Chereads / The Art Of Chaos / Chapter 5 - Briefing went wrong or right?

Chapter 5 - Briefing went wrong or right?

"Nia!"

"Nia!"

"Hello Hedonia?!"

Lukas's voice disrupts my momentary drift into fatigue. I rub my eyes wearily and regard him with irritation as he questions, "You okay, woman?" I respond with a dismissive eye roll and a tired nod, forgoing the effort to vocalize my response. Can't he discern my evident exhaustion, or has he succumbed to blindness induced by his new assistant's radiant smile?

Lukas clears his throat, prompting an unspoken wish for a minor misfortune to befall him. "So, what time is it? You know I need to do the great briefing, right? Have to show them the truth. Argh, so troublesome," he laments. Bored, I pick up a ping pong ball from the table, twirling it between my fingers. Lukas glances at his cherished Patek Philippe watch. "It's 11:32 A.M. The event starts at 12," he replies, adjusting his tie with a meticulous touch.

I scrutinize the man before me, attempting to dissect my aversion towards him. Objectively, he's not unattractive, but perhaps my personal disdain taints my perception. I grudgingly acknowledge that his dark brown hair resembles the rich hue of espresso-roasted coffee beans, appearing soft and fluffy enough to warrant a pat on the head—had circumstances allowed such gestures.

However, I can't deny my admiration for his eyes, an enchanting shade of Wisteria flower purple. The romantic connotations associated with these blooms seem fitting for him. But then there's his towering height—a staggering 6 feet and 4 inches—turning him into an alien presence, a menace to my 5'4 self.

His taste in fashion is undeniable, a manifestation of wealth and high maintenance. The man exudes opulence with his collection of branded products, from hair products to clothes, watches, accessories like rings, and the ever-present Delvaux bags. His fondness for Armani suits further solidifies his status as a man of culture and style—a walking manifestation of wealth and luxury wherever he goes.

"You know what can cure my anxiety before giving the briefing? A glass of wine. Would you mind doing the honor by bringing me a glass?" I request from the man before me. He stares at me blankly before breaking into laughter. I raise an eyebrow in confusion. "The great Hedonia is anxious, huh?" he remarks. Rolling my eyes, I slap him on the shoulder. "Just bring it to me," I retort, lightly pushing him away, my focus returning to the ping pong ball in an attempt to quell my anxiety. Conversing with one human is challenging enough, but briefing potentially thousands? I'd prefer committing suicide.

Lukas returns with a bottle of wine and two glasses. He opens the bottle, pouring its contents into both glasses. One he hands to me, and the other he keeps. We raise our glasses and down the wine in a single gulp. I release a satisfied sigh, the familiar taste soothing my throat. "Petrus 2000, am I right?" I inquire while pouring myself another glass. "Your favorite," he confirms. I nod in approval, downing another glass in one go. As I prepare to pour yet another, a hand stops me.

"Woah, easy, woman. We don't want you drunk on the stage later. Personally, I don't care if you make a mess of yourself, but I do care about I-Land's reputation," Lukas intervenes, retrieving the bottle and glass to stow them away. Checking the time on my phone, five more minutes until the dreaded briefing. I despise this sensation.

The man with the ever-present grin approaches, his soothing voice offering a brief respite from my anxiety. "Miss Hedonia? Are you ready? We need you to come now." His words, a balm to my frayed nerves, prompt my response. "I am. Okay, lead the way, Ezreal." We navigate toward the main hall, arriving at a door where I pause. Taking a moment to calm my nerves, I inhale deeply, contemplating the prospect of holding onto that breath forever. Ezreal senses my turmoil, offering a reassuring touch to my shoulder. Under normal circumstances, such an action would invite my wrath, but now, I find solace in it. "It's now or never," he utters. With one last profound breath, I nod, signaling him to open the door.

~Third person POV~

*Inside the hall*

"We want to know the truth!"

"What is this place?"

"Tell us the truth!"

