"I'm the Lynx you saw," the grey-robed figure, now revealed, repeated, a playful glint in his deep green eyes. Ryuxian, still reeling from the fusion and the overwhelming influx of knowledge, stared in disbelief.
"But... you were just a man," he stammered, his voice hoarse.
The Lynx chuckled, a low, resonant sound. "Appearances can be deceiving, young one. We all wear masks, some more literal than others. The form you saw was merely a vessel, a way to interact with your world. Now, with your enhanced senses, you see the truth."
Ryuxian reached up, touching his own face. He could feel the subtle shift in his perception, the heightened awareness of the energies around him. His gaze shifted towards the window, where the first rays of dawn were painting the sky.
"We are bound to the threads of fate," the Lynx continued, "guardians and weavers of the cosmic tapestry. The moth, you see, was a thread that had become tangled, lost its way. Your gem, and your own unique energy, provided the means for its return."
"But why me?" Ryuxian asked, the question echoing in the silent tower. "Why did it choose me?"
"The stardust within you resonates with the moth's essence," the Lynx explained. "It saw a familiar home, a place of belonging. And your Serpent Code, a force of primal energy, offered the perfect vessel for its reintegration. You were the catalyst, the bridge between two worlds."
Ryuxian looked down at his hands, still marked by the faint crimson thread. "And now?"
"Now," the Lynx said, a hint of urgency in his voice, "you must learn to control this power. The fusion has granted you immense potential, but it also carries great responsibility. The whispers you heard, the echoes of the Throne, are not idle threats. They represent a force that seeks to unravel the very fabric of existence."
He paused, his gaze returning to Ryuxian. "The fusion of the moth and the Serpent Code has created a powerful synergy, but it also makes you a target. Those who seek to control the threads of fate will be drawn to you, seeking to exploit your power for their own ends."
Ryuxian felt a shiver run down his spine. The vision of the flourishing green mountains and the peaceful moth was juxtaposed with the looming threat of unseen enemies. "What do I do?"
"You learn," the Lynx said firmly. "You learn to master your abilities, to understand the knowledge that now flows within you. You learn to wield the power of the Serpent Code and the wisdom of the moth. And most importantly, you learn to trust your instincts."
He stepped closer, his green eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. "The path ahead will be fraught with danger, but you are not alone. The moth, now a part of you, will guide you, offering its wisdom and insight. And I, too, will be watching, offering guidance when needed."
"But... why can't you just help directly?" Ryuxian asked, frustration creeping into his voice.
The Lynx smiled, a sad, knowing smile. "There are rules, young one, cosmic laws that govern our interactions. We can guide, we can influence, but we cannot interfere directly. Your journey, your destiny, must be your own."
He turned towards the window, where the sun was now fully risen, casting a golden light across the tower. "The world is changing, Ryuxian. The threads of fate are shifting, and you are now a key player in the unfolding drama. Embrace your power, young one, and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead."
Before leaving, he gave Ryuxian a jade pendant. "If you break it on the ground, I can come and help you whenever you feel lost or helpless," the Lynx explained.
"What! I can only call you once?" Ryuxian asked, surprised.
The Lynx chuckled. "No, it can be reused as much as you want, but only in critical moments. I can't leave this place easily, just like that, okay?"
Ryuxian nodded, understanding the limitations. He looked down at the Ryuxian Gem, the faint glow of the moth's wings visible within. "After seeing her... I feel happy," Ryuxian said, a soft smile spreading across his face.
"Her?" The Lynx asked, his brow raised.
"Yeah. The moth," Ryuxian said. "She needs a name. How about... Nyx?"
"Nyx?" The Lynx repeated, considering the name.
"Yeah," Ryuxian nodded. "Nyx, the goddess of the night. The one who carries the knowledge of chaos."
The Lynx smiled, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Nyx... it suits her. Very well."
Ryuxian smiled back. "And you... you're a Sage, right?"
"Indeed," the Lynx replied, his eyes twinkling. "A Sage of this mountain. A very old Sage."
Ryuxian's eyes widened. "You were a Lynx cat, weren't you?"
The Lynx chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "Indeed, I was. Thousands of years ago, I began to cultivate, and eventually, I achieved a humanoid form. The people of this land began to worship me as a god figure."
"But you're territorial," Ryuxian observed, noticing the subtle twitch of the Lynx's ears, now visible to him. "And you promised to stay here."
"A keen observation," the Lynx said, his smile widening. "Indeed, I am bound to this place by a promise, a pact made long ago. That is why I cannot leave, except in the most dire of circumstances."
Ryuxian nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "So, I'm on my own, mostly?"
"Not entirely," the Lynx reassured him. "Nyx will guide you, and I will be here if you need me. And if you want anything else, ask the head guy. He will provide you."
With those words, the Lynx turned and walked towards the door, his form fading into the morning light. Ryuxian was left alone in the tower, the weight of his newfound abilities settling upon him. He looked down at the Ryuxian Gem hanging from his neck, the faint glow of Nyx's wings visible within. He understood now. This was not just a pendant; it was a responsibility, a burden, and a gift. And he, Ryuxian, was the one chosen to carry it. He looked around the tower, then back to the gem, a sense of wonder and trepidation filling his heart. "Nyx," he whispered, "what adventures await us?"