[Void — Borders of the mortal world, near Zephyrios]
The four chosen ones had arrived. They were close to one another, without knowing it, and sadly, unconscious. They had drawn near to the boundary that separated the mortal world from the divine—a place unreachable to most beings in the universe.
Only the deities themselves could choose to cross this boundary and descend into the mortal world. Yet for them, it was needless, for they could be summoned by others upon the Earth.
And so, this barrier dividing the mortal realm had never known a visitor.
Meanwhile, Elyon, the god of hope, sensed that his invocation had succeeded.
He waited with both eagerness and unease. He and a gathering of gods had agreed to bring an end to the wars that had sown chaos throughout the universe.
[In the Sacred Dwelling of Hope, the residence of Elyon]
The god of hope gazed upon the boundary with fervent anticipation.
"Come quickly, dear children. Astra has need of you—I must see how my power may change what lies ahead. Will you be equal to the task? A worry that crosses my mind endlessly in these times."
Two days passed, and Elyon's guests had finally arrived at their destination—the Dwelling of Hope.
However, their arrival caused a stir within the divine realm. Since the boundary had never known visitors, it came as a surprise to the gods. Yet despite this, no deity sought to understand the matter fully.
Most of the gods were curious, yet having sensed Elyon's divine power, they grew indifferent, for they too could allow non-divine beings to enter Zephyrios.
They only found it strange that Elyon's invocation had to cross the boundary.
Some wondered why Elyon did not summon them through a contract or invocation pact, using his divinity.
only raw divine will. It was strange, almost reckless.
But for now, these curious gods would not know—only later would they realize that Elyon and his allies had taken a monumental step in the history of Astra.
[Adam's POV]
« Argh, my head… My whole body feels strange. What's happening? It's like I've been thrown into a blender and dumped onto the floor. »
After a few minutes, I think I'd regained the feeling in my body and could stand up.
With blurred vision, I look around the place, trying to remember what happened to me.
Then, a minute later, I erupted with worry, sadness, and bitterness.
"Abdi! Where is my brother?! And what happened to me? I need to get up quickly and find an explanation for all this chaos. Please let this be a nightmare."
I remembered everything that had happened… until I had slipped into unconsciousness.
I really didn't want to accept everything that had happened, but as my sight returned, I could do nothing but face my misfortune.
Before me stood a very handsome man. Even I had to admit it, yet what disoriented me was the way he looked at me—with pity and understanding.
« I wonder if he's the one to blame for everything that happened to me. If he is… What could I do in front of him ? »
I snapped out of my thoughts and began inspecting the area around me.
Because I knew I didn't have the upper hand in my current situation. All I could do was try to keep up with the flow of events.
And the place the place around me radiated an otherworldly beauty, beyond words.
A feeling of dread settled in my mind as I realized that all of this was real, despite the beauty surrounding me.
Once again, I had lost someone I cared about—my brother, gone to join my parents.
And now I was alone. The realization of it all sent me into a trance.
« Am… I alone now ? Not even a loved one left to argue with. Hahaha! How ironic—my wish to stay away from people and avoid socializing has come true in the worst possible way. Today, I regret my indifference. As the saying goes: one only understands the value of a loss after it has occurred. »
Chaos raged in my mind, a mix of sorrow and anger at my own helplessness.
Thoughts swirled uncontrollably in my mind. Where is Abdi? Why did this have to happen? Could I have done something differently? A thousand questions collided with a thousand regrets, each one heavier than the last. Every memory of us together—every laugh, every fight, every secret shared—burned like fire in my chest.
I tried to grasp at hope, but it slipped through my fingers like sand. The emptiness of his absence pressed down on me, suffocating me from within. My heart ached, my vision blurred, and a cold numbness spread through my limbs.
And then, the world fell away. Thoughts became whispers, whispers became shadows, and shadows dissolved into a void of sorrow. I sank deeper into a trance, caught between despair and disbelief, as the reality of losing him fully consumed me.
A sudden presence brushed against the edges of my mind, pulling me back from the void. I blinked, and before me stood a man whose aura radiated both power and calm.
