SACRAMENTIS: Astral Incarnation

"Takdir mereka bukanlah tanah liat untuk dibentuk oleh tangan manusia; panggilan mereka harus dihargai, bukan dimanipulasi. tapi aku hanya diam bertindak seperti pengecut yang dulu"

"His Majesty and Prince Arcanis have collapsed! Quickly, call the healers!"

Tavon's thunderous voice echoed inside the grand temple, nearly deafening everyone. I stood frozen amidst the chaos, my eyes locked onto the tragic scene unfolding before me.

The Acolytes reacted swiftly, lifting the frail bodies of the Emperor and Uncle Arcanis carrying them into a medical chamber for immediate aid. Just hours ago, the Emperor had arrogantly dismissed the imperial family members who had come to offer their Mana in the ritual sacrifice.

Today was supposed to be the moment when the Astral Traveler Summoning Ritual took place—an essential ceremony where selected members of the imperial bloodline gathered to replenish the empty Mana Stone. But all of those plans crumbled when the Emperor, in his stubborn pride, decided to perform the ritual alone. He had driven away those meant to assist in the sacrifice and recklessly pushed his Mana capacity beyond its limits to fill the crystal.

Fortunately, Uncle Arcanis had stepped forward at the last moment, offering his own Mana to share the burden—perhaps saving the Emperor from death before the massive blue crystal drained what little energy remained in his body. I stood outside the temple's medical chamber, awaiting any news of their condition.

"Nio?!"

Zura burst in from the temple entrance, followed closely by a tall, red-haired man—Finnian. "Are you okay? What about His Majesty?"

I tore my gaze from the medical chamber door and turned to Zura, whose face was worried.

"I'm fine," I answered softly, trying to steady myself. "But the Emperor and Uncle Arcanis… they're in critical condition."

Finnian clenched his fists, his frustration and anxiety clear on his face.

"You let the Emperor perform the Mana sacrifice alone?! Are you an idiot?!"

I jolted.

"N-no… t-that's not… I… I mean…" My head lowered, avoiding Finnian's furious glare.

"Damn it! Speak clearly!" he snapped, his voice growing harsher.

My breath hitched slightly, but I forced myself to stay calm.

"W-when I arrived, Grandfather had already performed the sacrifice… h-he dismissed all members of the imperial family who were supposed to participate in the ritual. Uncle Arcanis tried to save him, but—"

"Damn it! Even my brother?!" Finnian grabbed my collar roughly. Zura, seeing this, immediately stepped forward and pulled me away from him.

"Finni! Calm down! Elenio is still talking!" She stretched out her arms, shielding me from Finnian's anger.

"Keep protecting him, then! Damn it! If you were here, you should've stopped the Emperor! If anything happens to him or my brother, just wait! I'll make sure you lose all your teeth!" I kept my head down, but I could sense Finnian's finger pointing dangerously close to my face—perhaps ready to gouge my eye out if things escalated further.

I wasn't angry, even though his accusations were baseless. Maybe I had long grown used to the imperial family's rage, their constant search for reasons to bring me down. If anything, I was simply tired. Tired of trying to be brave. Even looking them in the eye was terrifying. Not just the imperial family—almost everyone who opposed my coronation as Crown Prince.

"But now isn't the time for blame," Zura said firmly, her eyes clouded with worry. "Right now, we can only wait for news from the healers inside."

The noise from the medical chamber gradually faded as the healers worked tirelessly. The tension in the temple thickened, and everyone stood in breathless anticipation, praying for good news.

Then suddenly, Tavon emerged from the chamber, accompanied by several temple healers. After a brief exchange with them, he let them leave. His face was so pale that it was clear whatever news he carried was not good.

Finnian immediately strode up to Tavon when the healers left, desperate for news regarding his brother and the Emperor. "How are Brother Arcanis and the Emperor?"

Tavon looked worried at me, struggling to find the right words to deliver the grim news. He took a deep breath before finally speaking.

"The Emperor is in critical condition. The Mana in his body is nearly depleted. Though the healers stabilised him for now, his recovery will take a long time—if he ever fully recovers."

A heavy silence fell over the temple, suffocating everyone present. Finnian's eyes remained fixed on Tavon, filled with unspoken dread.

"And what about Brother Arcanis?"

Tavon shook his head slowly, his expression growing darker.

"Prince Arcanis is in the same state. The Mana sacrifice he performed to save the Emperor drained him completely, especially since he hadn't yet formed a binding contract with the Mana Stone. The healers have done everything they can, but he remains unconscious."

Finnian clicked his tongue in frustration, the remnants of his concern evident in his sharp exhale. "Then what about the empire? Without a leader, we can't leave the empire and the Astral Traveler Summoning Ritual!"

