Chosen

Chapter 1: Suck it up!

The mortal realm boasted a great many sights and races-- yet the sight to behold in this present time is not of peace, the world is at war. The followers of each respected gods waged among each other, devouring countless lives; destruction of lands and kingdoms... Though not every part of the world is engulfed by such madness, there are still few places that retain what little peace remains, but not for long. 

In the middle of a particularly vast plain streaked silver by a river, stood a towering mountain. The river cleaved in two at its foot, splitting it into two directions. Its imposing height struck anyone as unmovable, easily recognized as the tallest in the world. Its peak skewered the white whisps of vapor that hung over it, earning its nickname, "Mountain of the Clouds".
Cloud Mountain housed one of the the few temples who worshipped the kind, yet ever-elusive Goddess of Life, Gaia. 

The monks who lived and worshipped within the temple walls taught about the importance of life and the elements that govern the world. Their lessons spoke of how the Five elements; Water, Earth, Fire, Wind and Thunder, provided for it. However, 4 other elements stand on their own, they are the Holy, Curse, Light and Shadow elements. Little is known for these elusive elements, thus many still seek more knowledge upon them. Understanding these lessons meant mastering the energies that lived in the living body. Those energies are called many names: Chi- as known by many, Mana- as called by some .. but we call it Essence. 

I was an orphan of the Great War. I had been taken into the temple as an infant, and raised under its protection. At 27 years, I'm now one of the instructors. I'm no monk. Monks are holy people. I am not- I played around with the (cough) villagers during my free time, how can I be a one? I only lived here (a freeloader), learning their beliefs and teachings. Since I had knowledge, I was able to teach the younger monks myself-- though perhaps I do more pranks than lessons. I find those more effective than teaching. I've no talent, I admit, in studies and in Essence manipulation, but I do pride myself with perseverance and bright ideas. Some of the monks don't really like the way I do things, but through that, I managed to get to where I am. We all have one principle: that Essence works and governs the elements inside and outside of our body. Essence is in the elements. Essence is in Life. 
It was one of those regular days. That was what I thought. I went about my business, instructing the apprentice monks with the usual lessons: repeating drills in order to master them, whilst I sat in meditation, eyes closed--- and snoring. No one knows. Shut up. We never expected the disaster that came knocking on our gates later that day. 
The war had reached our land. By the time we had noticed, it was too late. Before we realized, it had reached the temple. Our gates had been destroyed and my colleagues were scattered, trying to fight off the invaders. Unfortunately, our temple only taught the way of peace. Fighting wasn't our strong card but it does not mean we have no combat ability . Even so, we made a gallant effort to hold the soldiers off with Essence manipulation technique. Then it all fell apart when one of the Chosen arrived. 

The Chosen were individuals granted the power of a God. They stood as leaders to the others who believe and follow the same deity. A person can be identified as one through his aura. Chosen share a similar aura to his god, merged with his Life essence. 
The one who had come storming into the temple slaughtered monks left and right. We couldn't tell which god he served under, we couldn't tell who he was. He wore a cloak pulled low over his head, his face hidden under its shadows. Neither he, nor his colleagues mentioned his name. What stood out was the great sword he held on his right arm, and a simple gauntlet, adorned with a massive orb, on his left. 

My Master pulled me aside and in a hushed voice, told me to head to the temple altar and do what I must to prevent the intruders from taking the temple treasure, the Sphere of Gaia. He, as the Strongest among the monks, will stand as the last wall. What was so important about that treasure? The Sphere of Gaia was wrought with energies from the Goddess Gaia herself. Somehow, it seems the Master had known that this was their purpose. 

I left the altar with the treasure in my arms, leaving the Master and the monks. I planned to make my escape through a hidden passage behind Gaia's statue, but found the path blocked. It had been wrecked in the skirmish. I had to find another way. I felt despair sink into me when I saw what had happened around me: everyone was dead, and the Chosen stood in the midst of it, holding my Master by the neck. The gauntlet on his arm glowed, absorbing his Essence.
I wasn't able to go far-- the soldiers cut my means of escape, and I heard the Chosen speak behind me. "No way to run, monk. You'll merely be food to me. Give me that Sphere, and I will grant you freedom for a final prayer. That's what you're good at, after all."

He had mistaken me for a monk, since I learnt the same lessons they taught, but even a cornered monk would know what to do. I gave a smile and said, "Yes. In fact I do have a final prayer." 

Chosen. "Huh?"

I didn't wait for any more replies. I started to chant a mantra.

"Take all the energy that surrounds us thus may the spirit find freedom and be one with the world again. Essence Release! Spirit of Dispersion!". 
I combined my essence with the orb making the essence inside unstable and summoned a black hole that absorbed everything and everyone of the temple. In the chaos, I roared, "Suck it up, Chosen! That's what your good at after all". 

Having absorbed all the energy and matter, the black hole stopped momentarily, compressing into a tight ball, then followed by the scattering of energy in all directions through a massive explosion that echoed through miles around. Of the temple and soldiers, of the monks, the Master and the Chosen, nothing remained. No one was left. All that stood there was Cloud Mountain, its tip barren like the capless Mount Fuji.

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Author's Notes:
Thanks for reading and also I'd like the readers to understand that I don't want to rush the story. So I'l take you through the story step by step as the MC slowly unravel more secrets and answers along with his deeds shaking the Mortal and Immortal world.
Thank you to my fiancee K-Seki for the proof reading. If you like her novel "Jaded Halo", please give her your support as well.