Aetheris

Chapter 02

In one of the luxurious rooms of the royal palace, the walls were adorned with massive oil paintings, and deep red silk curtains draped elegantly over the windows, swaying gently with a breeze sneaking in through the large windows overlooking the blooming palace gardens. The king sat on his majestic throne, gazing at his council with eyes filled with wisdom. To his right, Prime Minister Kathel leaned slightly forward, as if ready to absorb every word from the king's mouth. Beside him sat Dayos, the Minister of Health and Medicine, quietly observing the room, while the venerable Kofioshes, chairman of the nobles' association, sat with dignified composure. At his side was his deputy, Arkad, a man of great ambition.

To the king's left sat the Minister of War, Ruth, a massive figure with the imposing presence of a seasoned general, his sharp eyes scanning the room with keen anticipation. Beside him sat Judge Zariel, Chief Justice and head of the Independent Judgment Committee, his face as stern as stone. Next was Yusalyn, the Minister of Knowledge and Public Research, widow of the former head of the Noble Assembly. Finally, there was Khamal, the Minister of the People, the only one familiar to all present, as he maintained constant communication with the common folk.

The grand hall was filled with high-ranking figures, including nobles, scholars, and other dignitaries. Royal guards were stationed throughout, standing as motionless as statues.

In front of the king stood thirty-three individuals, their ages ranging from twenty to thirty-five. They were frozen in place, eyes brimming with astonishment and bewilderment. None had ever seen the king in person before, and none knew anything about the other attendees, except for the Minister of the People, Khamal. For them, seeing the king and his entourage for the first time was a momentous occasion.

The king raised his right hand slightly, a calm yet authoritative gesture, prompting Cathil to step forward with steady strides. He smiled as he cast a brief glance at the eager faces before him, then spoke in a deep, resonant voice: 'The first thing I would like to say is congratulations. You, out of thousands across the kingdom, have been chosen by the Box. This event marks a turning point in your lives; you are now distinguished in every way from the common folk.

Cathil's words echoed in their ears like a melody played by nymphs, and the astonishment on their faces quickly gave way to overwhelming joy.
"You have risen from ordinary citizens to first-class citizens. You placed your names in the Box of your own free will, and now the Box has chosen you. Congratulations!"

His voice then took on a tone of mystery as he continued, "Your selection was not random. You were chosen for many reasons, the first being that you are exceptional. And soon, you will understand why."

Cathil paused for a moment, glancing at the king, who raised his right hand again, signaling to a guard standing beside the large, closed door. The guards slowly opened it, and four soldiers emerged, carrying a wooden platform intricately adorned with mysterious and complex details, as if it were a relic from another world. The carvings shimmered under the sunlight streaming through the large windows, and for a moment, the audience was overcome with awe, simply from gazing at this remarkable object.

Atop the platform sat a box that, at first glance, seemed familiar. Soft whispers filled the hall as the attendees realized this was not the same box in which they had placed their names. It was different—far more imposing and majestic.

The guards carefully set the platform and box before the king and his council, bowing slightly before quietly withdrawing. With a nod from the king, Cathil rose once more, his voice growing even more enigmatic. "You are about to embark on an experience unlike any you've ever known. Remember, as you stand here before us... you will soon understand everything."

Cathil sat down, and all eyes turned to the king, who slowly rose from his throne, standing tall and regal. A palpable sense of anticipation filled the air; everyone sensed that a pivotal moment was upon them. With measured, deliberate steps, the king approached the box, each step thickening the atmosphere with tension. He stopped in front of the box, casting a piercing gaze at the gathered citizens, as though searching the depths of their souls.

The room held its breath as the king reached for the box. It was as if everyone present instinctively felt the weight of this moment, something far beyond their understanding. Then, slowly and with great solemnity, the king lifted the box, and time itself seemed to freeze—suspending the entire world in that singular, profound moment.

             TO BE CONTINUED