Inside the majestic cathedral of the Kaloch fiefdom, the spotlights of colorful stained glass cast beams of light that danced across the stone floor, illuminating the scene of their discussion. Two men, representing different facets of society, engaged in a heated conversation.
One of them wore a black cassock with golden embroidery, symbolizing his ecclesiastical position and his connection to the divine. His face displayed the wisdom acquired over many years of devotion and service to the church. He was Father Cicero, a man of considerable influence and the trust of Lord Kaloch.
Lord Kaloch, on the other hand, was immaculately dressed in golden armor that reflected the light from the stained glass, giving him an almost celestial aura. A hexagonal crest adorned his breastplate, standing out as a symbol of his noble lineage. The crest featured a sword at its center, surrounded by golden lilies, representing his military authority and connection to the nobility. It was evident that Lord Kaloch possessed significant power, both politically and militarily.
The atmosphere inside the cathedral was tense, reflecting the importance of their discussion. While Father Cicero sought spiritual guidance and made decisions based on religious principles, Lord Kaloch eagerly anticipated the upcoming event.
"Lord Kaloch, do you wish to address any other matters before we open the doors to the children?" Father Cicero inquired with reverence, awaiting the Lord's verdict.
"Let us proceed, Father Cicero. I confess I am looking forward to the surprises of this year!" Lord Kaloch replied with a smile, revealing his undeniable curiosity and enthusiasm.
The priest nodded in agreement, understanding that the event about to unfold was an important occasion, not only for the Kaloch fiefdom but also for the fate of the children waiting outside.
"Open the doors!" Cicero ordered with enthusiasm and solemnity.
The imposing iron doors of the cathedral began to move, creaking slightly, allowing the entry of the children, accompanied by their guardians. As the villagers crossed the cathedral's threshold, their eyes were immediately captivated by the dazzling sight of an interior adorned with glistening metals. It was a profusion of golden details that adorned the floor, walls, and even the ceiling of the place, evoking the splendor of Baroque Churches on Earth.
After a brief period of being dazzled by the magnificence of the cathedral, the villagers composed themselves and noticed the presence of their lord, standing to the right of Father Cicero. A clamor of reverence filled the crowd, echoing through the high vaults of the place.
"Long live Lord Kaloch!" the villagers shouted in unison, paying homage to their master with sincere devotion.
Many faces in the crowd displayed a mix of surprise and fear as they witnessed Lord Kaloch's presence. Johnny observed the villagers' reactions closely, trying to understand the significance of this mysterious man in golden armor.
His sister, Cecilia, noticing Johnny's curious gaze, whispered to him in a confidential tone, "The man in the golden armor is our Lord Kaloch. He serves directly under the king, the lord of all lands. Kaloch is our lord, the one who protects us from monsters, witches, and other horrors that haunt the night."
Johnny processed this information, his expression brightening with understanding. "Wow! That's enlightening!" he commented, feeling more informed about the world he was in.
Lord Kaloch, with his blue eyes that matched his tunic, offered a approving smile upon hearing Cecilia's whispered appreciation. The children in the cathedral, including Johnny, bore a peculiar blue tattoo on their necks, a symbol that united all the village's youth.
As Lord Kaloch smiled and addressed the children, a mystical sensation of warmth and comfort enveloped everyone, embracing their souls and filling them with a sense of well-being, as if something inexplicable and profound was occurring.
"What on earth was that?" Johnny asked Cecilia, feeling a shiver run down his spine, intrigued by the previous sensation.
It was a mystical experience beyond human comprehension that left Johnny puzzled. He couldn't help but sense that there was more to this world, something that transcended rational explanations.
"Thank you, Lord Kaloch," said the priest.
Johnny began to formulate theories about the world he was in. It was clear that power in human society was shared between the church and nobility, much like the medieval European period. However, there was a subtle difference, something inexplicable that seemed to transcend common stories. It was as if the world pulsed with a mysterious and indescribable aura, something he couldn't quite define but felt deep within his being.
"Let us begin! Welcome, everyone!" proclaimed Father Cicero, his voice echoing throughout the crowded cathedral. "As we know, your first awakening will define your role in our society. Some of you have been blessed with special talents, thanks to the benevolence of the gods and deserved privileges. As for the less fortunate, do not lose hope. Lord Kaloch will continue to watch over you as long as you remain faithful!"
The assembly listened attentively, a mixture of anxiety and hope painting their faces.
"Give thanks to the great Gaia for the mercy that has been bestowed upon us," proclaimed Lord Kaloch, his voice resonating with authority. "It is she who allows humble creatures like us to awaken our souls and find our place in this world's will!"
As the words echoed in the cathedral, Johnny watched carefully, trying to decipher the meaning behind the messages from the priest and the Lord. The magical aura he had felt before hung in the air, making the moment even more mysterious and intriguing.
"My lord, forgive me, but I believe terms like 'world's will,' 'souls,' and 'other parallel realities' may be difficult for our humble villagers to grasp. Allow me to simplify. Your souls have a hidden power that, thanks to the generosity of our Mother Gaia, can be awakened and cultivated, unlike other places where these gifts are suppressed. We are blessed with these talents! Some call it a talent, others the power of the soul. This power is distinct from mana and dark energies."
Cicero tried to translate the words, but the crowd still seemed confused and uncertain.
Lord Kaloch burst into a hearty laugh, causing the villagers to shrink back in fear, not understanding a word of what the priest or the Lord were discussing.
"Father, I am running late for my expedition! Let's avoid further confusion. Bring the Awakening Crystal!" Kaloch shouted impatiently.
"As you wish, my lord," Cícero replied with deference.
Meanwhile, Johnny was momentarily stunned by the Lord's words. "He just mentioned being aware of the existence of other realities? What kind of medieval world are we in? Could it be that... they are conducting an elaborate manipulation of the masses?" Johnny speculated, shaken. However, before he could delve further into his thoughts, the priest opened a curtain, revealing a colossal gray crystal, similar in proportions to a giraffe, at the back of the church.
"Dear young ones," Cícero began, in a reassuring tone, "listen carefully. Please organize yourselves in a single line and then touch the crystal with your hands. There is no reason to fear; nothing bad will happen to you."
The children complied, forming a single line. As they patiently waited, their curious eyes watched Father Cicero with great anticipation.
Cicero, standing beside the imposing crystal, began an ancient melody, a song that resonated with mysterious tones and cadences that seemed to have crossed centuries. His hand movements were as complex as they were mesmerizing, as if conducting an ancient ceremony of great power.
Johnny, attentive, focused all his attention on the priest, fascinated and intrigued by the actions unfolding before his eyes. He noticed that Cicero's hand gestures were in perfect harmony with the strange sung language, as if each movement were a note in an archaic symphony.
After a few minutes of invocation, a light began to appear in the air, drawing a figure resembling a pentagram, emitting an ethereal blue glow that echoed Lorde Kaloch's tattoo. The children, fascinated and slightly apprehensive, took a few steps back, feeling the intensity of the moment. It was clear that something extraordinary was about to happen in that sacred place.
Johnny, with wide eyes and a racing heart, stared at the strange symbol forming in the air. A sense of horror overcame him, and his mind began to drift into dark thoughts.
"What the hell is this? Wait! I've seen this pattern in my other life! I remember performing autopsies on some bodies with similar patterns! Are they Satanists? Are we being sacrificed by these sinful parents? I need to escape!" Johnny's thoughts raced.