---
The Celestial Hall – Origin Pantheon's Council Chambers
High above the mortal plane, beyond the reach of time and space, the gods of the Original World sat upon their thrones of starfire, crystal, obsidian, and nature. This was the Celestial Hall, where fate itself bowed to divine will.
The gods had gathered.
Not because of war.
Not because of a catastrophe.
But because of a boy.
A mortal boy.
A divine paradox wrapped in a human shell.
And at the center of the hall, projected in a shimmering pool of starlight, stood an ethereal image of Adrian.
Chronos, God of Time, was the first to speak. "The threads around him… twist and realign. Fate has shifted, unnaturally, completely. That boy is not of this world… and yet this world bows to him."
Thalios, the stoic God of War, crossed his arms. "His instincts. His presence. That aura of leadership and battlelust beneath his calm… He will be a general of chaos—or a conqueror of order. Either way, I want him as my Apostle."
But even as the male gods measured Adrian with reverence and ambition, the atmosphere on the other side of the council shimmered with something... heavier.
Solara, Goddess of Light, the matron of royalty, bit her lower lip subtly as her golden eyes took in his features. "He bears the gift I gave to the first Solis Emperor," she murmured to herself. "But this one… this one is more radiant." She blushed inwardly, imagining him grown. Tall. Regal. His eyes gleaming with her light. Would it really be that scandalous if I made him my consort? Hmph. I wouldn't mind being the Empress of Light once more…
Vesta, Goddess of Fire, shifted uncomfortably on her volcanic throne, heat radiating from her cheeks. That physique… she thought, her fingers twitching slightly. When he swung that blade, shirtless and drenched in sweat— She shook her head, clearing the image. No! Focus, Vesta… focus. But her thighs squeezed together subtly.
Aquaria, seated on a throne of swirling currents, sighed dreamily. "So... fluid," she whispered. "Every move he makes is like a dance beneath the waves." Her eyes gleamed with interest. What would he look like if I pulled him into the ocean depths with me? She let the thought swirl pleasantly in her mind.
Gaia, her eyes wise and ancient, observed with deeper feeling. "He has the earth in his soul," she whispered. "I can feel it in his step. That Elven connection… he feels like home." But even as she felt maternal warmth, her gaze lingered a little too long on his lips. Her breath hitched. Damn it, woman. Control yourself, she thought, biting her lip.
Aetheria, the aloof and powerful Goddess of Magic, leaned forward with gleaming violet eyes. "He awakened Arbiter of the Elements. My creation... my pride... my legacy..." Her smile curved with something more than pride. I could teach him... so much more. Guide him. Shape him. Claim him. Mine.
Eris, the seductive Goddess of Chaos, outright licked her lips with wild delight. "Oh, he's perfect. That little demon spark inside him... mmm, he's not like the others. He's above them. Maybe I should go give him a little kiss." She giggled. "Or a few dozen."
Nyx, the dreamy and dangerously charming Goddess of the Moon, lounged lazily on her throne of stardust. "He's divine candy," she purred to herself. "Sweet, mysterious, glowing… I wonder how he dreams at night."
And then came Seraphina, Goddess of Fate, her eyes unreadable, golden threads weaving around her like living snakes. Her voice was cool, almost too composed. "Fate sings to him. My blessing rests on his shoulders, whether he knows it or not." Her fingers curled delicately. That boy… that boy belongs with me. No matter what the others say. I will bind him with threads they cannot see and even he cannot see.
Across the chamber, Noctis, God of Shadows, simply observed in silence. Too much light on him already, he thought. He needs shadow. Silence. Subtlety. He will be my dagger in the dark.
Zephyr, the carefree God of Wind, smirked. "Poor kid. Doesn't even know he's being thirsted over by half the divine court." He chuckled, kicking his boots up. "Guess I better get in line to make him my Champion."
The room fell silent again, the image of Adrian pulsing with divine light.
Solara finally broke the silence. "Should we… offer him a path?"
Vesta's voice came, smoky and sultry. "Or a bed."
Aquaria smiled. "Why not both?"
But it was Seraphina who answered last. Her voice held finality.
"He is no longer just a boy. He is the convergence . A war is coming. And he will be the reason the power between pantheons tilt.
And whether he chooses one of us… or none of us… none here will be able to ignore him anymore.
---