50 - Thalassa kingdom
[Author POV].
(Author's point of view; necessary for this chapter. After you read, you'll know. Many thanks in advance.)
With a sad voice, he called to his cat, "Come, Celestia," and the mothcat leaped from the tree into his arms. She meowed, but did not move. Olivia popped out from behind the tree as soon as they turned to leave. She was sure he had seen her earlier, so she was shocked when he just walked away without saying anything. With a shrug, she left the illusionary veil and made her way back to her cave, yet something inside of her begged her to practise that Celestial Radiance.
Even though she was aware that she would never be able to attain Zenith Sovereignty's level of cultivation, she nevertheless felt compelled to give it a shot and began training in secret. She gathered ambient energy while standing with her feet shoulder-width apart and her palms pointing inward towards her chest. She quickly assumed the shadowstep stance, shifting her weight to the back foot and extending her hands in a protective manner so she could move between shadows.
She knew she could control the way her hands and feet moved—like water, like if they were dancing on the tips of her toes. Her entire body was filled with a warm sensation, as if she were floating on an unending sea of clouds devoid of any land. She was floating there in a dream she didn't want to wake up from when the cloud became transparent. The breeze caressed her hair and tickled every exposed inch of skin beneath her slender white dress, which seemed to float with the wind like a part of her soul.
She took a step forward with her front foot and, in a gesture that represented binding the opponent's soul, swept one hand in a low arc and reached upward with the other. Drop into a low crouch, hands clenching into claws, cursed energy seeping through every move as you prepare to attack. She shot to her feet, arms flung wide as though she were embracing the energy that had been collected from the surroundings for a sudden outburst. Finally, she struck a final blow to seal the soul: she stood tall, her feet together, her arms folded over her chest, and her hands over her heart to make the symbol of an inverted triangle.
She experienced life. She had the impression that she had gained new strength. She directed all of her energy towards reaching the brilliant red horizon, keeping her eyes fixated on it. Everything appeared to stop, even her heartbeat, as the sky suddenly grew dark. Every muscle in her body tensed as the world around her froze. She was using it as a form of meditation.
However, she was unaware that she was actually practicing Soulflare Combat rather than Celestial Radiance. The martial art known as Soulflare Combat focuses on using dark energy, which is used by demons and evil spirits, to unleash devastating assaults that have the power to corrupt and devour an opponent's essence. It entails complex manoeuvres that combine ferocity and fluidity, and it uses five techniques—achieved via rigorous training and mental calm—to harness the might of the demonic realm and dominate in combat.
Soulflare Burst, Cursed Form Stances, Shadowstep Manoeuvres, Soulbinding Techniques, and Dark Energy Manipulation. Practitioners of Soulflare Combat must overcome dark energy via years of training and meditation in order to reach the highest level. As a sign of recognition, they will receive a sunburst tattoo on the back of their neck. However, no one can truly achieve it, no matter how hard they practise. Their heirs are chosen by them; it is not something that someone inherits from their family. They must abide by certain guidelines in order to practise this.
Soulflare Combat has a strong emphasis on embracing one's inner darkness and using forbidden abilities. Ritualistic activities and intense physical exercise are mixed in this training to help one become attuned to the evil energies of the netherworld. In order to keep control over their own souls and fend against the dark arts' corrupting effect, practitioners need to develop mental toughness. Gaining proficiency in Soulflare Combat entails discovering hidden methods that demon fighters have passed down through the ages, each one more dangerous and powerful than the previous.
She was devastated when her practice was over; it felt like someone had taken all of her vitality. Slumping onto the floor, she attempted to regain her breath. She experienced an odd energy that gave her a sense of strength. Not only does her blood appear to boil like lava, but all seven of her chakras also seem to awaken and vibrate within her. She could hardly hold herself straight, and her head hurt. She was so exhausted from not even trying to walk within the cave that she dozed off on the plush grass beneath the leaf canopy.
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As soon as he arrived in his hamlet, Ravenshade, he heard someone calling out to him, "Ethan, come lend me a hand." He turned and faced the man wearing the same tunics, which were made of airy, light materials in an ivory colour and embellished with geometric patterns and elaborate needlework that symbolised the sunburst and the cycles of light and dark. He received a tattoo of a crescent moon on the back of his neck instead of the sunburst he had insisted on. Ethan approached him and assisted him in tying a rope around the woods.
