The Inner Odyssey

'W-What?'

Alden couldn't believe what he had just heard.

He blinked.

Shock, confusion and a hint of fear flashed through his crimson pupils.

The Keeper of the End wanted him to become the next Keeper…?

Why?

What qualifications did Alden have that separated him from the others in the Sanctuary?

How did the Keeper of the End know he wouldn't crumble under the responsibility?

No matter how he looked at it, Alden found the situation extremely bizarre. His mind couldn't comprehend the logic behind the Keeper's decision.

Furthermore…

He was startled to find that she was an old woman. Not that that was a bad thing. Alden had subconsciously expected the Keeper to be someone in their prime. However, the stress and burden of such an important position seemed like it had taken its toll on her.

She looked almost ancient.

He sensed her gentle stare, patiently waiting for his answer.

Alden hesitated.

His first instinct was to refuse solely because he thought he was unworthy.

But the more he ruminated over her proposal, the more Alden realised he wasn't as pitiful as he made himself appear. As an [Apprentice], he had constantly punched above his weight, battling creatures and abominations that could easily pulverise him if he hadn't been careful. Moreover, he had posed enough danger that an Expert Dark Elf thought better than to stick around after he broke through.

His Magic Class was also more deadly and insidious after he unlocked one of its deeper facets. Overall, based on potential alone, Alden trumped most of the youths in the Sanctuary - apart from the Chosen of the Divine Sovereigns and a few other outstanding elites, of course.

In addition, if he accepted the Keeper's offer, his status would skyrocket and he would no longer need to bother Celeste and hide behind her own standing. As the successor to one of the strongest people in the Sanctuary, anyone with malicious intent would have to think twice about attacking him.

It could serve as a deterrence for those like Drakon - though Alden had no idea what had become of the Ember Heir after the invasion. He had been a little surprised to find that Ignia was still with him. After all, he was sure that Drakon wouldn't have hesitated to steal the little bird.

In any case, becoming the next Keeper of the End seemed like a wise choice. The only negative Alden could think of was that it would decrease the already little time he had with Celeste. But it was worth it if he could stand up on his own two feet and not have to rely on her that much.

Suddenly, Alden remembered what Cece had said about him being unable to rely on others. Especially her. His expression turned downcast. Still, the offer was just too good to pass up. So, after much internal deliberation, Alden gave the Keeper of the End a short nod.

She smiled, the wrinkles on her cheek shifting in response.

"Come along, then. I have something I wish to show you."

Intrigued, Alden watched as the Keeper of the End turned around, heading deeper from where she had come from. The sound of her cane striking the floor resounded. He followed, keeping a respectful distance, so she didn't need to rush.

Soon, the two of them arrived at a small wooden table. Two chairs occupied each end. On the table itself were refreshments the Keeper had prepared beforehand.

Besides that, numerous sheets of paper were haphazardly spread across the floor.

Alden thought he saw some nice calligraphy and a few paintings.

…This was probably how the Keeper enjoyed her spare time.

'Interesting.'

He promptly sat down and faced the old woman. In her current form, Alden had trouble viewing her as the most powerful individual in the Sanctuary. Her other, more striking form, which sat inside the runic circle befit her title of Keeper much more.

Alden idly wondered how two different versions of the Keeper could exist simultaneously.

Was the figure that sustained the barrier her avatar or clone?

In any case…

Here he was, ready to witness whatever the Keeper wished to show him.

He tried to suppress his curiosity.

Was it some sort of heaven-defying treasure?

Some secret?

...Some inside information exclusive to High Command?

She took a sip of the refreshment, her features twisting subtly with pain. It seemed she had strained herself during their short walk.

Why was the Keeper in such a bad state?

And more importantly, what had caused that?

'I have endless questions today.'

Alden shook his head slightly with mirth.

A moment later, the Keeper's expression eased. The old woman put her cup down.

Then, she gazed at him for a second, and Alden felt like she was looking directly at his soul. He resisted the urge to shiver. The sight of the Keeper's milky white eyes made him very uncomfortable.

Not to mention that they were very eerie.

"First, before I show you anything, let me introduce myself."

She smiled slightly as her features softened.

Alden relaxed.

"I am the Keeper of the End. You can refer to me by my title, or you can use my name - Morrigan - if you wish. If you're feeling pretty adventurous, you can also call me Granny Mor."

She laughed softly, her mirth evident. The sound was melodious.

He unconsciously let out a small smile.

Something about the Keeper's warm attitude made him feel at ease. Even though he should have been on high alert, Alden found himself lowering his defences.

The action startled him slightly.

Ignoring it for the moment, Alden replied:

"I'll stick with Ma'am or Keeper for now. I think it's too early to call you Granny Mor."

A knowing smile was all he received in response.

Alden swallowed.

Why did it feel like she knew about his paranoia?

Shaking his head, he was just about to introduce himself when Morrigan cut him off.

"There's no need to introduce yourself, dear. I already know who you are."

'Right… Of course she does.'

Alden mentally facepalmed. What an embarrassing mistake he had just made. Rather than looking at him strangely, the Keeper seemed amused by his blunder instead.

"How is Alistair?"

She suddenly asked, her expression turning gentle and soft. Surprised by the question, Alden blinked. He spied a hint of fondness and longing within Morrigan's demeanour.

'Strange.'

"He's on the mend after surviving the invasion. How do you know him?"

Alden watched as the old woman entered a daze.

"How do I know him?"

A sad smile suddenly marred her face.

"He was my first... and only love."