Overlooking a night sky, Jinn and Hades were admiring the world below from Holy Manalum.

It was a breathtaking view.

The two moons shining overhead on the mysterious planet made the scenery quite remarkable. With clear skies, various glittering lights made the world look like it came out of a fantasy novel. Even for Jinn who has been long jaded by the beauty of Earth, the new scenery made him feel something new.

Jinn inquired. “Your name is Hades?”

“Yes, Lord Vicegerent.” Hades bowed respectfully toward Jinn after the statement. “I am, or was, in the service of Lord Vicegerent Gloriano as Lord Strategist.”

“Then you are close with the ‘Platinum Shadow’ who appears in my dreams?”

Hades nodded. “Quite so, sire. If Lord Vicegerent Gloriano emerges from your dreams, then it must mean that you are his chosen one. It means he has chosen you as his successor.

Gloriano… Been a while since I heard that name. Thought Jinn.

“The dreams are like a succession?” Questioned Jinn.

“Indeed, Lord Vicegerent.”

Jinn voiced. “Explain.”

“His name is, Lord Vicegerent Gloriano, once a ruler of planet Soa since eons ago.”

“...”

Jinn fell silent.

All along, I thought they were nightmares from my past.

“If I may, Lord Vicegerent, this servant wishes to know,” Hades said.

Jinn understood what Hades was asking for. And so, Jinn explained in a few sentences exactly what his dreams entailed. The entirety of it.

Hades stood forward and removed his hood. A very handsome, pale face and long dark hair with equally dark eyes was the face of the individual named Hades. Moreover, he was sporting a Pince-nez which made Hades look intricate in addition with the dark purple robes. Not just that, the combination of the black ascot tie and formal attire from head-to-toe describes Hades as an elegant, yet, sophisticated noble. Truly, if any woman were to see such a look, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they have instantly fallen for him. Words do little justice regarding that.

(Author’s note: Pince-nez is a style of glasses that are supported without earpieces or arms/temples.)

He had a solemn face while looking at the sky. Jinn sensed sorrow from Hades.

“So it seems… Lord Vicegerent Gloriano has passed on everything to you. From ‘Soul Magic’ to even the ‘Soul Buster.’ Unequivocally, you are the one, the true successor.”

True successor? Jinn caught that. Though, he had little time to think about it since Hades did something sudden as he walked closer to Jinn.

“From the time of Lord Vicegerent Gloriano and until now, I had expected to leave this world once he had left. Alas, Soa had a different fate for me. And now, here I am.” Hades faced Jinn and kneeled on his left knee. “Lord Vicegerent Jinn, I wish to serve you.”

Jinn looked down at the kneeling man.

A solemn request, born from a great sense of duty. Words of sophistry. Yet, there was so much more to discern from those words. Jinn understood what Hades was saying.

So far, Jinn and Veda’s opinion on Hades was akin to speaking to a high-ranking noble from the Medieval Ages. His mannerism, grace, and the words that he spoke reflected what is expected of a high-ranking noble. Therefore, Jinn knew how to treat a gentleman like Hades.

Yet, the surface is not sufficient to make a decision about whether to accept someone’s service.

(Author’s note: The ‘surface’ in this regard is only seeing things superficially.)

Then, the question is asked, how can Jinn indicate if he can trust this mysterious figure?

The old Jinn would not hesitate and test Hades through one method only, combat. He would test the martial prowess of the one who has served as Lord Strategist. Yet, Jinn had a different way of thinking now. He thought that testing Hades through combat was something unworthy of treating a quality individual such as him. Jinn had already known from the mysterious dreams who Hades was.

This time, he would approach things like this in a different manner. In a better way.

Therefore, Jinn looked at Hades with his piercing eyes. That action alone would suffice.

Veda messaged Jinn telepathically.

They say that the eye is the window to the soul.

Coincidentally, as if on cue, Hades lifted his head and locked eyes with Jinn.

It is wise to be mindful of where the eye is glaring. For indeed, the "evil eye" lurks in the shadows. Take heed, for the evil eye indulges in the dark. However, there is no “evil eye” in this case.

