Chapter 8

As they neared the location on Eli's map, the air around them seemed to shimmer and ripple, like the surface of water disturbed by a pebble.

It was as though they had passed through an invisible barrier, and the landscape before them transformed.

In the center of a clearing stood a small temple surrounded by five tall stone pillars, each one carved with intricate symbols representing the five affinities: Elemental, Energy, Life, Spiritual, and Physical.

The symbols glowed faintly, their light pulsing in sync as if alive.

Alira was the first to notice the significance of the place. She gestured silently to Eli, her expression a mixture of awe and reverence.

“This place... it’s hidden by the very mana it creates,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Eli frowned, taking in the scene. "Hidden by mana? I’ve seen a lot of weird things since coming here, but this—” he gestured to the glowing pillars, “—takes the cake."

Alira smiled faintly. "It’s not just mana. It’s ancient, purposeful. It’s a sanctuary for something greater."

He glanced at her, noting the reverence in her tone. He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease. "Sanctuary or not, I’d rather know what we’re walking into before we go any closer."

She looked at him, her gaze steady. "Sometimes, Eli, answers come after trust. Not before."

Eli sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh cool... blind faith. My favorite." Still, he followed her, his curiosity outweighing his skepticism.

Eli and Alira approached cautiously, walking in a slow circle around the temple.

Despite its ornate carvings and the glowing pillars, there was no visible entrance.

They examined the structure carefully, tracing the edges of the pillars and searching for hidden doors or mechanisms.

"Nothing," Eli muttered after several minutes. "I don’t get it. Why put a temple here with no way in?"

Alira tilted her head, studying the glowing carvings on the pillars. "It’s not meant to be found easily. The mana here responds to those it recognizes. Perhaps it’s waiting for you."

Eli raised an eyebrow. "Waiting for me? I mean, I did get a magic compass with my name on it. “

She nodded thoughtfully. "The map led us here, didn’t it? And your connection to the mana of this world is... unique."

“Unique.” Eli whispered to himself using air quotes.

He opened his mouth to argue but stopped as his HUD pulsed faintly.

A small indicator in the corner of his vision blinked, drawing his gaze to the center of the pillars. Without thinking, he stepped into the circle they formed.

The moment his foot crossed the boundary, a low hum resonated through the air.

The light from the pillars intensified, and with a shimmering wave, a doorway materialized on the temple's side.

“Ahhh, Alira, unique mana worked.” Eli called out, his voice edged with both excitement and caution.

She joined him quickly, her eyes widening at the sight of the doorway.

Together, they peered inside.

A stairwell curved downward into shadow, its stone steps worn smooth by time.

Eli hesitated, his instinct urging him to stay back.

“Stay close,” Alira said softly, conjuring a small orb of light that floated over her shoulder, illuminating the way.

Her calm demeanor reassured him, though only slightly.

“Right behind you,” Eli muttered, gesturing for her to lead. As she stepped forward, he followed, his thoughts racing.

This seems like the part of the movie where we find out this is a horror movie. I can still run if I go now.

As soon as he thought that, the doorway closed behind them with a deep, echoing sound, and they were plunged into darkness, save for the faint glow of Alira’s light.

“100% this is a trap and there is going to be a giant spider with hundred of baby spiders and we are going to be their afternoon snack.” Eli said in a whispered voice, trying not to attach himself to Alira’s back.

Alira didn’t say anything, but just kept going downward.

The stairs seemed endless, spiraling downward in an unbroken path.

The air grew cooler and carried the faint scent of earth and moisture.

The sound of their footsteps echoed hollowly, a rhythmic counterpoint to the soft hum of the mana-infused temple walls.

Minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity.

Eli, what did you always say? If you were in a scary movie, there is no way you would be the idiot that just goes into the doorway that opened out of nowhere. Turns out I am exactly that idiot.

Eli checked his HUD, which showed no immediate danger but pulsed faintly, as if attuned to the mana around them.

“At what point do we turn around, because at this point I feel like the obvious destination is the gate to hell.” Eli said, glancing back up the stairs.

The way Alira’s light orb bounced light off them, it looked like something dark was following just out side their vision.

