Prometheus (1)

Elias stared at Argus, his bewilderment growing. "A screen... only I can see? That sounds like something out of a game."

"The concept is similar, my lord," Argus admitted.

"Think of it as a way to visualize your progress in Arcadia. It's a standard feature for everyone here." He paused, noticing the troubled look on Elias's face.

"But wait, you mentioned you've never even heard of a status window?"

Elias shook his head slowly. "Never heard of it, let alone seen one. This whole system you're describing – levels, attributes, stats – it's all completely new to me."

A wave of realization washed over Argus as Elias expressed his utter lack of familiarity with the status window.

"Wait a minute," Argus muttered, a thoughtful frown creasing his forehead.

"This is truly strange. In all of Arcadia, every single being, from the moment they draw their first breath, possesses the ability to access their status window. It's as natural and instinctive as blinking."

A flicker of concern flickered in his eyes. "There must be a reason," he continued, his voice laced with worry.

"Perhaps something… different about you, my lord. Something that's preventing you from interacting with the system altogether."

Elias felt a cold dread pool in his stomach. This revelation about the status window and his inability to see it painted a chilling picture. Was he somehow an anomaly, different from every other living creature in this world? Was that the reason he felt so utterly lost and out of place?

"Don't fret, my lord," Argus reassured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"We'll figure this out together. There has to be an explanation for this anomaly. In the meantime, I'll explain everything in excruciating detail, using terms you can understand, even without the benefit of the status window."

A sliver of hope flickered in Elias's eyes. Even without the window, perhaps Argus's explanation could shed some light on his strange situation in Arcadia.

"Now," Argus began, launching into a detailed explanation, "the entire system that governs this world, with its levels, attributes, and stats, was all meticulously crafted by the great Prometheus himself. Think of him as the architect, the one who laid the very foundation stones of Arcadia."

He paused, searching for simpler terms. "Imagine a grand clock, my lord, a magnificent mechanism that dictates the flow of time and the very essence of this world. Prometheus is the master craftsman who designed and built this clock, ensuring its intricate gears mesh perfectly."

"Now, while Prometheus initially held complete control over every aspect of the system,"

Argus continued, his voice dropping to a reverent whisper, "he eventually delegated the day-to-day operations to his most trusted children and descendants. They, in turn, oversee the smooth running of Arcadia, ensuring the balance of power and the well-being of all its inhabitants."

Elias listened intently, his mind buzzing with questions. The mention of Prometheus, a name that resonated with a strange familiarity deep within him, sparked a flicker of hope.

Could this Prometheus hold the key to his predicament? Could he be the one who unlocked the mysteries of the hidden status window and perhaps even offered a way back to his own world – Earth?

As if sensing his unspoken thoughts, Argus added, "Many believe Prometheus holds a deep connection to the world you hail from, my lord. There are whispers of an ancient being, a creator from a distant realm, who laid the groundwork for Arcadia before entrusting it all to Prometheus."

These words sent a jolt of electricity through Elias. An ancient being from Earth? Could that be the reason for his strange connection to Prometheus, a connection that transcended logic and defied explanation? Every revelation he gleaned from Argus fueled a growing impatience to reach their destination.

The seemingly endless hallway stretched before them, a stark contrast to the turmoil churning within Elias.

With each step, his desire to reach Prometheus's abode intensified, a beacon of hope drawing him closer to the truth about his existence and perhaps, a way back to the life he once knew.

Elias turned back to the intricate carvings lining the hallway walls. These weren't just decorations; they were connected, forming a story if you looked closely. The artistry was beyond remarkable. Each scene's composition, character placement, movement, and even color usage held a deeper meaning.

"Truly a work of art," Elias murmured, captivated by the reliefs.

After nearly three hours of walking, they reached the hallway's end. A thick, transparent wall separated them from a vast chamber. It resembled a giant, enclosed arena with a high ceiling. In the room's center stood a colossal pillar, dwarfing a person standing beside it like an ant next to an elephant's foot.

Argus stopped and briefly glanced back. "We're almost there, my lord," he said, noticing Elias's stunned expression before the glass wall.

"Is this... glass?" Elias asked, bewildered.

Argus chuckled. "It might appear that way, but it's actually a special barrier separating the hallway from the room."

"Oh, I see," Elias muttered, slightly embarrassed. "You like surprises, don't you?"

"Apologies, my lord," Argus replied kindly.

