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Luminous Fiend
Prologue 1: The Unraveling of Providence

Prologue 1: The Unraveling of Providence

In the ageless realm of Evermore, where magic was boundless and wonder was unimaginable, four powerful races held dominion. Among them, the Empyreans stood out, divine beings of unparalleled power and intellect who governed the realm with their otherworldly might. Their wisdom and sorcery were unmatched, and their every move was guided by an unwavering desire to preserve the balance and harmony of the world.

But the Empyreans were not the only inhabitants of Evermore. The Feliths also roamed the land, fierce and cunning creatures who sought to spread chaos and destruction wherever they went. Their relentless pursuit of power and domination made them feared and reviled by many, and their wild nature often brought them into conflict with the other races.

Despite their fearsome reputation, the Feliths remained a constant threat to the peace and stability of the realm, and the other races could never let their guard down. Their savagery and unpredictability made them a formidable and dangerous force, but the Empyreans stood ready to defend their realm and uphold the delicate balance that they held so dear.

The Gigantus were a race of towering beings who brought with them great advancements in civilization and wondrous technologies. Their unyielding thirst for knowledge unlocked the secrets of the universe and forged mighty relics capable of shaping the very fabric of reality itself. In this ageless and timeless realm, the Gigantus stood as pillars of ingenuity and progress.

Lastly, the Dravenor were a draconic humanoid race, the epitome of evolution and the guardians of the world. These great beings stood unwavering against all threats outside the realm, defending it from harm and preserving the peace for generations to come. Their scales glistened in the light, and their wings blotted out the sun when they flew. The Dravenor were a majestic sight to behold, and they were revered by all who knew of their existence.

Together, these four great races shaped the land of Evermore and its million stories, creating a realm of magic and wonder unlike any other. For centuries, they lived in relative peace and prosperity, working in harmony to maintain the delicate balance of the realm.

However, the tranquil days of peace were not meant to endure, for the end of the Second Era signaled a dramatic shift in the realm. As the Third Era emerged, a darkness descended upon the land, as a horde of malevolent invaders breached the borders. The wicked Legion of Damnation spearheaded this assault, driven by a desire to vanquish all opposition and subjugate the populace. The citizens of Evermore were cast into disarray and hopelessness, grappling to protect themselves from the onslaught of this daunting adversary.

In the twilight of a long and shadowed era that spanned over fifty millennia, a valiant alliance of four rose to challenge the nefarious forces of darkness. The Gigantus, Empyreans, Feliths, and Dravenor united against a common foe, drawing upon all of their unique strengths and abilities to push back the malevolent tide. Through their unwavering determination and bravery, they succeeded in restoring hope to the realm once more.

As the fourth era dawned and peace was restored, over twelve millennia had passed since its inception, and the stories of its beginnings had become legends. As time went on, people began to forget. The Gigantus, who had once stood alongside the others, disappeared without a trace at the end of the third era, leaving behind only whispers and myths. Though conflicts simmered within each faction, the realm was spared the horror of an all-out war that would have plunged it into utter chaos.

As the eons rolled by, the Humans, descendants of the mighty Gigantus, rose to prominence and became the instruments of the Feliths and Empyreans in their never-ending proxy wars. The Empyreans and Feliths each harbored their own desires and plans, but the Dravenor remained vigilant in their role as guardians of the realm. They were aware that the current state of peace was fleeting, for there were ominous forces lurking beneath the surface of the world.

200.M12.E4

In the northern seas of the mainland, there existed a fabled isle that sheltered the wondrous Sanctum of the Vigilant. This mystical place was safeguarded by the powerful Dravenor - protectors of an awe-inspiring sort who embodied both human and dragon traits, standing tall at a towering height of three meters.

Their bodies were adorned with resplendent, iridescent scales that shimmered with the light, and their razor-sharp claws could slice through nearly anything with ease. Despite their fearsome exterior, their faces possessed a remarkable human-like quality, with piercing and sagacious eyes that radiated boundless knowledge. Ornamenting their heads were elegant horns that arched gracefully upwards, while their maws brimmed with rows of teeth that sparkled in the shadows.

