The Foretaste of Doomsday

[𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐣𝐨𝐛, 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫! 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞. 𝐈𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐈 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥, 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.]

Taltos praised his Master as it tried to levitate in a more straightish line than before, as Taltos forced it 'lightly' to improve its shortcomings. However, this turns out to be a challenging task as this practice started almost right after the serpent incident, and after almost seven hours, Taltos still needs to 'hold' his master's hand to levitate in a somewhat straight line to not hit something, or fall OR to fly in such curves that no man could comprehend.

His flames of determination did not die out even after so many tries. He was certain his master would be successful.

As Taltos gently assisted his Master near the stony cliffs, where the rugged rocks met the lush green of the jungle in a perfect harmony of color and form, as this place seemed to be the safest as beasts could only approach from a specific direction, a haven to be their only sanctuary from the lurking beasts that prowled the thick haze of the jungle.

Thus, Taltos did not have much problem overlooking his master, while also scanning the jungle for any indication of danger. He also kept in mind that maybe a flying beast could approach them from the cliffside, but he did not find any resemblance for such creatures even from using his newly discovered skill that manages to bend the Mana in such ways that he could feel and comprehend the shapes of objects. He named that skill [𝐗-𝐨-𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧] as he did not know the fabric's name that he could bend, in a so mysterious way and form that would be only possible in his imagination.

He unlocked it from the start of the chase, maybe from the need for a safe escape. He also tries to make his Master learn it for easier flight. They could only sense sound from a certain distance while they can also sense really close objects, using the ball's minor gravitational pull.

As they continued their training, Taltos marveled at the progress his Master had made. From struggling to maintain a basic levitation to now being able to fly in a somewhat straight line without much help, it was evident that the hours of practice were paying off.

The sun was setting behind them, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. If they could see what was presented in front of them they were probably amazed by the vast expanse of the jungle before them.

The lush green canopy stretches out as far as the eye can see, a sea of emeralds that sways and rustles in the gentle breeze.

Beneath the canopy, a dense underbrush thrives, full of all manner of flora and fauna. The ground is alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and chirping insects, a symphony of life that echoes through the jungle.

Here and there, it could be make out the massive trunks of ancient trees, their roots burrowing deep into the earth below. Their branches reach out towards the lingering sun that is about to leave its realm. The faint outline of a river winding its way through the thick vegetation. The river is a lifeline, bringing nourishment to the plants, animals, and beasts that call the jungle home.

Despite the calm and peace that rules the environment, there is a palpable sense of danger that lurks within the jungle, as the presence of predators, hidden amidst the leaves and shadows, waiting for their next meal to pass by.

In this jungle, life, and death exist side by side in a delicate balance. It is a place of wonder and mystery, where the forces of nature and magic are at their most raw and untamed.

Taltos was finally satisfied with his master's progress, so he decided to give him a slight break from this non-stop practice that really made his master's non-existent brain into cabbage juice. His childish laughs from the first hours began to quickly form into snivels that only Taltos' promises dampened.

As his master slowly descended onto the rocky surface some confetti and sounds of claps stuffed his master's mind as Taltos thought it would make it happy. Which, in fact, did.

The orb tried to tilt itself left and right as a self-reassurance.

Taltos could feel the joy and excitement in his Master's slight movement. With a phantom nod, his assistant finds his Master's development in these skills regard enough for today.

[𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞!] - Devout clapping sound has risen as Taltos finished his short but fancy congratulation, probably him trying to imitate real clapping as he ransacked his Master's unconscious to make sure.

[𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬. 𝐈 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐝. 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐈 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫!] - Taltos spoke out with his lovely trivial voice of tone as he tried to somewhat place his Master's steps in the right path. The ball's answer was just simply 'I don't care' while it began to seemingly sleep to recover the small mana portions that it was used for its training.

[𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬... 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲.] - Taltos examined his Master with surprise as this ball did not need to sleep over those years that it spent in the mids of the cosmos, so it was quite an amazement for him.

