Episode 9: The Mark of Ogun

Efe woke with a start, the faint sound of rain still lingering in the air from the night before. His body was stiff and sore, the aches from the fight in the Rift refusing to fade. For a moment, he lay still, trying to ground himself. The events of the past few days felt like a fever dream—if not for the glowing STATUS WINDOW hovering in his vision, he might have convinced himself it was all in his head.

But then his gaze fell on the letter resting on the small table beside his bed. The seal on it bore a distinct, intricate design—two crossed hammers surrounded by iron chains. It was a mark he instantly recognized: the symbol of Ogun, the god of iron and war.

Efe sat up, his heart pounding in his chest. The letter wasn't there when he went to sleep. He reached out cautiously, his fingers brushing the parchment. It felt heavy, as though it carried more than just words.

Breaking the seal, he unfolded the letter. The handwriting was sharp and bold, each stroke carrying an air of authority.

To My Champion,

You have survived your first trial and proven yourself worthy. The Rift was only the beginning. Greater challenges lie ahead, and you must prepare. The power you now wield is not just a gift—it is a responsibility. My blessing will guide you, but the path you walk is yours to carve.

Do not falter. The fate of many rests upon your strength.

Ogun

Efe read the words twice, then a third time, as the weight of their meaning settled on his shoulders. The Rift wasn't just an anomaly—it was a test, a trial meant to awaken something within him. And Ogun, one of the ancient gods of Nigeria, had chosen him for reasons he couldn't yet comprehend.

His fingers tightened around the letter as a mix of emotions surged through him. Fear, confusion, and a faint spark of something else—purpose. But what did Ogun mean by "greater challenges"? What fate was he talking about?

A knock at the door jolted Efe out of his thoughts.

"Efe?" Ifueko's voice came from the other side. "Mom says breakfast is ready."

Efe folded the letter and slipped it under his mattress. "I'm coming," he called back, forcing his voice to sound steady.

Morning Tensions

The dining table was quiet, save for the clinking of utensils against plates. Aisosa had prepared yam and eggs, a simple but hearty meal. Ifueko ate with gusto, her usual chatter filling the silence. But Efe noticed the way his mother's eyes lingered on him, filled with questions she hadn't yet voiced.

"You're not eating much," Aisosa said finally, breaking the silence.

Efe glanced at his plate, barely touched. "I'm just… tired."

"Tired doesn't explain where you've been for the past few days," she said, her tone sharp. "You disappeared without a word, and when you come back, you look like you've been through a war. What's going on, Efe?"

Ifueko looked between them, her fork paused mid-air. "Mom…" she started, but Aisosa held up a hand.

"I deserve an answer," Aisosa continued, her voice trembling. "You've been acting strange for months now. Do you think I don't notice? I'm your mother, Efe. Talk to me."

Efe lowered his gaze, guilt gnawing at him. How could he possibly explain everything? That he had been dragged into a Rift, fought monsters, and been chosen by a god? That his life was no longer his own?

"I… can't," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.

Aisosa's eyes widened, hurt flashing across her face. Before she could respond, Osahon walked in, unannounced as usual.

"Perfect timing," he said, grabbing a chair and sitting down like he owned the place. "Efe, we need to talk."

The Burden of Truth

Efe followed Osahon outside, leaving his confused family behind. They walked in silence until they reached a secluded spot near the edge of the village. The air was cooler here, the sound of rustling leaves filling the space between them.

"What's going on?" Efe asked, crossing his arms.

Osahon turned to face him, his expression serious. "That's what I want to ask you. You've changed, Efe. I can see it, feel it. And don't tell me it's nothing—I'm not blind."

Efe hesitated. Osahon had been his best friend for as long as he could remember. They had faced countless struggles together, from financial hardships to bullies at school. If there was anyone he could trust, it was him.

"I was in the Rift," Efe admitted, his voice low.

Osahon's eyes widened, but he didn't interrupt.

"There was a monster—a Ravager. I fought it… and somehow, I won. But it wasn't just a fight. It was like… like a test. And now I have this system," Efe continued, gesturing vaguely at the air. "It's hard to explain, but it's like I've been… chosen."

Osahon stared at him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, to Efe's surprise, he sighed and shook his head.

"I knew it," he said.

Efe blinked. "You knew?"

Osahon smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Not exactly. But I've seen things, Efe. Strange things. And I've been keeping my own secrets."

Before Efe could ask what he meant, Osahon pulled up his sleeve, revealing a faint glowing mark on his forearm. The symbol was unfamiliar, but it radiated power.

"What is that?" Efe asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"It's a blessing," Osahon said. "But not from any god you'd recognize. My powers… they're not from here. Let's just say I've been dealing with foreign influences."

Efe's mind raced as he tried to process what he was hearing. Osahon had powers too? And they were connected to gods outside of Nigeria?

"Why didn't you tell me?" Efe asked, his voice rising.

"Because I didn't want to drag you into this," Osahon said, his tone defensive. "But now… it seems like fate didn't give me a choice."

Their conversation was cut short by a low rumble in the distance. The ground beneath them trembled slightly, and the air grew heavy with tension.

"What was that?" Efe asked, his senses on high alert.

Osahon's expression darkened. "I don't know. But it's not good."

The rumble grew louder, and a faint glow appeared on the horizon. Efe felt the system activate, its notifications flashing in his vision.

ALERT: Rift Activity Detected

Location: Oba Market, Benin City

Type: High-Risk Rift

Efe and Osahon exchanged a glance, the weight of the situation sinking in.

"This is just the beginning," Osahon said, his voice grim.

Efe clenched his fists, the memory of Ogun's letter fresh in his mind. The trials weren't over—they were only just beginning.

And this time, he wouldn't face them alone.

The glow on the horizon intensified, and a deafening roar echoed through the city.

Let me know your thoughts on this! It sets up the next arc while delving deeper into Efe's relationships and Osahon's secret.

To be continue.....