Fractura Lux — Zona Tengah
One year after the Formation of the Oath Circle
A cold wind carried shimmering dust from the earth's cracks.
Jeanne stood with Joanna and the Oathbearers before a large rift that had just opened in the center of Fractura Lux. The rift towered high, surrounded by cracked, glittering earth, as if it emanated light from the dark depths within. Inside the rift, dozens of colorful energies swirled, creating a pattern that seemed to dance, captivating eyes while evoking a sense of unease.
This rift was not like the others.
The cracks expanded not only in space.
It pulsed through time.
Waves of energy were likely flowing out, creating anomalies:
Shadows of futures yet to unfold.
Reflections of forgotten pasts.
And nameless creatures — who were not Fractureborn. Around the rift, flickers of starlight moved quickly, reflecting images from Nexus Equilibria, where the balance between worlds and realities was maintained. Each time a wave of magic touched the rift, the entire area trembled, as though influenced by a greater force, creating an atmosphere that melded reality and imagination.
"This is not an ordinary rift," murmured Kael Yuno, the fluctuating mage, as he gazed at the towering rift pulsating in the air. The rift emitted vibrant hues, as if layers of reality were colliding to create a stunning spectrum of colors. The energy undulating from within the rift stirred waves of emotion, evoking a sense that the surrounding world was safeguarded from unimaginable nightmares, adding to the anxiety felt by the Oathbearers present.
"I feel... this is a wound left by choices gone awry," whispered Selira Veyrun, carefully observing how the light shimmered, capturing the attention of all beings in its vicinity. As she spoke, a magical touch enveloped the atmosphere, creating a tense ambiance, in which every droplet of dew that fell seemed to solemnly witness the tragedy that had unfolded.
Saint Maria, who rarely left the Sanctum, arrived with Sheena. As Maria stepped closer, the fissure seemed to respond to her presence, emanating a more potent energy that created an enchanting swirl akin to a dance of the night sky. She noted how the Nexus Equilibria appeared distorted, as if opposing forces were struggling to bring balance amid the chaos.
"I recognize this pattern," Maria said, her face serious and sharp, reflecting the expertise of a mage. "This is not just a crack in reality.
It is a civilization that was rejected by time, striving to resurrect."
"Veyrundis," Sheena hissed, fear reverberating in her voice. As she spoke, the flow of light from the fissure trembled, seemingly recalling a lost legacy. Several particles of light, like falling stars, floated around them, conveying a message that something monumental and terrifying might be approaching.
Joanna gazed intensely at her sister, scrutinizing every detail of the magical light that was weeks older than they were. The beams flickered between them, creating a contrast between dark and light, compelling them to reflect on the choices at hand. "If we don't close this, the future we've fought for will collapse.
But..."
"If we close it solely with the power of Continuum, we will erase options that might still be saved."
"I don't want to be the second Chronos."
Jeanne and Joanna discussed throughout the night, aligned in the tension that swirled between them, much like the light and darkness battling around the rift. Jeanne's magical beam resembled a solid starlight, while Joanna's Fluctuating energy vibrated joyfully, echoing the symphony of two different approaches.
Jeanne: "I want to close the rift with Continuum magic. Stable and certain."
Joanna: "I want to stabilize the rift with Fluctuating magic. To provide options so that some possibilities can remain alive."
Eryndor and Selira sided with Jeanne, realizing the strength of stability in the face of the chaos around them. On the other hand, Kael Yuno and Saphira Olith supported Joanna, believing that the freedom of choice should be prioritized despite the lurking dangers, signifying the importance of this discussion in determining the fate of the world.
"This is a crisis.
But it is also the beginning of a philosophical divergence between us." Jeanne lowered her gaze, feeling the weight of responsibility upon her. As the magic from both sides clashed, bursts of energy danced in a brilliant display of light and shadow, illustrating the clash of ideas among them—like a color palette prepared for a grand theatrical performance, creating a visual rhythm that stirred the emotions of the Oathbearers witnessing the spectacle.
"We are not parting out of hatred.
We part because we love this world in different ways." Joanna grasped her brother's hand tightly. Behind them, the chasm stretched wide, tearing through the blue sky with flickering bursts of energy. Waves of vibrant colors wove across the chasm's surface, as though reflecting dreams unfulfilled, creating a hauntingly mystical atmosphere.
"But we must choose a path."
The Oathbearers gathered for the First Oath Assembly. They jostled together, their eyes filled with hope and uncertainty as they watched the pulsating rift in the center of the room—a relentless reminder of the decisions that lay ahead. The air felt thick and vibrating, creating a tense atmosphere among the decision-makers.
Two options were proposed:
Jeanne's Plan (Continuum):
To close the rift entirely. To eliminate the dangerous possibilities in the name of continuity. With resolve and courage, Jeanne explained her plan, as mesmerizing light began to coalesce in her hands—light that was not only bright but also carried the meaning of removing threats from the world they cherished.
Joanna's Plan (Change):
To stabilize the rift with fluctuating magic. Accompanied by flickers of swirling life energy, Joanna endeavored to depict a more dynamic vision; where some possibilities that posed no danger could still remain. In the shadows of the rift, silhouettes of different futures flickered, waiting to be realized.
Vote Results:
Continuum: 3 votes.
Change: 3 votes, reflecting the tension between the desire for stability and the inclination toward change among the Oathbearers.
Sheena refused to choose.
"I am your mother. I will not be the judge of your choices."
Maria also refused to be the deciding factor.
"Choices must come from the new generation."
"This is the true test of the Custodes Pactum Primaris," Maria said. As her words resonated, the rift began to tremble more violently, emitting waves of swirling energy that seemed to emphasize the urgency of the decisions that lay ahead.
