From the first day they discovered clues about the Wielder of Time, Anoby and Hina realized that many things had to be prepared. Forty days before the lunar eclipse, they split their time between gathering information by day and training by night. Hina, who was now fifteen and a half years old, looked increasingly mature—her voice and body beginning to change, but her spirit to help Anoby never waning. All fear and anxiety about the great task ahead were held back by their joint determination.
Division of Tasks in Rhumal Village
On a bright morning after they read the parchment, Anoby and Hina sat at the edge of the old well. Morning mist still hung thinly over the village, creating a cool and mysterious atmosphere.
"We need a complete map to the Wielder's lair," said Hina, staring at the rippling water in the well. "The old house in the north is just the entrance. They say there's a secret corridor under the hut, but there must be many traps. We have to know which path is safe."
Anoby nodded slowly. "Yes, we need the old map. Maybe Mr. Miran has a copy." He touched the iron pipe at his waist, remembering how important that weapon was. "He used to live in this village when the road was still open before the forest covered everything."
They walked to the village hall, which looked busy even though the morning had just begun to redden. Some farmers queued for harvest permits, while some elders sat chatting about the planting season. Hina knocked on the hall door and greeted several elders who had known her since childhood.
"Mr. Miran, we need the old village map—especially the northern part before the forest closed the path," Hina said politely. "Do you have that document?"
Mr. Miran, an old man with silver hair, turned and smiled gently. He recognized Hina from when she was a child, and the memory of that cheerful little girl made his eyes misty. "Certainly, child. That map is in the old cabinet in that corner," he replied as he limped toward a wooden cabinet. He took out a faded sheet of paper with slightly torn edges. "This is the map of the old houses we drew long ago. The northern part does have a steep corridor leading to the old well. After that, the elders decided to close it because it was dangerous. But there used to be stories about a time creature guarding that path. Many dared not venture there again."
Hina studied the map carefully, spreading it on a wooden table covered in ink stains. Fine lines showed the corridor turning three times before reaching the secret room. Anoby adjusted their position and marked that route with white chalk on the map. "Forty days left," he murmured softly. "Every step we take must be careful—if one of us is injured, this mission could fail."
Mr. Miran nodded gently. "My children, this village has lived in uncertainty for too long. If you fail, time could be utterly broken." His eyes fixed sharply on Anoby, who still wore the blindfold. "Remember, the old iron chest in the Wielder's core chamber is guarded by a time detonation. You must break its seal before the eclipse ends."
Anoby bowed his head, bearing the weight of Mr. Miran's words. He knew the consequences of failure were not just death, but the collapse of dimensional balance. "We will try," he replied tersely. "Thank you for the map and advice, Mr. Miran."
Hina took the map and rolled it up carefully. "We will not disappoint you," Hina said softly. Her eyes shone with determination far beyond her years.
Training the Power of the Iron Pipe All Day
At noon, Anoby brought the iron pipe to Hina's backyard. The sky was somewhat overcast, but bright enough to work without a lantern. Hina helped clean the pipe surface of moss, dust, and dried blood stains from previous clashes. Anoby inspected the small cracks that had appeared after battling the shadows.
"This pipe absorbs time vibrations," whispered Anoby as he gazed at the pipe. "We need to strengthen its structure so it can withstand the Wielder's power later."
Hina nodded, took a bucket of cold water that had been distilled from the village spring. She also prepared a small iron plate heated by wood embers. Anoby heated the cracked part of the pipe until it glowed, while Hina submerged it in cold water. Steam rose slowly as the metal cooled. They repeated this process until the pipe hissed softly, indicating the metal had fused more strongly.
"Done," said Anoby after several hours. "This pipe is now denser. It feels different when I listen to its sound, as if there's trapped time energy inside."
Hina smiled proudly, attaching a small protector made of dried banyan root that she tied to the pipe's most fragile part. "If you drop this pipe, the banyan root will cushion the impact," she said. "And if the Wielder summons time creatures, this root can help dampen the vibrations."
They then tested the pipe in the open yard. Hina stood a few steps in front of Anoby, holding notes on hand movements. "Try striking that old tree," she said.
Anoby raised the pipe and struck the trunk of a fairly large tree. The metallic thud shattered the silence, and a soft glow appeared on the wood's surface, indicating that the pipe had withstood the harsh vibration. The tree only swayed slightly without cracking.
"This pipe can withstand time vibrations—for at least a few seconds," said Anoby. "That's enough time to break the seal."