The atmosphere becomes chaotic, the noise escalating to the brink of losing control. A girl with an unwavering smile attempts to restore order. "Everyone, please calm down. We promise to tell you the truth. Just please be patient and calm down," she implores, her charming smile persisting as if impervious to the chaos. Whether she's genuinely virtuous or slyly vying for attention remains uncertain. Regardless, her soothing voice fails to quell the protesters. Murmurs and protests persist, fueled by the uncertainty of being confined in a hall with strangers and familiar faces that should have met their demise.

"Boom!"

A vision of ethereal beauty graced the hall, a radiant presence that compelled the very air to still. She entered with an otherworldly grace, an enchanting allure that left the crowd in awe. Her features, delicately chiseled, reflected a timeless elegance—cheeks adorned with the soft blush of dawn, eyes sparkling like stars against the velvet canvas of night. Cascading waves of golden silk framed a countenance that bore the essence of celestial artistry.

As she moved, the crowd instinctively parted, a sea of mortal souls yielding to the celestial muse. Her smile, an arrogant curve that danced with confidence, commanded the attention of all who beheld her. A regal aura enveloped her, a queen among mortals, yet her presence transcended mere nobility.

Whispers fluttered like autumn leaves in her wake, murmurs of admiration, envy, and reverence. She strode forward, every step a sonnet, and the very air seemed to shimmer with the poetry of her existence. The onlookers, like characters in a symphony, gazed upon her with a mixture of reverence and longing.

Reaching the front, she acknowledged the girl named Rea with a nod, a gesture of recognition between celestial beings. Inquisitively, she queried Rea about the unfolding situation, her voice a melody that resonated with both power and allure, a siren's call in the midst of mortal tumult.

"Alright, now go away," Rea swiftly obeys the command, withdrawing along with four other I-Lander agents. Hedonia sighs, shifting her gaze to the vast expanse of people before her—thousands, perhaps millions, awaiting her revelation. A moment of pregnant silence envelops the hall before chaos erupts.

"Calm down, everyone," Hedonia attempts to assert control with a calm voice, but the tumult persists.

"Who are you?!"

"We want the truth?"

Maintaining a stoic expression, Hedonia feels the turbulence within, her blood simmering with each passing second. "I say shut up and listen here." This time, she employs a microphone, and its echoing resonance brings an unexpected hush. It's not the tool that silences them but the tone of her voice—a tranquil surface concealing a venomous undercurrent and an unmistakable intent for bloodshed. Encouraged by their receptive silence, Hedonia proceeds with her address.

"I know all of you have questions about where you are, what this place is, what the truth is, and how this is possible, right? That's why I'm here to tell you all the truth." She scans the diverse sea of faces, noting their intrigued expressions. "First of all, what do you all know about the multiverse? Raise your hand, please, if you want to answer." A few individuals in the crowd raise their hands, creating a peculiar tableau reminiscent of a teacher and her students in a classroom.

Hedonia selects a man with long, blonde hair cascading down to his shoulders. "The multiverse is the hypothetical set of all universes. Together, these universes are presumed to comprise everything that exists: the entirety of space, time, matter, energy, information, and the physical laws and constants that describe them. I believe it's dangerous because we never know whether it's true or not, and if there are living beings there," he offers. Hedonia nods in agreement, acknowledging the validity of his concerns, then clears her throat to address the multitude.

"Well, Mr. Moriarty, what you say is true. But let me add something. A multiverse is the collection of alternate universes, each with a distinct nature and a universal hierarchy. Theories posit that the multiverse has a similar nature, wherein you exist in every universe. However, that's not entirely accurate. The Multiverse is safeguarded by formidable forces. Each universe has designated protectors placed to defend its verse. These protectors collectively constitute the I-Lander, where 'I-Land' stands for Infinite Land. Each universe in the Multiverse appears to be defended by at least one I-Lander at nearly all times. They are appointed by higher-ups to defend the world against threats and preserve the delicate balance between good and evil."

