Miracula Luxia C3, P4- "Embrace the Light"

"Embrace the Light" is the fourth and final Part of "Dreams, Hopes, Vices and Virtues"- the third Chapter of "Miracula Luxia". It was released on 11.09.2019.
== Plot ==
After the destruction of Fort Duvno, Jared realizes that he has to greatly enhance his abilities in order to protect the other settlements of Avernum.
In order to do so, he has to find a white book in a mysterious dungeon that will give him certain powerful abilities of a bright element.
Will he succeed?
== Story ==
While staying with his father and friends, Jared got lost in thought.
Last week, he heard reports about mysterious attacks on three settlements- Silvar, Fort Duvno and Cotra.
"Could the attack on the Fort be connected to... the attacks on the other two settlements?"
"And, more importantly, could the attackers that invaded those settlements... be from the same group?"
Those were to questions that troubled Jared's mind.
Aleks, Jared's father noticed that disturbance, stood up and motioned for him to follow him outside.
He did so, without a word.
The others didn't notice their absence, but the Innkeeper noticed that they weren't there anymore. He was a little worried for the young hero, but didn't say anything.
"I know what you're worried about, Son."- Aleks said to Jared- "Those attacks weren't organized by simple rogues. They were planned very well by pure-blooded villains that wish to take over Avernum."
"We need to talk to the Mayor."- He added.
"Well, we have to. He might know something."- Jared agreed and went to the Mayor's office with his father.
The Mayor listened to their concerns and nodded.
"Yes, I understand your concern for this matter. And I think I might have found a solution for it."
"Last time, when the invaders attacked Formello, one of our magically talented defenders accidentally fired a ray of Light magic instead of a Fireball at one of the invaders. The man dissolved into nothingness after a few seconds of the phenomena."
"We noticed that this could be a way to break through their offenses- their weakness to Light. However, sadly the Mage who casted the spell was killed not long after."
"So we researched their possible weakness for a long time and noticed that the armor they are usually wearing... the black plate mails and studded leathers... have very high defense against anything, but Light. It gives them a great weakness against Light."
"We tried to find someone who could cast Light spells and not die from their attacks easily, but... everyone we tried to train died not long after they were hired for the attacks."
Suddenly, the Mayor lowered his head and shed a tear.
"We risked so many people, and yet... nobody could stop them once and for all. And when they finish off Eastern Avernum and make it fall on its knees... they will come for us."
Jared and his father stood silently, thinking about what they could do.
Aleks whispered to his son:
"I'm not a good magic user, Son. But maybe you can learn some Light spells to stop them. After all, they won't be able to take you down so easily. You're a Hero!"
"But Dad... if I try to learn more spells, I might expose myself to their dangerous effects when they're casted too often!"
"I know, but we can't leave them to fend for themselves just like that! We're Heroes... and heroes live to "Protect and Serve". So, it is our duty to help them."
Jared nodded.
"I forgot about our principle. Forgive me, Dad. I will do my best to protect them and Avernum."
Aleks smiled, knowing that his son is definitely fit to be a Hero, even more so than him.
"Maybe I can help, Sir? Maybe I can learn Light spells and help you repulse those wrongdoers?"
Suddenly, Mayor Samuel's eyes flashed with hope.
"Jared, you... you really want to do that for us?"
"I am ready. It is our principle, after all- to "Protect and Serve". I am ready to expose myself to the negative effects of the magic for your safety."
Samuel smiled.
"Oh, you thought that Light magic has negative effects? No, no, no! Light Magic is only fit for those that have both pure hearts and souls and doesn't have negative effects on them at all! It's pure magic, after all."
"That's right. But... you need to have a really pure heart and soul. I tried to use it myself when I was young, but my heart was tainted by the loss of my dear friends and whenever I used such magic, it weakened me."
Jared was afraid of his father's words.
"What if I... what if I have a tainted heart like you, Dad?"
His dad noticed the concern in his eyes. He lightly patted him on the shoulder.
"Your heart is not tainted. From what I've seen so far, you are actually concerned about everyone around here, unlike me. I am mostly concerned about you."
"And the loss of many people dear to you doesn't taint your heart or soul. Other people won't be able to resist the Darkness so well."
Jared smiled.
"Then I'm ready. Where can I start learning such magic?"
"North, there is a dangerous dungeon, filled with undead. It is called the "Shadowflame Dungeon". Within it (surprisingly) is hidden a shining white book, probably left there by an ancient priest."
"However, the undead there are very strong and to reach the book, you will have to go through literal Hell. So... prepare yourself well, because this might be a hard adventure."
