Back at Albion Academy, Hiro stood in the hidden room, his heart pounding. The air felt heavy, and the faint smell of ozone stung his nostrils.
He glanced around, noting the eerie symbols glowing on the walls, casting shifting shadows that danced like ghosts.
A low hum of chanting vibrated from the book to through his chest, growing louder with each heartbeat. The symbols on the walls glowed brighter, illuminating the room with an unsettling light.
Suddenly, a section of the wall shimmered and dissolved, revealing a portal that seemed to defy reality. At the same time, a system notification flashed before Hiro's eyes.
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Hiro stared at the notification, his surprise evident. Discovering one of Agni's fragments within the academy walls was beyond his wildest expectations.
He took a deep breath, the urgency of the system's prompting leaving him no choice.
With cautious steps, Hiro approached the portal. The air around it crackled with energy, and the light emanating from it was almost blinding.
He hesitated for a moment, fear and anticipation warring within him. Then, steeling himself, he stepped through.
Blinded by light, Hiro shielded his eyes. When his vision cleared, he found himself in a vast, surreal space.
The shimmering walls were adorned with shifting constellations, stretching infinitely in every direction.
It was like stepping into a living tapestry of the night sky, reminding him of the void he experienced when the goddesses summoned him, yet it felt different—warm and inviting.
A voice spoke, echoing through the vast space, "Help me."
Hiro was shocked and his mind raced as he followed the direction of the voice, his footsteps echoing in the emptiness. What awaited him on the other side?
The unknown both thrilled and terrified him. Soon, he saw a jewel floating between the hands of an angelic statue, radiating a divine aura. As he approached, the system popped up again.
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**Objective: Obtain the Fragment of Agni from the portal.**
**Penalty: Failure to complete the quest will result in the loss of potential divine favor.**
The weight of the quest settled upon Hiro. This was no ordinary task; the implications of failure were too great.
He stepped forward, eyes locked on the jewel. "So this is a fragment," he whispered, reaching out.
The moment his fingers barely touched the orb, a blinding light erupted from it. From the light emerged a dark, shadowy figure, a demonic spirit with glowing red eyes and twisted horns.
Its presence exuded malevolence, making the air around them feel suffocating and cold.
The spirit let out a deafening roar, causing the walls to tremble and the constellations to flicker wildly.
Hiro's heart pounded in his chest as he instinctively stepped back, adopting a martial arts stance. The weight of the task and the urgency of the quest fueled his resolve.
The demonic spirit lunged at him with terrifying speed, its claws slashing through the air.
Hiro barely managed to dodge with his new physique, feeling the icy wind of its attack brush past his cheek.
He countered with a swift punch, his fist striking through the dark mist that formed the creature's body. The spirit hissed in pain, its form momentarily destabilized.
"You're persistent," Hiro muttered, clenching his fists tighter. "But I won't let you stand in my way."
The spirit's eyes glowed brighter, and it let out a guttural laugh. "Foolish mortal, you think you can defeat me? This fragment is mine!"
"Not today!" Hiro retorted, his voice firm. He focused his energy, channeling the power he had acquired from the system.
His fists began to glow with a radiant light, illuminating the darkness that surrounded him.
He felt a surge of strength and confidence, knowing that he carried the blessings of the gods.
The demonic spirit snarled, its eyes blazing with fury. It summoned dark tendrils from the ground, which writhed and lashed out at Hiro.
He deftly dodged and parried, each movement precise and controlled. His senses were heightened, every sound and shift in the air guiding his actions.
"You think your light can stop me?" the spirit sneered, launching another attack.
Hiro deflected the blow with his hardened forearm, sparks flying from the clash. "I don't think—I know!"
He leaped forward with a powerful kick, his foot glowing with divine energy. "This ends now!"
With a powerful leap, Hiro closed the distance between him and the spirit, bringing his glowing fist down with all his might.
His punch, now imbued with divine energy, struck through the spirit's form, causing it to scream in agony. The room filled with an intense light as the spirit began to disintegrate, its dark essence burning away.
The spirit let out one final, pained wail before dissolving into nothingness. The oppressive atmosphere lifted, and the room was once again filled with the gentle glow of the constellations.
As the echoes of battle faded, a radiant, serene figure emerged from the dissipating darkness.
Hiro's eyes widened as he saw the divine presence before him. "I am Arianrhod, a divinity born from the fragment of Goddess Agni. Thank you for freeing me from corruption," she said, her voice soothing and melodic.
Hiro felt a mix of awe and apprehension. His heart pounded as he processed the situation. Suddenly, another system notification appeared.
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An item materialized in his hand. "Lady Arianrhod, it seems the gods are watching us, and they wish for you to receive this." He handed the item to her.
Arianrhod smiled, her eyes shimmering like the stars around them. "Thank you, Hiro. You have done well to reach this point."
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As Arianrhod received the item, it embedded into her body, and a system window also appeared.
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As the messages faded, light enveloped Arianrhod, transforming her. When it dissipated, she stood as Selene, breathtakingly beautiful and majestic.
"I, Arianrhod... Selene, thank you from the bottom of my heart. As the Goddess of Moon and Stars, I grant you my blessing."
A soft light enveloped Hiro's hand, forming a seal. The mark took the shape of a majestic wolf, a symbol of divine favor bestowed upon him.
He gazed at the goddess, his mind brimming with questions. "Selene, how were you born from this fragment? And what does your blessing mean for me?"
Selene's serene smile never wavered. "I was part of a greater whole, the divine essence of Agni. When Agni's power fragmented, I was born, containing a portion of her divinity. My blessing bestows upon you the protection and favor of the moon and stars. Your path will be lit, your strength increased in darkness, and your heart guided by love and beauty."
Hiro nodded, absorbing her words. "What must I do now?"
"Your journey is far from over, Hiro," Selene replied. "You must seek the other fragments, each holding a piece of Agni's essence and new divine power. With each fragment you acquire, your strength will grow, bringing you closer to your destiny."
Selene raised her hand, and a small, glowing orb appeared. "This will be the third fragment you've obtained. Complete it and help us revive my mother."
"Also, there may be others like me, birthed from Mother, Goddess Agni's fragment, but be careful—not everyone is like me."
Hiro took the orb, feeling its warmth pulse in his hand. "Thank you, Selene. I won't let you down."
She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I know you won't, Hiro. Trust in yourself and the allies you will meet. Together, you will achieve great things, but beware: there are deceivers who walk among you, hidden in plain sight."
"Deceivers?" Hiro's brow furrowed. "How will I recognize them?"
"Trust your instincts and the guidance of the moon," Selene replied softly. "Their true nature will reveal itself in time. Stay vigilant."
As the light around Selene intensified, she began to rise. "Remember, Hiro, the path of a hero is never easy, but always worth it. Farewell, for now. We shall meet again."