The Divine Order of Temples

The world operates under the supreme force known as the Lumen's Will, a celestial entity that governs the equilibrium between mortals, supernatural beings, and divine forces. The Will ensures that all realms—mortal, mystical, and heavenly—remain balanced, preventing the descent into chaos. To maintain this order, the Temples serve as sacred institutions, acting as both spiritual and supernatural centres of governance where divine laws are upheld, rituals are performed, and the worthy are chosen for enlightenment and power.

At the pinnacle of this divine hierarchy stands the Temple of Divinity at the capital of the continent, Divinara, which is the most significant and most powerful institution, governing the forces of light and darkness alike. Unlike other temples, which specialise in one aspect of existence, the Temple of Divinity encompasses all knowledge and power, ensuring that neither light nor darkness overtakes the world. This temple is ruled by the High Priest of Divinity, an immortal and all-powerful being who serves as the ultimate enforcer of the Lumen's Will. The High Priest has no allegiance to any mortal king or empire but acts as the voice of divinity itself, overseeing the fate of nations, kings, and commoners alike.

The High Priest of the Temple of Divinity, an immortal and the continent's most revered spiritual authority, has always upheld a singular, unwavering belief:

"Spiritual knowledge is the right of all, regardless of race, gender, prestige, status, or lineage"

He insisted that no one should be denied access to divine knowledge or the opportunity to cultivate their spiritual potential. Under his guidance, the temple became a place where all the supernatural beings including humans could seek enlightenment, with only their ability, knowledge, and potential determining their advancement.

The Temple of Divinity is divided into the Outer Hall for general disciples and the Inner Hall for the chosen elites. The temple chooses disciples from all the temples to be their inner disciples. But only humans are given a special right to get a soul contract as a graduation gift. Other skills and abilities are granted to the supernatural as a graduation gift. Humans can also gain such skills and abilities, but their right to a soul contract can be abolished or their level of contract can be lowered, if they wish to do so.

While the Temple of Divinity serves as the core of spiritual and supernatural authority, several other Great Temples exist across the continent, each governing a fundamental force of the cosmos. Together, they form the Seven Pillars of Existence, ensuring that balance is maintained in every aspect of reality.

The Seven Great Temples and Their High Priests

Apart from the Temple of Divinity, which reigns supreme, six other Great Temples stand as the cornerstones of cosmic balance, each ruled by a powerful High Priest or High Priestess who safeguards the divine order. These temples spread across different regions, serve as both places of worship and centres of power where supernatural laws are enforced.

1. Temple of Eternity (Skybound Kingdom of Isvalheim)(Capital of Divarys Realm)- It governs time, fate, and destiny. Led by Vaelthar Nyxveil, the Frozen Oracle, who is said to have lived for thousands of years. Houses the Everfrost Hourglass, an artefact that can alter time itself, allowing glimpses into the past and future. Those who seek knowledge of their fate or wish to change their destiny travel here, though only the worthy are granted visions. This Temple is situated in the heights of the sky and can only be accessed through the Sky Portal.

2. Temple of Sanctity (Colossal Lands of Sylvaris)(Capital of Suralis Empire)- It governs life, nature, and renewal. High Priest Elandorin Veradiel, the Guardian of Yggvian, wields the Seed of Origin, an ancient relic that restores dying lands. The temple is said to be built upon the roots of an eternal tree that connects the realms of mortals and spirits. The High Priest has never taken a disciple for 5000 years. He has taken Princess Charvi as his disciple, which is an exception.

3. Temple of Vitality (Shadowed Dominion of Nocturne)(Capital of Chirosa Dominion)- It governs darkness, the moon, and forbidden knowledge. High Priest Sevrion Duskvale, the Eternal Phantom, controls the Veil of Midnight, which can shroud entire cities in eternal night. The temple holds forbidden scriptures, hidden away from the world, containing knowledge of lost civilisations and forgotten gods. The High Priest is the Teacher of the Half Prince Agira.

4. Temple of Inferno (Volcanic Wastes of Ignisra)(Capital of Tamorath Land)- It governs fire, war, and destruction. High Priest Ragnis Emberthane, the Infernal Warlord, wears the Everblazing Crown, an artefact that grants him control over Infernal flames. The temple serves as a training ground for warriors and battle-mages, preparing them for celestial wars. The Death Slayers are the most important warriors of this temple. With fire as a medium, they slay and obliterate.