“We are almost there, I can feel the end just around the next few turns.” She answered him.

After what felt like half an hour, but was probably actually only 15 or 20 minutes, they arrived at a small stone platform.

“Listen, I know you are the expert here, but you think walking into the room that doesn’t seem to have any other doors is a good idea?” Eli stood on the last step, looking on in disbelief.

“We will be fine, you have come this far, just a few more.” Alira said as she walked towards the archway.

The arched doorway led into a dimly lit chamber.

Passing through, Eli walking about 6 inches behind Alira, they were met with an astonishing sight: a lush garden stretched out before them, bathed in sunlight despite the impossibility of its underground location.

The air was warm and fragrant, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and ripened fruit. In the center of the garden lay a crystal-clear pond, its surface so still it resembled polished glass.

“How is this even possible?” Eli whispered, his eyes wide as he took in the verdant paradise.

Before Alira could respond, his HUD pulsed purple.

The pond’s surface shimmered, and a glowing figure emerged, rising as if the water itself had formed into a humanoid shape.

It radiated a soft, purple light and had no discernible features—just a smooth, glowing silhouette.

Eli froze, his disbelief palpable, while Alira immediately dropped to one knee, bowing her head low.

The figure glided forward, not walking but floating effortlessly across the water.

As it reached the edge of the pond, it seemed to pause, its light rippling softly.

Then, with deliberate grace, it stepped onto the solid ground.

As its foot touched the earth, the glow faded, revealing a womanly figure cloaked in an ethereal robe that flowed like mist around her.

The robe shimmered, shifting like a living cloud, and her bald head and lack of eyebrows gave her an unearthly appearance. Her eyes, two orbs of soft purple light, exuded a calm and peaceful presence.

She smiled at Eli before turning her gaze to Alira.

Her voice was melodic, carrying an echo of ages past. “Rise, child. You do not need to bow to me. If anything, I should bow to you, Alira of Caelum.”

Alira lifted her head but remained kneeling, her face a mixture of awe and confusion.

“You know me?” she asked softly.

The woman nodded, her expression warm. “I have seen your journey. You have given so much to those in need, never once seeking anything for yourself. You embody the essence of peace and life, and your mana reflects this truth. Please, come. Let us sit and talk.”

She gestured toward a set of three chairs that had not been there moments before.

A small table sat between them, bearing a tray of fruits and vegetables and a pitcher of crystal-clear water. The woman’s movements were unhurried and fluid, her presence calming yet commanding.

Eli feeling completely out of his depth. Feeling like if Alira bowed, should he?

Her gaze shifted to Eli. “And you, Eli of Earth. I have much to discuss with you.”

Eli stood frozen for a brief moment until Alira had guided him to a chair.

As Eli and Alira sat in the chairs, they watched the woman glide to her own seat.

Every movement she made seemed to be the epitome of grace, as if the air itself parted to accommodate her.

When she finally settled, placing her hands delicately in her lap, she smiled warmly.

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“It has been some time since I have taken a mortal form,” she began, her voice lilting like a soft melody.

“So many senses at play. It’s a wonder anyone can get anything done with so much to perceive.” She said as she was looking around the garden and then back down to them.

“Alira, let me first thank you for guiding Eli here. We weren’t sure if we had given you enough time, but as always, you didn’t stop until you reached your goal. For that, we are deeply grateful.”

Alira nodded, her face both humbled and resolute. “It was my duty,” she said softly.

The woman’s gaze shifted to Eli, who was leaning forward slightly, his elbows on his knees, staring at her with wide eyes. “Now, Eli, I’m sure you have many questions. I will try to answer what I can, though my time in this form is limited. Prolonging it will create ripples across the realms.”

“Let me first apologize to you Eli, I didn’t intend for your entrance into this world to be so traumatic.” She lowered her head as if to nod an apology.

Eli stared at her, his mind spinning. He struggled to even form a coherent question. He opened his mouth, shut it again, and finally managed to say, “Are you... God?”

She laughed gently, shaking her head. “No, Eli. We do not have names as you would understand them. I am a Celestial, a being that helps maintain the balance of many universes. My true name cannot be spoken in this form, so you may call me... Lilly.” She winked at Alira. “After one of my favorite flowers.”

