As the dust settled, Kieran approached the pedestal, staring at the ancient tome. Its leather cover was marked with the same runes that adorned the sanctum, pulsating faintly as if alive.
Meliora joined him, her expression wary. "This tome... it's not ordinary. The magic radiating from it is far beyond anything I've encountered."
Kieran hesitated. "What are the chances that touching this thing will kill me instantly?"
"High," Meliora said without hesitation. "But it's also likely the key to whatever the Shadowed Order is planning."
Fredrick walked over, his broom resting on his shoulder. "Master, if anyone can handle it, it's you."
Kieran sighed. "You guys really need to stop saying that."
Taking a deep breath, he reached out and placed his hand on the tome. The moment his fingers made contact, a surge of energy shot through him, and the runes on the walls flared brightly.
The system chimed in his vision.
[System Notice: New reality thread unlocked. Potential ascension path detected.]
"Great," Kieran muttered. "Because that doesn't sound ominous at all."
As the glow subsided, the tome opened on its own, its pages turning rapidly before settling on a single, ominous passage.
Meliora read it aloud, her voice trembling slightly. "The Herald shall rise to unite the shadows... or consume them."
The three of them exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the words pressing down on them. Whatever lay ahead, it was clear that Kieran's fabricated prophecy was now dangerously close to becoming reality.
The chamber hummed with residual energy as the ancient tome lay open, its glowing runes casting long shadows on the stone walls. Kieran's hand hovered over the book, his mind racing as Meliora's voice echoed in his head.
"The Herald shall rise to unite the shadows... or consume them."
Fredrick broke the silence, his voice filled with unfiltered excitement. "Master, this has to be a sign! You're the Herald they've been waiting for!"
Kieran turned to his disciple, forcing a strained smile. "Yeah, a sign that we're in way over our heads."
Meliora, ever the voice of reason, stepped closer, her expression a mixture of reverence and caution. "Master, this tome is more than just a relic. It's a conduit of shadow magic, far older than the Shadowed Order itself. Whoever created it had knowledge far beyond what we consider possible."
Kieran sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Great. So, I've accidentally become the chosen one for a death cult using a cursed book. This just keeps getting better."
Before anyone could respond, the faint sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase above. The group instinctively fell silent, their eyes darting toward the doorway. Moments later, a group of robed figures entered the chamber, led by the High Priest.
The air grew thick with tension as the cultists spread out, their eyes locked on Kieran and the glowing tome.
The High Priest's voice reverberated through the room. "You have passed the Trial of the Ascendant, Chosen One. The shadows have deemed you worthy."
Kieran raised an eyebrow, glancing at Fredrick and Meliora. "Did we ever figure out what happens if I fail?"
Fredrick shook his head. "No, Master, but it doesn't matter now. You didn't!"
Meliora shot him a glare. "Fredrick, focus."
The High Priest stepped closer, their gaze piercing. "The Herald must now demonstrate their power to unify. Show us the might of the shadows, and we shall follow you."
Kieran's stomach dropped. Demonstrate? Unify? What does that even mean?
The system's familiar notification flickered into his vision.
[System Notice: Faith threshold detected. Power demonstration required to solidify belief.]
Kieran took a deep breath, trying to keep his composure. "Right. Of course. Let me just, uh, channel the shadows... or whatever it is you're expecting."
+
Kieran stepped forward, raising his hand dramatically toward the cultists. "Behold the power of the shadows!" he declared, pouring every ounce of fake confidence into his voice.
The air in the chamber grew heavy as the cultists murmured amongst themselves. The High Priest watched intently, their expression unreadable.
Kieran's mind raced. Okay, think. What do cultists love? Big, flashy displays. Something ridiculous that makes them think I'm unstoppable.
He pointed at one of the braziers lining the walls. "You shall see the flames of the shadows themselves bow to my will!"
The system hummed, reacting to the belief radiating from the cultists. The green flames flickered, growing brighter and twisting into the shape of a massive serpent. It coiled around the brazier, its glowing eyes fixed on the High Priest.
The cultists gasped, dropping to their knees. "The Herald commands the shadows!" one of them whispered.
Fredrick stared, wide-eyed. "Master, that was incredible! You really do control fire!"
Kieran shot him a look. "Fredrick, don't encourage them."
The High Priest's gaze lingered on the serpent before turning back to Kieran. "Your power is undeniable, Herald. But power alone is not enough. Will you unite us against those who threaten our order?"
Kieran hesitated, unsure how to answer. Before he could speak, Meliora stepped forward, her tone sharp. "Master's will transcends mortal concerns. If he deems it necessary, the shadows themselves will crush your enemies. But such a decision is his alone."
The cultists murmured again, clearly impressed by her confidence.
Kieran shot Meliora a grateful look. At least someone knows how to handle this insanity.
Before the conversation could continue, a sudden explosion rocked the chamber. Dust and debris rained from the ceiling as a section of the wall crumbled, revealing a group of heavily armored knights.
The lead knight, a towering figure clad in silver plate, stepped forward, his sword glowing with holy light. "By order of the Crown, the Shadowed Order is hereby disbanded! Surrender, or face judgment!"