In this little examination, he found out that his Master is not fully asleep, and the cause for this was that same energy or matter that he could bend using his [𝐗-𝐨-𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧] skill. It seems that his Master is in a mode that allows him to swallow that raw and thick energy from the air around it using its [𝐀𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧] skill.

But anyway...

[𝐈𝐭 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐇𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐈 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.]

As the sun set behind them, Taltos and his master were ready to leave the cliffside at any time, facing whatever challenges lay ahead of them.

x-x-x

As the shooting star streaked across the sky, illuminating the morning sky with its fiery tail, the people of the surrounding countries were filled with wonder and awe. Some believed it to be a sign from the gods, while others saw it as an omen of impending doom. Some saw it as a natural wonder that might happen only once in a lifetime, and some saw it as key to improving in both magical and technological ways.

The news of the shooting star that had landed on the continent of Deltox spread like wildfire, igniting curiosity and fear in equal measure in many nations. But for the 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚, it was more than just a mere curiosity; it was a sign from the heavens, a divine message from their god.

The Theocracy of Ophelia was a land of great piety and devotion. It was a powerful and ancient nation, ruled by a council of high bishops, under the lead of an annually elected Patriarch, who claimed to have a direct connection to the gods. Their capital city, 𝐍𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥, was a place of great religious significance, with towering temples and shrines dedicated to various deities.

It was said that the Gods once looked toward these lands and smiled upon them because of their beauty and purity, ever since the rivers flow with 'honey and milk.' It was the land of Eden, the Canaan of Canaans. The crop every year only grows and grows. The lands of plenty are not familiar with fatigue, vainly how many plants they grow continuously. Moreover, the number of crops only brings another harvest, one in the spring and one in the autumn, as no natural disaster or frost hits these sacred lands as well as wars as the pagans and other believers are afraid it will only bring disaster for them if they ever stain those lands' green carpet with their dirty blood.

In the capital city, many people gathered around the 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭. 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐞𝐬, where the discussion over this strange occurrence will take place. In one of the chambers, a young girl no more than nineteen searched for the ancient scrolls and texts about a similar prophesy that is similar to this celestial happening. It was the request from the 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐬, which was for the language of 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬, a command.

The girl's striking red hair cascaded down her back in loose curls, framing her heart-shaped face. Her bright blue eyes were sharp and inquisitive, taking in everything around her. She wore a simple yet elegant black deacon's robe, adorned with gold embroidery that depicted intricate religious symbols. The fabric clung to her curves in all the right places, accentuating her feminine figure. Despite her youth, her confident and authoritative demeanor exuded wisdom and experience beyond her years. Overall, she appeared to be a unique blend of beauty, intelligence, and grace.

What a rare flower blooming in a such dark and strict place surrounded by concrete and stone.

As he continued her never-ending search a light sigh escaped her lips as she does not find the wished scrolls.

"Oh, for the love of Buphine, where did they put that scroll? This is the fifth row I searched through. It did not get up on its legs and went for a wall, isn't it?" - With a slight grumble that was as sweet as the nectar in high noon, she went to the next row.

It might have been an easier task for this poor being if those pieces of fiber were at least put in alphabetical order, but of course, who has the patience to put them in order if they have more than five-thousand scrolls on the shelves?

They do not have enough manpower to copy the sacred text with proficient speed so they do not really bother to ever touch that.

The girl's delicate fingers trailed over the spines of the ancient scrolls, as she moved with purpose and urgency. Each step she took was graceful, like a swan gliding across a still pond. Her movements were precise and calculated as if she knew every inch of this chamber like the back of her hand.

The chamber itself was dimly lit, with only a few flickering candles casting a warm glow upon the stacks of dusty scrolls that surrounded her on the old shelves. The air was thick with the scent of aged parchment and musty books, a fragrance that she had grown accustomed to over the years. The silence was deafening, save for the sound of her soft footsteps and the occasional rustling of a page.

