Pillars of Ita

Chapter 882 The stars rise, the stars fall

The stars rise and the stars fall.

Just like the moonlight on the silver sand dunes, it reflects the sand and life.

The ancient years buried the songs in the sand sea, so that the people of the sand could safely enter the dream, and that was the first dream of Istania, the poem of the ancients.

The daughter of Sandman, now the eldest princess of Istania, Rupert is standing in the center of the hall wearing a silver priest's robe. The obsidian floor reflects her snow-white bare feet, and the girl's face is also reflected in the starry sky. above.

A huge stone book stood before the princess, with the ancient Istanian chauvin written on it. The once bright colors had been mottled and had been invaded by the wind and sand.

This is the Book of Sand Sea, which was used by ancient Istania priests to prophesy, but the tome itself does not have a truly magical effect, and a king who was addicted to it even caused the downfall of a dynasty.

Those are all histories written in the sand, the past of this book is even older than this port, people found it in the sand sea, and now it is only regarded as a proof of the past of Istania. Artifacts.

This book is now standing in front of the crystal tower in the Craftsman's Hall, and it is collected by the Tansnir Craftsman Association. There are only a few people in the hall - except for the craftsmen of the association, all the craftsmen have retreated, and only the guards in eagle robes are left. The guards left and right—and the current president of the Craftsmen Association, Ms. Erna.

"I heard the story of it when I was very young," Rupert said eloquently, staring at the giant book, "but it was the first time I saw it, and the previous royal family was superstitious and thought it was an ominous thing, That's why it's here."

She paused: "My father doesn't like it either, and he often used the story of the collapse of that dynasty to educate us. He warned us not to indulge in foreign things, and our responsibility for this kingdom of sand should not be blamed on other things. above."

Elna looked away from the crystal tower, held up her monocle, only glanced at the huge book, and replied, "Your Highness Princess, both you and Her Majesty Alef are quite good people. There is also His Highness Afifa. This sea of ​​sand...Istania will become more and more prosperous in your hands, and so will your father, His Majesty the late King Babartan, who handed over this thriving kingdom to you In his hands, you have not lived up to his expectations."

If it was in the past, Rupert would have made her take back those compliments.But now, she has gradually learned how to grow into a real high-ranking person, neither making people too close nor too afraid, just nodded lightly.

She asked, "Mr. Toad's blessing, what's going on over there now, is the communication still smooth?"

Elna stared at the crystal tower with a dignified expression, "To be honest, Your Royal Highness, I don't understand, since the association was founded, I have never encountered such a situation. Lagang, there is another crystal that has been freed from the entire network, they don't seem to exist anywhere in this world, and I can't even determine where the third crystal is."

"That means the situation is not good, right?" Rupert asked worriedly: "Mr. Ed, will something happen to them?"

"You don't have to worry," Elna reassured: "We are only a branch of Tansnir, after all, Edd sent the broadcast to the safety of Cowling-Ishuri, at the Craftsmen Association and Kapka. Where there should be masters solving problems.”

Rupert frowned slightly.

"But I found some strange things," Elna said while staring at the crystal: "I don't know if there is a deviation in the data, I always feel that the crystal network has some abnormal calls, as if there is something we don't know about. The power is flowing to a certain node through the crystal network..."

Seeing that the latter didn't quite understand, she explained again:
"Your Highness Princess, you may not understand the principle here. Because most people think that the crystal towers of the Artisan Association all over Aitaria are just nodes of magical communication, but in fact its function is much more complicated. Like the associations, they were born out of a broad program..."

She pointed to the magic furnace behind her, "You have seen those magic devices, Your Highness, they all revolve around the core of the elemental crystal. Because we are mortals, the basic laws of this world determine that mortals It cannot withstand the erosion of elements. Therefore, we learned to use the magic furnace as an intermediary to control these forces, which is the premise of the birth of modern alchemy..."

