"Really? The Nightmeir is that bad? If it was, then how'd they beat it?"
[Well, The Mother almighty, in her power and wisdom, chose unique individuals from the myriad races]
"The Leaders then?"
[No actually, not even close. Beings, that were completely unremarkable, in talent, and strength and even their social positions. Till date, we truly do not know, why she chose them. But history would be glad she did. She bestowed upon them, the mark of an Argonaut.]
"Ar-go-not....Argonaut"
[Yes. Unique abilities, were given to these beings, abilities that almost seemed catered to them. From being able to enchant a person by just a look to being able to wield a light that could even ward of the infinite darkness that was the Nightmeir]
[These beings fought, tooth and nail against the encroaching darkness, for it was their fate from the moment they were chosen]
"Grim"
[Indeed. 50 were chosen, only 50. Even with their new powers, the Argonauts fell, one by one. All of them died in a way relating to the Nightmeir. Even in their sleep, their deaths could be traced back to that darkness.]
"Grimm"
[When the last Argonaut of the first era, Sir Argos had fallen, 50 more were chosen anew. The cycle repeated, over, and over, over millions of years. The races came from many parts of the universe to aid, and eventually they built home for themselves here. Homes became communities, communities became cities, cities became kingdoms.
And Kingdoms, became the empires that we know today.]
"So...they didn't beat it?"
[Affirmative
As the history of Veria unfolded, Aedhira found himself immersed in a cosmic saga that transcended time and space. The echoes of ancient conflicts and the resilience of civilizations against the encroaching Nightmeir painted a tapestry of both tragedy and triumph.
"So, the Argonauts fought against the Nightmeir, and this cycle repeated over and over. But what about the current state of affairs? Is the Nightmeir still a threat?" Aedhira inquired, his mind weaving through the threads of Veria's history.
[Yes, Sire. The Nightmeir persists, a looming threat that continues to cast its shadow. The current era, marked by the presence of various empires and races, stands united in the face of this ancient adversary.]
"Are there still Argonauts? What happened to them?" Aedhira pressed on, seeking clarity on the fate of those chosen to combat the darkness.
[The era of the Argonauts has passed, Sire. Their legacy endures, and their sacrifice is remembered, but the chosen ones have ceased to exist. The mantle of protecting Veria now falls upon the shoulders of its current denizens.]
Aedhira sighed, realizing the weight of the responsibility that hung over the present generation. "So, we're on our own now? No Argonauts, no chosen ones?"
[In a way, yes. However, Sor Astiran was at heart, a pioneer. Your creator, made his way though records of the eons. And he had made an grim conclusion. The chances of the Argonauts returning was not low. In fact before he had passed, he predicted another round of the 'Choosing' would happen within the era of which you would awake.]
"What, you mean, like, right now?"
[No sire, it could have already happened, or it might happen within the coming years]
"Huh, but what's so grim about it?"
[He had also come to the conclusion that this would likely be the last round of the 'Choosing']
An uncomfortable silence followed.
"How sure?"
[Certain]
"Damn"
[Indeed]
"But what does this have to do with me? I'm not an Argonaut, and by all intents and purposed, chances of me being chosen is extremely low"
[Affirmative, however you failed to remember one crucial aspect, Veria herself, your mother, gave a part of herself to ensure your existence.]
Aedhira's eyebrows knit together in confusion. "If I don't have a mark, then how am I chosen"
[Perhaps if you chose to look inwards sire]
"What do you me-oh."
"OOOOHHHH"
"MY HEART"
[Affirmative, the Mark was used during forging of your heart. To quote you, "For all Intents and Purposes", you quite literally have the makings of a hero]
"That was...ugh" Aedhira cringed inwardly as he shivered slightly.
"Argos-"
[I apologize]
"As long as you know"