ECHOES OF THE VOID

The first light of morning lit the Void Family's mansion, creating lengthy shadows dancing across its runic spires. The light had silvery and ice quality. The ceremonial courtyard had grown empty and silent except for the ethereal brightness coming from the Void Obelisk. Still, the air hummed with the residue of the disturbance the night before amid the opulent estate hallways. Kael's awakening had shook the basic basis of the family. Kael sat on the stone floor of his private chamber, crossed-legged against the floor, his young face lit by the soft glow of a floating crystal lamp. His breathing was steady, and his focus was unrelavering. It seemed as though the part of Nothingness he possessed was agitated constantly, a volatile force calling his attention. He had spent a lot of time exploring its depths, his imagination probing its vastness like a diver plunging into oceans not before visited. Kael has never known of any farming technique that matched The Nothingness. It was a wild and uncontrolled force of nature, not a tool or resource that could be managed. He sensed its hunger even at this time as he meditated; its infinite depth pushed against the limits of his awareness. He lost focus with the soft tap on the chamber door. "Enter," Kael said, his voice even yet forceful. His older cousin Kira emerged from behind a creaking door. Tall and athletic, Kira had sharp features and gray eyes that were piercing, and she had always been the pride of the younger generation. She was a genius who had awakened many years ago a vast void affinity. Declared as a family ranking cultivator, she wore a black robe custom made for her and accessorized with silver sigils. She spoke to him as "Kael," with a tone that was faintly warily mixed with curiosity. The elderly have urged you to pay a call. The Starfall Chamber is set to host a gathering. Rising elegantly, Kael straightened his robes. "I think this relates to my awakening." Kira started to slightly narrow her eyes. "You've caused quite a stir, my little cousin." The void obelisk has not shown such a reaction for millennia. Older people have voiced concerns. Kael looked back at her in a measured way. "Do you find yourself worried? Alternatively, being threatened? She swiftly covered up a fleeting glimpse of surprise on her face with a grin. "We are confident, aren't we? Kael, please use caution. It is not as forgiving as you would think the elders ought to be. Kael nodded, then left the room, following her out of sight. The Starfall's chamber was Comprising a large circular hall with a domed ceiling, the Starfall hall was ornamented with constellations of glowing symbols. The core of the power the Void Family held was that the weight of farming that had been carried down innumerable millennia seemed to saturate the air here. Kael found the elderly people seated in a semicircle as soon as he walked into the building, their moods varying from little curiosity to total and absolute uncertainty. His father, Lord Varyn Voidbreaker, sat in the middle of the room and his imposing presence utterly dominated the area. Lord Varyn said the words "Kael," and his voice echoed over the hall. Forward one step. Kael answered in compliance. Then he started meandering to the middle of the space. His movements resonated across the emptiness of silence. Harsh-looking man with a long white beard, Elder Marek said, "Your awakening has caused quite a stir." Older Marek said this. Examining Kael with his sharp eyes, he seemed to be trying to solve a puzzle. The Void Obelisk has never behaved in such a specific manner before now. Kindly let us know exactly what you went through upon first awareness. Kael stopped, giving the words he was going to say great thought. He felt the shard of Nothingness stirring within him, and its presence acted as a constant reminder of the authority he now held to exercise. Giving too much information, though, could be dangerous. "I saw the Void," he said at last, keeping a consistent voice tone. "I was chosen, exactly as it is with everyone else deserving. Again, there was more. It is a faint, dark, far-off thing. It is another feeling. As the elderly exchanged looks, their facial expressions grew more austere. Different in what way, the Elder Marek asked? Kael resisted pressure, not giving in. "It felt and looked unlike the void. Its more profound and ancient core was incomprehensible to us. The place was whispering in the air. Lord Varyn raised his hand and cried out, "Enough," trying to bring the room to still. He looked sharply, then turned to face Kael. "You stand out from the crowd no matter what it was. Kael, on the other hand, has obligations accompanying power. Being a kid of the Void Family, you are no more like a regular family member. Me will routinely check your development and immediately oversee the teaching you get. Kels cocked his head to the side. Father, I find it understandable. Though Lord Varyn's face expression shifted somewhat, his tone was constant. "That's excellent." Turn away from us right now. Your first day of instruction tomorrow. An Rival's Fury Kael felt relief from the pressure of the elders' examination when he left the chamber, which was replaced by a mounting enthusiasm. He was eager to explore the full potential of the fragment dwelling inside of him and to test his just acquired strength. Still, Darin, his older cousin and Kira's twin brother, halted him as he was headed down the poorly lit hall. Kira maintained her composure, while Darin, being hot-headed and impulsive, frequently lost his temper. Kira was collected and quiet. Darin spit, "Kael," in a voice full of poison. "You feel right now that you are special? Is the main reason the obelisk's erratic behavior is seen as? Kael stopped and his face became incomprehensible. Darin, none of which springs to me. But you seem to do. Darin's face showed angry expressions. You have to be just a spoilt brat. Please never even once consider yourself better than the rest of us. Kels kept his calm by inclined his head to the side. That helps to explain your great anger. Is it because you worry about me maybe being? Darin's palm started to buzz with the darkness as he shot ahead. But Kael's own strength blazed to life before he could try to strike. The fragment of nothingness started inside of him, and as it became heavier, the surroundings grew dense and unmoving. Darin stopped in the middle of his strike, his body stuck in place as if the whole fabric of space had turned against him. His eyes widened with shock. Kael moved forward, and his voice had a cold, deep tone. "You, Darin, have to learn how to control your emotions. They will bring about your ruin. Kels let off the pressure with a flick of his wrist, and Darin staggered backward, gasping for air as he tried to recover his breath. This is not over, Darin said, his face flushed with humiliation. "This is not over." Kael watched him withdraw with a look that was hard to read. On the inside, he was only somewhat satisfied, though. From the shard of Nothingness, a small pulse emerged to remind him of the force he now had. The Way Forward: Kael was observed standing on his quarters' balcony late evening, staring out at the worsening surroundings. Moonlight highlighted the several tall spires dotting the acreage before him. He welcomed it entirely, even though he could feel his family's expectations crushing down on him. He sensed the shard of nothingness vibrating inside him, always there with its unbounded depth. Closing his eyes, Kael let the object's power enter his body. He was speaking to himself, "They do not understand the gift that I have received." "They will, nevertheless." A vague smile crossed his lips as he opened his eyes, and the black depths of his eyes gleamed with a clearly obvious will. "This is only the beginning."