Hina nodded. "Now we have more time when facing time traps in the Wielder's lair."
Finding the Key Point in the Old House
Four days before the eclipse, they made a short journey to the old house in the north. Dusk began to crawl in as they arrived—the remaining orange light casting long shadows around the hut. The grass in the yard grew tall, covering the ruins and wooden walkway now wobbly from termite damage. The old hut looked increasingly fragile: many tiles were missing, and the rotting board walls left gaps in some parts.
Hina opened the door carefully; the creaking wood quickened both their heartbeats. They entered, lit a lantern, and saw parts of the wooden floor starting to rot. The air inside felt damp and dusty. Dust floated as the lantern light pierced the darkness.
"I remember the secret corridor was behind that bookshelf," said Hina, pointing to a bookshelf that had begun to rot. She shifted several books and decaying wooden boards. "Behind the shelf... here."
Anoby removed the rotted board, then crawled into the narrow hole. He lit a small lantern and descended the narrow stone steps that were cold and root-entangled. The air felt colder underground, smelling of damp earth and mushrooms growing in wall crevices.
When their feet touched solid ground at the end of the corridor, Anoby closed his eyes and traced the wall with his fingertips. "Here," he murmured. He pressed a slightly protruding stone, and a soft scraping sound rang out—the earthen door opened, revealing a roughly two-arm length stone chamber. In the room's center, a cracked circle carving was etched on an ancient iron door.
Hina climbed up slightly to help light the lantern closer, the soft light dancing across the carving. "I feel the pulse of time here... its beat like a slow heartbeat," she said quietly.
Anoby took the iron pipe, tapping the carving with its tip. A subtle vibration spread downward, indicating the carving responded to the pipe's time vibration. The iron door slowly lifted, revealing a twisting narrow corridor behind it.
Encounter with the Guardian Shadow
They stepped further and found a small dim room. The air felt frozen inside, as if time had thickened. In the room's center stood an old thin man with one eye—his face full of time lines, yet still exuding authority. His tattered robe looked like protective garb from dark energy.
"The time guardian," whispered Hina, barely audible.
The old man raised a thin smile, his gaze fixed on Anoby and Hina. "Shadow child and light girl," his voice hoarse but firm. "You have arrived too early. Many are not yet ready to face the darkness to come."
Anoby felt tension radiate through the iron pipe at his waist. He knew the figure before him was not just human, but a guardian of time power who felt the time pulse in every being.
Gently, Anoby raised the pipe and struck the floor between them. The metallic thud echoed, the stone walls trembling softly. That sound broke the silence, as if calling time's power to react.
The time guardian stopped, staring at the pipe that still reflected the lantern light. "An iron that absorbs time beats," he murmured. "An unexpected object. You are permitted to pass, but remember—do not be late."
With a calm hand gesture, the guardian signaled. A path behind him opened slowly—stone steps plunging deeper. Anoby and Hina lit their lantern brighter, then descended the winding steps. Each step raised their heart rate, but they pressed on, armed with the conviction that time must be controlled, not sacrificed.
Final Preparations in the Antechamber
They arrived in a broad, dim stone chamber. The air felt cold and trembling, as if filled with the pressure of time flow. Its walls were carved with images of dead full-moon mushrooms—remnants of light that once shone in the Dark Forest now left as carvings for warning. One lantern placed on a stone pillar in the corner emitted a soft orange glow that cast long shadows throughout the room.
Hina sat on the edge of a flat stone pile and opened her old map scroll. The winding lines she drew indicated the path to the Wielder's ritual center. "Here, at the end of this corridor," she said, pointing to the innermost part of the map. "There's a hidden room under that large root-shaped butterfly. Perhaps the Wielder will use that place for the moon blood ritual."
Anoby examined the map carefully and raised the iron pipe. "During the eclipse, shadow forces will appear in great numbers. We must be swift and precise." He swung the pipe slowly, as if sensing the resonance in the air. "I will strike the full-moon mushroom seal on that iron door with this pipe. The vibration must break the false time flow that holds the path."
Hina took a small box containing wisteria-scented cloth and some dried moon mushrooms. "We will tie wisteria cloth on our wrists," she said while assigning tasks. "Its scent will calm the mind when full-moon mushrooms begin to affect us. Then, before entering, we light moon mushrooms on our heads as a backup light source. If the lantern goes out, we still have a source of light."
