The Council of Divinity

Arcanis floated in the middle of a large, round hall high above the ground. The walls glowed faintly with strange symbols, and the room was filled with an eerie silence. Nine figures sat in a circle around him, each hidden in shadows. They sat on large chairs, with glowing papers on the tables in front of them.

"This is completely insane…"

A deep male voice broke the silence. The first figure leaned forward, stepping into the light. He wore a sleeveless robe draped over his shoulders, like a scarf, with glowing flame designs on it. His trousers had similar fire patterns, and his long hair burned like actual flames. His fiery eyes glowed as he spoke.

"Sorry, Flame Lord Ignis, but I don't think it's insane," Arcanis replied calmly.

"You don't think giving him your power is insane? Him… of all people?"

A second voice, softer and female, spoke. A beautiful woman stepped forward. Her long hair shimmered in many colors, like blooming flowers in the sunlight. Her robe was covered in glowing flower designs, and her eyes sparkled with patterns that looked like petals.

"Why not him?" Arcanis asked, his face showing no doubt. "Is it because he has her powers, Goddess Flora?"

The goddess frowned but stayed silent.

"And what happens when she escapes the dark seal?" asked a third figure, his voice deep and rumbling. He had no head—his face was carved into his massive chest. His outfit looked like it was made of rock and sand, with mountain designs etched into it. His glowing eyes seemed ancient and heavy.

"I know what will happen," Arcanis replied. "But do you really think casting the boy away is the answer, Lord Terra?"

"Isn't it the smartest thing to do?" asked a fourth figure, his voice soft but confident. He wore armor made of shining dragon scales. His long white hair flowed behind him, and his sharp, dragon-like eyes glimmered with power.

"No, it's not," Arcanis said firmly. "Have any of you seen how the boy lives in the real world, Dragon Lord Draykos? He's alone, suffering every day."

"What does that have to do with anything?" a fifth voice asked sharply. The figure stepped forward, a man with short brown hair and bright blue eyes marked with five-leaf clover patterns. He wore a robe with glowing runes, a symbol of knowledge and wisdom.

"It has everything to do with it," Arcanis answered, his tone sharp. "If you push him into darkness, Lord Altherion, it will be your fault. You all know his power is greater than ours—except Father's."

"Do you think what you're doing is right, Arcanis?" asked a sixth figure. Her voice was calm, like a gentle stream. Her long hair flowed like water, and her eyes sparkled with ocean wave patterns. Her robe shimmered, as if it were made of flowing water.

"Only his actions will prove that, not my words, Goddess Aqua," Arcanis replied.

"And what if he turns evil? What if he uses your power for destruction?" asked the seventh figure, her voice sharp. She had short, fiery red hair and wore sturdy armor that glowed with molten patterns.

"Then I will have failed—not just as a god, but as a protector of humanity," Arcanis said firmly.

Sigh. "Arcanis, please… make sure he doesn't fall into darkness," said the eighth figure, her voice soft and pleading. Her green hair floated as if carried by the wind, surrounded by leaves. Her armor was light and had swirling vine patterns.

"I promise, Goddess Zephyra," Arcanis said with determination.

---

Nasuke's Home – Morning

Nasuke woke up suddenly, sitting up in his bed. His breathing was heavy, and his heart raced as he looked around the room. "Was that… a dream?" he whispered, wiping sweat from his forehead.

Suddenly, a glowing notification appeared in front of him.

[System Notification]

Do 29 morning push-ups.

Time Limit: 20 minutes.

"So… it wasn't a dream," Nasuke muttered, his eyes widening. His hands trembled as he climbed out of bed and dropped to the floor.

"One… two… three…" he began counting as he did the push-ups.

By the time he finished the 29th push-up, his arms were sore, and sweat dripped down his face. He sat back on the floor, breathing hard.

"Done…" he panted, wiping his face as another notification appeared.

[System Notification]

29 Push-Ups Completed: +50 EXP.

EXP: 150/150

[Level Up!]

You've reached Level 3!

Reward: +50 Gold Coins.

Total Gold: 110 Coins.

Nasuke stared at the glowing screen, his breathing slowing. He leaned back against the wall and stared at the ceiling.

"What have I gotten myself into…?" he whispered, his voice filled with doubt and regret.

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