Eli’s disbelief was evident.

Lilly continued, her tone patient. “The Celestials are caretakers, not gods. We oversee the intricate threads of existence, ensuring balance is maintained.”

Eli, even shocked at himself said, “You’re telling me... you’re basically a cosmic janitor? A galactic repair crew?"

“Eli…” Alira said in admonishment.

Lilly laughed again, a bright, unbothered sound. "Something like that. Though our work is a bit more... delicate. The scale of it is beyond mortal comprehension, and while we may seem godlike to you, we are far from omnipotent. So, no, Eli, I am not a god—though I suspect many from Earth would argue otherwise. But that is a conversation for another time. Next question?”

Eli leaned back, overwhelmed by her calm yet overwhelming presence.

The questions tumbled out of him in rapid succession. “Why am I here?”

“What happened to the others who came through that... whatever it was we passed through?”

“Can I go back?”

“And why did I have a magical mana guide downloaded into my head?”

“And... why me?”

The questions tumbled from him, his voice rising with each one.

Lilly smiled and raised a hand to calm him. “Let’s start with the simpler questions. The ‘thing’ you arrived through was a realm rift, an unstable and dangerous tear in reality. The students,”

Eli’s eyes shut up looking directly in her purple glowing eyes. “who created the rift, unintentionally sustained it long enough for me to widen the tear and pull you through.”

Before Eli could ask the question, Lilly quickly answered the unasked question. “For your fellow travelers, they are quite safe now. I sent them back to Earth and healed them during the brief moment they touched the Void between Realms. To them, it will feel like a bizarre dream.”

Lilly looked saddened for a moment, “I am terribly sorry for how things went when you arrived. The Kash-Tar are drawn to Realm mana, and the Realm Rift that the students created had been opened long enough to draw their attention.”

Eli exhaled sharply, the weight and guilt he had for each of them, the hole of grief and anger seemed to close a little, still there, but the relief at knowing the students were safe.

“They are alive and safe?” Asking it to hear her tell him again.

“Yes, Eli, I promise you they are alive and safe.”

She paused, her expression thoughtful. “As for their ability to create another realm rift, they may succeed in glimpsing the Void, but without an anchor, they cannot connect to another realm. The anchor that allowed you through was mana from Caelum, which I injected into their machine. It caused the instability you experienced.”

Eli frowned. “So... I’m stuck here?”

“Not forever,” Lilly said gently. “There is a way for you to return, but it requires you to grow stronger, to harness and sustain immense mana. When you reach that point, the choice will be yours.”

Eli’s voice was skeptical. “Why me, then? What makes me so special?”

Lilly’s gaze softened. “We needed someone who could wield great power without succumbing to corruption or arrogance. Most mana users in this world are drawn to the allure of power, their humanity eroded by its influence. You, Eli, with your past and the values instilled by your parents, are the closest we have found to someone capable of maintaining balance.”

Eli’s jaw tightened. “So, I’m a good choice because my parents were great people and then died? Thanks for that.”

“Wait, did you have something to do with the car crash?” Eli said almost through gritted teeth.

“No, Eli. We can’t influence events on a singular event. If I could, I would have solved this issue already.” Lilly’s expression turned sorrowful. “Eli, your pain is part of what grounds you. You question everything, even the gifts you’ve been given. That humility is what gives us hope.”

Alira finally spoke, her voice low but firm. “What do you need Eli to do?”

Lilly turned to her. “We need him to challenge the Preserver and the Reformer. These beings, once tasked with fostering this realm’s growth, have become at odds over the past 20,000 years. Their conflict has created an imbalance in the mana, and the consequences are felt across all connected realms—including Earth.” Glancing at Eli.

Alira’s eyes widened. “The imbalance... the Great War...”

Lilly nodded. “Yes. The Zorathians sought the Mana Wells, but their actions were fueled by the Preserver and Reformer’s discord. This realm was once a source of harmony, its mana sparking countless other realms into existence. Now, that balance is shattered.”

Eli crossed his arms. “Hold on, did you say challenge the two strongest beings on this planet? Why can’t you just go fix it yourself? Put someone else in charge.”

