Chapter 5 - Vicegerent

Divine Manalum, also known as “The One-Hundred Thousand Summit.” The origin of that moniker hails from the fact that the mountain has a hundred thousand peaks, give or take.

Out of all the peaks, the one rising the highest is known as “Mount Tian,” the peak reaching up to the heavens. On Mount Tian, the piercing cold wind blows fiercely all season long. Snow is always on the ground when on the path to the mountain. In effect, Mount Tian is one of the coldest places on the planet. A normal human being wouldn’t even dream of climbing such a mountain. It’s not that they don’t have the courage to climb the mountain, it just isn’t simply possible for a normal person to come close.

You see, only those who are at the level of nullifying extreme cold and extreme heat can climb that place. The people of the Omen Tribe also do not dare to climb Mount Tian, not because of its dangerous path, but its other name.

“The Seat of the Divine Manalum.”

In there is said to be where the god of the Omen Tribe dwells. No one from the planet has seen the supposed floating mountain, not even people from the Omen Tribe. What is known is that there is said to be a grand castle on the floating mountain. That information is exclusively known by elders and keepers of the Omen Tribe.

“That’s the Heavenly Mountain, Mount Tian. From what Elder Saru said, above it should be the floating mountain, Divine Manalum,” Dario said while pointing at the snowy mountain peak.

“I see,” Jinn stared at the mountain, admiring the colossus.

Veda telepathically sent a message to Jinn.

Mount Everest pales in comparison. Don’t you think, sir?

Jinn lightly nodded in response to Veda’s question.

“Sir Jinn, there was a reason why I could guide you so far in your journey to Divine Manalum. I don’t have the power to climb this mountain.”

What Dario says is true. His being close to the Peak Realm and not having protection from extreme cold and extreme heat is far from sufficient to survive such a climb. Yet, this poses no problem for Jinn who has an easy solution to the problem.

“Worry not, Dario. You are under my protection.”

Dario looked confused as to what Jinn had meant, but it was shortly put to rest. Jinn pointed his finger at Dario and particles of quantum energy began to emanate around him. Miniscule nanomachines flew around Dario, protecting him.

“That should allow you to trek the mountain.”

Befuddled, Dario questioned, “W-What did you do, Sir Jinn?”

Jinn grinned for half a second, “I made a protective barrier around you.”

“To be able to protect me from the cold of Mount Tian, you must be an Arcane Master?”

Arcane Master? Jinn thought.

“Arcane?” Jinn asked.

“Magic.”

“Hmph. I am no magician.”

“How can that be when I witnessed you controlling the Arcane?”

“Hmmm... “ Jinn was in thought.

Noticing the pause, Dario intended not to question any further. “Forgive me, it is not in my place to question your powers. Please, let’s make our way up the mountain,” Jinn looked at Dario and acknowledged.

The path to the Divine Manalum which Dario had thought would take up a month ended much faster than he could ever have dreamt of. Instead of doing it the old-fashioned way by climbing the mountain with their own two feet and two hands, Jinn and Dario flew to the top. Having the quantum nanomachines protecting Dario from the extreme cold and biting winds, it could also carry Dario through telekinesis, effectively enabling him to fly.

Flying has always been a man's dream. Although airplanes and such could carry people through flight, it was not the same as what Dario and Jinn were doing.

Do you know what it feels like to have true freedom?

-True freedom is flying in the sky without caring about gravity.

Amazed, Dario was astonished at what happened to him. Not only was he able to see Mount Tian due to Jinn’s protective barrier, but Dario was able to fly to the top as well. His opinion of Jinn has increased even more to the level of wanting to follow him and become his disciple. This, he would pursue no matter what.

“From the instructions of Elder Saru, this cave should lead to the middle of Mount Tian,” Jinn and Dario were standing at what looked like a huge cave entrance. They both proceeded to the dark.

Jinn commanded his artificial intelligence. Light the way, Veda.

At once, sir. Veda’s response was instant.

Light green particles, much like the ones surrounding Dario, instantly lit the darkness and everything could be seen.

The cave has many passageways, sir. Collecting area data and routing to the most efficient path. Veda sent a telepathic message to Jinn and did what was routine. This wasn’t the first time Veda had to map caves. He was already attuned to the commands of his Master and acted efficiently each time. Veda was becoming more like his quantum appearance, a butler.

“Dario,” Jinn said. The young boy looked at Jinn, “I will be leading the way from now on.”

Understanding his will, Dario bowed, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” It seems like the young man had already started following Jinn even before they entered the cave and his job as the guide had already ceased.

After following Veda’s guidance throughout the cave, they finally found the exit. Dario shouted, “Look! I can see light from over there!”

Exiting the cave, the terrain surprised the two.

“W-What is this place?” Dario blurted out.

Unlike the extreme climate that Mount Tian harbors, the top of the peak held something completely opposite. From the view of Dario and Jinn, what they were looking at was a plush green field, vibrant plants, and a clear blue lake in the middle. The top of Mount Tian was something out of a children’s fairytale.

Just how could a mountain contain life atop its peak when its path occupied nothing but a cold death?

