After six long months of training, the Northern Edge Tribe had been on the road for days, heading towards the new location of New Babylon. Finally, they arrived.
Vojim exclaimed, "AAHH! I remember this place well. This used to be Tahquamenon Falls State Park; now, it's a vast swamp."
"How's Khayjin doing back there?" Vojim asked.
Gavon replied, "He's fine. The cut above his eye is finally healing. Still can't believe he took down that Gunku – a ferocious buffalo-tiger hybrid."
Zeyta shook her head in awe. "I still can't wrap my head around it. A tiger and buffalo mix? What just happened?"
Vojim chuckled. "These lands are crazier than you could ever imagine. I must say seeing Khayjin punch that creature to dust was incredible, Master Rouke. That training really paid off."
Rouke nodded. "Yes, but Khayjin still needs to learn caution. He can't keep being so reckless."
Gavon smiled. "Master Rouke has me and Khayjin in top shape."
Tega added, "Master Vojim has taken Zeyta and me to a whole new level."
Vojim grinned. "Indeed! Gavon, I hear you and Khayjin practiced 2v2 strategies."
Tega laughed. "Child's play. We mastered that on day one."
Zeyta reminded, "Master Rouke said this wasn't a competition; it was about becoming stronger."
Rouke cautioned, "Let's stay humble, tribe. Complacency can be deadly
OK STOP ...We've arrived."
Khayjin stirred, waking up. "We're finally here...Wait, it's just a huge smelly swamp?"
Khayjin's eyes widened in shock. "Why can I sense others' spirit levels? This is weird."
Zeyta nodded. "Me too. It's super strong, but I don't see anyone here. Why can we sense so much energy, Master Rouke?"
Vojim's eyes sparkled. "A spirit barrier... I see. Get ready to witness something incredible, young ones."
Rouke lifted his left hand. "Our Father, who art in heaven..." He quotes the entire prayer as they gazed upon the vast swamp.
Zeyta whispered, "What's going on?"
Vojim hushed her. "Watch."
Khayjin impatiently urged, "Come onnnn"
Gavon pointed. "Hey, there are more people arriving on the other side. Are they coming as well?"
The ground began rumbling, shocking everyone. Rouke clapped his hands together, finishing the prayer. The water parted, revealing a massive staircase leading underwater.
Khayjin screamed like a girl. "WAHHHHHHH"
Rouke calmly instructed, "Gather the horses, let's head down to New Babylon."
Vojim called out, "I'll have some skulls carry the animals down, just in case they get antsy. Annoooo Ezekiel...."
The skulls picked up the horses and food, and they descended the stairs for about eight miles. At the bottom, A man greeted them, he had on all silver armor.
Gavon activated his Havibot. "Scan..."
The Havibot scanned,
"Master Shink,American male, six feet two inches, forty-five years old, grey eyes, black hair, No Anointing detected, no curse detected, no cybernetics detected. Wanted by the government with a ten-million-coin bounty. Known as one of the greatest swordsmen in Shadowlandz."
Khayjin and Zeyta exchanged shocked glances.
Rouke chuckled. "Hey, hey, move along, Gavon. You're embarrassing us."
Shink smiled. "No worries, I think the little bot is pretty cool. Maybe next time, don't get so personal."
Rouke greeted him warmly. "Master Shink, long time no see. How have you been?"
Shink replied, "Great, Master Rouke. These must be your new Anointed?"
Rouke introduced them. "Khayjin, Zeyta, Gavon, Tega, and Master Vojim."
Shink's eyes widened. "Master Vojim? The legendary Master Vojim?"
Vojim nodded. "Hello, Shink. I recognized you by your curved edge sword handle."
Shink laughed. "Well, you guys are good to go. Enter through the door to see the beautiful Babylon. Some of the others are already here. You're the last ones to arrive. Well, there's about nine more coming down the steps as we speak."
Khayjin whispered to Rouke, "Why's his name Shink, Master Rouke?"
Rouke replied, "He's one of the best swordsmen you'll ever meet. That's why he guards the gate alone. His name is Shink because that's all you hear before you die."
