Priest : Rise of Project Nyx

As the early morning sun rose, Zerah was already up and about, the savory aroma of freshly cooked food wafting through the air and rousing the others from their slumber. After a quick freshening up, everyone gathered around the table, hands clasped together in prayer before enjoying the delicious meal Zerah had prepared.

As they ate, Zerah reminded Kael that they would be heading to the Headmasters' Tower for his evaluation, as well as Tera's. Kael and Tera nodded, their faces set with determination.

After breakfast, they got dressed, and Zerah offered Kael some final advice. "Remember, Kael, to be open and honest with the Headmasters. Gain their trust by hiding nothing, and remain composed, no matter what they ask of you."

With that, Zerah and Kael set off towards the Headmasters' Tower, while Tera remained behind. As they walked, Kael couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking sight of the Priest Academy. The sprawling campus was a marvel of architecture, with various buildings and structures showcasing different styles and designs, each specific to its purpose or area of study.

Zerah smiled, watching Kael's wonder-struck expression. Her mind wandered back to her days with Mariana, Kael's mother, and the memories they had shared. A pang of nostalgia touched her heart, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the present and the challenges that lay ahead.

Tera turned to Zerah with a curious expression. "I thought it was just Kael who was supposed to go for evaluation? I overheard you telling him to be ready."

Zerah's eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement. "I've decided it would be better to bring both Kael and you, Tera. By showing the Headmasters that there are more like Kael, the child of prophecy, we can demonstrate the potential of these hybrids. I've been working on a project that could be the turning point for humanity, and I believe you both are crucial to its success."

Tera's eyes widened in understanding, and she nodded in agreement.

After a leisurely walk, they finally reached the imposing structure of the Headmasters' Tower. They entered the tower, and Zerah led the way up the winding staircase to the top. The air grew thick with anticipation as they climbed, Kael's heart pounding in his chest. What would the Headmasters' evaluation bring?

As they climbed the stairs, Zerah's radiant presence commanded attention. Her outfit, now her signature style, accentuated her curves and showcased her stunning beauty. The soft sunlight dancing across her skin made her light brown complexion glow with a warm, golden undertone.

Tera, on the other hand, exuded a striking, edgy charm. Her jet-black hair was neatly tied into a bun, revealing her piercing crimson red eyes that seemed to gleam with an inner fire. Her fair skin tone provided a striking contrast to her bold, eye-catching features. Despite being a teenager, Tera's physique had already blossomed into a curvaceous, adult-like figure, yet she carried herself with a confident, effortless ease in her simple yet fitting attire.

Kael, with his chiseled features and captivating good looks, was a testament to his vampire lineage. His short, snowy-white hair framed his heart-shaped face, while his bright blue eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. His olive skin tone added a warm, sun-kissed glow to his complexion, making him almost irresistible to gaze at.

As Zerah, Tera, and Kael entered the Headmasters' Meeting room, they were met with a sea of expectant faces. The room was filled to capacity, with all the Headmasters present, accompanied by other esteemed teachers from Priest Academy who specialized in various disciplines under the Headmasters' purview.

The trio walked down the length of the room, their footsteps echoing off the walls. They finally came to a stop opposite Ael, the lead Headmaster, who gazed at them with an air of quiet contemplation. The room was heavy with anticipation, the only sound the soft rustling of robes as the teachers and Headmasters waited with bated breath for the proceedings to begin.

Zerah's voice rang out clear and confident as she began the introductions. "Honorable Headmasters and esteemed teachers, I present to you Tera and Kael, two individuals who embody the unique qualities we've been searching for." She gestured to Tera and Kael, who stood tall, their eyes scanning the room with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Ael's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with curiosity. "What's so special about Tera?"

Zerah's expression remained serious. "Despite being human, Tera possesses the ability to wield blood magic, a trait exclusive to vampires."

Sybil's laughter was light, but her eyes sparkled with skepticism. "That's impossible. Humans can't use blood magic."

Zerah's gaze met Sybil's. "If someone like Kael exists, wouldn't it be possible for others to defy conventional norms?"

Sol added, "Kael is a special case, Zerah. He's the Child of Prophecy. His existence is an anomaly."

