Year 2000 AGS Underhaven Calendar
"I take back what I've said. Who could have known it was possible to set up a grand festival full of stalls and performances without feeling overcrowded." I surprisingly told my friends.
"Equirel, the area can hold a massive million of templars. What do you expect?" "Well, I felt that the place would still be congested even after the Makers have returned to their heavens." "I hate to demean your intelligence, but this is not the only place the templars can celebrate their festivities." "Yeah, I should have thought of that. My bad." Gala and I reasoned with each other.
Just to let you guys know. Underhaven is not just a small subterranean space. It comprises all of the underground convergence rim regions including some underground parallel areas of the Unlighted and Luminos near it. In short, it's massive. That's according to Dad anyway. The convergence rim is the vertical equator of the globe of Bastion separating both the light and the dark domains.
"That certainly is the case. My dad is also busy overseeing the management of the festivities in our region. He went here to meet the Makers and later will be returning to resume his responsibilities" "To be a son of an elder templar governing their own region must've been nice. I bet you can buy anything that you want." "I wish. Leona, remember, my father embraces the virtue of humility and diligence the most out of the 7 heavenly virtues. We only buy what is needed and given only when we deserved it." "Must be a bummer." "No. I personally like it. I, myself, don't like to flaunt wealth towards others."
As you know, templars embrace the 7 heavenly virtues. It may be one, two, or all of them. It is hardwired in our system since birth. That was why we were called special creations by the Makers because of these and the absence of the evil or 7 deadly emotions. But there are also bad emotions which we also exhibit and are not immune to. For example, a templar can feel short lived rage (bad emotion) at the heat of the moment, but we don't feel long lasting wrath (evil emotion).
"Guys let's buy some food. I'm hungry." "Yeah, I'm also hungry. We were here for hours. But it was worth it though". I pleasantly replied to Tamael.
"I recommend we buy something with glow-bore meat. It is highly nutritious and delicious." Malakel recommended. "I want fried moss from a moss bunny since I had a full breakfast earlier." Leona added. "Me too, Leona. I like to eat something savory." Gala interjected. "Nah. I just want to eat fried chicken." I added my own recommendation. "Be careful kids with the fried moss. Although it's delicious, it is a trigger food. It would make you gassy. Especially that you are young ladies." My dad told Gala and Leona. "Yes uncle. Thank you. We will keep it in mind." Gala replied. "Since all of us want different foods, why don't we separate for now and return here with our foods later. We will eat them together." Dad told us. "Sure, uncle. I, myself, am returning with my father later to our region. It would be nice to save time so that we can hang out more together." "Vacations over huh?" I replied as Malakel and the others agreed to dad.
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"So Equirel, how was seeing the Makers for the first time feel" "I was scared at first, but when they began to talk, I felt that they are affectionate Gods." "That's nice." "Also, their entrance was so cool. When they descended, seeing light and dark energy being used like that is really amazing. I would want ---" a stranger interrupted us.
"Daniel, the great seer. I see bad omens coming to you. The string of fate is fluctuating." A shaman interrupted us by shouting while sitting in his stall with his orb. "Hmmm. Fascinating. What do you see shaman?" "Fate is telling me that you should prepare. A heavy choice will be given to you." "And how should I prepare?" "I see and feel only what is given to me. Nothing more." "Indeed. That is very helpful. Thank you my friend." The shaman then bowed to my dad with utmost respect. Then we resumed walking.