"At first glance, it does resemble glass. However, it's formed from powerful magic essence, purposefully installed by our father."

"Only those he permits can pass through," Argus explained further. "Even for us, crossing or destroying it without his authorization is impossible."

Elias murmured in understanding, his hand reaching out to touch the seemingly solid wall. To his surprise, his hand passed through it effortlessly. He glanced back at Argus, wide-eyed.

"Perhaps," Argus said with a knowing smile, "because Father specifically requested your presence."

He stepped effortlessly through the transparent barrier, gesturing for Elias to follow. "Shall we enter, my lord?"

Once inside, Elias marveled at the room's vastness. The detailed carvings and murals continued from the hallway, adorning the walls and the colossal pillar in the center.

"So, where's your place?" Elias asked, curious.

"Patience, my lord," Argus replied. "We'll reach our residence after climbing through that pillar."

Elias raised an eyebrow. "Climb? You're kidding, right?"

Argus chuckled. "Just wait and see, my lord."

As they approached the pillar, a massive glass door materialized. Unlike the previous barrier, this one felt smooth and cold to the touch when Elias reached out. "Actual glass, huh?" he noted.

Argus confirmed his observation. "Indeed, my lord." He then pressed a button beside the door, causing it to slide open like an elevator door.

"Oh, an elevator!" Elias's eyes sparkled with recognition. "So, you do incorporate some modern technology here."

Argus smiled. "Not exactly, my lord. This specific mechanism is unique to this location."

"Come in, my lord," Argus invited. "This will take us to the top."

Elias stepped inside, a sense of wonder growing within him. This world, despite its fantastical elements, held surprising similarities to his own.

DING... (The elevator door chimed shut.)

Elias stepped inside, his jaw dropping slightly. The elevator wasn't a cramped metal box, but rather a luxurious miniature lobby.

Gleaming white marble floors stretched beneath his feet, leading to a raised platform in the center. 

This platform, about a meter high, was adorned with a plush red carpet and accessible by four elegant staircases from each side. 

In the heart of the platform, a plush, circular sofa surrounded a round glass table. 

The walls weren't bare; they were adorned with various paintings, adding to the air of opulence, like a waiting room fit for royalty.

Argus ushered Elias, whose surprise was evident, towards the central sofa.

"Is this... the elevator?" Elias stammered, his eyes scanning the luxurious surroundings.

"Indeed, my lord," Argus chuckled. 

"Our father possesses a refined taste. He meticulously designed this space to exude luxury, a testament to his anticipation of your arrival."

Elias' attention shifted to the round glass table in front of him. "Hmm... this painting seems incredibly lifelike," he murmured.

"That, my lord, is not merely a painting," Argus explained. "It's a representation of the entire Arcadian landscape."

Elias' gaze flickered between the table and Argus. "So, this is what the world looks like..." he said, a hint of awe in his voice.

"Precisely, my lord," Argus confirmed. 

"Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this table serves a greater purpose. It provides a real-time overview of Arcadia, allowing us to monitor events across the land." 

As he spoke, Argus reached out and traced his fingers across the smooth glass surface of the table.

"By tracing your finger across the map," Argus explained, "we can zoom in on specific areas." 

He demonstrated by touching the glass, and the corresponding section on the table magnified, revealing incredible detail.

Houses made of bamboo with thatched roofs became distinct, and figures moved about in a bustling town square. Everything seemed lifelike and real-time.

"Wow," Elias breathed, "it's like a live feed from a satellite camera!"

"Indeed, my lord," Argus agreed, a touch of pride in his voice.

"The functionality is quite similar. This too is a creation of our father."

"Incredible!" Elias exclaimed.

He then added with a playful smile, "Though, with all this monitoring, I can't help but feel a bit... spied on. Like you're keeping tabs on everyone all the time."

Argus's face flushed crimson. "N-no, my lord! Absolutely not!" he stammered, flustered.

 "The primary function of this table-monitor is actually linked to the elevator's operation. The detailed view you see is simply an additional feature, meant to entertain visitors and prevent boredom."

Elias's laughter boomed through the luxurious space. "Alright, alright, Argus, I was just teasing," he reassured his friend, amusement dancing in his eyes. 

"We're good, don't worry about it. Honestly, I can see why you wouldn't want anyone to think you're...well, a giant creeper."

Argus, still slightly embarrassed, mumbled an apology. "We meant no offense, my lord. We simply strive to fulfill our purpose."