“You may rise,” Lumera purred. Malum did so, reverently straightening up to full height. Lumera, the goddess of righteousness, was a radiant beam of beauty and grace draped in chaste white robes. She was full-bodied, and her face was almost painfully perfect, her features symmetrical and delicate. She radiated not only intense light but an even more intense halo of power.

“My lady, if you would pardon this one asking, why have you called me here?” Malum’s deep masculine voice is firm and confident. This place- rather, the temple of Lumera, was a glowing cathedral of sparkling gold and marble, standing at the apex of an acropolis, similar to the Parthenon in structure and purpose.

“Things are shifting in this world, Malum,” The goddess gazed distantly, her radiance wavering imperceptibly, “And I need to make sure that you, as my chosen, are in peak condition.” Malum stayed respectfully silent, allowing Illumina’s flute-like voice to continue.

“The messengers inform me of a new age in Ancient Realms. They call it ‘The Age of Champions.’ Powerful people are rising, and we can’t let them overtake us.” Her melodic voice paused again, not in contemplation, but for dramatic effect.

“Right now they cannot be touched. They are in prolonged training. But when they emerge, we must win them over. A total of about two hundred of them, and if we act quickly, we can recruit many while they reach out for help. They will be taken under the wing of your clan.”

“It would be an honor, my lady” Malum bowed his head slightly. Lumera wasn't finished talking.

“Those who fail to join us will be lawless and powerful. They must be hindered and destroyed on sight.” Lumera’s eyes flashed silver with power, and a quest appeared in Malum’s log. He read it over, a wolfish grin appearing on his face. He turned back to Lumera.

“You can expect them to come within a week or two. But the strong ones, they will emerge much faster. Be vigilant, chosen one.” She began to glow as bright as a sun, her robes fluttering, and as the light crescendoed she disappeared to the celestial realm. Malum turned and walked out of the temple. He walked into his guild hall, a huge five story building towering over the medieval cityscape. He was not the leader of his clan, but he was highly ranked, thanks to being the chosen one of Lumera. He checked his map as he went, finding markers scattered across the kingdom. These must be the places that these champions currently resided. He sighed, realizing the work he would need to do. These were pretty far off from the city, he would have to organize a lot of raid parties, prepare supplies for each one’s journey. He was in the eleventh highest clan in the kingdom, so the resources would be available. He walked up to the meeting room, where the guild co-leader sat, as she usually did. She was among the most powerful people on the continent, and everything about her was shrouded in mystery. She wore dark robes and an equally shady hood

“Ma’am, I would like to report information from Lumera,” Malum politely probed. He was so damn tired of being polite all the time. Polite to the guild officers, polite to Lumera. One day he planned to become as powerful as the gods themselves. Then he could be the respected one. The guild co-leader glanced up at him from her paperwork, barely acknowledging Malum’s presence. His indignation rose, but he kept it from reaching his face. “There are strong people called champions that will be entering the continent anytime soon, a week or two at the latest. They are probably the geezers who got their brains downloaded, like those ads always said. Apparently, they get a premium just because they were on their deathbed.” The guild co-leader only sighed. He hoped it was in agreement because she was powerful enough to rip him to shreds without breaking a sweat.

“Anyway,” Malum worked to shift the subject back on track, “Myself and the clan will be rewarded if we recruit them or kill them. And I have all of their supposed locations. I request permission to send a total of about 100 people out to these locations.” The figure at the table only gave a slight nod, her hands still diligently working on whatever paperwork she was managing. She was known to talk little, some even venturing to say she had never spoken a word. But the nod was all the confirmation Malum needed, and she clearly wanted him out. He turned and left, already messaging some members to organize horses and supplies for their journey. The hunt was already on.