Argos' Room
"So, are you ready, Argos?" Mythra's voice echoed in Argos' mind.
"Yes, Mythra," Argos replied, a determined glint in his eyes. "I am ready."
Mythra cleared her throat, a humorous sound that sent a small tremor through Argos. "Ahmmm... So, let me start with the basics of how to manipulate mana."
Argos leaned in, eager to absorb every word.
"In this world," Mythra explained, Humans and demi-humans are the only race to manipulate mana. Every other Race have its own way of activating their power. Though mana is present in every realm. Some examples are: Dragons have core in their body they need to break them to gain their full power of being a dragon, Spirits uses nature and so on.
“So now you understand that, let’s start for humans continued “Mythra.
"There are levels to mana usage. Purple signifies the strongest, while black represents the lowest. In between, you have yellow, green, blue, and red. These levels determine your inherent mana capacity from birth, although it's possible to upgrade it."
"How?" Argos questioned, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"By strengthening your mental state," Mythra continued. "The stronger your mind, the more mana you can potentially hold. However, mana capacity alone isn't enough. You must also strengthen your body through rigorous training and real combat experiences to increase the power of your mana."
A sudden realization dawned on Argos. "So, that's why I couldn't access mana before! It wasn't because I didn't have any... it was blocked?"
Mythra let out a soft giggle. "Precisely. Your fragile body at birth couldn't handle the flow of mana. I removed that seal, but you'll gain the power gradually by progressing both mentally and physically."
"Excellent," Argos declared, a surge of excitement coursing through him. "Let's begin our training! We'll start by increasing my mana capacity and strengthening it."
Meanwhile, in the Meeting Room of Zagrash Xul'Kath
A menacing aura filled the room as Irakes, sat upon his throne. Below him stood his generals, awaiting his command.
"Generals," Irakes boomed, his voice echoing in the cavernous chamber, "What events have transpired since my last presence here?"
Raya stepped forward, her crimson eyes gleaming with dark fervor. "Lord Irakes," she began, "since your last battle, the evils in the world have reached a new peak, further bolstering our power. Every species has disregarded their roles and strayed from the amendments, succumbing to their basest desires."
A cruel smile twisted Irakes' lips. "Excellent," he hissed. "The more sins they commit, the stronger we become. Let their corruption fester and empower us."
He rose from his throne, his dark form casting a long shadow. "That's all for today. Let us move to the training grounds. We must hone our skills. In two years, we will make our first move, and the world will tremble beneath the power of us Demons!"
AFTER TWO YEARS
Elysian Mythra - Two Years Later
Sweat dripped from Argos' brow as he finished another grueling training session with Mythra within the ethereal realm of Elysian Mythra. Two years had flown by in a whirlwind of mental and physical exertion.
"Argos, stop," Mythra instructed, her voice resonating with a calming power. "Two years have passed, and it seems you are ready. I want you to leave this place and journey towards Vordheim."
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Argos' heart pounded in his chest. "Vordheim?" he echoed, a hint of disbelief lacing his voice. "Are you sure I'm truly prepared for that? Vordheim is a perilous land, teeming with dangerous monsters that strike fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned adventurers."
"Yes, Argos," Mythra affirmed with a resolute nod. "It is there you must go."
"If that's what you believe is best," Argos conceded, determination flickering in his eyes. "Then I shall venture forth. When do I depart? And will you be accompanying me?"
A somber expression settled on Mythra's face. "You will leave tomorrow, Argos. Unfortunately, I cannot accompany you. I have duties to attend to within my own realm, for we must prepare for the events that loom on the horizon."
A flicker of concern crossed Argos' features. "But what about my parents? They'll never allow me to leave."
A mischievous glint entered Mythra's eyes. "Leave that to me, young one," she assured him.
Back in the town - Dusk
As dusk painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, Argos returned home, his heart heavy with the knowledge of his impending departure. He found his parents, Amelia and Lucas, seated by the hearth, their faces etched with worry.
"Mother, Father," Argos began, his voice laced with trepidation. "I have something important to tell you."
Amelia's eyes welled up with tears. "What is it, Argos?" she choked out. "What do you want to say?"
"I… I want to leave this town, Mother and Father," Argos confessed, his voice firm despite the tremor in his heart.
