no. 07 - The Sanctum.
The Sanctum
“The greatest power is not found in what we seek, but in what we discover within ourselves.”
The desert was still, bathed in the orange glow of a setting sun. In the distance, three monoliths stood like ancient guardians, their smooth, obsidian surfaces split by glowing seams of golden light. Leo had traveled far to reach this place, driven by the desire to unlock the secrets that the monoliths were rumored to hold. Legends spoke of great power hidden within them—power that could reshape worlds, bend time, or grant immortality. For Leo, it was an opportunity to claim a destiny far greater than the one life had offered him.
As he approached the nearest monolith, the air grew thick with an almost tangible energy. The ground beneath his feet trembled ever so slightly, and a deep hum filled the air, vibrating in his chest. He felt the pull of the monoliths—an invitation, a challenge. He was close now, closer than anyone had ever been. The monolith loomed before him, towering above like a dark mirror that reflected the last rays of the sun.
Leo reached out, his hand trembling with anticipation. As his fingertips brushed the cool, smooth surface, the hum grew louder, resonating through his bones. The golden seam in the monolith widened, flooding the space with light so bright that he had to shield his eyes. Within the light, a shadowy figure emerged, taking shape as it stepped forward. It was him—an exact reflection, yet somehow different, older, wiser.
“You seek power,” the figure spoke, its voice a perfect echo of Leo’s own. “But power is not granted, it is earned. And the true power you seek is not found in the monoliths, but within yourself.”
Leo felt a pang of disappointment. He had expected something more—an artifact, a revelation, something tangible he could wield. But as he listened, he realized that this was the revelation. The monoliths were not the source of power, but a mirror that reflected his own potential, his own fears and desires. The true test was not in taking, but in understanding.
“You have the strength to shape your destiny,” the figure continued, “but only if you first conquer the shadows within.”
The light began to dim, and the figure faded back into the monolith. Leo stood there, alone once more, but changed. The hum subsided, leaving only the silence of the desert. He understood now that the journey was not about gaining power, but about discovering the strength that had always been his. The monoliths had shown him the way, but the path was his to walk.