In some cultures, locking eyes can be seen as a challenge, in others, it can be said that eye contact is a sign of respect and having one’s attention. Universally speaking, placing one's gaze down is the safe choice. And in rare occurrences, locking eyes is meant to understand one another.

Jinn is of the latter.

He took the seal covering half of his face and removed his hood. Hades would be the first to gaze upon Jinn in this new world.

He looks just like you, Lord Gloriano. Hades thought.

“I accept your fealty, Hades.” Jinn placed his palm up in the air and made an uplifting motion. “Rise.”

Hades acquiesced with a smile on his face.

“Come. There is much to do, is there not, Lord Strategist?”

“Most certainly, Lord Vicegerent. It has been eons since I could smile once again.”

***

Jinn, Hades, and Dario were situated in Elder Saru’s home sitting around his table. Baihao Yinzhen was served.

Elder Saru entered his house and prostrated before Jinn.

“Forgive this old man for not recognizing you when you first appeared, Lord Vicegerent. It was only when you returned that I discovered who you were.”

Jinn lightly smiled. “Rise, Elder Saru. You have done well in safeguarding my people. Come, we cannot have a discussion with you on the floor like that.”

The old man got up and looked at the man adorning a dark purple robe. Suddenly, Elder Saru bowed to Hades.

“It is an honor and pleasure to meet you, Lord Hades, Strategist to the Lord Vicegerent himself.”

Hades lightly chuckled internally like an aristocrat.

“Hoho! To think that someone remembers an old relic like myself.” Replied Hades.

The hooded man, Hades, stood from his seat and bowed to Elder Saru. “Please, there is no need to bow to someone like myself. It is I who need bow to the one who has safeguarded the Omen Tribe.”

Elder Saru was surprised. He wasn’t expecting someone like Hades to bow his head to someone like him.

All he could do was say a few words. “You honor me, Lord Hades.”

Now, the formalities were done and a serious dialogue had ensued between Elder Saru, Jinn, Hades, and Dario.

A great many things were revealed. Secrets, history, vital events, important information, and the truth was not withheld. Elder Saru, Hades, and even Dario had informed Jinn about the general history of the planet called Soa. They made sure to be thorough. And, thorough they were.

Apparently, 10,000 years had already passed since Lord Vicegerent Gloriano had disappeared. The world which the inhabitants called “Soa” did not notice Lord Gloriano’s disappearance only after several thousand years. In effect, players from the shadows crossed into the light and started making power moves in the world. That was the start of the “Omen Campaign.” It was then that the neighboring countries of the Omen Nation decided to frame the Demonic people. At the time, the Omen Nation was still the sole superpower on Soa, yet, the neighboring countries and beyond colluded with one another and agreed on a coalition act to go against the superpower. It was a war that lasted for a long time.

(Author’s note: Omen people and Demonic people are used interchangeably.)

The war ended in several of the countries in the Coalition Act being wholly destroyed, whereas, some lost significant power. Ultimately, the Omen Nation lost, yet, they managed to survive by cordoning themselves within Mount Tian and its one-hundred thousand peaks as a safe wall. Alas, that move for survival sacrificed much of their lands, and are now an insignificant territory. The title of superpower had been usurped. Not only that, different species and sects had to relocate to different areas of the world, some for survival’s sake, others for a new future. And, some had even gone as far as to even apostatize from the Omen Nation. Effectively, they had defected to other countries without a second thought.

This is the gist of the dialogue.

“I see,” Jinn said plainly.

Hades, Elder Saru, and Dario couldn’t figure out what their Lord was thinking.

“There is someone I would like for you three to meet.”

“Who could that be, Lord Vicegerent?” Hades replied.

“For now, this will do.”

Jinn placed his palm up and a figure of miniature Veda materialized right before their eyes.

All three, Dario, Elder Saru, and Hades were baffled, yet amazed at the same time. They couldn’t comprehend what they were witnessing.

Gradually, Veda increased his figure to that of an adult male and bowed. Understanding his creator’s intention, Veda introduced himself.

“Greetings, my name is Veda. I am a creation from yours truly and serve at his behest. It is a pleasure to meet you all.”