Jared nodded and left to prepare.
Two hours later, he was ready.
Equipped with Studded Armor, leggings made out of very durable Leather and an Enchanted Bow, he waked through the exit of Formello, cheered by citizens and soldiers alike.
Akari shed a tear. She has never seen her friend so determined to learn in order to protect.
Aleks, Jared's father followed him outside.
Annie followed them outside, having decided that he needs help after she convinced Akari to protect the citizens while they're gone.
Miles, Annie's grandpa waved his granddaughter goodbye. He was very proud of her- how she changed from a little, helpless girl to a fearless, merciful adventurer.
Cheered on by the entire city, Jared, Aleks and Annie left to face the horrors of the Shadowflame Dungeon and retrieve the Book of Light.
Soon, they arrived at the dungeon and noticed that the Mayor was right- the Dungeon was inhabited by numerous undead- Skeletons, Ghouls, Evil Ghosts and even a Dark Knight.
This Dungeon was very dangerous, but the three brave adventurers braved forward, seeing a bright future ahead.
They destroyed the undead without any fear of a few wounds from their attacks.
Soon, they reached the place which the Mayor marked on the map of the Dungeon.
The Dark Knight was waiting for them. He was a powerful undead, a strong Skeleton, equipped with a black suit and a huge Dark Sword.
He looked at them menacingly.
"It is time to take down one more servant of the Darkness."- Jared muttered.
Then, he yelled:
"You are nothing! You're just another undead, like those that we defeated earlier, just a little bit stronger, but nothing more than that!"
"Come on! Come at us! We have no fear of you!"- Annie yelled as well, intimidating the powerful monster.
He tried to let out a battle scream, but could not do so, because his lungs were decayed. He "sighed" and simply attacked the three.
He tried to attack Jared, but Aleks struck him with his sword and got his attention.
"Now! Attack!"- He told his son and Annie, motioning for them to attack while he's distracted.
They nodded and started using their abilities.
Soon, the undead started to look weaker.
He realized his inevitable fate and tried to make one last deadly move, pushing Aleks away and charging at Jared, blade drawn.
Jared aimed at him, but realized that he was too fast and tried to go back for a shot.
The creature was moments away from killing the young Hero.
He tried to strike him in the chest, but failed to do so, as he had struck someone else.
It was Annie. She stood in his way and took the blow instead.
She smiled, knowing that she protected her friend from certain death.
She fell into his arms.
"Annie, no!"- Jared cried out, realizing what just happened.
"It's okay. I... I may be dying, but I know that you're safe."
"Continue living, Jared. If not for me, then for yourself and everyone else. Don't... succumb to the Darkness. You're destined to become... the Warrior of Light... after... all... "
Suddenly, her head tilted to the left. She was dead.
(Or was she?)
Jared held her body in his arms, motionless. He did not know what to do.
Jared's father was shocked. He just witnessed someone die. Someone he knew very well.
"I... I must do something. I cannot let her die just like that!"- He said to himself and tried to use his Time Travel ability, but failed to do so.
Then, he remembered what the Mayor told him in private.
"Keep in mind that magic cannot be used in that Dungeon under any occasion. Especially Time Travel."
He cried, knowing that he cannot save her from her fate.
The Dark Knight stood up for another blow, approaching Jared.
Aleks was unable to get out his shock to save his son.
Suddenly, something sparked within the young Hero.
"You... you... "
"YOU MURDERED MY FRIEND!!!"
He gently laid Annie's corpse on the ground and stood up, sword drawn.
"YOU MUST NOT LIVE. DIE, CREATURE OF THE DARK!!!"
He screamed in pure anger and his eyes began to shine with a illuminating white light.
He charged at him and began swinging at the creature with full force, ignoring its attempts to stab him.
With a sudden move, his shining white sword decapitated the Decayed's head.
Its body fell to the ground
He approached the skull and began stabbing it, clearly gone berserk at this rate.
"DIE! DIE! DIE!!!"- He yelled at the head, filled with rage.
Aleks, Jared's father noticed that Jared was going mad. He was holding the power of Light, but currently, it was controlling him.
"Son, stop! Stop, you already killed him!"- He yelled.
It was true. The creature was motionless.
"NO! LEAVE ME ALONE! HE MUST SUFFER!"
"Son! You know what wise Heroes have said a long time ago? You either die a Hero or live long enough to see yourself become the Villain!"
Aleks's words got into Jared. He stopped attacking the creature's head, stood motionless and... suddenly started to cry.
He hugged his Dad. His Dad hugged him back.
