Priest : Rise of Project Nyx

Chapter 6: Priest Academy



Zerah smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "Welcome to the Magic Teleporting Centre in Priest Academy," she said, her voice filled with warmth.

Kael and his friends looked around in awe, their eyes drinking in the breathtaking sight. The teleporting centre was a marvel of architecture, with intricate carvings and stained glass windows that filtered the light and cast kaleidoscopic patterns on the floor.

Zerah gestured for them to follow her. "I'll take you to my place, where you can rest and settle in. I'll handle your enrolment to the Academy, so don't worry about that."

She led them to a secret door that blended seamlessly into the wall. The door swung open, revealing a narrow corridor lit by torches that cast a soft, blue glow.

As they walked through the corridor, Arin's little brother looked up at Kael with wide eyes. "Why are the flames blue?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder.

Kael smiled, his eyes shining with knowledge. "These flames are one of the heavenly flames," he explained. "But unlike the other heavenly flames, this one can be controlled and harnessed by priests."

Zerah's eyes sparkled with approval. "Well done, Kael. Your mother taught you well, it seems."

Kael nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, she did. But I should add that these flames can also be used to attack. They're not just for show."

Zerah's smile faltered for a moment, before she nodded in agreement. "Yes, that's true. The heavenly flames can be a powerful tool for both good and evil. It's up to the wielder to decide how they're used."

As they emerged from the corridor, Kael and his friends found themselves in a beautifully appointed room that served as Zerah's living quarters. The space was tidy and neat, filled with the sweet scent of incense and the soft glow of candles.

The room was quite large, with various sections delineated by elegant furnishings and decorative screens. One area was dedicated to a vast collection of books, with towering bookshelves that stretched all the way to the ceiling. The shelves were lined with leather-bound tomes, their gilt edges glinting in the soft light.

Other areas of the room were adorned with trophies and decorations, each one telling a story of Zerah's adventures and accomplishments. There were gleaming silver cups, delicate crystal vases, and even a few exotic-looking artifacts that Kael didn't recognize.

Despite its size, the room was cozy and intimate, with plush cushions and soft rugs scattered about. The only areas that were separate from the main room were the training room, bedroom, and bathroom, each one discreetly tucked away behind sliding doors or elegant curtains.

Zerah smiled, gesturing for them to make themselves at home. "Welcome to my humble abode," she said.

As Kael and his friends looked around the room, they noticed that the library was situated at the far end of the room, on the left-hand side. The shelves were packed tightly with books of all shapes and sizes, and the air was thick with the musty scent of old parchment.

On the right-hand side of the room, a small kitchen area was nestled into a cozy nook. The kitchen was equipped with all the necessary utensils and appliances, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.

In the center of the room, a beautiful dining area was set up, with a large wooden table and chairs that looked sturdy enough to withstand many lively meals. Above the dining area, a staircase curved upward, leading to the upper floor.

Zerah followed their gaze, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "The stairs lead up to my bedroom," she explained. "And just outside my room, there's a lovely garden where I like to sit and read on quiet evenings."

The warm and inviting atmosphere of Zerah's home made Kael and his friends feel instantly at ease, and they couldn't help but feel grateful for the priestess's kindness and hospitality.

Zerah smiled warmly at Kael and his friends. "Relax, have some food, and make yourselves at home," she said. "It may take some time before we can enroll you at the academy."

With that, she slipped out of the room through the same secret door, leaving Kael and his friends to explore and settle in.

Zerah made her way back to the Teleporting Centre, her long strides eating up the distance. From there, she headed towards the Headmaster's Tower, a separate area of the Priest Academy.

As she walked, she greeted the various priests and priestesses she met along the way. They ranged in age from young novices to elderly veterans, but they all shared a common trait: they treated Zerah with kindness and respect.

Zerah's striking appearance drew admiring glances from many of the priests and priestesses. Her dark skin glowed with a warm, golden undertone, and her long, white hair cascaded down her back like a river of moonlight. The black strands styled in a braid added a touch of elegance, while the two loose strands framing her face and the single tail of hair at the back added a hint of playfulness.

Her brown eyes sparkled with warmth, and her full lips curved into a gentle smile. Her fit yet curvy figure was clad in the same warrior nun attire she had worn when she first met Kael and his friends in their burnt home. The outfit accentuated her athletic physique while also conveying an aura of quiet strength and authority.

As she approached the Headmaster's Tower, Zerah's demeanor became more formal, her expression taking on a serious, determined cast. She knew that the meeting ahead would be crucial in determining the fate of Kael and his friends.

Here's the rewritten version:

As Zerah walked through the halls of the Priest Academy, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for the beautiful structure. The windows showcased the grandness and marvel of the academy, with its diverse areas and gardens. However, Zerah was already accustomed to the academy's splendor, having spent many years within its walls.

She arrived at the Headmaster's Tower, where two priest guards stood at attention, guarding the door. They bowed respectfully as Zerah approached.

"Headmaster's are in a meeting," one of the guards informed her.

Zerah smiled, her eyes glinting with a hint of determination. "That's perfect," she said. "I need to speak with all of them."

