Advent

Advent: Triumph of Heroes (Book One)

By Samuel Knight

Distributed at Smashwords

Copyright 2016 Samuel Knight

Smashwords Distribution License Notes

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 – Game Night

Chapter 2 – The Second Coming

Chapter 3 – Exploration

Chapter 4 – Ash Clouds

Chapter 5 – Visions Foretold

Chapter 6 – Travel

Chapter 7 – Digging Through Time

Chapter 8 – Summer Sands

Chapter 9 – Sunshine

Interlude 1 – Cynard

Chapter 10 – Treasure Clouds

Chapter 11 – Meetings Foretold

Chapter 12 – Trade

Chapter 13 – Peering Through Time

Chapter 14 – Summer Breeze

Chapter 15 – Overcast

Interlude 2 – Charlie

Chapter 16 – Historic Clouds

Chapter 17 – Separation Foretold

Chapter 18 – Transformation

Chapter 19 – Walking Through Time

Chapter 20 – Summer Storms

Chapter 21 – Rain

Interlude 3 – Tyram

A Message to the Reader

About the Author

Connections

Introduction

Chaldir, god of Ruin and Flame, wipes black blood and dirt from his brow.

Twisted bodies fill the ashy battlefield around him. Dead Yendrian soldiers lay flat on their backs, melted armor slicing through their skin. Yendrian mounts kick pitifully, begging for relief from their pain. Dark smoke coils through the air under an angry red sun and the smell of decay and molten metal digs through Chaldir’s nose. Using his great claymore as a support, the god sits himself down on a pile of stripped armor and sighs. He surveys the smoky battlefield with old, tired eyes.

Kalax, god of Life and Forests, plops down next to Chaldir. In one burly hand is a double-blade ax, and in the other is a fresh orange. What a fight! He takes a bite from his fruit, chomping happily as juice drips into his beard.

A fight indeed, Chaldir replies, but not one I’m happy with winning.

Hey, they threw hands first. Kalax wipes juice from his bushy black beard. Not our fault they wanted to pick a fight with a couple of gods.

Chaldir inclines his head slightly, conceding the point. How’s everyone doing so far?

You know how Paral gets after a battle, Kalax says. Hibem won’t stop gloating over the dead, though. I don’t get how Paral lives with that maniac. Magnus is saying prayers, Deion is meditating, Cebral is off in his own little world… You know our troop, Chaldir. They’re acting like nothing’s happened. The god generates a second orange and bites into it.

This was supposed to be a peaceful planet, you know. The god of Ruin and Flame lays his claymore across his legs. "Had I known our arrival would cause a world panic, I would have gone somewhere else. And had I known that we would be hunted as trophies, I definitely would have gone somewhere else."

Hey, Kalax says, placing a meaty hand on Chaldir’s shoulder, can’t change the past. Think of it as a casualty of adventuring. People are gonna get hurt somewhere along the line.

Chaldir shrugs off the hand. I sought to have an adventure, not to hurt others. This world did not need to suffer.

Well, like I said, you can’t change the past. Kalax stands, hoisting his double-blade ax over his shoulder. You either hold your head high and hit a few branches or you keep your head down and miss the majesty of the forest. There’s no in-between. A nearby wet crunch forces a flinch from Kalax, who turns to see Magnus, god of Silence and Souls, step forward.

Some of them are not dead yet, Magnus explains, a Yendrian soldier in his grasp. If we want to end this worldwide hunt, there should be no survivors.

Kalax frowns. I thought you were meditating.

Violence for a cause is one thing, Chaldir says, rising, but I won’t stand for excess bloodshed. Put him down.

Why? So you can try to convince yourself that what we did here wasn’t all that bad? Magnus grips the soldier’s head with one hand and its neck with the other. The Yendrian’s four eyes flick about nervously, its yellow skin flecked with thick black blood. You’re a god like the rest of us, Chaldir. Their mortal lives are meaningless, and in the end their souls belong to me. Why does it matter when they die?

It matters because they have the chance to live. Chaldir takes his claymore in his right hand and points the tip at Magnus. I’ll say this one last time: put him down.

As you wish. Magnus takes his hand away from the Yendrian’s neck.

WHAM!

Magnus slams the soldier into the ground, breaking its neck and crushing its skull. Chaldir lunges at Magnus and tackles him to the ground. Purple spirals and red lines of magic clash violently, ripping up the ground. Fire races across the landscape, bodies twitching from contact with purple magic.

Enough! a voice suddenly thunders. That’s enough!

Hibem, god of Lightning and War, shoves past Kalax. He seizes Magnus by the back of his black robes and drags him off of Chaldir. As Chaldir stands, Hibem kicks him in the ribs, sending the god sprawling back into the dirt.

Look at yourselves! Hibem shouts. You should be ashamed! You are gods, the highest of all creatures, yet you sit here and fight like two mortals over a piece of gold! He spits angrily. Pathetic! Have you no dignity?

Dignity is for mortals, says Magnus, laying in the dirt.

