361 Gathering Of The Chosen Ones -2
"Hello, everyone," he said, his voice low but resonant. "Meet your fellow Chosen Ones."
There was a pause as everyone took in the gravity of his words. Adam glanced at the others, his expression unreadable. Amelia crossed her arms, studying Falco with sharp eyes. Vexa's hand instinctively moved to the pendant around her neck, her gaze narrowing.
Devon, leaned back in his chair, his blood-streaked face emotionless. His eyes glowed faintly, betraying a hint of curiosity as he regarded Falco.
"What do you mean by other 'Chosen Ones'?" Adam finally asked, breaking the silence.
Adam, in his last meeting with Falco, was only told that he is a Chosen One by Ellora. But then, what is this about multiple Chosen Ones and gods?
Falco's smile widened. "It means that each of you has been marked by destiny. The gods themselves have selected you for something greater. Something far beyond your current understanding."
"Geb, Neptune, Hera, Aine—" he pointed at each of them one by one, "Ellora and Falkor." After Adam, he ended by pointing at himself.
"These are the gods that created this world and now need you."
Vexa raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "And what exactly does that entail?"
She was just informed by her patron god that she has to follow Adam Stales in his quest, so there being multiple Chosen Ones would've been a shocker if not for what happened this morning.
Falco stepped closer to the group, his hands clasped behind his back. "It means you're no longer mere mortals. You are the ones who will shape the future of this world—whether through destruction or salvation, that is up to you."
There was a murmur of uncertainty among the group, but Falco's voice cut through it like a blade. "You've already felt the power growing within you, haven't you? The changes. The strength. The visions."
Adam exchanged a glance with Amelia, who nodded almost imperceptibly.
Falco continued, pacing slowly in front of them. "Each of you is tied to something far older than any of you realize. Ancient forces. Lost histories. The very balance of the world is now intertwined with your fates."
Devon spoke up, his voice gruff and cold. "And what if we don't want to play your little game? Like, what if I don't want to use the powers bestowed to me by Geb for your purpose, but mine?"
Falco stopped and turned to face him, unflinching. "This isn't a game, Devon. It's a reality you can't escape. Whether you like it or not, the powers within you will continue to grow, and sooner or later, you'll have to make a choice. Fight it, and you may find yourself consumed by it.... Gods aren't the ones you want to fight."
Devon's eyes flickered, but he said nothing.
Falco smiled once more, his eyes gleaming with an almost predatory intensity. "The gods have high expectations of you. But you're not alone. You'll have each other—and me—to guide you."
There was a beat of tense silence before Falco added something unexpected. "However, there's one more thing."
The group looked at him with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
"I want each of you to suggest someone—a strong mage. A friend, an ally, anyone you know who is capable. We need strength for what's to come."
A murmur spread through the group. People exchanged glances, thinking deeply. Amelia was the first to speak. "There's a knight from my homeland. A five-star warrior, highly skilled."
Falco didn't even flinch before dismissing it. "Weak," he said coldly, his tone final. "Not strong enough."
Vexa stayed quiet for a moment, her gaze distant. "I don't have anyone," she finally said, but then paused, as if reminded of someone. Before she could continue, Aron interrupted.
"Cecelia," Aron suggested, his voice confident. "She's my personal knight—"
"Rejected," Falco cut in. "She's not what we need."
Devon leaned back, folding his arms. "I know a guy, but he'll refuse. He's working in Viceburg, and there's no way he'll abandon that."
Falco glanced at him but didn't seem interested in following up. Instead, his eyes shifted toward Adam, who had been thinking in silence.
"Mary Klein," Adam finally said, glancing around the group. "And... Isolde."
There was an awkward pause. Falco seemed to completely ignore the mention of Isolde, as if the suggestion hadn't been made at all. His focus sharpened on the first name.
"Mary Klein... the silver-haired girl?" Falco asked, his voice carrying a rare hint of intrigue.
Adam nodded.
Without a word, Falco flicked his fingers, and a shimmering portal appeared in the center of the room, swirling with light. On the other side, they could see Mary, swinging a sword in a training room, beads of sweat running down her face as she focused on her movements.
Falco's voice carried through the portal. "Mary Klein. Step in."
Mary stopped mid-swing, her silver hair damp from sweat, and she turned to face the portal. Without hesitation, she sheathed her sword and stepped through, her expression unreadable as she found herself standing before Falco and the group.
The air in the room grew heavy once more, as they all waited to see what Falco had planned next.