Stars of Destiny

[35:00:00]

It had been ten hours since Phaistos had returned. He was at home, quietly talking with his mother, grandfather, and Nike. Everyone seemed to act as if Phaistos' absence had never happened, but Phaistos felt that as time passed, the moment he would have to explain his story was approaching.

Fortunately, during the wait, he had already had time to create a story that seemed plausible. He only hoped that his loved ones wouldn't be too curious. While he was lost in his thoughts, he heard the door open and a man's voice.

"So, son, it seems you've returned from your escapade," his father said in a strong voice. Phaistos was completely stunned by the way his father addressed his disappearance. He knew his father was calm by nature and solid as a rock, but this reaction completely bewildered him.

What Phaistos couldn't have known was that Euripides had arrived in the village just five minutes ago. As soon as he heard from the fishmonger that his son had returned, he left all his cargo at the usual price without worrying about a possible loss of income. As soon as he received the money, he ran directly home. Given the distance between his home and the port, it forced him to sprint with all his might. His calm demeanor was just a façade to hide the turbulent sea raging inside him.

Before Phaistos could react to the situation, he felt a deadly aura coming from behind him. "Now that your father is here, I can't wait to hear the explanation you have to give us," said his mother in an emotionless voice, unable to hide her desire to know her son's story upon seeing her husband.

"I understand, Mom. I'll explain everything to you. Just don't be too surprised by what I'm going to say," Phaistos said, leaving his chair for his father and sitting next to Nike. He preferred to change seats because the atmosphere was oppressive.

"Five days ago, while I was coming back from Grandpa's house, I decided to pass through my little paradise. When I got there, I noticed a star that shone much brighter than the others. Before I could enjoy the surrounding beauty, I was taken by a superior power to an isolated place..."

Nike immediately interrupted: "A superior power... Are you talking about the gods?" The question seemed innocuous, but it woke the other three from Phaistos' story. He hadn't yet considered the meaning of that term. They turned to Phaistos, waiting expectantly for his response.

"Indeed, the gods have chosen me to walk in their footsteps." Phaistos knew it wouldn't be easy to convince his family. He then decided to create a small water bubble to show them his emerging powers.

As he concentrated, the water in the atmosphere began to condense between his fingers, and under the astonished gazes of the others, he threw the water bubble against a wall.

"A hero... My son is a hero of the gods!" his mother was completely euphoric. To them, the gods were the masters of the world and the guardians of knowledge. In myths, many aspired to join them, but few succeeded. Their son was now going to follow this path and possibly become a god.

Since his training, Phaistos had a more open view of the gods, but he wasn't lying when he said it was the work of the gods. He sincerely believed it, seeing Ætherion Academy as a gathering of divine beings.

In time, he would realize he was making a big leap.

"I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. I feel like it's related to the star I saw in the celestial vault that night. I was taught knowledge far beyond what mortals can invoke. The water bubble, which already seems so fantastical to you, is nothing compared to what I could do."

"I believe you, son, but what about the trials you will have to undergo?" his father asked with a certain apprehension in his voice. This fear was legitimate; heroes were known for having to survive trials completely impossible for ordinary mortals. These trials were also impossible for other chosen one, which is why even heroes were heroes to the chosen ones.

Phaistos was glad his father asked that question. He felt he had done well to explain his story under the aegis of gods and heroes. "I will have to leave in just two days to start my journey, and I don't know when we'll see each other again."

When he finished speaking, he felt the same gloomy mood that had existed in the house before his reappearance. The first reaction came from Nike's eyes filling with tears, but she managed to suppress her sobs deep within her soul.

The reaction from his family was no more pleasant, but there were no tears or cries. He felt that everyone was trying to spare him in light of the trials he would face. His grandfather even decided to change the subject because he didn't want to spend his possible last moments with his grandson in this manner. "And so, if you're a hero, you're just a kid whose diapers I changed not too long ago."

This little joke helped to dispel the sadness that was beginning to gnaw at the family. Nevertheless, the sadness was felt deep down by everyone, especially by Nike, who felt her fiancé drifting away from her.

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He spent the next day with his family, trying to create as many memories as possible before his departure. He had absolutely no way of knowing when he would be able to return.

As Phaistos stepped out of his house to get some fresh air, he saw Nike crossing the street. She had deliberately avoided him yesterday during the discussion. He felt that a huge difference had been created between them just with the few words he had said.

"Nike, wait for me," he called out. Hearing this, the young girl stopped as if paralyzed. She was afraid to face the upcoming events.

As he approached, she said, "Don't come any closer, please. We can't be together anymore; our destinies are too far apart."

Just as she was about to run away, Phaistos cried out, "I love you, and one day, you will be my wife. I swear it." He couldn't see Nike's face, but he hoped that it was a smile that adorned it.

"One day, I'll make you understand that you are always worthy of me."

Phaistos spent his last day fishing, which helped him organize his thoughts.

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Phaistos didn't go to bed since he was going to leave again in the evening, just like the first time. A strange sensation of calm mixed with excitement reigned within him. The memory of saying goodbye to his family the previous day still haunted him. The determination in the eyes of his parents and his grandfather pushed him to move forward with renewed strength.

After a quick dinner prepared by his mother, Phaistos dressed for his journey to the Ætherion Academy. His clothes were simple but sturdy, perfect for the long journey he had to undertake. His mother, Callista, handed him a package containing provisions and a few personal items he had cherished since childhood.

"Take care of yourself, my son. And remember, we are always here for you, even if we are far away," said Callista, tears in her eyes but a smile on her face.

"Thank you, Mom. I will come back stronger, I promise you," Phaistos replied, kissing her one last time before turning to leave. His father wasn't there to say goodbye; he had gone fishing at sea. Despite his father's strong character after years of life and especially his experience in the army, he knew he didn't have the courage to send his son off on such a risky endeavor.

Nike and his grandfather waited for him at the door. Nike waved at him, trying to hide the worry in her eyes. She felt that even if he returned, nothing would ever be the same again. She knew that in a way, Phaistos held onto the commitment made by their parents, but since the gods had given him a mission, he was no longer the same; his status was too far from hers. His grandfather, on the other hand, seemed more relaxed. Nevertheless, Phaistos was relieved that she had the strength to come and say goodbye despite what had happened earlier.

"Do you have everything you need for your journey? You shouldn't forget anything; even the smallest detail could change everything," his grandfather asked, placing a reassuring hand on Phaistos' shoulder.

"Yes, Grandpa. I'm ready," Phaistos replied with confidence.

After the final goodbyes, Phaistos decided to go to the clearing where it all began. Phaistos knew he would be transported to the academy no matter where he was, but he felt that to close the loop, he needed to be there.

As he arrived in the clearing, he waited in silence, watching the countdown continue, and then the moment he had been waiting for two days finally arrived.

"Here we are, the beginning of my journey to greatness."

Thus began the legend of Phaistos, the chosen one of the stars, also known as the supreme mage of ...