Elegant and precise, Veda introduced himself perfectly as would any professionally trained butler would.

Hades spoke, “You are some sort of butler?”

Veda replied, “Indeed, Lord Hades.”

The three were awestruck at the sight they were seeing. Even for someone like Hades who had lived for a long time, he was taken aback at the holographic figure that is Veda.

Jinn remarked. “Veda’s duties extend to that of a mere butler. He serves as my intelligence and so much more.”

“Truly?” Replied Elder Saru.

Veda gracefully nodded.

“Elder Saru, I leave you with making Veda’s existence known to my people.”

“Of course, Lord Vicegerent.” The old man bowed his head.

Jinn stood from his seat and exited from Elder Saru’s home. The sight of the Omen Tribe greeted Jinn’s eyes as he stepped outside.

“Lord Vicegerent!” A random person said.

“Your Grace!” Another person shouted.

The thrill of seeing their long-awaited Lord emanated from their cheers.

“O’ my people.”

The villagers of the Omen Tribe kneeled and listened.

“I will bring you all to Holy Manalum at once.”

Surprised, the villagers looked at Jinn with faces full of questions.

Veda, bring my ship here. Jinn messages telepathically.

At once, sir. Status of the Regalia exceeds 80% recovery and is viable for flight travel. The arrival of the ship will arrive in less than 20 seconds.

The ship, Regalia, that had been almost destroyed when it crash-landed on the planet, Soa, had begun quantum recovery ever since Jinn and Dario set off to travel to Holy Manalum. Being the technological marvel at the quantum level, it was feasible for the ship to repair itself. A self-sufficient ship created by Veda’s super intelligence and guided by Jinn’s orders.

The Regalia fazed itself out of the red sands of Hollow World and sped at a speed faster than the human eye can keep up with.

Overhead, a flying object quickly made its way above Jinn's location. The Regalia cast its shadow.

“L-Look up there!” Someone shouted.

The Regalis quietly landed near Jinn and opened its entrance port.

“Everyone, enter. We will travel to Holy Manalum through my spaceship.”

Of course, it was obvious that technology from Earth would make anyone feel bewildered at a new sight that had never been seen before on Soa. The eyes of the denizens held eyes of admiration at the beauty of the strange-looking ship. Those were roughly their thoughts.

Little children made their way first up the entrance port with excited vigor. They giggled at the fact that they would be allowed to enter something incredible. Soon after, the adults and so on followed suit. Some showed excited vigor much like the children, some were enjoying the experience from within. The truth was that the adults’ emotions were elated and were in high spirits. They too have never felt such happiness in a very long time.

The last to enter was Elder Saru, Dario, and Hades as they had questions.

Hades spoke, “My Lord Vicegerent, I have never seen such a beautiful and elegant ship like this in my entire life. Is this ‘spaceship’ another creation of yours?”

Jinn lightly smirked, “Veda can tell you all about it.”

“Hohoho! My Lord Vicegerent is full of surprises today!”

Hades scurried off to the ship with a delighted expression on his face.

Elder Saru headed to the ship delighted as well.

The only ones left were Jinn and Dario. The young man paused before entering. He peered at the spaceship and Jinn.

Noticing Dario’s silent gaze, Jinn asked the young desert boy a question.

“Is there something on your mind, Dario?”

Dario kneeled and asked a simple question to Jinn.

“Will you teach me your ways, Sir Jinn?”

In a rare occurrence, Jinn softly smiled.

Dario had wanted to ask Jinn that question for a while now. Ever since Dario has seen Jinn fight and shown him many astonishing things, he couldn’t find the appropriate time and place. But now, the young man did not hesitate. Dario perked up his chest and locked eyes with Jinn and sincerely asked him to teach him.

“Your question, I will answer when we return to Holy Manalum.”

***

As they were flying high in the sky, the Omen Tribe had a feast for the eyes. The sky, the one-hundred thousand peaks, and Mount Tian were seen before them while inside of the Regalia.

Shortly before, Elder Saru had introduced Veda to the people and Veda introduced the androids. In addition, Veda began his butler duties and guided the people inside of the ship. The androids that had been damaged from the crash had mostly been repaired and were also assisting Veda in answering the Omen Tribe’s inquiries.