"I am Elyon god of hope," he said, his voice gentle yet commanding. "I know what happened during your journey. It is my fault—I invoked you, yet my power was not enough. I did not account for an unexpected guest. For that, I am deeply sorry. But hear me, child… your brother would not want to see you languish in sorrow over his fate. I think he would wish for you to gather yourself, to live fully—for him, as much as for yourself."
For his declaration, I was skeptical, but I quickly realized that from his words, here, it was true from his point of view.
His identity and his feats had earned him the status of a deity—these were the gods of this world.
Yet, despite my practice of religion, I believe, and will only ever believe, in one God.
I did not refute him, but instead remained silent, absorbing the information.
His words pierced through the haze of my trance, a lifeline thrown into the sea of my despair. Slowly, the numbness began to recede, and I felt my heart stir once more. Though the sorrow lingered, a flicker of something new—something fragile, yet undeniable—took root.
I have to live fully—for him. But this so-called god… he's strange. I have no choice, haha! In a moment like this, Abdi would probably have thought about exploring the depths of the story, like in an RPG game. And that's exactly what I must do: gather information about my arrival.
Wary, I kept a neutral expression. As usual, perhaps—I think this because Abdi always told me I have a neutral facial expression. Most of the time, at least. I'm not completely expressionless; it's just that I struggle a little.
I hoped my face didn't betray me.
But for now, it was better not to show any antagonism toward this god.
"So, you're the one responsible for my situation. My name is Adam, and my brother… Abdi, who's passed. What is the purpose of my arrival? Why me? And where are we?"
In a sharp tone, I questioned him without delay, eager to learn more about this strange situation.
I was a little afraid, but I had to do it. Usually, I hated speaking to complete strangers—but here, I had no choice.
Elyon regarded me quietly for a moment, as if weighing how much to reveal. His gaze was steady, calm, and carried a weight that made me feel both small and noticed.
"You are here, Adam, because the threads of fate have drawn you to this place," he began, his voice low and measured.
"It is not a random event. Your arrival was necessary, though I admit that the power allowed was insufficient to control all variables. The power I invoked was enough for one, Adam—for you. But I did not foresee your brother forcing his way into the summoning. He reached with his body from the outside, and the weight was too much. The accident… was inevitable."
He paused, letting the words settle. "You have been chosen, not by chance, but by the needs of a universe in turmoil."
Damn it! I hate riddlers with their cryptic language. Fine, I'll play along.
In short, I've been thrown into a stereotypical isekai situation. What the hell is this mess?! The damn reality wants me dead. Can't I just live in my world like everyone else?!
Elyon's gaze held mine, calm yet unyielding. "Adam, I understand your anger and your grief," he said, his voice steady. "The accident during your summoning was unforeseen, and I take responsibility. But your brother… he cannot return. What has passed cannot be undone."
I clenched my fists. "Then what am I supposed to do? Just… sit here and mourn?"
"No," Elyon replied, his tone firm yet gentle. "You are here because Astra needs you. This world is in turmoil—not only among mortals, but among the gods themselves. You, and the other chosen ones, are the bearers of change and hope. Your task is to restore balance and protect what remains."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "You are not alone, Adam. Others have been chosen, and together, you will face the challenges ahead."
"Follow me, child. We will meet your future companions in my reception hall.
They are awake and on their way; we will see them there."
I exhaled sharply, a mix of frustration and reluctant understanding swirling inside me. I didn't like being thrown into this chaos, but… it seemed there was no turning back.
Having no choice, I realized that to survive in this world, I would need support.
And the best support was power—though, of course, other factors mattered as well.
Abdi often said while playing that we need information. And that sometimes, there is neither good nor evil, only positions.
Before, I didn't like to think too much, but today, I must be extra vigilant and show wisdom.
"No matter the obstacles, I will live my life to the fullest, big brother. I never thought I would say this, but your sacrifice will not be in vain."
With a determined mind, I followed the god. I was curious about my future companions. I wondered if we shared the same mindset.
