The scorching sand seared Arsh's skin. The desert sun beat down on him mercilessly, but he paid it no mind. Arsh, a researcher whose obsession with knowledge had consumed his entire life, was determined to find the Library of Heavenly Virtue, a legend buried deep within the folds of history. He had spent years tracing faint trails, deciphering clues hidden in ancient manuscripts and nearly illegible symbols. Today, he felt closer than ever.
Thirst and exhaustion began to gnaw at his body. But a small shadow in the distance stopped him in his tracks. A boy—thin, frail, and weak—lay sprawled on the burning sand, his eyes dull with dehydration. Arsh hesitated at first; his journey was too important to be interrupted. Yet something inside him compelled him to approach. He pulled out a leather pouch containing a small amount of water and dry bread—what remained of his supplies.
"Here, child," he said, his voice hoarse. "I have a little food and water for you."
The boy looked at him with grateful eyes. He accepted Arsh's offering with trembling hands, then devoured it hungrily. After a moment, once some strength had returned to him, the boy asked, "Sir, excuse me, but where are you going? In a place like this?"
"I'm looking for the Library of Heavenly Virtue," Arsh replied. He didn't expect the boy to know what it was.
The boy's eyes lit up. "The Library of Heavenly Virtue? The one that's said to hold the secrets of the universe?"
Arsh nodded, his heart pounding. "That's right. Do you know where it is?"
"Follow this path, past two villages, then turn left. But… be careful, sir. That place… it's dangerous." The boy coughed, then fell silent.
Arsh didn't wait any longer. He thanked the boy and continued on his way. The next two weeks tested his physical and mental endurance like never before. He endured sandstorms, searing heat, and unbearable thirst. But his desire to find the library outweighed every obstacle.
Finally, before his eyes stood a magnificent structure, partially buried in sand. Intricate carvings adorned its weathered walls, telling stories long lost to time. This was it—the Library of Heavenly Virtue.
"So this is the ancient library."
"Based on all the data and research about it, it's real."
"No more thinking—let's see what's inside," Arsh said with great excitement.
Arsh spent days inside the library. He explored its winding corridors, searching for the books and artifacts he had dreamed of for so long. The air was thick with the scent of dampness and ancient dust. He discovered rooms filled with ancient scrolls, mysterious statues, and priceless artifacts. Yet the book and artifact he sought remained hidden.
Until one night—whether by chance or divine guidance—Arsh discovered an almost invisible passageway. There, he found a secret door. Beyond it lay a hidden storage chamber. Inside, there rested an old book bound in a material he could not identify, titled The Era of Infinite Emptiness, and a pendant that shimmered with light like the stars.
Arsh rushed out of the library, his heart full of joy and curiosity. He immediately contacted Yoru and Von, his friends who were experts in archaeology and ancient manuscripts. Together, they opened the book. The first sentence they read sent chills down their spines:
"Chaos will soon descend upon the world. An endless pursuit. Destruction has been ordained."
At that very moment, a violent storm struck. The sky was torn open, revealing terrifying, dark rifts. Arsh, Yoru, and Von realized they had opened a door to something far greater—and far more dangerous—than they had ever imagined.
To be continued…