The Holy Country of Arciel. It's ruled by a government made up of five priests who wield different elemental magic.
The Grand Priest Aurelion, who controls lightning magic. He is tall with pale golden eyes that shimmer like starlight. His long white hair with a hint of yellow flows weightlessly, as if untouched by gravity. His robes are white with golden runes layered softly.
Priest Ingis, who controls fire magic. He has sharp amber eyes and fiery red short hair with blackened tips like cooled ambers. His robes are black and crimson, marked by ember-like cracks. His presence alone radiates subtle heat.
Priestess Zephra, who controls wind magic. She is slender and graceful, almost weightless in her movements. Her silver-blond hair constantly sways as if in a gentle breeze. Her robes are white and pale grey, flowing and feather-light, with airy patterns that shimmer like shifting clouds.
Priestess Undine, who controls water magic. She has serene deep blue eyes and flowing teal hair that moves like water. Her robes are smooth and layered in shades of blue and white, decorated with fluid wave patterns. A faint scent of ocean breeze follows her.
Priest Terra, who controls earth magic. He has a strong, grounded build with dark bronze skin and deep green eyes. His hair is thick and earthy brown, tied back with braided cords. His cloak is heavy and stone-toned, with emerald crystal shards.
In the Holy Country of Arciel, stands the Sacred Church.
It's the heart of worship for the God of Magic, who is the deity whose favor decides the fate of this particular world. This country holds humanity's strongest influence. The reason is simple and absolute, the Hero is born here without exception.
Law demands universal belief in the God of Magic. Those who refuse to do so are branded as heretics and burned before cheering crowds. Well, they were back during the early stages of the countries development. Nowadays, you are either arrested, or banished from the country.
Crime is vanishingly rare as most citizens shun committing a sin not merely from fear of punishment, but because the church's teachings have become the very rhythm of their lives.
That said, not all humans believe in this doctorine. Some commit evil deeds and are able to escape punishment either through their own magical power, or influence on the world.
Deep within the cathedral's hushed nave, a young man who appeared to be in his early twenties knelt, with one leg, before a colossal golden statue.
The statue itself bore no face.
After all, mortals could not gaze upon the true countenance of God without inviting annihilation, so the artisans had left the features blank—an absence more terrifying than any depiction.
The statue's robes fell in solemn folds, and both of its arms stretched outward, palms open in silent benediction.
The young man held his sword with both hands in prayer, as if presenting it to the statue.
The hilt was gleaming white and gold, the blade was sheathed yet radiated a prismatic shimmer that danced like living light. Only the one acknowledged as the Hero could draw such a blade.
The young man had long golden wheat hair and blue oceanic eyes. He wore armour that is a magnificent, high-fantasy plate suit predominantly gleaming white with intricate gold embellishments and trim that exude royal elegance.
A bold, golden sash runs down the front of the lower half, adding vibrant contrast, while the belt is wide and gold with metallic highlights.
The lower half transitions into a long, split coat or overskirt that reaches his ankles. The edges of this garment are decorated with intricate, ornate patterns.
A flowing golden cape with white borders completes the regal, princely knight aesthetic.
—In the council chamber—
A round table occupied the center of the vaulted room, encircled by five chairs. The largest, most ornately carved, belonged to the Grand Priest. The rest of the chairs were all colored in their respective owners' element.
Arched windows framed in white and barred with gold admitted soft light. White marble tiles veined with gold covered the floor, climbed the pillars, and lined the walls. Above, a breathtaking mosaic of the God of Magic glittered in golden crystal shards across the domed ceiling.
Five robed figures sat in council—four cardinal priests and, presiding at the head, Aurelion, the Grand Priest and highest authority among humankind.
"Where is the Hero right now?" asked Ignis, voice carrying the crackle of restrained flame.
"He's praying in the cathedral even as we speak." Undine replied evenly. "Indeed, he's finally returned."
"That means he's probably finally learned to fully control his powers." he stated.
"Maybe. Or perhaps our summons was the primary reason he returned."
"Regardless of that, he's has grown formidable in the five years of his absence." Zephra observed, her tone as graceful as wind over water.
"Indeed. Still, he's not formidable enough to face the Demon King—" Terra began.
"Of course he is. In fact, I believe we all know that he's more than capable." Ignis snapped.
"He's still too young, and needs more experience. He is not ready yet." Terra pressed, his tone unyielding.
Ignis leaned forward, heat shimmered faintly around his shoulders. "Need I remind you that we are already behind schedule? This Hero was born far later than his predecessor, giving us less time to prepare for the war."
The two men's voices rose, argument spiraling, heedless of the others around them.
"And that's exactly why he needs more time to grow—" Terra insisted, his deep voice resonating like grinding bedrock.
"We cannot afford to wait." Ignis countered sharply, a faint wave of heat rippling from his shoulders. "We must strike the Demon King before he regains his full power—"
"As you yourself noted earlier, this Hero was born far later than he should have been. That means he's had far less time training compared to any other Hero before him—"
"Be that as it may," Ignis replied, his amber eyes flashing, "he's already surpassed the last Hero, and every single Hero that came before him—"
"He still lacks real combat experience against—" Terra rumbled, unmoved.
"Including the first Hero!" Ignis leaned forward, embers crackling faintly in his voice. "The very one who dealt the greatest blow to both the Demon King and his cursed territory. If any Hero is ready, it's him."
"The Demon King grows stronger with every passing century." Terra said, his grounded tone heavy with warning. "Without any recent intelligence, none of us truly know how powerful he has become. For all we know, the Hero is still not strong enough—"
"The Hero has never been strong enough," Ignis snapped. "But this time—"
"Enough." Aurelion raised a single hand.