Is your greed for souls so great that you’d stoop to senseless violence? Hibem then looks at Chaldir. And you, Chaldir… You are our leader. You know that I’ll follow you to the end of the universe. But squabbling like a child with your oldest friend is not how a leader should act. It’s disgraceful.

Magnus picks himself up, dusting off his black robes. You’re one to talk about greed, Hibem. I saw the hunger in your eyes as you battled these creatures. You’ve got some nerve, lecturing me about greed and senseless violence.

My greed is justified, Hibem says. These creatures were after our heads. They’re beaten now; they don’t deserve execution. They’ve learned their lesson.

Magnus snorts. First time I’ve heard greed get justified.

Regardless, Chaldir says, standing, we shouldn’t dwell here any longer. This world will soon discover what we’re capable of and I want to avoid more conflict. We should move on to the next world and leave this one behind.

Here here! Kalax beams. Hibem, Magnus, and Chaldir all turn to the god of Life and Forests with stern looks on their lips. Kalax grins brightly. Let’s put the past where it should be—in the past. Once we round up the gang and leave this dreary place, I’ll bet the next thing we’ll see is a new planet with tons of adventures to be had. He puts his fist out in front of him. Come on, who’s with me? Let’s do the old group cheer!

Magnus shakes his head and departs. Hibem turns around and leaves without another word. Shrugging, Kalax turns to Chaldir expectantly.

Don’t be so happy, the older god sighs, lifting his claymore from the dirt. Nothing about this place should give you any reason to smile.

I’m here with my nine best friends in the universe, Kalax says. Why shouldn’t I be happy?

You just don’t get it. Kalax watches Chaldir walk into the smoke and ruin of the battlefield. Before long, the god of Ruin and Flame is out of sight, leaving Kalax alone with the bodies of the dead.

I get it just fine. Kalax rescinds his hand. You’re the one who doesn’t get it. Then, picking up his double-blade ax, the god prepares to run off and collect the remainder of his friends.

He pauses, however, as a body nearby stirs. Kalax kneels and pulls it out from underneath the pile. It’s a Yendrian soldier who managed to survive Hibem’s Thunderous Apocalypse Bomber. The Yendrian squirms anxiously as it looks into Kalax’s luminescent green eyes.

Kalax places a hand on the Yendrian’s chest. Don’t worry, friend. This won’t hurt for long. The god lifts his axe and cleaves the soldier’s head from its shoulders. Gently, Kalax plants his fingers in the pool of dark blood, digging them into the dirt. Sprouts from upstart plants curl into being, energized and glowing from the god’s presence.

With a sigh of regret, Kalax runs off to join the others.

Chapter One

Game Night

Camellia Agnelli looks up as Drew King, her best friend, pulls into the driveway. She glances at the nearby clock—he’s late as usual. Taking her umbrella and slinging her backpack over her shoulders, Camellia steps into the rain. The passenger door opens and she slides into the seat. A young man with faded red hair and hazel eyes sits behind the wheel.

Hey, Drew says with a grin. How’ve you been?

Good, actually, says Camellia. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to get out of the house. And hey, sorry about earlier today. You know how mom gets when I want to have anyone over if she’s not home.

Don’t worry about it, Drew says. I’m struggling with the parent thing too. Are you playing as a paladin tonight?

I’m always a paladin. Holy knights are the best.

I think you only play them because you can’t play a bard correctly, Drew says. I’ll have you know it takes skill to seduce murderous dragons with a banjo and a panflute.

I’m sure it does. Camellia looks around. So are we going to get moving any time tonight?

I could go for a nice stroll around the park, Drew says, looking out into the pouring rain. You want to go for a walk, cut the shop entirely? Bennie can tell us about the game another time.

No way. We’ve been waiting to play this game for months and you know I hate the rain.

Can’t say I didn’t try. Drew grins. Alright then, let’s go! We’ve got a world to save!

He drops the car into reverse and pulls out of the driveway. Revving the engine, Drew takes off down the road at a blistering pace of almost 15 miles an hour.

After humoring him for a few long seconds, Camellia’s patience finally wears thin. Think you can speed it up a little? We’ve got places to be.

Drew laughs. Earlier today you didn’t even want to go, and now you can’t wait to get out of the neighborhood. He shakes his head. I can’t wrap my head around you.

Well I’m here now, so let’s not waste any more time. Stanley and Bennie are waiting on us.

You’re the most impatient, unpredictable person I’ve ever met. You should be wearing a mood ring with how often you flip-flop.

Camellia shrugs. My mood depends on the weather.

Oh, Drew says, you’re playing the whole ‘I’m mysterious because the weather affects my feelings’ card.

It really does. When it rains I get all pent-up. I’m happier when it’s bright and sunny.

Well if you ever get too pent-up, give me a phone call. Drew winks. I’ll come and iron out some of that stress for you.

Camellia rolls her eyes, then all but jumps through the window. That’s the shop right there! You’re going to miss it!

Drew slowly moves into the proper lane. He lazily makes the turn as the oncoming traffic whizzes by. Several angry drivers blow their horns, screaming profanities as they pass.

You almost missed it again!

I guess I was too busy dreaming about your beautiful face.

