EPISODE 233: [CHOSEN OF GODDESS MADRIS] 1

— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR: 7294. SEASON: CENTRAL.

"Who is the [Chosen of Madris]?"

The question was carried through the sky; its vast blueness like an ocean of endless possibilities. It dove underneath the ground, squeezing through the earth like worms looking for subsistence. The question found its way into the minds of all who entered past the tall mountains of the great nation. Those who saw the Luffer Mountain Range or another questioned whether they were walls keeping the magi in, or stationary objects keeping the magi away from them .

Allura Grasci Az'Dawn nibbled on a honey-sweetened scone. There were other snacks in Edryan that she fancied, but these happened to be her favorites. The city was… different. That was an understatement. The city had a floating mini-star above it. Not just here, but Laguu, which she first passed through, held one as well. And, rumor had it, every major city had this powerful, endless mana source above it. New things called streetlights and low-flying vehicles called taxis roamed the streets, powered by batteries and anti-gravity spells. It looked… well, magical.

This was a [Golden Age]. She'd heard about it; she even knew of the Golden Age: Dawn's Beginning that Az'Dawn received when the nation first started. A nation hadn't experienced a golden age in centuries, perhaps eons since the last one.

How did he do it? How did he make these miracles keep happening?

How could Allura emulate it? Just like her siblings, Allura was now on track to establish herself as a powerful princess in the Az'Dawn nation. The funds, exclusive trade deals, and more provided to her over the past few years enabled her to rise in both stature and political power.

It'd only been two years since her last visit—two years since her life began to change, the Redsan Clan became richer, and she'd stabilized her control of Wrath. Her eyes flickered around to the elite family members—some cousins, others distant relatives who now served as her guard.

"Ugh, this will be annoying," Allura muttered.

"Allura," Aunt Chine chided. "No princess of Az'Dawn should speak in such a manner, especially now—and please, sit up."

Allura rolled her eyes but did as her aunt asked. "Who's going to hear or see me? We've rented out this entire place."

"That does not matter," Aunt Chine quickly responded. "Everything has changed, and your status must reflect that."

Allura shook her head; although she agreed with her aunt's statement, she didn't think all of it was true. She focused, pulling up her status sheet. The sound of the store's entrance opening entered her ears, but she remained unworried. Whoever entered would be quickly turned away.

The dark floor interior didn't seem to be a bother to its inhabitants; in fact, they preferred it.

Allura Grasci Az'Dawn —Level 90

HP: 1200/1200 (+600)

SP: 1050/1050 (+600)

EP: 1380/1380 (+600)

Base Atk: 153 (+60)

Base Def: 119 (+80)

HP Regen: 37/Hour (+27)

SP Regen: 32/Hour (+27)

EP Regen: 42/Hour (+27)

Bloodline: [+]

Main Class: ‎ [Princess Herald of Wrath] – 50

Perks: -

Power: 510(+200)

2nd Class: ‎ [Emberheart Seeker] – 40

Core Skills: [+]

Vitality: 400 (+200)

3rd Class: [LOCKED]

Racial Skills: [+]

Endurance: 350 (+200)

Faith: ‎ Heavenly Father

Status Effects: [+]

Energy: 460 (+200)

Affiliation: ‎ Imperial Family of Az'Dawn

Equipped: ‎ Ambition's Wrath

Self: 290 (+200)

2nd Affiliation:

Skills: [+]

Intent: 320 (+200)

Achievements: [+]

Active Quest: [+]

Energy Affinity: Fire — 55%

Attribute Points: 0

Allura read over her status sheet, proud of her accomplishments in two years. She hadn't trained heavily, but she managed to gain thirty levels since her last visit here. She was still under-leveled for her age and status as a Princess of Az'Dawn, but measures and a plan were in place to rectify that.

Commotion broke her concentration. Raised voices and smashing glass entered her ears. Allura frowned but remained seated, and a moment later, the source of trouble made its way higher.

Her frown grew deeper, and the commotion continued to approach. She was on the third floor, and her men were stationed from the first up. Nothing and no one should be disturbing them, nor should…

The door burst open, and Allura's direct guards stood, hands on their weapons, but none drawn yet. This was a foreign territory. Even if she was on good terms with the Prince, that didn't mean she could act wantonly.

