Jason's heart raced with anticipation as he followed Athena Marinos's instructions, his mind buzzing with the revelation of being chosen by Hermes, the swift-footed messenger god. Lucas, with his dark intensity and a penchant for the mysterious, had been selected by Hades, god of the underworld. Sophia, wise beyond her years and embodying a calm authority, found herself blessed by Athena, goddess of wisdom and strategy.
In Hall A, recruits lined up, each awaiting their turn to enter the Celestial Cave where their divine patrons awaited to be revealed. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of nervousness and excitement. Jason couldn't wait to see what abilities Hermes had bestowed upon him and how they would shape his role in the Celestial Vanguard.
One by one, recruits emerged from the cave, their faces alight with awe or determination, bearing the marks of their chosen gods. Jason watched as Lucas emerged, his eyes gleaming with an unearthly intensity, the symbol of Hades etched upon his wrist. Sophia followed, her expression serene yet deeply focused, the owl-eyed emblem of Athena adorning her hand.
When Jason stepped into the Celestial Cave, a surge of energy enveloped him, as if the very essence of speed and agility flowed through its ancient walls. He approached the shimmering pool with reverence, dipping his hand into its cool depths. Visions flashed before him—swift movements, the wind at his back, and a sense of boundless energy. When he withdrew his hand, a lightning bolt shimmered brightly on his skin, the symbol of Hermes.
He grinned with exhilaration, feeling a newfound connection to his divine patron. As he rejoined Lucas and Sophia, they exchanged excited glances, each eager to discover the full extent of their newfound powers.
Athena Marinos reappeared, her presence commanding attention once more. "Congratulations, recruits. You have been chosen by the gods themselves. Now, it's time to test your combat abilities in the training room and assign you to your ranks within the Vanguard."
The trio followed Athena to the training room, where they were joined by other recruits, each displaying a unique symbol representing their chosen deity. Inside, the room was equipped with various obstacle courses, combat dummies, and simulation chambers designed to test their skills.
Jason felt a surge of adrenaline as he faced the challenges ahead. With the speed of Hermes coursing through his veins, he maneuvered through the obstacle course with effortless grace, dodging obstacles and leaping over barriers with lightning-fast reflexes. Lucas, harnessing the powers of Hades, demonstrated his mastery over shadows and darkness, seamlessly blending into the environment and striking with precision. Sophia, guided by Athena's wisdom, displayed strategic brilliance and tactical finesse, outmaneuvering opponents with calculated precision.
As the training session progressed, Athena Marinos observed their performances with a keen eye, evaluating their strengths and abilities. By the end of the session, she gathered the recruits once more, her expression one of pride and expectation.
"Well done, recruits," Athena announced, her voice echoing with authority. "Based on your performances today, I am pleased to assign you to your ranks within the Celestial Vanguard."
She proceeded to call out their names and ranks:
"Jason Reynolds, blessed by Hermes, you have demonstrated exceptional speed and agility. You are assigned the rank of skilled (gamma)."
"Lucas Blackwood, blessed by Hades, your mastery over shadows and tactical prowess marks you as an Expert (beta)."
"Sophia Everhart, blessed by Athena, your strategic brilliance and leadership qualities qualify you as a skilled (gamma)."
The trio exchanged proud smiles, their bond strengthened by their shared journey into the ranks of the Vanguard. As they prepared to embark on their first mission together, a sense of purpose and determination filled their hearts. They were ready to face the challenges of New Athens, armed with divine gifts and the steadfast camaraderie of the Celestial Vanguard.