***
Fueled with curiosity, Leonidas followed the Al'Father, departing from the hall.
They ventured into a long labyrinthine corridor, its winding path filled with a multitude of irregular turns. Gilded portraits depicted many influential battles throughout the annals of Skygard's history along both sides of the passageway. Small emerald-hued torches shone their flickering light on the hallowed space, illuminating it in an eerie yet regal manner.
After a prolonged silence, Leonidas finally broke the tension. "What is there to discuss?" he pondered, though deep down he already had some idea of what was to come.
The Al'Father pressed forward quietly, wearing a vibrate smile on his lips. At last, the seemingly endless hallway came to an end as they arrived at one of many doors lining the passageway. This door was grand in size and enveloped in a mysterious purple hue. An intricate design lay woven into its surface, crafted from an unknown material that seemed full of secrets.
"Exasfla," chanted the Al'Father. As soon as the words left his lips, the door swung open seemingly of its own volition. Leonidas' gaze widened in awe as he watched the Al'Father enter ahead of him, and after pausing a moment to take in what had just happened, Leonidas hastened after him.
The chamber was alive with the hum of Celestia. It had dark polished bookshelves and mugs full of tempestuous liquids that bubbled when stirred, sending trails of fragrant steam up into the air. In the front, lay stationed a desk, filled with floating, inky parchment, a variety of enigmatic tools, and multiple, thick-sized books.
The Al'Father sat regally behind the desk, setting himself on a violet chair. With a simple gesture of his hand, another chair appeared out of thin air and floated gracefully down to the foot of the desk. He nodded towards Leonidas, indicating for him to take a seat.
Leonidas heeded, sitting awkwardly. They sat in silence for a few moments, before the Al'Father spoke:
"Have you an idea of what has transpired?"
Leonidas half-shuddered in surprise at the sudden question. He opened and closed his mouth, unable to form an answer. All that escaped him was a meek and strained, 'no'. The Al'Father's presence was imposing, radiating an aura of uneasiness and authority that made Leonidas feel surprisingly small.
"Ah, of course," intoned the Al'Father sagely, nodding his head in understanding. "Few comprehend the precariousness of the situation. Leonidas, you are an Avatar. Are you aware of the implications this poses?"
Again, Leonidas shook his head.
"It means, you have been chosen by the divine to channel their immense power." the Al'Father intoned with awe. "This is an occurrence that has not been seen since ages. To make matters even more… peculiar; you are an Avatar of Mars, a being of war himself. Are you aware of the gravity of this revelation?"
Leonidas sighed and shook his head in response, his frustration growing. It reminded him of the days when he was constantly disregarded by children of Athena who saw fit to mock him for his lack of knowledge. He now had to deal with the same behavior all over again.
"It means," the Al'Father began, a solemn expression adorning his face, "that we are living in troubling times. A conflict is brewing across the Four Continents, one few people in Skygard know about. It could potentially be the most destructive war yet, more so than even The Great Elven-Human War."
Leonidas's eyes widened slightly in disbelief. While many would react with fear and confusion, the son of war could not help but become overwhelmed with a sense of excitement.
The Al'Father gave a knowing smile. "I thought as much," he chuckled, watching the smirk that crossed Leonidas' face. "Given that you are an Avatar of War, I shouldn't be surprised. But stay vigilant; I didn't ask you here just to inform you; in fact, it's quite the opposite - to warn you."
Leonidas arched an eyebrow, waiting for the Al'Father to further explain.
"In this secretive war," The Al'Father began with a deep breath. "Many have been targeted and slain, simply because their enemies foresaw them as troublesome obstacles in the upcoming battles." He paused, his gaze narrowing in intensity. "You must guard yourself well - for there will be those who seek to harm you in one way or another. Do not let your guard down."
"I understand," said Leonidas with a nod, slightly overwhelmed by the abrupt overload of information. "What are the enemies we face?"
The Al'Father hesitated, before saying: "Time will tell. But for now, you may depart. I assume you know the way back to the Great Hall?"
"Yes, sir." Leonidas said.
"Very well." The Al'Father hovered two fingers over his heart, and intoned: "Glory be to the Maleficars; Glory be to Skygard; Glory be to the King."
"Glory be to the Human Race," finished Leonidas.
And with that, he departed from the Al'Father's office, an uneasy feeling simmering in his chest.
He made short work of his journey back to the Great Hall. The Recruiters had come and gone, taking many students away to their respective academies, while a few who chosen to stay at Valhalla, remain enthralled by their meal at their selective table. Those who chose Valhalla were eager to begin a new life, and they savored each bite from the lavish feast that had been set out before them.
As soon as Leonidas set foot into their room, all eyes were set on him. Whispers filled the room, gossiping over the Avatar of War, but Leonidas bore it no mind.
Out of the corner his eye, he spotted Leo, now awake and perched beside the podium. The boy absentmindedly toyed with a fork in his hand, though the stoic expression on his face conveyed nothing more than bleak disenchantment. Leonidas decided not to speak of what had transpired with the Matrixum earlier; he was well aware that doing so would only render Leo's spirits even lower.
Leonidas crept silently towards Leo, his steps so light that the latter jumped in surprise. "It is ill-mannered to play with your food," he jested, as he sought to lift the air of gloom that had blanketed his comrade.
Leo's trademark smirk contorted his lips, though Leonidas saw past it to the emotions quaking beneath it.
"Where have you been hiding, my friend?" Leo gestured to a table adorned with men and women of extraordinary beauty, all eyes trained upon him. "I think the fair maidens of Venus are checking me out," he said with his usual mischief dancing in his features.
Leonidas chuckled, his gaze sweeping across the table of Venus. "Of course they are," he remarked sarcastically with a roll of his eyes.
Upon doing so, he locked eyes with one of the woman sitting at the table. His gaze was ensnared by her mesmerizing azure eyes, as if he'd been completely enraptured by a presence that oozed allure. A surge of electricity shot through his body like a bolt of lightning as she smiled and waved at him. Slightly flustered, Leonidas turned away quickly.
Leo nudged Leonidas. "I think she wants you, playboy."
Leonidas replied with a grunt, though, he was slightly amused. "Who is she?"
"Sofia Po'sia," muttered Leo with a wistful glint in his eye. "Daughter of one of the most influential families in Skygard - royalty, no less. It is said their bloodline dates back to the King himself." He turned back to Leonidas, eyes alight with mischievous curiosity. "Do you think she has a Celestia vag—?"
"Do not finish that sentence," Leonidas quickly interjected; Leo laughed hysterically as a response.
Time passed swiftly as Leonidas and Leo shared jests, oblivious to the curious gaze of observers. Soon, a procession of men and women swept into the Great Hall, cloaked in resplendent robes that shimmered with a myriad of hues. Though barely older than Leonidas himself, they projected an air of authority and confidence as they stood tall.
"First Years!" A woman's voice echoed through the hall, her silvery dress clinging to her curves as it draped down to just above her knees. "Stand from your seats!"
All the students heeded her orders, standing up almost immediate. They gazed at the woman before them, with a mixture of curiosity and interest.
"Allow me to introduce myself," the woman continued, her voice echoing throughout the Great Hall. "I am Arayal Sil'Rya; leader of Valhalla's Senate, and I alongside with my companions," here she gestured behind her towards a dozen teenagers that stood silently in formation. "Shall lead you to your dormitories, where you shall reside in the next three years. Please follow us closely."
And with that, all of the students began to march their way towards Arayal. Leonidas and Leo followed suit.
"That chick is fine," Leo murmured in awe; Leonidas couldn't help but give a hearty laugh.