A bouncing, brightly dressed woman walked in, pushing past Allura's guards without a care, her hips swaying and chest bouncing with every step. Some guards attempted to step before her, but strong-armed men quickly pushed their way forward and blocked those individuals.

Allura calmly watched as the woman made her way to her table; the path once impeded was cleared, but weapons remained undrawn. Her guards had recognized who this was, as did Allura.

A chair was pulled out directly across from Allura, and the woman leaned forward, fingers entwined, while her chin rested on them.

"Hey, little sister," the woman began, her high voice sharp but relaxed. Her blue, golden eyes studied the younger woman, noting the fine jewelry and clothing she wore. "You're doing quite well for yourself these days, aren't you. No longer under the thumb of Ramus—yet still weak, it seems. At least you're no longer quite as useless."

Allura didn't speak; she just waited silently to hear what the woman before her had to say. She grabbed another scone from the center, carefully taking a sip of coffee before taking a bite.

Her elder sister didn't stop speaking, not even registering the fact that Allura was eating as she continued. "Ever since you returned, you scampered off to your little Redsan territory—afraid of your dear poor siblings," the woman pouted before she laughed. "I've heard about the improvements your trade deal has been bringing your dead mother's clan—these batteries and other materials appearing from the Redsan traders are bringing in vast wealth—I want it before that fat bitch Aisha has a chance and monopolizes everything. I know she's been trying to contact you. I've had most of her agents killed before they could reach, but roaches always find a way to survive the desert's heat."

Allura munched on her scone, nibbling at its ends calmly like a rabbit. Her face was blank, allowing none to pick up her thoughts from the details in her expression. She seemed robotic, like a golem taking commands from its master. That didn't deter the woman before her; instead, it seemed only to encourage her as she continued to dictate.

"You will get me a meeting with the [Chosen of Madris], I will give you a week. It must be before any of the talks begin. If you fail…," Allura's elder sister laughed. She stood, turned, and began to walk away, not bothering to wait for any type of confirmation.

When she arrived at the entrance, moments before she could disappear down the building's steps, Allura's whispered voice entered her ears.

"No, Fatima…," Allura spoke, her voice wrathful. "…you two-faced bitch, I don't think I will."

The room, which was already quiet except for the shifting of the men, grew still. High-levelers held precise control over their body and could go minutes without needing to take a breath. All sound stopped, and an eerie stillness pressed down on the room, suffocating its inhabitants.

"Oh," Fatima said, her head cocked to the side, eyes wide and hollow. "( Sin of Env— ."

"I don't think that's wise," a voice interrupted.

The halted room immediately heated up as if the sun itself were directly present, letting light in. A man, magi, appeared at the chair Fatima once occupied, carefully picking at his nails as his words continued to register.

"Caimen Lordstar — Heavenly Body," Aunt Chine finally spoke as she recognized the man. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

Grips tightened around weapons at the magi's sudden appearance. They hadn't even felt him teleport in. That meant his control and level likely exceeded everyone in the room. The powerful [Mage] took a moment for himself. Not responding to Chine Redsan immediately as he gazed at Allura. He seemed to be sizing her up, but the young woman couldn't figure out why.

"Interesting," Caimen uttered. He stood; a vast presence like the noon sun's rays filled the room, brightening its interior with his light.

Chine Redsan gasped, understanding just what was before them. She immediately spoke, doing her best to rectify her earlier mistake. "[Prestige] Lordstar, we apologize for any offense."

She stood from her seat and bowed deeply. Allura followed her Aunt's example, not questioning whether her statement was legit or not. Aunt Chine had barely been wrong about things like this, and it was best to follow her rather than ask questions later.

"No offense can be taken when the prior knowledge isn't present," Caimen responded. He gazed around the room carefully, his eyes trailing on each individual. They halted on Fatima, who finally turned and faced him. She bowed her head in acknowledgment but said nothing. A light frown appeared on Caimen's face.

