As the land turns kingless, and brothers waging war inevitable

As the song of darkness spreads forth and revenge unfold

As the beacons of light turn into a wicked shadow of sacrificial happenings

As hunt personified invoke his cursed fangs, shrouding in a perpetual depravity

As the shadows of despair begin its deadly intent, only then shall the Covenant of Soul be implemented for the arrival of the Paragon."

- From a page revealed by the Grimoire of Fate, Unknown author, 1st of New Dawn, 1, the end of the first Fate.

Rarsu recites the words with sheer wonder as he reads it in one of the history books that he found on his shelf.

"The Paragon." The Lizardling Druid states with familiarity. He then turned the book's pages to verify and review the information regarding the subject matter. "Let's see, a Paragon is the advocate of the G.o.ds, a hero who came from another world through an unknown ritual which loremasters a.s.sumed to be called the Covenant of Souls, as stated in the Grimoire of Fate. It is said that his soul has a deep connection to the G.o.ds, both divine and demonic, allowing miraculous feats and wonders such as stepping foot in their plane or wielding one of their artifacts. A paragon's soul is known to be resilient, unyielding, and untainted. It is theorized that the soul is even capable of shrugging off even the deadliest of attacks as depicted in multiple sources. One example is the final battle between Paragon Nevarath and Xaz'vernok where the latter unleashed a demonic spell intended to harm and defile the elf's soul. The Demon G.o.d's efforts were proved to be in vain as the elven warrior remains to be unaffected with a smirk on his face."

After Rarsu finishes his reading, he slowly closes the book. Then, a toothy grin a.s.sumes on his scaled face as he thought of his new apprentice that he is going to tutor starting tomorrow.

'Hehe, this is going to be interesting indeed.' Rarsu mentally said with both enthusiasm and wary. 'If he really is the Paragon, then a calamity might be amidst us, a beginning of a terrible darkness that is to unfold in this land that we live. The boy must grow strong, and fast.'

Being occupied in his research on the topic for quite some time, Rarsu decided to take a moment to rest as he went outside to breathe some fresh air in the garden.

While he was doing so, he heard some commotion coming inside from the temple of Agveyr beside his shop.

***

Entering the hallways of Aurum Castle, Gray's eyes gleamed with sheer awe as he eyed the structural wonder that is his surrounding vicinity.

The first thing that the Elf took notice is the majestic golden spectrum of light gracing towards a throne that stands tall and unyielding right at their front.

Taking his place at the throne is an attractive blonde man with amber-colored eyes sitting leisurely as he basked on the golden light in its marvelous splendor. Unlike the guards and other warriors who opted to wear their respective combat armor at all times, the man himself is donned in a comfortable set of clothing. He is shown to be clad in a white sleeveless toga with a red cloth draped over his left shoulder and around his body, just like the garment that the n.o.bles of the Roman Empire used at their time of leisure. One can see how incredibly handsome, fit, and muscular the man is, emphasizing his brawny arms and lean figure that women would certainly find attractive and desirable.

And speaking of women, the man is also attended by two beautiful servants. Dressed also in a toga, their faces are displayed to be extremely mesmerized at their master, feeding him with a variety of fruits as they seductively put it on his mouth.

'Huh, this guy must be a true winner at life.' Gray comments as he eyed at the scene with an impressed and jealous look.

As Gray and the platoon of warriors approached the man at the throne, the latter all kneel to confer their utmost respect and reverence to the esteemed individual in front of them.

Of course, everyone at the hallways turns to set their disapproving gazes at Gray who did not follow the platoon's act of greeting and respect.

"Oh right, hehe." Gray chuckles tensely.

As Gray was about to kneel as well, the man at the throne instantly stood up as he looks directly at the elf and raises his hand.

"That won't be necessary mortal." The man said, his powerful voice resonating at the entire building as he stopped Gray. "You are an honored guest invited here to my very halls. As such, it's unnecessary for you to follow our customs. Unless you are willing to swear your fealty to me that is."

"Oh, I uh... humbly decline." Gray simply said as he stood up as he breathes a sigh of relief at knowing that he won't be subjected to such inconveniences.

"No matter." The man merely nods nonchalantly in response as he smirks amusingly. "I ask of you mortal, do you know who I am?"

"Agveyr, the G.o.d of War," Gray answers with a straight voice, trying his best to remain his composure with all the scrutinizing gazes of the warriors being directed all over him.

Upon saying the sacred name, the G.o.d's status bar unveils the said information.

Agveyr

Lvl (??):

Health: (????) / (????)

Stamina: (????) / (????)