The guards nodded, stepping aside to allow Zerah to pass. She entered the tower, which was comprised of multiple floors, each one a vast library filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. The various tiers were reserved for priests and priestesses of different ranks and levels of expertise.

Zerah ascended to the top floor, where a beautiful door adorned with intricate carvings and symbols came into view. Four guards stood at attention, two on either side of the door. Zerah knew that there were more guards hidden from sight, watching and waiting.

The guards bowed lightly, acknowledging Zerah's presence with respect. She nodded in response, her eyes locked on the door.

With a gentle push, the door swung open, revealing the Headmaster's Hall. The room was filled with a round table, where the headmasters were seated. There were several headmasters, each one a peak priest or priestess, renowned for their wisdom, power, and dedication to the academy.

Zerah entered the hall, her presence commanding attention. The headmasters looked up, their eyes locking onto hers, filled with a mix of curiosity and respect.

The five Headmasters seated at the round table exuded an aura of power, wisdom, and authority. On the left side of the table, two female Headmasters sat with elegance and poise.

Abilene Rosewood, also known as the Daughter of Life, was a vision of purity and vitality. Her short black hair framed her heart-shaped face, and her green eyes sparkled with an inner light. Her light olive skin tone glowed with a subtle radiance, as if infused with the essence of life itself. She wore robes reminiscent of those worn by healers, with intricate white and green embroidery that seemed to shimmer in the light. A wooden staff adorned with small vines, white flowers, and a crystal orb held in place by four delicate roots rested against the table, a symbol of her connection to the natural world. Despite her youthful appearance, Abilene's eyes held a depth of wisdom that belied her age.

By her side sat Sybil Bloom, the Celestial Sage. Her long white hair cascaded down her back like a river of moonlight, and her silver eyes shone with an ethereal light. A faint cross-shaped mark on her forehead seemed to pulse with a soft, otherworldly energy. Her fair skin glowed with a subtle luminosity, as if infused with the essence of the stars. She wore a flowing white and golden nun's robe, adorned with intricate embroidery that seemed to shimmer with a soft, magical light. Despite her advanced age, Sybil's beauty remained untouched by time, her proportions elegant and refined.

On the right side of the table, three male Headmasters sat with varying degrees of intensity.

Sol Everglow, a man of average build, possessed an unassuming presence that belied his inner power. His short jet-black hair framed his angular face, and his ice-blue eyes seemed to bore into the souls of those around him. His gaze was piercing, yet calm, as if he saw right through to the heart of the matter.

By his side sat Yael North, a burly man with a commanding presence. His black hair was cropped close to his scalp, and his red eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire. His brown skin tone was weathered and worn, as if he had spent countless hours under the scorching sun. His muscular body was adorned with intricate tattoos that seemed to dance across his skin, and his bandaged wrists and fists spoke of a warrior's prowess. Despite his fearsome appearance, Yael's eyes held a deep sense of wisdom and compassion.

The fifth Headmaster, seated at the center of the table, remained shrouded in mystery, his features obscured by the shadows.

The five individuals seated at the table were an impressive gathering of power and wisdom. Sol Everglow, nicknamed the Soul King, was renowned for his unparalleled expertise and absolute knowledge about souls. His domain over souls was a testament to his unwavering dedication.

Yael North, with his towering height and muscular build, was a force to be reckoned with. His inhuman strength, agility, speed, reflexes, and combat prowess, combined with his mastery of forging, earned him the nickname Adam.

Ael Everbright, with his golden hair and beard, exuded a sense of divine presence. His muscular build, although not as imposing as Yael's, was impressive nonetheless. Clad in formal Priest robes with black and golden accents, he seemed ready for combat at a moment's notice. His deep olive skin tone and handsome features only added to his aura of authority, earning him the nickname Heaven's Angel.

Zerah, who stood before them, was not a member of the Headmasters, but her presence commanded respect nonetheless. Her nickname, Dawn of Humanity, spoke to her own impressive abilities and strengths, which allowed her to hold her own against even the most powerful of opponents.

The air was thick with anticipation as the Headmasters awaited Zerah's report, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and expectation.

Zerah bowed lightly, her eyes scanning the room as she greeted the Headmasters. "Greetings, everyone. It's an honor to be here."

The room responded with a chorus of warm greetings, except for two notable exceptions. Yael North, his eyes gleaming with a competitive spark, spoke up in a teasing tone. "Zerah, when will you finally agree to resume our battle? I'm eager to see who's stronger."

Zerah's lips curved into a playful smile as she retorted, "Yael, you're not a gentleman. You only challenge women, not men." The room erupted into a chorus of light laughter, easing the tension.

However, Sybil Bloom's expression remained stern, her silver eyes narrowing slightly. "Zerah, what brings you here? You're interrupting a meeting."

Zerah's gaze met Sybil's, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. She scoffed lightly, then shifted her attention to Ael Everbright. "I'm here to discuss Project Nyx," she stated, her voice clear and direct.

The room fell silent, the atmosphere instantly becoming more serious. The Headmasters exchanged weighted glances, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and concern. Ael's eyes locked onto Zerah's, his gaze piercing. "Very well, Zerah. We're listening."


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