Yesh Academy, Center Tower
Golden Dawn HQ
Luna, Terra
Gaea Solar system
Milky Way Galaxy, Charlie Sector
Neutral Free Zone
March 27th 2019
Blaring alarms reverberated through the central hub of the Golden Dawn, the air thick with urgency as Analyst agents scurried like a disturbed hive. Scarlet light pulsed in harsh intervals from crystal orbs embedded in the walls, casting ominous shadows that flickered over the chaos. Large holographic displays dominated the room, projecting maps of Terra and the Hidden World in shimmering, intricate detail. The shifting lines and markers painted a grim picture of impending disaster, each glowing dot representing a site of concern or a potential flashpoint for catastrophe. At the heart of the operational frenzy, a group of Scryers sat in concentric circles, their helmets glowing with eerie blue runes as they worked in unison. Their hands moved in precise, almost ritualistic gestures, linking their collective minds to probe the veils of reality. The hidden areas of Terra—their mysteries usually impenetrable—were slowly revealed, but the effort was taking its toll. A few Scryers slumped in exhaustion, their helmets dimming as they were replaced by fresh reinforcements.
Above it all, on the observation deck overlooking the chaos, stood Emanu Yesh. Her orange armor gleamed faintly under the strobing red light, the segmented plates contouring her lithe frame with both elegance and functionality. Her braided red hair, coiled tightly into a bun, gave her an air of precision and discipline. Yet her piercing gaze betrayed something deeper—an old and familiar dread. She clasped her hands behind her back, her posture rigid as she watched the scene unfold below. The Celestial Realignment was accelerating, its rhythm growing more erratic and ominous. The stars themselves seemed to whisper of an upheaval unseen for centuries, their cosmic dance tilting the balance of existence. Terra—both the mundane world and its Hidden counterpart—was on the precipice of an event not witnessed in five hundred years.
Emanu's thoughts turned to the last time the Realignment had occurred, and a cold shiver coursed through her spine despite the heat of the bustling room. The memories were as vivid as they were haunting: entire cities swallowed by chaos, the boundaries between the mundane and the Hidden shattered, and the cries of those who had been lost to the void. She could still recall the desperation of those days, the fragile alliances formed in the face of annihilation, and the cost of survival.
But this time, it felt different—worse. The energy emanating from the stars carried a chaotic resonance that set her teeth on edge. The divine intervention that had once shielded humanity on mundane Terra from the knowledge of such cosmic upheavals was now little more than a memory. Five centuries ago, the divine powers had wiped the collective memories of humanity, erasing the scars of the Realignment and leaving the mundane world blissfully unaware of the horrors they had narrowly escaped. But now, the veil between worlds was thinning, and she doubted that such intervention would come again. Not when there was nothing to intervene in.
"Guardian Yesh," a voice called, breaking her reverie. She turned to see a junior officer standing at attention, his expression tense. "The Scryers have identified a focal point—a major disturbance near the convergence zone in the Hidden World. It's... escalating rapidly."
Emanu's jaw tightened. The Hidden World, the realm intertwined with Terra yet concealed from mundane eyes, was the key to understanding—and surviving—this Realignment. If the convergence zone was destabilizing, the worst was yet to come. She was about to issue orders to deploy to the zone when the doors to the observation deck hissed open. A junior officer hurried in, his expression pale, his steps frantic.
"Guardian Yesh," he stammered, catching his breath. "We've received a report—an incoming Pillar over the Atlantic Ocean."
Emanu froze mid-stride, her sharp gaze locking onto the officer. "How long?"
"Imminent approach confirmed," he said, his voice trembling. "Estimated arrival in twenty minutes." The room seemed to shift, the chaos growing heavier as the Analysts nearby registered the news. A Pillar—an ancient, enigmatic force tied to the Odyllic, the will of the universe—was not just a marker of the Realignment; it was a harbinger of devastation. But this wasn't just devastation—it was annihilation on a scale few could comprehend.
