EPISODE 178: INHERITANCES 4

  — GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.

  The skies of the Mortal Plane are littered with the constellations of the Gods, each star tracing the shape of divinity for those below to witness. In every region, from the sky-piercing spires of the Endless City — Elysium, to the streets of the City of Heroes — Edrya, the Gods who watch over the land remain eternal guardians, their forms etched into the heavens of those who receive their protection. Yet, the true significance of this celestial display remains elusive to those of the Mortal Plane.

  We of the Thaedon Rapport have delved into the mysteries, studying the forgotten truths of the first Gods, who now reside in the Astral Above. Their ascension is a mystery, but one thing is becoming clear: the skies hold the secrets of why mortals must anchor their faith in a divine protector. Through extensive research on the Sins of Seven, we have uncovered how these primal forces interact with mortals—and those who have transcended mortal limits. They are far from the only things to fear when affecting mortals—there are deeper, darker foulness that affects the realm.

  In times of great peril, it is said that the constellations blaze brighter, strengthening the bond between the Gods and their people, shielding them from threats both earthly and otherworldly. Our colleagues in the Free Cities have confirmed this, providing evidence that supports our hypothesis. The Gods, led by the Twelve Thrones, protect the souls of mortals from the pull of true oblivion, just as Ashaka — the Mighty Star, and the Genesis Six once shielded the realm itself.

  In stark contrast, the Astral Above is a realm devoid of stars, a boundless darkness pierced only by the pale light of a single, ever-present moon—the celestial seat of the Twelve Thrones. Here, the Gods play their endless game, its consequences rippling through reality itself.

  — Excerpt from the Thaedon Rapport in the Free City of Juston.

  Lawruthian’s boots clicked across the floor, his pace fast as Kathrine walked in step just behind—and, behind her, were guards assigned to his protection. He went through the palace and toward the halls where the loudest sounds of celebration could be heard. The doors opened, the staff moving swiftly as the Chosen of Madris crossed the floor. He turned sharply, the loud sounds of the hall were not overwhelming, but his goal was the grand staircase that led to a higher floor. A floor where his objective and the newly inaugurated [Prime Overseer] lay.

  A voice, similar to Lawruthian’s own, made comments as he traversed—causing the prince’s face to flash with irritation. He quickly hid this emotion so as not to sour the event’s mood.

  Many heads turned, the presence of their Chosen could not be denied. Lawruthian paid them little heed, his pace quickened as he found his objective. The sounds of chatter only intensified upon his entering, and the eyes of many lit with anticipation—wondering what brought their [Chosen] so quickly into the hall.

  Lawruthian finally came to a halt, before him was his mother’s cohort and a few dozen other powerful members of the Great Houses. He greeted his mother, and those around her greeted him—the greeting extending to all within range. The moment that finished, he turned to his objective.

  “Marna, may I have a word?”

  The newly minted Prestige immediately stepped away and Lawruthian began to walk, a soundproofing barrier covering them. Marna’s face gazed around inquisitively.

  “Can you exorcise ghosts, remnants, or something along those lines?”

  Marna immediately moved closer, concern evident as she spoke. Her hands flashed a small spell. “(Detect Evil)—what exactly happened? It should be nearly impossible for any spirits to curse, possess, or be in your presence. The divinity in you would eradicate them before they could spawn.”

  "Immature to believe I am a ghost—I am an echo. And why, of all people, is the [1st Daughter of Madris] speaking to you in such a casual tone? I would have her stripped of her title and lashed for her insolence."

  Lawruthian ignored the remnant, who calmly gazed around while speaking. Carno’s eyes were cold and disdainful at the display of this era’s nobility.

  “I…,” Lawruthian paused, wondering how to frame this. Eventually, he shrugged, it was better to provide as much information as possible to eliminate his problem. “…opened the inheritances I received from the previous [Chosens of Madris]. One of them… happens to have an echo of a previous [Chosen]—I want it gone.”

