Year 1999 AGS Underhaven Calendar
The sky is shining again. I wonder where the light comes from. They said we will be taught about the world when we reach 8 years old. I'm excited since I am now 7 and by this November, I will learn every secret this world has.
I am Equirel, the son of Daniel, the great seer. We live at Underhaven. It's basically at the center of Bastion, our world. When I mean center, I mean underground center. Our elders won't allow us to go out to the world of Mortals and Shades. Not until we are 21 and for women are 25. Aside from going out, it is also a rule that we the children should enjoy until we were 8. By this age school starts, up until when we are allowed to go out. That is when we celebrate our coming of age.
"Equirel, time for breakfast." Coming Mom. My mother is Natasha of the White Flame, she is a warrior of the white flame clan, the strongest clan of Templars under the Elder Michael. Elder Michael is the baddest and coolest there is. Wherever there is trouble, he comes in with crack of lightning, then boom! He enters the scene. By that time the trouble stops when they hear the sound.
"Hurry and have your breakfast. Today is an important day for us Templars." Natasha said. "The descent of the Gods?" I spoke. "Yes, yes. Hurry up and go meet with your dad on the center of Underhaven. You might get lost if there are already too many people."
"I will go now, mom." "Have you finished eating?". "Yes." "Be careful not to get lost."
This time I will get to see Elder Michael of the Blue Lightning since he will be the one to start the event. "Pssh! Boom! Pssh! Boom! Pssh! Boom!" I playfully shouted.
"Hey Equirel! We are early again. Haha!" said Tamael. Tamael is my friend. I'll tell you what he looks later. Point is, we are of the same age and will join school together the next 2 years. Since we have different birthdays when we reach 8. It has been a rule of the Templars for children before reaching 8 years of age, that their parents will homeschool them. The child will go to school on the next schoolyear after they have reached 8. So basically, when they are on their way to 9 years old. I guess all of it is for us to be exactly at 8 years old when school starts.
"Yow! The two buddies are here early again" Malakel said. "I'm surprised you are early, Malakel. I thought you are still sleeping because of all that working out." Tamael replied. "You know Elder Sandalphel is strict when it comes to the growth of their clan members." I spoke. Children of the Templars belong to the clan of their parents. If their parents are of different clans, they technically belong to both clans. We the children are without powers until we were 12. Until then, we were trained with basic education. But when we reach the age of awakening, the Clan of True Sight headed by Elder Raziel appraise our abilities and assign us our clan.
"The Millennium Clock will sound exactly 6 hours from now. Currently, it is 6:00 of the half-moon-water. Everyone prepare early since this is a momentous occasion. One that happens only per millennium. You don't want to miss such an event." Cara announced. The three of us looked at each other. "It always amazes me." "You mean Divine Presence?" "Yes, it is really amazing to speak to all the people's minds whenever you like." "I'm curious. What powers do you guys want to awaken." I spoke. "True Strength of course. I want to be like my father." Malakel replied. "Actually, I want either Divine Presence or True Sight. Being able to communicate to anyone anywhere is amazing but I also like to learn about everything and the infinite knowledge of True sight can help me with that." Tamael added. "Like my father. He knows everything." I spoke. "That's why he's called the great seer. Even among their clan. Your father is special." Tamael spoke. "I like the White Flames. That's it. I want to be like Elder Michael." "I thought you liked his Blue lightning even more." "Well, it is cool but being able to heal, damage and boost yourself and others with strength is really useful." You might be wondering why Elder Michael has two powers. He and Elder Gabriel are the only Templars that are the head of two clans. They are special within all the Templars. They awakened two powers and are considered the Arch Templars.
I'm excited about today's event. As you know, this event only happens once in a millennium when the millennium clock made by the Light God and Dark God sounds. This is the time when they wake up from their slumber and gathers information about Bastion. When they descend from each of their heaven's they only go to Underhaven, the place where only Templars reside. This is a long story but don't worry I will tell you about it someday. The important point is that they only descend to the Templars it is because they trust us and they assigned us the task of being the world police and the guardians of the four powers. Simply, we know most of the information that is happening in the world of Bastion. But only adults knew of these things of course. We, when we become students, will be taught by increments at the academy.
"The three of you are like sheep. Everywhere you go, you three are together." Gala said with Leona beside her. "I prefer wolves." Tamael replied. "What?" "We are wolves." "I'm just joking. Don't think too much Tamael. Besides, me and Leona are also part of the pack."
