On the planet of Incantra, a land full of steampunk technology powered by magic, there exists a star-filled sea, called the Sea of Forgotten Dreams. In the center of that sea, is a lone island that holds the small cottage of the Caretaker and a round platform covered with withered vines. The name of the platform was lost to time, but the Keeper of Knowledge retained the ability to activate the portal. This is the place where life originated on Incantra and where our story begins.
In an era marked by rapid technological and magical progress, the ancient legends gradually faded into obscurity. It was during the dismantling of the ancient ruins of the Goddess Venselest Temple—whose name roughly means "goddess of corrosion"—that the sealed Jinn, the servants of the Old Gods, were inadvertently unleashed. Their release brought chaos to the land and its inhabitants, as they set about scattering the pieces of the Subjugation Stone, the very artifact capable of reining in the power of the Old Gods once more.
In this era of turmoil, the leading nations of the world sent forth their most skilled magi to collaborate in a powerful ritual aimed at summoning heroes. These champions would confront the wandering beasts and gather the indestructible fragments scattered across the land. Each esteemed magus arrived with a unique offering for the summoning, along with a magical stone that embodied the essence of the hero their realm sought to call forth. The six dominant powers were present, each with its own motives, and each contributing a magic stone to empower their selected hero.
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It was on the Island of Forgotten Dreams that six representing magi wearing hooded robes in their kingdom's colors, a Keeper of Knowledge, a descendent of the Caretaker, and a ferryman waited for the Keeper's assistant to finish drawing the magic circle on the summoning platform.
"How long does it take to cast a single magic spell?" The Keeper asked in a hushed tone.
Assistant Elek, a young man with light gray skin, pointed ears, and curly black hair, donned a patched brown leather trench coat over a white ruffled shirt, paired with brown slacks and a leather vest. His oversized goggles made his eyes appear comically large. He stood awkwardly on the elevated platform, gripping a hefty piece of charcoal infused with crushed sage, lavender, chamomile, and zoonias. Constantly consulting a tattered, aging text that seemed on the verge of disintegration without the protective spells surrounding it, he tilted the book sideways, frowning in concentration. He flipped it upside down, then back again, trying to decipher the old language that shifted meaning with each turn. Leaning over, he carefully drew another line on the platform, realizing it needed one more.
After drawing and redrawing several lines, he began to sweat, wishing that his superior was competent instead of a higher-up useless nephew. Then blessedly the platform began to glow blue and a quiet hum filled the air. He quickly got off the platform, but the back of his boot caught the edge of the circle and smeared the closed line open. He looked, while the six magis were holding hands around the platform and chanting a spell. No one seemed to notice what he'd done. There was no way to fix the spell without starting it from the beginning and it appeared to still work, so he decided to not interrupt.
Once their incantation was complete, a dazzling burst of light erupted, accompanied by a mist of expended mana. Gradually, the silhouettes of six heroes materialized. As the haze began to dissipate, they became fully visible, each boasting varying shades of brown skin. Aliens! They were unmistakably aliens, not from the world of Incantra!
"According to the platform, these beings originate from a planet known as Earth," said one of the Magi.
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These are the notes of Assistant Keeper Elek.
In the moon phase of Quintilis, 14th, of our year 5098, the great heroes of prophecy were summoned.
The Heroes provided by the platform are as follows:
1. The first is a slender male of light brown complexion, possessing brown hair. He appears to lead a sedentary lifestyle and wears thin goggles on his face. At thirty-four years of age, he is an insurance salesman, divorced, and has no children. He is known as Hero Brian.
2. The second hero is a petite female with a nearly white complexion and shoulder-length black hair, adorned with numerous piercings and bold black makeup around her dark green eyes. At eighteen years old, she has a passion for something she calls anime and is employed at a clothing store. She describes her romantic partners as being two-dimensional, which seems quite challenging. She is referred to as Hero Amy.
3. A female with a generously curved figure, characterized by her dark brown complexion and long hair styled in multiple braids reaching her hips, stood before us. She was dressed in short black trousers, a simple white blouse devoid of embellishments, and black high-heeled shoes, complemented by a jade necklace. She accused us of kidnapping and insisted that we return her home, threatening to strike us with her shoe if we did not comply. At twenty-five years of age, she is recognized as an influencer. She is Hero Jayla.
4. A short male appeared to be dressed quite ordinarily, with the exception of his vest, which featured an array of vibrant colors. He had a protruding abdomen that extended over his trousers and was accompanied by a peculiar-looking creature on a cord. This child, known as a puli, which he insists is his baby named Muffin. I find it rather unsettling that he has such hideous offspring and wonder what happened to his baby's mother. Additionally, he identifies as gay, a term my translator indicates means happy, it is a blessing that at least one of the heroes is pleased. He is fifty-two, has thinning gray hair, and carries a convenient sack called a fanny pack. I must commission one of these for myself. He holds the position of Director of Art at an institution dedicated to the preservation of historical artifacts for public viewing. He is referred to as Hero Nick.
