Adeu and his friends finally arrived at the colossal walls of Circle Zero. As they gazed upward, they were struck by the sight of two towering guards, each standing more than ten meters tall. Clad in gleaming golden armor and wielding swords nearly as tall as themselves, the guards stood like silent sentinels, their presence radiating an unyielding authority that was both awe-inspiring and intimidating.
Arthur stepped forward, producing their invitation shards. The guards, without a word, inspected the shimmering fragments. With a slow, deliberate nod, they turned and the massive gates opened.
The grand Circle Zero unfolded before their eyes. Adeu froze in awe as the gates revealed a dazzling white city bustling with life. At its center rose an immense castle, its soaring spires piercing the heavens, radiating an aura of divine magnificence.
The streets were alive with activity. Majestic phoenixes glided gracefully overhead, while other fantastical flying creatures flitted through the skies. The air hummed with lively music, laughter, and the aroma of sweets from bustling stalls. People moved about, dancing, chatting, and savoring the vibrant energy that filled every corner of the city.
After wandering the lively streets, they reached a grand residence reserved for Academy students. Its gardens were alive with the chatter and laughter of students from across Etheome, all gathered in anticipation of the Blessing Ceremony. A servant led them to their rooms, each one spacious and lavishly adorned, far exceeding their expectations.
That evening, after a satisfying dinner, Adeu bid his friends goodnight and retired to his room. As he lay in the soft embrace of his bed, excitement swirled within him, anticipation for the next day making sleep both difficult and delightful.
The sound of music gently roused Adeu from his slumber. He dressed quickly, his mind sharp and eager, when Charmy and Echo arrived at his door.
"Good morning," Charmy greeted with a bright smile.
"Ready to witness history?" Echo added, his tone brimming with enthusiasm.
The three set off together, leaving the residence behind. Though two other students from their academy were present, Adeu, Charmy, and Echo decided to stay as a trio.
In the gardens, their footsteps slowed as their eyes locked onto a sight straight from legend: a True God.
Standing on a grand platform was a radiant goddess. Her presence silenced the crowd, awe rippling through the students.
True Gods were revered across all realms, their power and grace unparalleled. The goddess's name was one known to all:
DeinEros – God of Love and Desire.
Her ethereal beauty was mesmerizing. Golden hair flowed like liquid sunlight down her back, and her captivating blue eyes seemed to hold the secrets of eternity. She wore a gown of pure white, its flowing fabric shimmering with a faint glow. Each delicate movement exuded grace and authority.
When DeinEros spoke, her voice was a melody that resonated deep within the soul.
[ Welcome ] she said, her tone warm and inviting. [ I am DeinEros, God of Love and Desire. Today, I will lead you to the castle for the Blessing Ceremony. May fortune smile upon you, and may you savor the beauty of this momentous day. ]
With a flourish of her hand, her divine energy radiated outward, illuminating her form in a golden glow. A massive portal materialized beside her, its swirling light a gateway to the castle.
[ Follow your path, ] she said softly, her voice echoing like a gentle breeze. Then, in a final act of grace, she vanished into the portal, leaving behind a trail of glowing blossoms that floated gently to the ground before fading.
The crowd erupted into applause. Some students were moved to tears, others stood in stunned silence, overwhelmed by the goddess's presence. Slowly, the throng of students began to approach the portal, their anticipation palpable.
When Adeu stepped through, the world around him shifted. Darkness enveloped him, save for a single circle of light glowing faintly ahead. As he moved toward it, a voice broke the silence.
[ Do not be afraid. ]
The words carried both authority and comfort. Adeu's heart raced as a figure emerged from the shadows.
Tall and elegant, the being moved with an otherworldly grace. A flowing white kimono draped his form, and behind him unfurled magnificent wings, their feathers shining like cascading waterfalls of light.
The figure's hair, silvery white and impossibly long, framed a serene face with eyes as pale as snow. As the wings dissolved, the god descended, his presence commanding yet tranquil.
Standing before Adeu was Bethel – God of Knowledge and Wisdom.
Bethel's voice was gentle yet profound, resonating with timeless wisdom. [ My name is Bethel, God of Knowledge and Wisdom, ] he began.
"Where are we?" Adeu asked hesitantly.
Bethel smiled faintly. [ Nowhere. We are within the portal. All who pass through face the same trial. ]
Adeu felt a weight in the air as Bethel continued, his tone steady. [ Let us begin. Why did you wish to witness the Ceremony? ]
Adeu paused, then replied earnestly, "I was curious. I wanted to see humans."
Bethel's expression remained unreadable. [ What do you think of humans? What are they to you? ]
"They're like us," Adeu said cautiously. "Different, but i think we actually share many similarities."
Bethel's voice sharpened. [ Do you dare compare gods, perfect beings, to lowly humans? ]
Adeu panicked, his words stumbling. "I didn't mean it like that—"
But Bethel chuckled softly, a sound both amused and ominous. [ Watch your words, Adeu. You are fortunate it was I who met you here. Another god might not have been so forgiving. You could have paid dearly for your naivety. ]
Adeu's heart sank, but he nodded silently.
Bethel continued. [ Do you know why humans are chosen as god's apostles and not gods themselves? Or do you know the true purpose of the Ceremony? ]
Adeu shook his head, his curiosity mixed with unease.
[ Because of Zeus's curse, gods cannot harm humans directly, ] Bethel explained.
[ So we give hope to humans, granting them our power. In return, they serve as our apostles, ruling over their kind and maintaining the balance we dictate. This is how gods rule worlds. But there is still a difference between apostles and blesssed... blessed might sometimes refuse to become apostle and rather to have a free will. After all to be blessed by a god is to carry a curse of responsibility beyond mortal comprehension. You are too young to understand this fully. ]
Bethel's words struck Adeu deeply, unraveling the wonder he had associated with the ceremony.
Sensing his turmoil, Bethel's voice softened. [ The Blessing Ceremony is not the joyous occasion you imagine. Be prepared for what you are about to witness. ]
Before Adeu could respond, Bethel gestured toward the glowing circle. [ Place your hands on the light and repeat after me, ] he instructed. Adeu obeyed, repeating the vow never to speak of what he witnessed to those outside the Ceremony.
Bethel gave a final smile. [ When I disappear, touch the circle and channel your Neba. You will see the ceremony from there. ]
And with that, Bethel vanished, leaving Adeu alone in the dark.
Taking a deep breath, Adeu placed his hands on the circle. As he channeled his Neba, his eyes closed, and the world dissolved into darkness.
The time had come to witness the grand Blessing Ceremony.