Awaken: Dying Light

A World Unveiled II

Jayden listened intently, his imagination ignited by Elora's vivid descriptions. He pictured himself soaring through the skies on a majestic Sky Whale in Caelumnia or harnessing the power of the sun alongside the Drake Family in Solstaria. A thrill of excitement shot through him as he realized the vastness and diversity of the world he inhabited.

"There's even more!" Elora exclaimed, noticing the spark of wonder in Jayden's eyes. She flipped through the book, stopping at a page depicting a land bathed in an ethereal twilight.

"Aurorium, a sanctuary of natural beauty, where emerald forests meet shimmering lakes. Here, the crown jewel is the 'Eternal Dusk,' a celestial phenomenon that bathes the land in a perpetual twilight, casting an ethereal glow upon the verdant landscapes. The Hale Family, possessing a deep connection to nature and its mystical energies, safeguard the delicate balance of this land, their healing touch restoring life and harmony wherever it is needed."

As Elora continued her descriptions, she weaved in fascinating details about the inhabitants of each continent and the unique types of Awakened abilities that flourished there. She spoke of the shadow skills wielded by the inhabitants of Nyxheim.

"Shrouded in perpetual twilight, Nyxheim thrives in the embrace of shadows. Towering obsidian mountains pierce the sky, their jagged peaks scraping the ethereal underbelly. Dense, ancient forests cloak the land in an aura of mystery, their depths concealing enigmatic ruins and creatures unseen by the light of day. The Blackburn Family shrouded in secrecy, leads this enigmatic nation, their mastery of illusion and shadow manipulation ensuring the realm's safety from those who dare trespass."

Or the stoicism and ice manipulation abilities of the Steele Family in Avaloria.

"A frozen expanse of unparalleled beauty, Avaloria is a realm sculpted by ice and wind. Majestic glaciers carve their way through the landscape, forming towering ice caverns that shimmer with an otherworldly luminescence. Crystal-clear forests stand defiant against the harsh winds, while resilient settlements huddle together for warmth and survival."

"And finally," she added. "The raw power and connection to the land harbored by the Pentagon Family in Veridian Reach. This land, teeming with life, stands as a testament to the delicate balance between human ingenuity and the natural world. Towering waterfalls cascade down emerald cliffs, nourishing the verdant ecosystems that blanket the land. Hidden within the dense foliage lie ancient ruins, whispering forgotten stories of a bygone era."

"Jayden, are you okay?" Elora asked, her tone filled with concern as she looked at his stunned face.

"Y-yeah, it's just a lot to take in. So many places to go, and so many new things to find out. I am very excited, that's all," he couldn't conceal the surprise and excitement at the same time on his face.

And he meant every word. Jayden was filled with excitement at the thought of exploring the unknown, uncovering the mysteries of the world, and immersing himself in new cultures. He had the determination to make the most of every moment, despite his tender age of 5 years old.

"Good, now let's move on to the next step. There's one more important detail you need to know, and it's all right here in this book," Elora said, her voice firm and authoritative as she gestured towards the tome in front of her.

"Rising from the very heart of our land, independent of the seven continents, stands Zenith, a colossal metropolis where the Celestial Conclave resides. Its magnificent architecture, a fusion of the distinct styles of the seven continents, reflects the diverse tapestry of the world.

Zenith serves as the center of diplomacy and arbitration, a neutral ground where representatives from each continent gather to discuss matters of global importance. Here, the Conclave, comprised of seven esteemed individuals, each chosen by one of the ruling families, deliberates and strives to maintain peace and unity within the world. The Conclave acts as a beacon of hope, reminding the world of the strength that lies in collaboration and shared purpose, a proven fact to their resilience in the face of any threat."

By the time she reached the description of Zenith, the colossal metropolis, and the Celestial Conclave, Jayden was practically vibrating with excitement.

"Elora," Jayden blurted out, his voice barely containing his astonishment. "Does this mean that we have a member in the Conclave?"

Elora's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Not just any member, little devil," she teased.

"Your grandfather is one of the seven esteemed members. He is part of the Celestial Conclave, and your father, holds a position very close to the 7 big shots of the world."

Jayden's eyes widened in disbelief. His father, the man who spent his days training and overseeing the estate, was one of the most important people on the entire planet. It felt like something out of a storybook.

Elora chuckled at Jayden's stunned expression. "Surprised, aren't you? You wouldn't guess the quiet strength your father possesses based on his demeanor here at home."

Jayden absorbed this new information, a mix of awe and something else flickering in his eyes. "So, Dad's not just a strong fighter... he's, like, a part of the world leaders?"

"Indeed," Elora affirmed, her voice laced with a hint of pride. "He plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power on Rion. The Conclave isn't just about politics, though. They also work together to tackle threats that could affect the entire planet."

A flicker of concern crossed Jayden's youthful face. "Threats? Like what kind of threats?"

Elora's smile softened. "There are many, young one. Creatures from beyond the known realms, monsters, powerful artifacts that fall into the wrong hands, or even conflicts between the continents themselves. The Conclave exists to ensure such problems are dealt with, swiftly and fairly."

"Wow," Jayden breathed, processing the weight of his father's responsibility. "That's a lot on his shoulders."

Elora nodded. "It is. But your father is not alone. He has the unwavering support of the Pentagon family. Your grandfather is one of the 7, and there are some other members from the Pentagon in the Conclave, although not at the same power scale as your father."

A mischievous glint entered Elora's eyes. "Besides, who knows? Maybe one day, you'll follow in his footsteps and join the Conclave yourself."

Jayden's chest puffed out with pride at the thought. The idea of wielding power and safeguarding the world like his father was exhilarating. But then, a more practical question surfaced.

"But Elora, if Dad's so important, why isn't he here teaching me all this stuff?"

Elora's smile faltered slightly. "There are many reasons, Jayden. The duties of the Conclave require a great deal of his time and attention. Besides, your father believes a strong foundation in the basics is essential before you delve into the complexities of the world."

She reached out and squeezed his hand gently. "And that's where I come in. I'll be here to guide you, answer your questions, and help you become the best version of yourself."

"Okay, Elora," he declared. "Then let's get started for real. Tell me everything you know about being Awakened and the different types of abilities."

Elora's smile returned, brighter than ever. "Excellent! That's a topic even more fascinating than the geography of Rion. But first, there's something more important that you should know.