The Against All Odds

CH 8 - Menhir Bastion

The three of them continued to step in the darkness of the castle. And in the steps that accompany the darkness of the castle, Leo's mind begins to be filled with endless questions. However, this was a good time for him to unravel the mystery that so surrounded him. Leo, who is usually more reserved, decides to open a conversation with Belladona. "Belladona, I'm sorry if I might ask too many questions, but I feel very confused. What exactly is this place?"

Belladona smiled casually, "No problem, Leo. Now we're at Dorston Citadel, the castle and fortress that once belonged to the Kingdom of Thellidia."

"Dorston's Citadel? then, what exactly is the purpose of us coming to this castle?" leo asked in a soft voice, trying to make sense of the still confusing situation.

Belladona maintained her smile, "We are going to a room that has been abandoned for almost 3 years. The room was named Menhir Bastion, some people called it Mystic Stone. That's where you'll find the answer to your question."

Leo accepted the explanation with his head slightly raised, then continued the question, "And about you, Belladona? Where are you from, and why are you here?"

Belladona smiled wider, "I am from Thellidia Kingdom, which used to have control over this castle. Now I'm here to help you find those answers. With the help of Minister Bastion, you can get everything you need."

Leo nodded, though he did not really understand what Belladona meant. "I understand. However, everything still feels like a dream to me, and I want to know immediately, why everything can just happen."

After a long time of talking, they finally arrived at the door of the great Menhir Bastion, a door that was so monumental and still tightly closed. They stood for a moment before that majestic door, an ancient scent of dust and cold air enveloped them.

Belladona sighed deeply, her face filled with worry clearly emanating. "Leo," he said seriously, "There are some things you need to know before we go inside." He explained about the light emerging from Menhir, that in addition to the colors mentioned such as red, blue, and green, there are other colors that may appear, and if that happens, there are other colors that may appear, Leo must immediately avoid. Coupled with some other procedures when dealing with a Mystic Stone.

Leo nodded seriously, trying to absorb every word Belladona spoke. Behind his sharp gaze, he could feel a deep tension in the air, as if they were on the verge of something big and very serious.

Belladona also spoke to Aura, a devoted spirit accompanying them. "Aura, please take care of Alisha while Leo does his job."

Aura was exalted with a pair of eyes that glittered like jewels upon hearing Belladona's orders. Although Aura was actually scared, she knew that her job was to provide protection and assistance to them.

The large door opened inward slowly, producing a heavy clattering sound from its ancient hinges, revealing the vastness of this room. Throughout the eye looked, Leo saw a Menhir standing upright in the center of the room, giving off a mysterious aura that was so powerful.

On each side there was a white pattern that shone signifying its strength. This view is incredible. This room was as big as half a football field, making it one of the largest rooms he had ever seen. On top of it, a circular glass roof that was so vast it allowed sunlight to enter, creating a magical atmosphere.

Looking at the beautiful and majestic scenery inside Menhir Bastion, Leo's expression turned into awe. His eyes widened, stunned by the beauty and mystery of this room. He felt like he was in a completely different world, a place far from the reality he had known before. Although there was a feeling of anxiety in his heart, the beauty and magic of this room could not be ignored by him.

Leo gently laid Alisha on a large, smooth stone surface. Meanwhile, Belladona takes decisive steps to close the large door of the room with her magical powers. In an instant, the huge door was locked, leaving an extremely majestic Menhir behind.

Leo gently rubbed Alisha's forehead for a moment before finally turning his head towards Belladona and Aura. With a definite step, he walked towards Menhir through one of the connecting bridges that connected them with the center of attention of this room. Beneath it is a pool of calm water, reflecting the sunlight that enters through the vast glass roof. The light creates a glittering reflection on the surface of the water. The coldness of the stone floor, the feeling of piercing through the boots he was wearing and the cool breeze that flashed through this room made him feel refreshed. Leo can feel a light vibration under his feet as he gets closer to Menhir.

When Leo arrived at Menhir, he felt a strong vibration of energy stored within. A rumbling voice seemed to permeate his heart, reminding him of how great his mission was in the world he had just faced. With a feeling of courage, Leo reached out his right hand, ready to live what Belladona had mandated.

Leo rubbed the stone gently, feeling the presence of energy radiating from within. The coldness that had originally approached him began to turn into warmth, as if the stone was speaking to him in an unspoken language. Leo felt the energy enter him, giving him a new feeling he had never felt before. His eyes radiated wonder and confidence, ready to face all the secrets hidden within this stone.

At first, the warm chill now turned into a gentle vibration, as the Menhir responded to his presence. Leo felt a wave of energy continuously flowing from the stone, giving him goosebumps. He looked in amazement at how the huge rock was starting to undergo such a stunning transformation.

The tremors flowed all over Leo, as if greeting his arrival kindly. Leo's hand was still firmly attached to the stone, and he could feel the changes taking place. The stone grew taller, as if towered upwards to welcome him. However, even more amazing is when the stone is divided into five parts, such as large wheels that rotate in unison. Each piece of stone begins to spin in perfect rhythm, like a gear that is aligned in a complicated machine.

This vibration reached where Belladona was standing far behind, he smiled in astonishment, as if this was the moment he had been waiting for for a long time. The extraordinary moment continued with more and more appalling. The uppermost part of the stone, which had just turned, suddenly stopped. That part of the stone lit up with an impressive silver glow. The light, though so bright, was soothing. Just then, an inscription began to appear slowly, like it was engraved on a stone that was now speechless. The writing that began to form with the light was inscribed with the name 'Leo Demhian', which shone brightly at the very top.

Belladona yelled enthusiastically, "Forward, Leo!" he exuded passion and hope, his eyes shining at what had happened to Menhir Bastion.

Leo, who was still tightly holding the stone, replied by continuing to maintain his position. He felt an overwhelming energy and drive from within him, as if a stream of this power was flowing through his hands onto the stone.

Without waiting any longer, the part of the stone located right below also stopped rotating slowly, and an equally dazzling silver light emanated from that part. Under his name, a word was revealed, 'Earth, 21st Century' The second part of the stone has revealed where Leo came from.

They waited expectantly as the parts of the Menhir stopped spinning one by one. Leo, with a curious look on his face, did not want to take his hand off the stone. Belladona and Aura exuded passion and hope, they were also impatient to see what would unfold next.