MLIII C1, P1- "Divine Devotion"

"Divine Devotion" is the first Part of "Miracula Luxia III" 's first Chapter, as well as the very first Part of the entire Story overall.
It was released on 15.10.2021.
== Plot ==
Ever since Jared saved the world from an unspeakable evil, the world has been a much better place to live in. No enemies have been bothering the innocents. The normal life continued shortly after the end of the ultimate threat. And, most importantly, all the heroes of the world were finally able to rest from their ordeals.
However, it is clear that this story is far from its true ending. Even though the evil has been defeated, its absence is only temporary. Soon, it will rise again... and it will be up to our heroes to stop it when the inevitable finally happens.
Meanwhile, Adam Kaos, Jared's first and only son, has finally managed to graduate from the Academy of War and Magic in Thais- perhaps the most esteemed school in the entire world. After studying in the school for many years, he can finally make his dream become a reality.
Dressed in beautiful and stylish clothing which few commoners are able to afford, he approaches the stage where the rest of his classmates are standing.
One of them notices him as soon as he is close enough. He approaches him and shakes his hand.
"I'm very proud of you, Adam."- He says to him- "You're the best. I'm sure none of those people can get on your level of both skill and smarts."
He smiles.
"I've heard that you're going to become an adventurer as soon as all of this is over."- He continues- "Good luck on that. I hope that you can find what you're looking for."
Adam smiles back.
"Thank you very much."- He responds- "I also wish you good luck in... whatever you are planning to do."
The student nods, smiles again and joins his classmates.
Adam sees that the academy's principal is approaching them. He stands on an empty spot and prepares for the ceremony.
"Adam, I... I'm so nervous."- One of his female classmates whispers to him- "Is this really the end of our studies? Do I really have to go out there and make a name for myself? Ugh. I'm so unsure!"
Adam turns around and smiles.
"It is okay. I know how it feels to be in a place like this. A place where so many people are going to watch and judge you at the same time."- He says to her- "But do not be scared. As my father once said, this is just a simple event that will last for a lifetime. Once it is over, all we can do is remember it in a good light. Reminisce the memories that we made along the way. As for the future that you have to face soon, there is nothing to be afraid of. Sure, it may look scary, but this is just the way of the world to stop you from believing. Keep on shining and many good things will happen. Trust me."
His classmate smiles sadly and nods.
"Thank you, Jared."- She says, now much calmer than she was a few moments ago- "I hope that you're right about this."
Adam nods, pats her on the shoulder and turns around just as the guests enter the room and sit on the empty chairs below the stage.
Meanwhile, the principal takes his place as well. He whispers something to some of the students.
Finally, he approaches Adam and carefully pulls him aside for a moment.
"I'm sorry for ruining your good mood for today child, but I have something important to tell you."- He whispers to him, making sure that nobody else hears their conversation- "Your uncle and aunt contacted me an hour ago. They said that they need to see you after the ceremony. Personally."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Why do they want to see me?"- He whispers- "Is something wrong."
The principal shrugs.
"To be honest, I'm not sure."- He whispers back- "All that they said is that it's very urgent and that you need to go there as soon as possible."
He nods.
"That is all."
Adam joins his classmates once again.
"What did the principal tell you?"- One of his classmates asks him- "Was it important?"
Adam decides that it is not wise to share his family's troubles with people that are not part of it. He quickly thinks of a lie... even though he is not very good at them.
"He wanted to congratulate me for the good work. The only reason he pulled me aside is because he wanted to give me a... special reward as soon as the ceremony is over. For my hard work throughout the years."- He replies- "Nothing really special. I promise."
His classmate seems to believe it.
"Oh, he wanted to give you something? That is... great, I guess."- He says, feeling a bit jealous of him- "Thanks for the answer."
Adam nods and looks back just as the principal starts to speak.
"Students. Today is the day when you shall finally graduate. When you will finally be free to do whatever you want and go wherever you want."- He begins- "As the principal of this little school, I am proud that I've held this role for so many years and I am glad that I have all of you as my students. It has been an honor for me to accept you into our academy and it brings tears to my eyes whenever I think about you and the fact that you will never return."
He wipes a tear from his eye and smiles.