“Alira would be great at that job.” Eli said pointing at Alira but still looking at Lilly.

Lilly’s smile was bittersweet. “We cannot interfere directly, like I said, we cannot interfere on a singular level. Our presence within realms causes catastrophic ripple effects.”

She looked between both Alira and Eli. “When we last intervened, 65 million of your years ago,” Nodding at Eli, “it led to the extinction of countless species. You might know it as the asteroid that brought the beginning of the end of what you would call the age of dinosaurs.”

Eli blinked, incredulous. “Wait. You wiped out the dinosaurs?”

“Not intentionally,” Lilly replied. “Even our smallest actions can have immense consequences. That is why we use individuals like you—loopholes in the fabric of our limitations.”

Alira’s voice was soft. “So, the Great Dragon Age... it truly existed?”

Lilly inclined her head. “Yes. The dragons ruled the skies of Caelum before their numbers dwindled. Their legacy remains, though misunderstood by many."

Eli leaned back, his thoughts racing. “So, I’m supposed to save this world, stop these two, what half-celestials, from tearing it apart, and somehow get strong enough to go home? That’s... a lot.”

Lilly smiled gently. “It is. But you are not alone, Eli. You have Alira, and you have the strength within you. Remember, even the smallest ripples can lead to great waves.”

“Is it a thing to quote these inspirational lines when you reach a certain level of power? Do you get a book of them so you can study or something? Eli said looking back and forth to Alira and Lilly.

Alira and Lilly both chuckled. “I am sure I can write some down for you if you need.” Alira said with a smirk on her face.

Eli crossed his arms, his skepticism evident. “So... what’s with the video game HUD in my head? I didn’t exactly sign up for a tutorial on how to be a superhero, and I didn’t click ‘yes’ on anything downloading into my brain.”

Lilly sighed, her expression tinged with both regret and patience. “I owe you an apology for that. When we chose you, the question arose: how could someone from Earth adapt to the intricacies of Caelum? Mana, its flows, its commands—they’re completely foreign concepts to someone from your world. Without a guide, you’d be overwhelmed.”

She took a breath, her tone softening. “So, we searched your history for something familiar, something that could bridge the gap. That ‘video game HUD,’ as you call it, was the most adaptable solution. It’s a tool to help you understand and harness the mana you’re already carrying. Once you activate your affinities, the HUD will evolve. You’ll even have the power to customize it to suit your needs.”

Eli stared at her, blinking. “So, you’re telling me you hacked my brain... with a game mechanic, I knew you downloaded this into my head.”

“It wasn’t a choice we made lightly,” Lilly said, her voice growing firm. “But our interactions with mortals are limited. This was the best way to prepare you for what lies ahead. And speaking of limits, my time here is nearly gone. You’ll need to take my hand to activate your first affinity. Once you do, I must leave this form.”

Eli looked at her in confusion.

She turned to Alira, her tone growing serious. “Eli will need your guidance. No mortal has ever wielded all five affinities. The path ahead won’t be easy for either of you, but if anyone can do it, it’s him.”

Alira’s eyes widen, but just nodded.

Eli’s jaw dropped. “Wait, wait, wait, all five affinities? I thought three was the max, that’s what you said,” pointing at Alira, “and those were the beings you want me to fight! Isn’t this... I don’t know, this seems like a terrible idea, right a terrible idea?” Eli asked the last part looking at Alira for answers.

He glanced at Lilly and then back at Alira, his frustration bubbling over. “Look, I trust you as much as I can after two days, but this?” He turned back to Lilly. “I’m humbled that you think I’m capable of... whatever this is. But let’s be real—this plan sounds half-baked.” Eli stood rubbing his hands through his hair.

“You’re throwing five superpowers at me and expecting me to train like some kind of Karate Kid to take down literal gods? This isn’t a movie. This is my life. I’m not sure you’ve thought this through. Alira, right?”

Alira was about to speak when Lilly raised her hand to for stall her.

Lilly met Eli’s gaze, her eyes filled with the sadness of a mother sending her child to war.

