Chapter Twelve: “Did you just say ‘gulp’?"
----------------------------------------
Jace and the rest of the “newbies”, as Ell called them, were guided through the expansive grounds of M.O.U. by senior students. They meandered through lush gardens, passed under stone archways, and strolled by bubbling fountains. Statues of Greek gods and heroes stood sentinel along the paths, each one a masterpiece radiating power. Jace could have sworn one statue adjusted its gaze as they walked by. The sunlight, freed from the eclipse, filtered through the leaves of ancient olive trees, casting dappled shadows on the marble paths. As sunset approached, the air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of magic.
The main lecture hall was a colossal structure with towering columns. Massive bronze doors swung open to reveal a vast ceiling painted with murals of legendary battles and chandeliers of crystal.
The students filed into the hall, finding seats on polished wooden benches facing a large raised platform. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes, and the air carried the faint scent of parchment and old leather. Jace sat with Ell and Dex, his eyes wide with amazement.
The hall buzzed with excited murmurs that quickly hushed as a figure stepped onto the platform. The man was tall and imposing, with a stern expression, green eyes, and neat black hair. He wore a flowing robe of deep blue, embroidered with silver runes that glowed faintly.
"Welcome, new students," his voice resonating through the grand hall. "My name is Archmage Theon Laviette and I am honored to welcome you to Mount Olympus University - a beacon of knowledge and magic. Here, you will be challenged, tested, and, if worthy, become part of a legacy that spans millennia."
He raised his hand, and a shimmering projection of the cosmos, stars, and swirling galaxies whooshed above them. The hall fell silent, eyes wide with wonder. “Before the beginning, there was the Infinite Potential, the Great Prismata, and the Eternal Void. Each was bound to the other in an endless struggle.
Then the First Word was spoken, a light in the eternal darkness. And thus the first Affinity was born. As the light shone through the burgeoning universe, it struck the Great Prismata, a prismatic force of endless endurance.
The First Word's boundless light fractured into eternity, separated by the Prismata. The fragments became life, magic, and the many Words of Power we use today. The force was so great that Prismata itself was shattered, scattering its shards across all reality, creating time, space, and energy. This union created the universe as we know it today, and thus the Eternal Void was defeated, and our story began.”
Theon gestured to a table where six glowing crystals lay. "The Words of Power are the breath of the universe, each a thread in the tapestry of existence. From mundane words spoken in everyday life to transcendent, world-altering ranks, each carries a unique affinity, shaped by the caster's alignment and Shard."
He picked up a sapphire crystal, its blue light reflecting in his eyes. "Our Prismata Shards focus and amplify our mana, allowing us to channel Words of Power with precision. By the end of your first year, you will be expected to reach your Second Star in at least one Affinity and gain proficiency with your attuned Shard. This Shard will be your magical anchor, a lifelong companion."
The students exchanged glances, whispers of excitement and anxiety flitting through the hall. Theon’s eyes softened as he continued, "Your time here isn't just about learning magic or gaining power. It's about discovering who you are, forging bonds that will last a lifetime, and understanding the true nature of power and responsibility. Your journey here will be shaped by the choices you make along the way."
Theon continued, "Now, let me introduce the High Council Professors."
A towering centaur rose, his presence both imposing and magnetic, muscles rippling under his skin with every movement. "Professor Orion Blackwood, Master of Affinities." Orion surveyed the students with a slight bow, his sharp, calculating eyes glinting beneath a furrowed brow, the click of his hooves echoing in the hall.
He then gestured to an elderly man with a long, flowing beard and eyes that twinkled with curiosity, his robes whispering with every movement. "Professor Dranice Thorne, Master of Games." Dranice's hands moved with a subtle grace.
Beside Dranice stood a petite woman with a gaze that seemed to pierce through reality, her presence a strange blend of serenity and disquiet. “Professor Tanner Frost, Master of Shards.” Tanner's intense eyes and the way she held herself spoke volumes, as if she were both a gentle breeze and a brewing storm.
Finally, a burly cyclops stepped forward, his single eye gleaming with determination, his skin rough like ancient stone. "Professor Brutus Ironclad, Master of Artifacts and Alchemy."
“Now, Society Presidents, step forward.”
A group of twelve Senior students, their robes adorned with various gods' emblems, moved to the front and faced the new arrivals. Theon’s eyes scanned the crowd.
"You will be assigned to a Society aligning with your chosen deity and natural affinities. For instance," he said, pointing to a student with an owl emblem, "the Society of Athena for wisdom and strategy." Another student, with a spear and shield emblem, "the Society of Ares for strength and combat." And a third, with wings on their robe, "the Society of Hermes for speed and cunning."