Tavon let out a deep sigh before turning to me.

I could only exhale in resignation as if already knowing what he was about to say.

"It is time for you to take over for the time being, Your Highness, Crown Prince Elenio."

"What?!" Finnian's voice roared through the chamber. "Are you insane?! You're putting this weak, magicless boy in charge of the empire and the ritual?!"

Tavon remained composed despite Finnian's voice echoing through the chamber. His gaze was sharp as if trying to pierce through the wall of ego surrounding the younger brother of Uncle Arcanis.

"Finnian," Tavon's voice was firm as always. "We have no other choice. We need a member of the imperial family to lead the ritual and rule Midgaria. At the same time, the Emperor remains in a coma."

"Then appoint someone more competent! Not this weak, sniveling brat!" Tavon sighed. "Technically, you're right. Any other imperial family member who carries the First Emperor's blood could take charge of the ritual. However, there's a reason why His Highness Elenio must be our primary choice."

He turned his gaze to Finnian, who was growing increasingly impatient. "The first reason is political. As we all know, His Highness Elenio is the officially recognized Crown Prince—the publicly declared heir to the throne. If another member of the imperial family were to lead this ritual instead, it could sow doubt and internal conflict within the empire. The nobles and citizens alike might see it as a sign that the empire does not trust its rightful heir, which would only worsen the situation amidst the looming threat of Gehenna."

"Ck!" Finnian clicked his tongue in frustration, crossing his arms with a look of sheer dissatisfaction. "And you think this brat—who can't even swing a sword properly—can be a symbol of the people's trust? Don't be ridiculous, Tavon!"

Tavon remained unfazed by the scathing remark.

"This is not just about physical strength or magical power, Finnian. It's about what a leader represents. This ritual allows His Highness Elenio to show the entire empire that he can stand at the forefront, even when the odds are against him. That is the kind of courage a leader needs. And when the people see him fighting for the empire, they will find it easier to rally behind him."

Finnian made a harsh scoff as if he still couldn't believe what he heard. "So you want to throw this kid into the storm just to prove a point? That sounds like a foolish gamble!"

Tavon took a deep breath before continuing, his voice lower but firm. "As the Crown Prince, His Highness Elenio must begin proving his ability to handle pressure and great responsibility. Despite its risks, this ritual is an opportunity for him to demonstrate that he is worthy of leading the empire, regardless of his limitations. We do not just need the outcome of the ritual—we need a strong symbol of leadership to unite Midgaria."

Finnian rolled his eyes in exasperation. He looked like he was about to argue again, but Tavon raised a hand, signalling for silence.

"And second," Tavon continued, his tone softer now, "this is the Emperor's will. Before his fall, the Emperor clarified that Elenio was the rightful heir. He wanted Elenio to face the world, even if that world was unfair to him. Choosing someone else to lead this ritual would betray the Emperor's wishes."

The room fell silent once more. Finnian seemed to wrestle with his thoughts, his lips trembling as if he wanted to argue further—but no words came out.

Meanwhile, I had been quietly absorbing everything, my emotions in turmoil. The weight in my chest only grew heavier.

Fear of responsibility flooded my mind. I knew the burden I would bear was immense, especially without the magic power expected of a ruler. But in this critical moment, there was no other choice.

I spoke with a trembling yet determined voice, "I-I may not have magic, but I have the will to protect our empire. We cannot afford to give up now."

"The burden of an empire… An emperor must protect his people! Do you really think you can do that with that weak body of yours?!" Finnian's voice exploded once again, and I could only swallow nervously.

Finnian looked furious, but Tavon gently patted his shoulder. "This isn't just about strength or weakness, Finnian. It's about trust and responsibility. Prince Elenio has already been named the Crown Prince. In an emergency like this, we must follow the line of succession and uphold the customs passed down."

Finnian shook his head, still unable to believe it. "This is ridiculous. How can a weakling like him handle the responsibilities and duties of an emperor? How can he possibly protect us all?"

Tavon stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Finnian's shoulder. "A leader's true strength doesn't lie in raw power alone. The Emperor is not here right now, but we still have the Crown Prince. Let Elenio try, Prince Finnian."

Zura also stepped forward, trying to ease the tension. "We all know this situation is far from ideal, but we must stand together and support Elenio. Only through unity can we overcome this crisis."

Silence filled the room. Finnian was clearly struggling with his thoughts. His face showed his deep reluctance to accept someone as inexperienced as me taking on such a monumental task. But what other choice did he have? Allowing me to lead until the Emperor returned was better than throwing Midgaria into further chaos with a civil war, just as Tavon had warned.

The red-haired man let out a sharp breath, his expression still twisted with resentment toward me. "I'll try to believe that you can be relied on, so don't ruin this, you crippled prince!"

