The angel looked down at us, eyes full of wisdom accumulated over eons. Their voice resonated like a soothing breeze: "Magnus, a mortal of the Reverie Realms, and your sister, Anna. Fear not, for I am Seraphiel, a guardian of the astral realms."
My sister and I exchanged stunned glances, unsure if this was a dream or a reality. Seraphiel continued, "The harmony of the Reverie Cycle has been disrupted, and the fate of the realms hangs in the balance. You, Magnus, hold a unique connection to the astral realm."
I stammered, my voice filled with awe and confusion, "Seraphiel, the guardian of the astral realms? Who are you, and what are you talking about? What is this connection to the Realm Shards?"
Seraphiel's gaze held a profound understanding, and their voice carried a gentle reassurance. "Magnus, you are a key player in the cosmic world. The shards resonate with the essence of your soul, and through them, you can influence the balance of the realms. The disruption in the Reverie Cycle has awakened your dormant connection."
My sister, Anna, chimed in, her curiosity overcoming the initial shock. "So, what's the deal with these Realm Shards, and why is Magnus so important?"
Suddenly, the angel created a stage and had a microphone in his hand. He began to speak dramatically.
Long ago, there was a big cosmic event in a world of angels, devils, and mortals. It caused the protective shield around the spirits' world (we call it the astral realm) to break into many pieces. These broken pieces, called "Realm Shards," flew all over the mortal world.
When these shards landed in the mortal world, they brought a bit of the astral realm with them. Each shard is connected to a different dimension, making things a bit crazy.
The angels and devils, who were already not the best of friends, started fighting over these shards. The mortal world got caught in the middle of their big, chaotic war.
In the middle of all this mess, one person—let's call them the "Weaver"—decided to fix things. Instead of fighting, the weaver gathered all the broken pieces and wove them back together. They created a brand new realm—the astral realm.
The astral realm became a safe space, a barrier protecting the spirits from the chaos in the mortal world. After their battle, the angels and devils decided to leave the astral realm alone. It became a peaceful place where spirits could rest and recharge.
And that, my friend, is how the astral realm was created in the middle of a big celestial showdown between angels and devils.
The angel, after delivering the cosmic history lesson, looked at us with a twinkle in his eyes. "Magnus and Anna, you are the descendants of the weaver. The essence of the astral realm flows in your veins, and the fate of the Reverie Cycle now rests in your hands."
I curiously asked, "So the Reverie Cycle is the Reincarnation Cycle?"
The angel said, "Yes."
My sister and I exchanged bewildered glances, still trying to grasp the enormity of the revelation. The angel, Seraphiel, continued, "The astral realm is a testament to the weaver's creativity and resilience. Now, as the descendants, you inherit the responsibility to safeguard the balance of the realms."
With a dramatic flourish, Seraphiel gestured to the imaginary audience, "A round of applause for our celestial descendants, the guardians of the astral tapestry!"
The angel's theatrics added a touch of humor to the surreal situation, and despite the weighty destiny placed upon us, my sister and I found ourselves chuckling at the performance.
Seraphiel, now back to a more composed demeanor, addressed us once more: "Jokes aside, Magnus and Anna, your journey is just beginning. Let me tell you some important information."
Seraphiel, with a solemn expression, continued his revelation. "Magnus, Anna, the Crown of Eldoria, a relic of immense power, was destroyed in the clash between Nyx and Regulus. Its shattered fragments, the Eldorian Shards, now reside in different dimensions of the Mortal Realm."
He pointed towards an ethereal holographic map that materialized in the air, showcasing various realms interconnected by glowing threads. "Your duty, Magnus, is to traverse these dimensions, seek out the Eldorian Shards, and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. The balance of the realms hinges on your success."
I looked at Seraphiel with a furrowed brow. "But how do I traverse these dimensions? How can I retrieve the Eldorian Shards?"
Seraphiel nodded, acknowledging my question. "Reincarnation is the key. Each shard has embedded itself within the fabric of a different dimension, and to access them, you must be reborn in those realms. Your astral essence will guide you to the Eldorian Shards, allowing you to reclaim them and restore the balance."
