After their negotiation with Elegreon, the corrupted dragon, Muslin and his companions finally obtained the ancient hammer and anvil. Though they had secured an uneasy truce, they knew Elegreon could turn against them at any time. With no time to waste, they set their course for the Temple of the Sun, where they hoped to unlock the secrets of the ancient mechanical computer and find a way to stop the Old Gods.
Upon arriving at the temple, they immediately sensed the overwhelming energy that had been slumbering for centuries. The sacred halls still pulsed with a power beyond understanding. At the temple's core, they stood once again before the ancient mechanical computer they had previously overlooked.
"This is the place," Muslin said quietly.
Lisa carefully took out the ancient hammer and anvil. "Now we use these to activate the computer."
Muslin placed the ancient disk into the central slot. As it clicked into place, the gears within began to turn, and the ancient runes carved into the machine started to glow faintly. Raising the hammer with care, Muslin struck the disk laid atop the anvil.
In an instant, a brilliant light filled the temple, and the entire structure trembled. The ancient computer roared to life, pulling forth centuries of dormant information. The disk spun rapidly, projecting streams of glowing data into the air.
"The machine is working!" Elena shouted.
Muslin focused intently, analyzing the information being displayed. "There's critical data here about stopping the Old Gods... we have to find it."
Following the shimmering patterns, Aria spotted something strange. "This isn't just data," she said. "It's a warning. A warning about the destruction the Old Gods are planning."
As they dug deeper, Muslin's expression grew grim. The machine began to output complex symbols and messages flashing ominously.
"This isn't just about sealing the Old Gods..." Muslin muttered. "The disk… it's a tool to reset civilization itself."
Elena stared at him in shock. "Reset? What do you mean?"
Muslin's voice was heavy with dread. "If we use the disk, it won't just stop the Old Gods. It will erase everything—our kingdoms, our histories, all we've fought to protect. It would be as if the world itself were rebooted."
Lisa clenched her fists. "Then we can't use it. We'd be handing the Old Gods victory by destroying everything ourselves."
Aria closed her eyes solemnly. "We must find another way. This... cannot be our choice."
Serena exhaled a long breath. "It's a gamble either way. If we don't act, the world falls to the Old Gods. If we do, we might destroy it ourselves."
Muslin gripped the disk tightly. "We can't give up. We must find another way. No matter how impossible it seems."
He continued to study the disk, and soon discovered a hidden message—one that spoke of the Guardians of the Titans. A faint glimmer of hope flickered in his heart.
"This disk contains a path... a way to reach the Guardians of the Titans," Muslin said. "They might be our last chance."
Elena leaned in. "The Guardians? Will they even help us?"
"They won't help freely," Muslin replied. "We'll have to prove ourselves."
He carefully manipulated the disk, aligning the patterns carved within. A surge of light burst forth, warping the space around them and opening a portal to another dimension.
"This is our way forward," Muslin said. "Let's go meet them."
Stepping through the portal, they found themselves on the edge of the cosmos—a place where stars and the flows of dimensions twisted together. At the center stood the Guardians of the Titans, ancient beings who had long watched over the balance of worlds.
Chronos, regal and imposing, gazed down at them. "We have been waiting for you. Your arrival proves your resolve and courage."
Muslin bowed respectfully. "We seek to stop the resurrection of the Old Gods. We know now that using the disk would reset all of civilization. We can't accept that."
Calix nodded, his presence heavy. "Indeed. The disk is not simply a seal—it is a reset device. If used, all will begin anew. But we cannot say if that is what you truly want."
Temora spoke next. "We entrusted the disk to your world as a final measure. Its use would halt the Old Gods... but at a tremendous cost."
Muslin's voice was steady. "We came to find another way. We refuse to sacrifice everything to win."
Aeon studied them curiously. "Your conviction is rare. But be warned—the resurrection of the Old Gods is only the beginning. The collapse of dimensions will follow."
Chronos's smile was faint. "You were expected. Yet know this: we believe the disk remains the most certain solution."
Muslin's voice hardened. "We will not erase this world. Even if it is the harder path, we will find another way."
Chronos's gaze sharpened. "Your decision may doom your world. It may doom countless others. You would be wise to reconsider."