As she continued her search, she couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency in her bones. The council was waiting for her, and they expected results. The fate of the Theocracy of Ophelia may very well rest upon her shoulders, and she couldn't afford to fail.

The girl's thoughts were interrupted by the warm teasing voice

"Is there any news, Sister~?" - He inquired, his voice youthful as a blooming acacia. The young girl slightly fluttered by the well-known voice for her. It was Filio, one of the Acculati of this Cathedral and a possible admirer, maybe beau even though this kind of interest is prohibited for the people who work in the Cathedrals.

"Woah!" - Her surprised voice escaped her lips. She looked toward the source of this strangely familiar voice. - "Filio!?" - She questioned his presence in this chamber as he and other acculati or ostiarius worked to make sure no one enters this sacred place without the ordinary protocol, especially at this time when people want answers.

"What are you doing here? I don't want even to question why always these doors are soundless when you are here to open them..." - The girl said with a little frown on her face as he just leaned to the chamber's wall lest it won't fall over.

Filio chuckled softly, his warm brown eyes sparkling mischievously. "Yes, it's me. It seems that my services are just way too much, so I decided to look around, and by chance, I heard your lovely voice." - He adjusted his black hair with a sudden hand movement as walked closer. "You know, for us, doorkeepers, these doors open very differently in our hands." - He gently grasped her hand between his. "Maybe, if you put some care and love into this lovely pud, it would not screech with such annoyance..." - The young maiden just rolled her eyes as her little playful friend cannot be above himself. With a sudden movement, she unlocked her hands from this man's trapping grasp, continuing her search with a hearable 'Mhpm.'

"Or maybe some oil would do the job." - He just shrugged off this, turning the wheels of the conversation to more serious waters, not letting away his teasing behavior. "I thought I'd come and check on you. The council is getting antsy, you know... grows impatient, and they need answers soon~." - He said, his tone teasing.

The girl couldn't help but smile at his lightheartedness, despite the gravity of the situation. "I know, I know. I'm doing my best, Filio," - She replied her tone a mixture of frustration and determination.

"Is everything okay, Sister? You seem... tense..." - He said, slightly approaching her cheeks with his accompanied by a curious teasing look on his face as his hands were trimming his pointy chin.

"Come on, don't be childish..." - She said as she shoo off this little man, followed by some giggles that then turned into a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly.

Filio's smile faded slightly as he regarded her with concern. "Alright, what caused this look on your face? It is way worse than you see me." - Filio tried to cheer her up slightly. It only made her face turn away.

"It's just... this whole situation is weighing heavily on me. The council is expecting answers, and I can't seem to find the scrolls I need." - She admitted, her frustration evident in her voice.

Filio stepped closer to her, his hand reaching out to gently brush a strand of her fiery hair from her face. "Hey, don't worry. You'll find what you need. You always do. And even if you don't, it's not the end of the world, because I'm also here to help find whatever paper you need!" - he said, his voice reassuring pointing to himself, with such a proud look on his face that it is a wonder it does not blow up.

"Hehe, Thank you!" - She exclaimed with a slight smile. Oh, but that petite smile from her is worth more than this world for this young man. It is so unfortunate that he could not see it. She turned back as the rules washed her smile off her face. "However, you know you can't be here with me. If somebody in the higher ranks sees us, a nice scuttlebutt will be the outcome..."

The girl felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence. Despite the strict rules against romantic relationships within the Cathedral, she had developed a strong bond with Filio over the years. They had grown up together, trained together, and had always been there for each other through thick and thin.

"I don't care if this what ought to happen! Righteousness will always follow Ophelia and her Family's devotees! I will help!" Filio stated with a confident and determined look as he drew the holy symbol to his chest with his finger.

