Somewhere in Caviaria
After the announcement of the messenger of the Gods, a hubbub stirred among the crowd that listened.One person prepared himself for the battle ahead.Another scrambled to secure food supplies—as if a hectic, profitable time was on the horizon.Others simply stood, wondering what might come next after such an announcement.
"Hey Sebastian!"
Shakeela appeared from the crowd behind, startling both Sebastian and Fakreath.
"Haha! Got you both! Now both of you owe me a slice of cheesecake from Madam's!"
"Hey maaann! Not cool!" Fakreath, wearing a distressed face, exclaimed at Shakeela.
They all chuckled, then turned toward Sebastian, who stood flushed and frozen.The buzz of the crowd seemed to vanish as he gawked at Shakeela, mouth slightly open, eyes wide, cheeks puffed with an embarrassed flush.
"Sebastian… Hellooo? Intiana to Sebastian?"Shakeela waved her hand in front of him, trying to break the trance.
"HA! He's so into yo—"Fakreath tried to tease, but a sharp elbow from Sebastian to his stomach shut him up with a wheeze.
"Heyyyy Shakeela! When did you get here?" Sebastian blinked, recovering quickly.
"I couldn't come closer to you two. The crowd was massive, so I just watched from the back.Come to think of it—there was this one woman who kept pestering me and others, going on about how the Gods are corrupt and whatnot.The guards arrested her as a heretic. I mean, who in their right mind would rebel against the Gods themselves? That's like signing up for suicide."
Shakeela continued speaking as Fakreath winced, rubbing his stomach, and Sebastian listened intently, a goofy smile still stretched across his face.
A loud announcement echoed from the town's center speaker:
"All those wishing to participate, please form a line here and sign yourself up!"
"That's your cue, Sebs!" Fakreath nudged him with a grin."Hey Shakeela! Guess what? Mr. Big Hot Shot Royalty Chef here is participating in the Trial of the Gods!"
"Really, Sebastian? Are you?"Shakeela raised her left eyebrow, her face a picture of confusion and curiosity.
"I will," Sebastian replied as all three began walking toward the forming line, which already contained nearly forty percent of the gathered crowd.
"This is so surreal," Fakreath said. "We're going to see you make history. With all your training, you've got this, right Sebs?"
"You children really think it's that easy?"A deep voice rumbled ahead of them.
A tall man—at least six feet—stood with a massive back and broad shoulders. Knives lined his chest and waist in holsters.
"You might as well step out now if this is a joke to you punks."
"Hey! Watch it!"Shakeela snapped."We understand all this just as much as you do, so thank you for your comments—but we won't be intimidated by a two-bit weird knife-kink thug!"
The man turned his head slightly, ignoring her jibe.
"He who dares to stand before the Gods and does not piss himself has verily signed up for battle—a war that must be fought till the end.I shall take my throne… my rightful throne.I have what it takes.I am meant to be a God...A GOD!!"
The crowd's attention snapped toward him as he stormed ahead to the front of the line.
Sebastian glanced over his shoulder. A woman stood behind them with a stone-like demeanor.Something about her presence warned him not to ask anything.She snorted and gave him a sideways glare.Sebastian quickly turned back around.
"Name and occupation?" asked the messenger seated at the front with an old, worn book open before him.
"Karl Vonbought... executioner."
"And why have you chosen to take part in the Trial of the Gods?"
"To be better than everyone else.AND TO SHOW WHAT COOKING TRULY IS!!!" Karl bellowed.
"Interesting," said the messenger, scribbling something in the book."We shall assign you a bracket. Please await a letter from the Gods."
"Next!" he called out.
Sebastian stepped forward and stared directly into the messenger's eyes.
"Name and occupation?"
"Sebastian Harlemwonder, professional chef."
"And what might be the reason you have joined this competition?"
"To..."Sebastian hesitated. His voice faltered.Did I expect the weight of this? What it truly meant?A table with the Gods… with foods unknown…
"Hey, child! The time of the Gods is not to be wasted. Either answer me or move on," the messenger barked.
"To... to serve the Gods.To rise above the ranks.To retrace divinity back to the Supreme One.To bring the Harlem name amongst the Gods..." Sebastian finally answered.
The words tumbled from his lips without his full awareness.He knew what he wanted to do, and why.The path he walked wasn't one he chose, but one he needed—for all that he held dear.
He now stepped into the unknown.Toward the unknown.
"Horatio awaits your arrival, young wonder... provided you reach him," the messenger said with intrigue in his eyes.
"I shall see you soon... or so I hope to," the messenger added, and then called—
"NEXT!"
Somewhere in Nihariana
"Name and occupation?"
"Joshi Ramathkar, pakwaan wala (the one who works in a food kitchen)."
"And what is your reason to join the Trial of Gods, peasant?"
"To destroy them.To finish all the Gods.To trace back divinity to the Supreme One...And finish Him once and for all."