And would we get along? I wasn't good at communicating or socializing.
This was going to be an extraordinary challenge for me.
« Big brother… if only you were here. »
Though he was introverted like me, he still managed to connect with others.
Led by the god, I followed him down a long corridor. With countless thoughts in my head, I didn't even feel like admiring the dwelling of a deity.
Something that would normally have completely captured my attention.
Knowing that I was in the presence of a god.
**** **** ****
[Reception Hall of the Dwelling of Hope]
It was a room of sheer beauty, with walls painted in shades of blue that frequently shimmered with rays of light.
The furniture was simple, yet it evoked a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Although this was the dwelling of a deity, Elyon was not ostentatious; on the contrary, he was very approachable.
This quality was reflected in him as well. Anyone invited by him would quickly feel at ease.
No windows were visible, yet the ceiling was astonishing.
A glass roof revealed an incredible view of the Zephyrios sky.
It was as if a painting of Zephyrios' starry cosmos had been installed just for admirers to marvel at it.
Any mortal entering and looking up would be breathless.The sheer beauty of Zephyrios would enchant most people.
Meanwhile, another figure was already in the reception hall.
It was a man with the same features as Elyon—or rather, his true form.
The person who had been speaking with Adam was only a spiritual projection.
The only difference was the aura that made him distinct from his clone.
To a mortal standing before him, it would be clear that they were facing a true god.
The invisible pressure radiating from him did not even need to be exerted intentionally.
Only a few mortals could stand their ground and maintain themselves in the presence of a god in their true form.
Elyon's eyes were closed—in truth, the god was in the middle of a discussion with the other chosen ones.
He had devoted a spiritual projection to each of them, guiding them to him, where they would be able to discuss their future directives.
*** ***
Elsewhere
In another chamber, Sofia Leclaire began to stir. Just like her compatriot, she was disoriented for a moment before finally managing to stand.
[ Sofia's POV ]
My head felt heavy, as if I had been submerged underwater for hours.
Slowly, I pushed myself up, my legs trembling beneath me.
Where… am I?
The walls glowed faintly, their light soft yet unsettling, as if this place existed outside the logic of the world I knew. My heartbeat raced, confusion spreading through my chest.
And then my eyes settled on him.
A man—handsome, middle-aged—stood before me, his gaze steady and filled with concern.
For a second, I froze. His presence was overwhelming, almost unreal.
Who is he? Why does he look at me like that? Did he… bring me here?
Fear and suspicion tangled in my thoughts, but I forced myself to remain calm.
My voice sounded cold and detached.
It was an instinctive defense whenever I faced someone who gave me a bad impression.
"Who are you? Where am I and what am I doing here?"
Questions slipped slowly from my lips, buying me precious time as I quietly inspected my surroundings.
Perhaps I would recognize the place—though I wasn't certain—but one thing was clear: I had to find a way out.
As I surveyed the place, I was struck by its splendor. Despite everything happening to me, it was a rare sight that left me momentarily awed.
I was someone who appreciated nature and could find beauty in most things, but this… this was something else entirely.
While I remained silent, the man spoke.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Elyon, God of Hope. You are in Astra, within the divine realm of Zephyrios.
You have been summoned here by my power. I know it is presumptuous of me, as a stranger, but I ask you to trust me. Is that possible, miss?"
He continued to speak.
"Up until now, I have done you no harm. Is that not a sign of goodwill? So please, have faith that I mean you no harm."
Tense, I calmed slightly at the words of the self-proclaimed god. It was true that he radiated a certain aura, yet I remained very wary.
"Alright, for now I will trust you. Please, take good care of me. I am Sofia Leclaire."
The man nodded, his expression showing a hint of relief. It seemed that one of my future companions had been difficult to handle.
Alright, I would follow him and meet these companions.
"From what he just said, this won't be easy. But damn, I'm worried about my parents. There's nothing I can do except understand the situation. Only then can I act."
I fell into step behind Elyon, my movements cautious and deliberate. Every step echoed softly in the vast corridor, amplifying my awareness of the unfamiliar space.
