A door appeared at a corner and opened, Santaliel stepped forth and emerged from it onto the majestic grounds of Mount Lyrota,a breathtaking place within the Infinity Realm. It was adorned with a palette of gold and white.
The landscape was further mesmerized by shinning solid gold and radiant white marbles with slender pillars crafted from gleaming silver stones that rose all the way above the eyes can see
"Scattered across the radiant landscape were ethereal mansions, each a reflection of its divine owner's power and essence."
In the Infinity Realm, a sacred domain where all divine beings dwell, a formidable barrier forged from celestial and Divine energy protects and encloses this mystical world.
Within the Infinity Realm, three echelons exist in harmony,Mount Olympus, the revered abode of the Divine gods.
Mount Lyrota, the celestial haven of the Celestial gods
The Underworld, a realm where demons and the ruler of the demons dwell, it's also a prison for banished gods who are stripped of their Divine energy.
At the heart of these three mounts lies Gaia's garden,The Heavenly Garden, a radiant source of celestial force and divine energy that nourishes and sustains each echelon, making it the epicenter of Divine and celestial energy within the Infinity Realm.
Beyond the Infinity Realm lies the Earthly Realm, a domain where humans devoid of both Celestial and divine force reside. To sustain and nurture this realm, the Celestial gods of Mount Lyrota are tasked to ensure the well-being and survival of humanity, by taking on various roles, each aligned with their unique celestial aura, thereby preserving the delicate balance of the Earthly Realm.
As Santaliel strolled along the heavenly path of Lyrota, he passed by a cluster of young gods and goddesses who whispered amongst themselves as he walked pass, although their voice were low,he was still able to hear the ridicule laced in their voices.
"Look, it's Santaliel," one of them sneered. "I heard he failed the Celestial Exam three times and dropped out of the divine academy."
Another chimed in, "He's over 5,000 years old and still hasn't discovered his Celestial Aura, what a shame."
" He's even older than my aunt, how useless and disgraceful." Another responded
The group's mocking continued, "His Celestial Force is so weak, sometimes he's mistaken for a human."
"If not for his father's influence, he wouldn't be living among us gods, it will be better if he's banished to the underworld, there would be no need to take away his aura since he has none." they continued to mock, their whispers trailing off as he passes by.
Santaliel's expression remained impassive, but his eyes had a flicker of frustration as he walked pass.
He approached a grand entrance, where a majestic golden gate stood tall, its surface was adorned with intricate black ornaments that evoked the essence of warfare.
This ancient gate, forged from a bygone era, was said to only be opened by members of the esteemed household of Santaliel's family. Yet, Santaliel's lack of Celestial Force rendered him the sole exception, unable to open the gate. Instead, he relied on his loyal personal assistant who is bounded to him to help open the gate
"You're finally back Master." Orly,a cat like creature with white thick plush fur resembling a clear winter sky, two curved horns which protrudes from it's forehead whispered as it appeared in front of the gate. "I've been waiting for you."
The creature had a delicate almost translucent light blue wings sprout from it's back, it's light blue feathers shimmering like stained glass with a subtle sparkling dust lined at the wings edges. Despite it's cute appearance, the beast exudes a stoic calmness.
" Welcome home Master", Orly said with a bow as she had been waiting for Santaliel.
" Thank you Orly, please open the gate." Santaliel said with a smile
" You don't need to plead Master, it is my duty." She said as she turned to the gate, her red fiery eyes that burns with an intense piercing gaze glowed and the majestic gate swung open revealing a breathtaking sight.
The majestic abode named Elysium's Fury shined radiantly emanating an ethereal presence. The sprawling crystal-studded palace boasts towering spires and grand arches, it's walls and floors crafted from polished gold and silver.
Lush gardens, tended by divine nymphs, surrounds the Mansion, filled with rare gemstone-encrusted flowers and trees.
