"The Kingdom of Elris shall perform the Rite of Summoning on the seventh day of the first month, during the Year of Darkness. This world shall find salvation, for the spirits will return and bring peace to the chaotic days yet to come."
The Oracle of the Temple of the Seven Spirits had finally received the long-awaited divine message. She struggled to dispel the hallucinogenic fog clouding her senses, waving her hand in front of her face until her thoughts began to sharpen and return to reality.
As her body regained its composure, she called out hoarsely, her voice barely above a whisper. "Alfine, quickly pass this to..." Unable to finish her words, the Oracle seized a parchment and hastily scribbled down the sacred message delivered by the spirits, whom she and many others revered as deities. The moment she finished, she handed the paper to her young attendant.
Alfine's eyes widened as she skimmed its contents, realization dawning on her face. Without hesitation, she burst out of the room, knowing the gravity of her mission. She flung open the heavy doors with surprising force, casting both a protective barrier and a light orb to guide her way.
The young priestess descended the treacherous stairs carved into the summit of the continent's tallest mountain. The biting cold of the pitch-black night seeped through the barrier in fleeting moments, numbing her fingers and toes. But she pressed forward, undeterred by the stinging snowflakes that swirled around her.
Her destination lay at the lower temple, where the Cardinal resided. Her breaths came in heavy gasps as she finally reached the temple's gates and pounded on the imposing metal doors. Two towering priests, standing guard with stern expressions, opened the doors immediately. However, Alfine did not pause to heed their warning. She rushed past them with determined urgency, her swift steps echoing through the hallowed halls.
At last, she reached the center chamber of the vast monastery, where the Cardinal was known to pray. She was fortunate to find the elder there, seated in deep meditation before the seven statues representing the revered seven spirits of each element.
Clad in an immaculate white robe adorned with intricate embroidery, the Cardinal appeared serene, unfazed by the commotion caused by the young priestess. Without breaking his composure, he murmured a final prayer under his breath before rising slowly to face Alfine, ready to hear the urgent message she bore.
"I humbly apologize for my abrupt intrusion, but Miss Ermeya, the Oracle, entrusted me with this message for you, Cardinal Hesvalt," the girl said, bowing her head deeply as she handed over the parchment. Her voice carried urgency, and she waited in silence as the elder began to read.
"What is... this about?" Cardinal Hesvalt murmured, his initially calm demeanor shifting as the contents of the letter sank in. His expression, once composed, grew increasingly serious.
Much like Alfine, who had hastened to deliver the message, Cardinal Hesvalt now found himself driven by the weight of responsibility. It was his duty to act without hesitation, to spread word of the message to every kingdom within the church's vast reach. A glimmer of exhilaration sparked in his eyes—the time to confront the demons had come, signaling a new chapter where believers would reclaim dominance over the world.
Months passed in preparation.
The day of prophecy had finally arrived, and the Kingdom of Elris buzzed with fervent activity. From the grandest nobles to the humblest peasants, every citizen contributed in some way to the monumental occasion. Hope mingled with fear in the hearts of the continent's people as rumors of the looming confrontation with the demons spread far and wide.
Cardinal Hesvalt had worked tirelessly, ensuring the Oracle's message reached every corner of the church's domain. Under the watchful gaze of the spirits, he rallied the continent's brightest minds and most courageous warriors to stand ready.
Temples throughout the region were hives of activity. Priests and priestesses, who had toiled ceaselessly, now gave their remaining strength to finalize the preparations. Today, with the spirits' guidance, they would summon the hero.
Though distant from the frontlines of the war, the Kingdom of Elris had been chosen as the sacred ground for this pivotal ritual. Everything was in place, ready for the momentous event that would shape the fate of the world.
In the opulent confines of his chamber, the king paced relentlessly, his nerves betraying him with sweat dripping from his brow and collecting in his palms. He appeared unkempt, his regal composure replaced by the weight of the monumental responsibility resting on his shoulders.
Summoning a hero would bring unparalleled strength to his kingdom but would also spark envy and rivalry among the other nations of the continent. The thought consumed him, his murmured words echoing in the quiet room.
"Why must I be the one to receive the hero? Out of all the rulers in this age, why me?" he questioned, almost bitterly, before placing the golden crown on his head—a symbol of authority and obligation that now felt heavier than ever.
As the crown settled, the king reflected on the immense trust placed in him. It was not only his kingdom's fate at stake but his own personal loss looming as well—a son already fighting on the front lines of the terrible war. That thought solidified his resolve. He would guide the hero, nurture him, and mold him into humanity's savior, no matter what.
Preparations were complete. The summoning room was ready, magicians stood in place, guards waited at their posts, and his daughters had been dispatched to manage the unfolding circumstances.
Taking one final, deep breath to steady himself, the king approached the grand doors leading to the throne room. As they swung open, he was greeted by the largest crowd he had ever faced—nobles, knights, priests, and common citizens alike, all gathered in anticipation of the prophecy's fulfillment