Though the walls shimmered with an otherworldly light, I barely noticed; my mind was occupied with questions, doubts, and the faint tension of anticipation.
He claimed to be the God of Hope, huh… I just hope this isn't some kind of hellish trial.
Elyon walked steadily ahead, his presence both reassuring and intimidating. I kept my distance, careful not to appear either too eager or too resistant.
With each step, the weight of the situation pressed down on me. I had been summoned to a world I did not understand, led by a being of immense power, and now I was on my way to meet strangers who were supposed to be my allies.
I forced myself to focus. Observing, listening, thinking — that was all I could do for now.
**** **** ****
In another corridor not far away, another projection of Elyon walked alongside Clayton Rumray.
Clayton spoke with enthusiasm, but Elyon could clearly sense the suspicion and despair lingering in his heart.
Despite Clayton's questions about what it felt like to be divine, or how he viewed mortals, Elyon remained calm.
Finally, he spoke, aiming to dispel the distrust, though the veteran was stubborn.
"Young man, calm yourself. I sense your heart is troubled at the thought that I might be plotting against you. I will say it again: I am not your enemy."
After Elyon's words, Clayton's enthusiasm vanished. It was a deliberate move, allowing the god to reveal his true nature.
"Anyway, I cannot harm you. Even though my weapon is with me, you show no fear. What scares me more is that you might be a madman… or something beyond my comprehension."
[ Clayton's POV ]
Clayton's mind raced, a swirl of conflicting emotions. Relief at Elyon's words mingled with a lingering unease. Could he truly trust this god? The sheer presence of a being so powerful was unsettling, and yet, the calm certainty in Elyon's voice forced him to pause.
He is… different. Stronger than anyone I've faced, but not hostile. Still… I can't let my guard down. One misstep, and everything could change in an instant.
Clayton clenched his fists subtly, forcing himself to remain composed. I will watch, I will learn. Only then can I decide if this being is truly an ally… or a threat.
A sly smile appeared on my face.
It was better to take advantage of being treated well… for now.
This was no ordinary person, as he had presented himself. A god, standing before me — it was almost exasperating, especially since I had mistaken him for the Grand Boss.
"Alright, God of Hope. I can do nothing against you. I just hope I'm in good hands. You are the God of Hope, right?"
I wanted to see if he would get irritated, but a smile appeared on his face, and he gave no reply.
Was he petty? Perhaps. But then again, I wasn't the one facing an unarmed man who remained as calm as a painting.
I felt a measure of relief that he hadn't lost his temper at my foolishness.
[ A few minutes earlier, after Clayton woke up ]
A few minutes after waking, Clayton's head still throbbed with the remnants of disorientation. He sat up, eyes narrowing as he tried to take in the strange surroundings.
"Where… where am I?" he demanded, voice edged with suspicion. Elyon's projection stood calmly before him, radiating an aura of power that was both imposing and unnervingly serene.
Clayton's temper flared. "Who are you to bring me here without warning? Speak!"
In a sudden, impulsive move, he drew his weapon and aimed it directly at the god. A shot rang out, echoing sharply in the corridor—but it had no effect. The bullet passed through Elyon's projection harmlessly, leaving him unharmed and still completely composed.
Elyon remained unshaken, his calm demeanor unyielding. "I am Elyon, God of Hope. You were summoned here because Astra needs you. There is no harm intended toward you."
Clayton's fists clenched at his sides, frustration boiling over. Every attempt at confrontation, even with his gun, had failed; Elyon's serene power was untouchable, deflecting every strike, verbal or physical.
After several tense minutes, Clayton's anger burned down into resignation. He let out a grudging sigh, forcing a forced smile onto his face.
"Fine… I can't do anything against you," he muttered, though his tone tried to mimic enthusiasm. "I'll play along… for now."
Beneath the facade, Clayton's mind was still calculating, suspicious of every word and gesture. But outwardly, he projected eagerness and curiosity, masking the irritation that simmered just beneath the surface.