"But don't let that make you sad. We might be separated from each other, but our bonds will surely remain... even when we're not here, in this place."- He continues, hoping to comfort his students in this pivotal moment of their lives- "Let's get this show on the r-- "
But he does not have the chance to finish his sentence. As soon as he approaches his students, the door leading towards the room is forcefully opened.
When everyone turns around to see who has just arrived, they gasp and take a step back.
It is a demon. A massive pillar of of flesh, muscle and bone, it only lives to lay destruction upon those that it considers its enemies. Which is almost anything and anyone in this world, even his own allies from time to time.
The fearsome creature bares its teeth and glares at everyone in the room, terrifying them.
"Is... is this a demon?"- A woman in the crowd says.
"Run for your lives!"- A man yells.
Suddenly, the entire room is engulfed by total chaos. As people try to run away from the scene, the demon begins to incinerate everything in its path.
The students grab their weapons and attack the creature, but they are easily defeated.
Adam and the principal stare at the massive beast in horror, realizing that the situation is much more dire than they had anticipated.
"This is bad."- The principal exclaims- "We must do something!"
Adam draws his weapon and glares at the demon, ready to strike as soon as he gets the chance.
"Leave it to me, sir."- He says- "I will handle this."
The principal looks at Adam. He looks horrified.
"All alone?"- He says- "Don't do this, my boy! Let the authorities do their job! I'm sure that they can handle this!"
Adam shakes his head.
"I appreciate your concern, sir. But this is not the right time to stand back and be afraid of the inevitable."- He responds- "Even though the authorities can handle this lone demon, it will take a long time for them to arrive. By then, it is certain that the creature will wreck havoc upon most, if not the entire, room and kill most of the people here."
He takes a step forward.
"I will not let this happen!"- He yells and charges.
The principal watches helplessly as Adam attempts to put the demon out of its misery and cowers in fear as he is thrown against a wall. Even though he is the leader of this school, he has no magical abilities or skill in swordplay (unlike the teachers in this school) and he is unable to do anything when something bad happens.
Even though he is terribly outmatched by his opponent, Adam does not give up. He continues to fight back, striking the creature with his sword and protecting himself with a magical shield.
But it is clear that he will not be able to do any damage whatsoever without exploiting the demon's weakness first.
"Demons are creatures of the dark."- He says to himself- "Thus, it is certain that they are weak against Light. And that is my primary element, so I should be able to do something. There must be a way to end this once and for all."
He looks at the massive demon. It bares its teeth at him.
"But what can I do?"
He looks at his weapon for a moment. Then, he realizes that there is indeed something that he can do."
"Wait a second. This... this is it!"- He continues- "Recently, I learned a spell that enhances the power of my weapon. I might be able to use it now!"
In a few moments, he casts a spell and infuses his weapon with the element of light.
Even though the enchantment is temporary, it will give Adam the chance to turn the tables of this battle.
"Prepare to die, vile fiend!"- He yells and swings the holy weapon at its enemy.
At last, his attacks are finally able to do real damage to the demon. It howls in pain as the sword pierces its body and weakens it with every successful strike.
Meanwhile, the principal continues to watch the battle between good and evil. 
He smiles.
"I see it now, Jared. I finally realized what you meant. When you sent your child to our academy, your only goal was not just for us to educate him."- He says to himself- "You sent the boy here because you wanted him to become a hero, just like you. Well, I hope that you're proud, because your wish has been granted."
With a final, devastating blow, Adam slices the demon's head and ends its life.
"You did it. Congratulations!"- The principal says and shakes its hand- "You saved the academy! You saved us all!"
Adam smiles and nods.
"It is an honor for me to help people, especially ones as close as you."- He responds- "So. Where is everyone else?"
The principal looks around and shakes his head.
"They left."- He says, angered by his students' betrayal- "As soon as you took the matter in your own hands, they decided that it's not worth risking their lives and ran away."
Adam shakes his head.
"Cowards."- He mutters and looks down.
The principal places his hand on Adam's shoulder and smiles.
"But there are still some people here."- He continues- "A few brave souls who decided to stay behind and support you when you needed them the most."
As the rest of the crowd emerges from their hiding spots, they cheer for Adam.
"See? They're proud of you."- The principal says- "And so am I."
Adam nods.
"I appreciate your support. I really do. But there is still one thing that troubles me."- He says- "Now that the inevitable has happened, is the ceremony going to continue?"
The principal shakes his head.