"You take things seriously all the time Tamael." Leona spoke. "Knowledge is power. You can't learn knowledge when you are always joking around." Tamael replied.
"Leona, want to arm wrestle?" "For you to lose again" "Haha. You never know, I worked hard on my body yesterday and earlier today. Maybe I'll win this time." "For being the son of the Elder of True Strength, you are kind of weak." "You are just too strong. I wonder where do you get all that strength when your body is much smaller than mine." "T'is the mystery of the world, Malakel." Tamael suddenly spoke.
Gala and Leona are part of our group. The five of us always hang out with each other since our parents are friends. Gala and Leona are two interesting pair. As Malakel, Tamael and I are close with each other, these two are also best of friends. The thing is, they are polar opposites. As Gala always want to have fun and play, Leona always trains and compete. Leona is like Malakel in the sense, but not as serious as Tamael.
"What should we do? We are too early." I laughed. "Yeah right, my parents also said for me to come here at least on 6:00 half-moon-water." Gala complained. "I think they all agreed with the time since all of us are here." Leona added. "Let's meet up with your father Equirel. That's what my mom told me. She said to come here early and meet up with your father in order to have good seats and not to get lost."
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"I have announced the upcoming descent of the gods at exactly 6:00 half-moon-water, Elder Gabriel." Cara spoke. "Good, inform the citizens every two hours after until the descent. When the Millennium Clock sounds make sure to make the announcement louder and longer. During the 15th ring, ask them to prepare and after the 20th ring, the last one, announce the arrival of the Gods." Elder Gabriel replied. "You sure you don't want me to ring that bell to make it louder? Hahaha." Elder Sandalphel added. "The sound of that clock already reaches the world of the domain creations and the heavens itself. We don't want to make them deaf." Elder Abaddel added. "Hahaha. Point taken Abaddel. Point taken. Hahaha." Elder Sandalphel remarked.
"What's the news on Bastion, Raziel? Be brief" "The mortal's kings and queens are currently at peace with each other. Although there are some scrimmages among the local lords." "Is there something new worth mentioning within the mortals?" "Fighting as usual but the White Elves are still honorable and they continue to trade with the shades, the humans are trying to make new weapons, dwarves still leveling mountains to expand their colonies, the north azimuths are expanding their fortresses, the south azimuths still have good relations with everybody, the white Beastmen still like sailing and no one can still match the beauty of azish cities in Luminos. Simply, nothing out of the ordinary"
"How about in the Unlighted?" Elder Gabriel asked further. "Too much politics, but the Vampires are still too proud as they have been, the Purple Elves still maintain the glamour of their cities, the Dark Beastmen still protect their side of the forests, Dynamen still trying to outclass the humans in tech, Phantomlimbs still like to hunt at night, Tamahos still peacefully living at their giant homes in the forest, and the Goblins are as dangerous as ever." "I see. We prefer them that way. Be ready to inform the gods about this. Be sure to enlighten us more if there is something new today. What you told us yesterday in the council of elders is enough for now." "Anyway, where is Michael, Cara?" Abaddel suddenly spoke.
"He is currently monitoring Underhaven. Especially the entrances." Cara replied. "That pargon is too careful." Elder Abaddel spoke. "Although there are warriors stationed there, you can't be too sure that no one will enter." Elder Raziel added. "The pargon is an Arch Templar, don't worry and let him do this. Hahaha." Elder Sandalphel spoke. "He currently is together with Elder Uriel, Elder Abaddel." Cara added further. "Birds with the same power flock together. Haha" Elder Raziel jokingly spoke. "Elder Uriel's first legion are the ones currently stationed at the entrances, Elder Raziel." Cara seriously informed. "I'm just joking. It's a joke, Cara." Elder Raziel playfully replied.
"Tell him, to come back two hours before the descent of the gods. We will have another council of the elders before the event. Just to be sure." "Yes, Elder."
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"How are things with the first legion, Uriel." "Nothing unusual, brother. No one from divine presence informed me of any changes. Especially Lioel, he's at the main entrance, the Mantle." "This Medi-as is such a gift. To be able to see almost everything in Underhaven when you are on top of this mountain is very convenient." "Yes. That is, if you can fly. Climbing this mountain by foot will tire most pargons." "Lucky us, aren't we. Haha." "You mean more responsibilities. Haha" "Anyway, do tell your men stationed here to keep their eyes alert. We don't want any unexpected disturbance. Especially when the Millennium Clock is about to ring. We don't want to blemish the trust given to us by our makers."
