NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: The tale of the Broken GATE
Chapter 4: The Tale of the Broken Gate
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The city was unlike anything Denver and his friends had ever seen. Encased by towering walls that gleamed with an otherworldly shimmer, it pulsated with life and magic. The streets were lined with glowing lanterns, and the air carried the faint scent of exotic flowers. But the faint hum of magic was laced with tension—a silent acknowledgment of the lurking danger beyond the walls.
Inside Ravi's modest home, the group sat around a flickering hearth, their faces still pale from the previous night's revelations. Ravi stirred a pot of thick stew, the fragrant aroma doing little to ease the tension.
Denver (breaking the silence): "Ravi, you said monsters weren't always part of this world. What did you mean?"
Ravi set the ladle down and turned to face the group, his expression grave.
Ravi: "This world wasn't always like this. It used to be... beautiful. Peaceful. Then the gate opened, and everything changed."
Priyanshu (frowning): "What gate? Are you saying the one we came through caused all this?"
Ravi (nodding): "Exactly. The gate you opened wasn't just a passage—it's a tear between worlds. The last time it opened was ten years ago, and it brought the monsters with it. That gate... it opened for you, Denver."
The words struck like a thunderclap. Denver's breath hitched, his mind reeling.
Denver (whispering): "For me? But... I don't understand. I didn't do anything."
Ravi (firmly): "Not consciously, no. But the magic that surrounds you—your very existence—calls to the gates. That's why they open."
Sam (worried): "So, you're saying these monsters came here because of Denver? What does that even mean for us now?"
Ravi: "It means the balance of this world was disrupted, and the monsters took advantage of it. They're not from here. They're invaders. And unless we stop them, they'll destroy everything."
The room fell silent. Denver stared into the fire, guilt gnawing at him.
Denver: "If it's my fault... then I have to fix it. Tell me what I need to do."
Ravi's gaze softened.
Ravi: "It's not just your burden to bear. You all need to be prepared. This world is far more dangerous than you realize. If you want to survive, you'll need to learn how to fight. How to defend yourselves."
Kartik (sarcastically): "Great. So now we're monster hunters?"
Ravi (with a smirk): "Not quite. But you will be warriors, in your own way. Come with me."
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Training Begins
Ravi led them to a clearing just outside his home, where a variety of weapons, strange artifacts, and enchanted tools were laid out.
Ravi: "First lesson—know your enemy. The monsters that roam this world aren't just mindless beasts. They're smart, and they can sense fear. If you hesitate, they'll kill you."
He picked up a curved blade that shimmered with a faint blue light.
Ravi: "This is a soulsteel blade. It's one of the few weapons that can harm them. Each of you will need to master one."
Priyanshu (picking up a smaller blade): "Uh, is there a beginner's version of this? Maybe something less... sharp?"
Ravi (chuckling): "No. You'll learn by doing. Now, Sam, try to hold this staff. It's imbued with elemental magic. Let's see what resonates with you."
As Sam grasped the staff, it sparked with a faint green glow.
Ravi (nodding): "Good. Nature magic. That will be your focus."
Denver, meanwhile, couldn't take his eyes off a simple dagger with intricate engravings. Something about it called to him.
Ravi (noticing): "Ah, you've found it. That blade belonged to your father."
Denver picked it up, the weight feeling strangely familiar in his hand.
Denver: "I'll use this. I'll fight for him. For Sandya. For all of us."
Ravi smiled faintly, but there was sadness in his eyes.
Ravi: "Then let's begin."
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The Story of the Seven Worlds
As the group trained, Ravi shared more about the history of the seven worlds.
Ravi: "Each world is connected by the gates. They're ancient, created by forces we don't fully understand. Most of them remain closed, but when one opens, it causes chaos. Magic flows uncontrollably, and creatures from other worlds slip through."
Sam: "So, we're stuck in the middle of a cosmic mess because of some ancient gates?"
Ravi: "It's more than that. The gates are linked to the treasure you're seeking. Whoever controls the treasure controls the gates—and the fate of all seven worlds."
Denver's grip on his father's dagger tightened.
Denver: "Then we have no choice. We have to find the treasure before the monsters destroy everything."
Kartik (grimly): "If we even survive long enough to try."
Ravi clapped Denver on the shoulder.
Ravi: "You'll survive. You have the blood of gatekeepers in your veins. But this is only the beginning. The real test is yet to come."