The Grand Plan and the Secret of the Ruby Stones
In the main hall of the rebellion headquarters, now illuminated by torchlight and the stirring voices of determined soldiers, Lesendra stood before the updated map of Mythra. His obsidian diamond sword shimmered with red-gold-blue light, and his golden hand glowed warmly, symbolizing strength and burning resolve.
"We're beginning a new chapter," Lesendra said, his voice deep and steady. "Not just to topple the Dark Throne, but to dismantle the illusion of power that has ensnared Mythra for so long. Our power isn't for claiming a new throne—it's for restoring this world's freedom and dignity."
A ripple of cheers echoed among the soldiers, though the atmosphere remained focused. Seira stood beside him, bow at the ready, her eyes alight with determination. "When do we move?"
Eryvan stepped closer, gazing deeply at the map of Mythra. "We need to strike while the momentum is with us, before the Dark Throne can rally new forces. But…" he paused for a moment, looking directly at Lesendra. "There's something you need to know."
Lesendra turned, his eyes gleaming with curiosity and caution. "What is it, Eryvan?"
Eryvan exhaled deeply, then stared at the map, his eyes flickering faint red. "The Ruby Stones… they're not just the nine fragments of ancient power we thought. There's a Tenth Ruby. A stone that's been hidden—not in Mythra, but deep in the very sky itself."
Seira gasped, her breath caught. "The Tenth Ruby? But… why was it hidden?"
Eryvan looked at Lesendra, his voice heavy. "Because the Tenth Ruby isn't just a fragment of power. It's the final key—not just to strength, but to the truth about who really rules Mythra. That stone… holds an untold secret, buried long ago by the Dark Throne and the gods."
Lesendra clenched his sword tighter, his eyes flaring with a trembling red-gold glow. "So, if we truly want to free this world… we have to find the Tenth Ruby?"
Eryvan nodded slowly. "Yes. Without that stone, our fight will only replace one shadow with another. The Tenth Ruby will reveal the real truth—about power, the gods, and about yourself."
A heavy silence filled the room. The torches cast shadows along the walls, as though Mythra itself was holding its breath.
Seira looked at Lesendra, her eyes steady with belief. "Then we'll find it. Together."
Lesendra lowered his gaze, his sword shimmering with the light of the combined Ruby Stones, his eyes lifting to the Mythra sky now glowing red with dawn. "We'll search for the Tenth Ruby. We'll uncover this secret. And we'll destroy the Dark Throne—not to claim power, but to free this world forever."
Under the brightening Mythra sky, Lesendra, Seira, Eryvan, and the entire rebellion force readied themselves to embark on a grand journey—one not just of strength, but of uncovering the truth long buried in the shadows of this world.
The Fifth Stone: A Test of Strength and Heart
The sky over Mythra turned a dusky red-purple, casting an eerie aura that made the journey feel even more foreboding. Lesendra, Seira, and Eryvan advanced along the rocky path, moving steadily toward the ruins of the Fifth Stone temple.
Seira walked beside Lesendra, her bow slung over her shoulder, her gaze sharp and alert. "According to the map, the Fifth Stone's temple is on this high plateau, beyond the fog."
Eryvan gripped his staff, nodding slowly. "Yes. But this place is known for illusions and traps. We have to stay vigilant."
Lesendra glanced at his obsidian diamond sword, which shimmered with red-gold-blue light, and at his golden hand glowing with gentle warmth. He spoke quietly, "Let's keep moving."
The three of them made their way through towering black trees, their footsteps echoing softly on the rocky path. No other sound disturbed the air except the whisper of the wind rustling the leaves, as if Mythra itself was holding its breath for this journey.
After several hours of silent walking, they reached a steep cliff overlooking a vast plain. In the distance, the ruins of the Fifth Stone temple loomed faintly through the fog, bathed in a strange bluish glow.
Seira drew a deep breath. "There it is… the Fifth Stone temple." Eryvan peered toward the temple, his eyes narrowing. "The illusion surrounding it is strong. Once we step in, we might lose our way. We must stay together."
