The path stretched before them, a rugged trail that wound upward through the dense mountain forest.
Sage Nagasth had suggested the hike after breakfast, an idea that had surprised Kael. He hadn't expected such a gesture from her, especially after their heavy conversation. "Let's take this discussion to the mountains," she'd said, her tone calm but persuasive. "Sometimes, nature offers answers we can't find in the quiet of a room."
Kael had reluctantly agreed, though a strange tension settled inside him.
The crisp mountain air filled his lungs as they walked in silence, each step crunching over fallen leaves and pine needles. The trees loomed above them, their dense canopy casting dappled light on the ground, while birds chirped in the distance.
But beneath the beauty of nature, Kael's thoughts churned with questions and uncertainties. He replayed their earlier conversation over and over in his mind. It gnawed at him.
The sage walked ahead, her steps steady and sure as though the path was a second home to her. Kael's gaze drifted over her, admiring her calm in contrast to the storm of emotions
"You're thinking too much again," she said, her voice breaking the quiet of the forest.
Kael blinked, startled from his thoughts. He hadn't realized just how much his mind had wandered. "I have a lot on my mind," he admitted, his voice low.
"That's an understatement," she replied, amusement surfacing her voice. "But thinking too much can cloud your path. Sometimes, it's better to let things unfold as they are meant to."
They walked a little further, the incline of the mountain steepening. Kael's breath grew heavier, but the sage moved with ease, her presence calm and unhurried.
"The deity within you is named Aureon," she began, her voice as clear as the air around them. Kael listened attentively, finally finding something. "Aureon is the ancient deity of balance and power. Three million years ago, he last walked this earth, during an era we call the Vatsaraks' Age."
"Vatsaraks?" Kael interrupted, the familiar name catching his attention again.
"They were the saviors of mortals, protectors who stood between life and the forces that sought its destruction," she explained, her voice growing softer as if she was recounting a long-lost legend. "Aureon fought alongside them, wielding his Vashira, an immense power that balanced the forces of good and evil. It was after that battle that this system was born — a way to channel divine power through mortals when the time comes."
Kael frowned, his mind racing as he tried to piece together the fragments of history she was sharing. "So... Aureon fought with them, and then he just left? Slumbered?"
"Yes," she replied. "Aureon retreated to slumber once the threat had been neutralized. He is the deity of balance, after all, and in times of peace, his presence fades, waiting for the next cycle of chaos. And now, he has awakened once more."
Kael's heart sank, thinking of the darkness growing in his world. Within him. "Why now? Is humanity at risk again? Are we facing another war?"
Sage Nagasth's expression shifted, growing more solemn. She didn't answer immediately, and when she finally spoke, her tone was cryptic. "It is not the existence of humans that is at stake, Kael. It is the existence of humanity itself. People have begun to forget the roots of their existence, their very purpose, the divine essence that connects them to this world. It is not only war or darkness that threatens, but a loss of what it means to be human. The balance Aureon once preserved is slowly unraveling."
Her words struck him harder than he expected. He wanted to ask what she meant by the "roots of existence," but her tone made him hesitate. It felt too profound for a simple question, too deep to be captured in words.
"And why me?" Kael asked instead, his voice quiet. "Why would a deity like Aureon choose someone like me?"
Sage Nagasth's gaze softened, and she turned her eyes back to the path ahead. "There is a prophecy, Kael. It is written, but no one fully understands it. The deities choose as they will, and mortals like us can only speculate why. Sometimes, there is no reason — only purpose."
Her words left a heavy silence between them. Kael didn't like the idea of being part of something so... predetermined. He clenched his fists as they walked, frustration simmering in his chest. But before he could dwell too long on it, the sage continued.
"The Pantheon System," she said, turning her head to him, "is born from Aureon's power, but it is not fueled directly by his divine energy. It is based on his Vashira — his other half. That is why it is called the Pantheon System. No mortal, not even the chosen, can contain the full power of a deity without first achieving spiritual oneness that allows their soul to be fully connected to the deity itself."
Kael frowned, remembering what Aureon had said. "But Aureon said he's part of my soul now."
Sage Nagasth smiled as they came to a halt near a well at the mountain's peak. The well was old, overgrown with creeping vines and thick layers of dirt. She gestured toward it. "Being a part of something is not the same as being connected to it."
Kael stared at the well, confused. The sage crouched beside it, running her fingers along the worn stones. "Look at this well. It was once a source of life, drawing water from deep beneath the earth. But now, it's filled with debris and tangled roots, blocking what it was meant to do. Your connection to Aureon is like this well. The power is there, waiting, but the connection has yet to be cleared."
Kael swallowed, watching her fingers trace the crumbling stones. "So how do I clear the well?"
Sage Nagasth stood, brushing the dirt from her hands. "That is what the Pantheon System is for. Aureon's Vashira, his essence, is bound to you through this system, which was designed to gradually unlock the powers you can control without overwhelming you. Think of it as a bridge — a way for you to harness his power without it destroying you."
Kael stared at the well, understanding dawning in his mind.
