Zion woke from a night of restless sleep, his body weary and his mind still foggy. As he stumbled into his home, exhaustion had overtaken him, leaving him with only enough energy for a feeble greeting to his father before collapsing onto his mattress. In his dreams, he had fought epic battles, his sword piercing the heart of Devastation in triumph.
The clatter of metal pans had jolted him awake, causing him to topple off the bed in a tangled mess. His father, Galen, stood nearby, amusement dancing in his eyes as he chuckled at Zion's clumsy awakening. "You really need to work on those nerves, son. Even a bunny could startle you."
Throughout their morning routine, Galen regaled Zion with humorous anecdotes, a momentary reprieve from the weight of the day ahead. However, the jovial atmosphere faded when Galen noticed Zion's attire. "That won't do for today, Zi," he remarked, his tone serious. "An adventurer-to-be must look the part."
From behind his back, Galen produced a set of finely crafted leather armor. Unlike the worn and battered gear typically worn by novice adventurers, this set gleamed with newness, its deep blue hues hinting at its exceptional quality. It came complete with a sturdy steel belt, four potion slots, and a spacious item pouch.
The extravagance of the gift took aback Zion. "Dad, this... this is too much," he protested, feeling a pang of guilt at the thought of accepting such generosity.
Galen's expression softened, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion. "Of course you can, Zion. These were chosen for you by your mother. It was her final gift before she passed into the Weave." The revelation left Zion speechless, his father then handing him a well-preserved envelope. "It's addressed to you."
Eagerly, Zion tore open the envelope, revealing a letter written in his mother's elegant script.
Dear Zion,
I hope this letter finds you on your greatest of days. Oh, how I wish I could be there for your ceremony. No doubt you will have ladies drooling over you, looking like that fool of a father. I’m so proud of how you handled everything, even though it was unfair. I also know you probably hold so much resentment deep in your heart. The pain has most likely spurred you to be my very own knight. Well, you can just stop right there. I do not need a knight, Zi. I need a hero. Someone who can stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves. I need YOU! Do not hang onto what should have been. Embrace your own path and see it to the end. There is great potential inside of you waiting to burst free. Know that I will forever be at your side, within the very mana that you will change the world with.
I have taken it upon myself to purchase your newbie gear. This is a request from your mother, my final one. The leather armor is made from an adult spirit bear. It will gift you with increased mana early on. Something that will be a huge boon. The belt is a small dimensional space. It can hold four potion types, stacking to ten high. The item pouch can hold twenty items; stacking will depend on the weight, of course. Finally, I have left you my necklace. It is the symbol of Ki, the Goddess of Mana. I give you these things related to magic because you must embrace the magic. It is a part of us, even when a sword may steal the show.
I love you, my amazing boy. Change the world and protect the small. I will be watching over you.
Your loving Mother,
Mara.
Zion's hands trembled as he finished reading the letter, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions it unleashed. A comforting embrace enveloped him, and he surrendered to the tears that had been held back since his mother's passing, tears that had remained dormant as her body turned to ash. Emotions surged within him, each one vying for dominance over his heart. His father stood by silently, offering support with his presence alone, allowing Zion the space and time to grieve.
An hour slipped by unnoticed as Zion wept, the weight of his loss finally finding release. Eventually, he regained his composure, the gratitude evident in his eyes as he accepted the finely crafted armor from his father. Galen gave him a playful shove, a silent gesture of encouragement. Clad in the exquisite armor, Zion felt a sense of strength and purpose coursing through him, a silent testament to his mother's enduring love and guidance.
Turning to his father, Zion saw the pride shining in his eyes, a reflection of the unwavering support and love that had defined their relationship. In that moment, Zion realized the depth of his blessings, the profound gift of having such loving parents. He embraced his father, a silent acknowledgment of a lifetime of unconditional love and guidance.
"Don’t start making me bawl now, Zion. Can’t have the only dad showing up with red eyes," Galen quipped, his gentle pat on the back, a reassurance of their shared bond. "Let's make our way to the arch so you can make your mark. I'll be right behind you."
