FATE (Volume 1)

Chapter 5: 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔾ℝ𝔸ℕ𝔻 ℙ𝔼ℕ𝕋𝔸𝔾𝕆ℕ

The clash between Jacob and the shadowy version of Adam was intense, their swords clashing with a resonating metallic clang. The distorted Sequoia Academy served as the battleground, the echoes of their clash reverberating through the surreal landscape. Yehezqel, Epochioum, Oreveu, and Enzo fought their own battles against the twisted illusions, determined to overcome the Watcher's manipulations. As Jacob and the shadow Adam locked blades, the air crackled with energy. The purple glow of Jacob's Blade of Humility clashed against the dark essence of the shadow. The battle was not just physical but also a manifestation of inner struggles and conflicts. Each strike and parry echoed the tumultuous emotions within Jacob. "You can't escape your past, Jacob," the shadow Adam hissed, his voice a distorted mockery of the real Adam's. "You're haunted by the choices you made, the people you've hurt. Embrace the darkness within." Jacob gritted his teeth, pushing back against the shadow with renewed determination. "Who the fuck said I was trying to escape from my past? All these time, I've been chained and fucking dragged, forced to carry the past every single goddamn time, I don't have a choice so I embrace the past, the darkness isn't what I'm supposed to embrace." As the battle unfolded, Yehezqel noticed a ripple in the distorted reality. The Watcher, observing the conflict from the sidelines, seemed intrigued. "Your resilience is commendable, but you cannot deny the inevitability of your fate. The Nexus demands order, and you will fall in line." Epochioum and Oreveu, realizing the connection between the Watcher and the shadows they faced, coordinated their attacks. "We must break the illusions at their source!" Epochioum exclaimed, her sword cutting through the air with precision. Oreveu nodded in agreement, her movements synchronized with her sister. Enzo, facing his own illusions of loss and despair, swung his sword with a newfound resolve. "I've faced my demons, and I won't let them control me. We're in this together!" The distorted Sequoia Academy quivered under the intensity of their battles. The air was thick with the clash of swords, the echoes of determined voices, and the persistent whispers of the Watcher. Despite the challenges, the group pressed on, determined to unravel the illusions and face the true adversary. Suddenly, the shadows began to dissipate, and the distorted reality started to stabilize. The Watcher's calm demeanor wavered for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his eyes. "You may have overcome the illusions, but the true test awaits," he declared ominously. As the group emerged from the distorted dimension, they found themselves back in the darkened Sequoia Academy, facing the Watcher once again. Jacob, breathing heavily but filled with newfound strength, pointed the Blade of Humility at the clockwork figure. "You can manipulate time, but you can't control our will. We'll defy your expectations and claw our way out of this mess." Jacob declared, his voice echoing through the hallways. The Watcher, undeterred, raised his hand, ready to unleash another wave of blades. But before he could act, Yehezqel dashed forward, as fast as light itself, his sword gleaming with determination. "Your control over time ends here, old man. I think it's time someone else holds in charge.", he tells the Watcher with a cold expression, with no remorse whatsoever. He held his sword to the Watcher's throat, piercing the man greatly as he summons light-bound humanoid creatures that restrained his hands and feet. The Watcher, despite being restrained, chuckled softly. "You think you can just waltz in and take my role? The Nexus has chosen me, and no amount of defiance will change that." Yehezqel's eyes blazed with determination as he tightened his grip on the sword. "The Nexus may have chosen you in the past, but its will can change. I won't let you continue your manipulative games." As Yehezqel held the Watcher captive, Jacob, Epochioum, Oreveu, and Enzo regrouped, their weapons at the ready. The darkened Sequoia Academy seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy as the group faced the seemingly defeated Watcher. "You thought you could control us, use us as pawns in your twisted game," Jacob spat, his eyes narrowed in anger. "But we're not puppets on your strings anymore. The game ends now." Enzo, wielding his makeshift sword and shield, took a step forward. "We're not afraid of you. The Watcher or not, you're just a man behind a curtain, and it's time for the curtain to fall." The restrained Watcher sneered, his defiance unbroken. "You may have won this battle, but you cannot comprehend the consequences of your actions. The Nexus