The Blessed.

A few days after the tense council meeting, a tremor of hope rippled through the war-weary races. Prophetic pronouncements, delivered through the Saintesses of each goddess' church, resonated across the land.

"Dear races of this world," the pronouncements echoed, "we have witnessed your valiant struggle against the demonic invaders. To our devoted believers, we offer aid. We shall choose individuals – those below twenty years of age, brimming with promise and raw talent – from each race. These chosen few will be marked by us, blessed with our divine favor. We shall empower them, guide them to become champions, the vanguard against the encroaching darkness."

The news spread like wildfire. Every young warrior, mage, and strategist dreamt of being touched by such divine grace. These "Blessed" would be granted incredible power, trained to become champions against the relentless demonic hordes.

The message continued, a beacon of light in the encroaching chaos. "We, the goddesses, implore you to unite! Build an institution – a collaborative endeavor against these infernal foes. Within its walls, a new generation of soldiers shall be forged, trained not just in the art of war, but also imbued with the knowledge and skills of every race. Together, you stand a chance. We, the goddesses, bestow upon you our blessings. Go forth, united, and conquer!"

A wave of cautious optimism washed over the war-torn world. Could divinely blessed champions truly turn the tide against the relentless demons? The creation of a unified training institution, a place where young heroes from all races would train together, would be a true test of the alliance's strength. The fate of the world hung in the balance, and on the shoulders of these blessed youths would rest the burden of victory.

While the alliance remained a web of suspicion, the prophecy offered a beacon of hope to many but to the leaders it was an opportunity.

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[Dragon Continent]

A sly grin stretched across King Aethelred's face as the Dragon Saintess bowed and exited. "The prince, chosen by the Dragon Goddess, is it?" he rumbled, his voice echoing in the vast chamber. A glint of ambition flickered in his reptilian eyes.

"Excellent news," he continued, though his tone carried a hidden agenda. "Have the prince brought before me at once. We have much to discuss regarding his role in this... 'academy' and the actions he'll take once it's complete."

The king's words, coated in a veneer of support, couldn't mask the underlying calculation. While the intervention of the goddesses offered a glimmer of hope, Aethelred saw an opportunity. This prophecy, this academy, could be a powerful tool, and with his son at the forefront, blessed by a goddess no less, the king saw a chance to solidify his own power and influence.

"This changes things," he mused, a low growl escaping his throat.

The alliance might be fragile, but with the prince as a divinely chosen champion, Aethelred wouldn't hesitate to leverage the situation to his advantage. The king's ambition burned brightly, a counterpoint to the fragile hope flickering across the war-torn land.

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[ Dwarven Continent]

A heavy sigh rumbled through King Bjorn's beard as he addressed his daughter, Astrid. "Unfortunate timing, I'd say," he said, his voice thick with concern. "To be chosen as one of the blessed… not something I would have wished for you."

Astrid, however, held her chin high, her eyes glinting with unwavering resolve. "Fear not, Father. I understand the precarious situation this blessing places me in. They'll likely try to…eliminate me now that the goddesses have claimed me. But they won't dare act so soon. They're uncertain of the consequences such a blatant act might bring."

A ghost of a smile touched her lips. "The academy is about to open its doors. In that time, I'll gather allies – trustworthy ones, or at least capable pawns. This divine favor won't just protect me, it can shield our entire race. I'll make sure of it."

Bjorn's grip tightened on her shoulder, his aged face etched with worry. "Astrid, I…" His voice cracked. "I am so sorry. Sorry that I, your king, your father, couldn't provide a better world, couldn't shield you from this path. I've failed my ancestors, failed you." Shame tinged his words. "And to think, I only managed to reach ten stars… even with their help."

Astrid squeezed his hand, her touch firm yet comforting. "Don't speak of failure, Father. You've done all you could. This burden, it may be mine to bear, but I won't carry it alone. We'll face it together, as a family, as a race. Together, we'll find a way. You've taught me well. We dwarves are known for our resilience. This… this is just another challenge to overcome."

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[Elven Continent]

A hint of amusement flickered across Queen Ilyana's ageless face as she addressed her niece, Lara. "So, the goddesses have chosen you, have they?"

Lara offered a curt nod, her expression betraying none of the turmoil within.

"Excellent," the Queen continued, her voice smooth as polished marble. "You're already familiar with our objectives, of course. Once this academy opens its doors, you must cultivate both powerful allies and expendable pawns within your faction. Rise above the others, Lara. Become the most dazzling star."

Lara's brow furrowed slightly. "And mother? How is she faring?"

Queen Ilyana's smile turned cold. "Your dear mother remains… indisposed. It will take time to fully extinguish her… inconvenient kindness."

"And the nobility?" Lara inquired, her voice tight.

Ilyana's smile grew colder. "Those fools," she spat. "Killing my sister, an eleven-star mage? Absurd. How could I waste of talent, truly. But they believed it, didn't they? A show of strength, both internally and to the other races. My presence at the meeting with your 'deceased' mother was a masterstroke.But the performance served its purpose. It secured the throne and demonstrated our strength to the other races. Now, the academy awaits. We must exploit every advantage this situation offers. After all, the demons are but a temporary obstacle. The true competition amongst the races will resume eventually."