Camellia crosses her arms and looks away. Go soak your head.

Drew maneuvers the car into a parking spot and shuts the engine down. Camellia grabs her backpack and heads towards the shop. A rose-colored mat and windows showcasing vintage merchandise welcome customers inside. As the pair walks into the main lobby, Drew screeches to a halt.

Luke’s here, he whispers.

Luke Derringer? Camellia looks around the shop. Where?

Seriously? Drew hisses. He’s kind of hard to miss because one, he’s the only other person in the store and two, because he’s laughing to himself as he’s staring at the wall.

Across the store, Luke Derringer blinks and tries to focus on the blank drywall in front of him. He looks to be deep in thought.

I don’t think it’s good that he’s here, Drew says. Especially tonight.

Camellia shoots him a glance. What, a man can’t reserve the right to get away from it all? In light of what happened to him today, I say he has every right to be here.

Luke chuckles to himself. Check out this pattern on the wall, he says to no one in particular. "It’s so… mystical."

Look, just keep quiet, says Drew. We can probably sneak around him without setting him off. I hope he’s not here for the event tonight.

Bless his heart if he is. He should be home resting.

As Drew and Camellia attempt to sneak past Luke, he turns and spots them. Both of them freeze, caught in the act. He waves to them and approaches.

I thought I heard some thumping going on around here, Luke says, stopping in front of Drew and Camellia.

You could hear us?

We were tiptoeing, Drew says. How could you hear us walking?

Walking? You guys were clomping like a pair of elephants. Hard to ignore it, really. Luke grins widely. Are you two here for the event tonight?

Drew shoots Camellia a pained glance. We both are, yeah. He scratches the back of his neck. I take it you aren’t here to enjoy comic books and card games all night?

Nah dude, nah. I’m here to uh… Uh… Suddenly comatose, Luke stares off into space. Drew and Camellia exchange worried looks. They don’t realize that Luke has spotted an artist’s rendition of a wormhole hanging on the wall behind them. In his altered state, he believes it to be authentic.

Guys, he says. When did that wormhole get there?

Drew turns around and spots the picture on the wall. He sighs in relief.

It’s just one of those Hubble pictures, Luke. It’s not real.

You sure? I want to be sure. Luke pats down his pockets. Who’s got a camera? We need to capture this moment. It could be big news for NASA. We could make money off this.

You take care of it. We’ll see you in the back. Drew hurriedly ushers Camellia towards the back of the store. Maybe we’ll get lucky and he’ll forget why he came here.

You’re just awful, Camellia says. And stop breathing down my neck. It’s really annoying.

Hey! a new voice chirps. It’s about time you guys got here!

The voice comes from a girl with short, dark red hair and dark brown eyes. She smiles widely, hands on her hips.

You are both late.

The second, more articulate voice comes from a tall boy with bright blue eyes and black hair. He is standing and cleaning his spectacles, not looking at anything in particular.

Stanley! Drew exclaims. Bennie! Glad you two could make it!

Glad to be here, Bennie Balachie says, considering this was my idea in the first place.

Stanley Lockwood places his spectacles on his nose. I have had tonight marked on my calendar for weeks. I would not miss this for the world.

I didn’t really know what to bring, so… Camellia takes off her backpack and places it on the table. I covered all bases.

She produces a few notepads and some pencils. Drew reaches into the bag and pulls out a plastic box of dice. The dice are blue and are marbled with lighter shades of blue.

Drew pats his friend on the back. You’re the best, you know that?

Camellia shrugs. I try.

Do I hear a party happening back here?

A middle-aged man with a short beard enters from the front room. He’s holding a big cardboard box with a label plastered on the broad side in a foreign language.

Hey there, Mr. John, says Bennie.

What’s up, everyone?

Just waiting on you, Drew replies. You’re the guy with the rules and equipment. He throws a look around the corner. Is Luke playing tonight?

Luke’s just sitting in, Mr. John says. You know he’s got nowhere to go right now, especially considering… He gestures vaguely, no explanation necessary. I heard about what happened at school today. It’s really unfortunate. But don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on him.

Thanks, says Bennie. It’s good to know we can count on you. Is Scott coming tonight?

He said he got called in to work again. Working for Steele Electric can’t be good for his health. Mr. John sets the box on the table and brushes off his hands. The packing instructions said four players minimum, so we’ve got enough people here to make the game run. I’ll probably close early so we can start the show.

And Luke? Drew insists.

What about Luke?

Yeah bro, what about me?

Everyone turns as Luke casually walks into the back room, not seeming to notice anyone or anything. He pulls out a chair at the far head of the table and reclines in it, staring at nothing in particular.

Just going to sit in and watch tonight? Bennie asks.

Yeah man, the more you watch the more you learn. Luke spreads his arms. Like, I knew this guy who only watched. All his life he watched and observed. But he got smart, man. Got into the information business, blackmailed all the people running for offices he didn’t want them to get. The dude’s super influential nowadays.

Oh? Mr. John says, curious. What’s his name?

I can’t remember. I think he brainwashed it out of me.