"Inform me if there is anything new. I'll personally go to the Mantle to check things there brother." "Michael, I'll quickly check those stationed at the other four entrances to be safe." "Go ahead brother. May all things start well." "As it may end well."
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Crack. Boom!
"Captain, what is the situation here." Elder Michael after landing on one knee spoke. "Elder Michael. There is no current disturbance here at the Mantle. Some of our scouts even surveyed the outside. Nothing is significant to cause our concern. There are only but creatures and animals on the outside." "Good. How many are stationed here?" "500 from the first legion of Elder Uriel, Elder." "How about on the other entrances?" 150 each of the four entrances Elder." "Be alert. We do not know what may happen. The gods will descend today. Gather up the men. I'll say something short."
"Pargons of the realm." Elder Michael shouted then paused. "Keep your guards up." Elder Michael then looked at the faces of the warriors of the 1st Legion. "As it is an honor to see the gods descend, it is also an honor for us Templars to keep Underhaven secure from all its dangers during such. All of us feel better that there are good warriors such as you all guarding our backs while we honor our makers' arrival." "Be proud and alert. We never know what will happen. Understood?" Elder Michael seriously stated. "Yes Elder!" The 1st Legion stated in unison. "I'll leave things to all of you!"
Elder Michael turned around, moved slightly forward and kneeled. Crack. Boom!
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"We are in year 1999, isn't it right father? Does it mean today will just be the second time the Millennium clock rings." I spoke. "Yes, I shouldn't tell you all of this but consider it as preparation for the upcoming event." father replied. "Really? Thanks uncle. Consider that your gift will be well received by us." Tamael excitedly added. "We'll keep it a secret, uncle don't worry and tell us." Malakel further added. "Leona and I also like to know about this. Might be useful someday." Gala enthusiastically spoke while Leona nodded in agreement.
"Yes, today will just be the second time the bell rings. But the world of Bastion started around 9999 years ago. This era, year 1999, is called AGS, After the Gods' Slumber, because this is the time the gods began to sleep in their heavens. Before that the calendar was called BGS, Before the Gods' Slumber, and it spanned up to 8000 years. The start of the new millennia today will mean that it has been 10000 years since the world was created. Before the God's Slumber was the time when the Makers, Light God and Shadow God, always interacted with the Dom-creans and us Templars. They decided to sleep because they felt they absorbed evil emotions from the Dom-creans and they considered that dangerous. We the Templars are the only race whom did not exhibit these evil emotions as thus we were called special creation or "pargons" and the mortals and shades were called domain creations or "dom-creans". We were entrusted to monitor and guard this world, the four powers and to inform the gods about it every millennium. That's why they only descend to the Temple here in Underhaven." Daniel spoke with reverence.
"Wooooow!" the five of us spoke in unison. "Don't tell anyone about this. Haha. Especially you are not at the academy yet. But all of this will be taught to you all when you enter the academy. Excited yet?" Daniel replied. "That is why I like to awaken True Sight uncle. Now I'm even more excited to have it. Imagine the vast secrets of this world." Tamael spoke enthusiastically. "Relax Tamael, we don't choose our powers. You might get disappointed." Gala added. "If he wants it that bad, the Universal Spirit might grant him his wish. I like his spirit." Leona spoke unexpectedly. "You will all have an idea once you enter The Academy of Pargons." Father informed us.
For all of you who would like to know, the Universal Spirit is a being made by Light God and Shadow God in secret. All of us children where homeschooled and all of us were read of the Lore of Bastion. The Universal Spirit is not in the Lore of Bastion. My mother said that only the Templars know of it and to the Dom-creans it is still a mystery. Simply the Universal Spirit is the one that grants us powers by the age of 12. Templars and Dom-creans alike. It was also responsible for creating all the living things in Bastion except us, Dom-creans and the four powers of course.