Both Jinn and Dario found it beyond surprising. Moving along, Jinn went to the crystal-blue lake and Dario followed.

Analyze the water, Veda.

Already have, sir. The data foretells that the water is pure to drink. However, my scanners are picking up an unknown energy source from the water molecules.

I see. Continue analyzing the water, Veda.

By your will, sir.

Not knowing what was in front of him, Jinn inquired, “Do you know what lake this is, Dario?

“This lake is unknown to me, sir. I’ve never seen such water look that clear before. Not even the desert oases had serene water like that.”

Not much information could be drawn from the lake. Even with Veda’s super analytical skills, it would take some time for him to fully understand precisely what the energy within the water molecules is. Then again, this new world would most likely hold some things that even Veda could not analyze through science.

Sir, there’s another path right across from us.

Veda had mapped the area around them and found another cave entrance. Jinn and Dario went along. This time, the path was much shorter and they set foot in a large cave room. “Looks like there’s nothing here but an empty room. Could be a dead end,” Dario said.

Disappointed, Jinn commanded Veda to see if there was anything peculiar about the room. While Veda was doing that, Jinn and Dario were looking for clues.

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?

Jinn looked at the dusty ground and saw a strange marking. Could it be? Ancestral signs from an age long past? Thought Jinn. Back on Earth, archeologists and such would discover signs of prehistoric markings left by the ancients. This was Jinn’s initial thought.

“Dario, come hither.”

“Hmm?”

Dario ran along to Jinn’s side.

“What is it, sir?”

Not knowing what the hooded man was up to, Dario watched as Jinn pointed the palm of his hand toward the ground.

Is he preparing a chi blast? Dario thought.

He’s seen Elder Saru disintegrate a couple of monsters in the desert with a simple chi blast. Relaying that memory to now was the only thing he could relate to what Jinn was about to do.

Instead, a wave of wind blew on the ground and turned into a miniature tornado sucking in all the dust and releasing it outside where the sky was. Dario was thoroughly impressed once again. Moreover, what was revealed was a strange seal encompassing the entire room. What Jinn had thought would be prehistoric markings left by the Omen Tribe was something entirely different.

“Do you know what that seal is, Dario?”

“No, I never saw anything like this in my life.”

Veda. Jinn messaged.

Already understanding his creator’s command, Veda analyzed the seal on the ground. In the span of a couple of seconds, the analysis was complete.

Sir, I’m getting an energy signature from those strange markings on the ground. This is merely a hypothesis, but I deduce that those markings are like the wormhole we went through and discovered on this planet.

“...”

Jinn was in deep thought. And the one perturbing feeling he had was this. A stalemate, or in other words, a blockade. He had thought they had run into something that blocked their path. Then, the marking on the ground began to light up.

“Sir!” Yelled Dario.

Veda, can you read what’s happening?

Sir, the seal seems to be emitting a powerful energy. Please prepare for what’s to come.

Indeed, what had come took Jinn’s and Dario’s breath away. They were instantly teleported to Divine Manalum.

***

A clear blue sky and a blazing red sun greeted the eyes of Jinn and Dario. Unlike Mount Tian, there was no biting wind or snow on the ground. The atmosphere itself was abnormally warm given the fact that they were thousands of feet in elevation. Instead, a massive crystal palace towered the sky.

“C-Could that be Divine Manalum?!” Dario exclaimed.

It was unusual for Dario to express many emotions in one day. Usually, Dario stays poised and stoic about most things. Contrary to his young appearance, the young desert boy carries himself like a young man. Yet, the experience he had while traveling with Jinn made his age emerge. In effect, excitement thrilled his voice.

“I can’t believe I’m seeing where we came from…”

Dario was staring at the crystal palace. Admiring the size and decor of the crystal building. He was in a trance. Shortly, Jinn started to proceed to the gates. Noticing Jinn moving, Dario broke from his trance and jogged to the hooded man’s side.

Telepathically speaking, Veda commented. My oh my. Quite a marvel, don’t you think, sir?

Jinn responded. It is quite a beauty.

The hooded man was not one to comment on anything other than things that hold true value. And, the crystal palace before his eyes was as such. So, it was not uncommon for Veda to hear such thoughts coming from his creator. Veda knows that for anything having to do with aesthetics, his Master would have an eye for it. Additionally, people blessed with beauty often know and comprehend other beautiful things as well. That in itself comes easy for them.

Approaching the crystal gates within a few feet, the massive doors opened by themselves, “W-What…” Befuddled, Dario took a step back.

The gates opening by themselves was a strange occurrence. Dario asked, “Do you think this palace is haunted, sir?”

Jinn didn’t give much of a reply. All that he said was a silent “Hmmm” sound as if he had something on his mind.

Dario inquired again, “Sir?”

Jinn looked at Dario and grinned for a brief second and entered the crystal palace. Baffled at his sudden actions, Dario followed along thinking as if Jinn was expecting the gates to open. From afar, Jinn and Veda spotted an extraordinary throne straight ahead in what looked to be a great throne room. The sunlight radiated through the entire crystal palace akin to entering into the realm of heaven. Strangely, a peculiar figure donned in a hooded robe stood near the throne as if standing in line waiting for the monarch of the empty seat. As they got closer, Dario noticed the hooded figure, “There’s a person over there.”