"We can save it for another day. Sometime when the chaos is over and the world returns to its normal state."- He says- "However, I feel like you have important things to do. So, we will continue the graduation ceremony, but only with you."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"But why?"- He asks him- "I thought that all of the students wanted to graduate!"
The principal sighs.
"Oh, they'll graduate. But not today."- He says- "It has been an eventful day and I want to give you the freedom that you deserve."
He turns to the small crowd and begins to speak.
"Citizens of Thais. Or... whoever is still here, that is."- He says- "Today, we have gathered to send away our academy's most prominent student. Our most honorable warrior. The most clever artisan. The young hero who selflessly protected us from evil, risking his own life to ensure our safety. Adam Kaos!"
The crowd cheers as the principal turns to Adam.
He gives him a small diploma, made of the finest papyrus the kingdom has to offer.
"Adam. All this time, you have proven yourself to be a skilled warrior. A competent mage and healer. A caring classmate and student. And, most importantly, a valiant hero."- He says- "But today, you did the impossible. You defeated a powerful creature that even our most competent warriors have struggled against. You showed us that you are an independent soul, who is capable of doing anything, no matter how dangerous it may be. And I am sure that the rest of the world will think the same way."
He bows to him.
"Thank you for your service. Thank you for the dedication that you showed and the people that you saved."- He continues- "Sure. There is still a long road ahead of you. But we are certain that you're going to handle everything that is thrown at you. Every enemy that you face along the way and every obstacle that prevents you from reaching your goal... whatever it may be. For your service, I grant you this small, but significant diploma. It is proof of your skill, of your dedication and endless desire to help everyone. But I am sure that it will just be a mere parchment in the hands of someone as legendary as you. Your abilities alone will be the true proof that will show everyone that you can be their savior. Their star in a dark night."
He bows again.
"We... we will never forget you."- He says, barely holding back his tears- "Please remember us when you're on your way. Think about the things that we experienced together and remember that we care about you. That... that is all."
Adam nods and smiles.
"As I said before, it is my honor to help the people in need. No matter who they may be, I am always eager to do that others hesitate to even think about, cowardly as they are."- He says- "However. Even though I am a hero and a savior, I am nothing more than all of you. In your eyes, I may be a legend, but in reality, I am just a commoner. A commoner with exceptional abilities who is not afraid to do what is right. Still, I will keep my promise, no matter how bad it gets. I will protect the people of this world. I will hone my skills and become stronger. And, when the time finally comes, I will take the road towards my destiny and become what I have always been meant to be."
He smiles again.
"But all those good deeds are not done just by me."- He continues- "Sure. I may be the primary catalyst of your salvation, but there are also others who want this world to be safe. And those people... are all of you. I know how much you want to help heroes like me and I know how much you want to fight evil. Your support alone can make a hero soar to new heights. So, I should be the one to thank you, not the other way around."
The crowd cheers for Adam and applauds him.
After a long ovation, everyone bids farewell to Adam and leaves him and the principal alone in the ruins.
"Well, it is done."- The principal says- "The graduation is over and you can finally go on your way."
Adam nods and shakes his head.
"I will miss you, sir."- He says- "I will miss you and everyone in this academy. All of you have a special place in my heart and it is hard to say goodbye, but I know that it is my destiny to move on. So, farewell. I hope that I can see you again sometime in the future."
The principal nods and smiles.
"Believe me, my boy, I'll miss you even more."- He responds- "For all these years, you were like a son to me. Such a kind, caring child who learned everything so fast. You're the pride of both me and the entire academy. It's sad that I must send you on your way, but I know that you will be in a better place."
He wipes a tear from his right eye.
"You, my boy, are a painter and the rest of the world is your massive canvas."- He continues- "Now go. Paint it with the colors of your life, the colors of hope and happiness, and breathe life into the soulless piece of rock that we call our world. Stay safe and good luck!"
Having said that, he leaves the room as well, leaving Adam alone.
"It is time."- Adam says to himself, excitedly grasping his diploma with his right hand- "A world of adventure awaits me. All that I have to do is reach it with my hand."
He leaves the academy and approaches the castle where his uncle and aunt reside.
A few minutes later, he enters the throne room and sees them whispering to each other.
It doesn't take them long to see him. When they do, they turn around and forget what they were talking about.
"So. You finally came."- John says- "The principal informed you about the new threat, didn't he?"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"A new... threat?"- He asks him- "He only told me that it was urgent!"
