Called Upon

Chapter 14

        The weight of the words settled upon him, and the old man hesitated once more. Questions flooded his mind - Was he ready for the responsibility? Could he live up to his father's legacy? But a spark of determination flickered within him, and he found the strength to accept his fate.

        "I accept," he finally declared, his voice resolute. "I will honor my father and fulfill the duties entrusted to me."

With that, the elders nodded, their approval evident. The old man was ushered to a new stage of existence, where divinity awaited him. As he was ascending the steps to his rightful place, he was halted by three tasks that lusted to stimulate his endurance.

Equilibrium's son stood before the council of Elders, his heart pounding in his chest. The weight of his impending tasks bore down upon him, and he questioned his own abilities. But his resolve remained unyielding, for he knew that his destiny was intertwined with the fate of existence.

The elders proclaimed that his successful completion of the three tasks will grant him immortality and the power of Equilibrium. He would be considered as the god of balance, poured down upon his lineage.

With a leap of faith he accepted the challenges, "Oh what are these three task ye commands of me."

Without further ado, Hel, the elder of life and death, tossed over to him, the first task. His voice carried an air of wisdom and melancholy as he declared that Equilibrium's son must face the beast of the depths of Hades - Cerberus.

The mere mention of the monstrous guardian of the underworld sent a shiver down his spine. His heart sank as he realized his lack of physical strength. How could he hope to defeat such a formidable opponent?

          "I accept but my lord, what is my second task," the old man asked.

          "A wise decision." One of the Sisters of Fate, the weaver of destiny, stepped forward, her eyes shimmering with hidden secrets.

She announced his second task: to retrieve the golden pearl from the temple of Medusa.

Dread washed over him like a crashing wave. The rumors of Medusa's gaze turning men to stone had traveled far and wide, cementing the very marrow of warriors' bones. Equilibrium's son knew he had to navigate treacherous paths to achieve this goal.

As doubt threatened to consume him, Chaos, the elder of creation, interjected with a voice that resonated through the chamber. He named the final task – to retrieve the sacred stone from the other side of the river of fire.

Equilibrium's son couldn't help but question how one could pass through fire unharmed. His mind spun with possibilities, trying to envision a path across the inferno.

Chaos, sensing his apprehension, met his gaze with an unwavering reassurance. "You will know what to do when the time comes," he whispered, his voice a comforting melody amidst the storm of uncertainty.

Thereafter a sister, the measurer of fate included, "To make it even more interesting he seeks, three golden chests with divine antiques. Each one of them buried in the realmsbound. It is either hidden or nowhere to be found."

Intrigued by what she proposed, the old man decided to propose a question.

       "But what if I fail to acquire these chests," he asked

        "Then I'm afraid you'll have to start over," she answered.

On hearing that he trembled within. His fear of repeating deadily tasks was not that he could comprehend. He decided to divide his attention in order to cope with his swelling misunderstanding.

      "Troubles and trials you will meet, if you are ever to complete," Canon said.

     "Remember, if your strength, wisdom and courage are wane, go and return but you won't remain," Hyperion added.

    "Now that it is decided, let the test begin," Chaos said as a radiating white light blinded the scene.