Their resounding and profound voices echoed with centuries of sagacity and practice, and their movements were fluid and elegant - a testament to their mastery over both their human and dragon forms. In the presence of the Dravenor, even the most courageous of hearts could not resist being filled with an overwhelming sense of awe and reverence.

As the guardians of their realm, the Dravenor hold a solemn duty to protect their world from all external threats. Yet, the enemy they face remains veiled in mystery, and not even the most accomplished of Seers can discern their dark intentions. To find guidance, the Dravenor have devised a ritual called Otorikai - a sacred dance of fortune, performed once every century, that evokes the providential powers of the universe.

Although the results of this enigmatic performance are often shrouded in uncertainty, there have been rare occasions when the dance has unveiled the enemies' nefarious designs, enabling the Dravenor to counter their plots with alacrity. Even when the dance fails to yield a breakthrough, it is still celebrated as a joyous occasion, a symbol of the Dravenor's unwavering devotion to safeguarding their realm and preserving its noble heritage.

In the very heart of the shire, the sacred dance of Otorikai unfolds, performed by a trinity of maiden performers known as Ryuusui. These three embody the spirits of ages long past, present, and yet to come, each bearing the names Kyuryu, Genryu, and Shouryu. Their raiment billows with wide-legged pantaloons, akin to rippling skirts, held securely at the waistband for effortless movement and comfort.

The fabric of their dresses is a wonder to behold, with hues and textures that evoke the quintessence of bygone eras, the fleeting present, and the potentiality of future times. The verdant green, fiery red, and cerulean blue tones resplendent in their attire bespeak the richness and diversity of all that is and ever will be. As they move in perfect unison, their graceful dance suffuses the air with an otherworldly aura of mystique, weaving a spell that enraptures all who behold them.

Kyuryu, the first of the trinity, adorned a garb of a deep green hue that spoke of a time when nature thrived and magic flowed freely. Its verdant color evoked memories of a lush and bountiful land, a time long gone. As Kyuryu danced, the folds of their dress swirled around them like a gentle breeze, carrying with it the whispers of ages past.

Genryu, the second of the trinity, donned a fiery dress that captured the essence of the present moment. Its vibrant red and orange tones spoke of a world in flux, where change was constant and life burned bright. As Genryu moved, their dress crackled with energy, illuminating the stage with a fierce and unrelenting passion.

And finally, there was Shouryu, the third of the trinity, whose dress shimmered with an electric blue that spoke of a future yet to be written. Its cool and serene tones held the promise of untold wonders and adventures yet to come. As Shouryu danced, their dress crackled with an otherworldly energy, hinting at the mysteries and secrets that lay beyond the horizon.

Together, Kyuryu, Genryu, and Shouryu wove a tapestry of sound and motion that spoke of the beauty and majesty of Provident. Their dance was a celebration of all that had come before, all that was yet to be, and all that existed in the present moment, a reminder that time is an endless cycle and that the spirits of the ages are always present, waiting to be embodied and celebrated anew.

Accompanying Ryuusui on her mystical journey were three traditional Ryuong musical bands, consisting of a total of 27 skilled musicians. These bands were augmented by nine Dravenors, each of whom wielded an instrument of fate such as the divination lyre, the destiny drum, and the fate flute. Together, the musicians created a rich and captivating soundscape that imbued the ritual with a powerful energy, elevating the experience for all those in attendance.

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The three Ryuong bands each had a unique purpose. Kyuong represented the echoes of the past, evoking the traditions and legends. Genong embodied the sounds of the present, reflecting the current state of the world and its complexities. Finally, Shouong represented the voice of the future, offering a glimpse into what is to come. Their combined music served as a powerful accompaniment to Ryuusui's dance, emphasizing the weight and significance of the ritual.

At the very core of the Otorikai dance of fortune lay the Genshi'seka, known to many in the common tongue as the Oracle. It was their solemn duty to observe the entire ceremony with utmost care and attention, meticulously taking in every movement and gesture made by Ryuusui as she harnessed the mystical energy of the universe. And when the dance reached its crescendo, it was the Oracle who would deliver the prophecy, unveiling the hidden truths and enigmas of the world to all who had gathered to witness the ritual. Their words held great significance, for they were regarded as the vessel through which the universe itself communicated with mortality.