With a renewed sense of confidence and determination, Zion and his father set off for the ceremony. The streets were abuzz with anticipation, throngs of people gathering to witness the time-honored tradition. As they arrived, Zion exchanged a final embrace with his father before taking his place among the other students, each one poised on the brink of a new chapter in their lives.
Zion and his father were among the last to arrive, thirteen other students already sitting with backs rigid. Galen pulled Zion in for another hug, then held him at arm's length. "Zion, joining the Weave can be… daunting. You've heard about all the information you gain afterward, but you should realize it's a lot. Don’t focus on memorizing everything. Just look at the basics and back out. You'll have plenty of time to go over it." He held Zion's gaze, waiting for the understanding to sink in. "And please, for the love of Creation, don't stray from the path."
With that haunting sentence, Galen took his place with the other family members. Zion sat down, glancing at his fellow students. All of them looked queasy as him, and he wondered if all the parents had disturbed their kids before sitting down. Time seemed to move at a snail’s pace, but finally, the final student sat down, her outfit signaling a late start to the day.
Upon her arrival, a plump middle-aged man stepped in front of the group. He wore a fine tunic of lovely purple silk, contrasting against solid black pants that appeared as expensive as Zion's own gear. Governor Ludwig, a chipper man known for his ever-present smile, wore it today with even more enthusiasm than usual.
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He cleared his throat, his voice slightly nasal as he addressed the group, “Today, these fifteen students will transition into adulthood, leaving behind their peers to join the greater Nifell at large.” Applause resounded from their families and the crowd outside the barrier, mingling with the excited chatter. “Some will confront the mobs of Devastation, maintaining the balance of our world. Others may pursue trades, enriching Spheres with talent and fresh ideas. They might become farmers, soldiers, or even the most skilled healers of their time. The paths are endless.”
Stepping in front of the arch, he gestured grandly towards it, his eyes alight with pride. “Today, the Weave will weave new stories.” With a genuine expression of pride, he indicated the waiting fifteen students. “I will not call names, for that honor is reserved until you return from the depths of the cloth. Approach as a group, for it is the unity that fortifies us against the world's dangers.”
As one, the fifteen students rose, marching in unison towards the shimmering arch. The mana marble now glowed a vibrant blue, fully charged for this auspicious occasion. The lead student halted before the arch, his nervousness evident in the bobbing of his Adam's apple. He faced the governor, placing his fist over his heart and bowing deeply. Reciprocating the ceremonial gesture, the governor acknowledged him with respect. Then, with a momentary pause, the young man stepped into the flowing tapestry.
As he crossed the threshold, a surge of power erupted from the arch, enveloping them in a cascade of brilliant light. Zion could feel the raw energy pulsating through the air, electrifying his senses and sending shivers down his spine. For a brief moment, the world seemed to hold its breath as if awaiting the unveiling of a great mystery.
And then, in a flash of iridescent brilliance, the student vanished from sight, leaving behind only a lingering echo of their presence. The air shimmered with residual energy, casting an ethereal glow that seemed to linger long after the initiate's departure.
As Zion watched in awe, he couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation mingled with excitement. The Weave had claimed its first initiate, opening the door to a world of endless possibilities and untold adventures.
This ritual repeated for another five minutes; no one rushed the initiates. Every adult present understood the significance of this and exhibited patience for those undergoing the transition. Now, it was Zion's turn and the nerves he had concealed resurfaced. Following the lead of those before him, he bowed to the governor before fixing his gaze on the rippling power before him. His body trembled with anticipation, but the governor's reassuring expression offered solace. Summoning his courage, Zion drew a deep breath and stepped into the archway.
In an instant, the world erupted in a brilliant blue flash, the familiar surroundings of the town vanishing. His senses tingled as if tiny sparks of electricity sought entry into his pores. A serene haze enveloped his mind, momentarily erasing the tumultuous emotions that had plagued him. Then, just as swiftly, reality returned, and Zion found himself standing on a rough dirt path.
