Omega's Rebirth-Chapter 685: Good Enough ()

"You mean to say, the souls of the dead have truly been sealed in each of these items? For all these centuries? To what end?" Xenon asked in a low tone, cautiously reaching for the orb.

Though Xenon could recognise its likeness, he sensed no aura of familiarity whatsoever from it, not like he would have expected.

It was difficult to say it was not just any ordinary gem and had actually been forged with the life essence of a dragon.

And Xenon could guess why...it was because at this point, there was no more life within the orb, not even traces of it...there was just nothing.

Xenon’s hand hovered over the orb, but then he thought better of it and retracted his hand, dropping it back to his sides.

Xenon did not understand how much he could do before he triggered or touched something wrong that would lead to the creation of more troubles, the shadow tower was no ordinary place and Xenon could not afford anymore risks.

’You must sense it also, Firedrake. That the aura contained within is long gone.’ The first spectral voice chipped in to Xenon.

"I do...a dragon’s orb should radiate his aura, even...in death. Unless... even his very soul was vanquished." Xenon muttered in silent dismay.

’Soul sealing is a primary art of sorcery, as old as time itself. There is but a thin layer of existence between the living and the dead, hence why necromancy is such a powerful and undefeated dark magic art.’

’Soul sealing has been practiced for as long as the arts of dark magic have been in existence. And it was never limited to a particular art of sorcery, rather soul sealing was considered a catalyst...to amplify the ability and potency of the spells of sorcerers.’ The third spectral voice replied to Xenon’s question.

"I heard the tales, but I did not conceive... that even up till this time, such traces of this cruelty were left behind. How could it be that even in death, one’s soul could be used for such malicious purposes? That even in death... some are forever bound to the terrible fate of our past?" Xenon asked in a low tone..

’Dark magic is abundant on its own, but just as it is with other forms of magic, there are many ways to enhance or strengthen magical arts, and soul essence is one such way.’

’Even after the fall of the dark lord, these souls seals all served a purpose to the dark empire...a magic reserve. The wards and this very tower are continuously enriched by the natural soul essence, thus traces of dark magic can still prevail in this tower.’ The first spectral voice spoke this time.

"What... happened here? To all these... souls?" Xenon asked uncertainly.

’Various fates. Some soul essences were completely exhausted by the last spell cast by the dark lord before his demise... others have dispersed with time, in both cases, they cease to exist both in the land of the living and the dead.’ The second spectral voice related to Xenon.

"So they are all... vanquished from existence?" Xenon asked, though he already knew the answer to his question.

Xenon’s gaze trailed from one chest to the other, there were hundreds of them. It was hard to believe that each one of those souls had been denied an after life, or whatever lay beyond the present reality.

"All but, you three..." Xenon guessed,

He had already figured it out, what the three spectral voices that had plagued him for this long represented. But there were still many things Xenon could not understand.

’You must wonder why you alone can hear our words and not your kin, Verothrax.’ The second spectral voice voiced out Xenon’s thoughts.

’Verothrax is merely touched by darkness, but you are different, Firedrake...there is darkness lurking within you. You have tasted death, yet returned from it alive, but a link once formed to the realm beyond can never be severed.’ The first spectral voice revealed to Xenon.

Xenon’s brows furrowed slightly at that. He could not understand the words of the spectral voice.

"I have faced death countless times. I’ve lived long enough and have spent half of my lifetime dancing with death, and the same could be said for most of my kin. What is so special about that?" Xenon asked blankly.

’Your kin have faced death...but have they lost their mind to the darkness and broken free from it?’ The third spectral voice quizzed.

Xenon pursed his lips at that, reaching for another chest, he opened it and found a small gleaming mermaid scale.

Xenon quickly shut the chest, wincing slightly at that.

"So, it is the wild haze again. Will I ever live that down?" Xenon said with a small scoff.

’Your kin may not know it, but do you dare claim you do not know? That the darkness in your mind has long become a part of you? That while it lies quiet and still, it can never be separated from you... that you are now one and the same entity?’ The third spectral voice confronted.

"Give me one good reason why I should accept your offer. Why should I not walk away at this very moment, leaving all of this in the past as was decided by the dragon lords all those centuries ago? And some tales of my heritage are not good enough." Xenon said, ignoring the question posed to him.

’Caught between the world of the living and the dead, there is no darker fate. To have a chance at an afterlife, we can only accompany you and severe the shackles holding us to this tower... there is only you who hears our voice, there will not be another after you.’ The third spectral voice said to Xenon, its tone melancholic.

’Cursed to lurk these halls for all eternity, perhaps being vanquished from existence would have been a greater mercy. If you are willing to free us from this tower, we will accompany you and aide you until you deem it fit to free us.’ The second spectral voice offered.