Emanu's breath hitched as she realized what this meant. When a Pillar descended, it warped the very fabric of space, folding and twisting reality around its impact point. The Atlantic Ocean wouldn't simply flood or rage—it would cease to exist. The vast expanse of water, its depths, and everything that relied on it for survival would vanish in an instant, ripped from existence and flung into the unknown void. The implications were catastrophic. Coastal ecosystems, trade routes, entire cities—all would crumble as the Atlantic's absence destabilized the planet's balance.
"What the hell is the Odyllic thinking?" Emanu hissed, the question slipping through her teeth before she could stop herself. The Odyllic, the omnipotent will of the universe, was meant to ensure cosmic harmony. It was neither cruel nor kind, but impartial and absolute. For it to allow—or will—such an event implied a purpose far beyond mortal understanding. She turned sharply toward the main holographic display. The Atlantic Ocean was highlighted in ominous red, its expanse flickering as if it were already destabilizing. Her mind raced. Twenty minutes. Twenty minutes to prepare for an event that would alter Terra forever. The Atlantic's disappearance would send shockwaves—both physical and political—rippling across the planet. It would force the Hidden World's existence into the light, exposing its secrets to mundane humanity. They would demand answers, but answers wouldn't matter if no one survived long enough to hear them. Emanu's mind raced, stuck between two crises—a disturbance near the convergence zone threatening the delicate balance of Terra's realms, and now this catastrophe that could wipe out all life on the planet.
Before she could decide on a course of action, a commanding voice cut through the din.
"Get to the Atlantic."
The junior officer flinched, his head snapping toward the source of the voice. Behind him stood a figure that seemed to radiate authority, clad in the crimson and orange uniform of the Golden Dawn. It was Supreme Guardian Phoebe Yesh, her presence demanding the attention of everyone in the room. She strode past the officer without sparing him a glance, her sharp eyes fixed on her daughter.
Emanu turned, her jaw tightening further. "What about the convergence zone?"
"Leave it for now," Phoebe said curtly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll deploy any available operatives to monitor it. The Pillar is the greater threat, and there's no time to evacuate the coastal regions. You'll have to stop it yourself."
Emanu's breath caught. "Can't Father handle it?"
Phoebe's eyes softened slightly, but her voice remained firm. "He's still tied up dealing with the Lamentias aftermath. This is on you, Emanu. And if it's too much—" she hesitated, just for a moment, before continuing, "—you have your Authority. Don't be afraid to use it if you must."
Emanu's heart sank at the mention of her Authority. It was a last resort, a power tied to her very essence, one that came with a cost she wasn't sure she could bear. But this wasn't the time to hesitate. The lives of billions hung in the balance.
"Understood," Emanu said with a quiet resolve, though her mind churned with anxiety. She raised her hand, making a fluid gesture in the air. Space itself seemed to ripple and fold in response, forming a wormhole that shimmered like liquid glass. Without a word, she stepped through, her figure dissolving into the rift.
On the other side, the oppressive hum of reality greeted her as she emerged high above the Atlantic Ocean. The air here was thick, charged with unnatural energy, the precursor to the Pillar's arrival. Far below, the endless expanse of water stretched out to the horizon, its serene surface betraying no hint of the catastrophe about to unfold.
Emanu steadied herself, her armor amplifying her senses as she scanned the skies. The Pillar's approach was imminent. She could feel the warping of space intensifying, twisting the fabric of existence like a storm brewing within the void. The Atlantic's days—no, its minutes—were numbered.
This was no ordinary mission. Stopping a Pillar was not just a matter of strength but of will, strategy, and timing. If she failed, not only would the Atlantic vanish, but the cascading effects could unravel the entire planet's stability, dragging Terra—and perhaps the Hidden World—into oblivion.
Her mother's words echoed in her mind. You'll have to do it. Use your Authority if it's too much.
Emanu clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. If the Odyllic willed this, then she would defy even the will of the universe itself to protect Terra. As the skies darkened and the air began to hum with the arrival of the Pillar, she prepared herself.