It was a delicate balance: appearing compliant, yet ever watchful, ready to act if the situation turned dangerous. For now, Elyon's calm had subdued him… but Clayton would not forget.
—◈—
Meanwhile, in another chamber, the circle was nearly complete; the last chosen one had awakened.
[ Hana's POV ]
My eyelids felt heavy, as though I had been trapped in a deep, dreamless sleep for centuries. With effort, I pried them open, blinking against the pale, shimmering light that filled the chamber.
Cold air brushed against my skin, and I shivered. The silence around me was oppressive, broken only by the faint rhythm of my own breathing. Slowly, I pushed myself upright, my heart pounding with confusion.
"Where… am I?" The words slipped out, little more than a whisper.
The room was unlike anything I had ever seen. Its walls glowed faintly with shifting patterns, as if painted with light itself. Every detail felt otherworldly, overwhelming, and I struggled to steady my thoughts.
And then—I noticed him.
A figure stood calmly at a distance, watching me with an expression of quiet patience. His presence radiated power, yet not the kind that crushed—it was steady, unwavering, almost… reassuring.
He spoke, his voice deep but gentle.
"I am Elyon, God of Hope. You are safe, would you be so kind as to introduce yourself, miss?"
My breath caught in my throat. A god? Summoned here without my consent? Fear mingled with disbelief, then quickly hardened into suspicion.
"I… I am Hana Takeda…Why me?" I asked, I feigned composure, letting my voice fall into a cold, detached monotone.
"What… What do you want from me?"
Yet still, I could not conceal my panic. The god took no offense, and instead left me with the last shred of courage I still possessed.
"You have been chosen by my power. Therefore, you are deemed capable of carrying out the task I am about to entrust to you."
The god spoke with seriousness, and his tone made me feel that I was in serious trouble.
Hana felt her heart pounding wildly, as if it wanted to escape her chest. Each beat echoed in her temples, amplifying the confusion and fear swirling inside her. Her hands trembled slightly, clutching the thermos like a lifeline.
Why… why is this happening? she thought, her mind racing. I live a quiet, orderly life… I plan my days carefully… I care for my parents, my garden, my little routines… And now… now I'm here, in some impossible place, with a being who calls himself a god. Am I… capable of anything?
She took a deep breath, trying to calm the panic, but the unreal beauty of the room struck her as much as her fear. Her eyes swept over the glowing walls, the shifting patterns, the soft light. Everything seemed alive, breathing around her, and she wondered if her ordinary, daily life had ever been real at all.
I must stay calm… I have to understand… but how can I, when nothing here makes sense?
Finally, I let out a shaky breath, forcing myself to step forward, even if only slightly. My voice quivered, but determination underlined the fear.
"Then… since I have no choice… I will follow you, Kamisama."
The words hung in the air, a fragile bridge between doubt and reluctant trust. Elyon's gaze remained calm, unreadable, as if he had expected nothing less.
The two walked down the corridor in silence, the four chosen ones soon to encounter one another for the first time.
Elyon, the God of Hope, had laid his plans carefully; it was time to speak, to reveal the weight of their new reality.
But in his confidence, he had miscalculated. He had underestimated the watchful eyes of his divine peers, their curiosity a force he could not fully contain.
Any moment now, one of them would make their presence felt. The carefully orchestrated meeting teetered on the edge, fragile as a candle in the wind.
And in that delicate balance, the line between order and chaos waited to be crossed—only fate knew which way it would fall.
**** **** ****
Author's Note
Greetings, travelers of Astra. I hope this second chapter has carried you deeper into the tale and left you eager for what lies ahead.
I owe you an apology for not sharing a clear schedule before.
From this point on, I will do my best to release 2–3 chapters each week. There may be moments when I'm absent, but I'll always return to guide you further into this journey.
And about the power stones—when a certain margin is reached, those stones shall serve as the beacon for me to offer an additional chapter. Think of them as the strength you lend me to keep the story alive.
Thank you for standing by this tale. Your support is the true hope that drives my pen forward.