"Since we already got this artifact thing, which is heavy in my opinion... We should really research about it, I don't know a shit 'bout what it does" Ethan said, dragging the artifact along, generating a painful screeching noise around their makeshift cavern campbase, Jacob raised an eyebrow, "Aren't you a Pendragon? a celestial entity? you're supposed to have that cool superhuman strength shit", Ethan's brow furrowed as he frowned, "Well, let's just say that I'm neither of those as I have no idea where you got that shit from, we're in the Copernium Nordic, mate", this confused Jacob, "What's a Copernium Nordic?" he asked, Ethan, who was effortly dragging the artifact with his full strength replied, panting: "Well, aren't you an ignorant man... the Copernium Nordic is a bridge between the Upper Genesis and the Pentagram, this is only a temporary place, we go to the Pentagram and the Void when the sun rises, we need to recruit people for war, I promised them I wouldn't drag them into my nonsense, but the world depends on it..." he said grimly, "Why? what relations did you have with the Pentagram or the Void?", Jacob asked. Ethan shuffled uncomfortably, "I was born in the Void, I'm an Archdemon, I swore my parents I would never come back there... Not after they disowned me for wanting to be a swordsman in the Upper Genesis.", Jacob's eyes widened, "Oh, I'm sorry.", he searches around, hoping to change the topic, he sees the artifact. "What does that giant thing do and what use could that bring to us, well... maybe except for being a pain in the ass to carry and drag along.", Lila, suddenly animated, shot up: "It's called the Kronos Medallion... It was allegedly worn by Goliath.", "Of biblical proportions?" Jacob asked. "Yes, of biblical proportions... David and Goliath." Lila confirmed. Jacob, intrigued, seemed to think about this for a moment. "How would this benefit us in war?", "Well, some believe it would bring great strength to whoever it chooses, some believe you would be as tall as the giants if you wore a piece of it while some believe it would transform you into a giant.", Marcus said, pouncing into the conversation like a dog finding its bone, "But how are we going to find out which one is true?" Jacob asked skeptically. "And even if it does give us strength, how are we going to control it? We don't want to turn into giants and start crushing everything in our path," he added, imagining the potential chaos that could ensue. Ethan shook his head, "I don't know, but we need to figure it out quickly. The war is approaching fast, and we need all the help we can get. Maybe there's something in the ancient texts that can guide us," he suggested, looking at Lila who nodded eagerly. Lila pulled out a dusty old book from her bag and began to read through it, her eyes scanning the pages rapidly. After a few minutes, she found what she was looking for and exclaimed, "Ah ha! Here it is! It says that the Kronos Medallion can only be activated by someone with a pure heart and a strong will. It also mentions that the medallion has a consciousness and will choose its owner wisely," she explained, looking up at the group. Jacob raised an eyebrow, "A consciousness? How do we communicate with it then?" he asked, still unsure about the whole situation. Marcus stepped forward, "I think I might have an idea. I've heard stories of people communicating with magical objects before. We need to focus our thoughts and intentions, and try to connect with the medallion on a spiritual level," he suggested, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. The group followed Marcus' lead, focusing their minds and trying to establish a connection with the Kronos Medallion. After a few moments of silence, they felt a strange energy emanating from the artifact, as if it were responding to their presence. Suddenly, a low, rumbling voice echoed in their minds, "Greetings, mortals. I am the Kronos Medallion. You have awakened me from my slumber. What is your desire?" The group looked at each other in amazement, unsure of who should speak up first. Finally, Ethan stepped forward, "We seek your power, Kronos Medallion. We are heading towards a great war and we need all the help we can get. Can you grant us strength and protection?" he asked, his voice filled with determination. The medallion remained silent for a moment, as if considering their request. Then, the low, rumbling voice spoke again, "Foolish mortals, my Medallion does not grant any of these powers, we are the unity, an amalgamation of all giants that walked in the face of the earth, once we find someone worthy of such to wield it, our spirits will bond to yours, we shall do everything you desire." the Medallion spoke, now with a louder approach, seemingly a thousand voices speaking at the same time, The group looked at each other in shock, unsure of what to make of the medallion's response. Ethan spoke up, "So, you're saying that the medallion doesn't grant strength or protection, but rather it's a vessel