5. Temple of Tides (Oceanic Domain of Azurea)(Capital of Avaris Domain)- It governs water, darkness, and the cycle of souls. High Priestess Miraval Nereid, the Tideborn Oracle, wields the Pearl of the Abyss, an artefact that controls the flow of the ocean and spirits of the dead. The temple is located in the deep seas, hidden from the eyes of mortals, and is said to be the final resting place of fallen heroes.

6. Temple of Storms ( Verdant Peaks of Zephyria)(Capital of Myralis Territory)- This Temple governs wind, lightning, and celestial forces. High Priest Kaelion Skydrake, the Storm Herald, controls the Eye of the Tempest, an artefact that allows him to command hurricanes and lightning storms. The temple floats above the highest mountains, hidden within eternal storms, only accessible to those who can withstand its fierce trials.

Each temple serves as a centre of learning, and students who graduate from these temples are eligible to participate in the Celestial Convergence, a once-in-a-lifetime competition that determines who will ascend to the inner hall of the Temple of Divinity.

At the heart of the Temple of Divinity lies the Pillar of Sanctity, an ancient relic housing the Will of Ultimate Sanctity. This pillar is the most sacred object in existence, acting as a bridge between the mortal realm and the divine Soul Realm. It is believed that the pillar holds the secret to eternal life, though only the High Priest and select disciples are allowed to access its true power.

The Pillar of Sanctity is also the centre of all spiritual contracts, allowing humans to form pacts with Soul Beings. Every candidate seeking to forge a Soul Contract must undergo a sacred ritual at the pillar, where they are judged based on their spiritual purity and potential. If they are found unworthy, their connection to the Soul Realm is severed forever.

The pillar also serves as a divine executioner, capable of severing soul contracts if a human betrays the empire or violates divine law. This makes it both a source of life and a harbinger of divine punishment.

The Soul Realm is an ethereal plane that exists beyond time and space, inhabited by Soul Beings, divine fragments of energy representing the fundamental aspects of the universe. These beings are categorised based on their power and intelligence, and only a select few are allowed to form contracts with mortals.

The Amrayana Royal Family has always contracted with Primordial Souls, giving them divine authority. The most revered Soul Being, Lumivara, has only ever bonded with a wielder of the Iris (Blue Tree of Light). Only an Iris can have two soul contracts at the same time.

The Celestial Convergence is held once every five years at the Temple of Divinity. This monumental event gathers the most talented warriors, scholars, and supernatural beings from across the continent, granting them the rare chance to ascend to the Inner Hall of the Temple of Divinity—the highest sanctum of knowledge and power. It is a test that determines the future rulers, sages, and guardians of the world, selecting only the strongest and most gifted individuals to receive divine teachings and unparalleled authority.

The Celestial Convergence is more than just a competition—it is a sacred tradition that decides the fate of empires. Many of history's greatest rulers, legendary warriors, and divine champions first proved their worth in this grand event. Participation is a symbol of prestige and honour, and winning is considered a divine acknowledgement of one's potential to shape the world's destiny.

The Path to the Celestial Convergence

Before one can even set foot in the Temple of Divinity, they must compete in the Celestial Convergence and must pass through a rigorous selection process within their respective kingdoms and temples. 

The seven Great Temples and the royal academies of each empire host their competitions, selecting the most talented individuals to represent their regions. The number of participants from each region is strictly limited, ensuring that only the elite make it to the final competition. 

Humans and supernatural beings alike are allowed to compete, though humans must have completed their spiritual education at their respective temples. 

Those who qualify are granted entry into the sacred grounds of the Temple of Divinity, where they prepare for the ultimate trials. The competition is structured into multiple stages, each designed to test a competitor's intelligence, strength, strategy, and spiritual attunement. 

Only the best can survive until the final round, where they compete for the honour of ascending into the Inner Hall of the Temple of Divinity.

The Four Legendary Trials of the Celestial Convergence

The Celestial Convergence consists of four legendary trials, each designed to test a different aspect of a competitor's strength and potential.

1. The Trial of Resonance – A Test of Divine Connection

The Trial of Resonance is the first and most crucial test, as it determines whether a competitor is worthy of divine powers. Competitors must stand before the Pillar of Sanctity, the most sacred relic in existence, and attempt to attune themselves to its divine energy. It is not important that the participant must be a follower of the Divine powers; they must be respectful and show their service towards peace and unity. They must truly believe in protecting the peace of the continent and respect the divinity in respect of the Lumen's will. They can be vampires and demons as long as they are truly willing to follow the divinity in maintaining peace and harmony on the continent. 

