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Chapter Three: Paths of Search and Echoes of the Past
After Edward's malicious letter arrived in the Valley of Flowers, Amatres could no longer remain in the peaceful village. He knew that staying would put Clover and Nami in danger, and that the time had come to embark on a journey to find a way to confront his brother and reclaim his throne.
The next morning, Amatres stood before Clover and Nami, determination clear on his face.
"I must leave," he said firmly. "I don't want to bring any harm to either of you."
"Are you out of your mind?" Nami shouted as usual, but this time her voice carried a hint of worry.
"Do you think we'll let you face that lunatic alone?"
"Nami is right, boy," Clover added calmly. "We've chosen your path, and we'll walk it with you to the end. Unity is our strength."
Amatres felt deep gratitude for their words. He hadn't expected such loyalty and sacrifice from strangers he had met only weeks before.
"Thank you both," he said sincerely. "But this is a dangerous journey. I don't want to drag you into it."
"Danger is part of life," Nami replied sharply. "Running from it won't make you safe. It's better we face it together."
"So, what's your plan?" Clover asked, studying Amatres closely.
"I need to learn more about the VELER stone," Amatres replied.
"I must understand how it works, what its weaknesses are, and whether there's a way to nullify its power. I've heard of ancient libraries and abandoned temples that hold old books and scrolls. Maybe I'll find the answers I seek."
"That's a long and perilous road," Clover commented. "But it's a good start. I'll go with you. My experience in travel and battle might prove useful."
"I'm coming too!" Nami declared enthusiastically. "I won't let you two roam this wicked world alone."
And so, the three of them set out. Amatres led the way, relying on his memory of the land's geography and the little he knew about places that might hold secrets of the past. Clover walked beside him, offering wise advice and warning of possible dangers. Nami marched ahead with confident steps, scouting the path and alerting them to any sign of threats.
Along the journey, they faced many challenges. They had to cross dense forests and rugged mountains, avoid ambushes by bandits and wild beasts. With every hardship, their true personalities emerged. Amatres showed patience and determination, drawing strength from his mission and his thirst for justice.
Clover displayed his wisdom and experience, always finding solutions and providing emotional support. As for Nami, she revealed her boldness and courage, never hesitating to face danger head-on—yet also revealing her tender side when one of her companions needed help.
One cold night, as they sat around a campfire, Amatres spoke of his memories in the palace and of his father, the king. His voice was tinged with sorrow as he recalled his father's just rule and the love he had for both Amatres and Edward.
"I never imagined Edward would go this far," Amatres said, staring into the flames.
"He was kind-hearted as a child. What turned him into this monster?"
"Power corrupts weak souls," Clover answered wisely. "And the VELER stone seems to hold a dark force that amplifies the worst within a person."
"We have to find a way to destroy that stone," Nami said firmly. "We must stop Edward's madness before he destroys everything."
"I've read in some ancient texts about powerful relics that can nullify dark magic," said Amatres. "But finding them won't be easy."
"Nothing is too difficult for those with resolve," Nami replied, her gaze fierce.
"We'll search everywhere if we have to."
After weeks of travel, the trio arrived at an ancient, abandoned city on the edge of the desert. The place looked as if it had suffered a natural disaster—buildings were crumbling, streets buried in sand. Amatres had heard of an old library buried beneath the ruins, said to hold forgotten treasures of knowledge.
They began exploring the city, wary of snakes and scorpions that might be hiding in the debris. After a grueling search, they found a hidden stairwell descending underground. The passage was dark and damp, but they pressed on, carrying their torches.
At the end of the stairwell, they found a wide room filled with collapsed shelves and scattered books. The air was thick with dust and mold, but Amatres felt a surge of excitement at the sight of this treasure trove of knowledge.
They spent days searching through the worn tomes and ancient scrolls. Amatres read voraciously, desperate to find anything related to the VELER stone or ways to counteract dark magic. Clover assisted in the search, while Nami patrolled the room cautiously, ever alert for danger.
One day, as Amatres was reading an old manuscript in an unfamiliar language, Nami approached carrying a small book that looked different from the rest.
"Look at this," Nami said, handing him the book. "It looks very old, and the cover has strange symbols."
Amatres took the book and examined it carefully. The symbols resembled an ancient magical script. With Clover's help—who had some knowledge of old languages—they managed to decipher parts of it and discovered it described the history of the VELER stone, how it was made, and the curse placed upon it.
More importantly, they found a cryptic reference to an ancient artifact said to possess the power to neutralize dark magic. This relic was hidden in an abandoned temple located in a remote region of the kingdom.
Amatres felt hope rekindled in his heart. They now had a lead guiding them toward their goal.
"We must find that temple," he said with determination. "We have to get that artifact."
"That means more traveling and more danger," Nami remarked, but this time her voice carried no hesitation. She was ready to face anything to help Amatres.
"Then let's go," Clover said, rising to his feet. "Time is not on our side."
And so, the three left the ruined city, carrying with them the ancient book and renewed hope. Their journey was still long and filled with trials, but they were now more determined than ever to achieve their mission. They marched on together—three strangers brought together by fate and common purpose, forming an unbreakable team.
Their journey would test their strength, patience, and loyalty to one another, forging the bond that began in that peaceful sanctuary in the Valley of Flowers.
Amatres did not yet know that this path would reveal more secrets about the past—and about the power within him—and that it would ultimately lead him to a fateful confrontation with his tyrant brother.
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