Tera's eyes closed, and when she opened them again, the whites of her eyes had turned fully black, her irises blazing with a fierce crimson color. She raised her hand, and a dark, crimson-hued magic enveloped it. A snake-like tendril of energy coalesced around her hand, its presence both mesmerizing and terrifying.

The room fell silent, with collective gasps of shock and amazement. Zerah's expression remained serious, her eyes gleaming with a hint of "I told you so." She only revealed her softer side around those she cared about deeply and children.

"I believe that proves my point," Zerah stated, her voice firm and authoritative.

As the snake dissipated, Tera's eyes returned to their normal state, and the room seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Yael's curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, "What can Kael do to prove he's the Child of Prophecy?"

Zerah's eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement as she raised her hand, summoning a intricate magic circle on the floor. The air seemed to shimmer and shine as a mystical, angelic blade materialized within the circle. The sword's hilt and blade gleamed with a radiant, golden light, while its edges seemed to shimmer with a soft, white glow, evoking the image of the sun shining through the clouds.

Zerah reached out and grasped the sword, its light and power seemingly resonating with her own. She turned to Kael and handed him the sword, its hilt fitting perfectly in his hand.

Yael's eyes widened in alarm as she exclaimed, "That's dangerous! Your sword, Zerah, literally burns anything that's evil and vile. Kael is a special case, a being of both worlds. He shouldn't be handling something that powerful."

The room fell silent once more, with all eyes fixed on Kael, who stood tall, the angelic sword shining brightly in his hand. The air seemed to vibrate with anticipation, as if the very fate of the world hung in the balance.

As Kael grasped the sword, white flames erupted around him, enveloping his entire being. The room gasped in unison, shocked by the sudden inferno. Sybil's voice rose in alarm, "This is proof that Kael isn't the Child of Destiny! He's reckless and impulsive, and now the flames have burned him!"

However, Zerah's expression remained serene, her eyes gleaming with a knowing intensity. She asked, her voice calm and measured, "Sybil, did you or anyone else hear screams when Kael was enveloped by the flames?"

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the white flames dancing around Kael. As they watched, Kael's hair and eyes transformed, turning a brilliant, fiery gold. The flames seemed to be fueling his very being, yet he stood tall, unscathed.

Ael's voice broke the silence, "Kael, how do you feel?"

Kael's response was calm, his voice steady, "I feel fine, sir. The flames are warm, but they don't hurt me."

Sybil's grunt of disbelief echoed through the room, her expression skeptical. Abilene's voice cut through the tension, her tone thoughtful. "It's impressive that Kael can wield the sword of light, but can he also harness the powers of the other side... the powers of darkness?" Abilene's eyes locked onto Kael, her gaze piercing as she awaited his response

As Kael exhaled, his body underwent a dramatic transformation. His hair darkened to a deep, glossy black, while the whites of his eyes turned a profound, inky black. His irises, now fully crimson red, seemed to burn with an inner fire. The air around him appeared to ripple and distort, as if reality itself was bending to accommodate his newfound power.

A majestic, crimson-hued cobra materialized around Kael's body, its massive form crafted from the very essence of blood magic. The serpent's body slithered effortlessly around Kael's knees, waist, and upper torso, as if it were a living, breathing entity. The cobra's eyes gleamed with a malevolent intelligence as it raised its head, hissing menacingly towards the assembled Headmasters and teachers.

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Kael and the majestic, blood-red cobra that now seemed to be an extension of his very being. The air was heavy with anticipation, as if the very fate of the world hung in the balance.

Ael's calm and composed demeanor belied the glint of excitement in his eyes as he gazed at Kael, the crimson cobra still coiled around his body. "Impressive... the amount of blood magic and pressure Kael is exerting is immense. A true marvel."

Ael's expression turned solemn, and he nodded in acknowledgment. "I officially recognize Kael as the Child of Prophecy. And, Tera, you are indeed an anomaly, but one that can be honed and trained to fight against the darkness."

Ael's gaze shifted to Zerah, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Zerah, you may proceed with Project Nyx. You will serve as their mentor and guardian, as you were the one who brought them to our attention. Kael, you are free to remain at Priest Academy until the team is complete or has sufficient members."

Zerah bowed lightly, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Ael. Thank you, everyone. I will not disappoint you. I will ensure that Kael and Tera are trained to their fullest potential, and that Project Nyx is a success."