With a slow nod, I accepted the challenge. "I will do my best. For our empire, for the Emperor, and for Uncle Arcanis."

Zura stepped closer, gripping my hand tightly. "We're here with you, Elenio. We'll get through this together."

Tavon looked at me with pride. "Alright, we will begin preparing for the Astral Traveler summoning ritual. Let's prove that we are still strong, even in this adversity."

Amidst the uncertainty and the looming threats over the empire, we had to work together to maintain stability and ensure the ritual's success. I didn't know what would happen next, but one thing was certain—I would do my best not to give up.

~~~

That afternoon, Solstara hung directly above the temple's peak, erasing all shadows cast by upright objects. The Acolytes moved swiftly yet reverently, preparing every necessity for the summoning ritual—a sacred duty entrusted to them as the temple's keepers. Under the watchful eyes of the Hierophants, they ensured that everything proceeded according to the ancient traditions.

I lifted my gaze, staring at the grand transparent glass that enclosed the main chamber, allowing Solstara's golden amber light to flood the space with its divine warmth. The zenith was drawing near, reminding us all that the time to begin the ritual was running out. In tradition, this moment was called the Golden Apex—the time when Solstara ascended to its throne in the sky, believed to be powerful enough to drive away the darkness of Gehenna.

And yet, a strange unease stirred within me. It was said that when Solstara reached its peak, the forces of Gehenna weakened, rendering its creatures frail. This belief persisted for generations and was the foundation for choosing this exact moment to summon the Astral Traveler. However, despite scouring the archives of Midgaria—from ancient scrolls and leather-bound tomes to fragile manuscripts—I had found no scientific explanation behind this conviction.

The Hierophants' faith remained unshaken, even as I silently questioned it. I had always held onto the principle that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. It was a philosophy passed down by a brilliant thinker whose name had now faded into whispers among those who valued reason. Yet, the more I sought understanding, the more I felt like I was wandering through a fog. Though lacking a clear foundation, this tradition carried an undeniable, almost mystical power—one that I couldn't simply dismiss.

The Astral Traveler summoning ritual had always been an enigma. No records detailed its exact process, let alone its origins. All we knew was that this ritual had saved Midgaria from destruction for centuries. Though my mind was clouded with doubt, I couldn't deny my deep reverence for this tradition—a blend of ancestral legacy and humanity's desperate struggle to survive in the face of Gehenna's looming threat.

"Your Highness, the ritual is about to begin," a soft voice interrupted my thoughts. A female Acolyte stood before me, her tone gentle yet firm. I gave her a nod, masking the uncertainty gnawed at my soul.

My steps were steady yet burdened as I approached the altar, passing through the sharp gazes of the Hierophants who scrutinized my every move. Their doubt was palpable as if the shadow of the Emperor—my grandfather—still loomed over this chamber. To them, only he was worthy of leading this ritual. But with his absence, the responsibility now fell upon me, despite my lack of experience and the magical power that should have coursed through the blood of a Nigerian ruler.

The altar chamber felt smaller under the weight of the Hierophants' presence, the air thick with an unspoken pressure. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain composed under their judging eyes. I knew most of them opposed my existence as crown prince. This was more than just a ritual—it was a test of my right to exist as the heir to the throne.

The Hierophants formed a circle around the Mana Stone altar, ensuring their feet did not disturb the ancient runes carved into the floor. Meanwhile, Zura, Finnian, and Tavon waited beyond these sacred walls. The sacred laws forbade them from entering this place, even though they were the ones I trusted most.

Inside the altar chamber was only me, the Hierophants, and the fragile hope resting upon the blood of the imperial lineage.

My footsteps halted before an ancient stone altar, which lay the Mana Stone—a radiant crystal of brilliant blue light. It was not merely a thing of beauty but a vessel of immense power, holding the energy sacrificed to it. This very stone was the reason my grandfather, the Emperor, and my uncle, Arcanis, were now on the brink of death. It had drained every last drop of Mana they had given, leaving them in a dire state.

I stepped forward, and the crystal's glow illuminated my face, casting strange shadows across the altar floor. My blood would be the key. This ancient tradition required a small sacrifice from the imperial bloodline to unlock the gateway between our world and the Astral Traveler's realm. The altar beneath me was covered in intricate carvings, faintly pulsing as if alive, throbbing in sync with an unseen rhythm. At the chamber's centre, the massive Mana Stone shone brilliantly as if eager to devour the energy it was about to receive.

An elder Hierophant approached, carrying a ceremonial dagger of silver adorned with gemstones that shimmered under the Mana Stone's light. Without a word, he returned to his place, his gaze lingering on me momentarily as if silently asking if I understood the weight of this act. I tightened my grip on the altar's edge and gave him a nod.