"Equirel, what do you think of the Fate?" "I think many of their shamans scam others for money." "That is true." "Then, why did you thank him." "Although, some of them are like that. There are others who have good intentions." "Oh really???" "Some say that The Fate is even above the primordial gods. A cosmic weaver who manipulates fate itself. It has no name that's why it is called fate." "Do you seriously believe that dad?" "I do. You should too. But it is up to us to be wise and discerning cause not all people have good intentions towards us. A templar may have the 7 heavenly virtues, but they can still cheat and lie. They might do it for purposes like for greater good, the good of others, or preventing harm. That is why we ourselves are not perfect as the domcreans." "So, there are loopholes in the 7 heavenly virtues?" "Yes, you've got the point." "But isn't that stupid. Scamming is still scamming if you think about it. You can still hurt others." "There are many different moral philosophies among the templars. You will learn about these later on. One of those is the belief that what brings the greater good is morally right. For example, if a person were given a choice on whom to save. His son or a stranger. He might think that the one that brings the greater good is saving his son. Since that would preserve his family line and bring greater good for the future generations of templars. Do you understand son?" "I somehow get you" "This is because not all of the 7 heavenly virtues are hardwired into us. Only 1 or 3 max are present at birth. The rest are fueled by moral beliefs." So how would we solve it?" "I, myself, have no solution. But this is what you should remember." My father stopped walking, kneeled, faced me, and pointed his finger on his head then pointed it to mine. "What makes us a man is our wits. Many have minds but those who use them well become splendid people. Like Elder Michael. You got that?" "Yes, father." "Come, let us buy the food that you want."
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"Hey! The line was long. It took us a while to have our order." Malakel greeted Gala and Leona. "No worries. We just arrived ourselves. Same situation." Gala remarked. "There they are! Equirel! Here!" Tamael raised his hands and waved while shouting at us.
---*
"That is one premium fried chicken for you to take that long. Haha" "You joke Tamael, you don't believe what happened earlier." "Son, it is bad luck to share predictions of shamans. Even if they were scammers." Dad cut me off before I told Tamael what happened.
"Sorry. I guess I can't tell you Tamael. Haha" "Huh! No fair!" "Let us eat our food before it becomes cold." Malakel added.
"I found a good spot earlier. I hope the table is not yet occupied." Gala spoke hopefully.
---*
"So, uncle, I know it's a secret. But what is the job of a seer really?" Gala respectfully asked my father a straight question. "Ah, since we are enjoying the festivities. I advise the Elders sometimes on what to do. Especially on difficult situations." Daniel replied "Wow. Uncle that is some job you got there! Why did father not tell me?" Malakel was surprised. "Because it wouldn't be a secret if he told everybody. Haha" "Hahahaha. That's a nice one, Uncle Daniel. Hahaha!" Leona shouted happily. "Muscle heads will be muscle heads, huh." Gala playfully teased Malakel. "Wouldn't that make Leona dumber since she's stronger than me physically? I mean muscle means strength, right? Hahahaha!" Malakel good-humoredly teased Leona in return. "Malakel!!!" Leona shouted angrily while her cheeks turned red. "Hahahaha" everyone of us laughed.
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"Magna, bring me my shield. I would practice my swings since we have nothing yet to do." Natasha ordered as she twirls her gladius sword while sitting in a granite square chair. "Do not worry, Elder Michael will be arriving soon since it was reported that the Makers have returned to their heavens." Laiossel told Natasha. "Better Elder Michael sees us doing something rather than standing here malingering." "Why would Natasha, the Princess of Weapons, be practicing her blade at a time like this. You should know twirling one's gladius have meanings." "And those are?" "First showmanship and skill, you're showing you're an expert. Second, intimidation – now what comes next is important - it suggests that the wielder is confident even in the face of death. One would assume you also should know that since you mastered every templar and domcrean weapons there is in Bastion." "You really know you're stuff Laios. Like a stalker trying to know everything from a lady he fancies. Haha." "Hahaha. Well, I don't know about you, but you seem pretty nervous to me. Did Elder Michael tell you something?" "No, instinct my friend. This is instinct. Something bad is coming." "Don't worry about your son. If something happens to you; I will personally recommend him to Elder Michael to become his student. You see… I'm not a good teacher. A lot of bad habits, you know." "What do you mean, you are the second strongest blue lightning user in all of Underhaven." "You know Natasha as your senior, I should tell you. It takes more than talent to teach the young ones. Most kids tend to assume they're immortals." "Ah. I see. Because of that... Laios, that was out of your control. Many unprecedented things happen on war. I might not have been there. But war is the same in any era. Unpredictable." "Natasha, you weren't there. I could have saved him. If only I ---" "If only, this or that. I don't mean to be insensitive. Focus on the present my friend. How many templar young bloods you could save if you started teaching again. Starting this day." "You're young Natasha. But I tell you my hands shake and my breathing becomes hard whenever I remember such things."