"The Millennium Clock will sound at exactly 2 hours from now. We are currently at 10:00 half-moon-water. Prepare yourselves since the time that the gods will descend is very near." Cara spoke in the minds of all Templars. Wait, you might be wondering what is this half-moon-water that Cara likes to speak of. It is actually the time. The Millennium Clock is responsible for showing time to all of Bastion and including the heavens. It is a gigantic clock where all inhabitants of Bastion can see. Earth is the first 6 hours at the start of the day, Water is the next 6 hours, Wind is the next 6 hours and Fire is the last 6 hours. The clock was created like this because unlike in Underhaven where there is both day and night, Luminos, the land of Mortals, have only daytime and Unlighted, the land of Shades, have only nighttime. Half-moon is the first 12 hours including earth and water while Full-moon is the last 12 hours including wind and fire. Simply, there is 24 hours in this clock. To add more convenience, the number of years we currently are in can also be seen in the clock. Right now, we are at 1999 years.
"Thank you for that Leona. It made me feel better." Tamael spoke. "Don't mention it, I sincerely believe in what I have said." Leona sincerely replied.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
"Look! Elder Michael just flew above us!" I spoke unexpectedly. "The most powerful pargon. Makes me shiver when I hear that sound." Malakel added. "It's not all about power. The Elders are always doing their best to protect our safety. All of them are as powerful and important in their own way. But in terms of power to put fear in our enemies and power to inspire loyalty. Elder Michael is the best." Father informed us.
"What should we do? We've been waiting here for almost 4 hours." Gala suddenly spoke. "I agree we have been too early." I said in response. "If we have been late, we would not have been able to get these seats at front." Leona gave us all a reality check. "If that's the case, want to arm wrestle Leona?" Malakel suddenly spoke.
"I'll make sure you give up on challenging me after this. Haha." "Finally, something interesting to do. After all that waiting doing nothing." "Prepare to get beaten again muscle man." "Should I call you a lady then?" "I'll never forget to call you a little boy after this." "But if I win, be prepared. I'll call you a lady every time. Haha."
Leona and Malakel are very alike. Although Malakel looks bigger and more muscular even though we are all 7 years old, Leona, who's thinner, always beat Malakel in tests of strength. Malakel actually likes the challenge since it motivates him to work even harder. Although Malakel loses all the time, Leona beating him always took her a lot of effort. Fulfilling her drive of always wanting to have a challenge.
"Raaarrrgggh! Just a bit more! Ahhhhhhh!" Malakel shouted. "Just accept you defeat musclehead! Raaarrgggh! Leona replied while shouting.
Boooom! The sound of Malakel's defeat, again, was heard by us.
"Nice try. Little boy. Haha!" "Fair game. You win." Malakel spoke dejected.
"How about I try, Leona" when I said it everyone was surprised. "What? We got nothing to do. Nothing wrong with giving it a try. Right?" I added further. "I bet it is because you saw Elder Michael flying." Tamael spoke. "I am actually interested, we never saw you doing your best. Every time we play you don't take things seriously. You're always half-hearted." Gala made the event suspenseful. "Not true. I am always interested in what I do." I replied. "But still, you don't do your best." Tamael supported Gala which was a surprise to me. Maybe it was true. Though, it was not my intention.
"Sure, Equirel. Just don't go home crying. We still have an important event. Haha." "Oho." I smiled. "Then I would make sure I win then; I don't want to miss the descent. Haha."
"Ready, 1, 2, 3, go!" Malakel shouted.
"Arrrrggggh! You really are strong Leona." "Arrrggghhh. Yeah, I know. You don't need to tell me." "But not strong enough. Haaaaa!"
The other 3 look really surprised with what's happening. Do they really think I would lose easily. Then, I would prove them wrong. I will wait for Leona to put all her strength in one swing. I observed that after that, she would try to win in the second swing but after that her muscles weaken. The table is built strong it didn't budge when Malakel and Leona were arm wrestling. No one would get injured. I would win on her third swing. I should try to provoke her.
Here it goes. "Is that all you've got. My dog's pull is stronger than this." "Oho. You cocky bastard. Haha! Then what about this?"
There! First swing. Raaaarrgghhh! Second swing. "Ahhhhhhh! Resist it Equirel. Third swing. "Haaaaaa!
Boom!
Everyone was shocked.
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*1 hour before the Millennial clock rings.
Crack! Crack! Crack! Boom! Elder Michael arrived on the massive balcony situated at the top most room, The Elder Court, at the center of the Templar Capitol. kneeling in one leg, the left leg.