Muslin stood firm. "If preserving this world means facing impossible odds, so be it. We will protect it ourselves."
Elena, Lisa, Aria, and Serena all nodded, standing unwaveringly with Muslin. Their choice had been made.
The Guardians respected their decision but left them with a final warning. "Your choice now decides the fate of all realms."
Turning their backs on the Guardians, Muslin and his companions carried new resolve in their hearts. They would face greater perils ahead—but they would do so with their world, and all it stood for, intact.
At the end of this road, their final trial awaited.
*******
Episode: The Order of the Titans and the Temptation of the Old God
After parting ways with the Guardians of the Titans, Merslin and his companions sought refuge in an ancient sanctuary to gather their strength. Amidst the quiet stillness, Merslin sat alone, lost deep in thought. The overwhelming presence of the Titan Guardians and the rigid order they upheld lingered heavily in his mind.
Holding the disk in one hand, Merslin traced the cold stone floor with the other, contemplating silently.
"The Order of the Titans… Is what they protect truly the best for this world? Where do we, mere mortals, fit into their grand design?"
He recalled their warnings about dimensional rifts and the need to maintain balance.
"Their version of order might mean wiping everything clean. Is that truly what this world needs?"
Merslin closed his eyes.
"Their so-called 'order' might be merciless. To them, our sacrifices are probably just minor casualties to maintain balance."
Just then, a cold, powerful, and deeply alluring voice echoed inside his mind.
"Merslin, what are you truly fighting for?"
Startled, he looked around, but no one was there. The voice was inside him.
"I am one of the Old Gods," the voice continued. "I seek not the Titans' order, but my own. I desire freedom—freedom beyond their chains, beyond their control. I wish to exist without limits."
Despite his instincts warning him, Merslin couldn't deny the dangerous appeal he heard in that voice.
"What exactly are you planning?" he asked cautiously.
"I will destroy all, and in the ruins, build a new order—my own. No one will bind me. But if I shatter their chains, this world will not survive. Your Luminaris, your precious people—they will all be crushed under my true power."
Merslin clenched his fists.
"So your freedom comes at the cost of everyone's destruction. Is that your ideal?"
The Old God's voice was cold, almost indifferent.
"I simply seek to live freely. Your pain, your deaths, are meaningless to me. But listen well, Merslin—if you join me, I will spare you and your companions. Together, we could build a new order beyond the Titans' reach."
Merslin felt a tremor of temptation. His hand holding the disk began to shake.
"Will you remain a pawn of the Titans, or will you rise with me and claim true freedom?" the Old God whispered, sharper now.
Conflicted, Merslin's thoughts darkened. The temptation was growing stronger, clouding his mind. He felt himself slipping.
But then—
Faint voices, familiar and dear, echoed through his consciousness.
"Merslin! Stay strong! We believe in you!"
"Merslin, you're not alone! We can fight together!"
His mind cleared slightly, but the Old God's pull was still there, dragging him down again.
Then another voice rose—gentler, but resonating powerfully.
It was the voice of the Magic Book from the Strange Land, the companion who had guided him from the beginning.
"Merslin, remember—you are never alone. Your path is one shared with your comrades. No temptation can shake that. Follow what you believe in."
With that, Merslin's spirit fully returned to him. The Old God's voice faded into the distance, leaving behind a final warning.
"We shall see if your resolve can truly save your world, Merslin. I will be waiting."
Merslin took a deep breath, gripping the disk tightly. His decision was clear.
"If the freedom the Old God promises is nothing but devastation, then I will fight him to the very end."
Just then, Elena approached quietly and sat beside him. She watched him carefully.
"What were you thinking about?" she asked gently.
Merslin turned to her and smiled faintly.
"I was thinking about the Order of the Titans... and the temptation the Old God offered. Wondering whether either side truly has this world's best interests at heart. And what it really means to make a choice."
Elena squeezed his hand.
"They may have their reasons, but so do we. There are things in this world worth protecting—things we must choose to fight for."
Merslin nodded firmly.
"You're right. We fight for what we believe in, for the ones we love—not for their order, and not for the Old God's chaos."
They exchanged a quiet, knowing look.
Together, they would walk the path they had chosen—no matter how perilous it became