The pillar of sanctity respects the beliefs of each of the existences and follows Lumen's will in judging the inner feelings and beliefs of the participants. It is not a God but a belief that empowers the pillar of sanctity. Only a real belief in Peace and Unity can truly resonate with the Pillar. If a human's Tree of Light resonates strongly with the divine forces, they are considered true candidates for ascension. Those who fail to resonate are immediately disqualified, as they lack the spiritual foundation needed for further trials. The Trial of Resonance is also the only trial that cannot be overcome by skill or brute force—it is purely a test of one's innate potential.

Only those with a genuine belief in peace and unity may proceed to the next round. This trial ensures that the competition remains a test of true potential, not just raw power.

2. The Arena of Elements – The Ultimate Combat Test

Once a participant proves their divine attunement, they must then face the Arena of Elements, a grand battlefield where combat prowess, strategy, and mastery over supernatural abilities are tested. Competitors are placed in a coliseum-like arena and must fight against other contenders in a series of duels. The arena itself is enchanted, shifting between different elemental environments—fire, ice, storms, and even gravity-defying voids. Participants must prove their mastery over combat techniques, whether through swordsmanship, magic, or supernatural abilities. This is where warriors, spellcasters, and supernatural beings truly shine, as it pushes their combat skills to the absolute limit.

It tests combat adaptability, endurance, and mastery of supernatural skills. It ensures that only the strongest warriors and spellcasters advance to the next trial.

3. The Labyrinth of Eternity – A Test of Intelligence and Perception

The third trial is the Labyrinth of Eternity, a legendary maze filled with illusions, puzzles, and shifting realities. Competitors are trapped within a timeless maze that alters their perception of time and space. They must navigate through ever-changing corridors, avoid traps, and solve divine puzzles to find the exit. Some paths lead to treasures of forgotten civilisations, while others plunge contestants into eternal voids. Competitors must rely on wit, intelligence, and spiritual strength to withstand the mental onslaught of the labyrinth. Many consider the Labyrinth of Eternity to be the true test of leadership and wisdom, as brute force alone cannot overcome it.

It tests a competitor's intelligence, problem-solving skills, and resistance to deception. It ensures that those who advance are not just powerful warriors, but also wise and strategic thinkers.

4. The Final Duel of Divinity – The Ultimate Showdown

The last and most gruelling test is the Final Duel of Divinity, where the strongest remaining contenders battle for the ultimate prize. The top eight finalists are paired in one-on-one duels, where they must fight until one emerges victorious. The duels are held in the Celestial Arena, a floating battlefield above the Temple of Divinity. Each match is blessed by divine forces, amplifying the abilities of the competitors to their peak potential. The final victor is granted the right to ascend into the Inner Hall of the Temple of Divinity, where they will receive the highest form of enlightenment and power.

The Final Duel of Divinity is the most sacred battle of the competition, determining the ultimate champion. Winning this duel is the highest honour, granting access to forbidden divine knowledge. 

Rewards and the Fate of the Winners

Those who emerge victorious from the Celestial Convergence receive divine blessings and unparalleled opportunities. 

Access to the Inner Hall of the Temple of Divinity – The highest seat of divine knowledge, where only the most elite may enter. A Chance to Form a Contract with a Greater or Primordial Soul – The strongest Soul Beings only accept the most powerful and worthy individuals.

Recognition Across the Continent – Winners of the Celestial Convergence often become legendary figures, influencing the fate of empires.

The Right to Challenge the High Priest's Disciples – The most powerful contestants are allowed to test their strength against the direct disciples of the High Priest, determining their place in the divine hierarchy.

The Importance of the Celestial Convergence in the Era of the Undead

As the Era of the Undead unfolds and dark forces rise, the Celestial Convergence is more important than ever. It serves as the ultimate test for those destined to lead, fight, and protect the world from the growing darkness. Many believe that the winner of this year's Celestial Convergence will determine the fate of the entire world.

With empires on the brink of war and supernatural entities growing stronger, only the most powerful beings can restore balance.

Charuvisha Amrayana is expected to compete, and her potential victory could solidify her place as the next wielder of Lumivara. The Celestial Convergence is no longer just a competition—it has become a battle for the very future of the world.

Charuvisha Amrayana's Role in the Fate of the World

As the High Priest's only disciple, Charuvisha Amrayana is destined to play a key role in the future of the empire. If she succeeds in contracting Lumivara, she will restore the Suralis Empire's fading power. However, if she fails, the balance of power will be shattered, leaving the empire vulnerable to internal and external threats.

Her journey will determine the fate of the world, as forces both divine and demonic seek to claim her power for their own.