Ael's calm and composed demeanor belied the glint of excitement in his eyes as he gazed at Kael, the crimson cobra still coiled around his body. "Impressive... the amount of blood magic and pressure Kael is exerting is immense. A true marvel."

Ael's expression turned solemn, and he nodded in acknowledgment. "I officially recognize Kael as the Child of Prophecy. And, Tera, you are indeed an anomaly, but one that can be honed and trained to fight against the darkness."

Ael's gaze shifted to Zerah, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Zerah, you may proceed with Project Nyx. You will serve as their mentor and guardian, as you were the one who brought them to our attention. Kael, you are free to remain at Priest Academy until the team is complete or has sufficient members."

Zerah bowed lightly, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Ael. Thank you, everyone. I will not disappoint you. I will ensure that Kael and Tera are trained to their fullest potential, and that Project Nyx is a success."

Ael's expression turned serious, his eyes locking onto Kael's. "Kael, as the Child of Prophecy, you will receive extra lessons, just like the elites and higher-ranked Priests. Your skills, prowess, magic, and soul will be honed to ensure you're driven down the right path. You'll also be undertaking missions to prove your worth and project a positive image towards the people."

Ael's voice took on a paternal tone. "Being a Priest isn't just about being a protector and fighting against evil. It's about spreading love and the word of good, not forcing it upon others, but nudging them towards the right direction. You must understand the delicate balance between protection and guidance."

Kael's curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "Is Priest Academy associated with the churches across the world?"

Sol stepped forward, a hint of a smile on his lips. "We're separate from the churches, Kael. You see, we possess holy abilities granted to us by the Heavens. This...gift has made others envious, and we've had to maintain our independence to avoid, shall we say, 'conflicts' with those who don't understand our role in the world."

Ael's expression turned serious, his eyes locking onto Kael's. "Kael, as the Child of Prophecy, you will receive extra lessons, just like the elites and higher-ranked Priests. Your skills, prowess, magic, and soul will be honed to ensure you're driven down the right path. You'll also be undertaking missions to prove your worth and project a positive image towards the people."

Ael's voice took on a paternal tone. "Being a Priest isn't just about being a protector and fighting against evil. It's about spreading love and the word of good, not forcing it upon others, but nudging them towards the right direction. You must understand the delicate balance between protection and guidance."

Kael's curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "Is Priest Academy associated with the churches across the world?"

Sol stepped forward, a hint of a smile on his lips. "We're separate from the churches, Kael. You see, we possess holy abilities granted to us by the Heavens. This...gift has made others envious, and we've had to maintain our independence to avoid, shall we say, 'conflicts' with those who don't understand our role in the world."

Ael's expression turned warm, a gentle smile on his lips. "Kael, you're now fully registered as a student of Priest Academy. All that's left is for you to collect your uniform and necessities. You can find everything you need in the academy's storehouse. Just show them your registration papers, and they'll take care of the rest."

Ael's eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement. "Return tomorrow, and you'll begin your classes alongside Tera and the others. I'm confident you'll excel here, Kael. We'll be watching your progress closely."

With a final nod, Ael dismissed Kael, signaling the end of their meeting. Zerah stepped forward, a gentle smile on her face. "I'll escort you to the storehouse, Kael. Let's get you settled in."

As they walked towards the Registration Tower, Zerah's expression turned warm, a genuine smile on her face. "Congratulations, Kael and Tera. I'm thrilled to see you both enrolled at Priest Academy. This is just the beginning of an incredible journey for both of you."

Zerah's eyes turned serious, her voice taking on a tone of gravity. "But I must warn you, being a Priest or Priestess isn't easy. You'll see things that you only heard of as myth or horror stories. You'll face darkness, evil, and cruelty that will test your resolve and your faith. But it's all for the sake of protecting humanity."

Zerah's gaze locked onto Kael and Tera, her eyes burning with intensity. "You'll be asked to make sacrifices, to put yourselves in harm's way, and to confront the shadows within yourselves. But I promise you, it will be worth it. Every struggle, every hardship, and every sacrifice will be worth it, because you'll be fighting for something greater than yourselves."

Zerah's expression softened, her voice taking on a gentle tone. "I'll be here to guide you, to support you, and to help you navigate the challenges that lie ahead. But I want you to remember that you're not alone. You have each other, and you have the entire Priesthood community behind you."