REALM OF WANDERING BLADES – EPISODE I
Chapter 4 — The Map to Aetheria 🗺️☁️🛡️
The next morning, sunlight pierced through the leaves of the Astrales Mountains 🌄, flooding Arden's wooden house with fresh, crisp air. Erik took a sip from his canteen while gazing at the vast mountain range, still amazed by this wondrous new world ❄️🌲.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside. A wandering traveler appeared, carrying a backpack filled with scrolls and small bottles. He looked tired, yet an aura of mystery surrounded him 🧳✨.
Arden stepped forward. "Hey, wait! What's inside those bottles?"
The traveler smiled, slightly surprised. "Ah… these? Just maps. If you're interested, I can sell you one," he said, holding up a small bottle containing an old, shimmering scroll 🗺️💫.
Bored of his quiet mountain life, Arden bought the bottle without hesitation. "Alright, I'll take it. I hope it's something interesting," he said, handing over a few coins.
When Arden opened the bottle, his eyes widened 😲. The scroll glowed with magical light, revealing Aetheria, the legendary city floating among the clouds ☁️🏙️, along with the Ancient Lost Isle, a mysterious island hidden within the sea.
"This… this is incredible," Arden whispered. "A city in the sky… the city of the gods. They say that anyone who reaches it will gain immortality and a life of eternal happiness," he explained while looking at Erik and Rocky.
Erik studied the map, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Immortality? Eternal happiness? It sounds… almost impossible, but I want to see it for myself," he said, tightening his grip on his Gewehr 43.
Rocky rumbled softly, his massive body shifting. "If there is danger… I will protect you," he declared.
Arden smiled. "We don't have a clear goal anymore. We've lost so much… maybe this is our chance."
They all agreed. Their journey to Aetheria had begun 🛡️✨.
Rocky transformed his broad back into a makeshift shelter and storage space, complete with supplies, food, and a small resting area for Arden and Erik 🪨🏕️. Together, they set out, descending the Astrales Mountains toward the south, guided by the legendary map.
"The farther we go," Arden said as he studied the scroll, "the more pages of this map reveal themselves… it's as if the map is alive, guiding us through Aetherion." 🗺️✨
Erik nodded, eyes fixed on the horizon. "Then let's find Aetheria, the city of the gods," he said, his steps steady.
As they moved forward, Rocky shielded them from the mountain rain and fierce winds with his massive arms. Thus began a wandering adventure filled with danger and mystery, a journey that could change their fates forever 🌌🗡️🏔️.