Early Morning…
The dawn was gentle, its golden rays slicing through the horizon and painting the ground with a surreal glow. Kent followed the Seven Eternal Sages as they began their journey to the sacred ground where the ritual to the old gods would take place.
Over a thousand disciples trailed behind, their steps echoing with devotion and purpose.
Lady Ignira walked alongside the sages, but all her focus directed at Kent.
Each sage wore a red tantric thread around their wrists, its vibrant color shimmering faintly with an otherworldly energy.
The journey was hectic yet eerily untroubled. From dense forests teeming with predators to jagged mountain ranges, murky wetlands, and scorching deserts, the path tested the endurance of even the strongest disciples. Yet, wherever the sages walked, danger seemed to part like the sea, the very ground bending to their divine presence.
On the evening of the sixth day, they ascended the mighty Mount Meru. The climb was arduous, but the mountain seemed to acknowledge the presence of the Seven Sages, allowing their entourage safe passage.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, they reached the summit—a vast, open plateau surrounded by a sea of clouds.
First Sage Paras stepped forward, his meditation stick glowing faintly in his hand. With deliberate movements, he drew a precise line at the center of the summit.
Hovering in the air he adjusted his throat. His voice resonated, echoing through the mountain top.
“Set the ritual fire at this point. Prepare for the ritual in a few hours. Tonight, under the Seven Star Allegiance—the divine representatives of the old gods—we will begin the sacred ceremony.”
The disciples sprang into action, laying out intricate white lines in concentric circles around the ritual fire’s designated spot. Each line pulsed faintly with spiritual energy as the sages worked tirelessly, arranging sacred artifacts and setting up protective charms.
Kent and Ignira stood on the periphery. Ignira watched silently, her gaze occasionally flickering to Kent, who stood still, observing the preparations with calm resolve.
First Sage Paras approached Kent, his deep eyes reflecting the weight of millennia of wisdom. His voice was low and deliberate.
“This ritual will last for seven days, one day dedicated to each of the old gods. During this time, you are not allowed to sleep. The ritual fire must remain untouched, unbroken, and untainted. Protect it at all costs.”
Kent nodded with stoic face.
Paras leaned closer, his voice dropping even further. “The demons may come from any direction—above, below, or from the very fabric of space itself. This mountain is no longer a sanctuary; it is a battlefield. One mistake is enough to undo all our efforts and anger the old gods.”
“I understand,” Kent replied simply in a steady tone.
Paras stared at him for a long moment before stepping back. “Good. Begin your preparations.”
As the disciples continued their work, Kent moved to the edge of the ritual ground. He unslung his divine quiver, its radiant glow illuminating his determined features, and began to construct an arrow roof—a protective barrier made of concentrated spiritual arrows. Each arrow was imbued with his Nirvanic Flames, their tips glowing with golden fire.
Kent summoned five powerful Space Astras, ancient artifacts shaped like crystalline orbs, and anchored them at the roof’s corners and center.
The Space Astras shimmered with an ethereal energy, keeping the arrow roof suspended and unshakable, creating a nearly impenetrable canopy over the ritual site.
As he worked, his loyal pets emerged from the spirit ring. The phoenix, Ruby, spread her fiery wings, lighting up the darkening sky with a cascade of embers. The Fire Kirin, Kavi, stood tall and majestic, his flaming mane crackling like a roaring inferno.
The serpent beast, Jabil, slithered forward, his obsidian scales gleaming, his eyes glowing with an eerie light. Finally, the baby dragon, a mischievous yet powerful creature, landed by Kent’s side, its wings flapping with youthful vigor.
Kent knelt and stroked the baby dragon’s head. “You’re staying with me,” he said softly, earning a pleased rumble from the little beast.
He then turned to the others. “Ruby, take the western perimeter. Watch the skies and burn down anything that approaches with malicious intent. Kavi, you’ll guard the east. Your strength will be crucial if the demons come in hordes. Jabil, the south is yours. Use your stealth and venom to intercept anything that slips past the barriers.”
The creatures roared or hissed in acknowledgment, each disappearing to their assigned posts.
Kent then placed additional wards around the ritual site, embedding Nirvanic Flame-infused arrows into the ground at strategic intervals. Each arrow hummed with protective energy, creating an intricate web of defense. He also etched runes into the earth, forming a series of traps that would unleash bursts of holy fire if triggered.
Ignira watched his preparations with crossed arms, her expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Finally, she spoke, her tone laced with challenge. “You certainly seem busy. But will it be enough? The demons won’t be ordinary pests—they’re cunning, relentless, and utterly destructive.”
Kent glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I don’t do things halfway, firebaby. This fire will burn, and no demon will touch it. Not while I’m here.”
She smirked but didn’t reply, instead turning her attention to the growing brilliance of the ritual site as the preparations neared completion.
As the sky darkened, the Seven Stars of Allegiance began to emerge, their brilliant light piercing through the night. The disciples lit smaller lamps around the site, their chants harmonizing into a hauntingly beautiful melody that resonated with the stars above.
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Kent stood at the edge of the ritual circle, the baby dragon perched on his shoulder, its tiny claws gripping his armor. His eyes scanned the surroundings, every sense heightened, every muscle coiled in readiness.
First Sage Paras approached one last time, his expression solemn. “The ritual begins soon. This is your final chance to strengthen your defenses.”
Kent nodded. “Leave the rest to me, divine sage. You carry on with ritual while I guard this place.”