The mountains stood silent.
Only the wind moved through the glowing trees.
Kael couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
Every step deeper into the First World made the sensation stronger.
"Is it still following us?" he asked quietly.
Orion nodded.
"Yes."
"Why doesn't it attack?"
"Because it's judging us."
The answer sent a chill through the group.
They continued along an ancient stone road, its surface cracked by time but still marked with glowing symbols.
Hours passed.
Then the forest ended.
Before them stood a colossal gate carved into the face of a mountain.
Unlike the Star Gate, this one was closed.
Its surface was decorated with the image of a great winged beast.
At its center rested a single crystal, dark and lifeless.
Orion stopped.
"We're here."
Kael looked around.
"What is this place?"
"The Sanctuary of the Guardians."
The scientists stared in awe.
The gate towered hundreds of meters into the sky.
No human could have built it.
Suddenly—
A powerful gust of wind swept through the valley.
The same crystal-winged creature descended from the clouds.
It landed before the gate with a thunderous impact.
The ground shook.
Its golden eyes settled on Kael.
Nobody moved.
The Guardian lowered its massive head.
It stared directly into Kael's eyes.
Seconds passed.
Then minutes.
The silence became unbearable.
"What is it doing?" one of the scientists whispered.
Aetherion answered.
"It is reading his Core."
The Guardian let out a low growl.
Its wings spread wide, scattering shimmering feathers of crystal across the valley.
Then, to everyone's surprise, it spoke.
Its voice was deep and ancient.
"Bearer of the Last Core..."
Kael's heart skipped a beat.
"You carry a light that should have vanished."
The Guardian took one slow step forward.
"But power alone does not make one worthy."
The crystal at the center of the gate suddenly began to glow.
Ancient symbols ignited across the mountain.
The Guardian raised its head.
"If you seek the truth..."
Its gaze never left Kael.
"...prove that your heart is stronger than your power."
A beam of white light erupted from the crystal.
It surrounded Kael before anyone could react.
"Kael!" Orion shouted.
The light swallowed him completely.
When it faded...
He was gone.
The valley fell silent.
Only the Guardian remained, watching calmly.
"The trial has begun."