"No, thank you, Filio. I really appreciate your support, nonetheless." - She said, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Lo! Luck smiled upon this man... Maybe even it's Goddes Buphine, Ophelia's sister. He was now the happiest man known on this planet as his eyes sparkled brighter than the candles in

Filio grinned back at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners trying to hide the already-noticed enjoyment. "Alright! If you say so..." - He then turned away. "Then, Good luck!" - He waved with the back of his hands as he slowly made his way out as silent as he entered.

With renewed determination, she returned to the shelves, her fingers trailing over the spines once again. She scanned each title carefully, searching for any hint of the prophecy that could shed light on the recent celestial happening. The task was tedious, but she refused to give up.

Only seconds passed as the girl's eyes were sparkling joy. An ancient scroll, its properties almost matching with the told features that the High Episcopos described.

"That must be it, I found it!" - The girl cheered, in fact so loudly that it even made its way through the door, making the walking Filip also hear her. He smiled.

"Stupid Vicky, didn't I tell you'll find it?" - He said softly as he continued his walk back to where he should have been in the first place.

The scroll was a marvel to behold, its surface a deep, rich shade of ochre that seemed to glow with an inner radiance. The material was old and weathered, but still held a supple quality, as if it were alive with the knowledge it contained. Intricate markings, etched with a fine and precise hand, traced their way across its length, detailing the secrets of ages long past. As the girl unrolled the scroll, the air around her seemed to hum with electric energy, as though the ancient knowledge contained within was eager to be set free. She could almost feel the weight of the ages upon her shoulders as she studied the markings, each symbol and glyph a window into a world long forgotten. For a moment, the girl felt as though she was part of something much greater than herself, connected to a legacy that spanned time and space. And with that realization came a sense of awe and wonder, as she began to understand the gravity of the task before her.

Taking a deep breath, the girl carefully rolled up the scroll, tucking it under her arm as she made her way toward the entrance of the council's chamber. The halls were silent as she walked, the only sound was the soft rustling of the scroll against her robes and the knocking of her footwear. She could feel the weight of the council's expectations upon her, and a small knot of nerves began to form in her stomach.

The entrance to the 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬' chambers was a grandiose arched doorway, fashioned from dark, polished wood and studded with golden embellishments. Two towering statues of angels, their wings spread wide, stood guard on either side of the entrance, their stony eyes fixed ahead.

The doorway was grand and imposing, doors were carved from a dark, polished wood that gleamed in the flickering light of the torches that lined the walls. The intricate carvings and symbols etched into the wood seemed to dance and writhe in the dim light, as if alive with some hidden power.

At the top of the doorway, a great stone archway loomed, its rough-hewn surface marked with strange glyphs and sigils that glowed with a faint, otherworldly light.

As she approached the doors leading to the council chamber, two ostiarius stood in her way, their faces stoic and unyielding. "Halt!" - One of them said, his voice deep and commanding. - "State your business, Sister Victoria." - The other continued using the same tone of voice.

"I have come with a message for the Council of High Episcoposes." The girl stated, holding up the scroll. "It pertains to the recent celestial happening. It was the request of the 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬, 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐬, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐬 to bring this sacred scroll to her."

The ostiaries exchanged a look before nodding in unison, stepping aside to let her pass. The girl took a deep breath, steadying herself as she entered the chamber. The council sat in a circle at the far end of the room in the middle, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡, 𝐈𝐕. 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩. Their faces were obscured in shadow as they studied the girl. She could feel their eyes upon her, their scrutiny almost palpable.

The council's chamber was a majestic and awe-inspiring sanctuary. The very air was imbued with an aura of mystical energy and myrrh, and the walls, adorned with intricate tapestries, evoked a sense of bygone eras, of ancient and mythic legends. The light from the flickering candles danced in hypnotic patterns upon the polished stone floor, each varied in size, a dance of shadows that summoned visions of ethereal beings.

The heart of the chamber was dominated by a grandiose, circular table, its dark, polished wood gleaming with a luster that reflected the flickering flames of the candles. The towering, high-backed chairs that surrounded it were works of art in their own right, each one bearing exquisite carvings pursuant to their titles.

