In a world where realms are connected, there's an old tale—a Legend that whispers of Balance and hidden Powers.
According to this lore, all Realms share a common origin, and their Fates are intertwined. Realms are destined to coexist as one. Here, no hierarchy prevails—no masters, no slaves. Instead, Realms harmonize, their existence interwoven threads. Should the Balance falter, Chaos looms, and the Abyss threatens to swallow everything.
Yet, when the Abyss fully absorbs the Realms, the Celestial Source establishes a new Cycle of Life, and brings new Realms to coexist.
But even if the Abyss is undeniable, a hope remains, for within the same Source that birthed the Abyss lies an indomitable force—a Guardian born to confront, combat, and seal it. Thus, Realms gain their chance at survival.
***
In the Heavenly Realm, none heeded this ancient tale. Even Lower Heavens and mortal hearts dismissed it as a bedtime story for starry-eyed youth. As well as the Shadow Kingdom considered it as a mere lie.
It was like this until the sign of the coming end revealed once. The River of Oblivion got frozen, and unknown Shadows slid over it and entered the Realms creating Chaos and bringing distractions. Everything trembled.
Yet, the Emperor tried to hide it, placing the guardian shield in front of the frozen territory, so no one could ever cross it again, even those who were destined to ascend.
***
"Your Majesty, may I ask the purpose of your visit to your humble slave?" The Wind Master ventured, attempting to discern the Emperor's intentions. The Emperor, holding a cup of tea, surveyed the room thoughtfully without taking a sip.
"Allow me to warm it," the Wind Master reached for the cup, but the Emperor halted him.
"Have you heard of the events at the River of Oblivion?"
The Wind Master shook his head.
"What have you been doing here? You've lost sight of the news."
The Wind Master refrained from reminding the Emperor that he himself had exiled him and strictly forbade any interference in Palace affairs during the punishment. The Emperor spoke cautiously, almost painfully. A sigh escaped his lips.
"The River of Obvilion froze completely—creatures and all—sunk into eternal torment."
"What? Nonsense!"
The Wind Master burst out, but the Emperor's stern gaze forced him back to his knees.
"Your servant misspoke, Your Majesty. Please forgive me!"
The Emperor relented.
"Get up. I didn't come here to watch you wear out your knees."
The Wind Master rose his head but remained kneeling on the floor.
"I consider it a sign… you get it, right? So I wish to propose a secret decree to seek the One hidden among us—the one who will bring Salvation, perhaps…" the Emperor said, sipping his cooled tea and almost spitting it out. "Disgusting…" was the only word and he put the cup back on the table.
"What do you think?"
The Wind Master felt bewildered. "Me?" Never in his life had he imagined the Emperor seeking his advice.
"Do you see anyone else here? Or perhaps I'm here to ask you to read my future?"
"Well, I can definitely do this better than answer your question..." the Wind Master began his justification, but the Emperor interrupted him.
"Stop mumbling and say what you think."
"I'm afraid the decree will not help you, Your Majesty..."
"Why is that?"
"Well, how can I say it… If you believe the legend, not a folk tale, but a true legend, a record of which cannot even be found in the Heavenly archives, but few know about, and that's why you are here… correct?" The Emperor nodded. "Then it says that the One is not born to be the One, but becomes to be the One."
The Emperor frowned, clearly not happy with what he heard. "What do you mean?"
"Well, this is like if becoming a predestined savior through trials, torment and a clash of wills that challenges you. In general, it's about any issue that almost breaks you just to make you strong..." And then whispered, "Your Majesty's favourit thing to do…"
But the Emperor didn't hear him or decided to show a bit of mercy, instead He just cursed, "Celestial Stars, absolutely anyone can be him?"
"Exactly!" the Wind Master confirmed, clearly enjoying the fact that the Emperor would not see peace in his lifetime.
"And it's not clear how this anyone can stop the Abyss, is it?" The Emperor's fists clenched, anger clearly filling him.
"Well, I suppose I have a guess, if I surely correctly interpret the legend." the Wind Master answered, patting his beard. "On the precipice's edge, where the tenacity of life meets the thirst for death, the choice of the One becomes decisive for all. Thereby becoming responsible for the Fate of everything vital, proclaiming its Salvation or Demise."
*Thx for reading.