John sighs and shakes his head.
"It doesn't matter. You are here and that what's important right now."- He continues- "As you may know, dear nephew, there are demons in this city. Vile creatures who secretly reside in the dark tunnels below us and make a plan that will end with our defeat. They attack the citizens of our kingdom, hoping to weaken us before the real attack."
Adam nods.
"But what can I do?"- He asks- "I just graduated. I may be capable, but I am not that capable."
Uma looks at her husband and shakes her head. Even though she does not say anything, it is clear that she is not happy with John's decision.
"I understand. This situation is too confusing for someone as young as you."- John says- "Maybe I can send you on an easier mission instead."
Adam looks at his uncle. Enthusiasm sparkles in his beautiful, light blue eyes.
"There is another way for me to redeem myself?"- He says- "It does not matter what it is. I am ready!"
John notes his nephew's enthusiasm. He nods.
"Recently, we had some worrying reports of a large ship getting close to the perimeters of Sucia Island to the west. Some members of our navy saw how they landed on that huge chunk of land. They waited for them for days, but they never returned."- He says- "Then, we received another report that the Geneforge was activated. It seems like someone is trying to use it... and this is not good."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"The Geneforge and Sucia Island?"- He says- "Wasn't the island supposed to be Barred because of it?"
John nods.
"Indeed. And it still is, even though hundreds of years have passed."- He responds- "Still, this doesn't stop foolhardy explorers to explore it and try to uncover its secrets."
He leans close to Adam.
"Even though the humans who stepped on the island looked like ordinary explorers, I have a very bad feeling about this."- He says- "All of the mercenaries who were available to me are either on their respective missions, missing or, in the worst case scenario, dead. The few people whom I still have left are not capable enough to handle such an arduous task and I fear that you may be the only one who can solve this mystery."
Uma looks at him. She is horrified by the fact that her husband is going to send her nephew on a dangerous mission by himself.
"This is madness!"- She yells- "John, no matter how urgent this may be, there is no need for us to send this poor child towards his possible doom! It's too dangerous and I refuse to let him leave!"
John looks at his wife and sighs.
"Relax, Uma. I know that you're worried, but he's not going to be alone."- He says and claps his hands.
In a few seconds, two people join them in the throne room.
One of them is dressed in bright red robes- a sign that he possesses the element of Fire. And the other- bright yellow robes, the signs of someone with the element of Thunder.
"Adam, I'd like you to meet your new allies."- John says to his nephew- "The man to the left is Donovan. A skilled mage with innate abilities in the element of Fire who has proven himself on the battlefield. And the lady to the left is Sharla. A talented mage and healer who wields the element of Thunder and uses it to smite her enemies."
Donovan and Sharla salute him.
"It is an honor for us to help a hero like you, Adam."- Donovan says- "We are at your service."
Adam nods and smiles.
"Welcome to the team, my friends."- He says and shakes their hands- "I am sure that we are going to do great!"
Sharla nods and smiles back.
"We hope so, too."- She says and turns to her companion- "Right, Donovan?"
Donovan nods.
"Of course."- He responds- "We will be a great team. I am sure of it."
Pleased that his nephew is getting along with his new allies, John nods and smiles.
He turns around and looks at his wife. She seems to be surprised.
"See, my love?"- He says to her- "Adam is never alone. I will never let him embark on such an arduous adventure without any help whatsoever. He will return safe and sound, I promise."
Uma nods, still unsure whether she can trust Donovan and Sharla.
"Yes."- She says- "My dear nephew. I hope that nothing bad happens to him."
John nods.
"And so do I."
He turns around and notices that Adam is prepared to go.
"I can see that you feel enthusiastic about your first task."- He says to him- "Are you ready to go?"
Adam nods.
"Yes!"- He exclaims- "Bring it on! I am ready!"
John nods and smiles.
"Very well."- He says- "Now, go to the docks at the west edge of town. There, you will find a small boat. Its purpose is to carry the three of you to the island and back, hopefully without breaking and trapping you there forever. Use it wisely, because it's the only transport that we can offer."
Adam nods.
"It does not matter."- He responds- "Rickety or not, it is still a boat. And I will use it to complete this task."
He looks at them and smiles.