The blade's cold edge pressed against my skin. At that moment, I felt something beyond physical pain—the crushing weight of history and responsibility settling over me.

As the first drop of my blood touched the Mana Stone, its glow shifted to a deep crimson, swirling in mesmerizing patterns. The air around us trembled, charged with an indescribable force. The Hierophants began to chant, their voices weaving an ancient hymn that echoed through the chamber, a sound both eerie and enchanting. It felt as though time itself had stilled, anticipating the arrival of something far greater than any of us.

I closed my eyes, whispering my invocation, my voice trembling yet resolute. My words melded with the chants of the Hierophants, forming a single, unified prayer. The Mana Stone pulsed violently, radiating an intensity akin to a thousand stars erupting simultaneously. The air grew dense, saturated with an overwhelming presence.

"I may have no magic," I murmured, a declaration for no one but the Mana Stone before me. "But I am the blood and flesh of Midgaria's emperors. I am the bridge between the past and the future. And with this, I bind our wills as one."

The biting cold seeped from the Rune into my body, making me shiver momentarily. However, I remained focused, channelling all my faith and determination into the Rune. The Mana Stone began to shine even brighter, and I could feel the energy from the crystal connecting with the magic circle surrounding me.

The Hierophants chanted their incantations louder, faster as if emboldened by the stability of the energy within the circle. Even without magic, I could sense how my presence guided energy flow differently—not through mystical power but through unwavering conviction and will.

The Mana Stone trembled more violently, testing whether I was truly worthy of leading this ritual. I felt the pressure of the energy coursing through the crystal as though it was trying to drain the last remnants of strength from within me. Yet, I did not waver. I stood firm, allowing the Mana Stone to feel my resolve.

A brilliant light emerged at the centre of the circle, signalling that the summoning had begun. I closed my eyes briefly, hoping the Astral Traveler who arrived would not be a mere illusion of hope but the answer to our prayers.

"Midgaria needs you," I whispered, more to myself than to whoever might be listening. As the light grew blinding, I knew the moment was near—whoever was summoned, our world would never be the same again. And I, Elenio, had played my part in ensuring that this change would come to pass, with the Mana Stone as the witness to humanity's strength and fragility, daring to dream of hope amidst despair.

I kept my focus, pouring all my faith and hope into the Mana Stone. Though the stone tested my strength, I knew I had to remain steadfast. If the Mana Stone lost control, this ritual would fail, and Midgaria would lose its final hope.

At the centre of the circle, a brilliant light began to swirl, forming a vortex of energy that grew larger by the second. I could feel a presence—something or someone—within it. The summoning was in progress. I knew it.

"Midgaria needs you," I whispered again, this time with deeper conviction and stronger. The vortex's radiance intensified, filling the chamber with an unfamiliar yet comforting warmth. As the energy peaked, a figure slowly but surely started to take shape within the light. This was the Astral Traveler we had summoned—the hope of Midgaria.

I remained where I stood, keeping my hand over the Mana Stone, which now pulsed in sync with my heartbeat. I knew that, at this moment, everything depended on what happened next. Our world would change forever, and I had done my part to ensure that change would come. Now, all that was left was to see what would emerge from the light—and whether this Astral Traveler could truly save us.

A figure began to materialise from within the blinding vortex, growing clearer with each passing second. As the dazzling light dimmed, a man appeared at the centre of the magic circle.

He had thick, jet-black hair, drenched as if he had just stepped out of a storm. His sharp brown eyes darted in confusion, his lips pressed into a firm line, revealing his shock and lack of understanding of the situation.

His body was tall and powerfully built, his muscles defined beneath the wet fabric clinging to his frame. Droplets of water trickled from the ends of his hair, running down his face before falling to the ground, forming small puddles at his feet. He stood within the glowing runes on the floor, looking like a man abruptly torn from reality and thrust into a world completely unknown.

The same expression as almost every Astral Traveler before him.

The man stood there, still slightly staggering from confusion. His gaze met mine, and I saw a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes as if he couldn't tell whether this was real or a nightmare.

I remained firm, trying to offer a sense of calm through my stare. "Welcome to Midgaria," I said, my voice steady yet soft, echoing through the ritual chamber, now silent despite being filled with Hierophants. "You have been summoned to save this world."

He blinked several times, struggling to process what he had just heard. Slowly, realization dawned upon him—this was not a place he knew.

"Who are you? Where am I?" he asked, his voice trembling with confusion and fear.

I stepped forward, finally releasing my hand from the Mana Stone. "I am Elenio, the crown prince of this land. We have summoned you as an Astral Traveler to aid us in this great crisis."

