Episode 63 - The Eternal Tower (Gill’s story)
For if Kirik and Shaela are to regain consciousness, Gill needed to enlist aid from the Dragonoids and the Mermaids to return to their homelands and obtain the care and attention that was needed for their wellbeing.
One thing was clear however, the extensive difference between Welser’s powers and theirs. As a result, there was no reliable strategy that would lead to the Demon King’s downfall. Where the Gates of Darkness previously resided has been replaced by a massive churning vortex of otherworldly powers. Furthermore, since the Dark Elves have been consumed, the Elf Portals are more than likely the next targets...but what to do?
Gill reflected on his thoughts on how they should proceed. As he lingered further into thought, he drifted off towards slumber. Relentless battles have overtaxed him, pushing mind and soul to the limit until rest was the only resolution. As torpidity rose, a recurring dream quickly overcame him...
“The Eternal Tower...”, Gill thought to himself.
Gill found himself faced with an all too familiar scene, the
Eternal Tower...a behemoth of construction that pierced the clouds. Lightning
continuously struct the surrounding area, claps of thunder and high winds made
it difficult attune the senses. Gill collects himself and proceeds towards the
magenta hued entrance, placing a few strands of his platinum hair behind his
right ear, he walks through the archway. Two white Dragonoid priestesses awaited
within. Their sole purpose is to protect the sacred powers that remains sealed
further within the Eternal Tower. They were formidable and not to be taken
lightly. Gill knew that if he were to obtain these powers, he may indeed be
able to face the Demon King once again. He could feel himself being drawn
deeper and further into the tower.
“This is just a dream...yet I feel I must venture forth.”,
he thought.
Suddenly, Gill awoke from his slumber. Details of his dream
remain fresh in his mind like it wasn’t a dream at all. Similarly, to the
Palace of Hope, intriguing magical powers concealed it against prying eyes. With
a dream so vivid and real, could these forbidden places exist in reality? Gill
was determined to find out. After gathering the necessities, he ventured forth
to the location of the Eternal Tower his dream previously guided him to.
Gill cautiously proceeded past the Demon Gate towards the
Eternal Tower. As Gill ventured forward, he finally could see the Eternal Tower
in front of the sunset. A half day journey still left Gill well rested, so he
started to approach the main gate. The Eternal Tower appeared precisely as it
did in his dream.
“Who made this colossal tower of vast magical powers and
what is the purpose of it all?”, he pondered. Perplexed, he continued onward
knowing nothing but what his dream portrayed.
Gill stood just inches from the Eternal Tower gates. As
if he was expected, the heavy doors begin to open from within. Gill extends his
hands forward to push them open completely. Waiting within are the same two white
Dragonoid priestesses from his dream.
“Who are you and why have you come?”, one of the
priestesses inquired.
“I am known as Gill. I have had a dream...a vision of
this place and the power that it holds.”, Gill responded.
"My name is Ryula and my counterpart here is Viola. For
generations, we have guarded this tower waiting for the chosen one to appear.
You have been guided here by dream, validation that you are indeed the chosen
one. Though you seek the power the Eternal Tower holds, such things come at a
cost. You must prove to us your resolve and righteousness. “, Ryula explained.
“Righteousness and resolve...right...”, Gill mumbled just
loud enough for the priestesses to hear.
“What use are these powers to you?”, Viola quickly
confronted Gill.
Gill, slightly rattled by Viola’s approach, kept his
composure and responded, “To seal the Gates of Darkness.”
“...and after that?”, the priestess inquired.
“I do not know, my sole purpose as of now is to seal The
Gate of Darkness at any cost. I cannot say what the future holds. Are you
asking if I will always be pure and good? In good faith I cannot guarantee
that. I cannot say I won’t use these powers for destruction. With destruction
comes rebirth, like the ashes of a phoenix.”, Gill firmly stood his ground.
“If that is the case, then we can only bestow to you the power
you seek with one condition.”, proclaimed the priestesses, “If you desire what
you seek, a contract must be made.”
“What are the details of this ‘contract’ you speak of?”,
Gill responded.
“For as long as blood flows through your veins and your
lungs take breath, the misuse of these powers will be your untimely demise.”,
the priestesses grinned in response.
Without a hint of hesitation, Gill quickly answers, “Then
I believe we have come to an arrangement.”
“Are you prepared to have this contract bound to you for
life?”, the priestesses asked.
“I am posed with no choice in the matter. Unless the Gate
of Darkness is closed, and the Demon King defeated, there will be no future, so
indeed, yes...I accept.”, grinningly he continues, “Besides, I don’t take
defeat like this very well.”
“We have foreseen that; indeed, you are right. With the
Gate of Darkness open, the future is bleak at best. We shall entrust the future
of this world to you. Step forward and we shall guide you to the top of the
Eternal Tower.”, the priestesses commanded of Gill.
Suddenly, without notice, a simple flash from Ryula’s
magic circle, Gill quickly realized he was indeed on top of the Eternal Tower.
As Gill clears the hair from in front of his eyes, he glares towards the center
of the tower. A jagged pedestal resides at the center with a magic stone
hovering above it. Radiating multiple hues of light from the center, feeling
like it’s already consuming him. Glowing and radiant, Gill proceeds towards the
stone.
“Extend your hands forward to proceed with the contract.
Viola will assist you.”, Ryula instructed.
“Sure thing.”, Gill quickly responded, it’s all he could
do being in awe of the radiance of the magic stone. The power almost buckling
him to his knees.
“Will you swear that you will never use this power with
nefarious intent and if so, the punishment is your own annihilation?”, Viola
asked.
“I swear to only use the powers for the benefit of the
world.”, Gill responded.
“As you wish, then let the contract be sealed in your
heart and soul. Reach out and grasp the magic stone”, Viola exclaimed.
As the very tip of Gill’s finger contacted the magic stone,
its glow amplified ten-fold. His palms wrapped around the sides of the stone
and the light slowly began to creep up Gill’s arms towards his chest. Gill
could feel the flow of power pierce his mortal shell quickly consuming him from
within. He could barely take a breath, let alone move until the magic stone
began to shrink until it was small enough to fit in the palm of his hand. As
the light resided and Gill stood in awe, Viola began to seal the contract. She
engraved a sacred glyph into Gill’s chest to seal the power of the magic stone
within him.
“This is an ultra magic stone – it will provide guidance
to you henceforth. Grasp the ultra magic stone firmly and extend your hand
towards the clouds.”, Viola instructed.
Gill rose his hand skyward. At its peak, a radiant ray of
light extended through the sky.
“If you desire to obtain new power beyond what you
already possess, follow this light. The light will lead you to the Floating
Isle in which you’ll find a guardian to further instruct you.”, Viola showed
Gill.
“Quite interesting indeed. I have a friend that these
powers would be rather...beneficial to. Rather than consume it for myself, the
both of us together with these new powers would have a greater impact.”, Gill
explained, “Thank you for your assistance, but I must take my leave.”
“Our pleasure. You have our blessing Gill and be sure to
not forget about the contract.”, Viola warned Gill.
“Oh, believe me, I’ll keep that in mind.”, Gill
responded.
Gill began his journey back to Sasaru. Gill grew excited and confident at thought of even more power residing at the Floating Isle. As he left the Eternal Tower, he took one more glance back as he’ll always remember where he obtained the power and abilities to confront the Demon King.