Sounds like a routine day in the government to me, Drew mutters. Camellia stifles a laugh.

We should get started soon. Mr. John gestures to Luke. Sure you don’t want to play, Luke?

Nah I’m fine, Luke replies. I’ll watch and learn and come back next week playing like a champ.

Mr. John nods and produces a box cutter from his pocket. Remember guys, what goes on in the room doesn’t leave the room. Outside, you never know if your rival players are listening or not. You always want to have that unknown advantage!

Oh so serious, Mr. John! Bennie teases.

You know how I get into these games.

Mr. John cuts open the box. He produces a large black board and places it on the table; Bennie unfolds it. The board is very large, reaching from one side of the table to the other. The title of the game is plastered across the top in bold, elegant white letters, though it’s in a strange language that Bennie has never seen before. Lush trees, sunlit prairies, a dark cemetery, misty mountains, wild seas, and collapsed cities and rubble decorate six different areas of the board. A bird’s-eye view of a very large city occupies the center part of the board. Smaller hexagons cover the board in its entirety.

Mr. John produces a plastic bag from the box and sets it on the table. Stanley opens the bag and pulls out three small boxes of cards. One box is white, one box is black, and one box is grey.

Alright, now everyone sit tight and be patient. There’s a second box somewhere, but I don’t really remember where I put it. Mr. John smiles awkwardly. That box is pretty important too, considering it has the game rules in it. He leaves the room, muttering something about boxes under his breath. Luke continues to stare into empty space, meditating on the meaning of the universe.

Everyone ready? Drew asks, eagerness in his eyes. Excited?

Kind of nervous, Bennie admits.

Camellia looks at the board. What’s the point of the game?

It is new, Stanley says, his voice crisp and scholarly. Surely your question is rhetorical, as no one in this room could possibly know the answer to that.

I think he just called your question stupid, Luke chuckles. Camellia resists the urge to throw something at him, like a handful of dice or a metal folding chair.

Based upon the layout of the board and the hexagon spaces, Stanley continues, leaning over the board, one can probably assume that this is a turn-based combat strategy game with roleplaying roots.

I see why this game would never work without a minimum of four people, Camellia says, tracing the board with a finger. You’ve got a lot of space to move.

Bennie opens the white box and pulls out a card. It has black lettering on one side of the otherwise white card. Twelve, she reads. If you are on Cebral’s Ocean, a duel with an opposing Hero ends in a win for you.

Drew opens the black box and pulls out a card. It has white lettering on one side of the otherwise black card. Six, Drew reads. Use this only in a duel. Your opponent is ejected from the duel. Place them anywhere in Kalax’s Woods. They lose one health.

Camellia opens the grey box and draws a card from it. It has gold lettering on one side of the otherwise grey card. She laughs, amused. Three. Gain one health. Eradicate all attacking opponents within one spot of you. Heroes cannot be eradicated. Place four Supporter tokens on different spots within one spot of you. You skip your next turn.

Brooooken, Luke calls from his chair.

It’s odd though, Camellia notes, looking at the card in her hand. ‘Heroes can’t be eradicated’ is in parentheses.

It’s probably a game-wide ruling, Bennie says. That would mean that there’re other cards with the text Eradicate.

Mr. John returns to the room, a second box in hand. Alright, I’m back. Sorry for the wait.

Mr. John cuts open the second box and pulls out a purple cloth bag, a blue cloth bag, and a red cloth bag. Camellia takes the red bag, Drew takes the purple bag, and Bennie takes the blue bag. Mr. John puts a fourth stack of cards with question marks on them in a corner of the board.

Camellia opens the red bag, which contains twelve twenty-sided dice and many smaller dice. The smaller dice are red and are marbled with lighter shades of red. These must be for turns and life counters, she says, holding up the dice. I guess we won’t be using my blue dice tonight.

Drew opens the purple bag, which contains what looks to be playing pieces too numerous to detail. They are all painted silver. I’ve got what we’ll be using as our character pieces, Drew says.

I wanted to use my favorite pawn, Stanley sighs, disappointed.

Bennie opens the blue bag. It contains small plastic creatures of various sizes and descriptions. They’re cute, but Bennie has no clue what they could be used for.

Oh finally, the rulebook. Mr. John pulls out a massive tome and sets it on the table with a mighty thump. I was expecting it to be lighter. You all have the playing pieces, I have the rules. Are we missing anything else?

Anyone got a pen or something? Luke asks. I need to take some notes. He pauses and then reaches into his pocket, producing a pen. He looks at it in shock for a moment. The aliens gave me a pen, guys.

Right. Mr. John claps his hands together. Everyone grab a seat and we can get started.

Mr. John sits at the other head of the table across from Luke. Camellia sits to Mr. John’s left and Drew sits next to her. Across from Drew sits Bennie, and to Bennie’s left sits Stanley. The board is between the five active players. Mr. John opens the massive rulebook.

Alright, let’s get this thing rolling. To start, it says here that everyone is a Hero. He then frowns, confused. That’s odd. I can’t make these words out. He rubs the page with his thumb. This is really weird. The book’s in a different language. I can’t read it.