Hedonia takes a moment to gauge the crowd's receptiveness before adding another layer to her explanation. "Furthermore, within the Multiverse, there's a delicate equilibrium that I-Lander strive to maintain. Each universe possesses its unique essence, and the I-Lander's duty is to ensure that no single universe overpowers the others, preserving a harmonious existence across the infinite realms. It's a challenging task, but one that I-Lander undertake with unwavering dedication, navigating the complexities of cosmic balance."

She pauses, allowing her words to resonate with the audience. "Now, you may wonder why you're here, how you became part of this cosmic tapestry. The truth is, some force beyond our comprehension has brought you together, and you are now integral to the preservation of this delicate equilibrium. Your roles may vary, but each of you plays a vital part in maintaining the balance between order and chaos in the Multiverse."

The hall becomes a canvas for contemplation, as Hedonia's words linger in the air, painting a portrait of interconnected destinies and cosmic responsibilities.

"Interesting.How did you know my name?"The blond hair man stare at Hedonia in wonders.She only smile before continue talking. "All in good time.To continue,there's no such thing as a world fill with only good no evil and the opposite.Its the force of nature that evil and good needs to be balance.That's why I-Land were created.I-Landers were placed in every universe to protect the balance and sometimes help to protect the universe under direct order.While the true well...main ruler and leader of I-Land is usually a secret and classified but the higher ups identities are not.There are four trusted people of the leader known as The Four Heavenly Kings and Queens of I-Land.They are the one that picked and appointed an I-Lander.They hold the powers in I-Land right behind the leader.The leader is known as Empress or Emperor but its been three generations of Empress now."

A black hair man with pale face and ugly christmas hat raise his hand.Hedonia nod towards him. "What are you trying to say?Is what i think it is true then?"Hedonia smirks hearing that question. "Well seems like you are quite fast Mr Dostoevsky.Now tell me what is it that you think.Mind to share with us?" She stares intensely at the man with slight russian accent in his voice. "I believe you are trying to say that Multiverse does exist and we all are in a place where it coexist and meet.Which mean that all of people here all from different universe and also same universe because i can see some familiar faces here and also weird beings.Is it right?"

In the resplendent aftermath of Hedonia's cosmic revelation, a celestial applause resonates through the hall, mirroring the orchestration of stars applauding the grand cosmic spectacle. She, the cosmic maestro, gracefully claps her hands, her eyes ablaze with admiration for Mr. Dostoevsky's astute understanding.

"Bravo, Mr. Dostoevsky! A symphony of insight orchestrated by your discerning mind," she commends, her words echoing through the cosmos, punctuating the cosmic truths that linger in the ethereal atmosphere.

In the wake of celestial applause, Hedonia continues her revelation, unraveling the cosmic dance that has brought together a multitude of souls from divergent universes. Her hands become poetic gestures, conducting the cosmic narrative as she unveils the Sacred Building of Infinite Land—a place beyond the fabric of ordinary existence.

"This edifice," she declares, her voice a sonorous hymn, "is none other than the Sacred Building of Infinite Land, a sanctuary woven into the cosmic tapestry, designed to cradle the convergence of over billions of souls—each a unique note within the harmonious symphony of existence."

As the cosmic revelations unfold, murmurs ripple through the assembled multitude, the cosmic choir of questions and reactions blending into a cosmic crescendo. The air pulsates with anticipation as the truth unravels, and the very essence of their existence takes center stage.

"Infinite Land," Hedonia declares, her voice resonating through the hall like a celestial echo, "is the nexus—the cradle of the Multiverse where myriad realities converge and interweave in the grand cosmic dance. It is the origin, the epicenter where the Multiverse was first woven into the cosmic fabric."

The cosmic epiphany settles over the gathering, and the tapestry of revelations has been laid bare. Chaos rises from the depths of the audience as understanding, astonishment, and myriad emotions collide. The cosmic revelation, like a meteor shower of truth, cascades upon the myriad souls gathered within the Sacred Building, leaving them in awe of their shared destiny.

And thus, the cosmic theater unfolds, revealing the intricate threads that bind each soul, each universe, and the grand tapestry of Infinite Land—an epic tale transcending the boundaries of reality itself."Nia!"