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Theon’s gaze swept over the students once more. "After tonight, you will eat with your Society, you will practice with your society, and you will compete alongside your society in the Winter Olympian Games, occurring at the end of each year, showcasing the progress of the best and brightest of each society.
Theon's gaze grew sharp, his voice carrying an unyielding authority. “Our mission here is more than mere education. We are the keepers of order, the defenders against the encroaching darkness. Each of you carries a piece of that responsibility.”
He paused, his words hanging heavy in the air. "Some of you come from illustrious academies and noble upbringings, while others hail from humble beginnings. No matter your origin, I expect greatness from each of you."
His eyes bore into Jace's for a brief, intense moment, a silent challenge, before he swept his gaze over the assembly.
"With that, I wish you a very warm welcome. May you die and be reborn in the fiery crucible of your hero’s journey."
As Theon stepped down, applause erupted.
Jace leaned toward Dex. "The what of the what?"
Dex just shrugged.
As the applause died down, the grand hall was transformed, tables laden with an opulent feast appearing by magic. Platters overflowed with roasted meats, vibrant vegetables, breads, and stews under the soft glow of enchanted chandeliers.
Jace filled his plate and took a bite, but to his surprise, the flavors were disappointingly bland. The roast lacked seasoning, the vegetables were insipid, and even the fruits seemed devoid of their natural sweetness. It was as if the feast was a mere illusion, promising more than it could deliver.
Ell, sitting beside him, marveled at their surroundings. "This place is incredible, isn't it? The grandeur, the magic... It's like a dream."
Dex, seated across the table, scoffed. "With all the money poured into this place, you'd think they could afford a little salt. But hey, food is food." He took another bite, grimacing slightly but continuing to eat.
Once the meal was finished, the next transformation was just as swift. The hall was cleared with a wave of Theon’s hand, the tables vanishing as quickly as they had appeared. The students were ushered outside into the courtyard, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the warmth of the hall.
Under a canopy of stars, Jace glanced around at his fellow students, feeling a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. The journey had only just begun, and already the path ahead seemed as mysterious as the night sky above.
Senior students distributed maps that outlined the sprawling campus.
As Jace accepted his, a system notification appeared:
Item Acquired
Basic Map of Mount Olympus University
Would you like to transcribe to Traveler’s Handbook?
Yes | No
Jace chose to accept. The handbook materialized before him, hovering in mid-air. Beside it, the map sprang forth. Suddenly, in a flash of light, the map ignited, bursting into flames. Jace instinctively jumped back.
For a moment, the pages remained blank, and worry creased his brow. But then, the handbook gently floated down, settling into his hands. As he watched, intricate lines began to trace themselves across the map page, forming a detailed illustration.
The entire campus unfolded before him, far larger and more complex than he had imagined. It was a sprawling labyrinth of buildings, pathways, and layers upon layers of structure. There were numerous stores and facilities stretching out in every direction. The depth and intricacy of the map revealed a vast, multi-level university, teeming with hidden corners and secrets yet to be discovered.
“Where are our dorms?” Jace asked, scanning the intricate map.
The campus sprawled before him, divided into twelve distinct sections, each dedicated to a different Society aligned with the gods of Olympus. Every section boasted its own dormitories and lecture halls, forming a vibrant mosaic of academic life. At the heart of the campus lay a vast courtyard, anchored by the imposing Grand Hall and a bustling communal mess hall.
A winding path meandered through the landscape, leading to Hero's Shrine, a place steeped in legend, and the Olympus Promenade, a lively hub teeming with eclectic shops and eateries. To the east, an expansive area marked only as "The Games" hinted at epic competitions and grand spectacles waiting to unfold.
Jace noted a few prominent sections on the map: Zeus' Hall, dominating the skyline with its towering structures gleaming with a golden hue, symbolized the king of the gods. Nearby, Athena’s Domain stood sleek and elegant, with architecture that reflected wisdom and strategic prowess, featuring numerous libraries and study halls. Further on, Poseidon’s Quarter was located near a serene artificial lake, its buildings adorned with intricate water motifs and aquatic gardens. The campus seemed like a realm of myths brought to life, each corner brimming with the essence of its divine patron.
Ell shook her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Oh, we aren’t going to the dorms. We need to go to the Oracle Trial, where we get invited into a Society.”
Jace’s stomach lurched. The Oracle Trial? Already?
“But before that, we have a date with Archmage Theon,” Dex added.
Quest Update
Report to the Archmage
See him immediately after the welcoming ceremony.
Mandatory: This quest cannot be rejected.
That means now.
A glowing line appeared on the map, directing them to the executive section of the campus and the Archmage's office. As Jace looked up, he saw Dex receiving the same notification.
“Gulp,” he whispered.
“Did you just say ‘gulp’?” Jace asked.
“Yes, yes I did.”