The thirteenth chair in the middle was cast in gold which was the work of cautious hands. It was a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The armrests of the chair were adorned with intricate carvings, each one a work of art in its own right. The designs were so detailed and delicate that the girl found herself leaning closer to examine them, marveling at the skill and artistry that had gone into their creation.

The chandelier that hung above the table was a masterpiece of beauty, casting a radiant glow that infused the chamber with a luminous, otherworldly ambiance. Its thousand crystals shimmered like the stars themselves, creating a symphony of light and color that swirled around the room, a hymn to the divine.

Behind the council's table, the great stained-glass window loomed like a cathedral of light, its vibrant colors suffusing the room with a warm, mystical glow. The window was a masterwork of art, a testament to the faith and devotion of the church, and it filled the chamber with a sense of spiritual wonder and transcendence.

Overall, the council's chamber was a veritable palace of splendor, an embodiment of the sublime and the transcendent, a space where the divine and the earthly intersected in a harmony of beauty and wonder.

As she approached the council, the girl felt her nerves begin to fray. These were the most powerful and respected members of the church, and the weight of their collective wisdom was almost overwhelming. She paused before the council, bowing deeply in respect before speaking.

"Praise Ophelia and her humble servants, I have come with this scroll, as requested by the 8th High Episcopos, Gertrudis, The Nautical Prophetess. It contains information regarding the recent celestial happening, and I was told that it may hold valuable insight."

The council's silence was heavy, each member seeming to weigh her words carefully. The silence was almost killing, it was so tense. She was nervous as this was her first time visiting this sacred chamber not even talking about the Patriarch. Cold sweats flowed down her rosy cheeks, still bowing at them.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the Patriarch spoke. His voice was deep and resonant, filling the chamber with its power.

"Sister Victoria, raise your head!" - The Patriarch commanded the now surprised Victoria; not by the fact he told her to raise her head but the fact that he knew the name of such a lowly ranking member of the Cathedral. Perhaps, if she was a High Diacones, it would not be THAT surprising.

She quickly did the told. The Patriarch continued.

"We appreciate your diligence in bringing this message to us. The recent celestial happening has caused much concern among the faithful, and any insight we can gain is valuable."

He gestured for her to approach. She fluttered hearing this, and not only she but the Episcoposes as well. This is such an occurrence that even if you write that down on a piece of paper and make others read it, they would say it is an obvious lie.

Maybe unforeseen happenings are followed by unforeseen changes.

She stepped forward, extending the scroll toward him. With a nod, he took it from her, unrolling it carefully. She bowed once more as she tried to make a run and never ever return to this heart wrecker test.

"If I may I will now return to my duties-" - Before she could finish her sentence, a middle-aged woman's voice reverberated through the walls of the chamber.

The woman's voice was strong and commanding, and Victoria recognized her as the 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬, 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐚, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬.

"Hold, Sister Victoria!" - Isadora said, her piercing gaze fixed upon Victoria and then on the Patriarch. "Your grace, Philip Patriarch, isn't the way you handled this, is too... outrageous?"

The Patriarch's face remained calm and composed, but Victoria could sense tense energy radiating from him.

"What do you mean, High Episcopos Isadora?" he replied evenly.

"I mean, calling upon a low-ranking member of the Cathedral to bring a message of such importance to the council, without even notifying the other High Episcoposes. It is not only disrespectful but also unwise. What if she, may our Goddes forgive my assumption, damages the scroll?"

Victoria felt a knot forming in her stomach. Was she being scolded by the 5th High Episcopos in front of the entire council?

The Patriarch's expression remained neutral, but there was a glint in his eye that Victoria couldn't decipher.