for the souls of the giants? And those souls will bond with us and do our bidding?" he asked, trying to clarify. The medallion replied, "Exactly, Mortal. My kind has long since passed into legend, but our essence remains within this artifact. When the time is right, and the worthy individual is chosen, we will bestow upon them the power of the giants. But be warned, the power comes at a cost. Our kind has been known to be merciless and unforgiving. Once you embark on this path, there is no turning back." The group fell silent, contemplating the weight of the medallion's words. They knew that they were playing with forces beyond their control, but the temptation of such power was too great to ignore. After a few moments, Ethan spoke up, "Alright, we understand the risks. But we need to win this war, no matter the cost. We'll take the risk, and bond with the souls of the giants." The medallion remained quiet for a moment, as if considering their decision. Then, without warning, a blinding light enveloped the group, and they felt a surge of energy unlike anything they had ever experienced before. As the light faded, they saw that they were surrounded by towering figures, their faces obscured by shadow. But these were not physical beings - they were the souls of the giants, manifesting themselves in a form that the humans could comprehend. The giants' souls spoke in a voice that echoed in the minds of the group, "We have heard your plea, mortals. We will grant you the power you seek, but know that it comes at a terrible cost. You must be willing to sacrifice everything for victory, for the power of the giants is not to be trifled with." The group nodded solemnly, their hearts heavy with the weight of the decision they had made. They knew that they were playing with fire, but they were willing to do whatever it took to emerge victorious. And so, the bond was formed, and the souls of the giants began to impart their power to the humans. The war was far from over, but with the help of the giants' souls, the tide of battle began to turn in favor of the rebellion.
"Send in Marcus in here, I want each and every troop we have available training for war." commanded Ethan in a condescending manner, Marcus walked into the room where Ethan was standing, surrounded by maps and strategic plans. He saluted his leader, "Sir, yes sir! I'll gather all available troops and prepare them for war." Ethan gave him a cold stare, "Good. Time is of the essence. We need to be ready to defend ourselves." Marcus nodded, "Understood, sir. I'll make sure everyone is prepared for the worst." He turned to leave when Ethan stopped him, "Marcus, wait!" Marcus turned around, curious about what else Ethan wanted. Ethan approached him, his voice lowering, "There's something else. Something important." Marcus raised an eyebrow, wondering what it could be. Ethan continued, "The Kronos Medallion... it's more than just a powerful artifact. It's a symbol of hope. A reminder that even in the darkest times, there's always a chance for change." Marcus listened intently, sensing the gravity of the situation. Ethan went on, "I want you to wear the medallion, Marcus. Not just as a symbol of power, but as a symbol of hope. Let it inspire our troops, let it remind them that we're fighting for a better future.", the medallion, as if on cue, shrinked down. Marcus' expression changed from curiosity to surprise, "Me, sir? Wear the Kronos Medallion?" Ethan nodded, "Yes, Marcus. You're one of our most skilled soldiers, and you have the heart of a true warrior. I trust you with this responsibility." Marcus felt a sense of pride swell inside him, "Thank you, sir. I won't let you down." With that, he took the medallion from Ethan's hand, feeling its weight and power coursing through him. He put it around his neck, feeling a surge of confidence and purpose. As he left the room, he couldn't help but feel that this was only the beginning of something much bigger.
Jacob woke up to the sounds of soldiers marching heavily on the gemstone floors, with Ethan by his side, drinking coffee on a crystaline mug: "Wake up, we're going to the Void and the Pentagram, we gonna recruit some demons now." he says in a commanding tone. Jacob groggily opened his eyes, rubbing the sleep away. He sat up, stretching his arms above his head. "What's the plan, 'General'?" he asked, yawning. Ethan handed him a cup of coffee, "We're meeting with the leaders of the Void and the Pentagram. We need their support in the coming war." Jacob took a sip of the hot brew, feeling it energize him. "Demons, huh? That's new," he said, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, well, desperate times call for desperate measures," Ethan replied grimly. "Besides, with the power of the Kronos Medallion, we might actually stand a chance against the Archon." Jacob nodded, finishing his coffee. "Let's get moving then. Don't want to keep the devil waiting." Ethan chuckled, "Indeed we don't. Now let's go make some deals with the damned."
