After her enlightening encounter with the Golden Crow Princess, Boundless Dream returned to the Room of Fortunes and Misfortunes. She needed more information about the terror sealed on Earth. The Keeper of Knowledge was the best source for uncovering such ancient and hidden truths.
Boundless Dream entered the vast library, the familiar scent of ancient tomes and scrolls filling the air. She walked with purpose, her steps echoing in the quiet hall until she reached the Keeper of Knowledge, who was seated amidst a mountain of books.
“Keeper,” she began, her voice steady but tinged with urgency, “I need to know about the terror sealed on Earth.”
The Keeper looked up from his reading, his eyes reflecting a deep wisdom. “Ah, Boundless Dream. Your quest for knowledge never ceases. What have you learned so far?”
Boundless Dream recounted her encounter with the Golden Crow Princess and the revelations about Earth’s true nature. The Keeper listened intently, nodding as she spoke.
“The Golden Crow Princess spoke of a terror sealed on Earth, a being of chaos and destruction,” she concluded. “What is this terror, Keeper?”
The Keeper sighed, his expression grave. “The being you speak of is known as the Shadow of All Things. It is an entity of pure malevolence, born from the primordial chaos that existed before the cosmos was formed. The Shadow seeks to return all creation to that state of chaos and nothingness.”
Boundless Dream felt a shiver run down her spine. “How was it sealed on Earth?”
The Keeper gestured for her to sit, and she obliged, taking a seat across from him. “Long ago, in the age before time was recorded, the gods and devils united to fight the Shadow. The battle raged across the Firmament, and in their final desperate act, they shattered the Firmament to contain it. Earth, with its unique properties, was chosen as the primary seal.”
“The gods and devils… united?” Boundless Dream repeated, astonished. “It must have been a force truly terrifying to bring them together.”
The Keeper nodded. “Indeed. The Shadow’s power is so immense that it took the combined might of all celestial beings to subdue it. Earthlings, with their fear of the dark, sense the lingering presence of the Shadow, even if they do not know why.”
“Tell me more about the Shadow,” Boundless Dream urged. “What exactly does it do?”
The Keeper leaned back, his eyes distant as he recalled the ancient knowledge. “The Shadow of All Things feeds on fear, suffering, and despair. It can twist reality, turning dreams into nightmares, and thrives in the absence of light. It is a master of deception, capable of corrupting even the purest of hearts.”
Boundless Dream absorbed the information, her resolve hardening. “And if the seal were to break?”
The Keeper’s expression darkened. “If the seal breaks, the Shadow would spread its influence across the cosmos, plunging all realms into chaos and darkness. It would undo the very fabric of reality, returning everything to the primordial void.”
Boundless Dream understood the gravity of the situation. “So, Earth is not just any planet. It is the linchpin holding this ancient evil at bay.”
“Precisely,” the Keeper confirmed. “Earth’s role is crucial in maintaining the balance of the cosmos. The inhabitants, though unaware, play a vital part in this cosmic struggle.”
With this newfound knowledge, Boundless Dream knew that she had to take measures to ensure the seal on Earth remained intact. She also needed to be prepared for any attempts by the Shadow to break free.
“Thank you, Keeper,” she said, rising to her feet. “Your knowledge is invaluable. I will take the necessary steps to protect Earth and the cosmos.”
The Keeper nodded, his expression a mix of pride and concern. “Be vigilant, Boundless Dream. The Shadow is cunning and patient. It will wait for the perfect moment to strike.”