Chapter 18: Chapter 18: The Stone Tablet and the Omen
As the Northern outpost was gradually restored, in the thin morning mist, Shuang Yue, Ray, and Yun Che decided to leave the outpost and venture into a desolate wilderness said to hold clues left by the ancient Devourer civilization. The wilderness was bitterly cold, with ruined walls scattered about, as if whispering tales of past glory and downfall. The three followed a hidden ancient trail, their footsteps crunching over leftover snow, while distant mountain ridges hinted at a profound desolation. After a long journey, they discovered a solitary stone tablet amid the barren landscape. Though weathered by time, the faintly visible runes on its surface still exuded an air of mystery and solemnity.
Leading the way, Shuang Yue approached the tablet, and the trio gathered around the stone slab inscribed with ancient symbols. The inscription recounted the tragic history of the ancient Devourers—how their indiscriminate absorption of otherworldly energy had led to their self-destruction—and hinted: "Unrestrained power will collapse; only by steadfastly holding to one's original intent can the light of righteousness herald rebirth." These fragmented prophecies shook Shuang Yue's heart; as his fingertips brushed over the mottled carvings, he felt as if he could hear a whisper from the past.
Ray studied the tablet intently and murmured, "These runes reveal the ancients' deep warning about the instability of otherworldly energy. Desolation once harnessed this power to alter the order of the world, but in the end, he reaped his own ruin." Yun Che added quietly, "I've witnessed firsthand the devastation wrought by extreme power. Seeing this tablet fills me with both sorrow and awakening—it serves as a warning, urging us to follow the righteous path."
The three then engaged in a thoughtful discussion. Shuang Yue recalled the ancient texts he'd studied in the Forbidden Ruins, emphasizing that every time they absorbed otherworldly energy, it imposed pressure on their Inner Universe. Only through precise control could that energy be transformed into a force to protect their home. In a tone full of conviction, he said, "We mustn't let greed cloud our judgment; if our Inner Universe is overloaded, it'll collapse, repeating the tragic fate of those ancient Devourers."
Ray nodded. "This stone tablet and its carvings are precious lessons from the past. In the future, every unit of energy we absorb must be carefully measured. Only by practicing moderation will our power endure and serve as a shield when we're in dire straits."
Yun Che then retrieved a small rune stone from his pouch. Comparing its intricate patterns with those on the tablet, he exclaimed, "Look—these markings on the stone are astonishingly similar to the designs on Desolation's black armor! This proves he once laid his schemes here. It's a stark reminder that we must use our Inner Universe power with caution, or history will repeat itself."
Slowly, Shuang Yue pocketed the rune stone and turned to his companions. "What we see before us today isn't just a record of history—it's a mirror reflecting our own path. It reminds us that only by wielding our inner power with wisdom and restraint can it truly become the foundation for protecting our home, rather than the root of our downfall."
The cold wind before the stone tablet seemed to murmur the ancient prophecy, and the three stood in silence, absorbing the profound energy emanating from it. Shuang Yue, Ray, and Yun Che made a solemn vow right there: no matter how many formidable foes and obstacles they might face in the future, they'd steadfastly adhere to the principles of restraint within their Inner Universe, ensuring that each absorption was precisely controlled and never allowing their power to run amok.
Afterward, they departed from the stone tablet and began the journey back to the outpost. Though this exploration had revealed only a fragment of ancient wisdom, that moment had planted a seed of hope in their hearts. The carvings, runes, and fragmented prophecies would become crucial references for confronting Desolation's schemes in the future. As long as that seed could take root, even in the darkness, a blossom of light would eventually emerge.
Back at the outpost, the three shared their insights with the villagers and, during breaks in their repair work, further discussed how to better control their Inner Universe in future battles. Everyone understood that the stone tablet and its message not only warned of past tragedies but also pointed the way toward the future. This visit wasn't just a brief respite; it was a spiritual baptism that filled everyone with renewed confidence and hope for what was to come.