"Fighting outside of authorized areas is not permitted in Edrya. This will be your only warning—let it be known that the use of Sins… is heavily frowned upon in Great Edryan. Be wise who you display such… prowess before. Any other infractions are subject to fines depending on the degree of infraction."

Caimen gazed around once more, then he took a step forward and disappeared. The stillness of the room remained present, only now it lacked the source of light once there.

Fatima Az'Dawn turned around and headed to the door. She paused right before her body disappeared through the entrance, leaving behind a single sentence.

"You have one week."

The morning shifted into the afternoon and then evening. The streets of Edrya remained packed with foreign guests and magi. There was curiosity all around as news of a [Golden Age] being triggered in the country spread from nation to nation. An achievement as such was rare, and it was rarer still for the shorter-lived races to have seen such an accomplishment.

A young girl walked the streets, her eyes bright and brave. A candied apple on a stick was tightly glued to her hand, with small child-sized bites being littered all over the sweet treat. Musicians performed in the street, hats or bags abreast as tips were shot their way. Men and women danced, some alone, others hand in hand, while in the background, the sounds of wares being exchanged littered the plaza.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

The young girl was Aniya… Aniya Enlar, although she didn't know it. Her mother, Ilia, kept the secret of her last name to herself and only allowed a few to know who they truly were.

"It's been… almost half a century," the searching mother whispered. "They're… so… healthy… happy… oh, oh… who is the [Chosen of Madris]?"

Her voice was caught by a performing musician who immediately broke into the song as Ilia distractedly followed her daughter. She placed a hand on her stomach while the other was grabbed by Aniya, who pulled her continuously forward.

" WHO IS THE [CHOSEN OF MADRIS], OUR GUIDING LIGHT AND BRIGHT STAR HURRAAH! HURRAAH!"

" HIS JOURNEY BEGAN MUCH AS WE, FOR HE CAME FROM THE WOMB MIGHTY AS CAN BE HURRAAH! HURRAAH!"

The artist's voice started with lows that quickly turned into highs as he reached the center of his stanza. It continued with highs until he reached a crescendo at the end. Ilia focused on the song while her daughter watched the dancers performing. Magic was weaved into their dance, the wind picking up their feet to hold them longer for a jumping twirl. Flames licked their hair as they appeared to be humanoid elementals, showcasing their might. Ice spread in the air, their crystalline nature reflecting the light and bringing everything all together in a wonderful display of marvel.

" AS A BOY HE GENIUS WAYS BROUGHT FOWARD MAGE LIGHTS AND OTHER PLAYS HURRAAH! HURRAAH!"

" HONEY SWEETS…, BATTERIES…, GOLEM THINGS…, NECESSETIES HURRAAH! HURRAAH!"

" HE REBUILT EDRYA AND THE NATION FOLLOWED, HIS WISE WAYS SHOW HIS BRAIN NOT HOLLOW HURRAAH! HURRAAH!"

" SETTLE THE VALLEY WERE STARS GLOW, TURNED THEIR GREEDY TRADES INTO MIGHTY WOES HURRAAH! HURRAAH!"

" RETURNED HOME TO SLAY THE DRAGON, CLASSED-BASED OUR MIGHTY WAGON HURRAAH! HURRAAH!"

" SACRIFICED CALAMITIES TO GODDESS MADRIS A'FOR HE VENTURED FORTH TO SLAY HIS PASSION HURRAAH! HURRAAH!"

" [FINAL DRAGON] HE PUT AN END TO, JOURNEY FORTH AND CALL THE ARDENT HURRAAH! HURRAAH!"

" PASSIONATE AN END IS WHAT WE COME TO, RED DAWN A SIGHT WE RUN TOO HURRAAH! HURRAAH!"

" WHO IS THE [CHOSEN OF MADRIS], OUR GUIDING LIGHT AND BRIGHT STAR HURRAAH! HURRAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

A copper flashed from Ilia's hand and into the performer's hat. He responded and continued his activities while the mother and daughter pair slowly moved away.

Ilia was certain that much of the context was removed, but that was a start. They hadn't been in the capital much more than a week—she still couldn't believe Wilarax kept her word… although her disappearance wasn't accounted for.