The quiet, overwhelming power that radiated from the simple gesture silenced the room at once. The golden runes on his flowing white robes shimmered as if alive, and the air itself seemed to still, heavy with unspoken lightning.
Zephra spoke into the stillness. "We stand in the presence of the Grand Priest himself. Please conduct yourselves accordingly."
Ignis and Terra bowed at once. "Forgive our impudence."
Aurelion lowered his hand. "It is forgiven. Let us return to the matter before us."
The debate resumed, quieter and more guarded.
"There's still time before the Demon King fully awakens," Terra said. "We should use it for strengthening the Hero further, as well as trying to gather more information about our enemy."
"There's less than a full decade left." Ignis countered, his jaw tight.
"Three years to be exact." Zephra chimed in.
"Precisely enough time." Terra insisted.
"Then we should strike now." Ignis urged. "Infiltrate the citadel while he remains weakened and end him before he fully recovers."
Aurelion clasped his hands. "Both proposals carry weight. However, what we need is the course offering the highest probability of victory." His face remained unreadable.
Undine glanced between them. "Is it possible at all for the two of you find a compromise?"
Zephra raised a hand. "I may have a suggestion with regards to that."
Aurelion nodded. "Proceed."
Zephra nodded once, then voiced. "Why not pursue both paths at once?"
Terra tilted his head.
And Ignis narrowed his eyes.
"Explain." Both men demanded.
Zephra laid out her plan.
The Hero would spend the remaining years gathering a group of exceptional allies—those trained to endure the Demon King's crushing aura and fight at his side.
Should the opportunity present itself, those allies could enable an early strike against the citadel, before the enemy regained his full power.
Silence—born from contemplation, followed, then nods.
"Sound reasonable." Terra conceded.
"I concur." Undine said.
"..." Ignis scowled.
He knew that the plan was indeed a great one, but his pride wouldn't allow him to submit so easily.
"And where do we find allies worthy of standing with the Hero?" Ignis challenged.
Terra gave a small half-smile—anticipating his unwillingness to agree. "We cultivate the talents already among us. Several promising candidates already exist, and others can just be discovered later on."
"Cooperation is hardly assured." Ignis muttered. "Do you expect them to just follow the Hero even after living the way they do? Mind you, we are talking about heretics and criminals."
"If the survival of the world hangs in the balance, I'm sure that they will cooperate." Terra replied with quiet certainty.
Undine nodded. "That is true. After all, are we not, in the end, all enemies of demonkind? Even if they're criminals who enjoy committing sins, it's reasonable to think that they'll put aside their lawless acts in pursuit of saving the very world they live in."
"That's right." Terra mused with a satisfied nod. "Three years is more than enough time to convince and gather a long list of capable allies to train."
Zephra looked around the table. "Then, do we all agree?"
"Agreed." Terra and Undine said in unison, before turning to Ignis.
Ignis exhaled sharply, before reluctantly agreeing as well. "…Fine."
Aurelion rose. "Then, it is decided. This council stands adjourned."
The priests stood and bowed deeply as the Grand Priest departed first—the customary mark of deference.
Zephra straightened. "I will speak with the Hero personally."
Ignis opened his mouth to object, but Terra's hand settled firmly on his shoulder. "It was her plan. Let her present it."
"Mhm." Undine nodded in agreement.
"Tsk." Ignis clicked his tongue but held his peace.
He could not shake the conviction that Terra and Undine were quietly conspiring against him.
Though, he was not mistaken, at least regarding one of them.
—Inside the sacred cathedral—
The young man rose from prayer—placing his sword back on his hip, to find an unexpected figure waiting in the shadowed aisle.
To the untrained eye, the man was utterly ordinary, wearing navy dungarees, dark boots, and a plain light-blue shirt.
"Hello, Golden Light." he said, voice thick with good-natured mockery.
The young man turned, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "I hate that nickname."
"You'll have to get used to it. It's what everyone calls you nowadays." The man chuckled.
Their eyes met.
A quick, familiar dap-up rang out, followed by a brotherly hug that echoed softly through the vast nave.
"Good to see you again, bro." the young man said, warmth flooding his face—the unguarded smile he reserved for very few.
"Me too. Heard you were back, so I decided to pay you a quick visit."
"I appreciate it. More than you know."
The public wasn't always aware of the Hero returning, and would sometimes have wait for an official announcement from the priests.
This made it easier for the Hero to return and quickly report any important information regarding the demons without any distractions.
In this case, the man had used his connection to find out about the Hero's return.
They settled into nearby pews and talked for nearly an hour—joking, laughing, and trading memories of brighter, less burdened days.
The young man slapped the man's back lightly. "Let me buy you dinner."
"Nah. I have a better idea."
"Oh, what is it?"
"Let's eat at home."
The young man's smile dimmed, remorse flickering in his eyes. "I don't think—"
"Don't worry about of all that. None of us blame you for what happened that day." the man shrugged.
"Even if you say that..." The young man hesitated.
"Besides, the others also miss you. They'll be over the moon to see you after all this time." The man added.
He hesitated again, then sighed. "Yeah… you're probably right."
Grinning, the man scooped him up in a playful fireman's carry. "Let's hurry—before they saddle you with more duties."
Laughing and trading gentle barbs, the two left the cathedral together as the full moon illuminated around the many stars.
High above, unseen and unfelt by anyone below, a dark male silhouette hovered—silent, patient, and watching.
This one seems just as interesting as the previous one. So, that's what they did with the gift I gave them. I guess I'll let things play out for now.
Even after the silhouette divided itself into two, both forms continued to see and experience everything simultaneously, as though bound by a single consciousness.
However, I may need change things here and there. For the time being, it looks like things will be even more entertaining than I initially thought.