Countdown to The Zenith Games: 29 days
Chloe's Point of View
Adonis stood with one foot on the stone steps, arms crossed, the light from the courtyard lanterns throwing sharp shadows across his face. The sleek, obsidian archway of Valterris Academy of Elemental Arts loomed above him, humming faintly with magic. A slow, reluctant inhale puffed his chest.
"I'm not going in," he muttered, eyes narrowed at the door like it had insulted him.
Chloe watched from the other side of the transport bay, leaning against the metallic rail of the departure platform, arms folded. "Then stand out here all night," she called. "I'm sure the magical aptitude test will take itself for you."
Adonis didn't respond at first. A crow cawed overhead. He chewed the inside of his cheek, glanced back at her, then exhaled through his nose and muttered something that sounded suspiciously like a swear. With a final glare at the dark wood doors, he went in.
The platform lights flickered once, twice.
Chloe turned away as soon as he disappeared into the academy. Her ride had arrived.
The Department transport was a matte black sphere-like vehicle with hexagonal windows and no driver's seat just a seamless metal interior and a softly glowing ring of blue light pulsing in the ceiling. The passenger door hissed open with a hydraulic sigh. She climbed in.
It was silent inside, like being wrapped in cotton. The vehicle pulled away the moment the door sealed, gliding over the smooth road toward the Department of Magic.
Unlike the Medical Department, which towered like a cathedral of chrome and steel above the city skyline, the Department of Magic was almost… humble. A two-story brick-and-glass building tucked in the middle of an overgrown courtyard. No spires. No arcane ornaments. Just a black metal plaque with a gold sigil bolted beside the door. If you weren't looking for it, you'd miss it entirely.
As the city passed by in a quiet blur outside the hexagonal windows, Chloe's thoughts drifted back.
Flashback time
The moment she signed the contract had felt surreal. The memory returned slowly, the way dreams do right before waking.
It was in one of the sterile white rooms of the Medical Department fluorescent lights above, thin paper sheets on the bed, the soft beep of a heart monitor from somewhere else in the corridor. Zalthorion had left with Dr. Wagner a few minutes earlier.
That left her alone with Vidarath.
Vidarath leaned against a counter, arms flared out behind him, dressed in his absurdly bright orange jacket with the sleeves rolled to the elbows. His hair was messier than usual, and he was cracking jokes at a rate of two per breath.
"So the guy says, 'You're telling me that's not an illusion?' And I go, 'Buddy, it's a Level Seven Reality Bender. It is your mom.'" He laughed at his own joke loud, chesty, like a drunk magician at a tavern. Chloe didn't even try to smile.
She glanced at the strange ink still drying on her palm. "Vidarath," she interrupted, "what happens if someone breaks the contract?"
He froze.
No twitch. No blink. Just stillness. The air in the room dropped a few degrees.
When he looked at her, the light was gone from his eyes. His voice, when he spoke, came flat and cold.
"They die."
No drama. No warning. Just fact.
"Internal rupture," he added. "Spinal cord degradation followed by cerebral vein implosion. Thirty seconds of conscious agony, then blackout."
He stared at her like she was nothing more than a file on a clipboard.
Then, just as suddenly, the grin slid back onto his face. "But hey, you're not planning on breaking it, right? That'd be awkward." He winked.
End of Flashback
The image of his expression in that moment burned in her memory far more than any joke.
Now, inside the quiet hum of the transport, Chloe turned her head slightly and muttered to herself, "And that's the guy I'm supposed to trust."
The vehicle slowed.
I had reached The Department of Magic
I pushed open the door to the Department, the quiet hum of the building greeting me as I stepped into the lobby. The moment I crossed the threshold, I froze.
Standing in front of me was... me?
It wasn't exactly the same, but there was an uncanny resemblance. The woman in front of me had the same features, the same frame, but her hair was slightly longer, and her eyes... sharper, like she had seen more than her fair share of worlds. She wore a serene, knowing smile as she extended her hand.
"It's so nice to meet you," she said warmly. "I'm Chloe Morgan from Universe B-3709. Now, follow me."
I blinked, taken aback, but I shook her hand in response, my mind swirling with confusion. What... was going on? Was this some sort of cosmic coincidence? Or maybe a weird form of time-loop magic?