"Isadora, we appreciate your concern for the hierarchy of our church, as well the safety of the sacred texts but Sister Victoria was merely fulfilling a request made by one of our esteemed High Episcoposes as we could hear. If you have more concerns about the situation, you should consult with your colleague as Gertrudis was the one who I requested to obtain the scroll. It seems she also passed this request to someone else." - Isadora only frowned, hearing this as she looked at the 8th High Episcopos, Getrudis who only smiled cheerfully.

The Patriarch continued, "But let us not focus on the details of how the scroll came to be here. Sister Victoria has brought us valuable information, and that is what matters most. Let us not forget our ultimate goal, which is to serve the faithful and protect them from harm. Now, if there are no further objections, I suggest we move on to discuss the contents of this scroll."

The tension in the room seemed to dissipate slightly, and the other High Episcoposes began to murmur amongst themselves.

Gertrudis suddenly raised her voice. She was the youngest member of the council with her slight twenty-eight years as well as in history.

High Episcopos Getrudis is a young woman with striking features. She has long, curly auburn hair that cascades down her back in wild waves. Her eyes are bright emerald green, and they seem to sparkle with intelligence and mischief.

She stands at an average height, but her lithe figure and graceful movements give her an air of elegance and poise. She wears a deep blue robe with intricate gold embroidery around the edges, indicating her high rank within the Cathedral as well as her title.

"Victoria, can you come here for a moment?" - She cheerfully waved at her as the girl was surprised for who knows of time. The other Episcoposes, especially the 5th, looked at her with strange looks. Victoria with a bow walked toward her.

"How may I help you, your highness!" - She looked at her feet as she was afraid to look into her eyes.

"Oh, please, at least look into my eyes." - She said with a bit concerned voice. It was clear the girl in front of her was afraid so she quickly lightened the mood with an idea. "I have a hunch that if it was Isadora, she would have yelled your head off, taking this as an insult." - The High Episcopos giggled, followed by slight chuckles from here and there. Only Isadora did not take this assumption well.

"What do you try to refer to with this, High Episcopos Gertrudis?" - She questioned with a commanding tone, her eyes ready to impale her colleague. Gertrudis quickly raised her hand to her defense.

"Oh, nothing, nothing!" - She continued to giggle, followed by a tired sigh by Isadora that was as heavy as the subject of this meeting. She then turned to Victoria with a smile.

"Nevertheless, you did a great job, sister! I'm proud that there are people that can be trusted with such important tasks." - Hearing this, Victoria slightly bowed again. Gertudis continued. "But getting back to the point, could you stay here until the end of this assembly? I have to discuss something with you, sister." - She winked mischievously which only brought out Isadora's annoyance.

"Patriarch, this is obnoxious!" - Isadora stated. "We cannot let her stay as it would literally kick down the rules set up by our predecessors." - The Patriarch stood silent. It seems he already found its favorite out of the bunch.

A so far silent man raised his rough voice, it was the 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬, 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐬, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝. "I have to agree with Isadora." He then shot his gaze toward the two young women. "You have disrupted the order and protocol of this council. We are here to serve Ophelia and the people, not to act on personal whims, Gertrudis High Episcopos." - Isadora nodded with satisfaction as her point of view of this ridiculous situation was somehow excepted.

Gertrudis sighed with annoyance and bowed her head in deference to Cassius.

It seems someone finally took upon the title of 'killjoy.'

"You are right, First High Episcopos Cassius. I apologize for my behavior." She then turned to Victoria. "Please, wait for me at the entrance. We will discuss this matter later."

Victoria nodded and quickly made her way back to the doorway, trying to avoid the judging gazes of the other High Episcoposes. She politely, as required by protocol, said goodbye and left.

Isadora leaned back in her chair, looking pleased with herself. "Now, can we please get back to the matter at hand?"

The council leaned in, studying the ancient symbols and script with great interest. After a few moments, one of the council members, a wizened old man with a long white beard, spoke up. He was the 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬, 𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬.