Anoby nodded, set the map aside, and prepared their gear. He tidied the iron pipe, making sure no cracks were overlooked. Hina arranged the moon mushrooms and wisteria cloth into a small pouch she would wear.
They rested briefly, sitting close together, letting the cold air seep into their bones. Despite the chill, their hearts felt warm with burning determination. "We have done all we can," Hina said softly. "Now we just wait for eclipse night."
Anoby gently took Hina's hand, looking deeply into her eyes. "I am grateful to you," he said. "Without you, I do not know how to start all of this. You are an oasis in the darkness for me."
Hina smiled faintly, gazing at Anoby as if seeing a friend untouched by time. "And you are the light that has guided me from the beginning. We will do this together."
Toward Eclipse Night
Eclipse night drew near. They walked through the fourth corridor once more, passing mushroom roots and stone walls that felt cold and wet. The sky above the corridor showed the gleaming full moon beginning to be covered by shadow—sign that the eclipse was nearing its peak. The corridor air whispered softly, carrying the sound of dripping water that transformed into a heartbeat.
Hina held the dried moon mushroom she placed on the moss on the corridor roof. She lit a small flame on their heads, creating a ring of soft light that helped them see every curve in the corridor. The mushroom light glowed pale, piercing the darkness. Anoby walked ahead, holding the iron pipe as if holding the time's tether.
"We must hold our breath and move slowly," said Hina in a low voice. "Any sound we make can summon time shadows."
Anoby nodded and stepped more slowly, ensuring each foot landed on the sturdiest stone. They threaded the winding corridor until they reached the large stone root-shaped butterfly chamber, where a tense sight awaited. The old iron door was tightly closed, surrounded by black chains that emitted a chilly aura. The large stone root-shaped butterfly resembled giant wings, covering the door as if waiting for time to take flight.
They paused for a moment, feeling the soft vibration growing stronger because the moon blood was almost at its peak. "When the pure moon blood covers the moon, the Wielder's power will reach its climax," said Anoby. "That is when we must strike the seal."
Hina inhaled deeply, feeling the wisteria cloth on her wrist. "I am ready," she replied softly. "Let's begin."
Anoby gripped the iron pipe tightly. He stepped one step forward, then swung the pipe with all his might. The metallic thud rang loudly, penetrating the silent chamber. The black chains on the door trembled, then began to crack slowly. The iron door shifted slightly, revealing a dark gap behind it.
The moon blood covering the moon above finally closed completely, creating a dim reddish atmosphere until the corridor filled with a frightening hue. The red glow touched the stone walls, reflecting on the iron pipe and highlighting their faces with warning light. Then, the rustling sound of shadow creatures' footsteps came from another corner of the room—time shadows trapped in the moon blood flow were now free to move.
Anoby and Hina exchanged a brief glance. "Now is the time," whispered Anoby. He took a deep breath and pushed the iron door wide open.
Behind the door, the corridor leading to the Wielder's core chamber welcomed them with pitch darkness. Tiny shadows moved swiftly at the lantern's edge—time creatures trying to block them. Hina lit the moon mushroom on her head, creating a ring of light that formed a small boundary around them.
"Anoby, I'm on the right side," said Hina. "Watch out for shadows trying to strike."
Anoby nodded, steadying his footing. He used the iron pipe to strike every shadow that approached—each blow shattered dark mist into small fragments. The second shadow tried to slip through a gap under the door, but the mushroom light held it at bay. Anoby struck the shadow until it vanished.
They continued forward, clearing one shadow after another. The mushroom light on Hina's head guided their path, although the red gleam on the walls pressed closer. The wisteria scent that calmed Hina's mind felt soothing, but Anoby still felt the tension pressing with every breath.
Finally, they reached the mouth of the Wielder's core chamber—another larger iron door decorated with full-moon mushroom carvings and pitch-black roots. In front of that door, the air vibrated even more fiercely. "Here it is," said Anoby. "The Wielder's core door."
Hina took a short octopus tool from her pouch—a temporary door stopper. She hung the tool on the door handle. "We must quickly handle the shadow creatures inside, then close this door again. If the door closes before we exit, time could be lifted and crush us."
Anoby raised the iron pipe high toward the door. "I will strike the full-moon mushroom seal in the middle of this door. When the door opens, you enter quickly and find the Wielder's power source."
Hina nodded, holding the lantern and the moon mushroom on her head. "I'm ready."
Anoby took a deep breath, focusing all his power on the iron pipe. The moon blood glow filling the chamber glowed even denser. "Now," he murmured.