"Nia!"

"Hello Hedonia?!"

Lukas's voice disrupts my momentary drift into fatigue. I rub my eyes wearily and regard him with irritation as he questions, "You okay, woman?" I respond with a dismissive eye roll and a tired nod, forgoing the effort to vocalize my response. Can't he discern my evident exhaustion, or has he succumbed to blindness induced by his new assistant's radiant smile?

Lukas clears his throat, prompting an unspoken wish for a minor misfortune to befall him. "So, what time is it? You know I need to do the great briefing, right? Have to show them the truth. Argh, so troublesome," he laments. Bored, I pick up a ping pong ball from the table, twirling it between my fingers. Lukas glances at his cherished Patek Philippe watch. "It's 11:32 A.M. The event starts at 12," he replies, adjusting his tie with a meticulous touch.

I scrutinize the man before me, attempting to dissect my aversion towards him. Objectively, he's not unattractive, but perhaps my personal disdain taints my perception. I grudgingly acknowledge that his dark brown hair resembles the rich hue of espresso-roasted coffee beans, appearing soft and fluffy enough to warrant a pat on the head—had circumstances allowed such gestures.

However, I can't deny my admiration for his eyes, an enchanting shade of Wisteria flower purple. The romantic connotations associated with these blooms seem fitting for him. But then there's his towering height—a staggering 6 feet and 4 inches—turning him into an alien presence, a menace to my 5'4 self.

His taste in fashion is undeniable, a manifestation of wealth and high maintenance. The man exudes opulence with his collection of branded products, from hair products to clothes, watches, accessories like rings, and the ever-present Delvaux bags. His fondness for Armani suits further solidifies his status as a man of culture and style—a walking manifestation of wealth and luxury wherever he goes.

"You know what can cure my anxiety before giving the briefing? A glass of wine. Would you mind doing the honor by bringing me a glass?" I request from the man before me. He stares at me blankly before breaking into laughter. I raise an eyebrow in confusion. "The great Hedonia is anxious, huh?" he remarks. Rolling my eyes, I slap him on the shoulder. "Just bring it to me," I retort, lightly pushing him away, my focus returning to the ping pong ball in an attempt to quell my anxiety. Conversing with one human is challenging enough, but briefing potentially thousands? I'd prefer committing suicide.

Lukas returns with a bottle of wine and two glasses. He opens the bottle, pouring its contents into both glasses. One he hands to me, and the other he keeps. We raise our glasses and down the wine in a single gulp. I release a satisfied sigh, the familiar taste soothing my throat. "Petrus 2000, am I right?" I inquire while pouring myself another glass. "Your favorite," he confirms. I nod in approval, downing another glass in one go. As I prepare to pour yet another, a hand stops me.

"Woah, easy, woman. We don't want you drunk on the stage later. Personally, I don't care if you make a mess of yourself, but I do care about I-Land's reputation," Lukas intervenes, retrieving the bottle and glass to stow them away. Checking the time on my phone, five more minutes until the dreaded briefing. I despise this sensation.

The man with the ever-present grin approaches, his soothing voice offering a brief respite from my anxiety. "Miss Hedonia? Are you ready? We need you to come now." His words, a balm to my frayed nerves, prompt my response. "I am. Okay, lead the way, Ezreal." We navigate toward the main hall, arriving at a door where I pause. Taking a moment to calm my nerves, I inhale deeply, contemplating the prospect of holding onto that breath forever. Ezreal senses my turmoil, offering a reassuring touch to my shoulder. Under normal circumstances, such an action would invite my wrath, but now, I find solace in it. "It's now or never," he utters. With one last profound breath, I nod, signaling him to open the door.

~Third person POV~

*Inside the hall*

"We want to know the truth!"

"What is this place?"

"Tell us the truth!"