will not be pleased." Yehezqel, unyielding, tightened his grip on the sword. "We don't fucking care about the Nexus. I care about ending your reign of manipulation. You'll pay for the suffering you've caused." As the group confronted the Watcher, the darkened Sequoia Academy seemed to respond to the intensity of the moment. The walls trembled, and eerie whispers filled the air. Shadows danced around the Watcher, amplifying the dramatic tension of the confrontation. Suddenly, the Nexus Crystal, previously hidden in the shadows, revealed itself. Its radiant glow illuminated the room, casting an ethereal light on the determined faces of Jacob and his allies. The Watcher's eyes widened as he saw the Nexus Crystal, realization dawning upon him. "You... you can't control it. The Nexus is beyond your comprehension." Jacob, empowered by the presence of the Nexus Crystal, stepped forward. "Maybe we can't control it, but we can break free from your control. And that's enough." With a surge of collective strength, Jacob and his companions raised their weapons, the Blade of Humility glowing with a vibrant purple light. The Nexus Crystal resonated with their determination, its power flowing through them. In unison, they struck the Watcher with a final blow, severing his head in a gruesome, violent, and gory way. The clockwork figure crumbled, his head splattering blood all over, dissipating into the shadows, leaving behind only echoes of his once formidable presence. The darkened Sequoia Academy began to regain its normalcy as the Nexus Crystal pulsed with newfound energy. The group, still catching their breath, stared at the crystal, realizing the weight of the moment. "We did it," Jacob whispered, a mix of exhaustion and triumph in his voice. "We broke free from that bastard. What do we do now?", "Well first of all, the Nexus is now bound to you" says Yehezqel, taking a deep breath from the sight of the severed head, "what does that mean?" asked Jacob, Yehezqel faced him seriously "It's loyal to you", "I see..." responded Jacob, deeply thinking. Just as then, a figure of black appeared behind the group, clapping, approaching them. "Bravo, well executed." said the figure, the team looked behind, prepared to strike a blow. "Whoa, easy there mate... see? I was right all along, sometimes you all are just stubborn as fuck, you know?" responded the figure, which was the Paradox. Paradox, leaning casually against the wall, grinned at the group. His dark attire and enigmatic aura exuded a sense of mysterious confidence. "You really did a number on the Watcher, didn't you? Quite the gruesome finale. I like it." Jacob, still catching his breath, eyed Paradox warily. "Why the hell are you here, and why should we trust you?" Paradox chuckled, his voice dripping with amusement. "Trust is such a fragile thing, isn't it? But let me assure you, I've been watching your little escapade with great interest. You see, I've got my own bone to pick with the Nexus." he says, carefree - yawning as he stretched his arms towards the group. Yehezqel, Blade of Humility still in hand, narrowed his eyes. "And why should we believe you?" "Fair point, mate. You don't have to believe me, but I can offer you something valuable." Paradox reached into the folds of his dark cloak and produced a small, shimmering stone - The Prodigon Stone. "This little beauty is a reality shifter. With it, you can bend the rules, twist fate, and maybe even give the Nexus a taste of its own medicine." Epochioum eyed the crystal with intrigue. "How do we know you're not leading us into another trap?" Paradox shrugged, nonchalant. "You don't. But what fun is life without a bit of risk, eh? The Nexus won't be happy about what you've done, and having a reality shifter might just level the playing field a bit." Jacob, considering the offer, looked at his companions. The Nexus Crystal still pulsed in his hand, resonating with newfound power. "What do you guys think?" Enzo, still on guard, spoke cautiously, "We've come this far. Maybe a reality shifter is just what we need to navigate this mess." Oreveu nodded in agreement. "We can't let the Nexus control our destinies. If this stone helps us break free, then it's worth a shot, also wasn't the stone supposed to be just 'to unlock the crystal's full potential' thing?" Jacob sighed, his exhaustion mixing with a sense of determination. "Alright, Paradox. We'll take your reality shifter. But remember, cross us, and you won't escape the fate of the Watcher." Paradox grinned, tossing the crystal to Jacob, who caught it with a firm grip. