DESTINY;DIVINE

# Chapter 3: Beacon Street

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With the advice and expertise of Professor Astrape, I meditated on defining new concepts to assist with my soul realm conception. 

The first was a natural evolution of years of work with classical elements and their aspected energies.

I was able to create a concept that focused on the states of matter, elevating my aspects past simple water, wind, fire, and earth into liquid, gas, plasma, and solid.

These elevations added the complexity of atoms, mass, and density, but their basic abstracts remained. 

Liquids were defined as incompressible fluids, that conformed but retained a constant volume independent of pressure.

Gases were more complex and could be made of either individual atoms, elemental molecules made from individual atoms, or compound molecules made from a variety of atoms.

Plasmas were characterized by the presence of a significant portion of charged particles in any combination of atoms, making them electrically conductive. 

Solids were arrays of atoms closely packed together and characterized by rigidity and resistance to applied force.

My lightning and obsidian concepts allowed me to further this new matter concept with phases and transitions. 

I had already comprehended liquid crystal, and plasma glass before I was hit by an intense feeling of deja vu.

I experienced a vivid flashback of the time before I merged with my new body and appeared in the rainbow forest.

I had gained awareness somewhere barren and formless.

At the time, I assumed it was a void, but now with my comprehension of space and void energy, I knew that wasn’t the case. 

There was no matter, only an intense, yet disorganized energy present. 

It was a liminal energy that lacked direction, order, and consistency, but was also a wellspring of life brimming with possibilities and the aspect of change. 

It was chaos, I had awoken in a primal chaos and given a new body before being teleported to the forest realm.

I spent hours more contemplating the ramifications of being given an astral body, born from primal chaos, and if that primal chaos could assist in creating my soul realm when I heard the sound of music in the natural world.

Curious, I stepped out of my garden to investigate.

Floating in the air, I noticed a heavy shadow looming over one of the nearby villas.

As I got closer, the music grew more distinct and more mournful. It was beautifully played, but utterly depressing, especially in the early hours.

The sound profile was complex, both melodic and discordant, with soft undertones abruptly interrupted by short, harsh notes.

When I was close enough to see the musician, I paused at the scene before me.

Surrounded by red lilies and under a large parasol, viciously playing a bone-white harp, was the pink-haired goddess from class yesterday. 

Her eyes were tightly closed and her face was scrunched into an expression of intense concentration. 

With purposeful strums, she blurred across the strings, releasing streams of pale pink divine energy into her surroundings. 

The energy formed shapes and characters that danced and moved around the courtyard, telling a story of love, betrayal, loss, and helplessness.

She was the orchestra and the play in a theater of her own making.

Once she reached the end of her song, the pink energy around her ceased, and she caught her breath.

“That was incredible. Beautiful, yet slightly disturbing,” I began to clap, and the spell around her immediately broke.

Her large eyes snapped up to meet mine, and the shadow above her villa vanished. 

All the energy conjurations dissipated, and the red lilies on the ground at her feet drained of color, turning pristine white.

In a panic, she streaked up to me in a burst of pink light and bowed deeply. 

“This one apologizes for the disturbance. I wasn’t aware anyone was nearby. Please punish me as you see fit.” She blurted, prostrating with a trembling voice. 

“What? Hey, get up!” I reached to grab her, but she jerked back like a scared kitten. 

Slowly, I pulled my hand back and gestured for her to stand. 

“I apologize for startling you. There’s no disturbance, okay? No problems here, and I have no right to punish you. And neither does anyone else.”

Pursing my lips, I sighed. “If anything, I’m the one who’s at fault for invading your privacy.” 

“I sincerely apologize,” I said, bowing in a martial salute.

She lifted her head but avoided making direct eye contact. This was the first time I got a good look at her.

She wore a long pink furisode adorned with white and teal birds frolicking in flowers. 

Her understated body shape was complemented by her pink hair, which was pulled out of her angelic face and parted into two afro puff balls hovering over her ears.

However, the look on her face was listless. 

Her aura was fragile and my karmic intuition presented echoes of pain, if deities could show bruises, she would definitely have them.  

Even as I tried to appease her, eerie shadows of hopelessness marred her delicate features.

What was truly terrifying was that I recognized that look. In my past life, it stared back at me every day that I looked in the mirror. 

But what I witnessed earlier, her performing, her immersed in her own world, playing her instrument as if no one was watching, was absolutely captivating. 

The uninhibited release of her pain, hatred, and unshed tears.

I had never experienced a stronger desire to protect someone before. From the way she reacted to touch, I knew someone had been mistreating her.

“Hey there, are you doing okay? Is there anything I can do to help you?” I asked, trying to make eye contact which she desperately avoided.

She paused as if her mind had stopped working from a simple act of kindness. 