Khayjin's eyes widened in awe. "Ouuuuuuu! Nooo wayy!"
Khayjin thought to himself, "That's why we could sense energy underground – all the Anointed in one location, wow! They all stand behind this door."
Rouke asked, "Who has arrived?"
Shink consulted his list. "Let's see... Hela and her tribe from Broken Coast, with two hundred people, all safe and sound. Adon from Sun-Kissed Lands brought thirty people. He joked that he's loud enough to be a crowd on his own." Shink chuckled.
Rouke inquired, "Any word from Master Ark?"
Shink sighed. "You know he does what he wants. He's been here for weeks."
Rouke thinks to himself. "Why would he come here early?"
Khayjin's eyes widened. "Ark? Isn't he the traitor? How does he get to come here?"
Rouke reassured, "This place is for peace and prayer. Everyone must have forgiveness to enter. I'll deal with him later."
Shink continued, "Let me not mention anymore. You guys may enter and meet your fellow believers."
Rouke- "So you know Genjo is on the move again. Keep a close eye and have security at its maximum."
Shink- "There's a reason the watchmen and I are here, nobody's getting anywhere near Babylon.."
Rouke nods....
As they passed through the door, they beheld a breathtaking underground city made of stone homes and buildings.
Kari exclaimed, "It's just like it was years ago – minus the huge arena!" She gestured toward the massive structure.
Rouke-thinks to himself. "Ark must be responsible for something that massive. Where is he?"
Everyone stood in awe and shock.
Vojim reminisced, "I remember when Ezon, Disciple Rin, and I built New Hampshire, the original Babylon."
Rouke explained, "The New Hampshire location was exposed, so we had to relocate."
Vojim looked around. "Wait, where are Khayjin and the others?"
Zeyta replied, "They're swimming in that watering hole."
Rouke groaned, "Ugh, idiots."
A massive shadow loomed behind Rouke.
Suddenly, a booming voice echoed, "BEARRR HUGGG!" Adon emerged, his massive frame enveloping Rouke in a tight bear hug.
Nobu, Adon's son, closely behind him.
Khayjin, Zeyta, and Gavon rushed back, concerned.
Rouke extracted himself from Adon's grasp, laughing. "Easy, Adon. We're glad you're here."
Vojim chuckled. "Ha! I love it. You need some compassion, hahaha!"
Adon's eyes widened. "So, who are you?
Vojim smiled. "I am Vojim."
Adon's voice boomed. "WHAAAAAT! THE DEAD FIGHTER? WOW!"
Gavon's Havibot sprang to life, scanning Adon. "Name: Master Adon, Age: fifty-two, Ethnicity: German-Asian, Hair color: Black, Height: six foot seven inches, Weight: To be continued, Anointing detected, Leader of Sun-Kissed Lands, Wanted by..."
Adon interrupted, "Hey, enough of that! Shut him off!"
Rouke apologized, "Sorry, that's Gavon's little toy."
Khayjin, Gavon, and Tega approached. Nobu rolled his eyes. "Come on, Dad, you're embarrassing us."
The Havibot continued scanning, focusing on Nobu. "Name: Nobu, Age: sixteen, Ethnicity: German-Asian, Height: five feet nine inches, Anointing detected. Son of Master Adon."
Khayjin greeted Nobu warmly. "What's up, bro? You're an Anointed too? What are your abilities? Favorite food? Can you hunt?"
Nobu shrugged, trying to appear cool.
"Of course, I can hunt. I love fish. My abilities... well, you'll see."
Zeyta teased, "Dumb boys and their egos?"
Just then, Hela arrived,
Zeyta enthusiastically greeted Hela, "Ladyyy, Helaaaa!"
Lady Hela smiled warmly. "Hello, Zeyta. As beautiful as ever."
Zeyta excitedly shared, "Lady Hela, I've grown so much stronger! Master Vojim has taught me so much. I've watched you go to war, and I was little when I last saw you."