Mana: (????) / (????)

"Indeed." The man, or in a truer term, G.o.d, nods in agreement as he proceeded to descend from the throne area and make his way to the elf. "And what is your name then?"

"Gray Allister." The elf responds.

"Hmm." Agveyr strokes his chin in an intrigued manner. "Before we get down as to why I summoned you here in my divine plane, how about a test?"

"A test?" Gray expressed confusion.

Without even having the time to react, Agveyr suddenly conjures a sword out of nowhere and instantly plunges the weapon deep into Gray's gut, sending the elf in a world of utter pain as blood spurted out from his mouth.

All of the warriors and guards at the vicinity were immediately flabbergasted at the actions of their lord, their eyes widening at the brutal scenery being played right at their eyes.

Of course, this is their lords.h.i.+p, a wise leader and divine, so who are they to dare to question the Divine G.o.d and his actions.

As Agveyr pulled out his blade from the elf's belly, Gray was sent staggering back at a few paces while covering the wounds that were inflicted.

"W-what the f.u.c.k?!!" Gray cried out his frustrations at the G.o.d's questionable actions. "What was that for!? Are you trying to murder me!? Is this why you brought me here, just to stab me with a freaking sword!?"

The people around were gaping with astonishment at the insolent tone that this mortal elf is displaying right in front of an all-mighty G.o.d.

As they were about to act out against Gray, their intentions were instantly halted as they heard Agveyr clearing his throat and stopping them with his left hand raised.

Agveyr chuckled, much to Gray's utter confusion. "Are you done with your ranting? If you possess the zeal to voiced out your complaints loudly despite the injury caused by my stab that I have considerably weakened for your sake, then you are perfectly fine in good condition, see?"

With the G.o.d's statement being true, Gray's eyes widened as he felt being recovered as each second pa.s.ses by. The once gaping wound that is found right in his belly is now disappearing at a rapid rate, shown by the reforming of his skin as pixels gathered around at the injured spot.

"What the?" Gray was perplexed at this. "First my knee, then this?"

"Hmm, it appears that my suspicions are correct." The elf heard the G.o.d said. "You indeed have the soul of the Paragon."

"A soul?" Gray asks first about that. "You mean this body is actually my soul!?"

"Why yes," Agveyr replies with a smile. "Your mortal vessel is currently unconscious as we speak at the last location that you recently recalled. As a matter of fact, I was able to summon you because of you unconsciously forging a connection between you and myself through prayer."

Gray only nods as he was enlightened a bit. He also remembers his skill of which explains his unnaturally fast self-regeneration.

With his first question being answered, he moves on to the next. "What's a Paragon?"

Agveyr's face was filled with intrigue as he explained the meaning to the elf. "A mortal who came from another world through a sacred covenant. Like few others before you, you are a hero chosen and beloved by us G.o.ds, who's destiny is to either save Silverhart from a terrible tragedy or doom it in its eternal end. At least that's what you mortals weave in your colorful ballads and poems."

With Gray's status being exhibited to him, the entirety of the hallways erupted into whispers, all shock at the discovery that the mortal is actually someone with an esteemed position.

"Him, a Paragon?"

"You mean like Nevarath himself?"

"The one stated in the Grimoire?"

"Of course, he's the mortal that is said to be beloved by the G.o.ds themselves, yes, even our lords.h.i.+p!!"

"D-did we injured someone of high regard?"

Indeed, that was the platoon's remarks as they all paled nervously at performing such demeaning act on the elf's knee.

"Wait," Gray said, definitely surprised at this revelation being revealed to him. "A Paragon, you mean like a destined hero or something? Me?"

"You heard me mortal." The G.o.d of War stated with his arms spread joyfully. "In fact, you should be rejoicing!! For someone with such esteemed status, I could only envy at the prospect of the many battles you are going to partake in the mortal plane!!"

The elf was taken aback as he was lost at words on how to express himself in regards to the current matter of him being some sort of a special someone or something.

'So, I'm like the Dragonborn in Skyrim? The Fateless One in Kingdom of Amalur? The Kalach-Cha in Neverwinter Nights 2?' Were Gray's thoughts about his situation with mixed emotions. 'To be honest, I'm kind of excited and nervous at the same time. Excited because I have the potential to gain powers that no others could ever dream of. Nervous because this may mean that my life will be in danger if I'm going to partake in this land saving endeavor caused by some tragedy that I'm currently unaware of. c.r.a.p, this sure is nerve-wracking.'

Gray could only stare at the ground with a thoughtful look, pondering at what he is going to do with this new-found information.