"When the wind on the Ethereal Sea begins to blow, the sea of ​​clouds in Ataria will also experience the ebb and flow of tides, and in this ebb and flow, it is the magic power of fairies, dragons, and even giants. The source." Elna raised her head, looked at the huge crystal, and said proudly: "Since the time of the great alchemist, the crystal towers we have erected throughout Aitaria are the relationship between us and the ether. The nodes of sea connection, we use them to calm the storms of the etheric sea, and make that violent power available to mortals."

"So," Princess Rupert pondered, "these towering crystal towers are actually a large magic furnace, and the core at the center is these giant elemental crystals, right?"

Elna looked at the eldest princess with some surprise: "You are really very knowledgeable, Your Highness, it may be difficult for ordinary people to turn this corner." This time, Madam President did not compliment her sincerely, "and the truth is almost the same. in this way."

She added: "The power of magic comes from the rise and fall of the sea of ​​ether, but what is the rise and fall of the sea of ​​ether. It is the starlight, the first starlight of Ataria, and the world is born again. the basic substance - the element."

Starlight flows quietly.

And do mortals remember that old song?
The stars rise and the stars fall.

Like the dewdrops on the green leaves, it infiltrates the forest and the dream.

The ancient years buried songs under the sand, made the sea of ​​clouds reflect the silver moon, and made the waves sing the songs of the past.

……

Starlight flows quietly.

Winding and twisting, the water reflects the starlight from the sea of ​​ether, and the stars are scattered, forming a river.

But the silver light is just a reflection of the power of the elements in reality, and it is the mortal's understanding of higher-dimensional knowledge. It does not have a real form. In different ballads, it preaches different stories.

The young man's blue-gray eyes reflected this silver light, but what ignited was an excessively greedy flame.

"Xinghui is information, information is everything," he was a little ecstatic, "I said earlier that Ataria needs to exchange information with the outside world to strengthen herself, and the two worlds share energy, and this energy cancels each other out. However, the exchange of information actually happened.”

"The people selected by the 'stargate' give information and get information. This is more like... a kind of communication."

"The communication between the two worlds...it's amazing, is the 'stargate' consciously accomplishing all this?"

"I don't know how 'Stargate' accomplishes all this, but in any case, it must be a higher dimensional power," the young man muttered to himself with some fanaticism: "Yes, you guessed it right, it It has to be real.”

He turned around, looked at everyone under the crystal tower, and announced in a very sacred tone:
"That's the power we're looking for, and yes, it's the path to 'eternity'."

Everyone standing below showed different expressions on their faces.

That look is mostly relaxed-

Most of these people are humans, and the genuine ones come from the humans on the other side of the stargate. Most of them are older, even beyond the age allowed by the stargate.

Most of these men were dressed in ACE league attire—a blue-purple, silver-plated robe.

Others are members of the Dragon Fire Guild, mostly young adults.

There are also a group of natives, members of the Crow's Claw Temple, Grey Knights, and even high-level members of the Silverwind Knights.

Although those peculiar allies of shadowmen have assured them more than once.And this young man, with the powerful man behind him as a guarantee - but they are gathered here now, after all, they are taking their lives.

They are different from those cannon fodder outside.

The more powerful and pampered you are, the more so, the more you cherish your body, and naturally don't want to burn everything you own like those outlaws.

But until this moment, everyone was relieved.

That is the road to 'eternity'.

The Lord did not deceive them.

And among the crowd, surrounded by the stars and the moon, a tall creature with throbbing flames and shadows, is now making a low and hoarse voice from under the robe: "It seems that your feelings for this world are The essence is researched more deeply.”

The sound was like a knife scraping metal, making a harsh noise:

"After all, our civilizations are fundamentally different, and perhaps the way you perceive the world is more suitable for exploring the deep-seated mysteries of this world. Unfortunately, if we had such a level of understanding earlier, we might not have ushered in it. Such a result."

