The sage lifted his eyes, gently playing with his pen, and said with solemnity:
"She believed that fate granted her power only to become a slave to the ambitions of reality. Thus she saw that the only path was to break free from that shackle."
Roy clenched his fist tightly:
"And is that a convincing reason for that massacre in the past years?"
Leora, her voice faint and her face drained of color:
"This is not a queen… but a beast in the shape of an angel. I don't think you're capable of confronting her."
Roy fell silent for a moment… then spoke in a voice filled with severity:
"I tried to face her before… but I found the matter already decided."
The White shook his head and said:
"You were unconscious back then, and when you woke up, you found a lake of blood surrounding you."
The sage adjusted the lens on his left eye slightly and said:
"Roy, if you truly intend to head to Erthimora, then your aura is unusual for that place—or rather, it is beyond your control."
Roy slowly turned his back:
"That works in my favor. She won't be able to restrain me easily… Old man, I'll see you later."
The sage rose from his place:
"Remember this—impulse will not lead you to your goal."
Roy:
"I'm well aware of that. I always stay one step ahead of her… Farewell."
The three passed through the lively corridors of the library, leaving toward their unknown destination, as if casting one last contemplative look at its details. They continued onward with firm resolve, a slight dread pushing them to uncover what lies hidden between the lines…
The moment they opened the door, a soft breeze greeted them, easing their sense of unease.
Leora, staring eagerly at Roy:
"What is our next destination?"
Roy, a faint smile forming on his face:
"We will reach the bridge between the two waterfalls. We'll get there on foot—it's not far from here."
They stepped across the pure water under their feet, the starlight reflecting upon its surface and revealing the true compass of that sought-after region, while the whispers of the violet trees behind them blended with the energy of the place.
[After a short while of walking]
Leora placing her hand on her forehead:
"The light grows brighter with every step… and the darkness is fading."
Roy, looking toward the horizon:
"That means we're close. Not much remains."
The White raised his ear slightly:
"I can hear a gentle melody from this distance."
Leora, surprised:
"A melody? I hear nothing."
Roy, also confused:
"I don't hear anything either. What are you talking about?"
The White replied:
"My sense of hearing is ten times stronger than yours."
Leora laughed softly:
"How do you sleep with ears like that? Even the buzz of a fly could wake you."
Moments later, the melody grew clear to Leora and Roy.
Leora, eyes widening in awe:
"I can hear it now… You were right. Her voice is beautiful and calming."
Roy, equally mesmerized:
"Me too… Her sound is truly enchanting."
After a few more steps, the roar of the twin waterfalls became visible — and a stunning violet woman sat upon a branch, playing the violin.
The vast place revealed itself before them:
The crimson moon stood centered in a bright white sky, its glow piercing the countless trees blending gray and red leaves with vibrant green grass.
The majestic golden bridge shone, separating the two waterfalls, water droplets dancing around it, while various creatures wandered through the strange land.
Leora placed her hand over her mouth in shock:
"I can't believe what I'm seeing… It's as if I'm leaping from one dream into another."
The White, equally bewildered:
"Honestly, I've never visited this place before."
Roy raised his hands slightly toward the air:
"I'm curious to explore what lies beyond this bridge… but first, I must find the map of Erthimora."
No sooner had they lingered than a mysterious glowing figure appeared in the sky — a massive circular construct adorned with gold and ruby.
Leora stared at it, fear gripping her voice:
"What is that thing? Look how it moves!"
Roy, eyes sharp with unease:
"In the past, I understood what was happening… but this time, I have no idea."
The White stood frozen, unable to move:
"...."
The strange construct covered the bright blood-red moon, shrouding the land in darkness.
The golden core slowly opened — and from within emerged a shadowed figure, framed by a scene that sent chills through their very bones.
Leora screamed:
"What is happening?! Everything was fine a moment ago!"
Roy felt fear for the first time, his eyes widening:
"Things do not look promising…"