"You are so noisy whenever you arrive Michael. Might as well tell all of Underhaven we all will be having a meeting." Elder Abaddel spoke with his usual humor. "I can't help it Abaddel. It comes with the gift." Elder Michael replied. "Well, on the bright side it is better than you arriving here late because you walked." Elder Abaddel added. "C'mon Abaddel, the sound will mean that the Elders are all having a chat right now. An important chat? A suspicious chat? Or will they think we're only gossiping? Hmmm." Elder Raziel added with his own unique sense of humor. Gabriel facepalmed himself then said "Okay that's enough with your corny jokes Raziel and we'll start with the meeting."
"Is everyone here already? Where is Azrael?" Elder Gabriel asked. "He is currently on his way here Elder. Earlier, Elder Azrael was just giving instructions to his First Legion of The Clan of Heavenly Fortitude." Cara replied. "My Clan of Lightspeed and Azrael's Heavenly Fortitude are the best pick for this event. Good decision Gabriel." Elder Uriel nodding while he spoke and gave a thumbs up to Elder Gabriel. "Elder Gabriel does the thinking and we do the muscling." Elder Sandalphel added. "Was that supposed to be 'do the talk and we do the walk'" Elder Abaddel quickly remarked. "You were all doing jokes and I thought I have to add one my own. Hahaha!" Elder Sandalphel laughed as he replied.
"And here I thought only Raziel makes those kinds of corny jokes." Elder Azrael spoke as he entered the Elder Court. "Azrael. Right on time." Elder Gabriel spoke. "How's the crowd doing?" Elder Michael asked. "Everything is fine and ready. Unlike those dom-creans, pargons are easy to manage. We listen to rules." Elder Azrael replied. "That's why I was securing the entrances. We do not know what those mortals and shades might do." Elder Michael added with a serious face. "However, we do not know what may happen later. Extreme emotions might be felt by our fellow pargons later. That's why I am working closely with Azrael's first legion." Elder Rafael spoke in a mild-mannered way.
"Rafael, would you like to give the speech later to the crowd. You don't know, maybe your voice would calm the citizens." "Don't joke around Michael. You are the one best suited for the job. Either you or Gabriel. I am not given the gift of having a silver-tongue like both of you." "If these two guys don't have that Rafael, we would be in trouble. Imagine, the strongest force in all of Bastion being commanded by either you or me. It would be a disaster. No offense though." Elder Abaddel interrupted. "None taken. I mean I understand as well."
"Now, since all of us are here. We would begin the Elder Council." Elder Gabriel spoke. "As with the protocol, all the Elders are gathered here today. Say I, unsheathe your sword and place it on the round table." Elder Gabriel added. "I, Michael, head of Clan of Blue Lightning and Clan of White Flame, champion of the templars agree to start the Council of Elders." Elder Michael stated as he unsheathed his sword Escalon and placed it on the round table with the blade pointing on the gem of truth in the center of the round table. "I, Abaddel, head of Clan of Golden Black Flames agree to start the Council of Elders." Elder Abaddel stated as he unsheathed his nodachi Shadow's Fate and placed it the same way as Elder Michael. "I, Rafael, head of Clan of Sacred Light agree to start the Council of Elders." Elder Rafael unsheathed both his knife Moon Knife & and short sword Sun Blade and placed it the same way. "I, Uriel, head of Clan of Lightspeed agree to start the Council of Elders." Elder Uriel unsheathed his bastard sword Light's Embrace and placed it the same way. "I, Sandalphel, head of Clan of True Strength agree to start the Council of Elders." Elder Sandalphel placed his brass knuckles Giant's Fist and great sword World's Surrender and placed it the same way. "I, Raziel, head of Clan of True Sight agree to start the Council of Elders." Elder Raziel unsheathed both his rapiers Sharp-Eye and Dead-Strike and placed it the same way. "I, Azrael head of Clan of Heavenly Fortitude agree to start the Council of Elders." Elder Azrael unsheathed both his scimitar Defiance and shamshir Obedience. "I, Gabriel, head of Clan of Divine Presence and Clan of Shadow & Light Creatures agree to start the Council of Elders." Elder Gabriel compressed his long staff, Sheperd, and kali sticks, Adherence.