"Right this way," she said, as if nothing was unusual, and led me down a sleek, sterile corridor. The walls seemed to hum with quiet energy, the air filled with an almost palpable sense of arcane power.
She stopped in front of a large, almost futuristic elevator, its glass doors shimmering faintly. I couldn't help but glance at the strange panel of buttons that lined the walls inside, stretching all the way from 1 to -500. My confusion must have been obvious, because she turned to me with a knowing look and offered an explanation before I could ask.
"Zalthorion realized that magic can be unpredictable," she began, her voice calm and measured. "Sometimes it gets a little... chaotic. And well, with all the unpredictability it brings, Zalthorion made the decision to build this Department mostly underground. We keep things below the surface, literally, so we don't disturb the citizens with the strange and powerful magic that gets studied and practiced here."
She pressed -60 on the elevator panel, and I felt the lift lurch beneath our feet as it began to descend. The walls hummed again, the sensation growing stronger as we sank deeper into the building. I could feel the weight of something ancient and powerful in the air, the space seeming to grow more alive as the levels below us increased.
"Why so deep underground?" I asked, raising an eyebrow as I looked around, not entirely comfortable with the idea of being buried in a tower of power.
"It's safer that way," she answered with a calm smile. "The more volatile experiments, the unpredictable magics those are all handled below ground. It's a protective measure, both for the citizens and for us. We don't want to accidentally summon a rift in the fabric of space, now do we?" She chuckled lightly, though there was a certain seriousness to her tone.
I nodded, though I couldn't shake the strange feeling that something more was at play here. As we continued our descent, I couldn't help but wonder just how much Zalthorion had to plan in order to make sure this Department could function without endangering Evolto City.
The elevator chimed softly as we reached -60. The doors slid open, revealing a long hallway that stretched before us. It was illuminated by soft, ethereal light, casting a calm glow over the clean, modern architecture.
Chloe motioned for me to follow her again, and we walked down the corridor. I had so many questions, but the more I looked around, the more I realized that this place was unlike anything I'd ever seen before. It was a blend of cutting-edge technology and ancient magical principles like something out of a dream or perhaps a forbidden myth.
The Department of Magic was far more than just a place of study it was a living, breathing entity of its own.
We walked past several beings some tree-like with bark skin and leaves for hair, others strange, almost ethereal in appearance, with glowing eyes and glowing tattoos. There were a variety of species, all bustling about in their own little worlds, some engaged in quiet conversation, others deep in their work. It was like walking through a living, breathing ecosystem of magic and life.
But what struck me as odd was the fact that many of them looked identical, like clones of each other. Was this some sort of magical or scientific oddity? I couldn't quite make sense of it, but I chose to ignore it for the moment, focusing instead on following Chloe as she led the way through the corridor.
We continued walking until we reached a large, imposing door. Chloe pushed it open without hesitation, and I followed her inside.
And then wow.
There, standing in the center of the room, was a gigantic Jaeger. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The mechanical behemoth towered over everything, its body sleek and yet imposing, with every surface covered in intricate runes and symbols that pulsed faintly with magical energy. It had the body of a traditional Jaeger, with enormous arms and legs designed for combat, but its head was where the real magic lay. It was littered with glowing runes each one etched meticulously into the metal and there were people everywhere, working on it.
I felt my jaw drop at the sight. This wasn't just any Jaeger. It was a work of art. A fusion of technology and magic.
Chloe chuckled, noticing my wide-eyed reaction. "This is Aegir-001, our pet project. Zalthorion gave it to us as a prototype, and we've been improving it with magic ever since."
I blinked, trying to process what I was seeing. "A pet project?" I repeated in disbelief. "This thing is—huge."
She grinned. "Oh, it's more than just huge. We've enchanted it with more than a dozen different magical elements. There's fire magic in its arms, lightning coursing through its legs, and even a bit of time-bending magic in its core for when it needs to move faster than normal."
I couldn't stop staring at the Jaeger as people worked on it. I saw elves with delicate, long fingers using ancient staffs to inscribe new runes into its hull, while others—beings that looked like humans, though their skin was the color of polished obsidian—used chalk to carefully draw new symbols on its chest. The blend of ancient runes and modern machinery was mind-boggling, and yet it felt like it belonged here.