Hela calmly replied, "Calm down, my little queen. We'll talk more later, I promise."
Noticing Vojim, Hela's expression changed. "Did you say Vojim, the Skull King, Boneman?"
Vojim chuckled. "Why, hello! Haha, so many nicknames. Boneman seems a bit extreme, though."
Hela apologized, "Forgive me, sir. That's what my people call you."
Vojim waved it off. "No problem, Hela."
Rouke nodded in greeting. "Hela."
Gavon's Havibot scanned Hela, reporting her details. "Name: Lady Hela, Age: forty one Height: five feet seven inches, Ethnicity: Canadian, eye color: red, Anointing detected, wanted for.." she slapped it, saying, "That will be enough, little bot."
Havibot scanned Zane-
Name- Zane ,Age 16,height 5"8,Hair color red and white,Ethnicity canadian,annoiting detected, son of hela and soren .
Zane In shock yells out coooooool.
Adon asked, "Hello, Lady Hela. Where's my daughter Yula? Did she decide not to come?"
Hela explained, "She said she foresaw what would happen here and lost interest. She and my nephew, Akog, are watching over the kingdom."
Adon nodded. "Okay, I'll visit her soon."
Hela greeted Khayjin warmly. "How are you?"
A kid appears behind Hela.
Zane snickers, "He smells of burnt wood and fish."
Khayjin retorted, "How about I punch you so hard you turn to caviar?"
Rouke intervened, "Enough, Khayjin. Show control, boy. I sense Zane's energy; he's grown strong."
Zane disrespectfully asked, "Who's this old guy?"
Rouke firmly replied, "Old enough to kill you, little one."
Hela intervened, "Enough, Zane. Go find Sol."
Zeyta excitedly exclaimed, "Sol is here! I must fight with him. I've watched him with his exceptional sword skills...Plus he's so gorgeous!"
Khayjin teased, "You're lusting."
Zeyta slapped Khayjin.
Hela laughed. "Yes, Sol's here. He said he was heading to the market."
The young ones, including Gavon and Tega, headed to the market.
Adon reflected, "Well, here we are my old friends. How were your travels?"
Rouke shared, "Ours was long. We encountered many hybrids on the way, which allowed us to put Zeyta and Khayjin's training to work."
Hela noted, "You all are closer than we are. Coming from Florida was a pain. Seeing demons roam, stronger than ever, is overwhelming. Sol and I killed about twenty on the way here."
Adon replied, "For me, it was smooth sailing. You know how it is near the Demon nest. Once you pass that, it's pretty smooth."
Vojim inquired, "Master Adon, I've noticed your son Nobu, but where's Raiza?"
Adon proudly shared, "That kid's something else. On our way here, he heard a village was being attacked by a strongman and went to kill it."
Everyone was shocked.
Rouke asked, "A strongman? How?"
Hela added, "Adon, don't you think that's too extreme?"
Adon defended, "Not at all. Raiza became a bounty hunter to prove his worth to God and save thousands from demons."
Vojim observed, "So the rumors are true; your son's special."
Adon confirmed, "Yes, he is. Unfortunately, little Nobu feels overshadowed by his brother's accomplishments."
Hela reassured, "A little competition is healthy."
Vojim asked, "Where is the other tribe leader, Ark?"
The group fell silent, bowing their heads.
Vojim sensed the tension. "Ooo, sorry, did I say something wrong?"
Rouke's voice was laced with pain. "It's just... I still can't believe he betrayed us. I doubt he'll show up. He probably came and left."
Vojim's gaze drifted to the massive arena. "That structure looks like only something Ark could create. I have a strong feeling the scroll I gave him was Ezon's orders regarding these spirit trials."
Adon nodded. "I was going to investigate, but it's sealed off right now. You think Ark arrived days before?"
Rouke- "According to Shink he was here weeks ago."
Hela's expression turned somber. "So most likely he's here."
Vojim inquired, "May I ask what went wrong with him?"