  Marna frowned, “Is it incredibly dangerous?” Her gaze shifted around their environment as she questioned.

  “Very.”

  “Not truly, just annoying.”

  Their responses came congruent, but only one could be heard by Marna Gamal while the other remained ignored. Carno harrumphed, his gaze perusing the many magi present. He observed everything with a critical eye, while Lawruthian ignored him as he waited for a solution from Marna.

  “Then, perhaps we should attend to the celebration—later we can explore what options we have for removing the… echo.”

  “She won’t be able to—not without having the Soul Attribute—a thing I made sure was thoroughly eradicated,” Carno said, chuckling to himself—then his words grew heavy and serious as he gazed at a face similar to his but younger. “Eradicate Rasheed and I will be released from here.”

  Lawruthian sighed, recognizing that Marna was right for the moment. He nodded, allowing the sound barrier around them to dissolve. “Well then, let’s go congratulate the new [Prime Overseer] on their victory and usher in a

  [Golden Age] of prosperity for Great Edryan.”

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  In the year of our Lady, 7291, during the season in which color fades, the country of Edryan, now self-proclaimed as Great Edryan, stood on the precipice of change. The whispers of a new government spread like a plague into the ears of every magi, promising a future that was understood by few, yet anticipated by many. Change was coming, inevitable as the seasons, but its full consequences remained unseen.

  Two magi stood beside the [Chosen of Madris], whose aura radiated warmth and comfort, instilling a sense of relaxation and excitement in those around him. On His Highness’s left was Archbishop Femi Zubair, exuding confidence as if he stood next to the Goddess Herself. His eyes shone with anticipation and resolution for the future. The magi around held an idea of who he was, and the networking he and his backers did in the past week shot him forward as one of the most likely candidates.

  To Madris’s Chosen's left stood Minister Livia Abara, an older woman who had served under two monarchs. She had witnessed Edryan through its darkest days, particularly during the Great Depression following Princess Carina’s death. The famed princess’s brightest son, King Titan, had failed to rise to expectations—not lacking ability, but because he could never escape the grief of losing his mother. He had five children from a single wife, who passed away shortly after giving birth to their youngest. Their sons were Jordi, Karuuthian, and Lawru—in order from oldest to youngest, we know of their fates. The daughters were Titiana and Kema—the youngest daughter’s fate remains unknown.

  Minister Livia had thrived amidst the harsh realities of this era, leveraging her acute political acumen to become an arbitrator among competing factions. This ability elevated her status, leading her to higher responsibilities within the court. She demonstrated her skill by effectively managing her duties and enhancing the positions under her purview. Well-known among the nobility of Edrya and respected beyond the capital, she stood with confidence that matched her opponent’s. A small smile graced her face—a rare break from her usual calm and composed demeanor.

  Magi in the Hall of Heroes removed their [Mark of the Citizen] from their bodies. Similar to the bracelets the Imperius Academy students wore, which kept track of their Imperius Points and many other factors, the medallion held many functions within them. They were marvels of magi-technology and ingenuity. From these devices, the magi were able to identify themselves as citizens of Great Edrya, vote for their next [Prime Overseer], and many more.

  The faces of both candidates settled into more solemn outlooks as many medallions began to light themselves, either purple or white—representations of the candidate’s symbol. On them, a counter displaying the names of both candidates began to rise, creating a visual spectacle that captured the attention of every magi present.

  The candidates, too, removed their devices—having been given them over the summer like the rest of the nation. In unison with the crowd, they cast their votes. Madris’s Chosen removed his own medallion from his left hand and entered his vote.

  A hushed silence fell over the Hall of Heroes. Every pair of eyes was fixed on the glowing medallions, on the rising numbers. The weight of anticipation bore down on the room, thicker with each passing second. The ingenuity of the magical devices astonished the magi, who now saw the breadth of their functions. These devices entered their bodies through a simple grafting spell, but their wider range of internal functions was unknown to most. Many magi were curious about what these devices were communicating with to count the votes properly.