One of the Hierophants, an elderly man dressed in radiant white robes, stepped forward with reverence, though careful not to overstep my role. "Oh, chosen Astral Traveler, we have long awaited your arrival, and it is our greatest honour to stand before you. You are the one fate chose to bring change to our world."

Another Hierophant, a woman clad in soft-glowing blue robes, bowed her head with deep respect. "It is truly a great honour. Please let us know your name, O hero from a distant world."

The same words, the same speeches, always spoken by the Hierophants in moments like these. Praise and flattery designed to entice Astral Travelers into staying—only to be shackled by the reality of this world.

The Astral Traveler stared at them in confusion, still trying to steady himself. "My name... Aarav, Aarav Rama Mahendra," he answered hesitantly.

The Hierophants exchanged glances as if silently agreeing on something I couldn't grasp. Concern was still evident on their faces. The woman in the soft-glowing blue robe spoke again, her tone firm yet gentle. "Aarav, we have sacrificed much to summon you through the Mana Stone. Our world is in great danger. We need your help to fight the looming threat."

"You are the hope we have long awaited," she continued. "O wise Astral Traveler, great hero named Aarav, you possess the strength and wisdom to save us from the calamity we face."

"Hold on—what is this?! What crisis?! And where am I?!" Aarav's eyes darted around anxiously, filled with uncertainty.

The Hierophants exchanged looks once more before one of them, the elderly man in radiant white robes, stepped forward. His voice was serious yet still calm.

"You are now in Midgaria, a world separate from Earth, your homeland. This world is in grave crisis—threatened by Gehenna, a realm of darkness beyond human comprehension. They seek to destroy Midgaria, and we need your help to stop them."

But Aarav shook his head firmly, his expression clouded with confusion and defiance. "No, I won't just accept all of this! I don't even know where I am! You're telling me this isn't Earth? I don't care about your crisis! I just want to go home—to the place I know!"

"Astral Traveler, this world needs you. The home you left behind may be safe, but Midgaria stands on the brink of destruction. Only with your aid can we hope to change our fate." The elderly Hierophant tried again, his voice softer yet filled with unwavering conviction.

Aarav shook his head violently, stepping back from them, his voice growing louder and more resolute. "I don't care! I will not fight for a place I don't even know. You have no right to bring me here without my consent! Send me back to Earth right now!"

"You were chosen—nothing happens without reason. If you abandon us now, this entire world will be swallowed by darkness. Can you truly return to your world and live in peace, knowing that another realm was destroyed because you refused your destiny?" A female Hierophant spoke again, her words dripping with persuasion.

"That's not my problem! You brought me here without permission, so you must send me back! I don't care about your world or your crisis! Take me back to Earth right now!" Aarav's defiance did not waver.

The man still seemed to be struggling to control his rising fury. His voice echoed through the chamber, bouncing off the cold stone walls—a clear sign that his determination to return to Earth could not be shaken by sweet words, magic, or the fate the Hierophants so desperately believed in.

Gritting his teeth, Aarav's anger boiled over as the Hierophants continued their attempts to sway him. "I already told you—I will not be part of your war! I don't care about this world! You can't force me!"

"Astral Traveler, we understand your confusion, but fate has chosen you. You are our last hope against Gehenna." The female Hierophant took a step closer, her expression laced with an almost excessive sincerity. "Midgaria needs your strength. We know this is difficult, but you must accept this reality."

Her voice was like a soft melody, a quiet lull trying to soothe the raging storm inside Aarav.

But the storm was too great. Aarav clenched his fists so tightly that his fingers turned white, his body trembling under the weight of his emotions. Rage and anguish burned in his throat like an unrelenting fire.

"I don't care about your fate!" he shouted, eyes blazing like embers. "I just want to go back! Send me back to Earth right now, or I—"

"You cannot return."

The female Hierophant cut him off, her voice no longer soft but cold and unyielding, like tempered steel. "Your world has rejected you. You… are already dead there."

Silence blanketed the room. The weight of her words hung in the air like a thick fog.

Lies. I knew they were lying. They always did. The Hierophants never truly knew the condition of an Astral Traveler before they were summoned. But one pattern was always clear—those who arrived in Midgaria were fragile souls, broken, either in body or spirit.

Aarav was one of them. He might refuse to admit it, but the way his hands shook and the pain flickering in his eyes was undeniable proof. Like all Astral Travelers before him, he had failed in his world. Someone desperate, seeking escape from the agony that consumed him.

Midgaria was not the destiny he chose. It was a gilded cage wrapped in empty promises.

I remained silent, letting the Hierophants continue their deceit. They stood there with feigned innocence, masking the truth behind false smiles and honeyed words.