"The elders have decided. The council will begin." Elder Gabriel spoke. "We will start with all the information we have recently collected. Michael, how are the entrances?" Elder Gabriel added. "The Mantle is secured with 500 pargons strong from the first legion of Uriel." Elder Michael replied. "The four entrances are also secured. I've assigned 150 pargons each on the 1st to 4th entrances. Nothing unusual has been reported to me yet." Elder Uriel spoke. "Azrael, any problems within the crowd. Anything out of the ordinary?" Elder Gabriel asked Elder Azrael. "The crowd are following the rules we set. As of now, I've seen nothing out of the ordinary. All individuals gathering outside the Temple and its plaza are all Templars." Elder Azrael spoke. "Rafael, are your healers prepared if there are any emergencies." Elder Gabriel asked. "Yes, we are all set in case of problems. I have personally assigned some of my first legion 750 strong to key locations near the Temple. 150 on each location I designated." Elder Rafael answered. "The entrances are secure, the crowd is managed, the healers are prepared and ready…, Michael, Sandalphel and Abaddel are the reserved contingency forces armed and ready?" Elder Gabriel further inquired. "My first legion is set; 200 great sword wielders and 100 brawlers are just waiting for orders." Elder Sandalphel replied. "The shadows of my 8th legion are monitoring all the areas within the city as we speak and 200 of my first legion are also waiting for orders." Elder Abaddel replied. "300 White flames' of my first legion are waiting for further instructions and 150 Blue lightnings' are patrolling the skies right now." Elder Michael replied. "Good everything is set. We will now listen to Raziel on the news of the…" Elder Gabriel was interrupted. "Elders aren't this too much of an overkill? No dom-creans have ever invaded Underhaven." Cara suddenly spoke. "Ah, my child. We do not give anything to chance. You are still just 17. You have not yet seen what the dom-creans can do." Elder Gabriel replied. "As much as we consider ourselves the strongest force, we are just stronger than them in power. By our gifts as we like to call them, child. But on the rest, such as technology and intelligence we are all equal. Some of them are even better than us." Elder Abaddel added. "Even though our lifespan is longer than them, it doesn't mean that we are smarter. We hold knowledge, yes, but technology is about creativity and innovation. We are all equal on those parts." Elder Raziel added as well. "We have fought with them during the times Before the God's Slumber, their technology and strategy are astounding." Elder Michael informed Cara. "But unlike us Cara, they have emotions that are dangerous. Evil emotions like jealousy and greed." Elder Rafael spoke. "Yes, with all the resources in Underhaven. Rare and useful resources by the way. They might invade us anytime." Elder Raziel further informed Cara. "They might use the ringing of the millennial clock as a signal to attack, for flare and drama." Elder Azrael spoke. "Curiosity as well." Elder Uriel added.
"Enough of that." Elder Gabriel intervened. "Raziel what's the latest news on Luminos and Unlighted?" "Based on the reports of the deployment squads from their messenger crabs and messenger eagles, most of them are preparing to celebrate the start of the new millennia. Both Luminos and Unlighted." "Any specifics?" "Nothing unusual. Those in Unlighted were preparing their lights 12 hours ago. Those in Luminos designs their castles with colorful banners and flaglets. Everything is peaceful." "How about the noble creatures. What's news of them?" "You know it is hard to get information about them. Even for us pargons. They live in the farthest locations away from civilizations. Unless you want to station someone there, but it will feel like an exile… But those from Blue Lightning and Lightspeed said their movements seem odd, but everything looks normal. Haha." "Be serious, Raziel." "Okay fine. Some of them seems different than usual especially the dragons." "Anything about the griffons, eagles, and the rest?" "Aside from the dragons and dragonoids, according to the scouts, they are doing the usual things. Hunting and sleeping."
"Based on all of this the only threats to the realm, currently, are the dragons and dragonoids." Elder Michael spoke. "Yes. I assume. I'll message all the pargons stationed at the Mantle and entrances to prepare for dragons and dragonoids. Just in case, the worst would happen." Elder Gabiel replied. "Do not discount some underground organizations of mortals and shades, they are also tricky." Elder Azrael replied. "Yes, they can also be trouble." Elder Gabriel agreed. "If those are all, the council of elders can end."
"May all things start well!" Elder Gabriel spoke loudly. "As it may end well." The rest spoke loudly in unison.