If the first phase of Ascension, the Awakening Phase, served as the foundation, allowing a Mystic to activate their Soul Core and awaken to the connection between their soul and the Odyllic—the will of the universe—then the second phase, known as the Immortal Phase or Harmonization Stage, marked the deepening of that connection, refining and strengthening the Mystic's bond between body, mind, and soul. During the Immortal Phase, the Ascendant worked on refining their Soul Core and the Vitality Forcefield, a vital aspect of their being that housed the lifeforce energy of their physical body. This forcefield acted as both a shield and a reservoir of energy, amplifying the Ascendant's vitality and fortifying their physical form. Through rigorous training, meditation, and often intense trials, the Ascendant learns to bind the soul, mind, and body further together, harmonizing them into a singular, unified entity.
The process required more than just increasing power—it was about achieving balance and self-integration. The Vitality Forcefield protected the physical body from external harm, while also serving as a conduit for the life force that sustains the Ascendant. By harmonizing the soul's energy with the body's life force, the Ascendant could unlock new layers of resilience, strength, and longevity. This phase demanded deep introspection and self-discipline, as the Ascendant had to confront inner conflicts, heal past wounds, and purge spiritual stagnation. Only by resolving these inner contradictions could they reach true harmony. Through this refinement, their Vitality Forcefield would become more stable and potent, ensuring their continued growth and preparation for the higher stages of Ascension.
Those who successfully navigated the Immortal Phase radiated a quiet yet formidable presence, their forcefield acting as a reflection of their inner strength. The challenges of this phase were formidable, but for those who endured, it became the crucible that forged them into something beyond mere mortals, preparing them for the further stages of Ascension and a deeper connection to the Odyllic. At this very phase, Emanu Yesh stood at the pinnacle, having reached the highest realm possible. If the Sage Realm was the first realm of the phase, where Rex, Meri, and Freya belonged, then the path continued through the Saint Realm, Lord Realm, and King Realm, each marking a deeper connection and mastery over the soul, mind, and body. Finally, the Emperor Realm represented the highest attainable state for a non-divine being—where an Ascendant's control over their Vitality Forcefield and connection to the Odyllic reached its peak, granting them immense power that could alter reality itself.
Emanu had climbed through each of these realms, her power refined to an almost transcendental level, standing as a master of her soul and the forces of the universe. Yet, there was more—she was the offspring of two gods, her soul bearing fragments of divinity. This marked her as a Godkin, a being with the potential to transcend even the boundaries of mortal ascension, walking the line between the divine and the mortal. Emanu held her Divine-grade Enchanted Blade, a unique orange and red polearm that appeared to be crafted from wood, though it was no ordinary wood. The weapon's curved, single-edged blade shimmered with a faint, ethereal glow. This Intelligent weapon, bearing both sentience and divinity, amplified Emanu's already immense power, responding to her thoughts and desires. With every swing, it not only enhanced her physical might but also channeled the divine fragments within her soul, making her an even more formidable force.
As the storm of energy swirled and coalesced above her, the sky itself began to fracture. Fissures spread across the atmosphere cracks running like spider webs as the pressure reached an unbearable point. The fabric of the heavens trembled, shattering like glass, unleashing a colossal pillar of light that surged downward, its radiant force threatening to engulf the entire Atlantic Ocean in a blinding flood of energy. Emanu's aura flared in response, expanding with an intensity unlike anything seen before. Her spiritual power surged outward in a tidal wave, an overwhelming force that rippled across the very fabric of reality. Her Odic force carried her Will force, amplifying it on a scale so vast that it covered the entire expanse of the Atlantic. From North America to North Africa, and from Brazil to Liberia, the immense force of her presence stretched across the ocean, filling the air with an electric tension, as if the world was holding its breath.