"Your connection to Aureon must be nurtured, deepened," she continued. "And the only way to do that without risking your life is through the system. His Vashira, the Pantheon, is powerful, but in the form of a system, it is manageable. You can grow into that power — but only if you learn to control it."
"And how do I control it?"
"To control it," the sage said, "you must pass through trials. I will teach you everything you need to know — warfare, politics, ancient knowledge. You will apply that learning to complete certain tasks. The system is divided into hierarchies, and your first hierarchy will be the foundational trials."
"Foundational trials," Kael repeated, the name heavy on his tongue. "What kind of powers will I be able to control through them?"
"For now, the basics," she said as they resumed walking. "Your body is not yet ready to hold the full power of Aureon, but you will gain what is necessary. What we need now are the basic powers."
Kael's breathed in determined. "I'm ready."
Sage Nagasth stopped walking and turned to him, her expression questioning. "Are you?"
He was about to answer, but they had reached the highest point of the mountain.
The world stretched out before them, a vast sea of green forests and rolling hills. The air was cooler up here, thin and sharp, and while this area was usually crowded with hikers, today it was utterly still, empty.
"Can you fight?" the sage asked, her voice calm but edged with challenge.
Kael stood a little taller. "I've won gold medals in shooting, fencing, and jujutsu."
The sage's lips curved into a slight smile, one that carried a hint of amusement. "Let's see."
Without warning, she picked two stones, one that she tossed over to him and the other into the air. "Strike it before it hits the ground."
Kael's instincts kicked in. His hand flew to the other at his side, drawing it with practiced precision. He aimed for the falling stone, but he missed it, hitting the ground with a dull thud. Frustration surged through him as he stared at the blade, anger gnawing at his pride.
The sage watched him closely, her expression calm and unreadable. "Concentrate, Kael. Focus on the task at hand, not on winning, not on impressing me. And certainly not on the fear of failure."
Kael swallowed his frustration, taking a deep breath. He steadied his hands and his thoughts. When the sage tossed the stone again, this time, he didn't think — he just acted. His stone flew through the air, striking the stone cleanly before it fell.
Sage Nagasth nodded, a small glint of approval in her eyes. "In a real fight, you will not get a second chance."
Kael nodded, his face betraying nothing, but inside, he felt a pang of humility. He thought he had control, but the sage's words reminded him how far he still had to go.
They descended the mountain in silence, Sage Nagasth walking with the same steady pace, while Kael's thoughts churned with the enormity of what lay ahead.
As they neared the bottom of the trail, Sage Nagasth broke the silence. "You must resume gurukul from tomorrow."
Kael's brow furrowed, confused by the word. "Gurukul?"
The sage pursed her lips slightly. "University."
Kael's eyes widened and he shook his head. "No, I know what gurukul means, but will that knowledge be of any value to the things I'm about to face?"
Sage Nagasth's gaze softened, though there was still a trace of firmness in her expression. She stopped walking and turned to face him fully, the gentle breeze stirring her vastra. Her voice, though calm, carried an unyielding tone. "The knowledge you gain in a gurukul is not just for exams or debates, Kael. It shapes how you think, how you perceive the world, and how you solve the complex problems that will arise on your path."
Kael exhaled, the weight of her words sinking in. "But I'm dealing with deities and ancient powers. Will they really help me fight what's coming?"
A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "It's easy to think of university as something mundane when compared to the mysteries of nature. But do not underestimate the value of what you learn there. The wisdom of mortals, Kael, is just as important as the power of deities. You will need both."
The sage resumed walking, and Kael fell into step beside her. His thoughts were quieter now, no longer as restless as before.
"How do I know when I'm ready to wield this sytem's full power?"
Sage Nagasth glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "You will know when the time comes. Aureon's power is not something you will be handed in a single moment — it is something that will grow with you, as you learn and experience more. Hence, the hierarchies."
Kael swallowed, feeling the weight of her words settle in his chest. The uncertainty of it all, the vastness of what lay ahead, felt overwhelming. Yet there was a strange sense of comfort in the way she spoke, as if this path had already been walked by others before him, and he was simply following their steps.
"Tomorrow, you return to gurukul," she said firmly, breaking the silence. "I will continue your training, but you must continue your education as well. Both paths are equally important."
Her tone was resolute, leaving no room for debate. Kael nodded in quiet acknowledgment, though a silent struggle stirred within him. He began to speak, hesitant but determined to share a piece of his world with her.
"There's a debate competition in the next week," he said, glancing at her with a spark of enthusiasm. "Winning would earn me a dinner with the Simhika of House Valeran. It's a rare opportunity."
The sage listened thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing slightly, as though weighing the significance of his words. "Then you must participate," she replied, her voice steady. "I will train you well for that, too."
Kael couldn't help but feel a flicker of frustration, something unspoken twisting inside him. He wanted to prove himself, to show her — and perhaps even himself — that he could win without her help. The need to prove himself was never there because there was no competition but with the sage, it felt different. He was constantly questioning everything he knew and he did not like that.