As they entered the grand hall of the Void, the sound of whispers filled the air. Shadows danced across the walls, cast by flickering torches that seemed to burn with an otherworldly flame. At the far end of the chamber, a figure sat upon a throne carved from black stone, its face hidden behind a mask of pure darkness. The figure stirred, its presence radiating an aura of malevolent power. The throne room of the void was guarded by twin statues of imposing granite angels, their faces contorted in pain as if they had been torn from the earth screaming. Their eyes glowed like lanterns in the dim light, casting an eerie glare across the chamber. Before them stood a being cloaked entirely in shimmering mist; its voice whispered secrets in the ears of those who dared approach. In the center of the room, a great crystal pentagram adorned the floor, pulsing with energy that seemed almost alive. It hummed with ancient knowledge and unspeakable power, calling out to those brave enough to step within its embrace. The atmosphere was oppressive, heavy with secrets kept hidden since time immemorial. Yet amidst such mysterious surroundings, one felt an indomitable spirit – a determination to explore realms beyond human understanding. As Jacob and Ethan stepped forward, the figure on the throne spoke in a low rasping voice that sent shivers down their spines. "Welcome, mortals, to my domain. What brings you to this place, where death itself trembles at my feet?" Jacob and Ethan approached the throne, their footsteps echoing off the cold stone walls. They stopped before the figure, their eyes fixed on the mask of darkness. Ethan spoke first, his voice firm and resolute. "We come seeking alliance, great lord of the Void. The Archon threatens to destroy all that lies between the lands of the living and the dead. We ask that you lend us your strength in this war, that together we may defeat him and restore balance to the cosmos." The figure remained silent for a moment, its presence growing heavier with each passing second. Finally, it spoke again, its voice dripping with malice. "And why should I care about your petty wars, mortals? My realm thrives on chaos and destruction. Why would I wish to stem the tide of conflict?" Ethan answered, "Because, great lord, this is not merely a war between mortal factions. The Nexus threatens the existence of beings here, as to follow their own petty made-up timeline, their own path that they have laid up upon us all, all when we don't comply to their expectations is to reduce existence to nothingness. If he succeeds, your realm will also perish. The void will be no more." The figure shifted slightly, a subtle gesture that betrayed its interest. "Go on," it urged. Jacob stepped forward, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. "We offer you a deal, lord of the Void. Join us in this fight, and when the Nexus falls, we will ensure that your realm remains intact. In fact, we will work to expand your influence, to bring more souls into your domain. Together, we can create a new era of prosperity and growth for both our kind." There was another pause, and then the figure spoke once more. "Very well, mortals. You have piqued my interest. I shall summon the leaders of the Pentagram. Together, we shall discuss the terms of our alliance." As the figure slumped back into its throne, shadowy tendrils emerged from beneath its robes, disappearing into the ground. Moments later, five figures clad in long coats with intricate symbols embroidered onto them appeared from the shadows. Each wore a different mask, representing various aspects of the underworld, one mask, Jacob had noticed as he gasps in recognition... It was Zean, the embodiment of Pride, They gathered before the throne, awaiting the start of negotiations.