Crack! Crack! Boom!
"Elder Michael, welcome to the reserve force's camp!" Natasha and Laiossel stood straight in attention and greeted Elder Michael synchronously.
"How's the white flame's contingency legion doing, Natasha?" "Ready, whenever you give your order elder!" Natasha replied immediately.
"And how's the blue lightning's contingency patrols, Laios?" "Nothing out of the ordinary elder!" Laiossel replied the same way.
"Good! We will divide the blue lightning contingency legion to guard even the vertical shafts. The rest will divide themselves into the 1st to 4th entrances. The white flames would guard the mantle. Do not worry. I already called for other blue lightning and white flame forces as back up. They would arrive the next 4 days." "Why that long elder?" Natasha turned pale as if shocked by the order. "I have ordered the rest of the blue lightning legions to divide themselves to secure the 1st to 4th entrances and to scout the entire convergence rim for possible artificially made entrances. Since the entrances are near each other, it is easier to guard. I focused most of our legions on the backend areas where unobvious drilled entrances could be made."
"How about the other Elders' legions elder?" Laiossel asked Elder Michael. "They did the same, most of the elder forces are scattered in the backend areas. We decided, if we were attacked, it would come from behind since elemental energy of domcreans cannot overpower divine energy of templars in a head on battle. But Elder Abaddel's Golden Black Flames Legion will be transferred from the backend areas to the Mantle. They will also arrive by four days same as the rest of the White Flames Legions. Most likely, if there is an attack it would be on a Sunday when all of us are tired from the festivities and patrols."
"If you don't mind me asking again elder, what about our allied noble creatures? Were they also sent to the backend areas?" Laiossel hesitantly asked Elder Michael again. "Yes, Laios." "Wouldn't it be a problem if the Mantle and the 4 entrances would be unexpectedly attacked." "Yes, it would really be a problem. Since our enemies' capabilities are unknown." "Then why?" "We would take the risk, we do not know how advanced their tech and the 1st, and the 2nd most powerful clan legions will be guarding the Mantle in the next 4 days. We just pray that such things won't happen."
"So, are we already sure that we will be attacked?" Natasha asked Elder Michael concerned. "My instincts are always right. We stand by it. They will attack. The question is when, where, and how many?"
"If they attack before the 4th day, hold out as much as you can and communicate through the cloud whales if digital communications are down. Those are faster than the analogs." Elder Michael stated. "By the way, Elder Abaddel, will be stationed with you at the Mantle, Natasha. To minimize the trouble if indeed they are stupid enough to attack from the front. Is that good?" Elder Michael further added. "Yes Elder. Thank you!"
"Elder will the regular armies of the minor tribes also participate?" Natasha curiously asked Elder Michael. "Some of them, we also want the people to celebrate during the festivities so the regular armies will guard the main cities and the villages near the Aquea entrances and vertical shafts. Some will be stationed here at the Mantle and the 4 entrances." "That's a relief. Thank you elder!" "Don't worry we will never underestimate our enemies. We will make them regret the fact that they thought of invading Underhaven in the first place.
"That was some nice speech there, Michael." "Abaddel, good timing. Some of them are fearful that most of our forces will be stationed at the backend areas. I reassured them that you, 'The Lord of the Abyss', are here. Haha." "You jest. Don't worry pargons. I'll fight with you guys in case they attack here. Elder Uriel's legions will be transferred to the backend areas and mine here. Since lightspeed legions can back us in shorter time, even if they are far, unlike mine. So, it is better that my legions are here."
"Yes, Elder!" Natasha and Laiossel replied in unison.