What? We got ripped off? Drew folds his arms. This is unbelievable.

Now hold on. It could be just one section of the rule book. Mr. John flips through the rest of the book with an optimistic grin, but it soon fades when he uncovers more unreadable characters. This is just strange! What happened here?

Let me see that first page again, Bennie says as she walks over to Mr. John’s side. I’m the language nerd of the group, remember?

She takes a closer look at the rule book, inspecting the characters closely. She traces the words, trying to find similarities between the alien alphabet and the ones she knows. Eventually the rest of the group, except for Luke Derringer, crowds around Mr. John to get a good look at the foreign script.

Without warning, the four players and Mr. John disappear from sight, blinked from reality. The book slams shut, drops onto the table, then lands on the floor with a hollow thump. Luke, neither astonished nor entirely relaxed, squints in suspicion at the other side of the table. The sudden lack of a human presence is innately unnerving.

Hey, are you guys still hanging around?

Silence.

I’ve got a pretty bad feeling about this, Luke says. Someone like, slap me or something. This is a great trick and all but it’s getting a little scary now. Only silence meets him again. After more long moments left in the quiet, Luke cracks a wide, crooked grin.

Man, the game took those guys! He grows deadly serious. I’ve got to get in there. They’re going to need my help! No one knows these games like I do! He fishes for what he thinks is his cell phone. I can’t go in half-cocked, though. I’m going to need help.

He pulls out his wallet and starts to dial someone’s number on what he thinks is the number pad. It’s strange, however, as Luke doesn’t remember owning a flip phone. He waits as the phone dials, but it eventually goes to voicemail.

Hey Scott, this is Luke. I guess you’re busy right now because you didn’t pick up. Give me a call back soon. Some of my friends just got sucked into a board game and I need your help to get them out. Hit me up, you’ve got my number. Ciao.

Luke hangs up his wallet. He then looks out at nothing in particular and daydreams.

Oh man, where am I? Drew wonders. God, my head burns… What smells like fish? Am I outside? Drew tries to open his eyes; he winces in pain. What’s in my eyes, shards of glass? Sand? Rubbing his eyes reveals a gritty, rough substance. With a start, Drew realizes that it is, indeed, sand. He groans and forces will in his arms. Okay, up and at ‘em, Drew King. Come on, off the ground.

Drew attempts to push himself off the ground but only manages to flip on his back. He finds an endless starry sky hanging over him. It’s a surprisingly clear night, especially considering Mr. John’s shop is located in a fairly large city with a lot of street lamps.

It’s never this clear outside. Where am I? The wind gusts and kicks more sand into his face. And where the hell is all this sand coming from!

Drew tries to remember what happened as his efforts to sit up and look around fail. A mix of groans comes from around him as his friends come to their senses.

Oh, my head… groans Camellia from somewhere close by.

I say… Stanley slurs. What a trip.

Where am I? Bennie asks.

Is everyone alright? The last voice belongs to Mr. John.

What happened? asks Camellia.

I don’t know. Bennie holds her head in her hand as she attempts to look around. Where are we?

Well, Drew says, if you want my input—and I know few people who do—take a look at the sky. You guys ever recall seeing such a clear night? I’ve never seen anything like this.

Mr. John! Bennie gasps. You’re floating!

Everyone looks at Mr. John, who is levitating a few inches off the ground. A pale red aura radiates from his body and his eyes are filled with the night sky, hundreds of stars twinkling like faraway lights. All four friends scramble to their feet.

Camellia whistles low and long, impressed. You’re quite the sight. What happened?

Mr. John smiles. We’ve been chosen, Camellia.

By whom? Bennie asks. For what?

Looks like you four get the chance to be Heroes.

The four friends exchange confused looks.

Heroes? Drew echoes.

A Hero… Camellia thinks. He couldn’t mean like a Hero from the game we were just playing, could he?

I can hear your thoughts, you know, Mr. John notes. I can assure you, this isn’t a dream. This is very real.

Ha! Drew steps forwards, skeptical and brash. If this isn’t a dream, then tell me how I can do this! Drew steps back and attempts to perform a backflip, throwing his head over his shoulders. He lands halfway on his neck with a pop and rolls to the side, groaning.

We’re not in a dream, Bennie says flatly, looking at Drew. Mr. John’s telling the truth.

You four are very lucky, Mr. John says. This experience isn’t something offered to just anyone.

Oh my God. Drew rises from the ground. This really is real, isn’t it?

It sure is. Just as you were chosen to be Heroes, I was chosen to be an oracle. Mr. John frowns. Well, at least the oracle for you four. There are six others for the gods who rule each realm you’re standing in.

The four friends look down in unison; the ground at their feet splits into six sections. Drew stands in sand. Camellia stands in ankle-high grass. Stanley stands on hard grey stone. Bennie stands on what looks to be trampled ash. There are two other types of natural ground: one is a black cobblestone road, and the other is a beaten dirt path flanked by long grass and bushes.

