Chapter 9: The Nuno sa Punso’s Prophecy

Exhausted but victorious, Jereco returned to the city. The weight of the artifact, a constant reminder of his perilous journey, seemed to grow heavier with each passing day. He sought the guidance of the shaman, hoping she could shed some light on the artifact’s power and the impending threat.

The shaman, after examining the artifact, revealed a startling truth. The artifact was a key to a hidden realm, a place of immense power and ancient secrets. However, to unlock this realm, Jereco must first seek the blessing of the nuno sa punso, a diminutive creature of the earth.

The nuno sa punso, a guardian of ancient burial grounds, was known for its wisdom and its temper. Jereco, armed with the artifact and a healthy dose of caution, ventured to the sacred burial ground.

Upon arriving, Jereco was greeted by a strange sight. A tiny figure, no larger than a child, emerged from the ground. It was the nuno sa punso, its eyes twinkling with mischief.

“So, you’ve come at last,” the nuno sa punso said. “You seek the secrets of the artifact, do you not?”

Jereco nodded. “I do,” he replied.

“Very well,” the nuno sa punso chuckled. “But first, you must prove your worthiness.”

“No, again!” Jereco muttered under his breath, incredulity evident in his tone. “I’ve taken so many tests since I was in university. Test, test, test. Can’t we just cut a deal and get this over with?”

The nuno sa punso, amused by Jereco’s frustration, simply smiled. “Patience, young one. These trials will prepare you for what lies ahead.”

“Oh, gee, I’m now a ‘young one’?” Jereco muttered under his breath, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

The nuno sa punso ignored Jereco’s grumbling and presented him with a series of trials, testing his courage, his wit, and his respect for the spirits of the earth. Jereco, drawing on his experiences, successfully completed each trial.

Impressed by Jereco’s determination, the nuno sa punso shared a cryptic prophecy. “The final confrontation will take place in the heart of darkness,” the nuno said. “There, you will face your greatest challenge.”

With the nuno sa punso’s blessing, Jereco returned to the city, his mind filled with questions. He knew that the final battle was imminent, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

To Be Continued