Queen Ilyana inclined her head, a predatory glint in her eyes mirroring her niece's. "Indeed. Let the academy be our proving ground. And let us ensure the elves emerge victorious, not just against the demons, but against all who dare challenge our dominance.We elves must be on top."

Lara listened intently, her own ambition a mirror of her aunt's. The weight of the prophecy settled heavily on her shoulders – a burden, but also an opportunity. The academy would be a war on two fronts – against the demons, and against the other races vying for power. And Lara, blessed by the goddesses, intended to be the victor on both.

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[Beastman Continent]

A low growl rumbled from Kali's throat as she scanned the report presented by the tigerkin woman clad in black. "So, who has the goddesses chosen as our champion?"

"Your niece, Your Majesty," the woman replied, bowing her head.

"Niece? My brother had a fair share of cubs," Kali mused, flicking her tail restlessly. "Which one?"

"The exceptional one, Your Majesty. Kim. The one who achieved four stars at the tender age of sixteen."

Kali's eyes narrowed. "Ah yes, Kim. The one with the panther blood from her mother's side. A promising lineage indeed." She straightened up, a steely glint entering her gaze. "Very well. Bring her before me."

Moments later, a young woman with an air of fierce determination materialized in the chamber as the tigerkin woman clapped her hands. "Kim, is it?" Kali rumbled, her voice a low purr. "We haven't had the pleasure of meeting before. Likely wouldn't have, were it not for your impressive talent and the goddesses' blessing upon you. As the reigning queen, I will be blunt. Are you willing to take revenge on the dark organization that took your parents from you?"

Kim's eyes narrowed. "And what is your price, my Queen?"

A harsh laugh erupted from Kali. "Price? Young cub, you have no choice in this. The blessings of the goddesses demand the full force of our race. This is bigger than just you. This is about the future of our entire race. You will be our champion, our instrument. In return, you will have your vengeance."

Kim remained silent for a long moment, her jaw set tight. Finally, she met the queen's gaze, a spark of defiance still dancing in her emerald eyes. "Very well then," she said, her voice low but resolute. "I accept."

Kali clapped her paws once. "Good. Then your training begins now. You will be strong, Kim. You will be unstoppable. And by the time you enter that academy, you will know exactly what is expected of you."

*******************

[Human Continent]

The human race, unlike the others, was a house divided. The Church and the Imperial Family, locked in a silent power struggle, viewed the prophecy through their own lenses.

In the opulent halls of the Church, Pope Clement tapped his fingers impatiently on his armrest. "Seraphina," he addressed a woman cloaked in shimmering white, "you mentioned the boy from the village… the blessed one?"

Seraphina inclined her head. "Yes, Your Holiness. He has been chosen."

"Perhaps some hope remains after all."

A bitter scowl marred his features. "Those imperial bastards… that woman, Valeriana, breaking through to ten stars again. And that old coot, wide awake before I could secure the throne. Typical geniuses, always messing with my plans!" He slammed his fist on the armrest. "And then there's the demon war. Valeriana hogged all the glory, cutting down those Count demons before anyone else could blink. And that pawn I placed against her… vanished without a trace.What became of that fool we sent against her?"

Seraphina shook her head. "No news, Your Holiness. The Imperial Palace keeps everything under tight wraps."

"Tsk. Fine," Clement grumbled. "Train the boy. We might have a use for him later. Just keep him on a tight leash."

Seraphina smirked. "That shouldn't be difficult. He seems infatuated with both Vera and me. Let his affections be his chains."

As Seraphina left, the Pope leaned back in his chair, a storm brewing in his eyes. "New variables," he muttered, "so many new variables to account for. Time to rework the plan."

Across the city, within the opulent confines of the Imperial Palace, a different conversation unfolded. Empress Valeriana, her fiery red hair a stark contrast to the cool marble walls, listened intently to her daughter, Eliana.

"Mother," Eliana, Valeriana's daughter, announced, her voice laced with concern, "the human chosen by the goddesses is apparently a boy from the church. They recruited him two years ago, right at the war's beginning."

Valeriana leaned back in her throne, her expression unreadable. "The church," she mused. "Convenient for them. Regardless, we won't be deterred. Send a congratulatory letter to the church and how we the Imperial family offers our support to the Human blessed. We on the other hand will continue to grow stronger, not give that man an inch. When the time is ripe, we'll cleanse the human race of his influence.But yes, countermeasures against this 'blessed' one are essential. We can't have him turning his blade on us at the church's behest.And Eliana, any progress on finding Raven?"

Eliana shook her head. "No, Mother, but I haven't stopped searching."

A deep sigh escaped the old man beside Valeriana, his own fiery red hair streaked with silver. "Raven, my grandson," he murmured. "Six years… with the life he lived, I wouldn't be surprised if…"

Valeriana held up a hand, silencing him. "Enough of that, Father. We have pressing matters. My brother, the troublesome elders… they need to be dealt with."

"We'll bind them with the Absolute Contract, turn them into loyal puppets. Then we focus on two wars – the demons and potentially the other races. And this academy… such a headache. I'm getting too old for this shit. Can't an old man just retire?" Said the old man.

"Now then," he cleared his throat, "let's discuss the best way to leverage this academy situation and…" his voice trailed off, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "perhaps some new training methods for you and Eliana. We can't let the church's chosen one outshine us, can we?"