Echo of Ancient Will & The Awakening of the Pactum Completers
Secret Location — Council Chamber of Pax Arcanum, Atlantis
The Night After the Elysvarre Session
Deep beneath the magical towers of Atlantis, there lies a chamber not documented in any archive, shrouded in mystery and layered with a captivating history full of intrigue that dates back centuries.
Council of Pax Arcanum.
A large stone circle with a floor made of black obsidian that absorbs light creates an oppressive and grim atmosphere. Seven chairs are arranged in a circle around it, devoid of royal emblems or family insignias, symbolizing inclusivity in the decisions to be made regarding the Pactum. The only symbol in the center of the floor draws attention:
Pactum Primae Voluntatis — The Law of the First Will.
In the main seat, Senator Kaeso Vallaricus sits cloaked in dark fabric, his face serious. Beside him stand figures with faces hidden behind expressionless white masks. For a moment, the obsidian floor sparkles in the dim light of lanterns, creating mysterious silhouettes that add weight to the atmosphere. Kaeso takes a deep breath, as if burdened by the weight of the decision that rests upon his steadfast shoulders.
The Completers of Pactum.
Kaeso opens the session. His voice is deep, yet devoid of emotion.
"Fitran Fate and Sheena Valtheris Elyndra have drafted a new will that fundamentally alters the meaning of the inherited curse and the existing Pactum. Boldly, they have rejected the long-standing Alliance and explored unexpected possibilities."
"Have we reached a point where our heritage can be questioned?" Kaeso whispered to himself, gazing at the silent room, as this profound question echoed in his mind, prompting a serious moment of reflection about the weight of his responsibilities as the guardian of tradition.
The first mask spoke, its voice sharp and masculine.
"This new meaning is dangerous," he asserted. "If allowed to stand, other Pactum will begin to be questioned, and people all over the world will demand change. This will create chaos that will be difficult to control."
The second mask—a woman, her tone flat.
"And even more dangerous," she continued, "is their will to choose the meaning of love over the principles of magic. This could create a dangerous precedent that would violate the magical equilibrium that has existed for centuries."
She paused for a moment, her eyes scanning the room carefully, as if to ensure that all attendees understood the gravity of her words. "We must remember, love untethered by the laws of magic is a love that can destroy everything we have built over centuries." Her voice, though flat, carried an undeniable tension, mingled with a sense of urgency and the desire to protect the established order.
The third mask—a wise elder, whispered.
"If free will overrides the inherited contract, the entire order will collapse."
The creases on her face deepened, reflecting her concern for the broader implications of their discussion. She emphasized with conviction, "We are not just protecting ourselves but also the generations to come. As many philosophers and leaders have warned, those who fail to understand history are doomed to repeat it." Her voice vibrated with certainty, radiating wisdom accumulated over years of experience.
Kaeso nodded, signaling the importance of this gathering. "I urge you all to consider one action that could determine our fate."
She stood, staring at the symbol on the floor.
"Anatema Pactum."
One of the Enforcers replied softly, "Stabilizing the new will by any means necessary."
"If necessary," Kaeso added, "erase their will before it becomes a model for others to follow." A sense of unease began to fill the air in the room, and everyone present felt that the decision made here, with all its implications, would shape the future of all stakeholders involved.
The fourth mask—silent since the beginning—whispered quietly, "Are we prepared to bear the consequences of that move?" His voice was barely audible, yet within its gentle tremor lay deep doubt, echoing the fear of losing freedom.
"There is a great risk."
Kaeso turned. "Speak."
A voice emerged from the mask—a young man's, different from the others, confident as he spoke. "The wills of Fitran and Sheena have surpassed Anatema Veyrundis, meaning their wills cannot be entirely undone by the conventional conceptual magic we know."
In the dimly lit corner of the room, the Reformers exchanged tense glances. The darkness within their hearts intertwined with the weariness that lingered between the burdens of their mission, creating an atmosphere thick enough to cut. Kaeso, who had faced many battles in his role as leader, felt the terror rising with every whisper—were they strong enough? Would the decisions they made save or doom everything? In the silence, their thoughts echoed, as if holding the fate of an entire nation.
"Indeed," the second Mask nodded. "They are not merely political leaders; they have become writers of the will of life. The reforms must be carried out wisely and intelligently, not through direct coercion that might push us further away from our goal."