  The counter surged as the silent magi stirred in anticipation. For a brief moment, the votes seemed even, but soon the two colors—representing the candidates—began to diverge. Archbishop Femi’s eyebrows raised slightly as his numbers surged ahead, a flicker of triumph playing across his face. His lead was clear, and the momentum of the crowd seemed to shift in his favor, with more medallions lighting white, affirming their choice.

  Queen Titiana watched from above, her own medallion out and her vote entered. A small frown was on her face—she was not used to her recommendations not immediately being the popular vote. This would be an experience she would have to begin to understand. She’d already mentally decided to slowly start passing the reigns of leadership to her favorite son, but it was still difficult to accept after years of leadership—perhaps it was time she began to look toward a new objective. Perhaps it was time she solely began to focus on preparation for the Path of Apotheosis. A solemn, stoic gaze settled itself on her face as she slightly observed from above—all but forgotten by the people below.

  A ruling out of sight—out of mind.

  The words of her child, who believed the most dangerous leaders were the ones who controlled from the shadows. He believed it better to install what they believed was a measure of control—yet true power would still be accumulated in their hands. This was not a leadership Queen Titiana knew of. She wondered if this was a leadership method of the world her child’s soul arose from. No matter, so long as he held the greatest possible power, Titiana would be assured of his protection.

  The two counters kept themselves close, but one began to slow, while the other began its path forward. Whispers spread among the magi as some began glancing toward Minister Livia. She stood unmoving, her serene expression unwavering, as if she had expected the tide to turn at just this moment.

  The whispers grew louder as the pace of the votes slowed on one side. Eyes shifted nervously between the candidates, and though the counters were still close, it became evident which name was pulling ahead. Archbishop Femi's confident stance faltered just slightly, a flash of uncertainty crossing his features. Meanwhile, the atmosphere around Minister Livia remained unchanged—steady, calm, and resolute—as if this outcome had always been inevitable.

  Prince Lawruthian’s eyes remained steady, measured. He had expected this outcome—planned for it even. The earliest stages of the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy would require swift and decisive action and a rapid transformation in the way Edryan operated. It would need a firm guiding hand, someone who understood not only their place in the new society but how to leverage this newfound power for the nation's growth.

  The counters slowed as the final few votes trickled in, the moment of decision drawing ever nearer. The outcome was clear, and the heavy tension began to disperse as low murmurs erupted in the Hall of Heroes. Prince Lawruthian waited for the final vote to tick in. His medallion beeped as it completed its verification with a Hero Golem, whose life-giving spell—an (Adaptive Learning Algorithm)—quietly connected to each medallion to process and tally the votes.

  He stepped forward, holding up a hand. The murmurs ceased immediately as silence swept through the room. Eyes locked on him, the air thick with anticipation.

  “The final vote has been submitted,” Prince Lawruthian announced, his voice steady and resolute as he scanned the crowd. “Know that each vote was counted fairly, and no one—not even myself—held a vote that weighed more in one direction than another. This, I swear on my name as Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani, and I swear to the Goddess Madris. Should I be lying, then deal me your harshest punishment. ” His gaze remained unwavering, a flicker of holiness within them that confirmed his validity.

  If the people of Edryan could not trust the words of their [Chosen], then their faith in the very foundation of their society would crumble, leaving them vulnerable to chaos and dissent.

  “Raise your medallions—together, let us announce the new [Prime Overseer] of Great Edrya!”

  Prince Lawruthian raised his medallion high, and shortly those present followed—unified, a purple beam and light shot from the medallions to construct the symbol that represented the winner.

  “The citizens of Edrya have spoken!” Lawruthian declared, his eyes radiated pride . “Through their votes, they have chosen a leader who will guide us into a new era of prosperity and unity!”

  He turned toward the victorious candidate, extending a hand. “It is with great respect and trust that I present to you, Minister Livia Abara, the Prime Overseer of Great Edrya!”

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