Chapter 22 [Apostles in Moonhaven]
Following their arrival on the island, Ryker and Rudhir successfully escorted Akarya and her companions back to the Elven Islands, accompanied by the Apostles of various Gods and Goddesses
However, three days had elapsed, and none of the Apostles had stirred, despite being confirmed to be in good health.
The Apostles of other Gods were situated in a special villa in the Moonhaven, the Capital City of the Elven Empire on 'The Origin' island.
Meanwhile, as news of the Apostles' arrival spread across Elven Island, the elven population was abuzz with a mix of emotions. Outrage and indignation simmered among some, who demanded that Damien, the Prince of the Fental Empire, be imprisoned in the Dimensional Prison, the Absolute Beginning Domain, for his audacious attack on their revered Saintess, Akarya. Others engaged in heated debates about the fate of the defeated Apostles, weighing the options of releasing them due to their pure motivations or detaining them on 'The Origin' island as a form of punishment.
In response to the growing unrest, the eight firstborn Elves convened an emergency Elven Council meeting to address these pressing concerns. After a brief yet intense discussion, a decision was reached: Damien would face a year-long imprisonment in the Absolute Beginning Domain for his attempted assassination of Saintess Akarya. Meanwhile, the Apostles of various Gods and Goddesses would be granted limited freedom to roam 'The Origin', albeit under the constant surveillance of Royal Guards and the clandestine watch of the Elven Assassin Legion. This elite group of shadowy operatives specialized in Darkness Magic, manipulation of shadows, and wielding deadly close-range weapons like daggers, sai, jitte, shuriken, and shaken.
Meanwhile, inside the capital of Verdentia, Moonhaven
Nestled amidst the serene surroundings of a lush garden, a medium-sized yet opulent villa stood, its exterior adorned in a harmonious blend of green and silver hues. The tranquil atmosphere was palpable, inviting all who entered to unwind and revel in the beauty of nature.
Within one of the villa's elegantly appointed rooms, five individuals lay slumbering, their peaceful repose a testament to the soothing ambiance. As the minutes ticked by, the stillness was gently disrupted, and after a brief ten-minute interval, the five began to stir, slowly awakening from their restful slumber.
Five people were none other than divine apostles. Surprisingly, the bodies felt fine. No, it felt amazing. The bed they were sleeping on seemed to be made of divine materials, as they simply never wanted to ever get out of it, an incredible warmth filling their bodies. As their eyelids slowly opened, they looked around, spotting each other as they slowly acclimated to the situation. The squad looked around, curious at their surroundings, and immediately explored the house, seeing the various rooms.
As the fog of unconsciousness lifted, the memories of their previous ordeal came flooding back - the intense battle against the enigmatic group, the crushing defeat, and the subsequent loss of consciousness.
The team realized they had been taken captive, a stark reminder that even their powerful guardians were unable to protect them. Upon awakening, they noticed a mysterious bracelet adorning their wrists, its purpose unknown.
Aether's thoughts turned to his system, seeking answers. "System, what is this bracelet?" he inquired mentally. The system responded, "Host, I'm unsure of its full functionality, but I believe it's a tracking device, similar to the GPS technology from your past life." Aether attempted to destroy the bracelet using his Aura and Mana, but the system warned, "No, host, my analysis indicates that your current power is insufficient to break this bracelet."
Unbeknownst to Aether and other, the bracelet granted the wearer immunity to Elven Island's intense gravity, which was twenty times stronger than the rest of the world, and also work as monitoring devices.
As they reconvened in the living room, the group cautiously opened a window near the hall, stealing a glimpse outside. Their collective gasp echoed through the room as they beheld a breathtaking metropolis. Majestic high-rise buildings, quaint houses, and elegant hotels stretched towards the sky, amidst a tapestry of lush greenery. Tiny fairies flitted about, tending to vibrant flowers that filled the air with a sweet, enchanting aroma. The city was alive with the gentle hum of magic.
The Divine Apostles, except Aether Valeria, were struck by the unfamiliar sight of Elves, their unparalleled beauty leaving the group blushing uncontrollably. The Apostles were utterly enchanted by the Elves' breathtaking beauty, struggling to comprehend how such a stunningly attractive and handsome race could exist. Each individual Elf possessed a captivating allure that surpassed even the most beautiful woman and men in the outside world, leaving the Apostles in awe. The Elves' beauty was not only captivating but also seemed almost ethereal.
The city's landscape was dotted with grand towers, pulsating with magical energy. One tower in particular caught their attention - the black-silver skyscraper that pierced the sky, its upper reaches shrouded in clouds. A gift from Asoka, it stood as a marvel of engineering. Nearby, a branch of the World Tree stretched towards the heavens, its full majesty obscured by a dense mist of mana.