Beyond the window, the rumble of the wind seemed to herald an approaching storm. Only the soft glow of the lantern pierced the darkness, illuminating the faces of the Perfecters and revealing the turmoil of emotions battling within them. Kaeso felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on his shoulders. He was determined to be a light, not a shadow, while also ensuring that hope remained alive amidst the enveloping darkness. "Every step we take must be calculated," he asserted, his voice growing firmer.
In response, the third Mask added, "Or we risk awakening ancient wills that could surpass the Pactum we strive to uphold."
Kaeso reflected deeply, understanding that relying on unrefined magic could breach the carefully established boundaries. "Perhaps we should set a trap," he suggested, his thoughts racing as he explored options. "Using uncertainty to destabilize them while also planning our next steps. We need to render that ancient will dormant." In this strategy, the advantage would shift in their favor.
Kaeso clenched his fists. "Then we shall take a more subtle approach. Politics. Emotions. And if necessary, rhetorical wills."
He looked at the Perfecters.
"This is our strategy."
First
Emotionally separate them.
Fitran and Sheena are strong together, but their bond can be tested. Rumors, temptations, and perhaps... shadows of the past.
"Bring back the name Rinoa."
Kaeso glanced at the dancing shadows on the wall, as if recalling the times when the name Rinoa flowed like a stream of water. "The canvas of their souls will be filled with shades of uncertainty, entangling them in a web of painful memories." He added, his voice thick with tension, "Break that emotional bond, and their integrity will crumble like a sandcastle…"
Second
Instill doubt in the people of Elysvarre.
"Through diplomacy and subtle persuasive magic, we must offer an alternative Pactum that appears far safer and more stable to the people of Elysvarre."
"Before the Perfectionists, Kaeso sharpened his gaze. 'Be careful, my friends. Every word spoken is like an arrow tipped with poison; we must infiltrate the minds of the people, subtly and systematically. They must see the new Pactum as a protector, not an obstacle to their peace and security.' He stroked his chin, devising a deeper plan. 'We must find a semblance of truth within the lies we present, for that is what will resonate with them.'
Third
If two ways fail... use the Seventh Enhancer.
A figure that does not adhere to the laws of ordinary magic.
"Arbiter Voluntatis. The Judge of Will."
Among the crowd, a gentle whisper sounded like a secret song. "Beware of the Seventh Enhancer," warned one of the Enhancers. "He is a dangerous mystery, a double-edged sword. If we call upon him, we too will be bound to his will." Kaeso stared deeply into his eyes, his expression one of determination as he acknowledged the gravity of the situation. 'When other routes are blocked, we have no choice but to invoke the Seventh Enhancer. In this world of magic, sometimes we must play in the shadows to understand and eventually summon the light.'
Kaeso tapped the floor with his obsidian staff.
"From this day forward, Anatema Pactum is activated for the will of Fitran Fate and Sheena Valtheris Elyndra."
"Their desires will be tested with tension. Adjusted to achieve harmony. Or erased to leave the past behind."
The Enhancers bowed in silence.
Above the secret chamber, the towers of Atlantis shone in the night, concealing the movements of a newly born conspiracy.
Politics has ended. The enhancement has begun.
Sheena tightened her grip on Fitran's hand. "I feel... something is changing. Not between us, but in the world outside."
"A world filled with intrigue and betrayal," Fitran's voice softened, trying to reach Sheena's heart, "Do you remember the tale of Oratori who betrayed their own king for power?"
Sheena nodded, her gaze deep. "We must be prepared, Fitran. Those in power will never allow us to be at peace."
Fitran looked up at the sky. The wind carried the sound of night birds.
"If they come, we will stand together, risking everything. Just like before, we will be an inseparable pair, bound by our shared purpose and unyielding spirit."
Sheena stared into his eyes. "We cannot back down now."
"No," Fitran replied. "For the will chosen with passion... is stronger than any law."
In the distance, shadows began to loom over the garden.
The Purifiers have arrived.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the garden felt hushed, as if nature itself sensed the tension enveloping them. Fitran could feel his heartbeat thundering, in sync with the magical power coursing through his veins. In the silence that surrounded him, he heard unseen whispers, promising both strength and threat.
Sheena turned, looking at Fitran with determination. "One thing we need to understand, Fitran. They are not here just to observe; they seek to tear us apart. They aim to conquer our will."
"So, prepare yourself, Sheena," Fitran said, his voice trembling yet resolute. "We will fight, not only for ourselves but for all that has been lost. This magical power, flowing through our veins, is the bridge to reunite what has been separated."