right balance, it exacts a toll. It's been drawing from your very life essence."
A shiver of realization passed through Gwen, her grip on the sword tightening. She'd always felt an underlying drain, an unexplained fatigue that she brushed aside.
"In your current rank, an individual could typically expect a lifespan surpassing two centuries. Yet, with the toll the sword has taken, you might only witness at most half of that."
Gwen's heart ached at the revelation, yet there was a grim acceptance in her eyes. Emery could see her battling the truth of his words, wrestling with the implications.
"This should be enough reason to take the sword away from you… However, I firmly believe the choice to wield Excalibur should be yours alone. Regardless, Excalibur is bound to Earth, to you."
Emery presented Gwen with a pouch brimming with shimmering pills. These were among the finest concoctions he owned, crafted to potentially enhance one's realm and extend lifespan. He had aspirations to refine these even further for Gwen's benefit. However, the idea of guiding her on the Magus path remained uncertain.
Gwen clutched the bag, a mixture of gratitude and resignation evident on her face. It wasn't the assurance she had hoped for, but it was something. Emery's voice softened, sensing the storm of emotions within her,
"Reflect on this, Gwen. Is the path of the Magus truly the destiny you desire? If your heart resolves in its favor, know that I will spare no effort to guide you."
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