Stone Statue
The trembling of the stone statue grew increasingly violent. Slowly yet surely, it began to move, as if awakening from slumber. Its motions were heavy and oppressive. The Guildmaster watched my performance with a tense expression.
The melody I played seemed to spread throughout the entire sanctuary, directly affecting the stone statue. It was not mere music. It was a powerful force connecting the sanctuary, the statue, and myself. When the melody reached its peak, the statue shook violently, and a rumbling sound like an earthquake echoed throughout. Then, the statue's eyes slowly opened. Those eyes were filled with dignity, like an ancient king. Yet, there was no sense of anger or hatred. Rather, they conveyed a profound stillness and deep sorrow. “...Who... are you...” A low, resonant voice echoed from the statue. It sounded like the soul of someone who had slept for millennia, finally awakening. “We have come to this sanctuary seeking the blood of the Sage,” the Guildmaster answered, summoning his courage. “We do not intend to make you our enemy. We simply... require the blood of the Sage.” The statue fell silent for a moment. Then, slowly, it shook its head. “...The blood of the Sage... is it? That is a taboo of this sanctuary... I cannot grant it lightly...” “But I understand you are also a guardian of this sanctuary,” I said, meeting the statue's gaze. “We do not intend to oppose you. We need the Sage's blood for the peace of this world, and for your own peace.” The statue fell silent once more. The silence was long and heavy, pressing down on our hearts. Then, after several minutes, the statue spoke. “...Then, undergo the trial... Only those who overcome the trial shall be worthy of the Sage's blood...” As the statue spoke, an eerie light emanated from deep within the sanctuary. It was an ominous sign, heralding the beginning of the trial.
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