Spiritual Gala

Three months had passed since Al first set foot in Robert's advanced cultivation room. With every breath he inched closer to the Upper Trigram of the Physical Domain. 

"Just a little more, and I'll breach the threshold," Al murmured, fixating on channeling his Heat Will with unwavering focus. The room's mixture of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen in the air, each inhalation causing a cascading overflow of his Heat Will.

His skin was saturated with his Heat Will, a result of his relentless progress.

Al, now past 60 years old, had mastered the art of detachment. No longer wrestling with intrusive thoughts, he seamlessly melded his focus, breaths, and cultivation into an unbroken rhythm.

A distinctive 'pop!' resonated within his body, a precursor to a loud 'gulp,' it sounded like water being drained. Abruptly, the concentrated Heat Will on his skin began pouring into the vast expanse of his body which felt like an enormous cauldron. 

His skin began secreting a slick, oily substance, marking the triumphant breach of his Heat Will into the Upper Trigram of the Physical Domain of the Mortal Chasm.

While Al steadily cultivated his Heat Will a special event was occurring in the corner of New Ark City. 

An imposing French Gothic cathedral stood out, a rare anomaly amidst the organic metal structures that defined the cityscape. Within the hallowed halls of the limestone sanctuary, a banquet was drawing to a close.

Seated at a round table closest to the altar, Elissa found herself staring at a buffet of meat and fruit along with gemstones. 

To her left was seated Asoto' Tinneus, an imposing figure standing at a formidable 8 feet. His muscular frame, adorned with blue skin and a cascade of white hair, represented the distinctive features of the Tonovian people—minorities in the bustling metropolis of New Ark City. On her right sat Robert Sullivan, the seasoned architect responsible for crafting the intricate design of the advanced cultivation room.

"I understand cultivators have no need for sustenance, but you really should indulge in these lamb chops," Robert suggested, lifting a succulent piece before taking a hearty bite, the rich juices staining his lips. Elissa was about to respond when Asoto' interjected, his voice cutting through the air.

"Don't pay him any mind, Elissa. If you're aiming for growth and strength, try some of this Peridot," Asoto' suggested, lifting an olive-green crystal stone about the size of a chicken. He bit into it with a ferocity matching Robert's earlier display, leaving his lips tinged with a dusty green hue.

"I appreciate the offer, both of you, but I'll have to pass. After years without eating, the sensation of food entering my stomach takes some getting used to," Elissa explained, picking up a chalice. 

"Wine, on the other hand, well, that's a different story." She exclaimed with a with a wry then downed the entire cup of wine in one swift motion, leaving her lips stained a deep red.

Asoto' and Robert exchanged wide-eyed glances before erupting into laughter, a levitating metal sphere with two arms quickly came to refill her chalice. The table Elissa was seated in was comprised of Tonovians familiar with Asoto' and old scientist closely associated with Robert Sullivan.

Together, Robert, his dedicated team, and Loh' Polieus a Tonovian prodigy had created A.R.M. (A. Real. Man.), a deity forged from the amalgamation of Human and Tonovian technology. 

A.R.M., in a miraculous turn, had created New Ark City in a single night and laid the foundation for the H.E.R.O. (Helping. Evolve. and Respect. Organisms.) program.

Robert realized that the sciences had been passed on to greater minds like A.R.M. and the H.E.R.O. program. Still seeking mysteries to uncover, Robert delved into the spiritual realms, birthing the People's Gauntlet the system for admitting Spiritual Institutions into New Ark City.

The Gala held in the grand cathedral marked the celebration of Roberts decision, drawing representatives from all 14 of New Ark City's Spiritual Institutions. 

The purpose of the gathering was to nurture friendly debate, bringing together minds from diverse spiritual backgrounds.

As the feast unfolded, Elissa, fueled by a few bottles of wine, found herself listening to the lively discussions that echoed through the hallowed halls.

As the attendees began to mingle, filling the cathedral with a vibrant hum of conversation, the scientist seated next to Robert rose from their seat. On the other hand, Robert remained seated, observing the unfolding scene with a calm, serene smile.

Seeing Elissa listening to the surrounding discussions Robert spoke up. "Elissa, why don't you take a stroll around? It might offer you a deeper insight into your own cultivation." 

Elissa, her cheeks now rosy and warm, smiled in response. "I don't see any cultivators?" she remarked, casting a discerning gaze around the room to confirm her observation.

Robert chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I think a few of these institutions will surprise you," he teased. 

Elissa narrowed her eyes, her skepticism evident, but she couldn't help breaking into a wide smile. "I can't remember the last time I had such good wine," a note of genuine pleasure in her voice. Robert laughed, content that his guest was enjoying the festivities.

With a graceful motion, Elissa stood up, and placed her hands on her flushed cheeks and the ran her hand through her black hair. 

She wasn't in her usual light armor instead she was wearing a striking black and gold dress. Sections of the fabric were made of glass, exposing her waist and accentuating her curves, adding an air of elegance to her presence.

Elissa had barely taken a few steps when she felt a tug on her hand. Turning, she found Yulia pulling her hand with an inquisitive expression. 

"Elissa? What are you doing here? Don't tell me you've joined a Spiritual Institution that isn't the Hidden Hand," Yulia questioned, a note of concern in her voice. 

Elissa grinned and shook her head. "No, it's nothing like that... I was just curious about the wine they serve here," she admitted shamelessly.

As the two conversed, the cathedral abruptly fell silent. All heads suddenly turned towards the entrance, where a tall woman clad in red and gold armor made a grand entrance. Her face was concealed by a helmet adorned with a gold crown.

Accompanying her was a 7-foot-tall skeleton, donned in military armor—a familiar sight to Elissa. The sudden hush gave way to a chorus of murmurs mostly revolving around the fact that they were two of the top 10 Heroes in New Ark City.

