
Although Tanto's mind was still filled with the mysteries of the book and the words of the librarian, something else began to catch his attention. Amidst the peace of the bookstore surrounded by rows of books and the scent of old paper, there were whispers that seemed to blow a soft wind.
He stepped closer towards the voice, passing through the tall and neatly lined bookshelves. The sunlight that seeped from the cracks of the windows produced the reflection of the golden rays playing on the surface of the old books. Carefully, Tanto peered behind one of the bookshelves and found an unexpected sight.
An old woman with silvery hair sat on a thick carpet of maroon-colored fur, surrounded by a group of small children who looked at her with sparkling eyes. The woman, in a shabby, bluish-green dress, was talking excitedly.
"...and the Phoenix, the legendary bird that was born of ashes," said the old woman in a melodious voice, "protecting the Blue Crystal from the dark creatures who wish to use it for evil forces."
A little boy with brown curly hair asked curiously, "Grandmother, why is Phoenix protecting that crystal? What's so special about the blue crystal?"
The old woman smiled, "The Blue Crystal is the source of life. He has the power to give and take lives. Phoenix, as the guardian of nature, knew full well the dangers that could occur if the crystal fell into the wrong hands."
Tanto's eyes are growing. All the pieces of the puzzle began to connect. He approached the group, attracting the attention of the old lady. "Sorry to interrupt, Grandma. I just found a book about the Legend of the Phoenix and the Blue Crystal, but it's empty. Do you know why?"
The old woman looked at Tanto, and in a flash, her wrinkled eyes showed surprise as if she knew something. "Ah, the book..," he paused, looking at Tanto with a sharp gaze, "You have been chosen, young man."
Tanto was confused, "Chosen? What's for?"
In a low voice, the old woman said, "To continue the legend. But remember, with power comes responsibility. You must be prepared to face the challenges that are to come."
Without giving Tanto a chance to ask again, the old woman got up and with a graceful movement of her hands, led the little ones out of the bookstore.
Tanto stood there, in deepening confusion. But there is one thing he is sure of, he must find the answer to all these puzzles. And maybe, just maybe, the answer is in that empty book.
As time went on, the bookstore began to become quieter. The sunlight that barged in through the window began to be golden red, signaling that the afternoon would be over. Tanto was still busy with his thoughts, trying to unravel the tangled thread of information he had just received from the old woman. However, before he was completely immersed in his musings, the hoarse voice of the librarian came back to stop him.
"Young man," said the librarian as he walked closer with heavy but definite steps. "I see a strong desire in your eyes to unlock the secret of the book."
Tanto looked at the librarian with hope, "Yes, I want to know. I should know."
The librarian smiled faintly, "Then face the challenge I gave you. If you succeed, the book will show you."
Tanto nodded in excitement, "What's the challenge?"
The librarian took a deep breath, "In the bookstore these three clues were hidden. A clue that will bring you closer to the book's secrets. Find it, and the book will be yours."
With a pounding heartbeat, Tanto begins his quest. The bookstore is spacious, with towering bookshelves and winding narrow alleys. However, every corner is full of history and old stories that may be clues to her.
While searching, Tanto spoke to himself, "The first clue may be related to the Phoenix or the Blue Crystal." He began searching for books related to mythology and legend.
However, after a while, he found a small piece of paper sandwiched between two thick books on world history. The paper contains a picture of a flying Phoenix bird against the background of a full moon.
"I think this is the first clue" murmured Tanto.
Now, only one more clue has to be found. However, after searching every corner of the store, Tanto began to feel desperate. However, when he was about to give up, he noticed something striking on the floor.
A strange shadow formed on the floor, looking like the shadow of a torch. Tanto followed the shadow and found an ancient torch perfectly placed on the shelf. He touched it, and instantly, the torch lit up by itself, revealing a Phoenix symbol on the wall.
"I found it!" exclaim Tanto with joy.
The librarian, who seemed to have been waiting, approached with a face that showed satisfaction. "You've succeeded, young man. The book is yours now. Remember, though, that the true adventure has just begun."
Tanto's eyes shone as he grabbed the book. However, when he opened it, the pages began to fill with words that had not previously existed. This is the beginning of Tanto's grand adventure to solve the secret of "The Phoenix Legend and the Blue Crystal".
Bookstores get darker as the sun dims. The light from the ancient torch that Tanto had found earlier added to the mysterious feel inside the store. Tanto stood in the middle of the shop, holding the legendary book tightly in his hand. However, a small voice suddenly scattered his daydream.
"Hey, you," said the child, who had laughed a little while earlier when Tanto was disappointed by the empty book. The little boy was blond and in a moustache, yet his light blue eyes glittered smartly.
Tanto lowered his head to talk to her, "Hey, do you know anything about this book?"
The little boy showed his mysterious smile, "Maybe. But first, take a look at this," he said, handing over an old necklace with a Phoenix-shaped pendant. The pendant emitted a soft blue light, making Tanto feel there was a special bond with the object.
"This canyon... How did you get it?" ask Tanto with admiration.
The little boy sat on the floor, "This is part of the story of the Phoenix and the Blue Crystal. These necklaces have been around for centuries and according to legend, only those with a destiny with the Phoenix can see the light."
Tanto stared at the necklace with wide eyes, "So, why did you give it to me?"
The little boy smiled, "Because, perhaps, you are the one who is destined to continue this adventure."
Tanto was shaken. "But I'm just a student who happened to find this book."
The little boy approached, looking into Tanto's eyes deeply, "Nobody is a coincidence in this world. Everything is destined. And perhaps, you are the one who is destined to return the Blue Crystal to where it came from."
Tanto was confused, "What do you mean?"
The little boy stood up, "Phoenix and the Blue Crystal are one entity. And perhaps, you are the key to reuniting them. This necklace is your first clue."
Tanto held the necklace tightly. The light grew brighter, emitting a strange yet comfortable warmth. "Then, what should I do now?"
The little boy started walking away, "Find out more about Phoenix. And when the time comes, you'll know what to do."
Tanto wanted to ask more, but the little boy had disappeared, leaving him with a glowing necklace and a thousand questions with no answers.
However, one thing is certain, Tanto's new adventure is just beginning. And with the help of the Phoenix necklace, he is determined to discover the secret behind the Legend of the Phoenix and the Blue Crystal.