The sublime synchronization of rhythm and dance, the perfect accord of the three bands and the three performers, reverberates with the very essence of time. The past, present, and future are inherently unique, yet in this mystical dance, they blend seamlessly, unable to be distinguished. The performers' movements exude an ethereal grace and fluidity, as if they are tapping into an ageless, cosmic force that transcends the limits of time and space. Their dance evokes a sense of wonder and awe, a profound connection to the timeless and the divine.

Unforeseen and marvelous as always, the Dravenor had never suspected that this year's Otorikai would conclude in a manner so distinct from the norm. For centuries, the sacred dance had been an occasion of joy and revelry, a chance for the guardians of the realm to momentarily lay down their swords and celebrate their unbreakable bond. Even in the absence of tangible results, the dance was a symbol of their unyielding commitment to the defense of their world.

But this time, the conclusion of the ritual held a surprise that no one could have predicted. As the performers moved with fluid grace, their steps seemed to call forth an unexplainable phenomenon, an occurrence that could not be easily dismissed or explained away.

The mysterious phenomenon that gripped the Otorikai was first heralded by the shifting tones of Genong - the renowned musical ensemble that symbolized the present moment. The once gentle and harmonious melody grew increasingly frenzied and tumultuous, as if channelling some ancient and untamed power. In tandem, the graceful movements of Genryu, one of the three performers, faltered and became erratic, as if she was being tugged in conflicting directions by an unseen force.

The astute onlookers could sense an unsettling disturbance in the atmosphere, a feeling of unease that crept at the periphery of their consciousness. They understood well that disrupting the sacred ritual was not an option, as it would mean going against the providential powers that guided their realm. Despite their mounting apprehension, the spectators remained resolute and steadfast, placing their trust in the wisdom and determination of the Dravenor to navigate this unforeseen twist in the dance with poise and grace.

The mellifluous notes of the music that had once enraptured the spectators with an otherworldly grace and mystique, had now descended into a frenzied and chaotic cacophony. The discordance spread like wildfire, infecting the surrounding bands and performers, and soon, Shouong succumbed to this strange malady, their movements becoming increasingly erratic with each passing moment.

But the once-graceful and fluid movements of Shouryu, who embodied the essence of the future, were not immune to this frenzy. Her dance, which had once represented the unknown with an unparalleled elegance, had now become a bewildering mess, as if the very fabric of time itself was unraveling before their eyes.

The frenzied dance continued its tumultuous path, growing ever more disordered and chaotic with each passing moment. The sudden loss of Kyuong and Kyuryu - who embodied the very essence of the past, sent a chill through the witnesses of the sacred ritual. It was as if the very fabric of time itself was fraying before their very eyes, leaving them uncertain and anxious about the future.

The once-unshakeable faith in the providential powers that governed their realm was now shaken to its very core, and the spectators found themselves adrift in a sea of confusion and uncertainty. The past, which had always been a steadfast anchor of stability in the face of the unknown, was now but a distant memory, lost to the chaos of the frenzied dance.

As if a great anomaly had reached back through time; the foundations of their reality were threatened with unraveling. The once-sacred dance, which had embodied the spirits of ages long past, present, and future, now seemed to be careening uncontrollably towards an unknown and terrifying destination, its very essence seemingly corrupted and beyond repair.

As the ceaseless river of time flowed ever onward, a sudden and inexplicable shift in the tune emerged, seemingly from the very ether itself. It was a portent of the enigmatic phenomenon entering into its next phase, and the musicians responded in kind. Each instrument unleashed a unique and disjointed rhythm, yet in some ineffable way, they all coalesced into a mysterious harmony, creating a strange melody that defied all rational comprehension.