The sage's knowing gaze cut through his thoughts. She smiled softly, the kind of smile that carried both understanding and quiet reassurance.
"I know you are capable of winning it on your own," she said, her voice gentle but firm, "but it is my dharma to teach you. Guiding you is the very reason you have freed me."
Her words landed like a steady hand on his shoulder, reassuring yet heavy with purpose. Kael nodded again, though deep inside, a small ache of pride remained, a quiet longing to succeed without assistance. Still, the wisdom in her words resonated with him.
He had freed her for a reason, after all. And now, she was here to fulfill her part.
When they finally returned home, a strange vulnerability washed over him, a feeling he hadn't expected. The familiar comfort of his house contrasted with the profound changes in his life.
Just before they entered, Kael turned to her, his voice quieter than before, the weight of his inner turmoil bubbling to the surface. "If I meet people… will they die?" he asked, his voice almost breaking under the strain of suppressed guilt.
Sage Nagasth looked at him with an expression that was both tender and deeply knowing. She placed a gentle hand on his head, and in that touch, Kael felt that similar overwhelming surge of emotion.
It was as if she could sense every burden he carried — his fears, his regrets, the shadow of loss that loomed over him. Her touch wasn't just comforting; it was healing, soothing a wound that had festered for far too long.
"No, Kael," she whispered, her voice a soft balm to his soul. "What happened to the people in your life was never your fault. And what happens in the future will not be your fault either. All you can do is continue your karma, righteously."
Kael exhaled shakily, as if the weight of her words had lifted something from his chest. The guilt, the self-blame that had gnawed at him for so long, seemed to ease, if only for a moment. He looked at her, his expression filled with a sadness that still lingered.
"Then… can I blame the deities?" he asked, a trace of bitterness in his voice.
Sage Nagasth smiled softly, the kind of smile that comes from understanding the deepest sorrows. "You already do."
Kael nodded, a faint, sad smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"But if it makes you feel better, you can blame them," she added, her voice tinged with quiet humor, softening the edges of his pain.
Needing space, Kael took a step back, his heart still heavy but his mind clearer. "I'm going to meet my friend," he said, the need for familiar comfort tugging at him. "Do you want to come with me?"
The sage shook her head, her voice light again, like the breeze that whispered through the trees. "No, I'm fine. Go. I'll be here when you return."
Kael left the house, the familiar path to Ezra's place soothing in its normalcy. His heart, still heavy with the burdens of everything he had learned, beat a little lighter with each step. When he reached Ezra's home, the sight of his friend — uncomplicated, unchanged — was like a lifeline to the world he had known before.
Ezra didn't hesitate. The moment he saw Kael, he crossed the room in a few strides and wrapped him in a tight embrace. It was the kind of hug that said everything words couldn't — an anchor in a storm, a reminder that no matter how much had changed, some things remained the same.
And in that warmth, Kael felt something inside him crack open. He hadn't realized just how much he needed it, how much he had missed the simplicity of human connection. To his surprise, tears welled up in his eyes, and for a brief moment, he let himself be vulnerable.
He did not tell him about Aureon, or the system, or the sage. Instead, they spoke of Ezra's life, his studies, the everyday things that now seemed like a distant memory to Kael. And for a few precious hours, Kael allowed himself to be in the moment. He laughed, he listened, and for the first time in what felt like ages, he smiled — a real, genuine smile. Ezra made sure of that.
When Kael finally returned home that evening, the house was quiet, bathed in the warm glow of soft lights. The smell of home-cooked food filled the air, a comforting scent that wrapped around Kael like a familiar embrace.
Sage Nagasth was meditating in the living room, her form serene, as though the world itself had slowed to match her stillness.
He basically held his breath to disturb her but she opened her eyes, greeting him with a small smile. He smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry for disturbing you."
"You did not," she got up and sat down with him to eat, the quiet of the house almost sacred in its calm.
After dinner, he offered Sage Nagasth his mother's room to stay in, a gesture of kindness and gratitude. But she politely declined, that same kind smile playing on her lips as she stood and prepared to leave.
"Where are you going?" Kael asked, puzzled by her sudden departure.
The sage paused at the door, turning back to him with a knowing look, her eyes deep with unspoken meaning. "Will you come with me to the Temple of Zarae?"
Kael felt a cold shiver run down his spine at the mention of the temple, a place steeped in memories that weighed heavily on his heart. The very name seemed to stir something dark and unresolved within him. He shook his head firmly, his voice tight. "No."
Sage Nagasth's expression softened, as though she had expected his answer. Her smile was gentle, understanding. She didn't push him, didn't try to persuade him. "Goodnight, Kael," she said softly, her voice filled with quiet compassion.
And with that, she walked out the door, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
Kael stood there for a long moment, staring after her, the silence of the house settling around him like a heavy cloak. He glanced toward his grandmother's room, the room he had so often sought comfort in after she had passed, but tonight, he didn't go in.
Instead, he walked into his own room, the door closing softly behind him.