"Each has its own strengths, and when it comes to the cognition of power, we are far inferior to you," the young man replied: "...They have used the Stargate for many years, but they are still on the surface, in those trivial matters. It's like throwing a watermelon to pick up sesame seeds."

He said, shaking his head in disappointment.

"That's why the Lord recognizes you," replied the creature with flames and shadows, "The Lord has given you an eternal promise."

"Yes, so we are allies."

Young people emphasize this.

But the creatures that danced with flames and shadows did not answer.

It only took off its cloak, revealing a terrifying face shrouded in shadows. If you look closely, you will find that this creature is very similar to the one on the square outside, and even the one beside Fang Plover.At this moment, purple flames were beating in its eyes, and he said, "How long?"

"Soon," the young man replied, "we will directly extract the starlight, which is the most essential power in this world. I am afraid that even the Artisan Association may not have thought that they have created such a great work unintentionally. It is a pity that The crystal tower has a limited capacity, otherwise... Of course, it is more than enough to stabilize a channel..."

"Since Xinghui contains information about this world," an ACE Alliance person suddenly asked, "Can we take the opportunity to peek at the 'eternal' secrets?"

The young man gave everyone a serious look: "I advise you not to think about it. The stars rise and the stars fall, and they contain all the secrets that build this world. How many gravels are in the sea of ​​sand, you can count them. Are you clear?" He pointed to his head, "If you don't want to become idiots."

The creatures, throbbing with flames and shadows, were silent.

It only looked up at the towering crystal, watching the crystal gradually change from blue to silver, and finally opened a dark red pupil surrounded by flames.

Those pupils were condescending, watching everyone in the hall.

But the young man was not at all uneasy, but said with great surprise: "It's done!"

He turned around and said, "Your Excellency, the three crystal towers have already drawn all their power, and now you only need to put the two anchor points in them."

But at this time, the creature that was dancing with flames and shadows finally spoke again:

"hold on."

Among the two groups of throbbing purple flames, a strange light was flashing at this moment.

"I found another anchor—"

"An anchor that I thought should have been lost long ago."

The young man was slightly startled when he heard the words.

……

"Don't think about it!"

At an altitude of 3000 meters, the tall figure leaping with flames and shadows only got such an answer from the mouth of the boy in his hand.

However, it sneered, as if it had expected such an answer, and immediately raised his hand to pick up Fang Plover, and stared straight into the depths of each other's eyes with pupils surrounded by flames.

The power of the mind is turned into a sharp blade, and it invades the opponent's will world like a broken bamboo. There are many obstacles in it, but they are all broken by it one by one. It is just the resistance of weak mortals.

There were some unexpected resistances among them, but they were only slightly stronger than ordinary people, and then it hit a silver barrier head-on.The figure dancing with flames and shadows was stunned for a moment, but immediately showed a look of contempt and smashed it to pieces.

Thousands of kilometers away in the mountains of Edus, a silver-haired elf suddenly raised his head.

"What's the matter, Mielousymis-sama?"

Hanging on the branches in the hotel, on the bar, and above the lamps, the fairies are either lying or sitting, chatting and asking.

"It's nothing," Anluose shook his head gently, "it's just that the mark left on a child seems to have disappeared."

After speaking, he pondered silently for a moment.

The fairies are lively, and their curiosity quickly diverted their attention, and they discussed other topics lively.

In the winter of the forest, the slanting shadow of the sunset, the golden lake, and the faint light of the setting sun, day after day, are waiting for the warm spring breeze to blow this area again in the coming year.

As it was in the previous year, the fairies still remembered the passing travelers of the previous year, arguing about each different face.

"Yes, and Mr. Ed."

"Yes, Mr. Ed has been gone for a long time."

"Will Mr. Ed come back? It was lively at that time. Let's hold a banquet then."

The setting sun sinks under the mountains.

Dew and starlight set off the forests and lakeshores of the long night.