Jeanne and Joanna stood at the edge of the rift, facing each other. Around them, light and darkness collided in a dangerous dance, creating a visual pattern that resembled living art.
"I don't want to fight you, Joan," Jeanne whispered. In her gaze, she could feel the depth of repressed emotions—an invisible thread connecting their two hearts.
"Neither do I, sis." Joanna held back her tears. As her tears fell, the light from the rift glowed brighter, as if absorbing their sadness and hope in a single breath.
"But we must test our choices.
Not through violence...
But through will."
They both agreed: in the background, the rift quivered increasingly, and as their two magics united, filled with shimmering light and shadows that filled the space between them, they created a beautiful wave effect, as if trying to bridge two separate worlds.
Jeanne and Joanna are about to perform the Ritual of Duality.
They will allow their magic to influence the rift simultaneously. If the rift can hold two philosophies, then the world deserves to have both.
If not... the rift will choose for itself.
Before them, the rift pulsated with shimmering energy, radiating colors that shifted like an aurora, with bright blue and deep purple swirling in harmony and tension. At the center of the rift, there was an infinite geometric form, as if time and space were colliding and distorting, creating an unpredictable and strange spectacle.
"Let us entrust this choice to the world we protect," Jeanne spoke softly.
"And to the free will we fight for," Joanna added.
Before the rift, Jeanne raised Excalibur.
"Continuum Anchor: Vitae Custodia!"
As those words were uttered, the threads of time stabilized the left side of the rift, producing flashes of golden illumination dancing in the air, merging with the previously swirling light. As her magic flowed, it appeared like intersecting harmonic waves, generating a resonance that amplified the power of the rift.
Joanna raised her right hand.
"Flux Spiral: Horizon Mutare!"
As Joanna's magic touched the rift, an extraordinary visual effect unfolded: a stream of vibrant green melded with the blue rays from Excalibur, creating a vortex of energy that radiated bright light. The rift shimmered as if displaying the entire spectrum of colors, representing two philosophies struggling for survival and unity.
The threads of change twisted around the right side of the rift, sparkling in shades of blue and purple, as if the surrounding space vibrated with life. The walls of the rift trembled intensely, emitting pulsing light and creating an optical effect resembling thousands of glimmering dust particles floating in the air.
Possibilities collapsed and were born simultaneously. While the colorful light from the rift continued to swirl, the hues danced and blended, celebrating the struggle between two forces; within the rift, the Oathbearers witnessed visions of hope or emptiness.
In one future, free will was shattered for the sake of stability, conjuring a chilling dark image. In another future, wild change destroyed equilibrium, revealing horrific chaos where the skies were filled with flashes of lightning and the ground split apart.
Yet amidst these extremes...
a narrow path opened.
The path of balance. This path shimmered like a golden silk thread connecting two worlds, offering hope in the midst of darkness.
The threads of time and change intertwine in a magnificent dance, generating shimmering waves of energy as they interact. Together, they create a striking visual effect, with spirals of light swirling around the Nexus.
The rift did not collapse.
Instead, it transformed into the Nexus. Nexus Equilibria, now glowing softly, imparts a sense of order amid uncertainty, standing tall as a symbol of hope and balance.
Nexus Equilibria — the point where possibilities are stable and can be monitored by the Custodes Pactum Primaris. There, light and shadow blend, creating a spectacular panorama that reflects the potential for a harmonious future.
"The world chooses to preserve both of our paths," Jeanne whispered, her voice vibrant with emotion and hope. "We win... together." Joanna breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the weight of the battle they had just fought.
Though victorious, not everyone was content. Shadows of dissatisfaction loomed around them like a dark fog ready to envelop the day.
Eryndor cautioned Jeanne:
"Leaving possibilities open could be dangerous in the future." His voice trembled, reflecting his concern about the consequences of the choices they had made.
Kael Yuno warned Joanna:
"Excessive stability can hinder future development." With a serious expression, his eyes sparkled with tension, as if trying to caution her about the perilous path ahead.
A gentle debate began to unfold.
Not due to betrayal.
But because of differing philosophies. The atmosphere felt tense, like thunder rumbling in the sky before a storm, yet each of them knew they must speak to understand one another.
That night, Sheena jotted down her thoughts in her journal, reflecting on the recent events:
"The seeds of pure division have sprouted.
Not out of ambition.
But from a shared love for the same world."
"I don't know whether this is a strength or a weakness.
But I believe Jeanne and Joanna will continue to maintain balance for as long as they can."
Jeanne and Joanna stood together at the edge of the Nexus Equilibria. Before them lay a deep rift separating two dimensions. A colorful light danced around the edges of the chasm, creating beams that revealed geometric patterns like a prism. The chasm itself appeared as a shimmering boundary between the two worlds, with unseen contents tempting their imaginations.
Within the gap, a mesmerizing luminescence radiated a mystical aura as shards of energy from each world converged, forming an interplay of colors that danced together. It was as if each particle of the two types of magic possessed its own consciousness, swirling and twirling in harmony, projecting beautiful shadows all around them.
"I fear that one day our descendants will choose to part ways," Jeanne said.
"If that happens...
I only hope they remember this night," Joanna replied. Her voice trembled, reflecting the intertwining fears and hopes. Together, they gazed at the shimmering light, entranced by both its beauty and the danger that accompanied it.
"That the world chose both of us.
Not just one."
And Excalibur glowed softly between them, reflecting the light from the vibrating gap, leaving a profound impression of will that still stands above the waves of time, creating a delicate rainbow that connects two hearts and two worlds, bringing hope for a balanced future.