The Inner Odyssey-Chapter 164: Worthy

"What just happened!!?"

"Did you see that!?"

"Are they okay???"

A tremendous roar rumbled within the Theatre of War like the cry of an enormous beast. The crowd, which was once silent, was now in a frenzy, utterly shocked by the abrupt ending to the enthralling display.

Some gasped for breath, while others fretted over the fate of Caelum and Varnel.

However, there was a a single, common emotion brewing within the chaotic clamour.

...Awe.

It engulfed the stadium and the spectators within it.

The subject of these passionate looks was none other than the Keeper’s Apprentice, a monster whom no one had seen coming. After this duel, everyone understood why the Keeper of the End had chosen him.

Several of his more vocal opposition began to feel ashamed of their previous actions - who were they to judge when the Keeper obviously knew better?

In the private viewing chamber, the atmosphere was solemn.

A thick, suffocating silence shrouded the room, with none inside daring to breathe. A closer inspection revealed overjoyed polychromatic sparks dancing in the Ember heir’s eyes, while Celeste’s body sagged with barely-concealed relief.

Meanwhile, the Masters who had previously ridiculed Alden remained silent, their lips pressed into a tight line. The only sign of their displeasure, and perhaps embarrassment - for those who possessed shame - was the thick, tangible aura pressing down on the surrounding space, as if wanting to crush it.

Drakon, Celeste and Eira, were shielded by their respective factions - the Elders and Saint Helena bearing the brunt of the pressure. For those who had less backing and belonged to a lower Rank, mostly the servants, they broke out into a cold sweat and struggled to breathe.

Eventually, a chuckle followed by a crisp clap shattered the silence.

It belonged to a man who had short-cropped hair, a silver-grey bread, and was garbed in a flowing light-green robe.

"How impressive."

He smiled.

This Elder was none other than Master Orion, the Grand Elder of the Zephyr Clan.

He held, perhaps, one of the most important positions in the entire Sanctuary ... beneath the Five Transcendents, of course.

A compliment from him was the real deal, and an acknowledgment of Alden and his skills. The Grand Elder’s peers, while Masters, could not hold a weight to his position or authority.

As such, many of them grumbled inwardly, but did not oppose his words.

"Indeed, your Eminence."

"You are correct, your Grace. They are most impressive."

The corner of Drakon’s lips couldn’t help but twitch.

These Masters really were thick-skinned.

He shared a glance with Celeste, who silently pursed her lips, evidently sharing his thoughts. Struggling not to laugh, the Ember Heir shifted his gaze towards the arena.

His expression quickly grew serious.

There, down below...

The Keeper’s Apprentice staggered, struggling to maintain his balance.

***

Alden’s vision swam.

He didn’t know up from down, and his ears strained to decipher the muted rumbling of the crowd.

Unfortunately for him, he lacked the energy to do so.

That was without mentioning the deep, searing pain which suddenly gripped him as soon as he snapped out of that strange state. It took everything Alden had for him to remain conscious and stand upright.

He couldn’t allow himself to slip up and show a moment of weakness. Even though it would make sense for him to topple to the ground, Alden didn’t want all the effort he had put into showcasing his strength to go to waste.

He needed the crowd spell-bound, so that none could voice their opposition.

Still, it was easier said than done.

In fact, it was essentially a miracle he was still conscious, even if he was just barely hanging in there. Gritting his teeth, the young man tentatively placed a palm on his wounded side.

Immediately after, he hissed.

The burning sensation deepened.

Alden began to feel faint, and he reckoned that was the blood loss catching up with him. He was a little surprised that his body had lasted so long, but then again, compared to what he had pulled off in this bout, this was almost the least astonishing thing to occur.

The infinitesimal shred of Alden’s mind capable of lucid thought wondered how his opponents were doing. He felt a little guilty crashing into Varnel like that, but the speed demon’s explosiveness and lightning-quick reactions warranted something so extreme.

At most, Varnel had broken a few bones.

He would recover.

Eventually.

...Hopefully.

As for Caelum, the Keeper’s Apprentice had sensed him unleash all his mana at the last moment to form a barrier of space and wind energy. And although it was not enough to completely nullify Alden’s attack, it had served its job, taking the brunt of the force and allowing the illusionist to escape with his life.

Alden felt no such guilt towards Caelum.

Since the newly crowned Chosen of the Divine Sovereign had involved himself in matters which did not belong to him, it was only fitting that Alden had him learn his place.

A small ember of dark satisfaction smoldered within him at the thought.

A violent cough suddenly racked Alden’s frame.

He brought a hand to his lips, and discovered that his fingertips came back stained red. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Suddenly, he had the absurd urge to to laugh.

’What is it... with me... and destroying my body like this?’

A chuckle inadvertently escaped him, which only worsened his pain.

Hiding a wince, Alden waited until his vision settled.

It was not enough to see clearly, but enough to gain a blurry picture of his surroundings, as if he was gazing out through a half-lidded eye... which he technically was.

In any case, Alden arduously shifted his neck towards the private viewing chamber, or where he thought it was.

Then, he inhaled a scorching breath and solemnly addressed the crowd:

"My name is Alden, the Keeper’s Apprentice. I have been subject to intense ridicule. Yet, against all odds, here I am standing. Alone. With none as my equal."

...He paused slightly, gathering himself.

"For those who ran their mouths wantonly, I hope you can control them in the future. And for those seated in the private viewing chamber, I only have a few words for you, so listen closely. I. Am. Worthy."

As his the echo of his voice faded, Alden swayed.

Two stalwart arms wrapped around his figure, the familiar presence of Kael steadying him.

Alden smiled.

Then, he promptly lost consciousness.

***

In the far future, historians would look back on this day, and proclaim it as one of the most momentous in Arkanis’s history.

For on this day, ’his’ journey truly began.

It was a breathtaking journey, first and last of its kind.

An odyssey full of love, pain, grief, and sorrow.

Nonetheless, it was necessary.

For, in due time, everyone would come to know why the despotic stars had be dethroned.

...Woe to those who crossed ’his’ blade.