But the Hierophant's words struck Aarav like a hammer blow. His body staggered backwards as if gravity had suddenly intensified, pulling him down with relentless force. His eyes widened, filled with turmoil that quickly morphed into panic and fury.

"W-What do you mean?! I'm dead? No!" His voice cracked, raw with anguish and denial. "I'm still alive! I was still trying to swim to shore! You killed me to bring me here?! You—you stole my life!"

His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, his entire body trembling as if his rage seared through his very being. A violent surge of Mana erupted from Aarav, crashing into the chamber like a raging storm. The Hierophants, once standing with unwavering confidence, now recoiled, their faces drained of colour. Fear flickered in their eyes.

Aarav was no longer in control. His fury—wild and unrestrained—had taken over. The air around him trembled violently, reacting to the storm within him. The atmosphere shifted in mere seconds, condensing and solidifying into jagged, deep-purple crystals. The crystals shimmered with an eerie glow, exuding an overwhelming energy that the air in the room seemed to constrict.

An elderly Hierophant, his heavy robes adorned with golden ornaments, stared at the crystal forming in Aarav's hand with a fear he could not conceal. His voice trembled, barely above a whisper, yet piercing through the suffocating silence. "That… that is ancient Alchemy." He swallowed hard, his eyes widening as realization dawned upon him. "Those crystals… resemble the power of Midgaria's First Emperor."

All eyes turned to Aarav, now enveloped by an aura that was both foreign and terrifying—yet undeniably majestic.

The crystal pulsed, growing larger, radiating an intense violet light. Its energy began distorting the fabric of the surroundings, warping the shape and structure of objects around him. The Hierophants stood frozen, the weight of their revelation settling upon them—Aarav's power bore an uncanny resemblance to that of the legendary First Emperor, a force long thought to exist only in myths.

I watched the scene unfold, my mind clouded with confusion and concern. Aarav wasn't just any ordinary Astral Traveler; he possessed incredible power—one that could be catastrophic if left unchecked. As the mysterious crystal in his hand pulsed with energy, distorting everything around it, I knew we had to find a way to calm him down and seek the help we needed before the world crumbled into chaos.

Aarav stared at the sharp crystal in his hand, his fury burning hotter. The Hierophants' words echoed relentlessly in his mind—telling him that he was dead, that there was no way back. It all felt like a cruel trap, a twisted game of fate that had stolen his life away.

"I refuse to believe this! You have no right to decide my fate!" Aarav's voice thundered through the chamber, his rage reverberating off the stone walls. Without hesitation, he lifted the crystal and hurled it toward the Hierophants surrounding him.

The crystal shot forward at terrifying speed, slamming into the stone wall with immense force that shattered into massive fragments. The explosion sent shockwaves rippling through the chamber, throwing several Hierophants off their feet. Fear flashed across their faces as they scrambled away from the impact, their once-unshakable composure now broken.

Aarav growled, his chest rising and falling with ragged breaths. "I'm still alive! I have to go back! Send me back now!" His desperate, furious screams made the grand ritual hall feel smaller, suffocating under the sheer intensity of his emotions.

With a wild swing of his arm, he compressed the air around him, shaping it into more jagged, razor-sharp crystals that shot out in every direction. Each impact triggered a small explosion, leaving behind a path of destruction.

Several Hierophants rushed forward, chanting incantations as they conjured a translucent blue dome—a barrier to shield me from Aarav's rampage.

"Protect the Crown Prince!" the elderly Hierophant in white robes commanded his voice firm despite the strain of maintaining the barrier. More Hierophants quickly joined in, weaving their Mana together to strengthen the protective shield around us.

But the power surging from Aarav was overwhelming, forcing some of the Hierophants to stumble backward.

"Stop! You must understand—this is your destiny! You cannot go back!" the female Hierophant from earlier shouted, still trying to reason with him.

However, her words only fueled Aarav's fury. "Destiny? What destiny? You know nothing about me! I won't let you destroy my life!" The energy within Aarav spiraled out of control. More jagged crystals materialized around him, shooting wildly in every direction, mirroring the turmoil and confusion inside him. The Hierophants were overwhelmed, struggling desperately to survive his relentless onslaught.

I knew I had to act. But what could I do? Jump out and fight him? Without magic, that would be suicide.

My mind raced, desperately searching for a way to calm him down—because if this continued, everyone in the room would perish.

"I'm still alive! I have to return to Earth! You can't force me to stay here!" Aarav roared, his fury manifesting into an unrelenting storm of crystal shards.

Several Hierophants had already fallen, their bodies strewn across the chamber, blood staining the stone floor. It wasn't just the Hierophants—Acolytes and knights had also been caught in the chaos, their lifeless forms scattered in pools of crimson. I had no idea when they had entered; those of us inside the barrier hadn't even noticed their presence.