"I... I was possessed by my lust for revenge that I did not know what else to do, except kill, and kill, and kill. Forgive me, Dad."
His father looked at Annie's corpse and said:
"Sometimes, you must lose someone in order to become stronger. Today, you lost someone important to you. Today, you became stronger."
"But... what if I lose you one day as well? What can I do without you?"- Jared asked his father.
He was surprised by this question, but his answer was certain:
"Even if I die, I know that you can survive by yourself. But... even then, you still have many people around you- People who care for you, who wish to protect you from harm."
"I know that you will become a great Hero, Son. Do it for Annie. I know that she had a lot of faith in you, so... you must have faith in yourself, too!"
"This is the only way to become a Hero. You must believe in yourself and know that you can make the right decisions to protect those people."
Jared smiled and thanked his father.
Then he started searching for something.
"What are you looking for, my dear Son?"- His father asked him playfully.
"There is a room her. I know it."
Seeing no secrets, he became angry.
"Did we... did we come here for nothing?"
"And got Annie killed for that?"
Before his father could answer that, he entered a state of pure rage again and started shooting Fireballs in random directions, destroying the dungeon's walls.
Suddenly, he noticed something. One of the walls that he destroyed was hiding a secret room.
"A room!"- Aleks gasped- "Son, you did it! You found it!"
"Finally!"- Jared said and ran inside, along with his father.
Inside, they found a shining white book.
"This is it, Son. Read the book. I will stay outside and make sure nothing and nobody gets in to disturb you."
Jared nodded and started reading.
Inside the book were hidden powerful secrets that gave him a sudden headache. He decided to not read those yet and instead focused his attention on the lesser Light Spells.
Soon, he had "digested" those basic contents. He knew three new spells:
* Soul Arrow- A Spell which lets Jared shoot a powerful arrow, made of pure magical energy, damaging an enemy and weakening them, leaving them vulnerable to melee and missile attacks briefly. Costs 15 Mana.
* Light Infusion- Temporarily fills the body of Jared with an overwhelming amount of light, increasing his damage, especially against Dark creatures. Costs 30 Mana.
* Hadrian's Prayer- A Healing Spell with more-than-average Healing Power which can heal everyone around Jared and protect them from damage for a short time. It's also the most tiring of the three Spells in terms of casting successfully. Costs 45 Mana.
Jared noted his new Spells.
"I am ready to defeat those fools."- He said to himself- "They will wish that they never came here, in Avernum. Never ever."
He decided to take the Book of Light. It was way too valuable to leave in such a dangerous dungeon.
However, after he picked it up, he heard the sound of many crunching feet.
Undead were coming to protect the book from theft.
His father came into the room, holding Annie in his hands.
"Son, when you picked up the book, undead started storming in. We need to leave, now!"
Jared nodded and ran as fast as he could, infusing himself with Light thanks to "Light Infusion" and slaying the unholy creatures.
Soon, he, his father and Annie were out of the dungeon, slamming the huge door behind them with two combined forces.
They escaped the wicked place alive!
... Except for Annie.
Jared looked at her.
"She... she is dead, isn't she?"
"I... Actually, I'm not sure."- His father responded weakly.
He pressed his ear on her chest and noticed something.
She was still breathing. And she was not dead, she was simply unconscious.
He told the good news to his son who almost fainted from happiness, but managed to regain his composure and noticed that she was definitely stabbed in the chest, but somehow didn't die.
"Her heart is not beating."- He said, pressing his ear to the right side of her chest. "How is she still breathing?"
"It's because my heart is not there, silly."- Annie suddenly said, surprising Jared.
She looked up and said:
"My heart is right here."- Pointing at the left side of her chest. Jared heard a heart beating from there.
"And here."- She added, pointing at Jared's left side of the chest where a brave heart was beating.
Jared looked at her, with happiness in his eyes. He knew that two hearts were beating within him- two brave hearts.
Aleks smiled.
"It's true. We- the true heroes are born with our hearts being on the left side of our chests instead on the right side."
"This signifies how hard we are to kill."
Jared smiled as well.
"We are the true heroes."- He noted.
Then he hugged both his father and Annie.
"Let's go."- Aleks said- "We won. Let's bring the powerful book in Formello."
"So, you found it?"- Annie asked them.
"Yes, barely. And only after I entered a state of pure anger."
"There are very powerful contents in there, but I cannot learn them yet."
"Maybe when you grow stronger?"- Annie interrupted him- "Most powerful Spells come when you grow stronger. Maybe this is the case with this one?"
