Chapter 670 - 615: The Garden of Words (3) (1/2)
”What do you seek here, traveler?”
At last, Arthur arrived in a place completely clear of fog but still strange to the eyes. There was a short fence made of scrolls surrounding a breath-taking garden made of nothing but books and papers. At the gates leading inside, there stood two animals, both made of white paper, though one was missing its eyes and the other without ears and mouth.
The one who just talked to the parasite was one of the two, a cat without eyes raised its small head and stood up.
”I came seeking answers.”
Just as he replied, the cat spoke again.
”The world holds answers for all the unknown.”
”What I need can only be provided by the Garden of Words.”
The cat didn't talk again, it sat back up and dropped its head, no longer minding the n.a.k.e.d man standing before it. The animal next to it, a dog with scroll-like limbs and no tail, blinked its eyes as it sized-up the parasite for an inordinate amount of time. Then, a disembodied voice reverberated inside Arthur's head.
”The Garden welcomes the Seeker and not the Needer, the Garden welcomes the Honest and not the liar, the Garden Welcomes neither the living nor the dead.”
The dog briefly paused then continued with a lower voice. ”Arthur Bilgart, you do meet two of the qualification but your situation and special Race render your unwelcome. Go back.”
Hearing this, the man frowned and retorted,
”I cannot just go back. I need immediate answers.”
”And how are you going to get them? You must be aware that your extraordinary strength isn't applicable here. It's a matter of judgment and not power.”
”Then, how am I supposed to enter?”
”Die.” Replied the cat as it yawned and laid its head on its front paws.
”Only after death will the soul be liberated and qualified to get entry.”
”I cannot die yet.”
”Then you will not enter.”
Right after it finished saying its piece, the dog imitated the cat and proceeded to ignore Arthur, who rambled a bit more before quietening down. Although he felt irritated, he didn't dare do anything rush nor force his way, he just stood there like a statue. He remained motionless like the two animals, thinking of a way.
”I have the Wish Star, can't it help me get in?”
When he said that, both the cat and the dog raised their heads.
”We know about the Wish Star but unless you wish for your death, it's practically useless in your hands. Using it isn't as simple as making a wish, don't be fooled by the name.”
Just as the dog finished talking, another voice, a bit further away, was heard by Arthur. It was familiar and very soothing, in fact, it immediately reminded him of a woman he met once in the past.
It was back when he was transported to the past with Leiu and Wolfram, right at the end of their journey.
”Quhea?”
Quhea, the Creator of Knowledge and one of the Twelve, she was one of the most mysterious one amongst them and she wasn't as powerful but her knowledge is forever expanding and she's second only to the Garden of Words. There's almost nothing she can't answer and though her end remains a mystery, many speculate that she perished during the war against Medtris and the rest.
Arthur was surprised to hear Quhea, who revealed herself right after speaking. Unlike last time, she now looked like a normal human mixed with other races. She had ears slightly shorter than elves, ruby-like pupils, and a white tinge that had a tad of green in it. The woman wore a simple long white robe and her golden hair was tied into a bun.