Inside the barrier, the Hierophants were focused entirely on stabilizing their Mana, keeping the protective shield from shattering under Aarav's savage attacks. Meanwhile, I was locked in thought, searching desperately for a way to stop the Astral Traveler before it was too late.

I stepped forward, even as the tremors from Aarav's energy shook the chamber. I knew that brute force or magic wouldn't stop him now. Only the right words might reach his chaotic mind and heart.

"CROWN PRINCE, PLEASE STEP BACK! IT'S TOO DANGEROUS!" the elderly Hierophant in white robes shouted, his voice laced with desperation.

But I simply smiled at him, silently conveying, It's okay. Let me try.

The Hierophant fell silent, cold sweat trickling down his forehead. He seemed torn between wanting to trust me and the overwhelming doubt clouding his mind. But in the end, he gave a hesitant nod and allowed me to step out of the barrier.

I forced myself to stay calm, though my stance remained firm.

"Aarav!" I called out. My voice was hoarse, barely audible amidst the deafening explosions and the sound of shattering crystals. But he didn't listen. He was trapped in his own fury, his world reduced to a crimson haze of rage and destruction.

I bit my lip, feeling fear creeping up my spine. But I knew—if I didn't do something now, nothing would be left of this room, including me.

My feet moved forward as every instinct screamed at me to run. Yet, I kept walking, closing the distance between myself and Aarav—the walking catastrophe standing before me.

Aarav stilled for a moment, his furious eyes locking onto me as if itching to pierce my body with those deadly crystals. Though small explosions still echoed around us, the sharp shards of crystal stopped forming. His gaze seemed to soften ever so slightly as he took in my frail, much smaller figure.

I swallowed hard.

"Aarav, listen to me!" I called out again, louder this time. My hands trembled, but I forced myself to keep speaking. "I know you're angry. I know you're in pain. But this—this isn't the way to fix it!"

I tried not to stutter. Aarav needed certainty right now. If I faltered and let my usual nervousness take over, he would only grow more doubtful—more furious.

For a moment, Aarav remained still, though his eyes were still filled with hatred and pain. "What do you know about fixing anything?! You don't even know what it's like to lose everything!" he spat.

I wanted to yell back, to tell him he was wrong. But I held myself back and took a deep breath.

"I do," I said softly but firmly. "I know what it feels like to lose everything. I know what it means to be powerless and trapped in a place you never chose. But I also know that destroying everything won't bring back what's already gone."

Aarav trembled, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. But the swirling crystals around him still hovered in the air, ready to strike at any moment.

"I don't care!" he snapped, his voice breaking as tears spilled down his cheeks. "I just want to go back!"

"I know," I continued. "And I also know one thing—your anger and fear are valid. Anyone in your place would feel the same. But lashing out and destroying everything around you won't take you back to Earth. It will only trap you in even more suffering here."

Aarav remained silent. His eyes still burned with rage, but he no longer attacked.

I held my breath for a moment before continuing. "I know what it feels like to have no control over your fate. I was born without magic—something that means everything in this world—and I've been seen as nothing but a burden. I understand what it's like to be forced into something you never wanted to be."

I softened my voice, still trying to reach him. "Aarav, we're not asking you to forget who you are or where you come from. We're simply asking you to allow yourself to understand this situation. I truly believe there's a reason you were summoned here. And maybe—just maybe—this isn't the end of everything. Maybe this is the beginning of something greater."

Aarav was still gripping the deep purple crystal tightly in his hand, his eyes flashing with unresolved fury. Though the attacks and explosions had stopped, the weight of injustice crushing him kept his breaths heavy and uneven.

"I... I can't just accept this," he said, his voice shaking with lingering tension. "You don't understand how much my life on Earth meant to me! I had dreams and plans—I had everything! I know I'm still alive! I was still fighting—trying to reach the surface and hold on! And then you… you tore it all away from me without any warning!"

I forced myself to stay calm. "I understand, Aarav. But fighting them won't bring back what you lost. I know this isn't something you can accept overnight, and we're not expecting you to be at peace with it so easily."

The Hierophants and knights hesitated, cautiously stepping closer, but I quickly signaled for them to stay back. Aarav was still unstable, and too much pressure would only worsen things.

"I know none of this is fair," I continued, carefully choosing my words. "But right now, you're here, in Midgaria, and all of us are trapped in situations we never chose. I won't lie to you and say this is easy—because it isn't. You have every right to be angry to feel betrayed. But destroying everything here won't change your circumstances or help you escape them."

Aarav still watched me with suspicion, his body tense and guarded. He hadn't attacked again, as if something in my words had reached him, even if only a little. But confusion and fear still held him in their grip.