Chloe led me closer to the machine, where a group of mages were standing around the Jaeger's head, delicately engraving more complex runes along the contours of its face. They worked in harmony, their magic flowing seamlessly into the mechanical components of the Jaeger.
"It's not just about power," Chloe continued, her voice quiet, as though she was in awe of the creation herself. "It's about control. Zalthorion wanted something that could be more than a mindless weapon. It needed to think, adapt, and grow just like the people who fight alongside it."
I nodded slowly, unable to tear my eyes away from the Jaeger. "But why does it need to be so... alive?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "I thought Jaegers were just machines for battle."
Chloe glanced at me, her expression serious. "Zalthorion believes in potential. Even in something like a machine, there is a chance for growth. The runes don't just control it they connect with it. It can learn, change, adapt, and even evolve with the right guidance."
I was starting to understand. This wasn't just a Jaeger it was a living being in its own right, made from a fusion of technology, magic, and purpose. The possibilities for it were endless.
As I stood there, taking in the sight of the massive mechanical construct and the workers adding to it, I felt the weight of Zalthorion's vision settling in. It wasn't just about creating powerful weapons; it was about creating partners, beings that could evolve, learn, and grow in ways that most couldn't even begin to comprehend.
And then, as if sensing my thoughts, Chloe spoke again, her voice tinged with something I couldn't quite place.
"It's not just about power, you know," she said, almost to herself. "It's about having something you can trust, something that can protect everything and everyone... without fail."
I glanced at her, sensing the underlying meaning in her words. There was something more to this project than just magic and machinery. It was a symbol of Zalthorion's belief in growth, in change and in trust.
And as I looked at Aegir-001, standing there like a sentinel of both past and future, I realized that Zalthorion's vision wasn't just about creating powerful weapons. It was about creating legacies legacies that would last far beyond the machines, the magic, or the people who had made them.
We walked down to a lower floor, the air growing cooler as we descended deeper into the Department. The halls here were quieter, almost reverent, and I could feel the hum of magic more intensely as we passed by various laboratories and workstations. We finally reached a large room with high ceilings, and as we stepped inside, I froze.
There were hundreds of me me working, collaborating, studying, and forging the very essence of magic. Some of them were working alone, meticulously crafting enchantments, while others were in groups, engaged in deep discussions, arguing over spellwork, or sharing theories. The sight was surreal hundreds of versions of me, each unique in their focus, each a different interpretation of my essence.
"This is where you'll be working," Chloe said as she walked beside me, her voice calm and matter-of-fact. "We need all hands on deck to manage the research and advancements with Aegir-001."
I nodded, still in awe of the sight before me. The concept of working alongside so many versions of myself was overwhelming, but I had to focus. Aegir-001 wasn't just a project it was a test, a challenge, a responsibility. I had to keep my mind clear.
"Your role?" Chloe continued, pointing to a large terminal in the corner of the room, where intricate schematics of Aegir-001 were displayed. "You'll be working on magical enhancements and optimization for the Jaeger. We're trying to create a deeper bond between the magic and the technology. The idea is that the more responsive and adaptable it becomes, the more it'll be able to anticipate its pilot's needs in battle."
I absorbed her words, understanding the gravity of the task ahead. My work would contribute to the enhancement of Aegir-001, ensuring that it wasn't just a mindless machine but a fully integrated, living entity with the ability to connect with its pilot on a deeper level.
Before I could ask more questions, a voice interrupted us. "Hey, so this is the newbie?"
I turned around quickly, startled, and saw two figures approaching us. The first was an elf tall, with long silver hair and piercing blue eyes. Her appearance was ethereal, almost otherworldly, with a calm and distant expression that made her seem like she wasn't fully present in the moment. She wore a long, flowing robe and a cloak, giving off the air of someone who had seen more than enough of the world to remain unaffected by its distractions.
Beside her stood a young girl human, with short, messy black hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a simple traveling outfit and carrying a bow, though her stance and demeanor conveyed a surprising amount of confidence. The contrast between the two was striking: one an ancient being who had lived for centuries, the other a young girl with a fire in her spirit.
The other version of me chuckled. "Oh, this is Frieren and Fern. They're responsible for the magical research and enhancements of the Jaegers, including Aegir-001."