After a few blinks, she came back to herself. “No, no, thank you. This one doesn’t want to bother.” 

She bowed her head. “This one wouldn’t want to cause more trouble.” 

“Hey, look up. There’s no need for all that. My name is Aeon, and I just moved into 477. Feel free to come and see me if you need anything. Or, if you just want to talk about anything. I’ll listen and with no judgment.” I declared, trying to present as much compassion on my face as I could.

“Um, oh. Okay.” She stammered, blinking furiously.

“By the way, your music is truly incredible. The visuals were mesmerizing, but the melody took my breath away. I’d love to come see you play again if that’s okay.” 

“Um, yes. Okay.” She responded nervously.

“Anyway, I should probably get going. By the way, what’s your name?” I asked, finally remembering I needed to meet Rhea.

“Oh!” She placed her arms at her sides and bowed at the waist. “This one is called Aria. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance as well. Remember, 477 if you ever wish to talk.” 

With that, I turned and flew away, leaving her floating in the sky. 

Back at my chalet, Rhea stood outside my gate like a vision of loveliness.

“Apologies for the delay, big sister Rhea. I was making a new friend. Good morning,” I greeted, opening the gate to lead her inside.

She lowered her glasses and studied me intently. 

“I see. I see. No matter. Good morning, brother Aeon,” she replied, following me into the courtyard.

“Today we’re going to get you your first denizens. Very, very exciting, are you ready?” She asked.

“Are you sure? Pandora and Eve have declared that they would be my first believers, I don’t want to ask too much of you.” I said.

Rhea smiled beautifully and placed a hand delicately on my arm. “No, no little brother Aeon. It’s not just me, the entire Ivy clan is sponsoring you. Let them support you.”

“Is this really okay?” I asked dubiously.

“Yes, yes. Now, come on. Let’s go shopping!” She shouted before stopping. “Oh, and before I forget.” 

Rhea waved her hand through the air, and a surge of purple divine energy streamed outward, enveloping my courtyard. 

Within seconds, the weeds and excess grass withered and shriveled, while the soil rolled, lightened, and tilled itself. 

In miraculous immaculate birth, sprouts of radiant divine plants emerged and bloomed into shrubs, vines, herbs, and vegetables.

She surveyed the transformation and waved her hand once more, infusing the courtyard and koi pond with more divine energy. 

As a result, divine flowers blossomed all over the space, creating a breathtaking garden.

I stood there awestruck, mouth agape at her effortless manipulation of nature. 

The depth of her nature concepts and laws sent my mind reeling.

She had transformed my courtyard into a divine botanical sanctuary with a mere flick of her wrist. 

“Much better, much better!” She exclaimed, clapping with a wide smile.

She grabbed my hand and dragged me away.

***

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“Welcome to the Golden Seminary Treasure Exchange, or as the students affectionately call it, Beacon Street.” Rhea beamed, guiding me to a veritable circus. 

We flew to the far side of a neighboring mountain, but from what I observed, it looked like we had stepped into an entirely different realm.

Before us stretched a bustling, multi-street, open-air bazaar. 

A kaleidoscope of otherworldly sounds and imaginative colors danced and flickered in the air. 

The air was filled with the enticing scents of divine spices, herbs, and cooked meats. 

Colorful moving lights and orbs of energy circled, collided, merged, and repelled one another.

Storefronts and stands made of marble, white stone, and iridescent materials glimmered and reflected the rainbow of hues.

Under the harmonious blend of live music and the gentle movements of dancers, commerce thrived. 

Haggling and bargaining were in full effect as artisans, chefs, traders, collectors, and treasure hunters showcased their wares to scrutinizing customers.

The crowds were dense and purposeful. It had been a while since I had seen so many people in one place, and it still felt strange to think that they were all some sort of deity.

Just then, I felt a shove from behind that nearly knocked me over. Rhea caught me just in time, steadying me at her side.

“Move aside, trash. Xane Bronte has business to attend to,” a boisterous voice sneered.

The unmistakable figure of Xane Bronte swept past, flanked by two imposing men, and there, at the rear of their group, was Aria.

They forged a path through the crowd, and I wasn’t the only one who had been unceremoniously shoved aside. 

Xane stood tall, at least seven feet with long, wheat-blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. There was a solid yellow lightning bold sigil on his right bicep.

His aura was absolutely filthy and he his physique was reminiscent of a bodybuilder with an infuriating smug grin.

“Hey!” I shouted, stepping forward, but Rhea tightened her grip on my arm, holding me back.

“Bronte, Bronte. Let’s not forget the rules of the treasure exchange,” she warned, her eyes flashing with a menacing violet light. “Don’t disturb others, especially my disciple.”

The group paused, their attention shifting and their eyes flickering with an unsettling yellow glow. 

The atmosphere grew heavy, as if the air itself had thickened, silencing the surrounding chatter.

