Episode I — The Great Awakening Test

Chapter 3: Only You Can Get Us Out

Michael slowly opens his eyes to find himself surrounded by a vast white void. The space is filled with a brilliant warmth.

“What is this place?”

“Welcome to the interior of the Sah’s Pyramid!” Gebmar’s voice replies, catching Michael’s attention.

He turns around to see the deva, now in his human form, sitting on the ground and looking bored. Behind him stands Ember, frantically trying to call and text for help, but to no avail.

“Damn it, there’s no signal!” she says.

“Doubt those magic mirrors you humans are obsessed with will work here!” Gebmar replies casually as he lies down on the ground. “I seriously hope we get outta here before Nyx finds out, or I’m screwed!”

“HELP!” Ember screams, but the place is completely soundproof, silence swallowing her cries.

“Screaming won’t help, either. Nothing gets out of here until the tester passes the test,” Gebmar explains nonchalantly.

“Can’t you use your powers to get us out of here, mighty Earth god?” Ember taunts Gebmar.

“I can’t!” Gebmar slowly stands up, attempting to use his magic, but nothing happens. “I’m as useless as a magic-less human, no offense. How can you non-magic humans live like this? This sucks!” he exclaims.

“You get used to it. I prefer technology over magic!” Ember says confidently.

“How come you can’t use your magic? I thought you devas were among the most powerful elementals,” Michael inquired.

“The Sah’s Pyramid was created by Aion, the Cosmic Deity, as a testing ground for specific individuals. While it’s true that a deva’s magic exceeds that of mages and other elementals, including elemental monarchs, my power pales in comparison to that of a deity.” Gebmar turns, observing the void that surrounds them. “And Khronos, the Cosmic Deva, programmed this place to be used only by you, Mike!”

“By me?” says Michael, his voice filled with awe as he contemplates the place.

“It’s you taking the test. Only you can use magic here, and only you can get us out of here,” Gebmar assures him. “Try it and see for yourself.”

Michael closes his eyes, brings his palms together, and focuses his energy, conjuring a small gaseous cloud into existence.

“See, I told you you’re the only one who can use magic here,” says Gebmar.

“Cute!” Ember exclaims as she snaps a picture of her brother’s nebula.

“Please don’t post that on Tip-Talk; you know I hate social media!” Michael says, annoyed.

“No promises,” she says with a smirk.

“So, now what?” Michael stares at Gebmar, but Gebmar shrugs his shoulders, unsure. Suddenly, the entire place begins to shake, catching everyone by surprise.

“An earthquake?!” Ember screams in alarm.

“Don’t look at me; I can’t cause earthquakes without magic!” Gebmar cries out, trying his best not to lose his equilibrium.

The white void begins to transform into something else, as strange shapes emerge from the ground. The group of three quickly distance themselves from the objects to avoid being hit. Above them, the white void dissipates, revealing a cloudless, celestial blue sky.

“What’s going on?” Michael wonders, terrified.

“I think your nebula trick has activated the power of the Sah’s Pyramid,” says Gebmar.

The emerging shapes morph and transform into buildings, eventually coalescing into a vast cityscape. It is a peculiar sight, as the architecture seems to blend styles from cities across the world, from Los Angeles and New York to Barcelona, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro, all converging into one maze-like metropolis that defies conventional logic. They gaze upon the city with a mixture of wonder and confusion.

“Geez, human architecture has truly evolved since my last visit to Earth a thousand years ago,” says Gebmar.

“These are all the cities I’ve visited and lived in before,” Michael replies, his eyes widening.

“Makes sense, after all, this place is a reflection of your memories and subconscious,” Gebmar remarks.

Suddenly, the ground below them turns into sand. Waves crash nearby, covering their feet with water.

“The beach?” Ember exclaims, turning around to see what Gebmar and Michael are staring at on the horizon behind her.

She follows their gazes and sees a translucent version of her brother floating over the ocean, about a hundred feet away from them. This other Michael has a ghostly appearance, his entire body the same midnight-blue as the strange aura that surrounds him. His face is completely expressionless, his eyes glowing and bright but lacking pupils, giving Ember shivers.

“I don’t like the way the other Mike is looking at us!” she cries out in distress.

“What is that thing?” Michael asks Gebmar.

“I don’t know. I’ve never taken this test before. Maybe it’s your magical essence?” Gebmar replied, his bewildered gaze fixed on the ‘other Michael.’

From the ocean below emerges a towering figure. Standing at an imposing twelve feet tall, it boasts six arms and is dressed in an elaborate paludamentum and a cape crafted from shimmering gold. Behind the figure hovers a giant sacred geometry torus, radiating a glow so intense that it obscures any discernible facial features of the being.

“Greetings, prospective Archmage Michael Dryad. I am Khronos, the Cosmic Deva,” the entity proclaims, its voice booming like thunder.

“Khronos?!” Michael exclaims with disbelief.

“Relax, it’s only a projection,” Gebmar reassures him. A hint of uncertainty lingers in his voice, however, as he mutters to himself, “I hope so, otherwise, I’m so screwed if that fucking asshole sees me here. I was really hoping for a break from his tyranny during my time on Earth!”

Khronos’s projection continues with the introduction. “Welcome to your Great Awakening Test. I trust you’re enjoying this birthday gift!”

“Not really . . .” Michael replies, unamused.

“The test is quite simple. This fellow over here is the Self,” Projection Khronos explains as he approaches the ‘other Michael.’ “A replica of you, who can use all your magic power at its full potential. Your mission is to defeat it. To do so, you must find your magical essence, the power within your soul that fuels the true nature of your magic.”

Michael’s expression shifts, a mixture of anxiety and dread settling in. “Fight a super version of myself? This test is way worse than I expected.”

“Didn’t they at least give you a heads-up about what this test would be?” asks Gebmar.

“No! The test is supposed to be a ‘surprise,’” says Michael.

“Remember, the world around you is a projection created from the depth of your subconscious and your memories. So, this test is not only designed to test how well you control your magic, but your mind and emotions as well. Skills you’ll need as the next Archmage.” Khronos’s words only add to Michael’s growing anxiety.

Khronos continues, “Only after completing this test, shall you officially receive the title of Archmage Heir. Good luck!”

Khronos’s projection dissolves into thin air, leaving Michael, Gebmar, and Ember at the Self’s mercy.

Thank you for reading Chaos’s Key.

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