Santaliel walks past the ethereal garden and into the lavish halls, it had different mosaics depicting his father's legendary conquests. Servants and maids whom are also divine beings themselves,attends to every detail. The air is filled with sweet incense and the sent of ambrosia.
Santaliel looked at Orly who was trailing behind him and smiled warmly at her.
"Did anything of note occur during my absence?" Santaliel asked. Orly's expression remained stoic. "Nothing of great importance, Master, except your father has returned."
Santaliel's gaze narrowed slightly. "So, nothing of importance," he repeated, his tone laced with sarcasm
" I do hope you take me with you next time you decide to leave the Mansion," Orly Said with a serious look.
"You don't have to be so scary about it" Santaliel chuckles as he ruffles Orly's fur with his hands on her head, petting her
" Master, you know I dislike it when you do that" Orly complains, pouting making Santaliel chuckle even more
Their banter was interrupted by a voice calling out to Santaliel from above. Santaliel's and Orly's gaze lifted to find a stunning figure descending upon them.
His younger brother, Cupid, the god of love, flaunted his majestic wings, with snow-white feathers glistening in the light. His golden hair cascaded down his back, framing his soft cute face and piercing blue eyes that sparkled with excitement. Clad in a crimson robe that revealed his upper body, accentuating his toned physique and defined abs, Cupid's radiant smile illuminated the surroundings.
"Brother, where have you been?" he asked, his voice infused with eagerness. "I've been searching everywhere for you!"
Santaliel winced, putting a finger in his ear. "I went out for a little stroll and can you please stop yelling every time you see me? I'll have a serious issue with my hearing if it goes on."
"I'm not yelling, you're just being mean because you can't comprehend my beauty." Cupid teased, His white wings fluttered as he struck a pose.
" Oh my,I'm so jealous" Santaliel shot back sarcastically.
" Tease me all you want but I know I'll always be your favorite brother." he said making Santaliel smile and let out a soft chuckle
" What are you doing here, aren't you supposed to be in your palace?" Santaliel asked
" I was bored so I came looking for you brother." Cupid responds, "Anyways Father has returned and has been asking for you"
Santaliel rubbed his hand through his white hair, his expression skeptical. " Tch, What does the old man want from me?"
Cupid shrugged nonchalantly. "How am I supposed to know? , He's been away for three years,Maybe he misses you." Cupid's words were laced with a hint of teasing.
"I'm sure he does, after all, you're his favorite." A feminine said from behind them as the sounds of footsteps echoed as she approached.
Santaliel and Cupid shifted their attention to the slender figure that approached.
"Hello, brother. Hope you had fun wherever you were, and didn't infect the place with your hopelessness." Eris Mocked as she stood behind them with a hand on her waist, her body was slender and yet curvy. Her hair was pitch-black hair and she had red orbs, a stark contrast to Cupid's radiant appearance.
"Nice to see you too, Eris. Sorry I can't stay and chat, knowing how badly you missed me. I don't want to keep Father waiting, after all, I'm his favorite." Santaliel retaliated
He continued walking with Cupid and Orly, ignoring Eris's venomous remarks.
Eris muttered under her breath, "Let's see how long you can keep up with that attitude," her eyes narrowing as she watched Santaliel walk away.
"Eris is always so scary, I should find a chance to give her a shot of love," Cupid said, his eyes glowing with optimism.
"Yea, Good luck with that." Santaliel replied sarcastically. " What is she even doing here, what are you guys even doing here, is there something going on?" Santaliel asks
" I don't know why she's here and I told you I'm here to see you, Maybe father summoned her" Cupid replied.
Santaliel lets out a sigh.
Cupid continued to follow Santaliel through the grand halls of the mansion and couldn't stop talking about different events he's experienced since he last saw Santaliel and Santaliel listened with a warm smile.