Welcome to the world of Renea, Mr. John says. You are standing in the Nexus, the meeting point of Cebral’s Ocean, Apalon’s Plains, Deion’s Peaks, Chaldir’s Ruins, Magnus’s Cemetery, and Kalax’s Woods. He looks at each of the four gathered near him, locking eyes with each one. Do you understand why you’re here?

Not at all, Camellia says. I’d like to buy a vowel.

Mr. John laughs. I don’t blame you for being lost. This is a huge undertaking, not just because of the circumstances we’re in, but because you’re all so far away from your goals! There is so much to learn and discover in this world. Feeling lost is a natural part of the process.

Oh! I understand now! Bennie turns to her friends and sweeps her arm around her. We’re in the game we were just about to play, and we quite literally became the players. Just like the rules said, we each pick a realm to quest in and we have an adventure and level up. Excitement bubbles in her stomach. And as we level up, we’ll gain access to stronger abilities and powers.

Seriously? Drew turns to Mr. John. Will we really get to explore the whole world?

If by ‘world’ you mean ‘realm,’ then yes and no. This whole world is yours to explore after all, but you can only choose one realm to train in. It’s the rules.

Train? Drew says. Like learn magic?

Learn magic, Mr. John confirms. The magic in this realm comes from blessings received by a patron god. Your patron gods are waiting for you to find them and to prove yourself worthy of their majesty and their blessings. Trust me, you are all worthy. Mr. John smiles mysteriously. You just don’t know it yet.

Camellia frowns. You’re talking in riddles.

He is an oracle, Stanley says. As of today, it falls under his job description.

Right! says Mr. John. Time to get moving. I recommend you start by—

Whoa there, Camellia says, stepping forward. I still have no clue where I am. Can you at least tell us where we are before you send us into unknown territory?

You’re currently underneath Monarch, the Greatest City in the World. It’s the central hub which most travelers cross through in order to get to another area of Renea. It’s a very beautiful city; I highly recommend a field trip.

Bennie looks around. We’re underneath a city?

Mr. John gestures to the Nexus. The ground you stand on is at sea level, but the city is above us. You have to take the staircase to get into Monarch.

All four friends look up into a starry sky. The sea of stars extends a short distance over all six areas they stand on, marking the edges of Monarch.

If all realms are connected, Stanley says, why not just walk from realm to realm instead of passing through Monarch?

The boundaries are guarded by lethal barriers made from ancient magic, Mr. John says. I don’t know why, but they’ve been in place since time immemorial. He holds up a finger, as if remembering something important. That reminds me. While we’re here, you might as well look at the landscapes and see what you’re interested in. Standing in the Nexus gives you a special view of the whole world. Instead of seeing what’s typically on Monarch’s maps, you can see all of the different kinds of land with your own eyes. Just focus on the area beyond the edge of Monarch.

Though still confused, each of the four friends turn around and look toward the landscapes of the Six Realms. They find their vision significantly enhanced, as if seeing through binoculars.

Kalax’s Woods starts with a beaten path that travels through a small field of wildflowers and bushes. Thin trees stand just beyond the edge of the bushes and make a picturesque arbor. In the distance, the imposing shadow of a massive forest rises towards the skyline. Twilight sunshine streams downwards from the sky, stopping at the edge of Chaldir’s Ruins.

Chaldir’s Ruins, to the left of Kalax’s Woods, has a red, cloudy sky. The ground is mostly trampled ash, but concrete pavement can be seen in some areas—evidence of a once thriving civilization. In the distance, large shadows of ruined buildings lean against one another and hidden flames flicker in-between collapsed buildings. The red skyline ceases at Cebral’s Ocean, to the left of the Ruins.

Cebral’s Ocean has a clear and pleasant sky. Sand dunes stretch in every direction and rise up almost immediately past the Gate. Large rock formations and pools of water grace the sand. A few wide and easy-going rivers snake through the dunes. Water splashes in the distance, evidence of an unseen ocean.

The hard grey stone of Deion’s Peaks borders the sand of Cebral’s Ocean. The rock starts out as small crags that gradually slope into larger and taller formations. It gently climbs upward towards toothed peaks and imposing mountains that disappear into a sea of mist. Far in the distance, one huge mountain with a pulsing red peak breaks through the fog.

Magnus’s Cemetery begins as a cobblestone path. The majority of the path is black, with purple and white stones placed intermittently. There is a sense of both reverence and decay in the realm. Dried grass and dead trees line the path; calls are heard from a flock of birds out of sight. There is a wall of total darkness rising from the far horizon, but it’s difficult to see clearly. The skyline is dark grey.

Apalon’s Plains are bright and sunny. The ankle-high grass has dandelions and is bright green. Hills roll as far as the eye can see and clouds bounce across the sky. The grass is trampled to a point where a makeshift path has been made. A stray wind makes artificial waves in the grass.

Bennie breathes slowly, in awe of the mystery of Chaldir’s Ruins. Camellia feels a stirring in her chest as she gazes at Apalon’s Plains, completely speechless. Drew’s heart wrenches at the briny, salty smell of Cebral’s Ocean. Stanley stares at the mist and the red glow of the far-off mountain in Deion’s Peaks, scholarly awe in his eyes.

