Lake Lumina Caelestis — The Border of Gaia and Earth
Six months after the Poseidon trial
Silvery mist hung over the still waters.
Lake Lumina Caelestis—where fluctuating magic and lingering will entwine like threads of destiny, creating a profound experience capable of altering the very fabric of fate itself.
Gentle ripples shimmered like a star-studded mirror, as if holding secrets of the past and hopes for the future.
Jeanne and Joanna stood at the shoreline, accompanied by Sheena.
They felt a calling that did not arise from Gaia Primordia, Tekhnos, or even the orders of time.
A call that was older. Quieter. Purified.
The atmosphere around them felt alive, with the wind whispering softly, carrying the scent of unknown flowers that bloomed only around this lake; a fragrance transcending time and evoking the lush, eternal beauty of nature's untouched realms.
"I feel we are being called here," Joanna whispered, her voice nearly drowned by the roar of fog.
"Not by a force that seeks to test us...
"Not by a force that seeks to test us, but by something that wants to help," Jeanne nodded, her eyes shining with hope and deep curiosity. The light from within the lake began to quiver, creating small sparkling circles, as if the very essence of magic from the depths was responding to their presence.
Then the lake's water rippled.
Each ripple appeared like fingers of light, creating mystical patterns on the surface that reflected unspoken visions; a soft sound akin to distant singing echoed within their souls, deepening the moment.
From behind the fog, a woman's figure gradually emerged, ethereal and enigmatic.
Her robe was long and tattered, a faded silvery white.
Her skin pale like moonstone.
Her long gray hair trailed into the water.
As if born from a dream, her silhouette seamlessly merged with the mist flowing over the lake's surface. Each movement created delicate ripples, resembling a gentle stream of magic. A soft light enveloped her figure, revealing a mysterious glimmer that seemed to radiate hope, grace, and wisdom long lost to time.
The woman's eyes did not reflect light—but rather possibilities.
Like stars silently watching over the universe, those eyes held thousands of intertwined stories and destinies. From the depths of her gaze, Jeanne felt a strong pull, a call to understand more than just the visible world.
"Finally, you have come."
The voice was husky yet gentle.
It seemed to have traversed thousands of years. Each word appeared etched in space and time, filling the air around them with the scent of damp earth and morning dew.
"Who are you?" Jeanne asked, wary.
"I have been known by many names.
Witness. Guardian. Shadow of possibility."
At that moment, the wind whispered softly among the sturdy trees surrounding the lake as if all living beings were attentively listening; the water shimmered with a gentle yellow glow, creating a luminous ring of light encircling the woman and enhancing the magical atmosphere around her presence.
"But the true name is not important.
What matters is my task."
She stepped closer, and with each step, a drizzle of light seemed to emerge—like ordinary sand transforming into gemstones. Her footsteps contained profound wonders, capturing the attention of wanderers who had lost hope in their souls.
"I am the Lady of the Lake.
And I have come to guide you in creating a symbol of free will that shall not bow to anyone."
With those words, the shimmering light dancing around them grew brighter. Within this radiance, they felt an indescribable power—a mystery of the past ready to reveal the uncharted potential of the future.
Excalibur.
"You have proven that human will can defy possibilities and external desires."
"But words alone are not enough.
The world needs a symbol.
Something that transcends time.
Something that can be inherited when your voices are no longer heard."
"A weapon not made for punishment.
But to remind...
that choice is true strength."
"We will create Excalibur."
Lady of the Lake explained:
"To create Excalibur, we need three elements."
Every word spoken by the Lady of the Lake emerged from the soft mist enveloping Lumina Caelestis Lake, shimmering in the light of the moon and stars. In an instant, the lake's waters gently trembled, creating a harmonious rhythm, as if eager to join in song with her voice.
Stellarium — a metal that forms only under the pressure of almost collapsing possibilities (found in Fractura Lux).
A blue-green light danced above the Stellarium, signaling the profound magical power within; it sparkled like morning dew scattered across leaves, radiating wonder and hope.
Akar Vitae Primordia — the roots of Gaia's first tree, symbolizing the continuity of life. The space around them seemed to vibrate, filled with the presence of the majestic Gaian, illuminated by the gentle glow shimmering on the lake's surface. Each breath of wind carried whispers of ancestors, affirming that they were not merely sorcerers but also part of an endless heritage.
Benang Flux Eternum — the result of pure fluctuating magic that could only be shaped by Joanna herself. As if the aura of the stars was woven together, this thread sparkled delicately, creating invisible yet powerful paths of perception. Joanna's breath trembled, deepening her resolve and awakening the ancient power nestled in her heart.
"I have prepared the Stellarium and Akar Vitae.
But the Benang Flux can only come from your heart, Joanna."
"This is not ordinary magical power.
It's your will to responsibly embrace change."
Joanna clutched her chest; a flickering light in her eyes signaled the tumultuous commitment within her soul. Around them, the surface of the lake sparkled like crystal as the completely obscured moonlight seeped into the atmosphere, enhancing the moment. "I will do it."