With full force, Anoby struck the door in its center. The thud roared mightily, as if a real crack appeared on the iron surface. The red glow in the room flickered briefly, revealing time shadows flitting behind the door. The iron door slowly opened, emitting a different ancient glow—a pale blue shimmer, as if rejecting the moon blood outside.
"Enter, Hina!" shouted Anoby.
Hina immediately stepped in, the lantern and the mushroom light on her head lighting the narrow corridor inside. Time shadows swarmed at first, but the mushroom light drove them back. Anoby struck every shadow trying to strike the door, ensuring it stayed open wide enough for Hina to pass through.
Hina descended through the door, feeling a different cold air—dry and dusty, like a chamber buried underground. The stone walls of the corridor were carved with full-moon mushroom symbols and roots, as if guiding the way to the central room. Anoby still stood before the door, holding the gateway with the iron pipe, ensuring no other shadow tried to enter.
At the corridor's end, Hina saw a large chamber with a decaying stone floor. In its center lay a large stone table on which rested a thick black book—The Time Controller's Book. Behind the table, a dark-robed man sat on a low stone throne. His eyes emitted a fierce red glow as he stared at Hina.
Wielder of Time.
Hina felt her heart pound, but she tried to remain firm. "I have come to stop you," Hina said quietly.
The Wielder stopped whatever incantation he was whispering, then looked at Hina from head to toe. "Little girl, you dare to disturb this ritual?" he asked softly but dangerously.
Hina held her breath, looking sideways. She sipped the moon mushroom stored in her small container, then lit it on her head. The pale blue light illuminated her face, dispelling the shadows around the Wielder. "I am not alone. Anoby is holding back the shadows outside," she said. "And I have come to bring back memories."
The Wielder gave a sinister smile. "Your memories?" he said. "Time is not to be remembered, but to be controlled."
Hina stepped closer, closing the small glasses initialed "∞" hanging on her neck. "The time you siphoned from people cannot be fully controlled. The more you take, the stronger the shadows become."
The Wielder flicked one arm, and time shadows flitted to create a dark field around Hina. He tried to shift the full-moon mushroom roots on the table's surface, creating a flow of shadows that held back the mushroom light.
But before the shadows could envelop Hina, the iron pipe's light appeared at the door threshold. Anoby burst through the shadows covering the door, the pipe glowing pale blue holding back the wave of shadows that rushed in. He lifted the pipe with full strength and struck the floor in front of him, creating vibrations that spread throughout the chamber.
The full-moon mushroom roots around the Wielder cracked, shattered by the powerful vibration from the pipe. The dark shadows receded under the pale blue light, disappearing one by one like mist burned by dawn's light. The Wielder was startled, releasing the time spell he had prepared. "What… what are you doing with that object?" the Wielder cried.
Anoby stepped in, the pipe raised to shoulder height. "This iron can resist time vibrations. I shattered its seal," he replied tersely. "Now surrender that book or we will stop you—for good."
The Wielder frowned, his eyes shifting to the book before him. "The Time Controller's Book… bestows power you cannot comprehend, boy!" He tried to raise his hand to create a stronger time wave. But at that moment, Hina lit the moon mushroom she carried, a reddish-blue glow flaming above her head.
The wave of mushroom light and the iron pipe combined, suppressing the Wielder's incantation so he recoiled. The full-moon mushroom roots around him split, fragmenting into fine pieces that flew in the air, creating a soft shimmer. Hina used that moment to seize the book and close it.
"Stop the ritual," Hina said firmly, her voice strong despite the distance. "I have taken your memory—that power should not exist."
Anoby struck the floor once more with the pipe, the roar intensifying and causing small cracks in the stone walls. The Wielder stared at the iron pipe in Anoby's hand, his expression turning angry and panicked. "No…! Impossible! I am the Wielder of Time—I am the master of time!" he shouted, then tried to reverse time, channeling the shadow energy into the pipe.
But the iron pipe withstood it all. The vibration from the pipe's strike pierced the shadow wave, reversing that power back at the Wielder. He was hurled backward, crashing into the wall with a resounding thud. The blue light from the pipe and the moon mushroom enveloped the room, creating a soft shimmer that confirmed their victory.
The Wielder crawled, his eyes pale, but he still tried to form words. "Time… remains time…" he murmured. His body began to shrink, appearing like dissolving mist—as if time itself was absorbing his power. In seconds, he vanished; the book in his hand slipped, falling to the floor.