The Inner Odyssey

Chapter 69 Keeper of the End

'The Keeper of the End?'

Alden paled.

Why did such an existence want to meet him?

Why him specifically?

In the grand scheme of things, he was nothing special. He was just one among many youths in the Sanctuary who aspired to grow stronger.

So why... was he singled out?

Did it perhaps have something to do with his abyssal powers?

He locked eyes with his adoptive father.

"Can you stand?"

The older man asked.

Alden nodded.

From the corner of his eye, he sensed Celeste was about to protest that both of them should be resting. Alden felt fine, though. Whatever Celeste had used to heal him, it had done wonders, taking away pretty much all the pain.

...Of the physical kind, of course.

Emotionally, there was still some lingering torment, but that was another matter for another time.

"A Paladin is waiting outside for you. They will escort you to the Donjon."

The young man sent a grateful nod to the Guildmaster. He hurriedly ran to the bathroom, fixing his bed hair to the best of his ability. He also changed into his usual black compression shirt and sweatpants.

Once Alden ensured he looked presentable enough, he hurried down the stairs.

...It was time for him to make the acquaintance of one of the most important people in the Sanctuary.

***

As they travelled through the snow, Alden mulled over the limited information he knew about the Keeper of the End.

Which... was not much.

They were an existence who sat at the very highest echelon, just marginally above the Four Clans in terms of influence and power. Their gender was unknown, but it was a commonly agreed consensus that they were the de facto leader of the Sanctuary - after all, High Command was composed of both the Keeper and the Four Clans.

He also wasn't privy to such high-level information as well. There would doubtless be manpower deployed to stall and slaughter any Defiled seeking entry, though.

Maybe, if he was feeling brave enough, he could enquire about the progress of the barrier's reconstruction from the Keeper.

'I'll see how things go first.'

Alden nodded to himself.

He gazed around some more, noticing a queue of mundane people standing before a stall.

Peering closer, the sign read:

"No-nonsense consultation! A free ear for those who seek."

It seemed that someone had taken it upon themselves to provide a space of free listening and counselling for the traumatised mundane. Alden marvelled at the kind act.

'Whoever they are, they are a great person. The Sanctuary is blessed with their presence.'

Alden smiled slightly and continued on his way.

Soon, they veered past the Citadel of the Ember Clan and onto the path that would take them into another Territory. Alden had briefly wondered where the Keeper's Donjon was located before he received his answer a short while later. Nestled in between a small opening inside the snow-capped hedge that travelled the whole length of the path, a stone wall jutted out slightly.

Sleet covered most of its expanse, making it very hard to notice if you weren't paying careful attention. The Paladin walked up to the wall and inserted his mana into a certain rock. In the next moment, the stone rumbled and moved.

Without hesitation, his escort stepped inside the gaping maw of darkness. Alden followed. They ascended a narrow stone stairwell.

"Be careful of the traps."

The Paladin spoke as they moved.

Alarmed, Alden instinctively formed a shield of thick, tangible and pure decay. A second later, he relaxed and paid attention to the way his guide ascended the steps.

Alden did the same, and soon, after what felt like endless climbing, they reached the top of the stairs.

A thick, sturdy wooden door greeted the duo.

The Paladin moved to the side and motioned for him to step forward.

Alden hesitated only for a split second.

He took a deep breath. Then he placed his palm on the door and pushed.

It creaked.

In the next moment, flowing mist engulfed his vision.