The Thalassian people of the Thalassa kingdom reside in Ravenshade, an abandoned settlement tucked away in a valley encircled by magnificent mountains. They are farmers and nomads who mostly subsisted on forest hunting and fishing. The sunburst and crescent moon marks on the back of Thalassian people's necks give them the appearance of regular human beings. They engaged in Soulflare Combat and were adherents of the religion of Solariism. According to legend, a witch named Annalisa founded the realm of Thalassa, introducing her witch DNA into mankind via the Abyssal Winged butterfly.
People give up their memories in exchange for living in her realm. Through their wings, these butterflies are able to penetrate the bodies of individuals they bite by absorbing their memories through their ears. Devastating A winged butterfly forced them to obey; if not, it would have killed them by agony. It was Annalisa who brought this faith to her people.
The pantheon of demon gods worshipped by Thalassians each symbolises a distinct facet of evil, might, and darkness. These gods are called upon for protection, favour, and influence over worldly affairs; it is thought that they live in the shadows. Blood offerings are frequently used in Solariism rituals, in which followers sacrifice animals or, in severe circumstances, even other worshippers. These rites are performed in remote, foreboding settings, such as dense forests or ancient ruins, in the soft light of torches or the moon. The demon gods' dark energy is channelled by the terrible glyphs and runes that cover the dark robes worn by Solariism's adherents. They might also be carrying amulets and talismans with these protection and power-signifying symbols engraved on them.
The temples of Solarism are ominous buildings that are frequently off-limits to the general public. Horrible statues and paintings that show images of demonic victory and agony adorn these temples. In Solarism, human sacrifice is regarded as the pinnacle of devotion—though not all adherents carry out these drastic rituals. It is believed that offering sacrifices of one's own kind greatly appeases the demon gods, who then bestow favours or blessings upon you in exchange. Invocation rituals and dark magic are used by Thalassians to call their demon gods into the mortal world.
In order to open a channel for demonic energy, these rites entail shouting incantations in archaic tongues and creating elaborate circles and symbols on the ground. Solarism frequently creates close-knit groups of devotees who aid one another in their quest for dark knowledge. Worshippers may be organised into hierarchies, with priests and priestesses overseeing rituals and interpreting the demon gods' intentions. Festivals and holy days in the dismal calendar of Solariism indicate turning points when followers deepen their devotion to the dark entities they worship.
The first event they host is called the Blood Moon Festival, which is one of the most important in Solarism. It takes place during a unique celestial alignment when the moon appears red. Adherents think that this incident creates a gateway to the demonic domain, facilitating closer communication with their malevolent deities. They are dressed in rich red robes that represent the blood sacrifices used to placate the demons and win their favour. In order to obtain blessings of strength and protection for the upcoming year, rituals involve chanting old incantations and making blood sacrifices.
The second is the Night of Shadows, which is observed on the longest night of the year and serves as a period of introspection and rejuvenation for followers of Sunalitism. Their silver-thread-embroidered black clothing represents the fusion of moonlight and darkness. On this solemn occasion, devotees reflect on their devotion to the demon gods and look to the flickering torchlight for guidance and wisdom. The thinnest border between the demonic and mortal realms is thought to exist on this night, making it possible for powerful magical effects and prophecy to occur.
The third holiday is called Eclipse Feast, where participants congregate in remote forests or atop historic ruins during a solar or lunar eclipse. Wearing ornate robes embroidered with celestial patterns, they rejoice at the sun's or moon's fleeting decrease as a cosmic indication of the devils' rule over the skies. Offerings of rare herbs, gemstones, and perfumes thought to be beloved by the demon gods are part of the Eclipse Feast rituals. Followers hope to fortify their ties to the dark side and obtain protection from the paranormal and enlightened knowledge by making these offerings.
The Harvest of Souls is the final celebration, held at the close of the harvest season. The Thalassian people commemorate this sombre occasion by dressing in costumes decorated with dried animal bones and feathers used as sacrifices. This celebration honours the sacrifices performed to secure a bountiful crop and the bounty bestowed by the demon gods through the fertility of the ground. In order to honour the demons and secure their continuous favour in the upcoming year's agricultural endeavours, rituals involve burning effigies stuffed with herbs and spices.