Chloe nodded. "Frieren specializes in ancient magic and long-term enchantments. Her expertise with time-based magic and enchanted artifacts is invaluable when it comes to integrating complex spells into mechanical constructs."
I could feel the weight of her words. This was no ordinary elf this was someone who had lived for ages, whose knowledge of magic had no doubt reached beyond my wildest comprehension. And alongside her, Fern was a contrast in every way youthful, yet practical and unyielding, with an almost familial bond to Frieren. It was clear that these two had a deep connection, and their partnership was one of balance where Frieren's detachment and wisdom met Fern's pragmatism and youthful drive.
As Chloe turned to walk toward the terminal, Fern approached me with a smirk. "So, you're the newbie? Think you can keep up with the likes of us?"
I smiled, despite my nervousness. "I'm willing to try."
She laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Good. You'll need that attitude if you're going to survive here." Then, she turned to Frieren, who was standing silently, her gaze distant as always.
"Come on, let's get you settled in," Fern said, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the nearest workstation. "We've got a lot of work to do, and I'm not going to let you slack off."
As I followed them, I couldn't help but think how strange it was to be surrounded by so many versions of myself, working together.
They led me to a desk nestled between rows of arcane terminals and parchment-littered worktables. "This is where you'll be working," Frieren said softly, her voice as serene as ever.
I sat down, still taking in the environment—the low hum of enchantments being woven in the background, the distant sound of chalk against crystal, the occasional pulse of mana circuits lighting up the floors like veins of living power. I picked up the stack of papers on the desk. Diagrams of Aegir-001 filled each page detailed cross-sections of its limbs, core systems overlaid with runic etchings, pilot feedback loops, thaumaturgic amplifiers, enchantment stability matrices. I barely noticed my breathing slow as my focus settled in.
Then, footsteps.
A small group approached me four other Chloes, versions of me with subtle and not-so-subtle differences. One had short jet-black hair, an emo vibe radiating off her as she clutched a thick grimoire to her chest. Another looked younger, brighter-eyed, and practically bouncing with energy. One wore an elaborate pair of goggles and a toolbelt loaded with magical gadgets. The last had a scar across her cheek and an air of quiet confidence, like she'd been on the frontlines of a hundred magical emergencies.
"Hey," Scar-Cheek Chloe said with a smirk. "We're working on improving the Jaeger's ambient mana intake system. Want to help?"
I blinked, then nodded. "Yeah, I'd love to."
They smiled each in their own way and quickly made space at a large round table covered in sketches, mana-chalk blueprints, and scraps of enchanted alloy. We dove into it, bouncing theories, carving runes into virtual models, testing which combinations might best harmonize the magical circuits with the Jaeger's physical frame. Emo Chloe rarely spoke but had a knack for optimization runes. Younger Me kept firing wild ideas that somehow, sometimes, worked. Tech-Goggles Chloe was refining the interface between the pilot's neural inputs and the arcane systems.
We worked tirelessly, ideas flowing like water, each of us building off the other's thoughts without ego or hesitation.
Then a soft chime echoed through the air.
"Lunch break," Fern's voice called out from across the room, already heading toward the exit with a tray levitating behind her. "Don't make me come back and drag you away!"
We all paused, glancing at each other. My stomach grumbled in agreement. I leaned back in my chair, realizing I hadn't even noticed how much time had passed.
Scar-Cheek Chloe chuckled. "Let's go. We'll pick it up again after."
And so, we left the notes behind, our little group of alternate selves heading toward the cafeteria together each step strangely comforting, like walking beside every version of the determination that made me, me.
We reached the cafeteria, and it was much grander than I expected. Tall arched ceilings shimmered with soft ambient light, and the scent of freshly conjured meals drifted through the air. Despite the scale, it wasn't packed. In fact, it was peaceful just scattered conversations and occasional laughter echoing through the hall.
"Over here," somebody said.
I turned toward the voice and saw Frieren and Fern already seated. Frieren calmly sipped tea from a levitating orb, her silver hair softly catching the light. Fern, with her usual focus, unwrapped a neatly prepared lunch, casting a sideways glance that somehow felt both observant and protective.
But they weren't alone.