A strangled cry escaped Amelia's lips. "You can't, Argos!" she shrieked, tears cascading down her cheeks. "I've already lost one son, I can't bear to lose another!"
"But Mother…" Argos pleaded.
Amelia cut him off, her voice thick with emotion. "No buts! You're weak, Argos! You can't even use mana!"
Lucas placed a comforting hand on Amelia's shoulder, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Your mother is right, Argos. We can't lose you."
Argos felt a surge of frustration bubble within him. "But I can use mana!" he exclaimed. "I can prove it to you!"
Before Amelia could retort, a soft glow emanated from the corner of the room, filling the space with an ethereal light. As the light intensified, a magnificent woman materialized before them, her form shimmering with otherworldly beauty.
"Argos, go to your room," Amelia stammered, fear evident in her voice.
Argos, however, remained rooted to the spot, his gaze transfixed on the awe-inspiring figure.
"Father and Mother of Argos," the woman spoke, her voice melodious and filled with power. "Greetings. I am Mythra, The Goddess of Knowledge."
Amelia and Lucas fell to their knees, overwhelmed by the presence of a deity. "What brings the Goddess Mythra to our humble residence?" Amelia stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
"I have come to request your permission for Argos to travel beyond the confines of your small town," Mythra explained.
"But Goddess," Lucas pleaded, "We cannot allow it! He is our only remaining son. We cannot risk losing him."
Mythra offered a gentle smile. "If you do not permit Argos to embark on this journey," she warned, her voice laced with a hint of urgency, "then this world is surely doomed. He is, after all, the reincarnation of my brother, the previous protector of this world (TERRIOS) a Sentinel."
"But still, Goddess…" Lucas stammered, his voice barely a whisper. The weight of the situation pressed heavily upon him.
"Let me show you what the future holds," Mythra offered, her voice laced with empathy. Placing a gentle hand on the heads of Amelia and Lucas, she channeled her power, weaving visions before their eyes.
In a blink, Amelia and Lucas found themselves witnessing two contrasting scenarios. One depicted a world consumed by darkness, overrun by monstrous creatures. The other showcased a land bathed in the light of hope, where Argos stood valiantly against the encroaching evil.
The visions faded, leaving Amelia and Lucas breathless. "Goddess," Lucas choked out, a tremor of fear and resolve evident in his voice, "If this is what the future holds…"
"Then we must send Argos," Lucas finished the sentence, his eyes filled with a newfound determination. Though the thought of letting him go terrified him, the potential future he had just witnessed outweighed his fear.
A heavy silence descended upon the room, broken only by Amelia's soft sniffle.
"So, when are you leaving, Argos?" Amelia finally managed to ask, her voice thick with emotion.
"Tomorrow, Mother," Argos replied, his voice firm yet laced with a hint of sadness.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Amelia's lips. "Pack your bags and gather any necessary equipment you might need," she instructed, her voice surprisingly strong.
"I will go and prepare your things," she added, rising from her chair.
As Amelia moved towards the back room, Argos closed the distance between them and pulled her into a tight embrace. "Thank you, Mother," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "And don't worry, I will be fine. With the Goddess Mythra's blessing, I will overcome any challenge."
Amelia held her son close, savoring the warmth of his touch. Tears welled up in her eyes, but this time, they were tears of pride and hope.
The next morning, with a heavy heart but a resolute spirit, Argos bid farewell to his parents. Their blessings and well wishes echoed in his ears as he stepped out of the village, ready to embark on the journey that would decide the fate of their world.
Just as Argos reached the town’s outskirts, Mythra materialized beside him, her presence a beacon of hope and guidance.
"Argos," she said, her voice filled with warmth, "chin up."
Argos pushed his chin upwards, and Mythra gently placed a beautiful necklace around his neck. The pendant shimmered with an otherworldly light.
"What is this, Mythra?" he inquired, his fingers brushing against the cool metal.
"A token of good luck on your travels," she replied with a smile. "May it serve as a reminder of the strength you possess and the hope you carry."
"Thank you, Mythra," Argos said with gratitude. "Safe travels huh," he added, a touch of sadness tinging his voice.
"May my blessings be with you," Mythra responded, her form flickering before dissolving into thin air.
With a deep breath, Argos turned his back on the familiar town and set foot on the path that stretched before him. The weight of the world rested upon his shoulders, but he faced it head-on, his heart filled with courage and determination. Now, his journey truly began.