I reflected for a while before asking, "I don't understand what will happen to our bodies. And what about Magnus Thaddeus? Am I dead as him?"
Seraphiel's gaze held a profound understanding as he responded, "Your mortal bodies will remain in their original state, and your memories will be preserved in the astral realm. As for Magnus Thaddeus, the individual whose identity you took when he died, his mortal journey has concluded."
This left a tinge of sadness in my heart. I am back to my real body. The Duke and Duchess Thaddeus will be sad.
I felt an overwhelming feeling of melancholy and a devastating realization that Magnus Thaddeus's mortal journey was coming to an end. The reality of his passing, the connections he forged, and the lives he touched in the Eldoria Empire became more pronounced. It was as if a chapter had closed, leaving behind a bittersweet residue of memories and emotions.
The Duke and Duchess Thaddeus, who had treated me as their own, would mourn the loss of their son. The friends I made in the empire—the camaraderie and shared experiences—now echo with a somber undertone. The vibrant world of Eldoria seemed both distant and fragile.
I told the angel, "Hey, give me some time to think. I need time to process these things. I will call for you."
Seraphiel, the angelic presence, nodded with understanding. "Take the time you need, Magnus. The astral realms move in harmony with the ebb and flow of mortal emotions. When you are ready, call upon me, and we shall continue the guidance of your journey."
As Seraphiel's figure gradually faded into the soft glow that had enveloped the room, I was left alone with my thoughts. The weight of the astral realm's revelations and the impending responsibility pressed upon me. The room returned to its ordinary state, and the atmosphere became one of introspection.
I dashed out of the room and went to my car. My sister followed me. We got into the car, and I drove through the city.
As I drove through the city, the atmosphere in the car hung heavy with the weight of revelations. Anna, in the passenger seat, remained silent for a while before breaking the tension.
"Magnus, what happened to you? Why are you acting weird?" Her eyes bore into me, a mixture of curiosity and concern evident in her gaze.
I sighed, realizing that I couldn't keep everything from her. "Anna, I realized. I can't go back to Magnus Thaddeus. He is dead now."
Her eyes widened with disbelief. "I know, Magnus, but why is it affecting you??"
"He is dead, Anna. All my friends and my family there are going to be devastated. And now I have a new goal." I explained, choosing my words carefully.
Anna's expression shifted to a blend of confusion and worry. "A new goal? Come on, Magnus, don't tell me your going to collect the shards."
I hesitated before continuing, "Yes, there's a responsibility that comes with our existence. I have to gather them from different dimensions. It means I'll have to leave, at least for a while."
Anna's gaze intensified, sensing there was more to the story. "Leave? For how long? What about us, Magnus?"
"I'll come back, Anna. " I revealed it, expecting her shock.
Anna sat in stunned silence for a moment before speaking, "Then even I am coming with you." I suddenly stopped the car.
I looked at Anna, her expression a mix of determination and concern. "No, Anna. This is something I have to do on my own. It's a journey that involves risks, uncertainties, and different lives. I can't ask you to come along."
Her eyes narrowed, and a hint of frustration crept into her voice. "Magnus, we're family. If you're going through something, I want to be there with you. I don't want to be left behind."
I sighed, understanding her perspective but also knowing the complexities of the astral realm's demands. "Anna, it's not that simple. This journey involves traversing dimensions and facing challenges, and I can't guarantee safety. I need you to stay here, to hold down the fort, so to speak."
Her frustration turned into a stubborn resolve. "I'm not letting you face this alone. If there's danger, we'll face it together. You're not leaving me behind, Magnus." I looked away angrily.
As we navigated the streets, the tension in the car seemed to thicken. Suddenly, a commotion up ahead caught my attention. I saw a crowd gathered around something. I heard a familiar voice shouting, "Who are you guys? And what are metal lights?" That person had red hair, and a small girl with black hair was standing behind him. He was moving his bow sideways.
It was Rowan.