"Welcome to the Origin Pillars," the Principal announced, her voice echoing through the vast cavern as she gestured towards the twelve majestic pillars. Despite the entire cave being dusty and ancient, these pillars remained pristine, untouched by the passage of time.
"Wow!"
The students and four professors stared in awe, their eyes wide with curiosity and wonder as they approached the pillars. Tentatively, they reached out to touch them. Though the pillars felt ordinary to the touch, a strange sense of tranquillity washed over them.
Aqualina examined the pillars closely, her face etched with concentration. She noticed that each pillar bore a distinct and intricate pattern... one resembled a fish, another depicted fire, a third had a spiral like a wormhole, while others featured a hammer, a wave, a mountain, a hand, and various other symbols.
She pondered the meaning behind these patterns.
'Clap'
The Principal clapped her hands sharply to regain their attention and instructed, "I want each of you to summon your Arcane Card, one by one... They will guide you"
Nodding, the students exchanged glances, hesitating slightly. Aqualina, breaking the silence, stepped forward confidently and summoned her card...
"Arcane Card"
A bright light emanated from her chest, and a Rainbow Card adorned with five stars materialized before her.
The Principal nodded approvingly and motioned for her to wait.
The card hovered in front of Aqualina for a few more seconds. Suddenly, the cave began to tremble.... not entirely, but one of the pillars shook visibly. Her card then twitched and drifted toward the trembling pillar, hovering before it.
"Go and stand there," the Principal instructed. Aqualina complied, walking over to the pillar.
Standing before it, she noticed the pillar was engraved with a tsunami wave-like pattern.
Next, Kai stepped forward, summoning his card. After a few moments, another pillar trembled, and Kai moved to stand near it.
One by one, each student summoned their card and took their place by a designated pillar.
Aqualina observed that Kai stood directly opposite her. It appeared that all the Empire Chosen stood opposite their counterparts. Most likely, one side was for Arcane Queens and the other for Arcane Kings.... leaving only two pairs positioned directly opposite each other.
The five professors meticulously documented everything about their respective Chosen Ones and their pillars, ensuring that every detail was recorded.
The Principal nodded in satisfaction and glanced at Alaric, who acknowledged her with a nod and took his position like the others.
The Principal then addressed them, "Now, push your Arcane Card into the pillar and place your hand on it."
Everyone nodded and, with a mix of anticipation and apprehension, slowly pushed their cards. As soon as the cards touched the pillars, they entered seamlessly, like ghosts passing through a wall.
The Principal and Alaric followed suit.... The Principal then declared,
"This ends my era as a Sovereign.... Log."
The pillar before her shone brightly. Alaric mirrored her actions, saying "Log," causing his pillar to shine as well.
The Principal smiled warmly at the students and announced,
"This marks the beginning of a new era— The legacy of the New Arcane Kings and Queens.
Now, say 'Log In'"
With faces full of enthusiasm and determination, everyone said in unison,
""""""""""Log In""""""""""
'Ssssshhhhhhhhhnnnnggggggg'
__________________________________
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city,
"Aether, you look exactly like the person in the poster," Lia said, nodding as she compared the poster to Aether, who was wearing a criminal-like mask.
Aether's lips twitched in annoyance. He quickly pulled off the mask and placed it on Lia's head. "Now you look exactly like the person in the poster," he retorted.
"Hey!" Lia shouted, pulling off the mask and glaring at Aether. "But it says the person is male!"
"Yeah," Selene agreed, examining the poster and then glancing at the newfound closeness between Lia and Aether. She wondered if Aether had helped Lia previously, explaining their sudden close, really close..... anyway, she determined to keep an eye on Lia... Just in case because she was the opposite sex, she might learn Aether's greatness soon, so better than sorry!!
"Sigh, come on, guys. Are you really suggesting we go through with this?" Aether asked, holding up the poster and the criminal mask.
"Well..."
"...Yeah"
Lia and Selene exchanged glances before Lia spoke again, "Come on, Aether, don't you think it would be a waste to pass up this opportunity? It's a million... you know, a million Zenith!"
Aether looked into Lia's eyes, which sparkled 'ˀ'.
He sighed, facepalming, unable to believe that Lia was serious about this stunt and that Selene supported the idea.
"Are you sure you guys are noble?" Aether asked sceptically, raising an eyebrow. Both Lia and Selene avoided his gaze.
Aether sighed again, continuing to walk down the street with Lia and Selene trailing behind him.
The enormous reward amount on the poster had piqued both Lia's and Selene's interest. They initially thought of finding the person depicted, but since the face was hidden, they focused on Aether, who fit the description perfectly.
The poster described the individual as a male, 5.8 feet tall, with a lean build, a charming voice, and fierce eyes, and stated that he was needed alive. Both girls looked at Aether with eager expressions.
It wasn't just about the money for them. Seeing Aether's enthusiasm (Mistook) about the poster, they believed (Mistook) he wanted to earn the reward so that he could buy whatever he wanted instead of really on others and Selene and Lia nodded in understanding about that.... Maybe, just maybe they also wanted some financial relief after their recent expenditures.
Aether glanced at the reward amount. Truth be told, he was tempted. He wasn't a saint to ignore such an opportunity. Seeing that substantial amount, he inferred that the other person must be wealthy, and taking a portion wouldn't be a big deal.
However, the real issue was...
'It's Actually ME!!... I am the one she is searching for' Aether growling inwardly.
"Aether, listen to me. All you need to do is wear that ugly mask, and we'll handle the rest of that chosen woman!" Lia said with a proud and determined expression.
"Yes, since you'll be acting as bait, you can take 50% while she and I share the remaining 50%," Selene suggested with a smirk. Lia looked surprised but quickly nodded at Selene's plan.
In reality, Selene thought, 'I will give him my whole share later.' She loved him too much.
Similarly, Lia thought, 'I will give him half of my share later.' She liked him as a friend.
Aether's mind was clouded with possibilities, "How are we going to do this?" he asked, curiosity overcoming his scepticism.
Lia and Selene smirked but then frowned...
"Looks like you guys aren't planning to hide anymore," Lia mumbled with a smile, noticing a few shadows peeking from the corners of the empty street.
"Hmm?" Aether tilted his head, not understanding what Lia meant.
"We are being followed by someone, Ether," Selene said, stepping protectively in front of Aether and scanning the surroundings with a vigilant gaze.
"Really?" Aether was utterly flabbergasted.