Veda, any readings?

None, sir. There appears to be no danger.

Understanding Veda’s scans, Jinn approached the unknown being. Jinn questioned the strange figure, “You must be… Hades.”

In response, the hooded figure’s voice sounded like a man’s. Oddly enough, the person ignored Jinn’s question and spoke inexplicably, “If you are the one spoken for eons ago, then sit on the ‘Soul Throne’ and reclaim your memories.”

?

Both Veda and Dario were puzzled. However, Jinn remained poised as if he understood what the unknown figure had said. The unknown man pointed at the Soul Throne and voiced once more, “The time is nigh! Sit on the throne and all shall be revealed!”

The occasion grew more confusing for Dario. Who wouldn’t be? A simple question was asked and the stranger replied with something different altogether. It wouldn’t be wrong to call the hooded stranger crazy. Then again, arriving on a new planet teeming with intelligent life is hard to believe as well.

Not hesitating any longer, Jinn sat on the throne. Suddenly, a wave of energy pulsed through Jinn. At the same time, he remained calm and was not showing signs of change. There was no pain. What was happening was a surge of memories being ingrained in Jinn’s subconscious.

Dario, seeing the mystical throne’s chi move toward Jinn was a sight to see. Worried about the sudden surge of chi energy, Dario yelled. “Sir! Are you alright?”

Jinn lightly chuckled. Chuckle.

His chuckle wasn’t intended for Dario’s question, but it was a sign of something else. Jinn inhaled a breath of relief and spoke a few words to Veda, Dario, and the stranger.

“I see. Now I understand.”

Suddenly, the hooded stranger knelt on his knee much like how a knight greets their monarch.

“Lord Vicegerent.”

Tears could be seen dropping from his face onto the crystal floor.

***

The day after Elder Saru and Jinn were acquainted, the image of the insignia on the back of Jinn’s robe was constantly on his mind. He didn’t understand why such a sign was bothering him. But then, he decided to delve into his memories. In effect, he had a feeling that he was forgetting something important.

-His intuition was correct.

The elderly man tore through his study, leaving scrolls, books, documents, parchments, and various papers scattered throughout the room. He was like a madman trying to find a fix for his ailments. Finally, an epiphany popped into his mind.

He had forgotten that he had kept a locked box where the “Omen Scriptures” were enclosed. Anything having to be locked inside a chest is indicative that something extremely important must be contained inside.

Upon acting on the revelation, Elder Saru hurriedly unlocked the chest and dusted the book. On the front cover was the same insignia that Jinn had on his robe. With that, his memories came flooding back and he remembered what that insignia meant.

The Vicegerent has returned! That was what he thought.

And so, he told all the villagers in the Omen Tribe to prepare for their return. They didn’t understand him at that time, yet, the old man is wise. Villagers from the Omen Tribe know full well who Elder Saru is. In essence, there was something profound bound to happen was what most of the villagers thought. And so, when Jinn returned, the whole of the Omen Tribe was in shock to see the elderly man prostrating before Jinn.

“Elder Saru of the Omen Tribe greets you, O’ Lord Vicegerent!”

Much like how the hooded stranger from Divine Manalum shed tears while kneeling, so too did Elder Saru repeat such actions.

Many speculated as to why Elder Saru, a person in the Transcendence Realm would deign to kneel before anyone. It didn’t make sense. It should have been the opposite since his martial prowess and advanced age were worthy of such.

Hearing what Elder Saru had said, especially about the word “Lord Vicegerent,” the villagers were in complete shock. At first, the shock had turned into confusion, questions, and enlightenment. With all that said, they followed suit and also prostrated before Jinn.

Several remarks were exclaimed by the denizens.

“The Lord Vicegerent has returned!”

“The chosen one is here!”

“We have waited for so long!”

“Glory to the Lord Vicegerent! Glory to the Omen Tribe!”

“Is it truly him? Will our suffering finally come to an end?”

Several statements like those were being hailed from one end to the other.

Sob. Sob.

Some of the Omen villagers were even tearing up. Of course, the feeling of waiting for someone for ages must have struck something deep in their hearts.

Would you understand the torment and humiliation that the Omen Nation had to go through?

The Omen Nation was once a great country. In fact, the greatest of all. Now, they have fallen far from grace. The feeling they have at the moment must feel something akin to being as light as a feather.

“Rise,” said Lord Vicegerent.

Veda, extend my power cosmic. Let my people feel peace. Let them be free.

Without saying a word, Veda unleashed a feeling like no other. Out of all the emotions and feelings that humans or any other species experience, which would you say tops all?

The answer is - peace.

A feeling of peace started to imbue all that were near Jinn.

The tears were beginning to dry and the faces of the ones looking at their Lord were one without a smile. Their faces showed humility, not fully comprehending the extraordinary sensation.

The Lord Vicegerent faced the Omen Tribe, “Come! It is time to reclaim my planet!” His words reverberated and quacked the earth.

An omen was coming for this world.