The atmosphere becomes chaotic, the noise escalating to the brink of losing control. A girl with an unwavering smile attempts to restore order. "Everyone, please calm down. We promise to tell you the truth. Just please be patient and calm down," she implores, her charming smile persisting as if impervious to the chaos. Whether she's genuinely virtuous or slyly vying for attention remains uncertain. Regardless, her soothing voice fails to quell the protesters. Murmurs and protests persist, fueled by the uncertainty of being confined in a hall with strangers and familiar faces that should have met their demise.

"Boom!"

A vision of ethereal beauty graced the hall, a radiant presence that compelled the very air to still. She entered with an otherworldly grace, an enchanting allure that left the crowd in awe. Her features, delicately chiseled, reflected a timeless elegance—cheeks adorned with the soft blush of dawn, eyes sparkling like stars against the velvet canvas of night. Cascading waves of golden silk framed a countenance that bore the essence of celestial artistry.

As she moved, the crowd instinctively parted, a sea of mortal souls yielding to the celestial muse. Her smile, an arrogant curve that danced with confidence, commanded the attention of all who beheld her. A regal aura enveloped her, a queen among mortals, yet her presence transcended mere nobility.

Whispers fluttered like autumn leaves in her wake, murmurs of admiration, envy, and reverence. She strode forward, every step a sonnet, and the very air seemed to shimmer with the poetry of her existence. The onlookers, like characters in a symphony, gazed upon her with a mixture of reverence and longing.

Reaching the front, she acknowledged the girl named Rea with a nod, a gesture of recognition between celestial beings. Inquisitively, she queried Rea about the unfolding situation, her voice a melody that resonated with both power and allure, a siren's call in the midst of mortal tumult.

"Alright, now go away," Rea swiftly obeys the command, withdrawing along with four other I-Lander agents. Hedonia sighs, shifting her gaze to the vast expanse of people before her—thousands, perhaps millions, awaiting her revelation. A moment of pregnant silence envelops the hall before chaos erupts.

"Calm down, everyone," Hedonia attempts to assert control with a calm voice, but the tumult persists.

"Who are you?!"

"We want the truth?"

Maintaining a stoic expression, Hedonia feels the turbulence within, her blood simmering with each passing second. "I say shut up and listen here." This time, she employs a microphone, and its echoing resonance brings an unexpected hush. It's not the tool that silences them but the tone of her voice—a tranquil surface concealing a venomous undercurrent and an unmistakable intent for bloodshed. Encouraged by their receptive silence, Hedonia proceeds with her address.

"I know all of you have questions about where you are, what this place is, what the truth is, and how this is possible, right? That's why I'm here to tell you all the truth." She scans the diverse sea of faces, noting their intrigued expressions. "First of all, what do you all know about the multiverse? Raise your hand, please, if you want to answer." A few individuals in the crowd raise their hands, creating a peculiar tableau reminiscent of a teacher and her students in a classroom.

Hedonia selects a man with long, blonde hair cascading down to his shoulders. "The multiverse is the hypothetical set of all universes. Together, these universes are presumed to comprise everything that exists: the entirety of space, time, matter, energy, information, and the physical laws and constants that describe them. I believe it's dangerous because we never know whether it's true or not, and if there are living beings there," he offers. Hedonia nods in agreement, acknowledging the validity of his concerns, then clears her throat to address the multitude.

"Well, Mr. Moriarty, what you say is true. But let me add something. A multiverse is the collection of alternate universes, each with a distinct nature and a universal hierarchy. Theories posit that the multiverse has a similar nature, wherein you exist in every universe. However, that's not entirely accurate. The Multiverse is safeguarded by formidable forces. Each universe has designated protectors placed to defend its verse. These protectors collectively constitute the I-Lander, where 'I-Land' stands for Infinite Land. Each universe in the Multiverse appears to be defended by at least one I-Lander at nearly all times. They are appointed by higher-ups to defend the world against threats and preserve the delicate balance between good and evil."