As Zion emerged, he entered a lush forest, a kaleidoscope of colors and scents engulfed him, each more vibrant and intoxicating than the last. The towering trees stretched towards the sky, their branches adorned with leaves of every shade imaginable. Birds chirped melodically overhead, their songs intermingling with the rustle of the wind through the foliage. Flowers carpeted the forest floor, their sweet fragrances wafting through the air and filling Zion's senses with an overwhelming sense of tranquility.
Glancing down at his hands, Zion was taken aback to see them aglow with the same pulsating blue light that had emanated from the arch. With each beat of his heart, the light pulsed, casting an ethereal glow around him. Turning in a circle, he searched for any sign of the arch that had brought him here, but it had vanished without a trace, leaving him alone in this mystical forest.
His attention was drawn to the road ahead, where a breathtaking sight awaited him. Stretching as far as the eye could see were hundreds of tapestries, each more intricate and captivating than the last. Some depicted scenes of majestic landscapes, while others portrayed powerful deities engaged in epic battles or performing miraculous feats.
Zion began to walk forward, taking in the collection of pieces. Many of those represented here passed through his mind with no recollection. There were said to be endless Deities, each covering their own unique ideal. He saw Terra, the God of Earth, Alloy, the Goddess of Forges, and even Kata, the Goddess of Cats. Minor and major names from the various pantheons of Nifell seemed to grace this road he was on.
Zion meandered through the array of tapestries, his eyes flitting from one vibrant creation to another. Most of the pieces failed to stir anything within him despite their exquisite craftsmanship. They were beautiful to behold, no doubt, but they lacked the profound resonance he sought. Occasionally, however, a tapestry would seize his attention, pulling at something deep within his soul.
One such tapestry depicted Damascus, the God of Swords, locked in an eternal battle. The scene sparked a flicker of recognition within Zion, a fleeting connection that left him momentarily transfixed. He felt compelled to reach out and touch the worn fibers, to immerse himself in the tale of valor and strife, but something held him back.
As Zion continued to traverse the ethereal landscape, time seemed to stretch endlessly, each step revealing new wonders. Amidst the shifting tapestry of visions, his attention was arrested by a magnificent sight—a sprawling blue rug adorned with intricate patterns. Upon its vibrant threads, a figure of unparalleled grace and power captivated his gaze.
A woman of otherworldly beauty, her flowing azure locks cascaded like a waterfall of sapphires, framing features that glowed with an inner radiance. Her black eyes, swirling with an blue luminescence, held a fierce determination as she engaged in a titanic struggle against colossal dragons.
With four arms, she moved with a fluidity that defied mortal limitations. In one hand, she wielded a blade forged from the purest cobalt, its edge slicing effortlessly through the midnight scales of her adversaries. Another arm unleashed torrents of shimmering mana, weaving spells of dazzling brilliance that scattered the winged beasts like leaves in a tempest.
Even as she waged war against the monstrous horde, her compassion knew no bounds. With a gentle touch, she healed the wounded and shielded the innocent from harm, her third arm a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
The final arm bore a mighty shield emblazoned with ancient runes that shimmered with protective magic. Against the onslaught of fire and claw, it stood as an unyielding barrier, offering sanctuary to those who sought refuge in its shadow.
Zion recognized the Goddess woven into the fabric. It was Ki, the Goddess of Mana. The very deity his mother had followed. He brought out the necklace that sat in his pocket. He hadn't put it on yet, as magic items only hurt you till joining the Weave. He stared at it and then returned to the image before him. It killed him to admit, but this very tapestry called to him like none of the others. His very soul seemed to crave the imagery it contained, and his body had moved forward of its own volition. He had held back, though, that deep-seated anger not fully healed. Had his mother known? Is this why she had left that letter?
“Do not fight it, Zion, son of Mara. Embrace that which makes you special. Trust your own instincts.” An otherworldly voice sang out. It was the most melodic sound he had ever heard, the sound of it making his body relax. “Step forward and take your first steps towards righting the wrongs of those before you. Walk the balanced path in search of your answers.”
Zion would never admit to those who asked that day, but he had found the words ringing in his mind. They had seemed to answer some questions he hadn’t even known to ask. That was why his hesitation had ended. Zion reached out and brushed his fingertips across the floating fabric. Then, his world once again flashed a brilliant blue.