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. Now, as for what comes next..." Before Paradox could finish, a blinding light enveloped the group. When it subsided, they found themselves standing in an otherworldly realm, a convergence of realities. The Nexus Crystal in Jacob's hand hummed with power, resonating with the reality shifter Prodigon stone. Paradox chuckled, disappearing into the shadows. "Welcome to the Nexus, my friends. Time to show them that destiny's not a fixed point but a canvas waiting to be painted." The new realm was a kaleidoscope of swirling colors and shifting landscapes. Reality seemed to bend and twist at the group's very presence. The Nexus Crystal and the Prodigon Stone pulsed with energy, resonating in harmony. Paradox's voice echoed through the surreal space, "Now, my friends, this is where things get interesting. The Nexus is a labyrinth of possibilities, and you've just been handed the keys to navigate it." As the group looked around, the landscape shifted, presenting them with glimpses of different worlds and timelines. Epochioum, intrigued, ran her fingers over the surface of the Prodigon Stone. "So, how do we use this thing?" Paradox's voice chimed in from the shadows, "Simple, really. Think of it as a cosmic remote control. Focus on where you want to go, the reality you want to shape, and let the stone do the rest." Jacob, determined, closed his eyes, concentrating on a vision of breaking free from the Nexus's influence. The Nexus Crystal in his hand glowed with an intense light, resonating with the Prodigon Stone. The group felt a sudden surge of energy as reality bent to their collective will. When they opened their eyes, they found themselves in a desolate city, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and a crimson sky. The air was thick with an ominous energy, and distant echoes of unknown creatures filled the silence. Enzo, gripping his makeshift sword, looked around warily. "Where the hell are we?" Paradox's voice echoed, "Ah, the Nexus is a vast tapestry, my friends. This is just one thread of it. But be cautious, for each reality has its own challenges and adversaries, this is just one of the places of the Upper Genesis", "Upper Genesis?" asked Jacob staring at the blood-crimson skies, "The Upper Genesis is a layer of the Grand Pentagon, the Grand Pentagon has 5 layers. First and upper one is the Upper Genesis where celestial beings, where gods, demigods and  blah blahs bullshit are. Second one is the Paradigm where everything physical exists, something like the universe and shit. Third is Reality where everything happens, Reality and Time is one thing, kinda like a package. Fourth is the Pentagram, well, atleast... they call it that, the 7 deadly sins.... stupid circus of clown bastards. Fifth is the Void, no one knows what's in that dogwater, but if I can I still won't check, prolly not because I'm scared, just lazy.", "I see, I think I'm gonna consult Netherlight later for any mentions of the Grand Pentagon" said Epouchiom. Paradox's voice whispered through the air, "This is just the beginning, my friends. The Nexus is vast, and each reality holds its own secrets. Keep your wits about you, and remember, the canvas is yours to paint." The group pressed forward, ready to unravel the mysteries of the Nexus and defy the twisted destiny it had woven for them. The Prodigon Stone glowed in Jacob's hand, a beacon of hope in the ever-shifting tapestry of realities. The adventure had only just begun.

"When was ever the last time we took a shower and a break?" asked Jacob as he bounced fireball from his hands to and fro. "That's a good question, I probably stink... honestly, I think we should... you know, shower?" asked Oreveu, Yehezqel thought of this for a moment. They had been using a Hunger-and-thirst-quenching spell to satisfy their needs since the beginning of their journey, but it's time to experience the real thing... he tells himself, "Sure, we have time...", Yehezqel nods, agreeing with them. "Aight, I'm gonna use the Prodigon Stone to transport us to somewhere where we can take care of personal business." declared Jacob, reaching for the stone in his pocket. He closes his eyes - thinking of bath, food, water, and bed to which the Prodigon responded with a whirring noise as the atmosphere changed from dreadful to pleasant... a dimension where humanly needs are met, "Isn't this sweet?" said Epouchiom as they looked around, mesmerized by the sight. "It's like a giant mansion, I love it." proclaimed Enzo, sinking himself into the soft cotton couch. Yehezqel found a spot, a white sofa where he sat, crossed his legs and dozed off afterwards. Jacob, on the other hand gathered towels and clothes he had found in one of the closets, and headed for the bathroom for a shower. Epouchiom went to the library section of the mansion, reading a French Dictionary as she plopped herself down the checkered couch, Oreveu however, joined Yehezqel in the living room and slept in the couch. It was like heaven, that was what they thought of the place. The