The fairies have already discussed the next bonfire party.

And An Luother's heart moved slightly, his face was illuminated by the fire of the fireplace, the messenger seemed to have thought of something else, like the memory of distant clouds and mountains, it also thought of something long ago - so what? Will there be her breath?
The elf shook his head slightly.

……

"What is this place?"

A hoarse voice, like a knife scratching metal, is echoing in a lonely space.

It was the fog that never dissipated.

The fog lingered over several snow-capped peaks, and the wind picked up the dust and enveloped the mountains.

But the wind can't blow into this silent valley, there is only endless, thick fog, a vast expanse of white.There seemed to be something in the fog, but it couldn't be seen. The figure of the dancing flames and shadows was quietly watching Zuo Jin.

The world of will is gone.

The azure brilliance also disappeared that day, and there was only such a strange space left.

But what is this place?
How could there be such a place in that young man's spiritual world?
It fell silent, walked forward silently, the mist separated in front, and finally revealed the scene ahead.

In the valley, the square plover, wearing the alchemist's robe with the magic furnace on its back, was standing there quietly, watching it.

The moment the mist separated, the other party raised his hand, and the gauntlet in his hand shot straight at him, but the tall figure dancing with flames and shadows didn't even glance at him, and let the rocket flying straight to hit his left shoulder. , and turned it into a dense black mist, passing through it.

The mist gathers and turns into an entity again.

The other party released a few more flickering golden lights, it was a clockwork fairy, but the construct roared and flew, and exploded the golden flames.But after the fire was over, the smoke dissipated, and the tall figure still standing in the same place, dancing with flames and shadows.

Unscathed.

Watching this scene, Fang Plover finally put down his hand and gave up the attack.

"Give up?" A scornful voice came from the throbbing flames and shadows: "Why, are you still trying to defeat me in the world of will? What you can't do in the outside world. , it is even more ineffective for me here."

But Fang Plover only shook his head.

"I just want to try it out," he replied in a somewhat disappointed tone, "just like the lady said, I don't intend to do anything in vain. This is your trump card, it turns out to be The power of the mind... In fact, I should have thought of it when I was in the Tower of Summer End."

"Yes," replied the tall figure, dancing with flames and shadows, with satisfaction, "at least before you die, you can realize this, and it is considered to be much more knowledgeable than those pretentious fools."

But it was suddenly startled: "...that lady?"

Fang Plover raised his head and looked at the creature with flames and shadows with a strange look: "Yes, she said..."

There was an invisible wind in the valley.

There was only one wisp of the wind, but it carried the vastness of the stars above the wasteland.

It once crossed the sea of ​​clouds and brought the rainy season of midsummer, and it crossed the tops of the snow-covered iron-cast mountains, and the moonlight lightly circled the hills of giant trees.

It once swayed Lin Shao and made ripples in the sea of ​​ether, and when the tides ebb and flow, the world is like an open book - revealing all its secrets to the world.

Those are countless memories—

It was a giant dragon walking through the sea of ​​clouds.

Its shape covers the sky and the sun, and its wings can block the light of the sun and the moon. It can't remember how many years it was born and how many names it has had. It only remembers that before those years, it used one. title.

Its bloodline comes from a king, a master of the sky.

People call him the king of dark dragons.

Lifgard.

Rather, it is the daughter of the Dragon King, Alyssa.

"you--!"

The confident voice of the tall figure dancing with flames and shadows turned into a shrill scream.

An invisible wind blew up in the valley, and suddenly an endless storm roared through the tops of the mountains, above the glaciers, and finally returned to the throne, returning everything to silence.

Former allies have become today's enemies.

The brand of the world of will turns into a sharp blade that can sever everything.

After the blade, nothing exists.

Only a pair of golden eyes remained, staring at the dust of the dying, purple flame.

And Fang Plover's last words echoed among the mountains:
"She wants to learn..."

"Your strength."

……

(End of this chapter)