I take it you all like what you see? Mr. John asks expectantly.

Are you guys even looking at this place? Bennie says, her eyes on the Ruins. Can you imagine all of the cool things I’m going to find out there?

I think I fancy a different approach, Stanley says, his eyes on the Peaks. Just look at it. Have you ever seen such cold, brutal beauty? Can you imagine what waits for me in those mountain summits?

This place is beautiful, Camellia says, her eyes on the Plains. Imagine what it’s like out there. Imagine the wide open sky and the rich green grass. Imagine the fresh air, the clean water, the untouched scenery!

Forget that, Drew says, smiling at the dancing waves of sand. The salt out there is playing my song. There’s so much wonder and mystery out there past the horizon. I just have to experience it for myself! Drew glances at Stanley, then his eyes grow wide. Hey! Your forehead has a symbol on it!

Look at your forehead, Drew! Bennie says. There’s a symbol on yours, too!

You have one too, Bennie, says Camellia. Is there one on mine?

Indeed there is! Stanley replies.

Those are the symbols of the gods, Mr. John says. Stanley, your symbol is that of Deion, god of Mountains and Time. Bennie, you bear the symbol of Chaldir, god of Ruin and Flame. Drew, your symbol belongs to Cebral, god of Architecture and Oceans. Camellia, you have the symbol of Apalon, god of Sunshine and the Wind. This means that the god in the realm you have chosen has accepted you as an apprentice and is now your patron god. Those symbols also permanently mark you as Heroes!

Really? Camellia says. So soon?

Better now than never, says Stanley. I am already itching to get started.

Excellent! says Mr. John. I recommend moving along. The path you’ll travel is a long one and your patron gods are waiting for you. If I were a Hero like you, I wouldn’t keep them waiting.

A sense of hesitation blankets the group. No one wants to take that first step into the unknown. Mr. John waits patiently, empathizing with their nervousness. Bennie suddenly cracks a wide smile, glancing at her friends.

Let’s make this a little more interesting, she says. How about a competition after we’ve all leveled up to the max, just to see who the strongest Hero in the world is?

You’re a fool if you think I’m turning that down, Drew says proudly. Stanley, after a short glance at Camellia, nods his head in agreement.

Bennie puts her fist out in front of her. When we meet again, she declares, I’m going to be stronger than all of you! I promise!

Stanley steps forward. He puts his fist against hers. When we meet again, he declares, I will defeat you all with my superior knowledge! I promise!

Camellia steps forward. She puts her fist against Stanley’s and Bennie’s. When we meet again, she declares, I’ll be the strongest Hero of us all. I promise.

Drew steps forward and pushes his fist into the center, fulfilling the connection between them. When we meet again, he declares, you’ll see me stronger than ever before! I promise!

They all look at each other, fire and determination in their eyes. Years of memories pass between them.

Remember everyone, a promise is a promise, Bennie says. I know you all would hate to lose to me, so you’d better come prepared!

If I am beaten by you, I would consider it an honor, Stanley counters. It means I still have more to learn. I welcome your challenge!

Drew laughs aloud, finally ready to embark on his journey. I can’t wait to beat you all in our final battle. He steps back and opens his arms wide. Come on, one last hug before the road?

They all embrace. For just one moment, the group of new Heroes is just a group of friends. They don’t know long it will be before they see each other again, but their hearts burn with their passions and desires for adventure. They break the embrace and say their final goodbyes to one another.

The four friends separate as Heroes and depart down their paths.

Chapter Two

The Second Coming

Underneath Monarch, the Greatest City in the World

Moments after the departure of the Heroes from the Nexus, the night sky underneath Monarch begins to shift and distort. Mr. John’s eyes narrow as the starry sky above him comes into sharper focus. The world around him rumbles. Originally floating parallel to the ground, Mr. John turns himself upright and places his feet where the six grounds meet. Monarch, the Greatest City in the World, trembles.

Something is traveling through spacetime.

Brilliant cosmic light erupts from the swath of the night sky under Monarch and covers the Nexus of Heroes. Mr. John’s attempts to shield his eyes fail, the light too bright to avoid. A scream like a fighter jet pierces the air as two figures fly through the luminescent portal.

WHUMP, WHUMP.

The light dims and then retreats back into the starfield, leaving Mr. John dazed and momentarily blinded. As the oracle regains his sight, two new forms lie at his feet, both male. They come to their senses considerably quicker than the other group of Heroes, getting up in a few short seconds. One is of average height with black hair, light brown eyes, and a considerable amount of jaw-line stubble on his face. He looks confused. The other is tall and thin with black hair, bright green eyes, and a crooked smile.

Luke? Mr. John asks in disbelief. Luke Derringer?

Hey, Mr. John! What’s good, man?

I don’t understand. What’re you doing here?

I watched you guys get sucked into a board game, dude. Luke gestures to the other male, who continues to look confused. I called some help and came to save you guys.

Well, uhm, thank you, Mr. John says, slightly flustered. I think you’re a little late on the saving thing, though.