"I recognize these symbols..." - He said, his voice soft but filled with deep wisdom. "They are from the Era of Discoveries, it was probably written by the prophet Julianus. It speaks of a great event, a time of upheaval and changes when the very foundations of the world will be shaken."

"I knew it!" - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐬, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 whispered, his eyes fixed on the yellowed parchment. "The prophecies spoke of a great celestial event that would herald the coming of our savior. This must be it."

The Patriarch nodded thoughtfully, his eyes still fixed on the scroll. "And what of the consequences? Does it speak of that?"

Henrick took a deep breath, his eyes still fixed on the scroll. "It speaks of a great cataclysm, a time of darkness and destruction. But it also speaks of hope, of a new world rising from the ashes of the old. It says that the chosen one will lead us through the darkness and that together we will build a new era of peace and prosperity."

The council members murmured amongst themselves, their faces etched with concern and hope. The Patriarch leaned forward, his eyes blazing with fierce determination.

"We must act quickly. We must find this chosen one, this savior who will lead us through the darkness. We must prepare our people for the coming upheaval and guide them towards a new era of enlightenment." - Isadora declared.

The council nodded in agreement, their voices rising in unison. "For Ophelia! For the people!"

However, only the Patriarch and another man did not follow their ambitious declaration.

"Yes, we must prepare. But let us not be hasty. The divine works in mysterious ways, and we must be patient, we should wait until the Chosen One shows itself to us, to our people." - Some nodded in agreement; however, Isadora did not stand down with her statement.

"I still suggest we should find The Savior before something catastrophic would happen!"

As the council members got caught up in their fervor, a man leaned back in his chair with a look of skepticism on his face. He was the 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬, 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜. He was a man of both science and faith. He had always been skeptical of the council's prophecies and sometimes its belief but whatever theory he made up, he always finds that the only answer is there is something that towering upon humanity.

Creating something so perfectly working machine like this planet cannot be an accident, there must be something that at least checks the operations that going down. So that's why he did not drop his beliefs.

"Wait!" - He said, holding up a hand to silence the others. "Before we go rushing off to find this chosen one, we should consider the evidence more carefully. What if this prophecy is nothing more than a myth? What if it's just a coincidence that these symbols match those from the Era of Discoveries?"

The council members looked at him with shock and disbelief. The idea that the prophecy might not be real was almost sacrilegious to them.

"But High Episcopos Alaric, the signs are all there!" - Isadora protested. - "The stars have been aligning in a way that hasn't been seen in centuries. The weather patterns have been changing, and strange things have been happening in the natural world. The monsters in the country are gaining strength at such speed as ever before. Surely, you cannot deny that something big is coming."

"I'm not denying that something might be happening." - Alaric said. - "But we should be cautious about jumping to conclusions. We should investigate further before we start making grand proclamations about the end of the world and the coming of a savior."

The council members murmured amongst themselves, unsure of what to make of Alaric's words. For many of them, their faith was their guiding light, and the idea that it might not be based in fact was a frightening thought.

The Patriarch stood up, his eyes blazing with anger. "You dare to question the will of Ophelia? You dare to doubt the prophecies that have guided our people for centuries?"

Alaric stood up as well, his own eyes filled with determination. "I am not questioning the will of Ophelia, Patriarch. I am simply asking that we approach this with caution and reason. We cannot risk leading our people down a false path."

The two men stood facing each other, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. The rest of the council looked on, unsure of what to do or say.

Finally, the Patriarch spoke, his voice low and dangerous. "Very well, High Episcopos Alaric. We will investigate further before making any decisions. But mark my words, if this prophecy is real, and we do not act quickly, the consequences will be dire."

Alaric nodded, his expression calm but resolute. "I understand, Patriarch. I will do everything in my power to uncover the truth."

With that, the council members began to file out of the room, their minds filled with conflicting emotions and doubts. As they left, Alaric lingered behind, staring at the ancient scroll with a sense of unease. He knew that the fate of their people rested on the decisions they would make in the coming days, and he prayed that they would choose wisely.