chapter 1:the summoning of the gods

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Chapter 1: The Summoning

The heroes stood in the vast, empty space, a strange and unsettling feeling hanging in the air. The surroundings were devoid of color, just a void of blackness stretching endlessly in every direction. The group, each with their own unique expressions, seemed out of place in the stillness, waiting for the gods to explain the situation.

Suddenly, two towering figures emerged before them—the God of Death, a figure draped in shadows, and the Sun God, radiating light and warmth.

"You are here for a reason," the God of Death's voice echoed through the void, cold and sharp like the chill of a winter night. "Cale Henituse, the one you call your leader, has been trapped in a coma for two weeks. His mind is a battlefield, and his nightmares are preventing his awakening."

The Sun God’s voice was calm yet carried an undeniable weight. "You must face these nightmares and help him find the peace he needs. If you do not, Cale may never wake again."

The heroes exchanged looks, some more reluctant than others.

---

Choi Han stepped forward, his expression stern. “What do you mean by 'nightmares'? Cale doesn’t seem like the type to fall victim to something so weak." His protective instincts flared, though a hint of doubt flickered in his eyes.

The Sun God nodded, understanding the confusion. "It is not weakness that keeps him trapped. His own guilt, his doubts, and his fears have become the monsters in his mind. He is unable to escape his own thoughts, and they are suffocating him."

---

Ron, ever the cynic, smirked, crossing his arms. “So, you want us to dive into the man’s mind and fight off whatever demons he’s dreaming up?” His voice was filled with sarcasm, but the challenge was clear in his eyes.

"Exactly," the God of Death replied, his tone dark and foreboding. "But you will not be fighting with weapons. Instead, you will experience his nightmares firsthand, seeing them as he sees them. Only by understanding the depths of his fears can you help him break free."

---

Alberu, ever the strategist, frowned. His mind worked quickly, analyzing the situation. "You’re saying we need to understand Cale’s emotions, his trauma, and his burden. But why us? Why are we the ones chosen for this task?" He glanced at his companions, his voice laced with suspicion.

The Sun God smiled gently. "Because you are the closest to him, those who understand him the most. Each of you has played a role in his life. And now, you must use that knowledge to help him."

---

Clopeh, his eyes wild with enthusiasm, piped up with a grin. “So we’re the heroes, huh? The ones who get to save Cale-nim from his own nightmare?” He chuckled to himself, clearly delighted by the thought of being part of such an important moment. "I knew this day would come. I’m prepared to witness his legend."

The God of Death glanced at him with a slight frown. "Focus on the task at hand, Clopeh. This is no time for delusions."

---

Beacrox crossed his arms with a stern look, his usual stone-cold demeanor hiding a flicker of concern. “What happens if we fail?” he asked, his voice low and serious.

The God of Death's gaze turned even colder. “Failure is not an option. Cale’s fate is intertwined with yours now. If you do not help him, the consequences will be severe. His suffering will only grow, and it may consume him completely.”

---

Raon, floating above the group, his tiny wings fluttering with excitement, piped up. "So, we get to help weak human? You can count on me! I’ll make sure he wakes up and sees that we’re all still here for him!" His voice was full of youthful enthusiasm, though there was a small hint of worry behind his words.

---

The God of Death nodded. “You will experience his nightmares as if they were your own. You will feel what he feels. And you must face them head-on.”

A brief silence fell over the group as the weight of the task sank in. They had all seen Cale fight, strategize, and handle dangerous situations with cunning, but this was something different. This was personal.

---

Choi Han broke the silence, his voice quiet but firm. "We’ll do it. For Cale-nim."

The God of Death’s expression softened slightly. “Very well. You are ready.”

---

With a sudden flash of light, the world around them began to shift. The black void faded, replaced by an ornate, grand theater. Plush red velvet seats, a golden stage, and a massive screen stood before them. The atmosphere felt heavy, the weight of the task still hanging over them. The gods’ presence remained, though their forms were less prominent now.

"You are here," the God of Death announced, his voice echoing through the theater. "You will now watch Cale’s nightmares unfold. You must understand them—feel them—if you are to help him."

---

Alberu took a seat in the front row, his face a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Let’s begin," he said, his voice steady. “We’ll watch, understand, and do whatever it takes to bring Cale back.”

---

Ron leaned against the armrest, a smug grin still on his face. “I’m not worried. This will be over before we know it. Besides, it’s just a bunch of nightmares.”

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Clopeh’s eyes shone with anticipation. “I can’t wait to see this. A hero’s mind... I’ve always wondered what it would look like.” He leaned forward eagerly.

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Choi Han, though calm on the outside, was clearly ready for the task ahead. "We’ll fight for him," he said quietly, more to himself than anyone else.

---

Raon flew up, landing on the armrest of one of the chairs. "Human, we’ll wake you up! Don’t worry!" he said cheerfully, though his voice trembled slightly with anxiety.

---

The theater lights dimmed, and the massive screen flickered to life. The first of Cale’s nightmares began to play.

---

As the dark scene unfolded on the screen, the group braced themselves. They had no idea what they were about to witness, but one thing was clear: they were about to enter the heart of Cale’s mind, where his deepest fears and regrets awaited them.

---

End of Chapter 1.

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