At that moment, she was more than just a master of her power—she was a living force of nature, her will shaping the flow of energy around her, pushing back against the cataclysmic force threatening to consume the world. As if it bore its own will, the Pillar of Light pulsed, sensing the presence of an obstacle that impeded its path. It recoiled, realizing there was something in its way—something preventing it from fulfilling its purpose. Driven by an unrelenting compulsion to complete its task, the pillar tried to intensify its energy, attempting to warp the barrier and push it aside. The force surged, growing brighter, trying to overtake the obstruction that stood before it. But Emanu's Will Force was unwavering. It clamped down on the pillar, an iron grip of intent that surged from her core. With a sharp, deliberate focus, her power fused with her will, anchoring the pillar in place and preventing it from escalating further. The pillar, once a roaring beacon of light, now faltered, its attempt to expand and warp reality thwarted. Emanu's determination locked it in place, rendering it unable to act, her will a constant, immovable presence holding the pillar at bay.
The Odyllic, sensing the presence of a powerful being obstructing its grand design, responded in kind. The Pillar began to intensify, its density and concentration of Spatial Force escalating to unprecedented levels. The once-radiant light of the Pillar darkened, its edges now tinged with an ominous void. Surges of black lightning crackled and arced outward, splitting the heavens as deafening thunder roared through the clouds. A suffocating pressure, separate and distinct from the power Emanu exuded, rippled across the atmosphere, signaling the Odyllic's growing resolve. Emanu felt the counterattack immediately. The immense force of the Pillar began to push her aura back, its descent becoming more forceful and relentless. Her expression tightened for a moment, then softened into resignation as she exhaled deeply. She knew what had to be done. There was no avoiding it now—this was beyond sheer strength or will. It was time to invoke her Authority.
[Divine Authority: Edict of Time – Frostbound Eternity]
With a commanding gesture, Emanu summoned the essence of winter—the eternal stillness, the frozen moments that defy the passage of time. A profound silence fell over the battlefield as she created a Temporal Zone, a realm where the flow of time itself was arrested. Within this frozen domain, all motion ceased. The once-violent ocean stilled, its waves locked in mid-swell. Lifeforms beneath the surface froze in suspended animation, dark clouds overhead halted their roiling churn, and even intangible forces—sound, light, and the crackling of the black lightning—were arrested in their tracks.
The air itself transformed as the Edict took hold. Temperatures plummeted instantly, a bone-chilling frost radiating outward from Emanu. Frost crystals began to expand in fractal patterns, their icy beauty creeping across the ocean's surface. Snowflakes, conjured by the Edict's presence, hovered in place, shimmering like suspended stars in an ethereal, frozen tableau. The entire scene felt otherworldly, as if reality itself had been locked in an eternal winter.
At the heart of this frozen world, the Pillar of Light loomed, its once-threatening descent arrested mid-motion. It hung there, suspended like a Damocles sword, caught in the grip of Emanu's timeless frost. The intense pressure it had emitted moments before was now reduced to a silent, dormant force, utterly subdued within the frozen eternity she had woven.
For a moment, Emanu stood at the center of it all, her breath visible in the frigid air. The storm was quelled, but the cost of maintaining such an Authority was immense. She closed her eyes briefly, her resolve unshaken. For now, she had averted the extinction event, halting the Pillar's destructive descent and preserving the Atlantic—along with the fragile balance of Terra. The frozen realm she had created stood as a testament to her resolve, a temporary sanctuary against the chaos unleashed by the Odyllic's will.
All that remained now was to endure, to hold this stalemate until the Celestial Realignment reached its completion. Emanu knew the Realignment's end would determine whether the forces of the universe would stabilize or if another calamity awaited. For the moment, she could only watch, her Divine Authority sustaining the fragile equilibrium she had imposed, her spirit braced for whatever came next.
The sky above remained fractured, its glass-like fissures glinting ominously in the frozen light. Though the immediate crisis had been contained, Emanu understood that this was no victory—merely a reprieve. The forces at work were vast and incomprehensible, and the true magnitude of the Realignment's consequences had yet to reveal themselves.