Alden's eyes slowly widened.
His breath caught in his throat.
What was something of that magnitude doing in the Sanctuary?
Was that why the Keeper was named as such?
With a start, a horrified expression suddenly appeared on Alden's face.
"The invasion against the Sanctuary… it wasn't a coincidence."
The Keeper of the End nodded grimly.
Alden stared into space and entered a daze. He slowly felt himself turning numb.
This was just too shocking!
He had thought the Dark Races simply just wanted to conquer all of humanity. Perhaps they did. But it seemed he was more than a little naïve in his thinking than he realised.
A small part of Alden, though, was glad that he finally had some evidence or thread to back up his notion that the Asterons could not be trusted. Still, he couldn't ignore the fact that, as a result of their actions, a lot of innocent people had died.
A surge of anger sparked to life in Alden's heart.
Just what was so important about this Key that the Asterons would go to such great lengths?
Then, Alden made the connection.
…The Asterons wished to prevent Erebus and Lumina from awakening.
His numbness increased.
Alden's breaths started to quicken with the information overload.
He also realised that the reason the Asterons had saved their world was most likely a method to ensure that the Key would end up in their hands.
He shivered at the callous nature of it all. He snuck a glance at the Keeper. Only now did he understand the heavy nature of her burden.
One… that he was going to take up.
Alden almost began to regret his decision to become the next Keeper of the End. It was very reckless of him, but the extra protection Morrigan brought was just too good to pass up. No wonder she looked like she had one foot in the grave. The stress on her must have been immense.
...Surrounded by enemies from above and below.
For the invasion to have had any chance of succeeding, the Barrier had to be destroyed. And while the Dark Races did that, it couldn't have been possible without help from the inside.
He turned as white as a sheet.
Someone in the Sanctuary had helped the Dark Races mount their harrowing invasion.
The question was, who?
And what motive did they have for betraying the human race?
That was enough thinking for his brain.
Alden felt like he was going crazy with all that he had learned. The final thought that slipped through the seal he had placed, though, was:
…Why was a human/mortal holding onto the Key?
Surely something of that nature would doubtless be found in the cosmos.
Erebus and Lumina had enough foresight (as they should) to prevent the Key from falling into the wrong hands.
Alden exhaled and rubbed his temple.
His headache was now in full swing.
Taking a deep breath, Alden tried to ignore the throbbing of his temple. He sipped the refreshment on the table, feeling it travel down his throat.
For some reason, the liquid reminded him of the Waterfall of Stars. It had a slightly medicinal aftertaste, but otherwise, it tasted pretty nice.
Alden's headache lessened slightly.
Grateful for that, the young man shifted his gaze back towards the Keeper. It seemed she still had more she wanted to say.
'Does she not get tired?'
He chuckled slightly to himself, then immediately felt bad. Because he noticed Morrigan push herself to keep going - hiding a wince and a cough. Doubtless, the information she wanted to impart would be crucial. Alden sighed and berated himself internally.
He concentrated on the Keeper's next words.
"This Key here isn't just an integral item related to finding Lumina and Erebus's resting place. It is also an object imbued with the remnant powers of the two progenitors, and thus, extremely powerful. You can easily alter reality if you wish. As far as I'm aware, there is almost no limit to what you could do with it."
Alden's expression hardened.
That must have been another reason why Morrigan was guarding the Key.
…Preventing anyone with nefarious intentions from using the mystical object to commit evil.
Already, Alden began to get a feel for a fraction of the old woman's burden. It was crushing. Gritting his teeth, he asked what was on his mind:
"...What's stopping you from using the Key to achieve your goals?"
Morrigan smiled softly.
"Cautious as ever, I see."
Then, she sighed lightly, leaning on her cane a little.
"Before I became Keeper, I vowed not to use it for any nefarious purpose."
And it wasn't probably just any mundane vow…
"You catch on pretty quick."
The wrinkles on her cheek shifted.
Two dimples formed in their wake.
"It was indeed a Covenant. You will have to make one too."
Alden nodded his acceptance.
It made sense that he would have to form a magical pact as well.
"But before we get to that, I have one final thing to say. Inside this Key lies four trials. You must pass them all to be accepted by it and officially become the Next Keeper. The First Trial revolves around the Mind."
She held the golden key closer to him, allowing him to get a better look at the mystical object. It had a deep and unfathomable aura, mysterious and mighty.
Small runes dotted its metallic expanse.
Alden's temple suddenly throbbed.
"When can I enter these trials?"
"The sooner the better."
Alden bit his lips slightly.
Judging by how quickly the Keeper replied, it implied that he would have to enter the First Trial right now. A flash of despondence flickered across his face. He wanted to go back home and make up for the time he had lost with Celeste.
…Perhaps even finish their heart-to-heart.
Alden sighed sadly for a moment.
Then, he firmed his mind.
What other choice did he have other than to accept?
Morrigan shifted slightly.
"Be warned, though. Losing your mind during the Trial will cause your physical body to enter a vegetative state. You'll be as good as dead at that point, so be careful."
"Is there anything you'd like to ask before you enter?"
Alden mulled over the Keeper's question for a moment.
Eventually, he asked:
"How long will this take?"
"It depends on how long you can endure."
Morrigan replied simply.
Alden tried not to shiver under her matter-of-fact tone.
"Will the Barrier be restored by the time I come back?"
"Yes, I've almost gathered all the materials required to fix the crack in the Runic Circle."
Then, he took a deep breath to steel himself.
He would have to do his best to finish the Trial as quickly as possible.
He didn't want to keep Celeste waiting too long.
It was only a First Trial.
…Surely it wouldn't be that harrowing?
Shaking his head, Alden focused.
He followed the Keeper's instructions - placing a hand on the Key after receiving it from Morrigan.
Then, he recited after her:
"I solemnly vow with my body, heart, mind and soul to never use the Key for any wrong."
Suddenly, he sensed a tremendously powerful energy filter into his soul. It was akin to a shackle coiling around him. Alden felt that if he desired to use the Key for evil, a flood of agony would engulf him.
…Perhaps even destroy his soul.
Alden tried to get used to the uncomfortable sensation.
A satisfied smile appeared on Morrigan's face.
He took another deep breath.
And without giving any chance for hesitation or doubt to sprout…
…Alden inserted his mana into the Key.