Episode I — The Great Awakening Test

Chapter 1: The Great Awakening Ceremony (Part 2)

Once before the audience, Perseus changes his angry demeanor to a smile as he begins his speech.

“Dear friends and family,” he starts, his eyes scanning the front row, lingering on his wife Atia, daughter Julie, and his youngest son Tyrone.

He then shifts his attention to a group of figures wearing fancy silk cloaks decorated with golden patterns. “And of course, my warmest welcome to our respected guests from the Mage High Council.” He acknowledges with a nod that is reciprocated by the council members.

“Today is a very special occasion. My beloved grandson, Michael Dryad, will take a significant step towards inheriting the throne of Agartha as the future Archmage, pending the successful completion of the Great Awakening Test. Isn’t that right, Mike?” Perseus turns to Michael, who nods uncomfortably in agreement.

Perseus initiates a round of applause, and the whole room joins in.

“Now, for this special day, we have two very special guests!” Perseus gestures toward two mysterious, cloaked figures who seem to have materialized out of nowhere.

Both figures are remarkably tall. One is draped in a purple silk cloak that appears ancient, the fabric weathered by time. Towering at about nine feet, this figure exudes a slender grace. The other, slightly shorter but bulkier than the first, is adorned in an equally deteriorating green cloak.

“Where did those two come from?” Michael asks himself.

On the mezzanine, Eris and Rickiemer observe the ‘special guests’ with confusion.

“Two special guests? Who else came with Nyx?” Eris asks.

“No clue! Our contacts didn’t mention Nyx would be accompanied by another guest,” says the dwarf.

“At least one of them has an Axis Mundi Dagger; there’s no way to cross from the Elemental Kingdom into Earth without it,” Eris mutters angrily. “Probably hidden under those hideous cloaks!”

On stage, the mysterious figures remain awkwardly silent. Perseus laughs nervously. “So quiet?” He turns to the cloaked figures. “Allow me, my lords, to introduce you to our guests. The legendary Lady Nyx, the Atomic Deva, and Lord Gebmar, the Earth Deva.”

Everyone excitedly applauds, but the devas remain still.

Rigel, previously oblivious to the events unfolding below, changes his demeanor drastically upon hearing the name ‘Gebmar.’ The dragon slowly stands up, grinding his teeth with deep hatred as he repeats the name continuously. “Gebmar, Gebmar . . . that damned mud-face Gebmar . . .!”

“Oh no, here we go,” the dwarf murmurs under his breath in concern.

“Control yourself, you stupid lizard, or face the consequences!” Eris mutters again.

In response, Rigel quietly turns around to avoid the view of the stage, trying his best to contain the escalating anger deep inside him.

As the applause dies out, Perseus clears his throat and continues his speech. “As is tradition, as we commemorate our past, I will now read a passage from the Sacred Book of Mage History. It all began when my ancestor, Olympia Dryad, led humanity to victory during the Great War of the Ancients. Chosen by the Deities themselves, she became the first Archmage of Agartha, thus establishing the Dryad dynasty as the bearer of a great legacy—”

Nyx abruptly interrupts Perseus. “Can we skip the ‘sacred history book’ thing? Everyone knows that story by heart!”

“Also, can we take these cloaks off? They smell worse than hell.” Gebmar snaps his fingers, igniting a reddish flame that consumes his entire cloak, revealing himself to the audience.

He is a tall, well-built, anthropomorphic elemental being. His hair is a wavy flame, and his face an expressive granite mask with sparkling golden eyes. Gebmar’s head levitates above a gold choker that serves as his neck, and an emerald, collar-like necklace. His body parts, including his head, arms, torso, and legs, are not connected by traditional joints but float independently in perfect alignment. This unique trait allows him extraordinary freedom of movement and the ability to disassemble and reposition his body with ease.

His four muscular arms are each attuned to a different element: water, ice, plants, and earth, and adorned with broad gold bracelets. His torso and legs, like his face, are made of pale red granite, yet every part of his body moves with graceful articulation and flexibility.

Around his waist, he wears an ornate green wrap kilt, layered and pleated, trimmed with bold gold geometric patterns and anchored by a decorated belt. He is surrounded by an aura of vibrant green and gold. Despite his peculiar appearance, Gebmar possesses an undeniable allure, as if every inch of his body has been meticulously sculpted by a master artisan.

A unique pendant hangs from the Earth Deva’s chest, its gold setting encasing a peculiar sphere that resembles a miniature rotating Earth. The mysterious object captures Michael’s attention. That thing looks so familiar! And this guy, I know him from somewhere. But where?

Nyx’s cloak dissolves into charcoal dust, then disintegrates into nothingness. In stark contrast to Gebmar, she assumes a humanoid form, her beauty ethereal despite her perpetually deadpan expression. Her translucent purple skin glows with an amethyst radiance, while her flowing hair shimmers like crystallized stardust. Beneath the thin, dark-violet aura that surrounds her, her deep violet eyes gleam with an enigmatic luminescence. She wears a resplendent gown, its fabric mirroring the vastness of deep space, speckled with glimmers of starlight. Atop her head rests a diamond tiara, its facets catching the light, twinkling like distant constellations.

“She seems familiar too . . .?” Michael mutters to himself.

“Skip to the closing, Perseus, so birthday boy can take the test,” Nyx urges. She turns to the guests and adds, “Just leave, people. Head downstairs for the free food and drinks, the main reason most of you even bothered to show up!”

Everyone exchanges glances and quickly leaves the ballroom, even Atia and Julie. Perseus clenches his fists, containing his anger. Jack rises, noting his father-in-law’s evident discomfort, and smirks before walking out. Meanwhile, Ember uses the distraction to slip behind one of the ballroom columns.

As Tyrone exits with the other guests, he casts a final glance back at Michael. He shrugs off his silver cloak, revealing platinum-white hair and golden eyes. His sharp teeth, especially his canines, and his triangular ears give him an otherworldly appearance. For a moment, he regards his nephew with a hint of sadness, then turns away and pulls the ballroom door closed behind him.

Eris and Rickiemer stay vigilant, watching the devas closely for any sign of which one might be carrying the dagger. Rigel remains silent, his anger still palpable.

“You two sure know how to clear a room!” Perseus quips as he removes his hood, revealing his face. “What was that all about?” Despite his age, Perseus remains in excellent shape; his skin shows barely a wrinkle, and his golden eyes still sparkle with pride. Like Michael and Tyrone, Perseus has striking platinum-white hair, though he also sports a meticulously groomed silver beard. He observes the devas with dismay.

“We didn’t come here to listen to speeches and be praised by a bunch of hypocrites! Our job here is to oversee Michael’s test!” says Nyx. “So, Perseus, any words of wisdom for Mike before he takes the test?’’

“Sure,” Perseus says, still visibly irritated. “I would love to have some words with him!” He grabs Michael by the arm and leads him behind the stage’s curtains.

Gebmar and Nyx move closer to listen to their conversation.

Thank you for reading Chaos’s Key.

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