Rouke- "It was his anointing. When Ark was Anointed with Solomon's wisdom, he became arrogant, straying from his purpose. But who's to blame him? When God gave King Solomon all that wisdom, Solomon could have gone many ways, but he used it wisely. Ark wasn't ready for that type of power, and Hela didn't deserve the betrayal."
Hela's voice trembled. "It's okay, what happened is in the past, but when I see him again, we'll have a long talk."
Vojim understood. "It makes sense now. When Ezon told us to shift from our routine to spirit trials, I wondered why. But now I get it – it's to ensure people are mentally, physically, and spiritually ready for their Anointing."
Adon asked, "Speaking of Ezon, any word from him? Haven't seen him since we were Anointed, God knows that was years ago."
Kari spoke up, "Actually, Master Vojim brought us a recording from him."
Vojim nodded. "Yes, in his recording, the message is distorted, but he speaks of some type of war and collecting four pieces of an artifact."
Hela's eyes widened. "The world breaker's key. Adon, your daughter has had dreams, no, visions of the four pieces. She said they're scattered, and they control something. She also said the Cursed seek it. These pieces make a key to something."
Rouke's expression turned grave. "That's not good. After the spirit trials that will be our objective and goal. We just dealt with a Cursed named Kyll, who was assisted by Genjo."
Adon's anger flared. "Genjo's back, that corrupt demon!"
As two men approached, Gibby boomed, "HELLOOO, my friends!"
Ark's calm demeanor contrasted with the group's shock. "The fearless leaders, I see."
Adon charged at Ark, fists clenched. Ark dodged and countered with a sweep kick. Adon flipped himself up, unleashing multiple kicks while in a handstand. Ark dodged each one, and Adon landed, saying his scripture, "Annnnnnooooo Noah."
Two spiritual versions of a bear and a lion appeared before Adon.
Adon seethed, "You fool, how dare you show up here!"
Ark stood firm. "Well, I am a leader, aren't I?"
Adon spat, "You're a traitor, a coward!"
Ark sneered, "Haaaa, as always, you're a fool. Not only am I here, but I funded a majority of these spirit trials. Ezon reached out to me through the scroll from Vojim."
Ark produced the scroll Vojim gave him months ago. "Ezon asked me to handle the spirit trials with my tech. I may seem a traitor to you all, but I had a different path. Ezon understood that, hence why he sent me this scroll."
Adon refused to believe. "You're a liar and a deceiver!"
Gibby intervened, "He tells the truth. When Ark told me about the scroll, I left New Babylon to get proof as the Watcher. Shank and I arrived at VeSka City, astonished by what Arkinson had done."
Gibby continued, "We met Ark, and he treated us well. He played Ezon's audio recording."
Ezon's voice echoed, "Hello, dear Arkinson. I am requesting a huge task from you. This cannot fully make up for your betrayal to Hela and the tribe but this is a start in the right direction. I need you to arrive at New Babylon weeks before everyone else. I need you to revamp the place with some of that great technology you have. Here's what I ask of you.
The recording outlined Ezon's requests:
1. Build a transforming coliseum. So that it can evolve as the Anointed progress.
2. Construct stands for thousands to witness as the anointed step into their roles.
3. Create a high booth for tribe leaders so they are separated from everyone else.
4. Utilize healing chambers and mini healing bots so the students can always be healed.
I also need you to ....." recording cuts off.
Gibby confirmed, "So, yeaaaa, it's really him."
Adon fumed, "Why Ezon, why give this man another chance?"
Vojim reasoned, "If this is what Ezon says, he knows it's all for a reason. If he trusts Ark, we have to."
Rouke agreed, "It's tough, but Vojim's right. Ezon knew what he was doing."
Gibby offered, "I'll show you around the new coliseum and where you'll sit during exams."
Hela refused, "This doesn't mean we trust you, Ark. You're still a snake to me. I'll head to my cabin. See you all tomorrow."
As Hela left, Ark sighed, "I deserve her anger."
Adon warned, "Next time you try anything, I'll kill you."
Ark assured, "There will be no next time."
Chapter ends.
CHAPTER 14-THE NEW GENERATION