"You perceive destiny as a binding chain. Destiny is the very light that illuminates the darkness," the robed figure declared. Both Al and Elissa gazed stoically as the figure, a foot shorter than them, elegantly gestured with their hands.
The elevator doors gracefully slid open, revealing the 450th floor of the imposing H.E.R.O.'s Tower.
After repeating the statement, the robed figure lowered their hood, unveiling a young blonde woman. "That is the motto of the Hidden Hand. If you seek you shall find, I am Sofia Yulia Novikov, the Head Witch and Medium of the Hidden Hand," she introduced herself.
With a subtle flourish, Yulia handed Elissa a thin metal rectangle, akin to a stick of gum in size. Elissa pressed a button on the device, a holographic card materialized offering a complimentary consultation.
"That's a business card," Al remarked slowly, realizing they were being subjected to a well-practiced pitch.
Yulia flashed a guilty smile at Al, and gracefully exited the elevator. Al followed suit, with Elissa trailing behind, engrossed in studying the small device in her hand.
The floor they stepped onto was made of marble bathed in a deep violet hue. Above them, a resplendent ceiling outlined in gold framed a captivating painting—a colossal arm, resembling that of a human, breaking free from Earth. Crafted by a collective of men and women, led by a human and a Tonovian, the monumental arm reached beyond Earth, stretching toward the celestial realms of the unknown.
No Heroes graced the vicinity of the 450th floor. Instead, the bustling floor was comprised of humans darting from one office to another, animatedly discussing public functions and the current social standing of certain Heroes.
Al and Elissa navigated through the hubbub, eventually arriving at the main office where Sofia had disappeared moments ago. Seated, they exchanged glances, and Al broke the silence, "What do you think?"
Elissa's gaze drifted, capturing the expanse of New Ark City through the windows on the walls. "They're managing quite well without cultivation or Will," Al observed.
Elissa nodded in agreement. "They have a thriving collective. If safety and security are what you're after, this is the place for you," she remarked, her words hanging in the air as they patiently awaited their turn.
Al acted confused and asked, "Isn't that the purpose of the God Leafs?" Elissa fixed him with a steady gaze, prompting him to delve deeper into his question.
Al explained "Cultivation is a solitary practice, so people join the God Leafs for a safe and secure environment." Elissa looked Al in the eyes assuring he could hear the words she was about to say, "Without the God Leafs, we'd have no direction. The time wasted trying to decipher the correct techniques and steps... anyone would perish long before reaching the Immortal Chasm."
As Elissa elucidated the challenge, Al pondered for a moment before responding, "I've encountered two Immortal cultivators outside the God Leafs, and they seemed to be doing well in their cultivation. Perhaps things aren't as you've been told."
Elissa acknowledged his speculative habit with a smile. "You're young! Eventually, you'll understand what I mean, I'm sure even they would agree with me," she replied just as the door to the main office swung open.
A cheerful Sofia emerged, offering a wink and a smile to Elissa before departing.
The door remained opened, beckoning Al and Elissa to enter. "Are we going to meet the real A.R.M.?" Al wondered silently as he got up and walked into the room.
"He is young and ignorant. Within time he will come to understand." Elissa mused with an entertained smile.
Upon entering, Al's attention was immediately drawn to giant glass windows framing the vibrant, colorful utopia of New Ark City. The second focal point was a tall figure with red skin and black, straight black hair—A.R.M. "It's nice to finally meet you; I am A.R.M.," he greeted. Beside him stood a similarly tall, more muscular figure with white hair and blue skin. Al blurted out in recognition, "Loh Pohlieus," catching the attention of the Tonovian himself.
YOU ARE READING
An Illusion of Will
FantasyLeft or Right? Two choices are given, one decision is made. Up or down, we find ourselves in a box. We call the outcome our fate or destiny. Change is the burden born from the choices made along the way. What is down comes up, what goes up comes dow...