Yulia's whispered, "Red Queen and Death Mark. If the Rosy-Cross has arrived, the Spiritual Gala has officially begun."

Observing the crowd forming around Red Queen and Death Mark, Elissa reflected "Now that I think about it, those are the only Heroes here. I wonder if Hero Death Mark remembers me,"

Returning to her table, Elissa joined Asoto' and the three Tonovians who accompanied him. Curious, she questioned Asoto': "Why don't you four mingle in with the rest?"

Asoto' turned to the Tonovian beside him and said, "Go on Goeh'. Explain it to the little lady." 

The Tonovian named "Goeh'" then responded, "Our 'Stone to Dust Lodge' and 'Breaking Dream Lodge' are not applicable to surface humans. Our food differs not only physically but spiritually from yours.".

Elissa's eyes swelled with interest. "Can you at least tell me how? Don't we all share the same breath, which is the essence of spirit?" She kindly asked.

The Tonovian shook his head and picked up a small gemstone which he tossed into his mouth. "It's simple. You do not live off the mineral world like we do, and you do not slumber for years like we do," he explained, munching on the gemstone with a proud grin.

Elissa seized her chalice and snapped her fingers promptly a small metal sphere refilled her chalice with wine. After downing her drink, she was taken aback to find Red Queen standing alone beside the group of Tonovians.

With a flourish, Red Queen removed her helmet, revealing a pale woman's face with fixed fiery red hair. "Goeh' Tahleow, have you still not accepted the fact that the Rosy-Cross is the only hope for your people?" she addressed the Tonovian who had spoken to Elissa. 

Goeh' bristled with visible irritation. "What do you know about the struggles of my people? Our traditions are the reason why we have survived to this point," he asserted. Unperturbed, Red Queen replied, "Your traditions are why you cannot walk in sunlight. Your traditions are the reason why you struggle to procreate, and your numbers do not multiply."

Goeh' let out a heavy exhale before retorting, "Do not put your nose in Tonovian affairs. We came here after losing our home because Loh' Pohlieus a champion of our people was a key founder of this nation. Not to have surface dwellers try and impose their ways onto us." 

Red Queen gave Goeh a smile filled with pity and shook her head and softly added, "You cannot live off of darkness alone without becoming an enemy of the light." With those words, she walked away, leaving Goeh' Tahleow visibly upset. Goeh turned back around and began speaking to Asoto' and the other Tonovians in their native language.

Elissa stared at Red Queen as she walked away. With a snap of her fingers, she had her chalice refilled before deciding to follow the royally decorated Hero.

As she traversed through the crowd, a familiar face suddenly appeared in front of her. 

"Hey, Elissa! Nice meeting you again. Where's your friend?" It was Carlinn Ioaniss, the black-haired monk. 

Recognizing him, Elissa responded, "Oh, hey! I remember you, Carlinn, right?" Carlinn nodded slowly with a perky smile. 

"My student Al is diligently working, so he couldn't come," Elissa explained.

Carlinn watched Elissa down her cup of wine, and noticed the dress she was wearing. Elissa, noticing his gaze, asked, "I wanted to ask you, since you're an alchemist, what is the difference between your Alchemy and our God Leaf's Alchemy?" 

Carlinn smirked and placed his palm over Elissa's chalice. When he lifted his hand, he gestured for her to drink. Elissa took a slow sip and realized, "It's water! You've turned my wine into water!" she said out loud. 

Carlinn maintained his smirk as he inquired, "It is water. Can the Alchemy known to you cultivators perform such miracles?" Elissa shook her head. 

The Alchemy taught in the God Leaf's was an inner Alchemy, designed to support the cultivation of an individual's Will.

"Alchemy for a cultivator is but a tool to identify Will and create and utilize rune stones and C-stones," Elissa explained.

Carlinn, showing familiarity with her words, added, "The Law of Seven applies to both individuals and planets. If Alchemy is the manipulation of the Law of Seven, which do you think is superior: internal-individual Alchemy or external-planetary Alchemy?"

Without hesitation, Elissa responded, "Will. I mean, what is an individual to the world but dust in the wind." 

Carlinn smiled pleased with her answer. "Correct. I will be hosting a graduating class of my Alchemical College in a month. You should stop by if you're interested in learning more," he suggested.

Intrigued, Elissa considered the invitation. "I might just do that. I've always found the interplay between Will and Alchemy fascinating," she admitted.

Elissa's focus then shifted as she peered into the cup of water in her chalice, she then turned back to Carlinn, asking, "What do you think of the Rosy-Cross and the other Spiritual Institutions here?" 

Carlinn calmly responded, "The Rosy-Cross are the remnants of the Rosicrucians. It's also the Spiritual Institution with the most Heroes. They worship and devote themselves to the service of the 5-pointed crowned king of sacrifice. Aside from them, the rest of the Spiritual Institutions are based on either the first half of the Law of Seven or the latter."

Elissa's expression sobered as she absorbed Carlinn's explanation. "5-pointed crowned king of sacrifice? I thought our God Leaf's were the only ones who understood the Law of Seven as 1, 5, 7, 2, 4, 8, 1?" she queried, her curiosity intensifying as she waited for Carlinn's reply. 

"Everyone understands portions of the Law of Seven; from it, most other Laws emanate. If you really want to know more, you should come to my college's graduating class," Carlinn suggested once more before strolling away, leaving Elissa to contemplate.

As she pondered, a realization struck her: "The rest of these institutions are based on only half of the Law of Seven... is he saying his Alchemical College, and the Rosy-Cross are the only complete Spiritual Institutions in New Ark City out of the 14?" Elissa shook off the thought before snapping her fingers to have her chalice refilled with wine.