On a moonless night, they stood on a small island in the middle of the lake. It felt as if something greater was gathering around them, a mystical aura enveloping their every movement. A thin mist began to form, shimmering with magical light as the Lady of the Lake raised her hand, a powerful gesture signaling the latent strength within.
The Lady of the Lake started to summon the Forge of Choices—an ancient magic circle that could only be activated by the Custodes Realitatis. The sound of her chant stirred echoes of eternity, as if the world was watching intently while this epic tale was about to unfold.
The Stellarium was fused by Jeanne's magic:
"Vitae Continuum: Pure Stability."
The roots of Vitae were entwined by Sheena, symbolizing a rich heritage of life that continues to thrive, embodying the legacy of creation itself. In the darkness of the night, starlight seemed to shine even brighter, responding to the call of magic that touched the boundary between the tangible and the unseen.
Joanna raised her hand:
"Flux Spiral: Mutare Lux!"
The Threads of Flux Eternum were born—sparkling like miniature galaxies. The surrounding lake trembled with energy, its waters reflecting light as if becoming a window to another dimension, a world where time and space converged.
As the metal, roots, and threads intertwined, a dazzling blue-white light erupted, creating a moment that brought a gentle cool breeze, while soft sounds echoed as if reminding the wizards of the promises woven since ancient times and the power they represented.
From the heart of that light, Excalibur—a blade of immense power—emerged into existence.
Its blade was not entirely solid. Within it flowed threads of possibility and continuity that moved as if alive. With each passing second, it held the essence of many possible scenarios, evoking a sense of wonder and tension.
Its handle was adorned with Proto-Speech symbols:
"Vel'thar Vitae Mutare."
"The Will of Life That Chooses to Change."
The gentle sound of the wind seemed to whisper a poignant reminder that true power lies not solely in weapons, but in the profound decision to alter one's fate towards the greater good. Each symbol resonated profoundly, encapsulating the tale of a long and winding journey, awakening their inner awareness of the grave responsibilities they bore.
The sword felt light in her hand.
Yet, as Jeanne grasped it, the possibilities of the world began to tremble.
Surrounding them, the soft light from Lake Lumina Caelestis danced upon the water's surface, creating rippling reflections that appeared to sway to the rhythm of nature's heartbeat. The rustling sound of the water enhanced the atmosphere, as if guiding them into a dimension where choices and destiny wove seamlessly together.
"This is not a weapon for domination," said the Lady of the Lake.
"This is a reminder.
That even in the darkest moments,
that even in the darkest moments of despair and challenge,
As she spoke, a fine mist swirled around them, shimmering like stars trapped in the embrace of water. The blue light illuminating the lake swirled, creating magical patterns around them, much like hope wrapping around all who heard it.
Jeanne, Joanna, and Sheena vowed:
"We do not create power.
We create a symbol of will."
Their heartbeats synchronized with the ripples of the water, and as they spoke, the wind carried their voices away, as if absorbed by the eternity of this sacred lake.
"Whoever raises Excalibur in the future
will not rule.
But will bear the burden of choice for all."
The blue-white light wrapped around Excalibur, sealing the vow into magic and reality.
With each swirl of light, it felt as if the world around them vibrated with an unprecedented energy; a magical sensation flowing not only from the sword but also from their hearts, forming an unbreakable bond with the ancient power surrounding this lake, which cradled many secrets and truths.
The Lady of the Lake looked at them, her eyes now brimming with tears.
Every drop of water that fell seemed to add a magical beauty to that sacred moment, as if nature itself, in harmony, supported their choice; in the profound silence, the shadowy silhouettes of ancient figures drifting in the lake evoked the wisdom hidden within, deepening their journey into self-discovery and purpose.
"I have seen many generations.
Many failures.
Many betrayals."
"But you...
You are different."
"I will not accompany you forever.
But Excalibur will bear witness to your will through time."
"If one day free will is forgotten,
this sword will call upon those who remember."
She turned away.
"Goodbye, Custodes Realitatis."
"And may your choices always shine."
As she stepped away, the soft light of Excalibur shimmered, casting blue-white rays that danced in the air, creating patterns reminiscent of rippling water. The light seemed to want to share its tale, seeping into the souls of those who witnessed it. The Lady of the Lake walked into the fog of the lake, slowly disappearing...
becoming part of legend.
Jeanne raised Excalibur high, pride and fear intertwining as the sword's glimmer pulsated in the sky, creating the illusion of thousands of stars falling from the heavens. That moment felt as if it fused with the heartbeat of nature, reminding all present of the weight of the choices they had to make.
"This is not the end, Joan."
"It's just the beginning."
Joanna grasped her sister's hand, feeling the warmth and strength flowing between them. In the stillness, the soft whispers of the wind seemed to carry voices from ancient times, sharing hidden wisdom. "Excalibur is not a sword of victory.
It is a sword of choice."
Above them, the first stars of the night shone like an unquenchable hope. Their light trembled in harmony, signaling the new journey ahead, filled with promise and challenges.