The grand hall began to quiet as the final ceremonial proceedings came to an end. The air, still heavy with divine energy, shimmered faintly. Eryon and Kaivara rose from their seats, exchanging a brief nod with Queen Lyra before turning toward the towering doors.
Ariv, standing beside Rudraen, watched as the two gods made their way toward the exit. Curiosity itched at him.
"Rudraen," Ariv said quietly, "you once told me Kaivara lives here in Atherion and Eryon in another realm… Celestra, right? Then where are they going now? And what about Noxian—where does he reside?"
Rudraen gave a small smile, as if pleased Ariv was paying attention to such details. "Kaivara's home is indeed here, within Atherion. Eryon rules over Celestra, the realm of radiant skies and divine order. And Noxian… he dwells in Kalarastra—the land of the Kalaraks, where shadows and power weave into one."
Ariv's brow furrowed slightly. "Then why leave Atherion now?"
"That's because their energy is far too great for any realm to bear continuously," Rudraen explained. "Only on this day—the Day of Accord—do the timelines of the three realms align perfectly. This alignment strengthens the veil between worlds, allowing Atherion to withstand the overwhelming pressure of the gods' presence. On any other day, their mere existence here could shatter our balance."
Ariv glanced again at the departing gods, a new understanding settling in.
Before stepping onto the celestial pathway, Rudraen placed a hand on Ariv's shoulder. "We will meet again at the next great event… or perhaps even earlier."
Eryon turned slightly at the threshold, his expression calm yet warm. With Kaivara at his side, he stepped forward, and the massive doors opened to reveal a pathway of shimmering light stretching into the skies. From beyond, a golden-silver glow bathed the hall, while a darker, star-speckled aura marked the distant pull toward Kalarastra.
Without another word, the gods ascended, their figures slowly dissolving into the horizon of their realms—Eryon toward the shining expanse of Celestra, Kaivara remaining here in Atherion, and Noxian's essence faintly felt from far beyond, in the land of Kalarastra.
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