The sounds produced were a bewildering amalgamation of order and chaos, as if the musicians were both adhering to and breaking the rules of the music simultaneously. It was as if they were tapping into some ancient and primal force that lay just beyond the reach of mortal understanding. Their music carried within it the very essence of the unknown, evoking a sense of both awe and dread in all who bore witness to it. It was as if they had unlocked a gateway to a realm beyond the material world, one that few mortals could comprehend.

As the performance advanced, the towering figures of Ryuusui's underwent a profound transformation; their frenzied movements evolving into something altogether different. Their once-unified choreography became disjointed, yet there was a strange and eerie harmony in the otherworldly sense. In no time, the entire performance began to shift, with the dancers mimicking each other in an incomprehensible and surreal manner.

The very essence of time appeared to be fluid and malleable, with the present seamlessly blending into both the future and the past, while the past merging into both the present and the future. It was as if the dancers had tapped into a realm beyond the reach of mortal comprehension, where the laws of reality themselves were subject to change.

The performance was a mystifying and bewildering experience, evoking a sense of both wonder and terror in those who bore witness. It was as if the dancers had unlocked a doorway to a world beyond the bounds of mortal understanding, where the very fabric of time and space was malleable and subject to the whims of the unknown.

Enveloped in an impenetrable veil of mystery, the scene suddenly took on a surreal and otherworldly quality, captivating all who beheld it. Time itself seemed to come to a standstill as the dancers continued their frenzied movements. And then, with a sudden and violent jolt, the eerie silence was shattered by the deafening impact of the dancers' bodies hitting the ground. It was as if they had been struck by an unknown and unstoppable force, causing them to crumple and collapse like marionettes whose strings had been abruptly severed by an unseen hand. The air was thick with the scent of magic and enchantment, as the dancers lay motionless.

The aftermath of the sudden collapse of the performers left everyone frozen in place, not a single soul daring to move or intervene. As the guardians of the world, they knew that the virtues of composure and restraint were paramount, for they sensed that the ritual had not yet reached its conclusion. The air was thick with a sense of unease, and a palpable tension hung in the atmosphere like a heavy cloak.

Perched high atop the towering ceremonial altar stood an immense white draconic humanoid, a sight that defied comprehension. The sheer magnitude of her size was mind-boggling, and she stood at a staggering height of 18 meters. Her form was breathtakingly beautiful, an otherworldly beauty that left those who beheld her in a state of awe and wonder. Her very being was shrouded in an aura of golden providence that radiated from every inch of her body, illuminating the space around her like a brilliant sun. Her eyes were concealed behind a mysterious blue bandage, lending her an air of enigma that only added to her already inexplicable presence.

The scales that adorned her body were like millions of dazzling diamonds that shimmered in the light, ensnaring all who gazed upon her in a mesmerizing trance. They were unlike anything anyone had ever seen before, a sight so awe-inspiring that it left those who saw them feeling as though they were in the presence of a true goddess. Her movements were graceful and fluid, like a celestial ballet that transcended the very limits of time and space. It was as if she was a divine being that had descended from the heavens themselves to grace the mortal world with her presence.

Genshi'seka, the eyeless oracle, was a being of indescribable power and exquisite beauty, a force of nature that inspired both awe and terror in equal measure. Her mere presence was a revelation, an epiphany that shattered the boundaries of human understanding and exposed the limits of mortal perception. Those who were lucky enough to witness her were forever changed by the experience, and their lives were forever altered.

As the final notes of the performance faded away, the attendees held their breath in anticipation of what Genshi'seka would reveal. The atmosphere was thick with an otherworldly mystique, as the humongous draconic humanoid began to speak in her enigmatic way, sending shivers down the spines of all who listened. Her words were like thunder, booming and resonating throughout the space, and the very air seemed to vibrate with their weight. Her voice was hypnotic, drawing those who heard it into a trance-like state, and it was impossible to resist her power.

“In the depths below, the abyss stirs with ominous whispers.

Amidst the raging tempest of transformation and upheaval, chaos reigns.

The sky above withholds its sustenance, and ravenous hunger grips the land.

The echoes of the past resound, a warning of what has been and what may yet be.

But amidst the darkness, there remains a glimmer of hope, a radiant light yearning for deliverance.”

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