After receiving the pamphlets, we returned to our room. Over the next couple of days, we spent most of our time sightseeing around the ship and watching Ranker battles in the booth. We also observed some of the Rankers training in the simulation area. While some displays were absolutely incredible, others were less impressive.
As the days passed, the excitement built up. Finally, from the dock, we could see the Stone Tablet Island coming into view. Its imposing presence against the horizon filled me with both anticipation and a flicker of unease.
As we stepped off the ship, the island greeted us with breathtaking sights—modern buildings, beach houses, and performers displaying their powers in dazzling tricks. These people had powers, but instead of using them for combat, they performed tricks to entertain the crowd.
We made our way to a hotel where we were handed the key to our room. Thankfully, all of it had already been paid for. As we settled in, someone called for all the newcomers aspiring to become Rankers. They informed us that we'd head to the Stone Tablet early the next morning at 8 a.m.
The thought of finally gaining powers filled me with excitement, but as always, Jason was the one brimming with energy. "Yes! We made it!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.
After grabbing something to eat, we returned to our room and decided to get some rest early for the big day ahead.
As I lay in bed, my thoughts drifted, and soon I found myself hearing the song my mother used to sing to me:
Bow down to my dynasty.
Bow down to the world I see.
Cause they have been (calling me x2).
They've been calling me royalty.
The song echoed in my mind, and I always thought of it as something a god might proclaim—a declaration of authority and divine vision. It spoke of commanding others to bow to a dynasty and to see a world that only the singer could envision. Though I didn't understand why the song replayed in my mind, it soothed me in an inexplicable way.
Then, like a flash, morning came. Jason's voice jolted me awake. "Come on, Ragnarok! Get ready, let's do this!" he shouted, his enthusiasm as persistent as ever.
I groaned, rubbing my eyes. "Wait, it's not like the island is going anywhere."
Jason laughed. "Yeah, it's not. But let's join the 8 a.m. crew so we'll have time to explore the island later!"
Reluctantly, I got up, ready to face whatever awaited us at the Stone Tablet.
We freshened up and headed downstairs, where I spotted Kelvin standing with a group of island natives. It seemed like they were our escorts, though I couldn't understand why we'd need them in the first place. The Stone Tablet was colossal—so towering that I imagined only someone in a helicopter or capable of flight could truly take it all in. There was no way anyone could miss it.
Then again, I remembered what the pamphlet had said about the forest surrounding the barrier. It mentioned man-eating plants that had to be avoided. Maybe that's why the escort was necessary.
Still, I reassured myself: We probably won't run into anything dangerous. But the nagging thought lingered—I might have just jinxed it.
After everyone was ready, the journey to the Stone Tablet began. We took the safe routes through the forest, which meant the trip wasn't particularly eventful. After two hours of walking, we finally arrived at the edge of the barrier.
The journey itself had been uneventful, but it wasn't boring for me. Along the way, Kelvin and I talked about the history of the island's people. He told me about their unique customs, their connection to the Stone Tablet, and how their culture had evolved over the years. At some point, I introduced Jason to Kelvin, and the three of us fell into easy conversation, even if Jason's enthusiasm occasionally made Kelvin laugh.
When we reached the barrier, the group of natives escorting us came to a halt. Kelvin, who couldn't have been more than sixteen , gestured toward the glowing boundary ahead. "This is where we stop," he said with a calm yet firm tone. "You'll need to go ahead from here. Once you're all done, we'll be here to guide you back to the hotel."
Jason and I exchanged a nod before stepping into the barrier. The moment we crossed it, a wave of energy surged through us. The ground itself seemed to pulse with life, and an inexplicable calm washed over me. It was as if every ache, every ounce of fatigue in my body, had been erased. I felt renewed, almost like being born again.
Both of us let out a sigh of relief, almost instinctively. It wasn't just physical—it was as though our very souls had been cleansed.
We pressed forward, stopping at the base of the massive Stone Tablet, just as the pamphlet had instructed. Placing our hands on its smooth surface, I noticed others around us doing the same. Then, it happened—everyone began to enter a strange, trance-like state.
I could see it on Jason's face—his body still, yet his expression spoke of something profound happening within. Around me, others seemed to be experiencing something similar. But for me... there was nothing.
I waited, my hand still pressed to the tablet, but there was no rush of power, no life-altering revelation. My chest tightened as confusion set in. Then, without warning, everything went blank.
When I opened my eyes, I was no longer inside the barrier. Instead, I found myself outside it, standing on solid ground with a watch now clasped around my wrist. Just like the pamphlet indicated and Jason was by my side too."
____
Somewhere beyond the three realm, in the realm where Valkyries dwelled as they awaited the time to choose their companions, a group of them gathered in discussion.
One of the Valkyries sighed heavily. "Ah, it's been years, and I still haven't found a suitable companion," she said, frustration evident in her voice.
Another chuckled softly. "It's not just you, you know. There are 13 of us, and Lady Azura was taken away by the Protectors. Four of us have already chosen companions, so that leaves only eight of us. We still have time to relax." She turned to another and added, "But Vivian, why have you returned? Didn't you already choose a companion?"
Vivian's expression darkened slightly. "I did. But after my companion entered the Heaven Realm, he lost a lot of battles in heaven. Which made him fall back to the Hell Realm, and I was forced to abandon him. It'll take someone who has fallen down a realm five years to recover before they can touch the Stone Tablet again."
Another Valkyrie raised an eyebrow. "If he recovers and touches the tablet, will you go back to him?"
Vivian shook her head firmly. "You know that's not possible. Once a bond is broken, it cannot be reformed."
The group fell into a mix of chatter and laughter, teasing one another about their misfortunes and choices. Their lighthearted conversation, however, was abruptly interrupted.
The moment Ragnarok touched the Stone Tablet, an overwhelming aura erupted through the realms. Some of the Valkyries gasped in shock, and a few even coughed, as if the sheer presence pressed down on them.
"What... what is this?" one of them stammered, her eyes wide. "Isn't this Lady Azura's power?"
Another Valkyrie nodded slowly, her voice trembling. "It is, but... from which realm? And why does it feel... magnified? It's as though her power has grown a millionfold—almost rivaling the presence of the Supreme Being!"
"But Lady Azura is still with the Protectors," one of them whispered, disbelief coloring her words.
The second-highest-ranked Valkyrie stepped forward, her expression stern. "Find out which realm this aura is coming from. I want answers immediately. Inform me the moment you discover anything."
Another Valkyrie smirked. "You just want to claim this companion for yourself, don't you? Well, I won't let that happen without a fight!"
The group broke into a mixture of determination and rivalry, the once-casual atmosphere now heavy with intrigue and urgency. All their attention was now focused on the strange and powerful presence that had shaken their very core.