Raka followed the old man through the dark, winding streets of the city. The walls of the buildings were filled with black roots that continued to pulsate, as if they were still alive. The cold air enveloped them, but the old man walked calmly, as if this place was his home. In the middle of the city, they arrived at a large, half-collapsed temple. Its pillars were cracked, and inside was a stone altar with symbols similar to the ones in the labyrinth.
The old man turned to look at Raka. "You want to know the truth? Listen carefully."
Raka nodded, ready to receive an answer that might change everything.
THE BEGINNING OF DARKNESS:
"Long ago, this city was called Ardhavastra. This is the place where the Guardians of Light were first born." The old man raised his hand, and suddenly the shadows on the wall began to move, forming a picture that told a story of its own.
First picture: A beautiful city stands under the golden sunlight, full of tall towers and green gardens.
Second picture: A man in a white robe stands in the middle of the city, holding a shining sword.
"In the past, this world was guarded by a Great Guardian who possessed the power of light. He was the first protector who maintained the balance between the human world and the shadow world."
Third image: From underground, a giant shadow with many red eyes emerged.
"However, one day, something that should have remained sealed in the shadow world managed to escape. That creature was called the Queen of Darkness, an entity that should not exist in this world."
Fourth image: The Great Guardian fought against the Dark Queen, and after a long battle, he managed to seal her in a giant black door.
**"But to lock her up, the Great Guardian had to sacrifice himself. Before he died, he divided his power into two—half to maintain balance, and the other half to form the bloodline of the next Guardians." Raka frowned.
"Two bloodlines? So… I am one of them?"
The old man nodded. "Yes. You are a descendant of one of those lines—those who inherited the power to fight the darkness."
Raka began to understand, but there was still one question that bothered him.
"Then, what about the other bloodlines?"
The old man was silent for a moment before finally answering. "They… are not all loyal to the light."
---
THE BETRAYAL THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING:
Fifth image: A man in a white robe, similar to the Great Guard, stands in front of the black door that seals the Queen of Darkness.
"Several generations after the Great Guardian sacrificed himself, a descendant felt that the power he inherited was too weak. He began to search for a way to reopen the black door… to gain greater power."
Sixth image: The man opened the black door—and from within, a terrifying black shadow emerged, destroying the city.
"He thought he could control the darkness. But he was wrong. Once the door was opened, the Darkness began to rule this world… and eventually, the city of Ardhavastra fell."
Raka clenched his fists.
"That's why the Shadowless Land was destroyed…"
The old man nodded. "Yes. The betrayal of one person caused the destruction of many. Darkness spread, and those who remained could only flee or hide. The remaining Guardians fought back, but one by one they fell."
"And now, there is only one bloodline left."
Raka gasped. "I."
The old man stared at him deeply. "That's right. You are the last hope of this world."
RAKA'S CHOICE:
The truth is finally revealed. This world was once a prosperous land, but because of betrayal and greed, it was destroyed into an uninhabitable shadow world. And now, its fate is in Raka's hands.
"Then... what should I do?" Raka asked.
The old man stared at him with sharp eyes. "You have two choices."
"First, you can leave this place. Accept the fate that this world is dead, and seek your own destiny."
"Or… you can continue the work of the Guardians. You can find a way to seal away the darkness once more—and perhaps, reverse what has happened."
Raka stared at his hands, still covered in blood from the previous fight. He was no hero. He was no savior. But this was his homeland. A land destroyed by betrayal. A land stained with the blood of his parents. He couldn't just turn away. With a firm voice, he said: "I will fight."
The old man smiled faintly. "Then, prepare, blood of the Last Guardian. For your journey has only just begun." And with that, the world around him began to change again—giving way to a greater battle.
---
After the truth is revealed, Raka knows he cannot face the darkness without preparation. The old man, who now introduces himself as Moksa, is the only remaining guardian of ancient knowledge. Inside the collapsed temple, Moksa opens a hidden underground chamber. Inside, there are weapons, ancient books, and mysterious objects that emit strange energy.
"If you wish to fight the darkness, you must understand the power that has been passed down to you." Moksa pointed to a large ritual circle inscribed with ancient symbols.
"Step into it. I will awaken your blood memory." Raka stepped into the center of the circle, and suddenly...
THE WORLD AROUND HIM CHANGED.
REVELATION OF TRUE POWER:
Raka felt his body floating. He was now in an infinite space, filled with swirling light and shadows. From within the darkness, voices were heard.
"Our blood flows in your body…"
"You are the last legacy of the Guardians of Light…"
"But are you strong enough to bear this burden?"
Suddenly, out of the darkness, figures in white robes emerged, each carrying swords, spears, and various legendary weapons.
"If you wish to inherit our power, prove yourself worthy!"
Without warning... THEY ATTACKED!
---
DEATH TRAINING:
Raka barely had time to dodge as the first sword slashed towards him. He rolled to the side, then raised his twin swords to block the next attack.
CLANG! CLANG!
However, their attacks were too fast!
BANG!!
A blow hit his chest, sending him flying. He fell to his knees, gasping for breath.
"What is this…? They are too strong…!"
However, inside him, another voice sounded.
"Rise. You are not just a human."
"Remember… the power of the Guardians flows in your blood."
Raka clenched his fists. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath… And when he opened them again… HIS VIEW CHANGED. He could see his opponents' movements slower, as if time had slowed down for him. He could feel the flow of energy around him. And when the next attack came…
"Now it's my turn!"
With a speed he had never felt before, Raka turned and slashed...
SLAAASHHH!!
In one move, he slashed three opponents at once. The white-robed figures smiled before their bodies turned into light and disappeared. In front of him, only one last figure remained.
The figure raised his sword, and suddenly, the world returned to normal. Raka returned to the underground temple, panting. Around him, the ritual circle now glowed with golden light.
Moksa nodded. "You have succeeded. You are now a true Guardian of Light."
However, before Raka could speak, a loud bang was heard from outside.
"We don't have time. The darkness has found us."
To be continued...