‎ "Mommy, mommy, look!"

The distracted woman turned her attention to her child, and she followed the pointing finger of Aniya before her eyes settled on a figure that seemed strangely familiar.

"It's Uma! I think she's upset."

Ilia closed her eyes for a moment. It wasn't just Uma, it was the Demigoddess of Bravery in her mortal form—horse hooves and all. And, her eyes burned with hatred as she gazed at the performance ongoing before her. Ilia quickly moved, as the crowd was beginning the chatter and point.

The woman could polymorph into a more humanoid form, but she refused to, not here.

"Uma," Ilia grabbed the hand of the demigoddess, who immediately flinched, startled out of her trance. "Let's go, please. "

Ilia gestured around. The demigoddess was already an abnormality to the people of Edryan lands, but she wasn't the only centaur present in the city. The city was stocked with foreigners, some arriving as envoys of nations invited to Edryan. Others were people curious about a Golden Age, and the seemingly less hostile magi.

Ilia honestly didn't recognize the place. The people stared, yes, but only a quick glance or two before moving on. They were polite and kept a friendly distance without any expected jeering or hostile actions. She grabbed Uma and quickly returned to the inn, pulling her away to the room.

The chestnut mare's chest heaved up and down, and her eyes were red. Fio, Ahri, and others rushed forward, their concern evident. Uma paced around, her hands clenching.

"In," Lucky commanded, and Uma slowed and took a deep breath inward.

"Out," he said once again, moments later.

"In."

"Out."

"In."

"Out."

Time passed, and Lucky continued to guide Uma until the mare calmed enough to speak on what upset her so. The group gathered around, with Aniya sitting on the mare's back, gently rubbing her body in an attempt to help. The two held an inexplicable connection, one bridged by Uma and reciprocated now in the young girl. It was why the young girl immediately noticed Uma in an irregular state and acted on it.

Uma closed her eyes, and when she reopened them, they were back to normal.

"We… we shouldn't have come. We shouldn't have allowed… Wilarax to… escape ."

"It was going to happen regardless of what we did," Fio countered, arms folded and eyes trained on Uma. "No point in bringing back an old conversation, what's upset the Demigoddess of Bravery when nothing should."

"Fio is right, we spent months arguing on whether to let her escape or not," Ahri spoke out in agreement. As the [Chosen of El], it's impossible for the spirit of adventure not to possess her. If we didn't let her go now, it would have happened at an inopportune time when her father is the sole living demigod remaining in the mortal realm."

Lucky waved his hand, silencing those present. "Just… let her speak."

Uma closed her eyes once again before starting. "They… there was a street performance… a play—enacting out the Slaughter of Ura Anna and the Battle of Plain's End. When the slave armies of the magi breached the upper plains before they became this mess known as the Warring Beastman Plains… I was but a child, and far from the first demigod of the centaurs. Ura Anna — Strongest Ever, my mother…," Uma's voice choked, and she closed her eyes and allowed silent tears to fall.

A near-silent phrase of affirmation emerged from Uma's lips, whispered like a mother's lullaby. "Uma, Una, Bravest and Boldest, running free within the plains of thee, neighs aplenty and battle ready… Uma, Una… Bravest and Boldest."

A moment of silence accompanied the group as the words of Uma settled. Lucky unfolded his arms and approached Uma, carefully patting her upper flank in comfort.

"The magi don't remember the… sins of their forefathers. It is even more apparent now that we are in their lands, they know not their true history nor much of the [Chosen of Madris] who came before the current one—we are here and only here to allow Wilarax's spirit to settle down—her father has recognized his words to have caused a… longing and we all heard of the longing of those who have a spirit of adventure can be…," Lucky turned his attention to the rest of the group. He'd always been the nominal leader when Uma was indisposed, like now.

"Just because they don't remember doesn't mean we who suffered should forgive," Uma's voice whispered. A whisper so low that only those beyond mortals could decipher it. Yet they left the words hanging; now was not the time to debate.