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"My arm hurts." Equirel spoke. "That's what you get for challenging me. To think that you can win, I applaud you." Leona replied. "We know that you are talented Equirel, but to challenge Leona like that. Even Malakel prepares before doing that." Tamael spoke. "Indeed, you are strong but you can't win against me who trains her body daily. Even Malakel would beat you." Leona further added. "I know, I know. I neglected training my body cause of being half-hearted and such." Equirel replied. "If you train like us, you don't know you might even beat us, but not today my friend." Malakel spoke.
"What's gotten into you, son? You are not usually motivated by such things." "I just thought, when Elder Michael passed by, can I become just like him?" "Not anyone can be like him, but that does not mean they cannot try. Including you, you never know, you might achieve the impossible. Like a historical figure in Luminos said, first do the possible and you never know after some time, you are already doing the impossible." "Thanks dad. You are very wise. Is that because you are a seer?" "You can learn many things through history, son, including those outside Underhaven." "I thought we pargons are the wisest because we have the longest lifespan." "We pargons might live the longest, but good wisdom can come from any of the races. They too know how to think. That's why all of us should also learn from each other."
Ring! The sound resounded all throughout Underhaven.
"The first ring of the Millennial Clock!" Equirel shouted.
Crack! Crack! Boooom! Elder Michael arrived at the entrance of the temple kneeling on one leg, the left knee. Then stood up.
"Fellow pargons!" The second ring sounds. "We, are at the summit of our race." The third ring sounds. "Our divine purpose is for this very moment!" Elder Michael shouted. The fourth ring sounds. "To honor the Makers by safeguarding the peace of the world!" The fifth ring sounds. "To inform them of what they need to know!" The sixth ring sounds. "And to follow their commands." Elder Michael spoke softer. The seventh ring sounds. "That is why! We should also honor the rules that make us who we are!" The eighth rings sounds. "The rules that our race stands for!" The ninth ring sounds. "Why our realm has always stood united, in peace. And in troubled times! The tenth ring sounds. "Glory to the Makers!" Elder Michael paused. The eleventh ring sounds. "Glory to the realm! Kruhay!"
Deep silence took place as the echoes of Elder Michael's voice sounded all throughout Underhaven's center.
The Twelfth ring sounds.
Then the crowd suddenly erupted in a deafening noise.
"Glory to the Makers! Glory to the Realm!" the massive crowd shouted in unison.
The thirteenth rings sounds.
"Kruhay! Kruhay! Kruhay" the massive crowd then again sounded in unison.
The fourteenth ring sound. Then the fifteenth ring.
"Everyone! Prepare for the descent of the Gods." Cara used Divine Presence to telepathically inform everyone in the city center where the Underhaven's Temple is located and also everyone at the entrances as far as she can.
Suddenly, Elder Michael shot a bolt of lightning from his hands to the sky.
The sky grumbled with thunder and lightning while the bells sounded.
The 20th ring sounded.
The sky broke in half. A circle appeared. One half filled with light and the other half filled with shadowlike smoke.
"Everyone! The descent of the Gods!" Cara spoke as loud as she can.
The massive crowd of a million shouted.
Kruhay! Kruhay! Kruhay! They all again shouted in unison. The deafening roars of the crowd can be heard even at the entrances of Underhaven.
The Makers arrived. Slowly appearing from both halves of the circle in the sky. They floated down to the Temple and the crowd suddenly became silent. A million pargons stood in awe and fear.
Then the Makers smiled. "Templars. Guides of the world. You have given us another honor by granting us such welcome." Lord L, the light god, spoke. "By giving us such grand welcome, we are happy to have granted our powers to such a race." Lord D, the shadow god, spoke." "Do not fear us, guides of this world. Honorable and wise Templars!" Lord L spoke.
All the Elders went to the stage, the elevated entrance of Underhaven's Temple. Some jumped coming from the front of the massive crowd. While others used their gifts. They arrived at the front of the Makers and kneeled with their heads down.
"We welcome you Lord L and Lord D to Underhaven." Elder Gabriel spoke with his head still down. "Stand Elders, you have done well." Lord D spoke while putting his hands on Elder Gabriel's shoulders.
"Glory to the Makers! Glory to the realm! Kruhay!" Elder Michael stood up, turned around and shouted to the crowd of pargons.
The crowd lost their fear and the feeling of awe overwhelmed them. They again shouted Kruhay! Kruhay! Kruhay!
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