"Uncle John. Aunt Uma. When you took me in, you wanted to see me become a hero. A fearless adventurer who explores the unknown and slays evil along the way."- He says to them- "Well, today is the day when I can finally redeem myself. Thank you for trusting me. I will not let you down."
Uma breaks down in tears. She stands up from her throne, runs up to her nephew and hugs him.
"I didn't want this to happen. I wanted to keep you safe, but the world is taking you away from us."- She says, crying- "Please, my dear. Please stay safe. Me and your uncle want you to be back as soon as possible. Don't give up! Keep fighting!"
Adam hugs his aunt back.
"I love you, aunt."
Uma nods and smiles.
"Me too, my dearest nephew."- She says and kisses him on the forehead- "Farewell."
John stands up and approaches his nephew. He puts his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Whatever happens next, remember that we'll never be far away from you. We will always support you and motivate you to do the right thing."- He says- "There may be a long road ahead of us, but we'll always be here for you. Keep that in mind."
Adam nods and turns to his new allies.
"It is time, my friends."- He says- "Let us begin our exciting journey!"
Donovan and Sharla nod.
"Lead the way, young hero."- Donovan says to him- "We are ready."
About an hour later, they reach the docks. There, they find a single guard standing next to the boat, guarding it from intruders.
"Ah. You're finally here."- He says and shakes Adam's hand- "It's so nice to see that you're safe."
Adam nods.
"It is the same for me, brave warrior."- He responds- "Is the boat ready?"
The guard nods.
"Indeed."- He says- "It's still a bit rickety, but it should take you there in no time."
Adam nods and looks at his allies.
"We can go whenever you are ready."- He says to him- "Bid farewell to your families, if you want. I do not want you to have any regrets."
Donovan nods.
"We already did."- He responds- "There's no need to do it twice."
Sharla looks at Adam. She seems to be worried.
"What about you, dear?"- She asks him- "Aren't you going to bid farewell to your family?" 
The mention of Adam's family brings tears to his eyes. However, he quickly wipes them off and looks down.
"They... they will be fine."- He mutters- "Do not worry about it."
Sharla nods.
"As you wish."- She says- "So. Are you ready?"
Adam's eyes light up. He nods.
"Of course!"- He exclaims and enters the boat- "It is time for adventure!"
Donovan and Sharla stare at each other. In their time as royal mages, they have never seen someone so enthusiastic, so energetic and filled with hope.
They shake their heads and enter the boat as well.
"Farewell, heroes."- The guard says to them- "I wish you a good journey!"
Adam nods and smiles.
"Thank you."- He says and drives off into the mist ahead.
It takes them a few hours, but they finally reach Sucia Island.
As Adam navigates the boat towards the nearest docks, Sharla gets worried.
"I've got a bad feeling about this, everyone."- She says.
Donovan looks at her.
"Why so?"
She turns around.
"Don't you see? We're out in the open."- She says- "We are a prime target for nearly everything. The hostiles can easily ambush and attack us. It doesn't matter if it's humans or aquatic beasts. We're in danger."
Donovan sighs.
"Oh. That is what you're worried about?"- He asks her- "Come on, Sharla. It won't be that bad. I'm sure of it."
He smiles.
"Plus, His Majesty did not send us on this mission to complain about how scary it is."- He adds- "He sent us to help this young hero. And that's what we intend to do."
Sharla nods, but doesn't say anything. She silently watches the lands ahead of them.
Meanwhile, a few people step on the docks and stare at our heroes. Their hands are close to their weapons.
"Who are they?"- Adam says- "Do you think that they are friendly?"
Donovan takes a good look at them and notices something that they did not see before. 
"Look at this."- He whispers to Adam- "I have a feeling that something is wrong."
A few moments ago, their weapons were not drawn. However, now that they know who is approaching them, they are.
"I told you!"- Sharla says- "Those people are going to kill us!"
Donovan looks at Adam. He sees the enthusiasm in his eyes and notes that he is not afraid.
"So."- He says- "What shall we do? Things might get pretty bad for us, but I think that I'll let you decide."
Adam glares at the people ahead of him. It seems like he already has an answer to Donovan's question.
"Get ready, everyone."- He says to Donovan and Sharla- "I can see that there is no other way past those fools. It seems like the only way to reach the docks... is by fighting our way through."
Slowly and carefully, he navigates the small boat towards the docks.
"We are ready."- He mutters and prepares for the inevitable- "Bring it on, strangers."