At the heart of the city, a resplendent golden and green temple towered above the rest, its grandeur commanding reverence from all who passed. Regardless of age, occupation, or social standing, every individual - from guards to merchants, children to adults - bowed in unison to the magnificent statue of a being so breathtakingly beautiful and handsome that even men couldn't help but blush. This was Asoka, the God of the Elves, whose legend would unfold before the Apostles in time.
What struck the Apostles as truly remarkable, however, was the city's extraordinary aura of magic and elements. Never before had they encountered mana so pure, untainted, and efficient. The air was alive with an intense, yet harmonious, blend of magical and mystical energies that permeated every aspect of the city. The Elves' mastery of magic left the Apostles awestruck, their control and precision unparalleled. Even the youngest Elven children, barely three feet tall, wielded basic spells with ease and effectiveness, demonstrating an innate affinity for magic that seemed almost intrinsic to their race.
As the Apostles gazed out the window, taking in the wonders of Moonhaven, a sudden tapping on their shoulders sent shivers down their spines. They turned to find a group of Elven Guards, yet their presence seemingly materializing out of thin air. The Guards' signal to follow was clear, and the Apostles trailed behind them, their minds racing.
Blaze, usually the epitome of calm, spoke in a shocked tone, "I never even sensed them or heard them enter." Her expression betrayed her disbelief as they walked towards the grand temple.
Emma quickly responded, "I know, it's like they're not even there. We can't sense them through mana sense or Aura sense, nor hear any of their movements. If they didn't show themselves, they could be classified as Ghosts."
Leo, the Apostle of the Beast God, interrupted their conversation, "What do you all think they're calling us for?"
Aether, silent until now, added, "Probably to tell us what they're gonna do with us. Judging by their strength and the fact that this race has gone unknown for so long, I reckon they're able to match our various Empires or Families in combat."
The group fell into an uneasy silence, each lost in thought as they pondered Aether's words. The strange silence accompanied them until they entered the Grand Temple of Asoka, its elegance and mystique enveloping them like a shroud.
As the five Apostles arrived at the grand entrance, the leader of the guards halted before a majestic golden door. With a cautious tone, he warned, "Beyond this threshold lie the 8 most exalted Elves in our realm. They are the leaders, warriors, and sovereigns of our Elven Empire. You will also find Elven Saintess Akarya and the group who bested you in combat. Show the utmost respect."
The guards' leader paused, ensuring the Apostles understood the gravity of the moment. With a subtle nod, he gestured toward the golden door, inviting them to enter. The Apostles steeled themselves, aware that their actions would be scrutinized by the esteemed Elves within.
With the guard's words still echoing, the Apostles steeled themselves and took a collective deep breath. Aether, with a gentle touch, pushed open the golden door, revealing a chamber that shimmered with an otherworldly aura. As they entered, their bodies and souls were immediately enveloped by the dense, crystalline energy of pure mana. The air was alive with an intensity that verged on liquefaction, intoxicating their senses and igniting their innermost being.
Their cells hungrily devoured the pure mana, fueling their cultivation and sparking a transformative surge. Amidst this euphoric state, Leo achieved a breakthrough, his power bursting forth as he entered the early A-rank stage. The room's potent energy catalyzed his growth, elevating him to new heights.
As the clapping echoed through the chamber, the Apostles snapped out of their intoxicated state, their faces flushing with embarrassment. They had made a spectacle of themselves, and the realization was mortifying. As they turned towards the sound, their eyes met the majestic sight of 8 adult Elves, 4 male and 4 female, seated on a throne that seemed to embody the very essence of grandeur.
The 8 Firstborn Origin Elves still appeared to be crafted from the very fabric of light itself, their bodies shimmering with an ethereal glow.
With hair of Black, Golden, Crimson, and Purple, the eight Elves exuded an aura of elegance and serenity, yet simultaneously radiated an overwhelmingly powerful and suppressive energy that shook the Apostles to their very core. From the depths of their souls, the Apostles sensed that these Elves were not only strong, but terrifyingly so, and most importantly, they were extraordinary. Their magic was unlike anything the Apostles had ever seen, as if it surpassed their own in every conceivable way.
The sheer intensity of the Elves' magic made it impossible for the Apostles to meet their gaze, for if they dared to try, they felt an immense pressure bearing down on their bodies. Instead, they humbly lowered their heads, acknowledging the Rulers' superiority. Meanwhile, they also caught sight of Akarya and his group on the left side of the room, their presence a reminder of the Elves' formidable Young generation prowess.
Rudhir clapped and spoke, "Welcome an Apostles of god or goddesses, Ah, whatever you are. and you all are here to listen to your fate."