"Then what am I supposed to do?" Aarav asked, his voice quieter now but still laced with bitterness. "I can't stay here in a place I don't know. I don't belong in this world. I don't care about fate, or whatever it is you all believe in… I just want to go home."

"I know," I replied patiently. "And I'm not asking you to stay here forever. But at least give yourself time to understand what's happening." I met his gaze, steady and unwavering. "We don't know what comes next but can figure it out together. I won't force you to accept this fate, but I will stand by your side until we find a way forward."

Aarav remained silent, his muscles still tense, but there was hesitation in his anger now. He felt trapped, yet something in my words made him realize that fighting aimlessly wouldn't change anything.

His grip on the crystal loosened slowly, though his rage and disbelief hadn't fully faded. I could see how difficult this was for him—his eyes were still filled with turmoil, uncertainty, and barely contained fury. The deep purple crystal he had conjured from thin air remained in his grasp as if it were the only thing he could control in this strange and terrifying reality.

I knew this wouldn't be something he could accept overnight.

He stared at me, and I could feel his hesitation, his reluctance to trust my words. "I can't stay here," he said, his voice low yet filled with despair. "I don't belong in this world. I have to go back to Earth. My life… my dreams… everything is there."

I took a step closer, though every movement felt like walking toward my own demise. "I'm sorry, I can't change what has already happened," I said, my voice rough. "But I can promise you one thing… I will try to find a way to send you back to Earth."

Aarav's eyes locked onto mine, still burning with anger and desperation. He was taller and stronger, and his presence crackled with untamed energy, making me feel like a mere mouse standing before a lion. He frowned as if unable to believe what I had just said. "You! You know how?!"

He stepped forward, impatient, closing the distance between us. He was trying to pry the truth from me—perhaps even by force.

I swallowed hard, steadying my breath to keep my voice from shaking. "I... I don't know how yet, but I will try to find a way," I said, though the doubt gnawed at me from within. "But I need your help."

Aarav halted, his rage still simmering, but his brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of curiosity surfacing. "Help? With what?"

"Midgaria is on the brink of destruction. The forces of Gehenna are attacking from all sides. Nothing will be left to search for if this world falls—not even a way home for you."

He fell silent, seemingly weighing my words, though suspicion still clouded his face. "And if I help? How do I know you're not just trying to deceive me?"

I wanted to give him a definite answer that would erase his doubts. But the truth was, I wasn't even sure if I could keep my promise. My voice trembled slightly as I spoke, "I... I have no reason to lie to you. I know it's hard to believe, but I will do everything I can to help you return to Earth. But I can't do it alone."

Aarav let out a heavy sigh, his eyes narrowing. "So, you want me to fix your world's problems before I can return to mine? That sounds like complete nonsense."

"Yeah, I know," I said, trying to sound firm despite the doubt gnawing at me. "But this is the only way. I can't offer you anything else. If you help me, I will find a way to send you home."

Aarav finally lowered his hands. The sharp crystals filling the room began to crumble, falling to the floor and dissolving into dust. The suffocating tension in the air faded, leaving only the sound of our ragged breaths.

But something else appeared in Aarav's expression. The searing anger that had consumed him slowly gave way to something different—confusion, loss, and deep, aching sorrow. He stared at his hands, the once-raging purple crystals now reduced to tiny fragments in his palm.

Aarav let out a shaky breath, his body trembling.

"I just want to go home," he whispered, his voice barely audible. His strong shoulders slumped, and I didn't see him as an intimidating force for the first time but as someone completely broken.

Tears welled up in his eyes. He shut them tightly, trying to hold them back but couldn't. A single tear fell, followed by another, carving silent trails down his face. "I didn't ask for anything but to go back. Why… why did this have to happen to me?"

I stood frozen, my body stiff. I wanted to say something—anything—to ease his pain, but no words felt right. Aarav, who had just been an unstoppable storm, now looked like someone drowning in an endless sea of grief.

He dropped to his knees, gripping his hair as his sobs broke the silence. "Why did I have to die? Why did I have to lose everything? I never asked to be saved… I just wanted to live!"

I stepped closer, hesitantly reaching out my hand, offering a small gesture of comfort. Aarav looked up at me, his tear-filled eyes clouded with confusion. For a moment, he looked like a lost child.

"Come on," I whispered. "We'll find a way—together."

Aarav slowly raised his hand, and the remaining shards of crystal in the air shattered into fading specks of light before disappearing.

Silence settled over the bloodstained, wrecked room. But for the first time, I felt a flicker of hope.

Aarav was still caught in the storm of his emotions. At the same time, I remained frozen, my hand still outstretched toward him—unaware of the knights who had already entered the room or of Zura, who was now sprinting toward me in panic.