They reached the entrance to their father's chambers and came to a halt. "I'll stop here, I don't want to interrupt your alone time with Father" Cupid said, his smile tinged with nervousness. As he turned to leave
" Scaredy cat" Santaliel teased
"Easy for you to say, he doesn't have a grudge against you. Plus you don't have wings that he can rip off easily. He's the God of War, scary and ruthless. You're the only one he treats with so much love, so I'm not going to push my luck." Cupid defends
" Maybe it's because I don't go around, shooting love arrows to everyone In mount Lyrota " Santaliel teased
" They were all filled with hatred, I had to do something to help, it caused me a gruesome pain of getting my wings pulled out by Father but it was still worth it, even if it took 200 years to grow back. My only regret was not shooting our siblings" Cupid defends
" That would have caused you an eternal suffering in the hands of Eris" Santaliel chuckles
" She'll be too drowned in love to do that" Cupid said
" Yeah, until Father undoes the spell" Santaliel said
"Anyways I'll see you later.", Cupid bid Santaliel farewell before dashing off
Santaliel stood before the door of his father's chambers, announcing his presence. "Father it's Santaliel."
The door swung open, revealing a vast throne room filled with ancient artifacts and weapons. An iconic spear was proudly displayed on a pedestal of black onyx. It was the legendary spear which his father used in winning one of his greatest battles, the battle that liberated the Earthly realm
Ares stood in front of a newly placed artifact, his figure imposing strength and wisdom. His gaze turning towards Santaliel as he entered
"Good day Father," Santaliel greeted with a slight bow as he faced his dad
Ares's face lit up with excitement. "Santaliel, my boy! How have you been? I missed you."
Santaliel replied, "I'm fine, Father You're looking mighty as usual." Santaliel said as he took in his father's imposing figure,huge in size, scarred from wars, yet radiating an otherworldly beauty, with bright red orbs and white hair.
"Haha!" Ares laughed, " I see you're still cheerful as usual and it's good to see you as well Orly"
Orly, who had been quiet until now, bowed. "Good to see you too, my Lord."
Ares eyes roamed from Santaliel's head to toe, his gaze filled with pride. " You've grown so big, my boy," he said, his deep voice warm with affection, as he placed his sturdy hands on Santaliel's shoulders.
"Dad, You're acting like you've been gone for a hundred years; it was just three years and I'm still the same" Santaliel jests
Ares smiled, "Felt like a million years being away from you."
The warmth between them was undeniable. To the world, Ares was a god to be feared, ruthless and strong. But to Santaliel, he was simply… Dad.
" What spoils of war have you brought back this time around Dad?" Santaliel asks
Ares waved his hand and a jaded square token with intricate designs in it appeared and he hands it over to Santaliel, " that is an ancient relic, it's said to enhance Celestial Force, by the way have you discovered your celestial aura"
" Thank you father for the gift, I'll treasure it, and I'm yet to discover my aura" Santaliel said, frustration evident on his face as he collected the relic from his father
Ares give him a reassuring smile,that looked like it was hiding a deeper emotion, " Do not rush yourself, my boy. The discovery of one's celestial aura is a journey and not a race."
"I heard people talking, they mock me and say my birth and mother are the reason for my defect." Santaliel mentioned
Ares smile falters for a brief moment. "That's not true."
"Then why won't anyone tell me the truth about her?" Santaliel's voice trembled, frustration breaking through his calm facade. "Is she really... a demon? Like everyone says?"
" Pay what they say no mind."
" But Dad..."
" Enough" Ares said,his voice wrapped in an extraordinary aura that's could be felt in the whole Mansion
Santaliel remained quiet with disappointment written all over his face
Ares continued, "Everything I do or say is for your own good. You should take the next celestial exam."
Santaliel's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening as he forced out a bitter smile. "It's the exam every god takes to find their core aura, and I've failed three times, Dad. I don't need another reminder."
"Welcome home, Dad. If you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave now. Let's go, Orly." Santaliel said as he took his leave
Ares watched him depart with sadness on his eyes. " Some truths are best left hidden my boy..."