Chapter 8 - A New Beginning Part 1

After settling the teenagers into their new living quarters inside the Citadel, Protheus moved quietly through the silent stone pathways, his robes whispering against the smooth floors.

The condominium he had selected for them was more than just a building. It was a safe haven, complete with hundreds of hotel-like rooms, clean and untouched by the world's ruin.

Each of the twenty young survivors had been given their own comfortable room — soft beds, clean linens, warm lights. The building itself was pristine, like a luxury hotel in a world long gone. For now, they needed space to breathe. To feel human again.

Protheus walked through the Citadel's corridor. the air faintly humming with magic.

There was still much to do. They had survived a battle. But survival was not enough. Protheus knew comfort alone wasn't enough. The children needed strength. They needed to feel human again.

And tonight, that would start with a simple act: a meal. He walked deeper into the Citadel. He entered a chamber behind silver-etched doors.

In the center of the chamber stood — a towering crystal obelisk surrounded by floating golden rings, pulsing faintly with light.

This device was his creation — capable of converting pure mana into natural food ingredients, perfect and free from corruption.

Protheus laid a hand against the smooth surface of the crystal. With a low hum, the machine activated. Light shimmered, and the floating rings spun faster.

Within seconds, baskets of flawless ingredients appeared:

- Juicy fruits shining under the light,

- Plump vegetables bursting with color,

- Fresh, tender cuts of meat,

- Aromatic herbs, spices, and grains.

Satisfied, Protheus turned around.

Waiting nearby were six Advanced Humanoid Golems — silver-skinned beings with human-like features, soft glowing eyes, and smooth, lifelike movements.

They were designed for service — intelligent, polite, capable of speech and expert in the art of hospitality.

Their programming included the cooking techniques of veteran chefs from powerful kingdoms and empire.

Protheus gave a calm command. "Prepare dinner for the children. Deliver it to them once I am done checking on them later on."

The lead golem, with short silver hair and a warm, artificial voice, bowed deeply. "As you wish, My Lord. We shall ensure their comfort."

Without another word, the golems moved with smooth precision.

Two retrieved the ingredients and began preparing meals in the Citadel's grand kitchens — expertly slicing, seasoning, roasting, and baking.

The scents of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and sweet desserts soon filled the air.

When the food was ready, the humanoid golems carefully packed the dishes into elegant, sealed trays, enchanted to keep the food warm and fresh.

Then they made their way across the Citadel grounds towards the condominium where the teenagers resides in.

Meanwhile, Protheus walked back toward the condominium, his presence a silent shadow in the torchlit streets.

When he entered the building, he found the teenagers already gathered in the lobby — a wide, marble-floored room with soft golden lights.

Some were sitting on couches, others leaning against walls.

They spoke softly among themselves, exhausted yet slowly starting to relax in the safety the Citadel offered.

After a while, after he checked the children and leave the condominium lobby.

At that momemnt, the doors opened again.

The humanoid golems entered, rolling silver carts filled with trays of food — the scents of fresh bread, roasted meats, sweet fruits, and creamy stews filling the air.

The teenagers turned toward the golems, eyes wide with disbelief.

The lead golem stepped forward, bowing politely.

"Master Protheus has provided this meal for your nourishment and comfort. Please, eat freely."

The teenagers hesitated for a moment — a mix of awe, confusion, and hunger flashing across their faces.

Then, one by one, they approached the carts, accepting plates from the golems with shaking hands.

Protheus watched the scene from the outside of the condominium lobby, standing silently — his white cloak fluttering in the faint night breeze.

His magical ocean like eyes scanned each of them carefully. Satisfied that they were safe and beginning to eat, he turned and left the condominium quietly, blending into the shadows of the Citadel.

From a nearby terrace overlooking the building, he continued to observe.

He watched as the teenagers slowly relaxed, smiles appearing on their weary faces for the first time in what must have felt like years.

They sat together on the couches and floors, sharing food, talking in low voices, some even laughing.

It was a small thing.

But for tonight, it was enough. Hope had a strange way of beginning. Sometimes, it started with nothing more than a warm meal and the knowledge that someone still cared.

Back to the present time....

While the teenagers slept peacefully for the first time in years, Protheus remained awake.

He stood alone in a vast, circular chamber with various magical core from small to huge sizes floating around. This chamber known as the 'Core Hall' where mana was thick like mist and air itself was hummed with energy.

He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the pulse of power beneath his feet. There was much work to do. The world outside was still in ruins. The children needed more than just food and shelter. They needed to become stronger.

Protheus raised his hand, and complex magic circles immediately activated around him. No chant was needed, the magic responded to his will alone.

Tonight, he had a new task.

He couldn't watch over the teenagers personally at all times. They needed structure, discipline, and training. And for that, he needed instructors.

Slowly, the floor before him shifted, reshaping itself into humanoid forms.

Twenty new Advanced Golems rose, their appearances are elegant and strong. Each wore simple black uniforms, and their metallic skin reflected the soft blue glow of the magic light. Their faces were crafted to be calm and approachable, yet strong. These would not just be guards. They would be mentors.

Protheus filled each golem with specialized knowledge:

- COMBAT INSTRUCTORS: Golems trained in every known martial art, swordsmanship, archery, magic combat, and battlefield tactics.

- MAGIC TUTORS: Golems designed to teach spell control, mana shaping, offense and defense spells.

- HEALERS: Support golems who could mend injuries instantly, ensuring that training would be harsh but never fatal.

- MAINTENANCE and LOGISTICS: Builders and restorers who would keep the Citadel running flawlessly.

As the last golem stepped from the stone floor, Protheus lowered his hand. The magic circles faded into silence.

The golems stood at attention — twenty new guardians ready to serve. Their eyes glowed softly — each one infused with loyalty, skill, and tireless dedication.

"You will watch over them," Protheus said calmly, his voice filling the hall.

"You will train them. Teach them how to protect themselves properly.

The lead golem bowed deeply.

"As you command, Lord Protheus."

With that, the Advanced Golems dispersed silently, ready to begin their assigned duties.

Satisfied, Protheus turned away and leave the Core Hall.

Outside, the stars stretched endlessly over the ruined world — a vast sea of light against the darkness.

He watched them for a long moment.

And somewhere deep inside, beneath the calm mask he wore, a small ember of determination burned brighter.

He closed his eyes.

The world had lost so much.

But hope…Hope could still be rebuilt, one child at a time.

Without another word, Protheus turned and walked back toward the towering walls of the Citadel, the hum of magic following in his wake.

Tomorrow would begin a new chapter for all of them.