The Hall of Echoes seemed to sigh as I rose from my knees, the golden light of the pearl dimming to a gentle glow in my hand. The air felt lighter now, as if the hall itself recognized my triumph over the shadows. EG stood silently, his gaze fixed on me, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. For the first time, I felt a sense of trust—or at least, the faintest hint that he was not an enemy.
"Follow me," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "There is something you must see."
I followed him through the mirrored hall, each step echoing softly. The mirrors now reflected only our images, but faint golden threads from the pearl traced a path ahead, guiding me. My curiosity fought with my caution—this man, EG, remained a mystery, and I could not yet fully believe in his intentions. But something in his stride, the way the pearl seemed to respond to him, told me he was key to unlocking the truth behind all this.
He led me to a wall at the far end of the hall, one that had seemed ordinary before. But as he approached, the surface shimmered subtly, revealing faint runes glowing beneath the polished mirror-like stone. "The tower has layers," EG explained. "Some are visible, some hidden. The portal you are about to see… only reveals itself to those who have faced their inner echoes."
He pressed his palm against the wall, and the runes blazed to life. A section of the stone dissolved like mist, revealing a swirling vortex of light, golden and silver threads entwined like a living spiral. The portal pulsed rhythmically, almost breathing, and I could feel a strange pull in my chest, as if the pearl and the vortex recognized each other.
"Do you see it?" EG asked, turning to me. His golden eyes reflected the portal's glow. "This is the next stage. Beyond this portal lies the world where the secrets of the pearl are kept. But be warned… it is not merely a journey through space, but through time, memory, and willpower. You must be ready for what awaits."
I stared into the vortex, my reflection fractured and mingling with the light inside. My mind flashed back to the snow-covered mirror world, the bus stop, and every trial I had faced so far. A shiver ran through me. Could I truly face what lay beyond? Could I survive the unknown that awaited?
EG stepped closer, placing a hand gently on my shoulder. "The pearl chose you for a reason. Its power resonates with your heart and courage. But remember, it is not invincible. You must be wise, not just brave. Trust yourself as much as the pearl."
I swallowed hard, feeling the pearl pulse warmly, almost urging me forward. Taking a deep breath, I nodded. "I… I'm ready," I whispered.
"I will go through this portal."
EG gave a slight nod, and without another word, I stepped toward the swirling light. The moment my fingers touched the surface of the portal, a wave of warmth and energy surged through me, lifting me off the ground. The golden threads of the pearl intertwined with the light, and I felt as if I were being drawn into the very essence of the tower itself.
The world around me dissolved, replaced by streaks of light, flashes of memories, and whispers of unseen voices. I clutched the pearl tightly, feeling its pulse synchronize with mine, guiding me through the chaos. For a moment, I wondered if I would ever see solid ground again—but then, a faint outline emerged: a new world, distant mountains glinting with strange crystal light, skies swirling with colors I had never seen.
I had arrived.
And I knew, without a doubt, that the next stage of the tower—and the truth of EG—was waiting for me there.