What! Luke exclaims. Oh man Mr. John, who died? Did they all die? Where’d you bury them? Luke looks around in earnest. If I’m here I might as well pay my last respects.

No one died, Luke. In fact, they may have just begun to live. He knits his hands together. It’s good that you’re here, though. Now you can participate in the game as well.

Game? asks the other male.

Ah, he speaks! says Mr. John. How’ve you been, Scott?

Pretty busy with work, Scott replies. But you knew that. I miss playing with you guys.

I brought him in here to help me out, Luke says. I didn’t want to come in half-cocked, you know?

So where exactly are we? Scott asks, looking around. What’s up with the sky? It was raining just a few minutes ago. He looks at Mr. John and, as if seeing him for the first time, takes a few steps back. Why are you floating?

Mr. John sighs. I suppose I’ll have to give you two newcomers the whole spiel.

I’ll save you the breath, says Luke. He turns to his friend. Alright Scott, check this out. We’re in the game I just forced you to play about three seconds ago. Each piece of the ground we stand on is a different realm and we need to find a patron god so we can progress through the game and become the strongest Hero in the world. Mr. John is floating because he’s an oracle and is our go-to guy if we need to get any information while we travel. Luke looks at Mr. John. Is that about right?

Yes, Mr. John says, amazed. How did you know that?

Luke shrugs. Maybe I’m just that radical.

Scott snorts. No one says radical anymore, Luke.

Oh yeah? Luke challenges. Well I just did. Think about that.

So, Mr. John interrupts, as Luke said, you have six options available to you. There’s Kalax’s Woods, Apalon’s Plains, Magnus’s Cemetery, Deion’s Peaks, Cebral’s Ocean, or Chaldir’s Ruins. You can also explore Monarch if you’re not ready to choose.

Where’s Monarch? Luke asks.

We’re standing underneath it.

Get out of town!

No really, we are! You can’t see the city from here because it’s floating on divine magic. His waves his hand in dismissal. Anyways, if you do choose Monarch, eventually you’ll have to make a choice as to the area you want to adventure and grow in. You are, after all, Heroes of this world.

Well, says Scott, who went where?

Bennie took to the Ruins, Drew left for the Ocean, Stanley headed off for the Peaks, and Camellia went into the Plains.

Luke looks at his feet. I wanted the Peaks…

You can still go for it! Mr. John says. Any realm can have up to three different Heroes questing for the same god, but no more than three. Every single path is still open for both of you two, even if you went together.

Well, I’ve never been a big fan of forests since I saw The Wolfman, Scott says. And I hate copying people’s ideas. Scott looks over Mr. John’s shoulder at Magnus’s Cemetery, immediately captivated by the eerie yet reverent silence. He points. I think I’ll take a walk down that way.

And you, Luke? Mr. John asks, turning to the other male. Which path will you choose?

I’m going to check out the city, he says. I’ll bet they’ve got some crazy parties going on up there.

I highly doubt that, but it’s your decision.

A burgeoning supernova in the starfield at the roots of Monarch catches Luke’s eye. He looks up to watch it.

Scott pounds his fist into his hand. I should get a bag or something before I get moving. Maybe some food, too; I might get hungry on the road. He rubs his stomach. I’m kind of hungry now. It’s almost dinner time for me. Does Monarch have any good food?

Any good food? Mr. John laughs aloud. Monarch has the best food from all six realms and serves it at a bargain price to boot! It’s also a very beautiful city. I highly recommend a field trip.

You up for some grub, Luke? Scott asks. Luke, returning to the present after watching the supernova for so long, looks at Scott blankly. The man repeats his question.

Oh! I’m always up for some food, man. He then squints at Scott. Dude, Scott. You’ve got something on your forehead.

Really? Scott says, rubbing his forehead. Blasted breakouts.

Far from it, Scott, says Mr. John. That’s the symbol of Magnus, god of Silence and Souls. It means Magnus has accepted you as his apprentice and is now your patron god. It also marks you as a Hero.

Scott rubs his forehead. I didn’t think this was going to be so… real. I mean, how could it be? It’s almost too fantastic to believe. He looks at Mr. John. How come Luke doesn’t have one?

I haven’t decided on where I’m going yet so I shouldn’t have one, Luke says, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

Mr. John nods approvingly. He speaks the truth yet again. Have you played this game before, Luke?

No, but I can see obvious stuff coming from a mile away.

I’m hungry, Scott says. Are we going or what?

Yeah man, let’s get going. Luke stuffs his hands in his pockets and saunters away without another word. Scott watches him go for a moment and turns to Mr. John after Luke is out of earshot.

I’m going to be honest. I’m still a little lost.

Don’t worry about it, Mr. John replies. It’s not every day you find yourself transported to a new world with such a monumental opportunity.

I suppose that much is true.

Please try to get him to pick a god he wants to associate with, Mr. John says. Luke is destined to be a Hero, but until he chooses where he wants to go, he can’t come back down here. He can be in here for now, but if he tries to come back in without a patron god, he will not be let through the Gates.

I’ll do my best. Scott steps away, then pauses. Where am I going, exactly?

See that thing over there? Mr. John points to a pillar standing