Lesendra clenched his sword tighter, his eyes reflecting his unwavering resolve. "We'll go in together. We'll leave together. No one gets left behind."
Without further words, they descended the cliff, entering the thick fog surrounding the ruins of the Fifth Stone temple. Their footsteps marked the wet ground, signaling the beginning of a new trial that would test not just their strength, but their unity and determination.
As they approached the temple ruins, the bluish fog swirled around them. Lesendra, Seira, and Eryvan stood before a massive cracked stone gate, as though it had been waiting for them.
"We're about to step inside," Seira said, her voice tense yet determined. Eryvan scanned the fog, his eyes narrowing. "But something feels… off."
Before he could finish his sentence, a black light flared through the fog. Two massive figures cloaked in dark robes with glowing red eyes emerged. Chains of dark magic shot from their hands, wrapping around Seira and Eryvan before they could react.
"AAARGH!" Seira fell, her arrow scattering. Eryvan tried to break the chains with magic, but they reflected his power, slamming him to the ground.
From within the fog stepped a tall figure draped in a thick black cloak, eyes blazing red, face hidden behind an iron mask. Its voice was deep, echoing as if from the earth's depths.
"Lesendra…" it hissed. "You've become a threat to the Dark Throne. The Ruby Stones you carry make you too dangerous. We're here to take something from you. Something your strength can't stop."
Lesendra gripped his sword tightly, his eyes glowing red-gold, his hand trembling. "Let them go!" The figure hissed softly. "The choice is yours. Continue your mission and let them die… or surrender your sword and power, and they will be spared."
Silence fell, broken only by the labored breathing of Seira and Eryvan, trapped in the dark chains. Lesendra stood still, his eyes on his helpless friends. Memories flickered through his mind—his adoptive parents' faces, Seira's smile, Eryvan's wise words.
His hand trembled, his sword glowing but quivering as though sharing its wielder's dilemma. His breath was deep, his eyes glistening.
At last, Lesendra slowly raised his sword, his gaze locked on the Dark Throne figure. "I…" he said softly. The sword's glow began to fade, dimming with his decision.
Lesendra stood frozen, his obsidian diamond sword trembling, his golden hand glowing faintly. His sword's light dimmed, and his eyes welled with tears as he looked at his helpless friends. Seira's gaze was tearful. "Don't… don't sacrifice yourself, Lesendra…"
Eryvan coughed, his eyes filled with desperate hope. "You… you can't give in…"
Lesendra exhaled deeply, memories flashing—his adoptive parents' faces, childhood promises, wise words about strength and heart. His hand started to lower the sword, his eyes reflecting sorrow. "I…"
But in that moment, Lesendra's eyes blazed sharply—not with sadness, but with resolve. He gripped his sword tightly, his golden hand radiating warm light that suddenly shattered the black chains in midair. A wave of red-gold light spread outward, breaking the dark power and forcing the figure back for a moment.
"No," Lesendra's voice rang out firmly. "I won't surrender. This power doesn't belong to you. And I won't let you use my friends' lives as bargaining chips."
In a flash, Lesendra surged forward, slicing at the chains binding Seira and Eryvan, shattering them with bursts of energy from his golden hand, releasing warm light that freed them.
Seira collapsed to the ground, Eryvan staggered up, gasping. "You… you broke it…!" Lesendra faced the Dark Throne figure, his red-gold eyes blazing bright. "I won't choose between friends and the mission. I'll save them and continue this journey. Because this power isn't for submission… it's for liberation."
The figure stepped back, its red eyes blazing with fury. "You… dare defy me?" Lesendra held his sword with his golden hand, now glowing with fierce red-gold light, his eyes shining. "Not just defy you. I'll destroy all the illusions of power you've built."
Seira stood by his side, bow raised, eyes shining. "I'll stand with you. Always." Eryvan stood tall, his staff glowing faint red. "And I will too. The three of us will continue this journey… together."
Under the trembling Mythra fog, sparked by flashes of red-gold light, Lesendra, Seira, and Eryvan stood united, ready to face the Dark Throne's emissary—marking the beginning of a new battle to unlock the path to the Fifth Stone.