14 | First to be Chosen

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The art of war lies in thwarting the enemy’s plans, in breaking up his alliances, and then, only then, in attacking his army

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The art of war lies in thwarting the enemy’s plans, in breaking up his alliances, and then, only then, in attacking his army.

– Sun Zi, Spring and Autumn Period

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WIL, caught completely off guard by the revelation, could hardly believe his ears. "I... I am?" he stammered, his eyes wide with astonishment and a mix of emotions.

The weight of the realization settled upon him, and a sense of responsibility mingled with the surprise. The journey that lay ahead, the destiny intertwined with his own, suddenly became clear. It was a role he had never anticipated, but one that he would embrace with unwavering determination.

As the cheers and encouragement of the Elders echoed in his ears, Wil took a deep breath, his heart brimming with a newfound sense of purpose. He knew that the path forward would be filled with challenges and unknowns, but he also understood the importance of the role he had been entrusted with.

The wizards stood before Wil, their expressions etched with a profound seriousness. Each of them carried an air of wisdom that commanded respect. It was the Wizard of the East, the Grey Wizard, who broke the silence, his voice resonating with ancient knowledge and authority.

"One by one, the chosen Avallons will receive the magical rings," he declared, his words hanging in the air with a weight of destiny. His eyes held a depth of understanding as he continued, "After the four of you are united, the elements will reveal where they entrust their magic."

The Blue Wizard of the South, known for his insight and intuition, turned his gaze towards Wil. His eyes sparkled with a mix of expectation and confidence as he added, "For now, your mission is to gather the new Avallons."

With a collective display of their shared powers, the four wizards conjured a fragile, spherical crystal from the very essence of the Avallon tree. It shimmered with an ethereal glow, its delicate form seeming to hold the secrets of the universe within.

"Take this crystal sphere," the wizards spoke in unison, their voices carrying a sense of profound purpose. "It will guide you to the newly chosen ones. Though the journey may be perilous, we are certain that it will lead you to your greatest dreams in life," added the Blue Wizard.

Wil, summoning his courage, stepped forward and reached out to accept the crystal ball. Its radiant energy pulsed through his fingertips, filling him with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. He knew that this journey would test his mettle, but he was determined to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.

Yet, amidst the charged atmosphere, a question burned within Wil's heart. He turned to the wizards and the gathered crowd, his voice breaking through the hushed silence. "Am I... Am I the rightful one for the throne? Did the Avallon tree grant you a vision regarding my destiny?" His inquiry caught the attention of all who stood witness to this pivotal moment.

The Purple Wizard of the West, known for his enigmatic nature, met Wil's gaze with a steady, knowing look. "That is a question only you can truly know," he responded, his voice carrying the weight of ancient wisdom. "We have fulfilled our mission here, and it is time for us to return home."

With a flourish of their staffs, the wizards vanished in a cascade of radiant light, leaving only Alvier behind. Wil turned to his trusted mentor, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I am still not ready to be a ruler, to be honest," he confessed, his vulnerability laid bare.

“But we waited for so long for this to happen!” Torin's voice quivered with a mix of disappointment and longing as he voiced his pent-up emotions. The anticipation and hope that had been building for countless days were palpable in his words, echoing the sentiments of those gathered. The weight of their collective expectations hung heavily in the air, casting a shadow over the room.

Alvier, his eyes filled with understanding, let out a deep sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the world. His gaze shifted from Torin to the ground below, his brow furrowing with a mix of empathy and resignation. He knew that the decision at hand was not his to meddle with, for it belonged solely to Wil. With a tone that reflected both wisdom and acceptance, he spoke, seeking to bring solace and perspective to the situation.

"In the face of his decision," Alvier began, his voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of melancholy, "it is our duty to honor and respect it." His words carried a sense of reverence, acknowledging the significance of Wil's autonomy and the weight of the choice he had made. Alvier's gaze met Torin's, conveying a shared understanding of the disappointment that lingered in their hearts.

A flicker of determination sparked in Alvier's eyes as he continued, his voice steady and resolute. "Besides, we can still wait for the right time, the moment when he is truly ready to ascend the throne as our new Emperor." His words held a quiet optimism, a reminder that the passage of time could bring growth, wisdom, and a deepening sense of purpose.

As Alvier spoke, his words seemed to weave a tapestry of patience and trust, enveloping the area with a soothing embrace. He understood the yearning that filled their hearts, the desire for the long-awaited moment to arrive.

In the ebb of time, a dwindling procession of Enchantrians graced the castle's gates, their presence diminishing with each passing moment. The once bustling grounds bore witness to the departure of souls, a quiet exodus that echoed the collective decision to return home. Among those receding shadows were the rulers of distant kingdoms, their regal presence gradually fading from the enchanted halls, leaving behind a subtle void.

"As the chosen Avallon, my duty beckons to gather the others," Wil addressed the Elder Committee with unwavering resolve.

"Are you certain you can embark on this mission alone, Your Majesty?" Freia inquired. "The Farisaes can accompany you."

"I can and will," Wil responded with confidence. "I firmly believe our great wizards selected me with purpose. Moreover, our people require the Farisaes' presence here in case the Demons return."

A warm, radiant smile spread across the faces of the Elders, their eyes shining with pride and joy. Their hearts swelled with a profound sense of fulfillment as they looked upon the young man who stood before them. The weight of their collective wisdom and experience seemed to permeate the air, enveloping Wil in a cocoon of support and admiration.

"The whole Everdaile rejoices in having a soon-to-be Emperor like you," the Elders spoke in unison, their voices carrying a note of genuine happiness and approval. Their words echoed through the chamber, resonating with the love and appreciation they held for Wil and the path he had chosen to walk.

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