Jinn, Elder Saru, Hades, and Dario remained at the bridge, whereas the rest of the villagers were at another room of the ship for sightseeing.

They could have arrived at Holy Manalum in no time with quantum speed. It would have been of no consequence since the Regalia can travel at incredible distances, but Jinn had wanted for his subjects to experience new things.

Then, a grand crystal palace came into view.

Again, the Omen Tribe was awestruck.

“L-Look! It’s our origins! It's Holy Manalum!” Someone exclaimed.

“I never thought in my entire life that I would live to see our heritage.” Another person voiced.

The feeling of seeing Holy Manalum which was thought to be impossible to see because of the journey to get there had instilled a great sense of emotion within the Demonic people. Some were crying tears of joy and others were in a trance, marveling at the crystal palace. If their loyalty towards Lord Vicegerent had already been at the level of being fully loyal, then the emotions swirling within them were beginning to manifest into a great admiration for Jinn. It was at the point that if Lord Vicegerent had given them an order, they would do so with fervor and zeal.

“It has been a long time since I climbed Mount Tian and to see Holy Manalum.” Elder Saru said.

“You have traversed the one-hundred thousand peaks, Elder Saru?” Jinn said while seated at the captain’s seat.

“Why yes, Lord Vicegerent. There is an old tradition that climbing Mount Tian serves as a pilgrimage for those at the Transcendence Realm.”

As soon as the Elder replied, the Regalia landed in front of the crystal palace. Everyone made their way out and proceeded towards the giant gates and into the holy court, The Soul Throne. There, Lord Vicegerent Jinn sat and the Omen Tribe gathered before him.

“O’ my people, there is something We wish to say to you all.”

Hearing his words, the people kneeled in silence, listening attentively.

“Hear Our proclamation. From this day onwards, We shall reclaim this world that has been gifted to Us alone by The Most Merciful, Soa. Those that dare to claim this world as their own will have a severe punishment!”

The eyes of the people glinted as they listened to their Lord. Internally, their hearts began to pump with adrenaline, making their skin show goosebumps. The Omen Tribe, the ones who kept their vow of awaiting the return of the Lord Vicegerent, had always held solidarity with each other. And at this moment, that solidarity will be personally rewarded here and in the future by none other than the Lord Vicegerent Jinn himself.

“Our servant, Dario, step forth.”

The young man did what was commanded. Questions arose from his mind, but those thoughts would soon be quelled.

“In all of the Seven Heavens and above, those who are the witnesses here, and The Heavenly One from beyond, We have chosen you, Dario, as Our Disciple.”

!!

A huge surprise came to the people and especially to Dario. Elder Saru and Hades were the only ones to remain calm and dignified. It was as if they predicted it would happen and they felt proud to have Dario be the Lord Vicegerent’s Disciple.

But, the question begs, what does it mean to be the Lord Vicegerent’s Disciple?

Well, it would mean that Dario would inherit certain things from Lord Vicegerent Jinn. Whether it be martial arts or arcane knowledge, Dario would grow to understand and fit into his role as Disciple to the ruler of the planet, Soa. Only the future will tell.

“O’ Dario, do you accept Our decree?”

The question posed was something only for Dario to understand. All along, Dario had already wanted to become Sir Jinn’s Disciple since he was amazed by his character. And, it did not take long for him to be astounded by Jinn’s wondrous feats.

Dario was caught off-guard when Jinn made the decree. The young desert boy was not expecting the question he asked not long ago to be answered in this grand way.

And so, the young desert boy spoke the words of affirmation. “Yes, my Master.”

“Very well. Conduct the seven bows.”

In seven sequences as was commanded, Dario completed the simple and ostentatious formality.

Then, Lord Vicegerent Jinn stood from The Soul Throne.

“By the power vested in me as bestowed from Soa, We charge Dario with the position, Judge Magistrate.”

With that, Dario would now be known as The Lord Vicegerent Jinn’s Disciple.

-The Solemn Soul, Dario

(Concept art subject to change)

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