Chapter 10
1188words
His steps were much lighter, the confusion and puzzlement in his heart had been replaced by calmness and determination. He was no longer eager to find answers, because he had found something more important than answers.
The puzzles and traps in the passage no longer seemed so frightening; he easily solved one puzzle after another, avoiding one trap after another. In his mind, he kept recalling everything he had seen at the altar - those images, those words, those starry skies... all telling him an ancient and profound truth.
Standing before the passage of ice and fire trial, Elias stopped in his tracks. He recalled his experience of nearly falling into the lava pool here, and remembered the words on the Thor's hammer pendant: "Memory is eternal." He knew that although some experiences would pass, as long as we remember them, they exist forever.
He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and easily passed through the passage. Those falling ice blocks and shooting arrows seemed like mere illusions, unable to pose any threat to him anymore.
Back in the judgment hall, those stone statues still stood there, but their eyes no longer seemed so empty; instead, they carried a hint of understanding and tolerance. Elias smiled at the statues, then walked straight through the hall.
Standing before the runic wall, Elias stopped his steps. He looked at the runes carved into the wall and suddenly understood their meaning. These runes were not merely a form of writing, but rather a symbol, representing humanity's understanding and exploration of the world.
He inserted the bronze dagger into the groove and gently rotated it. The runic wall slowly opened, revealing the world outside. Sunlight streamed in through the opening, warm and bright.
Elias walked out of the opening and found himself back in front of the "Giant's Teeth" megalithic formation.
The mist had dissipated, and sunlight fell upon the giant stones, casting long shadows of the runes. In the distance, the fjord sparkled with light, like a blue ribbon encircling this ancient land.
He glanced back at the opening, then turned and left. He knew this secret should remain buried here forever, because some truths can only be understood through personal experience and cannot be expressed in words.
Walking along the seaside path, Elias felt exceptionally lighthearted. He thought about his journey, about the people who had helped him, about his grandfather's diary and that inscribed pebble. These experiences and memories had become part of his life, making him more mature and determined.
Back in Auda fishing village, Elias visited that grocery store again. The shopkeeper saw him and exclaimed in surprise: "Young man, you're still alive? I thought you'd been taken by the 'Mountain Spirit'."
Elias smiled and said: "I've returned. Thank you for your help."
He bought some things, then said goodbye to the shopkeeper. He knew it was time to go home.
Leaving the fishing village, Elias walked along the highway toward Bergen. The scenery along the way was still beautiful, but his state of mind was completely different. He was no longer that confused and bewildered young man, but a traveler who had found his faith and direction.
Halfway through the journey, Elias met the old man he had seen earlier in front of the stone circle. The old man saw him, smiled, and said, "I knew you would come back. Did the mountain give you an answer?"
Elias nodded and said, "Yes, it gave me an answer. And this answer was better than I had imagined."
The old man smiled and said, "That's good. Remember, some answers are not seen with the eyes, but felt with the heart."
Elias nodded and bid farewell to the old man. He continued forward, his heart filled with hope and anticipation.
Leaving Auda fishing village, Elias didn't head directly to Bergen, but instead chose a more difficult path — hiking down the mountain along the mountain range.
He wanted to personally experience the path his grandfather might have taken years ago, to feel the essence of this land.
The mountain path was rugged and uneven, covered with rubble and thorns. Elias moved forward cautiously, occasionally needing to use both hands and feet to climb over steep slopes. The mountain weather was unpredictable—one moment it could be sunny, and the next it might pour with rain.
Once, as he was climbing a steep slope, it suddenly began to pour. The rain soaked his clothes and backpack, making them feel much heavier. The mountain path became muddy and slippery, and he almost fell several times.
Elias didn't give up. He took out his grandfather's diary, hoping to find some useful hints.
Sure enough, the diary contained some survival techniques for mountainous areas, such as how to find clean water sources, how to determine directions, and how to build temporary shelters.
Relying on these skills, Elias successfully found a cave and avoided the heavy rain. He made a fire in the cave to dry his clothes and backpack. Looking at the dancing flames, he thought of his grandfather, remembering his lifetime of exploration and pursuit.
After the rain stopped, Elias continued forward. He discovered that the mountain scenery was actually very beautiful, with clear streams, dense forests, and various kinds of wildlife. He paused to appreciate these beautiful views, feeling the wonder and grandeur of nature.
Halfway up the mountain, Elias encountered a shepherd. The shepherd saw him and said in surprise: "Young man, are you coming down from the mountain? Very few people take this path, especially during this season."
Elias nodded and said: "Yes, I wanted to experience the scenery along this path."
The shepherd smiled and said, "You are brave. This path may be difficult, but it truly offers a different view. If you don't mind, you can come with me. I know a shorter way down the mountain."
Elias happily agreed. He followed the shepherd along a winding trail downhill. The shepherd was talkative and told him many stories and legends about the mountain region.
Elias listened attentively. He realized that although these stories and legends were full of mythical elements, they actually reflected the lives and beliefs of the local people. He recalled everything he had seen in the underground temple and suddenly understood the meaning of mythology — it wasn't an escape from reality, but an interpretation of life.
At the foot of the mountain, Elias bid farewell to the shepherd. Looking at Bergen city in the distance, his heart was filled with emotion. This journey had taught him many things, not just knowledge about Norse mythology and history, but also understanding about life, faith, and human civilization.
He took out his phone and sent Mark a message: "I found something, not gods, but something more real than gods. I'll be back soon."
After sending the message, Elias stepped forward, walking toward Bergen city.
He knew that his life journey was still long, but he was ready to face future challenges and opportunities. He was no longer lost or confused, because he had found his faith and direction.
