To move forward, like a manta ray swimming in this vast ocean, I'm going to go to a province.But the question is—which one?
Should I ask Beato?…Nah.I have to scheme for the future. She'd only distract me.
I don't want to ask Edmund for specifics either.
Thales recalled the Legion. Would he end up joining their cause?
Suddenly, a passage from the sacred book flashed in his mind—now, of all times.It was blank.
He heard a whisper in his mind.
The voice, emotionless—not deep, not soft—spoke:
"The sinking pit is no eternal graveyard for fragmented memories, it is said.All of existence can only be a struggle of identity,Where said continuity stands where it always was—Ready to rise and ready to fall.Even with clipped wings, you will only fall for but a moment, I dare say.Icarus is a myth,For reality cycles—And there is no eternal hubris."
"Go to the Labyrinth of Echoes."
Thales was skeptical of the voice—but he had no choice but to follow it.
First, he confirmed the labyrinth's location—and its residents—with the maids.
When he arrived, it was light.Thales had pale skin, so he had to use a parasol—even sunscreen wouldn't do his condition justice.At least, not conventionally.Maybe with cultivation, he could lessen the impact someday.
Then he saw them.
A very beautiful person.He was honestly in awe.
Was this… a man? A woman?
They had luminescent skin, light shimmering off their surface.They didn't look old—and didn't look young.In fact, it was as if they were shifting through the stages of life every time Thales blinked.
Their eyes were unlike any other: dual-toned, distinctive.One was a deep green, earthy and grounding.The other, a piercing icy silver, as if it saw through everything.
Their hair flowed like it was underwater—pure silver streaked with gold—unaffected by gravity.Their face was harmonious, but Thales could've sworn he saw subtle scars, though they were blocked by the sheer magnetism of their aesthetic.
Tall, slender.Their robes, like frozen mist.A celestial orrery adorned their head—symbol of cosmic knowledge.Patterns stitched into their garments shimmered—runes and sigils Thales couldn't quite comprehend.Same with the sash wrapped around them.
It was almost… too much to look at.
"Do you have anything to say, or are you just going to stare?"
The person spoke with a kind smile.
"Oh yeah—sorry. Uh, what are you? And what's your name?"
They were slightly surprised.
"What's my name is a very interesting question in our lands and quite significant…But what am I illustrates a profound ignorance—Like you were a survivor in unknown lands, fresh off a migration,"
The person slightly mocked.
Thales thought he was right—somewhat. But he didn't like the mocking tone.
He was about to respond, but—
"Evward Gibbon.And I'm an Everspire.I dare say, I'm your guide for this labyrinth.I know who you are, Thales Miray."
"Oh, I see. I appreciate it, Mr. Gibbon.Who told you my name or foretold my coming?"
"It was always foretold.But the task was given by the Council themselves, who were enlightened by even higher powers."
"Ah. The Sage of Memory, perhaps?"
"Ah—that's my bad. I see how that could've been misinterpreted.That was an accurate guess, based on my phrasing…But no. I dare say it is the highest power that provided the light of history in the making."
"Wait. How is the Sage not the highest in rank?"
"Oh, he is. But I said powers.He is not the strongest, nor the most influential in Historia—even though it is certainly his land.A very special existence holds that significance.It is… likely."
"I see…So what are the patterns on your clothes and accessories?"
"Oh, I thought you were brighter than that—to be considered by 'The Excellency.'It seems like it isn't the case, I dare say.They are collective memories—and my personal memories—etched into these clothes.And my headpiece is reminiscent of the celestial cycles, which you may have noticed."
How sardonic.
"So… can we enter?"
Thales was eager.He had a Faustian greed to devour what was in front of him as quickly as possible.
"It may be in your best interest to wait.Wouldn't it be a long journey?If you survive the Labyrinth of Echoes,You can enter the other provinces in stride.But even then—you should be well prepared, no?"
"I suppose you're right.I should learn more about my environment…I have no problem with that, I suppose."
"But… my gut is telling me to journey forward now.So I think I'll do it instead."
The voice said Labyrinth of Echoes.
I don't really want to contradict it—Especially if it's an entity that surpasses even the Sages.
I have no direct clue how strong a Sage is…But my brother's aura was overwhelming.And I don't wish to face an existence two rungs higher than that just yet.
"Um… so can we go in?"
"Yes, why not?I think it is likely a foolish mistake,But I have no authority or interest in denying your wants—or keeping you alive.I am merely an envoy, guiding you."
"But I'd think you'd like to leave your parasol here.There is no sun present inside.Well—I assumed you didn't make it yourself. Was I right?"
"Yes,"
Thales thought there was a hint of mockery.
"Yes…You aren't strong yet.But maybe you will be, I dare say.I'm not the one who controls the flow of history—I merely contribute to its management.Whether an island rises or falls is of no determination of my own."
They went into the labyrinth.And Thales followed behind.