Chapter 4: Chapter 4: A Mysterious Encounter
In the Victoria family, Solomon found himself cornered by adversity, yet he never relinquished his desire for a breakthrough. One day, as usual, he evaded the prying eyes of others and ventured to the dense forest in the mountains behind the family estate for his training. Among the thick trees, sunlight pierced through the gaps in the leaves, scattering patches of golden light across the ground.
While Solomon was immersed in his training, a figure suddenly emerged from the shadows. It was an enigmatic old man, his hair silver as moonlight, clad in a long grey robe adorned with strange runes that seemed to whisper ancient secrets. The old man's gaze was profound, as if it could pierce through the very essence of existence.
The elder stood silently, observing Solomon with an approving nod. His deep, resonant voice broke the quiet:
"Young man, your fate is not set in stone. If you wish to overcome your struggles, you must seek the Source of Sacred Law."
Solomon's heart skipped a beat. For so long, he had yearned to change his destiny, and this "Source of Sacred Law" could be the pivotal key. Bowing respectfully, he pleaded, "Honoured elder, what is this Source of Sacred Law, and how can I find it?"
The old man smiled faintly, a knowing curve of his lips brimming with untold wisdom. He left Solomon with only this cryptic remark:
"The time is not yet ripe. When the moment arrives, destiny will guide you."
Before Solomon could ask further, the elder turned away, disappearing into the forest like mist dissipating in the sun. Only the faint rustling of leaves remained, swaying gently as if bearing witness to his presence.
From that day onward, the elder began to haunt Solomon's dreams. Night after night, Solomon saw visions: ancient ruins glowing with an unearthly light, runes shimmering in the void, and glimpses of immense, elusive power. These dreams, though incomprehensible, seemed to unveil fragments of the Sacred Law's secrets. They filled Solomon with equal measures of wonder and resolve.
Upon waking, Solomon embarked on a mission to uncover the truth. He began by questioning his peers within the family. Most were clueless, meeting his inquiries with puzzled looks. Next, he approached some of the older members of the family. But even they had scant knowledge, only recounting vague legends: the Source of Sacred Law was rumoured to hold an unparalleled power, enough to dominate the entire continent of Glory.
Despite these setbacks, Solomon was undeterred. His determination only deepened, fuelled by an unshakable belief that persistence would eventually yield answers. Throughout his journey, one person remained by his side: Lianna. Whenever Solomon was frustrated by the lack of progress or overwhelmed by despair, Lianna would quietly stand beside him, her presence a soothing balm.
"Solomon, I know you'll find the Source of Sacred Law," she would say, her voice as gentle as the evening breeze. "No matter what challenges come your way, I'll always be here for you."
"Thank you, Lianna," Solomon replied, his eyes brimming with gratitude and resolve. "With you by my side, I feel I can achieve anything."
However, their activities did not escape the notice of others. Alfred, the family steward, stumbled upon signs of Solomon's relentless inquiries about the Source of Sacred Law while organising household matters. Suspicious, Alfred began to wonder if Solomon's actions might stir unnecessary trouble. Alfred knew of certain hidden truths about the family—truths that warned against meddling with such enigmatic powers.
Meanwhile, Elder Claude also caught wind of Solomon's pursuit. His disdain for Solomon, whom he had always viewed as an unwelcome outsider, only grew. To Claude, Solomon's interest in the Source of Sacred Law confirmed his fears: this boy was a dangerous wildcard, and Claude resolved to use this as an opportunity to put Solomon firmly in his place.
Outside the Victoria estate, forces more sinister were beginning to stir. The Shadow Order, an enigmatic and clandestine group, had caught whispers of Solomon's search. With their own insidious designs on the Source of Sacred Law, they began weaving a plot to ensnare the young man.
As the net tightened around Solomon, questions abounded. Would he be able to evade Alfred's suspicions and overcome Claude's machinations? What role would the Shadow Order play in his fate? And what trials would his bond with Lianna endure in the face of the coming storm?
The path ahead lay shrouded in uncertainty, each step forward into the unknown a perilous gamble against destiny itself.