"Or maybe... it deemed you unworthy, despite your status and you need to save more people for it to accept you."
"Either way, the book must remain with us. It's very powerful."- Jared said.
His two companions nodded.
"Before we go, Annie, I'll patch you up. I don't want you to die of blood loss before we come back."
Annie nodded silently and let Aleks bandage her with a few small bandages from his bag as well as a bigger bandage for the stab wound that almost killed her.
Soon, she was ready to go, safe and sound.
They traveled back to Formello.
Miles noticed that his granddaughter was wounded and approached her.
"What happened, sweetie? Are you hurt?"
"Mr. Mitchell, your granddaughter is a true Hero. She survived a stab in the chest from a powerful dark creature, because her heart was on the other side."- Aleks told him.
"The left side of the chest."- Miles smiled- "When she was little, she liked to talk about about how she felt like her heart was "on the left side" when she was little. Her parents laughed, clearly not believing this, but I did believe."
"She was not wrong."
Annie turned to Jared.
"Jared, thank you for bringing me with you. This was such a great adventure!"
"Yes, but it was also very dangerous. I won't take you on adventures again."
Annie looked at him with sad eyes.
"Why not?"
"Because... I don't want you to die. You had a lot of Luck today, but Luck won't always save you in such dangerous situations."
"So, please leave the hard work to me and my father. I beg you to reconsider your desire to always come with us."
She thought about what he said for a minute. Then she said:
"Okay then. But you will never get rid of the other part of me."
"Other you?"- Jared asked, confused by her statement.
"Yes. Other Me."- She said while pointing at where his heart was.
He smiled.
"Yes. Other You."
He hugged her and approached Mayor Samuel.
"So, did you find the Book of Light?"
"I did indeed, Sir. And I looked through its contents."
"So... are they still intact?"
Jared explained everything to the Mayor.
The Mayor nodded.
"Yes. It seems like you need to become stronger in order to learn the more complicated Light Spells. You can't just learn them without the other Light Spells you have, after all!"
"I also found out that some of the spells are written in a strange language. Can you translate them?"
Samuel looked at the Spells and shaked his head.
"I am afraid not."
Jared dropped his head, defeated.
"But! We have people in Avernum who can read such ancient scripts. Maybe the people in Silvar or Cotra can help you? They know a lot more about those things that us- the people of Formello."
Jared knew what he had to do now.
He turned to his father with clear desire for more adventure flashing from his eyes.
"We need to go to Silvar, Dad."
His father nodded.
"We must. They need help, too. And maybe they can help us read this strange language.
"Mayor, can you protect my friends while we're gone?"
The Mayor nodded.
"Me and Formello's Guards will do our best."
Commander Jones approached Jared.
"Kiddo, I've got to say this. You're a very brave adventurer, risking your life to save so many people. Not many are like you."
"And that's why I try to motivate more people to so too, Commander."
"Good luck. We'll miss you."- The Commander said, patting the young man on the shoulder.
Akari said:
"I wish I could come with you, Jared, but I see that you want to protect us from harm and I will stay back. But, please be careful. You must stay safe as well!"
"I will, Akari. You help those people survive against those rogues and I will help the other settlements."
"I will come back. Do not fear."
Akari smiled and stood back for Annie to approach Jared.
"Jared, you... you are like a Brother to me. Until now, I had no Brother or Sister. Now, I feel like I have one, thanks to you."
She hugged him and said:
"I will always be with you."
He smiled and hugged her as well.
It was a very emotional moment. Everyone smiled.
Jared and his father approached the gate, looked back and waved at everyone.
They waved back.
Filled with determination, they started walking on the road to Silvar.
"Look out, villains. We are coming for you, stronger than ever. You may have powerful machinery at your side, but we have powerful magic- something that will definitely take you down. Here. We. Come!"- He said to himself while walking with his father and whistling the chorus of "Not Afraid".
== Trivia ==
* This Part's main themes are: Loyalty, Determination and Heroism.
- Loyalty: Jared and his father save Annie and bring her out of the dungeon, despite her being seemingly dead. This shows Jared's loyalty towards his friends and not wishing to leave them in such places, even after they die.
- Determination: Jared honors his friend's sacrifice and proceeds to complete his quest, despite his desire to just bend down and cry. He also doesn't give up when the undead start swarming them, destroying them on the way out without any hesitation.
- Heroism: Annie proves herself as a Hero when she sacrifices her own life in order to save a deranged Jared. 
* The song which Jared whistles at the end of the Part- "Not Afraid" is originally made and singed by Eminem. The Music Video for it was released on 05.06.2010.