Chapter 38: Echoes of Divine Design
After the ancient visions faded and the glowing runes dimmed, Yue and her friends stood in silence, breathless and shaken. The echoes of battles, gods, demons, and divine promises still rang in their minds. It wasn't just a dream or illusion. They had witnessed history—forgotten truths carved in divine memory.
As they explored deeper into the temple, a grand ancient hall revealed itself. Faint lamps, still intact after countless ages, lined the curved stone walls. Yue lit the first one, and as if answering her touch, the rest followed in a wave of soft golden light.
The murals on the walls illustrated a story: after the demons were driven back, the ancestors of Sujin and other grateful tribes built temples like this one to honor the Goddess who had protected them. The Goddess, in return, promised these places would remain sacred. That no demon would trespass on these lands. That the descendants of these tribes would one day be granted great power—before the demons' return.
But this wasn't Sujin's story alone. The murals showed many different temples scattered across the world, raised by those who survived the ancient calamity. Each temple was built as a vow of loyalty and gratitude. Yue and her friends realized: Sujin wasn't the only chosen place.
As they approached the center of the hall, they found a pedestal with ancient writing inscribed in an unfamiliar language. One of the girls, the book-smart Chika, leaned in, studying the characters. A beam of light suddenly leapt from the script, striking her forehead. Her eyes glowed golden, her body trembling as divine knowledge flowed into her.
When the light faded, she whispered, "It's a message. A warning."
She read aloud: "With so many gifts and blessings, humans will be tempted by greed. Whether these powers become a blessing or a curse will depend on how they are used. I do not meddle in mortal affairs—but I offer wisdom: treat your husbands with care. They are your companions in battle. That is why I gave them support magic."
Silence fell over the group. The Goddess's words were both a reminder and a caution.
They explored more and soon found a hidden path beneath a broken slab. Following it led them into a hidden underground garden—lush with bioluminescent plants, soft glowing trees, and a serene lake that shimmered like stardust.
A large tree grew near the center, its bark etched with more ancient writing. As they approached, the tree pulsed faintly, and Yue's system activated for a moment. It said only:
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Yue looked around at her friends—each one marked now by the divine. They all felt it. The temple didn't choose just her. It had chosen all of them.
They knew they couldn't decide anything alone. They had to return and tell the villagers everything they had seen. The visions. The warning. The garden. The divine energy still lingered in their bodies like warm embers. They had no proof anyone else would believe—just their conviction.
As they emerged from the temple and returned to Sujin, the golden evening sun bathed the village in warm light. They gathered everyone and began recounting the story.
Some villagers laughed. Others looked uncertain. A few whispered that maybe the girls had eaten something strange.
Yue took a deep breath. "We're not lying. Come with us. Come see for yourself. Let your eyes decide."
Grudgingly, skeptically, the villagers followed.
And when they stepped inside the temple… the runes came to life again. The visions replayed. The divine presence washed over them.
Eyes widened. Mouths fell open. And the truth—the old Kiko prophecy—finally made sense to them all.
And just as the awe settled, the ancient temple's spirit offered one more message to those watching:
> "The chosen places are many. Sujin is only one. Others too carry divine purpose. But the awakening comes not through desire—but preparation. Train your bodies. Strengthen your minds. The adults and children born before the return of magic shall not awaken until they are ready to bear the weight of power. This is the Goddess's will."
The villagers wept. They finally understood.
A new era had begun.
To be continued...