The Ritual.
In the aftermath of the revelations, Nova pondered the potential solutions to their predicament. "I can absorb both the energies. Maybe I can handle it?"
Max, considering the complexity of the task, shook his head. "No, you cannot. One person alone cannot do it. We need two people with opposite energies but in the same frequency."
A spark of realization flashed in Nova's mind, and he mentioned, "I know someone who can do it."
Max, intrigued, asked, "Really?"
Nova proceeded to explain about Ray and May, the Twin siblings he had taken under his wing. Max, nodding in understanding, said, "Maybe they can work. I will see them personally. But first, we need to acquire all the components. It will take more than a year. I will inform Cynthia about it."
-Morning at the Ritual-
As the ritual unfolded before them, Cynthia explained its true purpose to the select audience of allies and trusted individuals. The air was thick with a sense of gravity as she spoke about the necessity of weakening the boundary to the outer plane, the very act that would eventually lead to their liberation from the avatars' rule.
Cynthia extended her hand, intensifying the output of her energy. A gate opened through the void, reminiscent of the one Queen Sylvie had used during the Thran Planet encounter.
She retrieved origin cores sacrificed by other rulers during the festival, infusing them with her chaos energy before tossing them into another gate, strategically placed near the boundary of the plane. With a swift motion, she closed the gates.
Observing the entire process, Nova turned to Max and inquired about the purpose of Cynthia's actions. Max explained that the other gate opened by Cynthia was directly linked to the boundary of the plane, and the explosion of the cores near this boundary weakened it every year.
He emphasized that they would perform the final spell at that specific location when they had gathered all the required elements.
Understanding the grim necessity of such actions for their greater goal, Nova acknowledged the sacrifices that came with being a ruler. It reminded him of the merciless choices he had witnessed in the past, both by Michael and Cynthia.
The realization settled in – in the pursuit of their goals, rulers must sometimes make decisions that others might find cruel.
Max observed Nova, sensing the weight of contemplation on his shoulders. Advising him not to dwell on unnecessary thoughts, Max reminded him that certain actions were imperative to achieving their goals.
Feeling the need for solitude, Nova expressed his intention to walk around for some fresh air.
Ignis offered to accompany him, but Nova declined, urging Ignis to stay and witness the ritual. With a nod, Ignis and Freya stayed behind, understanding Nova's need for a brief moment of solitude.
As Nova ventured out alone, the weight of responsibility and the harsh realities of ruling a realm weighed heavily on his mind. The path ahead was paved with sacrifices, decisions that blurred the lines between right and wrong.
As Nova continued his contemplative stroll among the diverse assembly of beings seeking freedom, his mind grappled with the question of what he truly needed. Memories of his origins, illusory children, and a past that felt increasingly distant – none of these held the same significance they once did.
The pursuit of a place to call home, surrounded by people he cared and cared by, became his immediate focus.
Lost in thought, Nova detected a familiar energy signature juxtaposed with a darker one. Following the distinct trail left by this intriguing combination, he soon encountered a presence.
It was none other than Beelzebub, accompanied by someone who, judging by his features, might bear the name Lucifer.
As Nova initiated the conversation, Beelzebub, initially oblivious to Nova's identity, recalled their encounter on El-Kiin during the tumultuous ranking battle.
"I remember you now. You were there when I came to watch the ranking battle on El-Kiin," Beelzebub acknowledged.
"Yes, I barely escaped the purge," Nova replied, recounting the harrowing events that led him to this realm.
The discussion pivoted toward Michael's ruthless purge, an act that Beelzebub condemned for its hypocrisy. Lucifer, a traditionally silent figure, voiced his disillusionment with the self-proclaimed noble family, emphasizing the need for a departure from their extremist ways.
"I'm Nova, and it's a pleasure to meet you both," Nova introduced himself.
"What's your purpose here?" Nova inquired, addressing Lucifer.
"We joined Cynthia, seeking freedom and exploration. We feel trapped, and our alliance aligns with our desire for emancipation," Beelzebub explained.
As the conversation concluded, Beelzebub and Lucifer bid their farewells, leaving Nova to ponder the intricate connections and shared yearnings that transcended dimensions.
In the aftermath of the ritual, Nova rejoined Ignis and Freya, sharing with Max the surprising alliances formed with entities from the dark realms. Max, ever the pragmatic strategist, cautioned Nova against placing too much trust in newfound connections.
"They are not our friends. Everyone here shares a common goal, but once that goal is achieved, they'll turn against each other. Trust should be earned cautiously," Max advised, emphasizing the transient nature of such alliances.
As the ritual concluded, the gathered entities dispersed, and some influential beings, including Cynthia, headed towards the meeting room.
As time passed, Max emerged from the meeting room, where discussions about plans, alliances, and the gathering of essential elements took place. Nova, eager for information, inquired about the outcomes of the meeting.
Max succinctly relayed the key points, outlining the extended timeline for collecting the necessary components and emphasizing the crucial need to train May and Ray to a level where they could effectively harness the energies from the elemental sources.
Nova, understanding the magnitude of the task at hand, nodded in agreement. Max shifted the conversation, "Are you ready to depart? We can make our way to the estate." The impending journey to the ElderMyst estate.