5. A thirty-nine-year-old female was dressed in a snug shirt, soft blue fuzzy trousers, and matching fuzzy blue footwear. Her painted green face was adorned with pieces of vegetables, and her frizzy brown hair resembled that of a wild creature. She held a bottle filled with a vivid red liquid, from which she was drinking directly. Professionally, she is a dental hygienist, a role that involves placing hands in the mouths of others, a practice I consider quite barbaric and repulsive. She is known as Hero Olivia.
6. Among the heroes, there's a man who is notably the shortest. He possesses a remarkably strong jawline, small green eyes, and an orangish complexion. His physique is very muscular, and he is attired in a snug sleeveless white shirt paired with black shorts. His dark-blonde hair, which reaches shoulder length, is styled in perfectly formed waves. At the age of twenty-two, he works as a fitness coach. He is known as Hero Paul.
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"Great Heroes, we welcome you to Incantra and beseech you to collect the scattered fragments of the Subjugation Stone to save us all," said the Keeper.
"Wait, is this one of those cosplay events? Because I'm not prepared," exclaimed Hero Amy, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Can you believe what's happening? Last fall, I attended the comic-con in Manhattan, and it was absolutely amazing! Muffin looked adorable in her little red cape and matching booties—just the cutest! We spent the day shopping, enjoying the beautiful autumn leaves in Central Park, snapping photos, sipping on some Cosmos, and even met a charming guy! I just adore New York! The atmosphere and the costumes were so incredibly convincing, it really added to the experience. I adore this setup here, this lit platform is darling," said Hero Nick.
"You will have my assistant with you to document your journey, along with any Magi who want to volunteer, and a guide to help navigate your path," said the Keeper.
"Sorry for interrupting, did you just say that I would be going too?" Assistant Elek said.
"Indeed, either the Keeper or a representative must undertake the journey, and since I have no desire to go, the responsibility now lies with you, my assistant. I assumed this would be clear without me stating it. It's challenging to find reliable help," the Keeper said to the Magi next to him.
"Quickly choose from amongst the Heroes to give your magic stone to," said the Keeper.
The cloaked Magi exchanged uncertain looks before one stepped forward, approaching Hero Brian and presenting him with a fist-sized light gray stone.
"Great, thanks, a rock," said Hero Brian.
A different Magi approached Jayla and presented her with a deep crimson stone. "If you're thinking of bribing me, make it rubies, garnets, or diamonds—nothing less will do!"
The Magi persisted in distributing the extraordinary and rare magic stones, each one bestowing unique powers upon its bearer, depending on the stone's nature. Once the stones were given, the Magi recited the incantation to unleash their magic, and a surge of mystical energy enveloped the humans.
"Seriously? Why is this stone burning up?" Jayla said. She tossed the rock that had begun to shimmer with light. Then, she gently blew on her fingers, inspecting her long white nails to make sure her manicure remained intact.
"With the magic stones distributed, which of you Magi will embark on the journey?" said the Keeper.
All but one of the Magi retreated, leaving her as the sole choice to accompany them on their journey. A massive metal carriage approached, its legs resembling those of a giant spider. Atop the carriage, a transparent hatch revealed a bald man with a striking golden-brown complexion, a bushy red beard, and a glass eye, who was steering the peculiar vehicle.
"Pile in, everyone! I'll be your guide. I'm Finrod, but feel free to just call me Fin," said the driver.
"That's kind of awesome," said Hero Amy.
"Absolutely not! There's no way I'm hopping into a carriage that resembles a creepy spider! I demand to know what the hell is happening right this second!" said Hero Jayla.
Brian approached the carriage for a closer look, while Hero Paul moved in on Magi Inga, attempting to flirt with her.
"Is there any running water in there? I really need to splash some water on my face and use the restroom," Hero Olivia said.
"Once everyone is settled in the carriage, we can ensure that you all return home. My Assistant Elek will provide you with all the necessary details regarding your situation, and rest assured, there is a bathroom available for your convenience," the Keeper said.
"My back isn't in great shape, so it would really help if the spider could scooch closer to the ground," said Hero Nick.
The Keeper signaled for the guide to bring the spider down, and he complied. Following that, a staircase and handrail unfolded with a screech.
"Much better," said Hero Nick while grasping the handrail firmly as he ascended a few steps.
The six heroes, along with Magi Inga and Assistant Elek, all boarded the carriage, then they set off on their journey.
Coming Next: Danger in the Sea of Forgotten Dreams