PRINCE ORIGIN Ch11-The Curl Stone
On the desolate planet of Tern in universe 10, a hidden mountain of death looms ominously. The air is thick with harmful gases, and life has long since ceased to exist in this forsaken place. Yaduro and Rei, two intrepid explorers, are tasked with a mission of critical importance: retrieving element no. 48, the fabled curl stone , believed to be hidden within this treacherous mountain.
The journey to the mountain is fraught with peril. The toxic atmosphere forces them to wear protective suits, and the rocky terrain is unstable, threatening to collapse beneath their feet at any moment. Despite these challenges, their determination remains unwavering as they press on.
Meanwhile, on Cela, Lym, Karry, and Prince dedicated themselves to taking care of Aria. Over time, Aria became familiar with everyone in Merey, bringing happiness and positivity to its once somber environment. Her presence felt like a ray of sunshine, lifting the spirits of all those around her.
One day, Vikho called the trio to a meeting. "Today, your potential powers will be revealed," Vikho announced, a hint of excitement in her voice. "We will head to Block 3 of Merey, where Genep, Grein, and Jigafugu are waiting for us."
Curious and a bit anxious, Lym, Karry, Prince, and Aria made their way to Block 3. As they entered, Grein stepped forward to greet them warmly. "Welcome, everyone. Allow me to introduce Jigafugu, one of Genep and mine esteemed teachers. Grein and I have been eagerly anticipating this day."
Genep nodded and began to explain, "We categorize potential powers into four distinct types: Natural, Scientific, Magical, and Hidden. Based on our assessments and reports, we have identified which category each of you belongs to."
Lym, Karry, and Prince exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued. Aria, too, looked eager but a bit apprehensive.
Grein continued, "Lym, your powers fall under the Natural category. As you born with a natural ability."
Genep turned to her. "Karry, your potential lies in the Magical category. Your abilities are rooted in the mystical and the arcane."
Karry's eyes sparkled. "I've always been fascinated by magic!"
Grein turned to Prince. "Prince, your powers are Scientific. Your mind is your greatest asset, and your abilities are tied to advanced technology and scientific principles."
Finally, everyone turned to Aria. She looked nervous but hopeful.
Genep spoke softly. "Aria, your powers are in the Hidden category. This is the rarest and most mysterious type. Hidden powers are often unique and can be the most potent, but they also require the most careful nurturing."
Aria's eyes widened. "Hidden powers? What does that mean for me?"
Jigafugu, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. "It means, Aria, that your potential is vast and unpredictable. We will help you understand and harness it, but it will be a journey of discovery for all of us."
Karry placed a comforting hand on Aria's shoulder. "Don't worry, Aria. We're all in this together."
Vikho smiled, proud of the unity and determination in their group. "This is only the beginning. With Grein and Jigafugu's guidance, you'll learn to master your abilities and use them for the greater good."
The group felt a renewed sense of purpose. They knew challenges lay ahead, but they also knew they had each other and a team of dedicated mentors to guide them.
After hours of navigating the hazardous environment, Yaduro and Rei finally reach the heart of the mountain. Inside, they are met with a dazzling sight: a cavern filled with countless curl stones, each glowing with an eerie, otherworldly light. The air buzzes with an unseen energy, and the weight of their task presses down on them.
Suddenly, a disembodied voice echoes through the cavern, cold and foreboding. "Only one of these stones is real. Choose the wrong one, and you will perish." The gravity of their situation settles in as they exchange worried glances. They must find the true curl stone, but there are no discernible differences between the stones before them.
The voice speaks again, this time offering a glimmer of hope. "I will give you a hint, but only if you can answer my question correctly."
Rei, always the more curious of the two, steps forward. "We accept your challenge. What is your question?"
The voice rumbles with amusement. "What is the essence of life, that which remains even in the absence of light and sound, growing stronger with time yet invisible to the eye?"
Yaduro and Rei ponder the riddle, their minds racing. The essence of life... something that endures in darkness and silence, growing with time but unseen. They think of their own lives, the hardships they've faced, and the strength that has kept them going.
Rei’s eyes light up with realization. "Hope," he says confidently. "Hope is the essence of life. It persists in the darkest times, unseen but ever-present, growing stronger the longer it is held."
The voice falls silent for a moment, and then a soft, approving hum fills the cavern. "You have answered correctly. The true curl stone is marked by a faint golden hue, barely visible to the naked eye."
Relief washes over Yaduro and Rei as they carefully examine the stones. With newfound clarity, they spot the subtle golden shimmer on one of the stones, a detail they had previously overlooked. Yaduro gently lifts the stone, and as he does, the other stones fade into dust, leaving only the genuine article in his hand.
With the curl stone secured, they make their way back out of the mountain, their hearts lightened by their success and the knowledge that they have overcome not only the physical dangers but also the intellectual challenge posed by the enigmatic voice.
©Win