As the representatives of the Pentagram arrived, Jacob and Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. They knew that these beings were not to be trifled with, and that their power was not to be underestimated. But they also knew that they needed their help, and so they steeled themselves and prepared to begin the negotiations. The figure on the throne spoke first, its voice still low and menacing. "I trust you understand the gravity of the situation, Mortals. The Nexus threatens to undo the fabric of reality itself. If we do not stop him, all of our domains will suffer." Ethan nodded, his expression serious. "We understand perfectly, Great Lord. And we are willing to do whatever it takes to prevent this catastrophe. But we need your help. Your power and influence could be the deciding factor in this war." Zean, the embodiment of Pride, stepped forward, his mask glinting in the dim light. "And what do you propose we do, Gabriel, the 'oh-so gallant Guardian of Time'? Simply joining forces is not enough. We must know what role we play in this grand scheme of yours." Jacob took a deep breath before answering. "We plan to gather three artifacts, one, the Nexus Crystal, which is in the Archon's possession, presumably, and the Prodigon Stone, which the Archon also has... We have managed to acquire the Kronos Medallion, it is in Marcus' possession now, our most trusted soldier. These artifacts hold the key to defeating the Nexus. With your help, we believe we can retrieve them and use their combined power to triumph over our enemy." The representative of Greed, a grotesque creature with bulging eyes and an obscene grin, leaned forward eagerly. "Ah, artifacts! Now that is something we can certainly help with. But tell me, Mortals, what makes you think we will simply hand them over to you? Surely there must be something in it for us..." Ethan smiled wryly. "Oh, we understand the concept of quid pro quo quite well. That's why we're offering you a share of the spoils. A portion of the power gained from the artifacts will be yours, to do with as you please." The figure on the throne stirred once more, its mask shifting ever so slightly. "I see. And how do we know you will uphold your end of the bargain?"Jacob shrugged. "You don't. Not yet, anyway. But consider this: if we fail, the Nexus wins. And if that happens, none of us will survive to enjoy any sort of power or wealth. So it's in our best interests to work together and succeed. Trust us, Great Lord, we have no desire to cross you."There was a moment of silence, and then the figure spoke again. "Very well. Let us proceed. We shall assist you in retrieving the artifacts. But remember, Mortals, we are not friends. We are mere allies, bound together by necessity. Do not forget your place." With that, the meeting concluded, and Jacob and Ethan left the throne room, feeling a mixture of relief and trepidation. They knew that they had just made a deal with the devil himself, and that the consequences of failure would be dire indeed. But they also knew that they had taken the first step towards victory, and that with the power of the Pentagram behind them, they might just be able to save the world after all.
As Jacob and Ethan left the eerie throne room of the Void, the weight of their newfound alliance with the demonic forces settled upon them. They made their way back to their campbase, where Marcus was overseeing the training of their troops. The atmosphere among the soldiers was tense, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety as they prepared for the looming war. Ethan wasted no time in gathering their most trusted allies to discuss the plan moving forward. Lila, Marcus, and a few other key members of their group assembled in the central tent, illuminated by a few flickering torches. "We've secured the support of the Void and the Pentagram," Ethan began, his voice resolute. "But retrieving those artifacts won't be easy. The Nexus Crystal and the Prodigon Stone are both in the Archon's possession. We have the Kronos Medallion, but we need the other two to stand a chance against him." Marcus nodded in agreement. "We'll have to be strategic about this. The Archon won't just leave those artifacts unguarded. We need a plan, a diversion perhaps, to draw his attention away while we attempt to retrieve the crystals." Lila chimed in, "We also need to consider the potential risks of wielding such power. The Kronos Medallion alone has shown us its complexities. We must tread carefully.", "Psh, I've already got ahold with that old things, I know how it works, trust me, it's as easy as snapping your fingers.", Jacob spoke up, "What about the allies we've made? Can we count on them to aid us in our mission?" Ethan nodded. "Yes, we can. The Void and the Pentagram are formidable forces. With their help, we might just have a shot. But we'll need to move quickly and decisively." The group discussed strategies late into the night, mapping out their plan to retrieve the artifacts from the Archon's grasp. They knew the risks were high, but the stakes were even higher. Failure was not an option.
YOU ARE READING
FATE (Volume 1)
FantasyJacob, a high school student recently discovers his power to manipulate reality. This power throws him to a venture of strange places along with some friends whom he met along the way, but with this power comes a great sacrifice as he discovers abou...