warm water cascaded down on Jacob, washing away the grime and exhaustion of countless battles. The bathroom, luxurious and spacious, was a stark contrast to the distorted Sequoia Academy. As he finished his shower, Jacob couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. He wrapped himself in a fluffy towel and headed back to the living room. "Guys, this place is incredible! We've got to enjoy it while we can," Jacob exclaimed, his wet hair dripping onto the marble floor. Enzo, sprawled across the couch, yawned, "I could get used to this. No more fighting shadows and headless clockwork dudes for a while, I hope." Epochioum, engrossed in her French dictionary, looked up, "This is a great opportunity to recharge. But remember, the Nexus is still out there, and we can't let our guard down." Oreveu, who had been dozing off, mumbled, "I could get used to napping on a comfy couch instead of battling illusions." Yehezqel, having only dozed off briefly, opened his eyes. "We can't stay here forever. We need to figure out our next move. Paradox mentioned different layers of the Nexus; we should explore and gather information." Jacob nodded, "Yehezqel's right. As tempting as it is to stay in this mansion, we've got a job to do." With renewed energy, the group made their way to a dining area where a table was laid out with a feast fit for kings. The aroma of various dishes filled the room. "Is this real food?" Enzo exclaimed, eyeing the spread with disbelief. "It better be. I've missed actual meals," Jacob replied, grabbing a plate. They indulged in the feast, savoring every bite as if it were their last. The Prodigon Stone rested on the table, a silent reminder of the power at their disposal. After the satisfying meal, the group gathered in the living room, ready to discuss their next steps. "We've got the Prodigon Stone, the Nexus Crystal, and each other. Paradox might have a hidden agenda, but for now, it seems like we're on the same side," Jacob said, looking at his companions. Yehezqel, Blade of Humility by his side, spoke, "Our goal is to break free from the Nexus's control. We need to understand the layers, the challenges, and find a way to end this once and for all." Epochioum, her mind still on the French dictionary, added, "Language can be a powerful tool. Perhaps we can find clues or allies in the different layers of the Nexus." Oreveu, energized after the break, declared, "Let's use the Prodigon Stone to explore and gather information. We can't afford to be passive in this." Enzo, grinned, "We've faced worse. Now, we're armed with a reality shifter. Let's give the Nexus a taste of its own medicine." With a unanimous agreement, the group prepared to use the Prodigon Stone once again. Jacob, holding the stone, closed his eyes, envisioning the next layer they wanted to explore. Jacob gripped the Prodigon Stone, his mind focused on the next layer of the Nexus. The Nexus Crystal pulsed with anticipation, resonating with the reality-shifting power of the stone. As he concentrated, the surroundings transformed once again, and the group found themselves in a surreal landscape. The colors were vibrant, yet unsettling, and the air hummed with an otherworldly energy. A creature with shimmering, flourescent wings approached them. It had the appearance of a giant insect, its exoskeleton reflecting a wave of colors. "Greetings, travelers. I am Luminara, the Guardian of Radiance. What brings you to the Luminous Realm?" The voice was melodic, but a subtle undertone hinted at a self-centered nature. Jacob, wary but determined, replied, "We seek knowledge and a way to break free from the Nexus's influence. Can you help us?" Luminara's wings flickered with annoyance. "Help? What benefit do I gain from assisting you? The Nexus demands order, and I serve its will. Conform or face the consequences." Epochioum, always diplomatic, stepped forward. "We understand your allegiance, but we are not here to disrupt your realm. We merely wish to understand the layers of the Nexus and find a way to challenge its control." Luminara's response was a disdainful laugh. "Understanding won't change the inevitable. The Nexus is supreme, and you are insignificant." As the conversation continued, other entities in the Luminous Realm started to gather, each with a distinct appearance. A creature made of living crystals, a floating sphere of shifting emotions, and a serpent with scales that emitted ethereal flames. Each entity had its own agenda, and none were willing to assist the group without a promise of personal gain. Oreveu, growing frustrated, exclaimed, "Is there no one here willing to help us without demanding something in return?" The crystal creature responded, "Help is a commodity, and in the Nexus, nothing comes for free. If you seek aid, offer something of equal value."