The Inner Odyssey

Caelum basked in the attention and glory.

He relished it.

To the point where he was glad he had kept the identity of his Sponsor a secret.

Even though it had caused him quite some trouble in the past - a few people had mocked him, assuming he had kept quiet for fear of humiliation. Of course, what they didn't know was that he had made a pact with one of the most powerful otherwordly beings.

In any case, as a result of Caelum biding his time and waiting for the opportune moment to reveal the news, everyone in the Theatre of War was stunned.

No, not just stunned. Dumbfounded.

Caelum could see it on their faces like a clear summer sky.

One person in the crowd staggered, overwhelmed. Another paled, as if they had seen a Defiled Colossus - which could just be due to his Sponsor's presence -, while a third had their mouth wide open in pure shock.

Similar scenes played out across the arena.

Yet, Caelum did not really care about all that. Rather, he fixed his attention on a special group, up there in the private viewing chamber. His plum gaze - augmented with mana - took in the scene.

The Zephyr Clan were the most animated. Caelum felt their gaze could melt stone, such was its intensity and heat. Of course, it was the good kind of heat, and one the young illusionist had no qualms burning within.

'They could do much more than that, for all I care.'

Caelum reveled in the Grand Elder's gaze, in particular.

The other three Clans displayed somewhat similar reactions, but most just regarded his immediate ascension in status with wary solemness.

The only individual who exhibited a different reaction was a pale young man with white hair and a dark eyepatch. Garbed in a fine, dark crimson tunic, over which draped a sleeveless black mantle with golden accents, the attire accentuated his striking, crimson eye.

Based on the way he sat at the heart of the chamber, Caelum could infer the young man's identity.

'The Keeper's Apprentice.'

The one who was said to possess the terrifying power to decay, if all the rumours were true.

Currently, the Keeper's Apprentice wore a subtle frown, which Caelum found most odd.

Shelving that detail for later, the green-robed youth spared a glanced towards his opponent. Varnel wore a bitter expression on his weathered face. It was as if he thought, "No wonder I lost. He's a Chosen of the Divine Sovereign.".

Caelum inwardly smirked.

He almost failed to contain his glee.

Suddenly, a voice thundered in Caelum's mind.

It felt unfathomable and boundless, as if it originated beside him, but also existed somewhere incredibly far away.

[You'd do well not to disappoint me, mortal.]

'I won't.'

Caelum promised.

Contrary to his faux confidence, however, a bead of cold sweat trickled silently down his back. In the next moment, his Sponsor left, and the starry glow which shrouded Caelum's figure faded.

The platinum-haired youth heaved a silent sigh of relief.

He made sure his demeanour remained proud, before a lone figure abruptly exited the tunnel.

Caelum frowned as he watched them step into the grounds of the arena.

The crowd noticed them a moment later, and an uneasy hush enveloped the Theatre of War.

The newcomer wore a long, flowing, white garment. She had flawless skin, jewels for eyes, and alluring golden-blonde hair fashioned into a half-braid.

She was Celeste…

The only other Chosen of the Divine Sovereign.

Caelum had planned to enquire about her whereabouts after the Tournament, judging by her presence, or lack thereof in the viewing chamber. Never did he imagine she would descend into the arena and steal all the attention from him.

Caelum's brows twitched.

However, he found it difficult to stay mad.

Her breathtaking visage, marred by an expressionless facade, gave rise to an unexpected urge within Caelum. Suddenly, he wanted to see her smile.

It would no doubt be a most radiant sight.

'Is this love at first sight?'

He mused.

At the same time, he wondered why Celeste had decided to enter the arena and shed her role as a neutral observer.

A few moments later, she paused; the air thick with tension at her arrival.

Then, she shifted her gaze towards the private chamber, and in a loud, clear voice, announced:

"I challenge the Keeper's Apprentice to a duel."

Caelum blinked.

'Huh?'

A shocked silence fell upon the Theatre of War.

Then, as if the her words had finally registered, the crowd erupted in a tumultuous outcry.

To Caelum's surprise, they did not seem opposed to the clash.

If anything, they appeared desperate for it.

Quickly recovering, Caelum's plum eyes glinted, noting the hurt in the Keeper's Apprentice gaze.

He looked between the two parties for a moment, and then suddenly grinned.

A brilliant idea sprouted within his mind.

***

Alden flinched - as if someone had struck a thousand gongs in his ear.

It wasn't just his body, or his mind that was affected… his very soul reeled from Celeste's words.

'She wants to challenge me to a duel?! Why?'

A sharp pang materialised in his heart.

Alden struggled desperately against the betrayal drowning his heart.

Was their interaction in the corridor yesterday a lie?

Did she finally cast off the mask of hatred she was suppressing, and now desired to get back at him for breaking her heart?

If not, then what possible reason could she have to fight him, and make a public spectacle in front of all these people?

'Calm down. Let's think about this rationally.'

Alden's mind scrambled as he inhaled a deep breath.

The night before, Celeste had thanked him for coming to her aid against Zaruk. Alden noticed how her shoulders had trembled whilst doing so - only, it wasn't due to excessive pride. Knowing Cece, she'd have felt very guilty, especially since Alden's insistence on an apology had displeased the Masters present greatly.

'In that case, she'd have probably racked her mind for a way to repay me…'

Suddenly, Alden's good eye gleamed and he stared at Celeste. His composure returned.

Within the two orbs of polished jade, the Keeper's Apprentice thought he saw a flash of resolve.

'Is this your way of repaying me, Cece…? By giving me a chance to display my strength and shut down the preconception that Morrigan was wrong to choose me as her successor?'

Just then, the winner of the Adept Tournament, Caelum, stepped forward and bowed to Celeste.

"My Lady, allow me to fight in your stead. I will deal with the riffraff. There is no need for you to sully your blade."

A sharp intake of breath resounded all across the stadium.

Alden frowned and shifted slightly, peering down at Caelum.

'Attention-seeking fool.'

Then, wordlessly, he glanced at Grand Elder Orion.

The Master coughed.

"If she is fine with it, I see no problem."

Murmurs broke it in the private viewing chamber.

Alden nodded.

"I have one condition, though."

He rose to his feet, slowly stretching the rust off his bones.

"Caelum and Varnel will fight me together. It would be too easy otherwise."

Then, Alden glanced down at the green-robed youth and sneered.

"You weak, pathetic cur."

As the new Chosen of the Divine Sovereign trembled with rage and the crowd gasped, Alden's figure disappeared.

'If you want a show that badly, I'll give you one.'