The Paladins and Luke smiled warmly as they reunited with Charles in the Shadowfell realm. The atmosphere was relaxed, with an undercurrent of camaraderie.
"It's been too long,Uncle Charles, " Izalea said, embracing Charles.
Charles laughed, hugging her back. "I know, I've missed you guys. But I've got some news that'll interest you, especially you, Dante."
Dante raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Charles' eyes sparkled. "The Supreme Pontifex, Heliadora, wants to meet you. She's heard about your... exploits, and she's curious."
William's eyes widened. "The Supreme Pontifex? That's a big deal."
Pearl nodded. "What does she want with Dante?"
Charles shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure. But Heliadora's not someone you can ignore. She's one of the most powerful figures in the realms. She is the head of the Soleil Order, it's Queen, if you may. You can't and won't ignore her summon."
Dante's expression turned thoughtful. "I'll meet her. But what's the context? What's she looking for?"
Charles smiled. "I'll fill you in on the details. But I think you'll find the meeting... enlightening. The palace of the Supreme Pontifex is two months away by normal travel. But you guys won't be traveling normally "
He led them to the training fields where a surprise was waiting.
Seven large wolves, as big as horses were playing with Chrome and two other soldiers.
" Guys, these will be your rides. Keep them if you want to. I recommend naming them. All you need to do is call them with your Arcaneum and the most compatible one will come to you. "
"OH my God! They are huge! What are they? "Dante asked in shock. Luke was beside him gaping in shock also.
" Syncani wolves. These babies are able to synchronize with their owners and once in every six million synchronizations, a wolf is able to use some of it's owner's abilities."Thalia briefed, calling out a wolf. The wolf approached her and bowed, as if greeting her. She placed her hand gently on it's head, channeling her Arcaneum through it. It's greyish color changed into a bright orange one, representing her flames.
Izalea followed suit, her synchronization resulting in a turquoise wolf. Maru brought forth a white wolf, William a golden one, Pearl a brown one and Luke, a blood red one.
The last wolf walked over to Dante on it's own, nudged him with it's nose and locked the side of his face in a playful gesture.
"It means that he likes you." Izalea laughed.
"Well he better." Dante grinned boyishly.
He synchronized with the Syncani wolf and brought forth a purple wolf with black sharp lines on its sides.
None of them noticed the flash of surprise on Charles' face.
"OK then, since you are all set with your rides, let's get going. You have two days to prepare for the journey, including you Luke."
As they chatted, the group exchanged stories and laughter, enjoying each other's company. The tension was palpable, but it was a pleasant, anticipatory tension.
"So, when do I meet the Supreme Pontifex?" Dante asked, his eyes locked onto Charles.
Charles' smile grew wider. "I'll arrange the meeting. Let's just say... soon."
The group nodded, their faces set with anticipation. They knew that the meeting with the Supreme Pontifex would be a significant event, one that could change the course of their lives forever.
As the group dispersed, Charles kept Luke behind.
" How is your training with Theos going?" he asked.
"It's fine, I guess. It drains my power after six hours, but that is after I get an enormous power boost."Luke answered.
" Six hours?"Charles asked, surprised." It drained half of my power when I used it to kill Fester. Use it wisely because with great power comes great responsibility, Daylighter. "
" Wait, what does that even mean? "Luke's brows furrowed.
" Hurry on now. Your friends will leave you here."Charles laughed and disappeared.
***********************************
Dante leaned against the wall, his eyes fixed intently on Izalea as she began to explain the structure of the Shadowfell.
"The Shadowfell is divided into different continents just like here in the mundane realm," Izalea said, her voice low and thoughtful. "Each continent is tied to a particular aspect of the mortal world, like a reflection or an echo."
Dante nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I've heard of the six continents from Master Kairos, but I've never been there before. What's it like?"
Izalea's eyes seemed to cloud over, as if memories were rising to the surface. "It's... different. The Shadowfell is a place of shadows and darkness, but it's also full of strange beauty. The continents are like... pockets of reality, each with its own unique landscape and rules."
Dante's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Rules?"
Izalea nodded. "Yes, each continent has its own laws and patterns. Some are similar to the mortal world, while others are completely alien. And then there are the denizens of the Shadowfell – creatures that don't exist in the mortal world."
Dante's gaze drifted off, his mind working overtime to process the information. "I see. And where does the Soleil Order fit into all of this?"
Izalea's expression turned serious. "The Soleil Order is the most powerful organization in the Shadowfell. The Order rules over eighty percent of the six continents with the remaining twenty being independent downworlder countries. The Soleil Order also has seven sub divisions namely Daris, Numero, Luminari, Venatores, Veteres, Custodian and Pyropex. Each sub division has its own unique specialty with Daris' own being arcaneum usage in combat. That's why we were placed under Daris. You see, the Shadowfell was created by Angel Raziel, specifically for the purpose of housing the Order and it's vast resources but with the course of time, we multiplied, creating countries, ruled by the twenty five designated families."
Dante's eyes snapped back to Izalea's, his gaze intense. "I'm not sure I understand what that means, but I think I'm about to find out."
Izalea smiled softly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "You'll learn soon enough. Just be careful around the Supreme Pontifex. She's not someone to be trifled with."
"Yo, love birds! We need help packing,!" Luke interrupted their discussion.
Izalea hurried inside the house, sighing as she thought about her friends hopelessness with packing stuff.
Izalea stood in her cozy bedroom, surrounded by half-packed bags and scattered clothes. William, Pearl, and Dante lounged on the bed, offering suggestions and advice as Izalea hastily stuffed essentials into their backpack.
"Don't forget the water bottles," William said, his voice muffled by the pillow.
Pearl nodded. "And we should bring some rations, just in case."
Dante smiled, watching Izalea's efficient movements. "You're going to need some warm clothes, too. The Shadowfell realm can get chilly."
Izalea rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "I know, I know. I've got it covered."
As they chatted, Izalea carefully packed her whip, a small first-aid kit, and a few precious drugs. The others watched, their faces relaxed and familiar.
"I'm going to miss this place," Pearl said, gazing around the room.
William nodded. "We'll be back before you know it. And who knows? Maybe this meeting with the Supreme Pontifex will be the start of something amazing."
"You guys can come here anytime you want, after all this is over." Rena said from the doorway.
"Thank you, weapons master." Izalea smiled.
Dante's eyes met Izalea's, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Izalea's heart skipped a beat as she felt a flutter in her chest.
With a final check of their bags, the group was ready to depart. They exchanged excited glances, their faces set with anticipation for the journey ahead.
"Let's do this," Izalea said, shouldering her pack.
Together, they headed out into the portal , ready to face whatever lay ahead in the Shadowfell.