Xane raised a hand dismissively, letting out a derisive snort. The oppressive energy lifted, and his companions’ eyes returned to normal.

He scanned me from head to toe, and I allowed him to perceive my cultivation as a shiver crawled across my skin.

“Of course not! This one would never dare trouble the esteemed elder maiden of the Ivy clan.. or her precious Tier 0 disciple,” he smirked, his tone laced with mockery.

I caught a glimpse of Aria, standing at the back, her gaze cast down, retreating into herself.

Xane noticed my interest and chuckled. “Oh, does the little trash disciple like my furnace?” He stepped back and yanked Aria by her hair.

She gasped, then closed her eyes, resigning herself to the moment. 

A wave of realization washed over me; this was why she looked so defeated, why she recoiled from my touch and begged for punishment. It was him.

“Let her go!” I shouted, stepping forward, but the moment I did, I was blasted backward.

I hit the ground hard, pain radiating through my chest. Coughing up blood, I could feel the sharp agony of four broken ribs. 

One of Xane’s goons had attacked me so swiftly I hadn’t seen him move—he had aimed to strike at my very soul. 

Without my aura and immortal void dragon physique, that blow could have crippled my cultivation.

Aria gasped, and Xane howled with laughter, reveling in my pain.

A crushing divine presence descended upon us, powerful enough to steal our breath yet somehow elegant in its restraint.

Rhea’s usual smile had vanished, replaced by a look of fierce conviction.

“Apologies for my guardians, elder maiden,” Xane said mockingly, bowing in a sarcastic salute. “They tend to react quickly if they think I, or”—he leaned in, licking Aria’s face from chin to forehead—“my property, is in danger. I’m sure you’re familiar, as the once main scion of the Ivy clan.. In your youth of course.”

Rhea’s expression twisted in disgust. “Of course, of course. But, if they act again, the Bronte clan will lose two guardians.”

Xane feigned innocence, tsking as he shook his head. “And what about the treasure exchange rules, elder maiden? Surely you practice what you preach.”

Rhea’s smile returned, but it was sharp and calculating. “Self-defense is an exception, as you well know. I trust the brutes of the Bronte clan can grasp that concept.”

The pressure lifted, but Xane’s irritation was palpable. He shoved Aria aside dismissively. “Whatever. We’re leaving.”

“Don’t get in my way again, Ivy charity trash,” he spat, locking eyes with me.

Aria stole a fleeting glance my way before dropping her gaze again, hurriedly following the group.

“What the hell just happened?” I exclaimed, still reeling. “That was like some high school bully shit. And what he did to Aria—that was just foul! How can he get away with that?”

“Here, eat this.” Rhea handed me something that looked like a golden vegetable root.

I ate it, feeling an immediate surge of energy coursing through me, healing my wounds and mending my ribs faster than my own regeneration could manage.

“That was Xane Bronte, the young scion of the main branch of the Bronte clan. They’re notorious for their lightning nepotism and their belief in their own superiority,” Rhea explained, her voice steady but her eyes still simmering.

“Seems to me he just needs a swift kick in the ass. How do you even know him?” I asked.

“Well, his ass is Tier 2 and those Tier 3 guardians mean you need to keep your head down for now,” she cautioned, sighing. “As for our history, the Bronte clan is the most powerful in the realm, while the Ivy clan sits third, just behind the Charis clan. The main families of all the major clans know each other.”

“It's a tremulous relationship, to say the least. To prevent a realm-wide battle, the major clans agreed to stay out of each other’s affairs unless it was a mutually beneficial marriage. But in reality, it’s turned into something of a multi-sided cold war with everyone itching to take offense and feel justified in retaliating.” Rhea explained. 

I hesitated, then asked, “What’s with the ‘elder maiden’ title? Does it mean something?”

“It’s just a petty insult,” she replied, her tone vague.

“And what about Aria? He treated her like property,” I pressed.

She sighed heavily. “Her story is hers to tell, but she was,”—Rhea curled her fingers into air quotes,—“adopted by the Bronte clan as a child after her clan was destroyed. Now, she’s considered Xane’s handmaiden.”

A handmaiden? I had assumed it was a menial role, not whatever twisted dynamic Xane had with her.

“Is there anything we can do to help her? He’s clearly abusing her, and everyone just stood by and watched!” My blood boiled at the thought.

“Officially, no. Clan politics tie my hands. Unofficially, Xane is an egotistical idiot, easily provoked. If you really want to help her, we might be able to come up with something.” Rhea offered a sympathetic smile.

This place was nothing like I had imagined a realm of deities would be.

Instead of deep meditation, arts and crafts, and lounging on clouds, it was a cut-throat abyss of resource gathering and treating each other like obstacles and objects.

I was quickly becoming disillusioned with the concept of divinity.