In the separate dimension, Arsmos began pacing through the corridors.

"Jorundar, Jorundar.. this can't be. This is treason. Going against the Coalition, just what does he have in mind?"

Thinking for a brief moment, Arsmos pulled out the Obsidian stone, planning to make a few calls. He couldn't let this go unnoticed.

***

The swirling mists of mana enveloped me, transporting me with a dizzying rush. I blinked, disoriented, as the dark corridor melted away, and I found myself standing in my own room. The familiar walls and furnishings surrounded me, yet everything felt subtly altered, as though viewed through the lens of another world.

The presence of mana lingered, like a breath of fresh air, suffusing the room with a gentle luminescence. It was a comforting reminder of the divine intervention that had saved me, a connection to the realm of the Gods that had not fully severed.

I took a moment to steady myself, leaning against the edge of my desk. My heart was still racing from the encounter with the shadow and the strange figure Arsmos, yet the safety of my room provided a much-needed reprieve.

I scanned the familiar space, and I noticed small differences that made my skin tingle with curiosity. Symbols, like those in the corridor walls had now adorned my room. They were glowing faintly with a gentle light. They were woven into the fabric of reality, pulsing with a mysterious energy that felt both ancient and powerful.

A sense of déjà vu washed over me as I examined the symbols. It was as if they were echoes of a past I had glimpsed in dreams but never fully grasped. The knowledge from the ancient book was still fresh in my mind, and I realized that these symbols were part of the greater tapestry I had been drawn into.

Immediately, I felt a strange power brewing inside me.

"Just what is this?" I wondered to myself.

All along my arms were glowing runes, faint yet otherworldly beautiful. They were so mesmerizing, in fact, I simply couldn't stop staring at them, which is why, I didn't notice when Niasuh walked into the room.

"Rowan? You there?"

"Hm? Oh yes, Niasuh!"

After a brief hug, I inquired. "Where's Lienad?"

"He went to the Sheriff to ask for a missing person's report, but I guess here you are. Oh Gods. Where did you go? It's been 3 days!

I took a moment to steady myself, leaning against the edge of my desk. My heart was still racing from the encounter with the shadow and the strange figure Arsmos, yet the safety of my room provided a much-needed reprieve.

His words hit me like a thunderbolt. Three days? It felt like mere hours since I had been in that strange place, fighting shadows and receiving guidance from a deity. The disorientation of the time shift sent my mind reeling.

"I was… somewhere else," I began, struggling to find the right words. "It’s hard to explain, but there was this dark place, a figure called Arsmos, and… and a god, Jorundar. They helped me escape."

Niasuh's eyes widened with a mix of fear and wonder. "You mean you were taken to another realm? And a god intervened?"

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

I nodded, the reality of the situation settling heavily on my shoulders. "Yes. I think they were trying to… erase me from existence. But Jorundar said I’m marked, destined for something important."

Niasuh stared at me, his expression shifting from disbelief to concern. "We need to tell Lienad right away. He’ll want to hear this."

Just as Niasuh was about to walk out, I held his arm.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

Niasuh stood there, feeling perplexed as to how I so easily grabbed ahold of him.

"But, he has to know. We can solve this together."

I looked at him, also dumbfounded by my new strength.

"The less people that know, the better. I think the only person that should know is you. This could be dangerous."

Niasuh relaxed, and I let go of his arm. "Alright, but I'll be damned if I don't help you stop this problem of yours. Getting attention of," he whispered the word, "Gods, can be a doubled-edged sword."

Even after whispering, he looked around the room, looking as if he expected a lightning bolt to come out of nowhere and smite him out of anger. I also held my breath, yet nothing came. "Phew."

"Alright," Clasping his hands, he suddenly remembered, dawning on his face. "Ah, right! The Choosing Ceremony! And I have to notify Elder Soren you're back!"

Hearing him, I felt a sinking feeling in my chest. Coming back like this, was it really a good idea? Becoming fearful of unknown organizations and sources has left. a sour taste in my mouth.

"Mm, I guess. Well, let's see what happens."

***

After visiting my mother and Lila, I had a talk with Elder Soren about my newfound appearance and what it meant.

"Hmm, this is quite a grave situation, indeed." Stroking his beard, Elder Soren nodded his head as I recounted my tale.

Elder Soren listened intently, his eyes narrowing as I described the events that had transpired in the other realm. Despite his calm demeanor, I could sense the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on him. He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the armrest of his wooden chair, deep in thought.

"The runes," Elder Soren mused, glancing at the glowing symbols on my arms. "They are ancient and powerful, tied to the very fabric of existence. The fact that they appeared on you signifies a significant bond with the divine."

I nodded, still unsure of what this all meant for me and my future. "What should I do, Elder? I feel like I’m caught in something much bigger than myself."

"You are," he said, leaning forward, his gaze piercing. "And while I have limited knowledge of the coalition or their motives, I do know that any involvement with the Gods is no small matter. This Choosing Ceremony seems like it is not needed anymore. A God has already chosen you, and even an Apostle at that."

"Apostle?"

"Yes, there are ranks for the Chosen. From Chosen goes to Blessed. From Blessed becomes Apostle. And after that, even I am not sure."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words settle over me.

"Tell me boy, what newfound powers have you gained?"

Recollecting myself, I began to recount my sudden increase in physical capabilites.

He smiled gently. "You’re stronger than you realize, Rowan. Trust in yourself and in the guidance you’ve received. We’ll face whatever comes together."

With that, I left Elder Soren’s home, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. I knew the path ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but I also felt a growing sense of determination.

Niasuh and I spent every spare moment researching the runes and their potential significance, poring over ancient texts and seeking the counsel of those we trusted. Despite the challenges, there was a sense of camaraderie between us, a shared purpose that strengthened our resolve.

As the sun dipped below the horizon on the eve of the ceremony, I found myself standing at the edge of the village, gazing out at the vast expanse of the forest. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the sound of rustling leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures.

I felt a familiar tug at my consciousness, the same sensation that had whispered to me before. This time, I allowed myself to focus on it, feeling the presence of mana stirring within me.

Looking at the sky, I saw the moon begin to transform.

The silvery orb, which had been casting its gentle glow over the world, started to shift and shimmer as if alive with a will of its own. Wisps of cloud parted like a curtain drawn back to reveal the night’s true spectacle.

The moon's surface rippled, its cratered face smoothing and shifting into something more deliberate, more aware. Shadows lengthened and curved, merging into a single, immense pupil surrounded by a luminous iris of swirling silvers and blues. It was as if the very essence of the night had awakened, focusing its gaze upon the earth.

There was an eye. A damn eye. Now, this was new.