Hedonia takes a moment to gauge the crowd's receptiveness before adding another layer to her explanation. "Furthermore, within the Multiverse, there's a delicate equilibrium that I-Lander strive to maintain. Each universe possesses its unique essence, and the I-Lander's duty is to ensure that no single universe overpowers the others, preserving a harmonious existence across the infinite realms. It's a challenging task, but one that I-Lander undertake with unwavering dedication, navigating the complexities of cosmic balance."

She pauses, allowing her words to resonate with the audience. "Now, you may wonder why you're here, how you became part of this cosmic tapestry. The truth is, some force beyond our comprehension has brought you together, and you are now integral to the preservation of this delicate equilibrium. Your roles may vary, but each of you plays a vital part in maintaining the balance between order and chaos in the Multiverse."

The hall becomes a canvas for contemplation, as Hedonia's words linger in the air, painting a portrait of interconnected destinies and cosmic responsibilities.

"Interesting.How did you know my name?"The blond hair man stare at Hedonia in wonders.She only smile before continue talking. "All in good time.To continue,there's no such thing as a world fill with only good no evil and the opposite.Its the force of nature that evil and good needs to be balance.That's why I-Land were created.I-Landers were placed in every universe to protect the balance and sometimes help to protect the universe under direct order.While the true well...main ruler and leader of I-Land is usually a secret and classified but the higher ups identities are not.There are four trusted people of the leader known as The Four Heavenly Kings and Queens of I-Land.They are the one that picked and appointed an I-Lander.They hold the powers in I-Land right behind the leader.The leader is known as Empress or Emperor but its been three generations of Empress now."

A black hair man with pale face and ugly christmas hat raise his hand.Hedonia nod towards him. "What are you trying to say?Is what i think it is true then?"Hedonia smirks hearing that question. "Well seems like you are quite fast Mr Dostoevsky.Now tell me what is it that you think.Mind to share with us?" She stares intensely at the man with slight russian accent in his voice. "I believe you are trying to say that Multiverse does exist and we all are in a place where it coexist and meet.Which mean that all of people here all from different universe and also same universe because i can see some familiar faces here and also weird beings.Is it right?"

In the resplendent aftermath of Hedonia's cosmic revelation, a celestial applause resonates through the hall, mirroring the orchestration of stars applauding the grand cosmic spectacle. She, the cosmic maestro, gracefully claps her hands, her eyes ablaze with admiration for Mr. Dostoevsky's astute understanding.

"Bravo, Mr. Dostoevsky! A symphony of insight orchestrated by your discerning mind," she commends, her words echoing through the cosmos, punctuating the cosmic truths that linger in the ethereal atmosphere.

In the wake of celestial applause, Hedonia continues her revelation, unraveling the cosmic dance that has brought together a multitude of souls from divergent universes. Her hands become poetic gestures, conducting the cosmic narrative as she unveils the Sacred Building of Infinite Land—a place beyond the fabric of ordinary existence.

"This edifice," she declares, her voice a sonorous hymn, "is none other than the Sacred Building of Infinite Land, a sanctuary woven into the cosmic tapestry, designed to cradle the convergence of over billions of souls—each a unique note within the harmonious symphony of existence."

As the cosmic revelations unfold, murmurs ripple through the assembled multitude, the cosmic choir of questions and reactions blending into a cosmic crescendo. The air pulsates with anticipation as the truth unravels, and the very essence of their existence takes center stage.

"Infinite Land," Hedonia declares, her voice resonating through the hall like a celestial echo, "is the nexus—the cradle of the Multiverse where myriad realities converge and interweave in the grand cosmic dance. It is the origin, the epicenter where the Multiverse was first woven into the cosmic fabric."

The cosmic epiphany settles over the gathering, and the tapestry of revelations has been laid bare. Chaos rises from the depths of the audience as understanding, astonishment, and myriad emotions collide. The cosmic revelation, like a meteor shower of truth, cascades upon the myriad souls gathered within the Sacred Building, leaving them in awe of their shared destiny.

And thus, the cosmic theater unfolds, revealing the intricate threads that bind each soul, each universe, and the grand tapestry of Infinite Land—an epic tale transcending the boundaries of reality itself.