Lucky looked westward and shook his head, a smile slowly forming; his gaze seemed to pierce past the wall and deep into the Edryan capital city. No mana fluctuated from him, thus no one was alerted to his prying. This was a simple application of his Intent that was already spread a distance over the city like many others.

"Wilarax is located in the western portion of the Edrya near the wall that leads into the noble quarters. She's looking for an opportunity to sneak in, which in truth, is stupid—should she reveal her identity, then it would be a simple matter," Lucky laughed.

"Should we…," Ahri began, gesturing with her hand to make a walking motion.

"Nah, no need," Lucky shook his head. "So long as she remains unharmed and un-detained, then we do not need to worry."

A day passed, and night came, the promised date gathered closer and closer. Wilarax walked free, her admiring gaze traveling through the city streets. She wore a hooded deep forest green cloak with two holes that allowed her long, elf ears to be on display while hiding the rest of her features. She was tall, around 193 centimeters in height, but the hood was enchanted to keep her facial features hidden. She prepared long and hard for this day, early, since her father forbade her from entering Edryan lands. That was asking her to go there and explore.

"It's just like… home, " Wilarax commented.

Which was weird for the young True Elf as she didn't know which home she referred to. Edrya boosted tall buildings with clear glass windows, public fountains, and works. The city was green, with flat-top brick buildings that hosted community gardens and other amenities. Surprisingly, and Wilarax had checked, there were no homeless or even displaced people.

Kids rode on flying boards, dodging through traffic. Timely guard patrols roamed through the streets, ensuring the safety of citizens and maintaining law and order. The people… they were human. No different than the few True Elves and the many races that called the endless city their home.

Should they have had air trains, then Wilarax would have mistaken this for another district at home. And, should there be no flying vehicles, random magical tricks, and whatnot, she'd see it as a bustling city of Earth.

"Are these the barbaric people they spoke of in the history books," Wilarax questioned to herself, coughing to clear her throat. She was a bit parched after spending a long time exploring for a way to make it deeper within. "No. No. I have to see more; two major cities aren't enough. How can such a peaceful people be committed to producing atrocities? They look happy, well fed—they're not jobless, in distress, or any of the other characteristics that would justify a war-born people. They even have traffic lights!"

Wilarax knew what war did to people. The ongoing conflicts of Earth before she died and unlimited internet access exposed its harsh realities. These people showed no signs or characteristics of want or need.

"Then, it is the Goddess Madria who drives such a need. The conflict of the Gods… Her want for control… but… why?"

Wilarax couldn't understand. Her eyes continued to roam, and she spotted a coffee shop, and its aroma strongly drew her attention. A small bite wouldn't hurt before she continued her business. Yet, the questions that plague her mind haven't receded. Instead, they only grew stronger.

The backwards people claimed by not only the history books, but the general Road on the streets of her home were anything but. If anything, they were only missing a few amenities before Wilarax could comfortably claim this place no different than her home.

"Well, perhaps I'm still too early in my judgment. I've only been in the country for less than a week," Wilarax muttered. "I have to try out whatever smells that good."

The young woman walked into the bakery, the place packed with hungry customers and intensified smells of confectioneries. Wilarax's eyes lit up. Outside of Elysium, it was hard to get some decent, truly sweet sweets. From what she could tell, the country of Edryan was far ahead of many others when it came to evolving snacks and other baked goods.

It didn't take long for the young woman to make it to the front of the line and grab a drink and snack. There was an open seating arrangement, and she found herself near the windows as a bar counter just opened up. Several baked goods, croissants, muffins, and small cakes with their centers stuffed full of sweet deliciousness, were placed before Wilarax while a large drink reminiscent of an earthy design was slowly being sipped at.

"Huh, tastes like lemonade—it looks so much like…," Wilarax's voice trailed off. She shook her head. Designs like this weren't something only those on Earth could come up with. Her voice grew in excitement as she placed the cup down and picked up a cake. "Ooooh, I can tell you're going to be delicious!"

Her voice attracted the party next that just settled down next to her. A young woman with long curly hair turned her way and expressed warmly. "First time having an Edryan Cream Pie? You're in for a treat!"