Sitting nearby was a towering figure made entirely of polished white bone, wrapped in flowing black and purple robes trimmed with gold. Magical rings adorned his skeletal fingers, each humming with dormant power. The air around him buzzed faintly like the atmosphere shifted just by his presence. His empty eye sockets glowed faint red, scanning the room with an unsettling calm.
Next to him was a tall, otherworldly man with long, white-silver hair and robes of lavender and pink. They shimmered slightly, as if made of dreamstuff. His staff rested against the table while his bright violet eyes sparkled with mischief. Every now and then, he leaned in and whispered something that made Fern suppress a smile.
Across from him sat someone with jet-black hair and intense violet eyes that seemed to cut through thought itself. He wore a sleek black uniform and never stopped working even during lunch. Digital displays floated above his tray, filled with maps and data he studied with quiet intensity.
At the edge of the table lounged a man with wavy dark hair and piercing blue eyes. His attire was stylish, almost flamboyant a white shirt partially open, and a cape with soft geometric patterns that shifted hues like a mirage. He hummed to himself as he absentmindedly levitated a piece of dessert to his mouth.
I grabbed my food some kind of magically steaming stew with glowing herbs and made my way over to the table. I hesitated for a moment, but Fern gave me a subtle nod, and I took the seat beside her. Frieren glanced at me briefly, then went back to sipping her tea. The others barely reacted, as if they already expected me.
After a few silent bites, curiosity got the better of me.
"So… what made you all join the city?" I asked, glancing at Frieren first.
She didn't answer right away, eyes fixed on a floating wisp of steam. Then, without looking at me, she said softly, "I was interested in the city."
Fern, without missing a beat, added, "I followed her."
Their answers felt so simple, yet complete. And that seemed to open the door for the rest.
The black-haired strategist beside us didn't even raise his eyes from his screen. "Same as Frieren," he said flatly. "Curiosity. And perhaps a useful place for future planning."
The skeletal figure in ornate robes leaned back, his glowing eyes narrowing. "My universe was annihilated," he said in a cold, distant tone. "Everything I built gone. I came here to preserve what little remains... and perhaps begin again."
The man in the colorful robes with the dreamlike presence gave a small chuckle. "I came for the stories," he said. "To witness the tales that unfold here, to watch lives grow and fall apart… and maybe guide a few with some gentle mischief."
Then the man in the elegant cape spoke, his voice soft and smooth. "I was trying to run from a war," he said, eyes distant. "But the city found me. And for once… I didn't want to run."
After that, the table fell into a peaceful silence once again. Only the soft clink of cutlery and distant chatter filled the air.
Fern leaned over to me, quietly adding, "You'll get used to them."
And for the first time since arriving, I believed I might.
After the lunch break, I returned to my desk, where my other selves were already deep in brainstorming. We worked in sync, each of us tackling different aspects of the Aegir-001 project designing enhancements, exploring magical integration, and calculating possible improvements. The atmosphere was focused, with each of my counterparts adding their unique perspective, but my mind kept wandering.
As night began to fall over the city, casting a soft, glowing light through the windows, I found myself standing near the immense form of Aegir-001. The towering mech was surrounded by magical runes and glyphs, still being engraved by various individuals from different species, all working in harmony. I couldn't help but marvel at its size, the sheer complexity of the project, and the seamless fusion of magic and technology.
But as I stood there, staring at the mechanical giant, several questions began to stir in my mind. The city was a marvel, undeniably so, but how was it possible for this city to house so many different, unique magical systems? Magic from one culture or universe could react unpredictably with another, yet here in Evolto City, all of it coexisted without any catastrophic consequences. How had they avoided a destructive magical backlash?
The idea of mixing magic so freely... it seemed unnatural, and yet the city not only survived but thrived.
I wandered around the mech, looking up at its massive head, still in the process of being enchanted. The intricacies of the runes etched on its surface seemed to pulse with life. How was all of this even possible? Who had created such a foundation where these diverse systems of magic not only coexisted but enhanced one another?
My thoughts were interrupted by a distant clang as one of the workers added another rune to the mech. I shook my head, trying to push the questions aside for now. There were too many unknowns, and trying to answer them all at once felt overwhelming.
But deep down, I knew that finding out the truth about this city the way its magic worked, how it was sustained, and who was truly behind it all was inevitable. I had joined this place for a reason, after all. And I was starting to realize that the more I learned, the more complicated the answers would be.