“Eli, you already have all five affinities within you. You received them the moment you crossed into this realm. If you couldn’t handle them, we would have known immediately. And believe me, I considered every possibility.” Lilly looked over Eli, who had sat back down.

“Of the 7 who came through the rift—only Kelly, Liam, and you could contain the 5 affinities and not have it destroy them from the inside out.”

Lilly paused for a moment.

“The power just to handle the amount of mana that you will harness is just the beginning, we needed the user to be able to wield them without allowing it to distort their very moral code. And believe me Eli, we have tried on a few other occasions, but they were not you.”

Her voice softened, almost pleading. “Do you truly believe either Liam or Kelly would be a better choice?”

Eli hesitated, her words cutting through his resistance. “I... I don’t know,” he admitted.

Lilly stepped closer, extending her hand. “I understand your doubts, Eli. I truly do. But this choice isn’t about perfection. It’s about trust. Trust in yourself, trust in those who stand beside you. And trust in the journey ahead.”

Eli felt doubt was an understatement. Two days ago, he was a janitor. Two days ago, he only worried about what game he was going to play. How in the world had he gotten to this moment? Nothing felt real, but it also felt more real than the last two years have felt.

Being here, even with the dangers and insanity, this was the most he had felt alive. And what would his parents say?

His mom would smack him in the back of the head and say stand up to the moment. His dad would say, if you work harder than everyone else, you will put yourself in the best possible place to succeed. But you have to put in the work.

He could put in the work, he knew how to do that. And then he would take each day, one at a time.

“Okay,” Eli said, “What do I need to do?”

Lilly smiled, “I can awaken one affinity, and then you will have to do the rest on your own, or with some help I assume.” Glancing at Alira who nodded at her. “We can go through them to get an idea of what you want your first affinity to be.”

Lilly quickly ran through them, pausing between each one to let Eli soak it in. After going through the 5, Eli rubbed the back of his head.

He looked at Alira, “We need to talk about where I get haircuts after this.”

Alira just shook her head, amazed that he was taking this so well. Lilly just beamed at him.

“Elemental is tempting—fire, water, earth, wind. A versatile choice. But I have no idea how any of this works.

“Energy sounds powerful, but also dangerous. I don’t want to accidentally unmake reality while trying to open a door.”

“Life seems important, but not really sure that is a starter pack affinity.”

“Spiritual? I have no idea where to even start with that.”

But Physical…

He looked down at his body, his broken body. He thought about how easy just running used to be, how explosive his body used to be. His body felt like a prison ever since the accident. And now, he had the chance to rebuild himself.

“Ok, I am going Physical. Do I need to sign some papers? What about a 30-day refund policy, or a lifetime warranty?” Eli was sitting a bit straighter looking Lilly in the eyes.

Alira spoke softly, “I believe that is a wise choice Eli, we can build your strength and speed and adapt everything else from that.”

Eli glanced over his shoulder at Alira, pointing his left thumb over his shoulder, “She is really good at this wise mentor thing.”

As he looked back to Lilly. “That she is, now stand you must grasp my hand for this to take effect.” Lilly stood, standing with her arm out.

Eli stood, “I better get the ability to fly out of this.”

Lilly smiled, the weight of the moment tempered by his humor. “We’ll see.”

As he grasped her hand, a blinding light erupted, flooding his vision.

Time seemed to distort—seconds stretched into hours, or perhaps it was the other way around.

Power surged through him, radiating through every fiber of his being.

He felt his body rejecting the bolts and metal plates in his legs, pushing them out with a force that made him gasp.

Every wound, every scar, healed in an instant. His mind rewired itself, memories sharpening as if they’d been newly minted.

He could feel it—the link to the Celestials.

The light wasn’t just blinding; it was alive, pulsating with their true essence.

He gazed at the radiant being before him, its form shifting, impossible to fully comprehend.

As the light began to fade, a fleeting image emerged—his parents, just as they’d been the night he defeated Oak Hill Academy. His dad was clapping, his mom smiling with that unwavering confidence he’d always admired.

Eli met his father’s eyes for one brief, searing moment. His dad nodded, a silent message passing between them. You’ve got this.

And then it was over. The light vanished, his body collapsed, and he fell face-first into the pond.