9 Darkfall Conjecture II

With a nod from lord Hades and the agreement of the judges, the high Savant approached the center to open the activities of the day. The participating deities were ushered ino the Conjecture to the cheers and applause of some of the watching Underworlders, and gravely stares from the others.

\"We welcome you all to the Darkfall Conjecture. We have all put aside our disagreement to make the journey from far and wide to be here today. Today, which is the day for the young deities, is the day they will be performing their rites of paths. Today, they will know their places in this universe. What they are now and what they will become as a true deity. As we all know, all young deities would have to undergo the rite, sooner or later, as all the adults here can testify to. And talking about the adults, we will like to pay honor to the ones that are more than deserving.\"

The high savant turned to the direction of the thrones, to the cheers and applause of the crowd.

\"Highest honor to the Arch-supreme ruler of the Underworld, Lord Hades. Under who, the Underworld is in a relatively peaceful and harmonious chaos. Glorious honor to the four judges of the Underworld, the keepers of all records. High honor to the Supremes of the five realms, the ruling sovereigns and stellars and all the honored ones. Particularly, the schools' patriarchs. And, to all the adult deities in presence who are a living proof of the ultimate existence in this wonderful world of chaos.

\"Examples for the younger ones here today.\"

Said the high savant after a pause, to more cheers and stares from the wstching deities. The high savant waited happily for a moment before continuing. This was why he was the high savant. Full of wisdom, he knew how to incite intentions into most deities and when to offer his soothing words to the others. After achieving his aim with the introduction, he turned his attention towards the young participants.

\"Today is your day of awakening. Tomorrow, who knows what you'll be. My life could be threatened by any of you in the future, if you are strong enough. Also, your life could be cut short if you are too weak. Hence, let your heart be free as you let your light shine, for this is the way of the universe.

\"Now, as we begin, the judges will rightly direct you with the divine items when the time comes. And maybe, you'll hear from the Arch-Supreme one himself.\"

There were gasps of awe and apprehension from the kids as they turned towards the direction of the supreme throne. But, all they could see, was a dark encompassing shadow. The whole area of the thrones and that of the honored ones, was completely in shadows. Only the other deities were visible to them.

\"Once again, welcome.\"

As the participating kids were ushered into an area of the conjecture with the protective arrays, the eyes of all the ruling deities became more keener. The rite of path was of different meaning to all present.

For the supremes, sovereigns, stellars and other honored ones, there were two major reasons for their keen interests. First, this was a traditional way to elevate their realms, dominions, demesnes and clans. As long as their participating young deities came out with a great results, the better for their realms' reputation. Second, to know the potential future threats. Any of these new deities could be after their thrones and lives in the coming years. They had to know the brightest ones to keep an eye on them.

For the schools' patriarchs, they would have the chance to choose young deities with bright and radiant future to teach and make them affiliated with their schools. This could elevate the position of their school rankings. And if they could get the best young deity, any future battles could be theirs to loose.

And for the young participating deities, it was about their future survival. Simply, a matter of life and oblivion. The latter, they would rather avoid.

From inside the reserved area of the conjecture, the young deities could clearly see what was happening on the outside. Ethera, who was standing at the middle of the congregated participants, had no problem seeing the outside due to her unique height. She reckoned it would take quite some time before it would be her turn.

She watched as they were called, one by one, and directed to the center of the Conjecture under the scrutinizing eyes of everybody present, as they performed their rite of path.

Powerful energy flares, extreme soul weapons, unique deity paths and exceedingly great future becoming, were recorded as the kids kept on performing the rite, one after the other. Many deities were already rejoicing the outcome of their participating young deities while others were in a very grevious mood.

Soon, it was the turn of Ethera. Anxiety took hold of her as she walked beside the junior savant towards the direction of the center of the conjecture. How would her right go? Would she be able to get a good path to make her parents proud of her?

By the words of the judges, Ethera was placed before the first divine treasure, the Ageless Nimbus. Placing her hands on the giant treasure, the golden light of the treasure came to life as it engulfed Ethera. Formed symbols and signs were displayed on the giant divine treasure.

\"The Path of Twin Realms.\"

Announced judge Debijjan to the gasps, sighs and smiles of the watching deities.

This was a path that had been announced in the underworld, only once before now, in its recorded history. A path that had been declared could never be walked, successfully, by any underworld deities. And a path that couldn't be threaded since it would only bring pain and despair to the deity. This was a path that had generally been said would never bring true immortality to the deity. Hence, there would be no advancement in cultivation level beyond a certain stage.

Simply, no Ethereal Eternal.

Infernal flame on her soul!