Chương 78: Chapter 76: The Sanctuary of Courage

The map hovered silently above the council table. Five pillars of golden light stretched across the continent, each marking one of the newly awakened sanctuaries. The rulers gathered around the table watched in silence, the weight of the revelation settling over the room. King Dasrath was the first to speak.

"So these sanctuaries contain the legacies of the previous Dharma Heirs." The Guardian nodded.

"They were hidden after the First Age."

"For thousands of years, no one could find them."

"Because no Dharma Heir existed to awaken them." His ancient eyes turned toward Rayan.

"They have answered your call." Rayan studied the glowing map carefully. Every sanctuary lay in a different kingdom, separated by dangerous terrain and territories already occupied by monsters or Celestial forces.

"This isn't a coincidence."

"No," the Guardian replied.

"It's a trial."

"A trial?"

"The Dharma Astra isn't inherited through blood."

"It is inherited through choice."

"The sanctuaries won't simply hand you their power."

"They will judge whether you deserve it." The room fell silent. Cassian leaned back in his chair and folded his arms.

"So..."

"We have to impress dead heroes." The Guardian looked at him without amusement.

"If you fail..."

"The sanctuary will reject Rayan forever." Cassian's grin faded.

"Right."

"So... no pressure." Three days later... The Continental Alliance had already begun rebuilding Ayanor. Caravans filled with supplies arrived from every allied kingdom. Knights trained together regardless of their homeland. Mages shared techniques that had once been guarded as national secrets. For the first time in centuries... Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Humanity looked united. Rayan stood before the eastern gate of the capital.

His black-and-gold cloak fluttered in the morning wind. Shadowbreaker rested at his side. King Dasrath approached carrying a small wooden box.

"I wanted to give you this before you left." Rayan accepted it. Inside rested an old silver compass. It was scratched and worn by age.

"It belonged to your mother." Rayan looked up in surprise.

"I've never seen it."

"I couldn't bear to look at it after she died." The king smiled sadly.

"She believed that a king should never lose his direction." He closed Rayan's fingers around the compass.

"When you begin to doubt yourself..."

"Remember where your journey began." For a long moment... Neither father nor son spoke. Words weren't necessary. Outside the capital gates... Siena adjusted the straps on her traveling cloak. Cassian stood nearby complaining while loading supplies.

"Whose brilliant idea was it to bring books?" Siena looked at him.

"They're maps."

"They're heavy."

"They're useful."

"They're still heavy." Rayan couldn't help smiling. Some things never changed. The Guardian appeared beside the group.

"The nearest sanctuary lies beyond the Ironwood Mountains." He pointed toward the east.

"The Sanctuary of Courage."

"It belonged to the First Successor." Valen. The journey took four days. The landscape gradually changed from green valleys to towering cliffs. Ancient forests stretched endlessly beneath the mountains, their massive trees so old that entire villages could have been built inside their hollow trunks. No birds sang here. No monsters attacked. The silence itself felt unnatural. Finally... They reached the entrance. A colossal stone gate rose from the mountainside. It stood nearly one hundred meters tall.

Seven circular symbols decorated its surface. Only one glowed faintly. The symbol of Courage. The moment Rayan stepped forward... The gate trembled. Ancient runes illuminated one after another. A deep voice echoed through the valley.

"State your name."

"I am Rayan Ashvar."

"State your purpose."

"I seek the legacy of the Dharma Heirs." The mountain shook. Dust fell from the cliffs above.

"Power is not your purpose." The voice became louder.

"Answer again." Rayan closed his eyes. Why had he truly come? To defeat Heaven? To become stronger? To avenge Arkan? None of those answers felt complete. He slowly opened his eyes.

"I came..."

"... because I don't want another child to lose their home." Silence. The mountain became perfectly still. Then... The massive gate slowly opened. A warm golden light poured from within. The Guardian smiled.

"You answered correctly." Cassian blinked.

"That was the test?" The Guardian chuckled softly.

"No."

"That was only permission to enter." Inside the sanctuary... The world changed. The group found themselves standing in a vast golden plain beneath an endless sunset. Broken banners fluttered in the wind. Thousands of abandoned swords stood planted in the earth like silent gravestones. At the center of the plain... A lone warrior knelt before an ancient flag. He wore battered black armor. His long cloak had been torn by countless battles. Although his face remained hidden beneath his lowered head...

The pressure surrounding him surpassed every Saint Rayan had ever encountered. The warrior slowly stood. Golden eyes opened. They were identical to Rayan's.

"So..." His voice was calm.

"The Eighth Heir has arrived." Rayan frowned.

"Eighth?" The warrior smiled faintly.

"We never counted Arkan."

"He was the First."

"I..."

"... was the Second." Valen. Unlike the memory within the crystal... This felt real. Almost alive. Valen drew a simple black sword from the ground. Its blade was chipped. Its edge worn by centuries of battle.

"I won't ask whether you're worthy." He pointed the sword toward Rayan.

"I'll discover it myself." Golden flames ignited around the ancient warrior. The peaceful plain instantly transformed into a battlefield. The Guardian's face grew serious.

"This is the Trial of Courage."

"You cannot win by defeating him." Rayan looked at the spirit.

"Then how do I pass?" The Guardian's answer came quietly.

"That..."

"... is something every Dharma Heir must discover alone." Valen vanished. The next instant... His blade was already descending toward Rayan. To Be Continue....