Wilarax paused her bite and turned toward the speaker to respond. She paused for an extra moment, her eyes widening in surprise. Her breath caught, choking off her response as she stared at a face she found so familiar yet distant. It was like staring at an old photo of herself, but not recognizing the time and place it was taken. What Wilarax saw was the face of a dead woman— hers . When she was still human, still on earth.

The woman was slightly skinnier with a toned body that spoke of long hours of training. Her eyes were blue, which was a feature different from her… from Celina's, but everything else was there… even her voice.

"It's… my first time in Edryan," Wilarax finally responded. She recovered just in time before it could get awkward. "It's… nothing like described," she finished, slowly taking a bite of the Edryan Cream Pie. It was a cake… looked like a cake… but why was it called a pie? A feeling of déjà vu washed over Wilarax, and the taste of the cake didn't register. She paused, truly paused, and thought about all she'd seen. The vehicles move through the air or ground, whether personal or for a group. They had trains, with a design that seemed to be very earth-like.

'There are others,' Wilarax mentally said, still taking small bites of the cake but not tasting it. 'Others from Earth. The [Chosen of Madris] is from Earth.'

"Ahaha," the young woman laughed before responding. "I'm not sure if that is a good thing or bad. I've never left my home."

"It's a good thing," Wilarax responded, "…a great thing even."

Her thoughts remained on her assumption as more and more dots began to connect. It was taught that the Edryans were decades, if not a century and a half, behind on everything. Their society, classes, land, and whatnot were all described in a way that made Wilarax think of the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and the pre-industrial revolution age. The more she saw, the more she understood that to be false. And, with the small conversations she had with the Edryan people, Wilarax hadn't gotten that impression.

Either the history books of Elysium were purposely lying, hiding a secret, or…

Wilarax shuddered internally. She wanted to suppress the thought, but it resisted. How could one person accelerate a nation to such heights in less than twenty years? Her gaze intensified on the woman enjoying snacks next to her.

"What do they say about us," the young woman asked curiously, tilting her head. Wilarax shifted uncomfortably, her intense gaze sliding away from the woman as she thought of an appropriate response to her question.

Wilarax had noticed the two with her to be guards of some sort. One kept an eye on her while the other watched the store's inhabitants. The woman must be of noble descent. She didn't want to say anything offensive or something that might cause her trouble. They spoke in Common and their conversation could easily be understood by everyone within the store.

"They say the magi are… not nice," Wilarax said. She put it nicely; many said much worse about the magi-humans, and that reputation attached itself to all human-aligned races.

The woman laughed, placing a hand over her mouth as she did so. "I think anyone could be not nice—we magi are just faithful to our Goddess, Her [Chosen], and Their Teachings. They have sacrificed much for the Edryan people and continue to do so. Without Her [Chosen," the woman waved a scone before Wilarax, "none of this would be possible."

Wilarax sensed the opportunity to direct the conversation to acquire more information. "Who, and forgive me if this is rude, but what exactly is the [Chosen]," Wilarax began with a pointed question. "How did they…," she waved her hand at the confectioneries before them.

The young woman smiled at the questions; she turned to look outside the clear glass at the passing pedestrians. "They're just like them, like me… they're just a human, a magi human of course, but more ."

She turned back to Wilarax as she continued. Seemingly looking the young True Elf in the eyes as she spoke. "He's someone with all the answers to the questions we don't even know how to ask, things we don't know we should know. He did this," she gestured at the scones. "By inventing a way to store honeybees and it spiraled into the Golem Batteries that power many of the personal vehicles you see throughout the nation. He is The Answer, The Truth, and the one who will unite this world under one banner."

A guard approached her before she could continue. "My Lady… the time."

"Thank you," the young magi woman responded, standing up and gathering her sweets. She turned to Wilarax and nodded. "It's been a pleasure."

Wilarax's eyes were wide at the prior words of the woman. She called out before the woman could get too far. "I didn't catch your name."

The blue-eyed, curly-haired woman turned. "It's Simra, Simra Enlar—should you need anything in the city, come to the Church of Brightest Hope in district nine next to the Imper Clock Tower."

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