The new revelation was a game-changer, and Eldranthor was eager to set his plan into motion. He called for a meeting with Morgan and Alastair, explaining his findings and sharing his proposition. The reaction, however, was not what he had expected.

  “You’re suggesting we mess with the astral plane? Do you know how dangerous that is, Eldranthor?” Morgan voiced out, his face showing concern.

  “It is risky,” Alastair admitted, agreeing with Morgan for once. “Many powerful magicians have lost themselves in the astral realm. It's not something to be taken lightly.”

  Eldranthor sighed, he had anticipated this reaction. “I am aware of the risk, but we are running out of options. And remember, I am not proposing we all dive in. Just me.”

  Alastair fell silent, clearly deep in thought. After a long pause, he finally spoke. “There is... a place. A monastery, hidden high in the mountains. The monks there are said to have mastered astral travel. If anyone can guide you safely, it would be them.”

  Morgan nodded, “That does seem like the safer option.”

  A new sense of determination filled Eldranthor. If these monks could help him master astral travel, then perhaps the risk wouldn't be so high. He was ready to take that leap if it meant they could potentially open a working portal.

  “Then it is decided,” Eldranthor announced, standing from the table. “I will travel to this monastery and seek their guidance. It may be our best chance to succeed.”

  Eldranthor studied the faces of his companions, seeing their hesitation, but also the flicker of hope that sparked in their eyes. The monastery, it seemed, was their best chance.

  "It's dangerous, Eldranthor," Morgan said once more, voicing the concern that hung in the air. His gaze was stern, yet underneath it, Eldranthor saw the spark of belief. "And not just the astral travel. The journey to the monastery itself is a test. It's secluded, nestled in the heart of the treacherous mountain range."

  Alastair nodded in agreement, a rare solidarity between the two. "Yes, they call it the Vale of Echoes. The monks believe the mountains speak to them, guide them. Only those deemed worthy by the mountains can find their way."

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  Eldranthor straightened his posture, feeling the weight of their words, but not shrinking away. He was Eldranthor of the Golden Sun, a master wizard, the archmagus of a lost world. This was just another challenge he was ready to face.

  "I understand," he said, looking each of them in the eyes. "I appreciate your concerns. But we must not forget, we tread uncharted paths, forge untested alliances, all for a cause greater than ourselves. This is but another step in our journey."

  He turned to leave, then paused at the doorway, casting a glance over his shoulder. His eyes met Alastair's, then Morgan's, a silent understanding passing between them.

  "Prepare for my departure. I will leave at first light."

  With that, he stepped out into the cool night air, leaving them in the warm glow of the meeting room. The stars were out in full array, a glittering tapestry against the black of the night. Eldranthor looked up at them, feeling a strange sense of kinship. They too were travelers, each on their own journey, their own path. The astral realm called to him, a whispering echo in his mind. Tomorrow, he would set forth to answer that call.

  In the quiet solitude of his room, Eldranthor picked up his phone, the screen's blue light cutting through the darkness. His thumb hovered over Elara's contact, a sense of unease filling him. He knew she would worry, that she would insist on accompanying him, but this was a journey he needed to undertake alone.

  Taking a deep breath, he pressed the call button and brought the phone to his ear, the rhythmic tone of the dial echoing in his ears. After a moment, her voice filtered through the speaker, her warm greeting washing over him like a soothing wave.

  "Eldranthor," she said, her tone dipping with surprise. "What a pleasant surprise. Is everything alright?"

  "I..." Eldranthor started, the words sticking in his throat. How could he explain to her the gravity of his task without worrying her? "I have to leave for a few days," he finally said, his voice steady.

  The line went quiet, and Eldranthor could imagine Elara frowning, her mind running a thousand miles a minute. "Is it dangerous?" she asked after a moment, her voice low.

  Eldranthor sighed, "It's... complicated. There are risks involved, but it's necessary, Elara."

  "Can't I go with you? I can help," Elara said, her tone pleading.

  "No, Elara," he answered gently, "this is something I need to do on my own."

  Another moment of silence passed, the weight of the situation heavy between them. Then finally, she spoke. "Be safe, Eldranthor. Please."

  Eldranthor smiled, his heart warmed by her concern. "I will, Elara," he assured her. "And I will return soon."

  With that, he ended the call, a sense of calm washing over him. He stood there, phone in hand, looking at Elara's contact photo on the screen. He'd known her for such a short time, yet their bond was strong. He made a promise to himself, to protect her, to keep her safe from the dangers of his world. And he intended to keep that promise.

  Setting his phone down, he gazed out the window at the inky night sky. Tomorrow, he would venture out, towards the unknown. But tonight, he found solace in the quiet companionship that he and Elara shared, even if it was just over a phone call.

  With a last look at the twinkling stars above, Eldranthor retired to bed, his thoughts drifting to the journey that awaited him and the sweet voice of Elara echoing in his mind. A whisper of reassurance in the still of the night.