"Wake up, young one," said a mysterious voice, in a soft tone that was gentle and kind, as if it was a loving mother speaking to its child. The words echoed throughout the dimly lit, spacious room until they reached a young girl that was laid on top of a polished marble table.
As the young girl slowly opened her eyes, she was greeted by an endless night sky, dotted with countless amount of stars. She found it odd since she didn't remember much of what happened before she found herself here. She remembered Ezekiel, Bear, Tokuda, Suko, Rina, Kairi, Mia, and her were all fighting Victoria, but she couldn't remember the exact outcome of it. She immediately sat up on the marble table and realized that she was in an unknown place. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the dimly lit room, which was surrounded by walls that were covered in images unknown to her. She realized that the roof was actually made of glass, which explained why she could see the night sky as clearly as she could. At the far end of the room, there was a light that was slowly getting brighter, and she realized that the light was coming closer to her. It was a warm light, one that enveloped her in a strange feeling of good sensations.
"You have awakened, young one. You must have a lot of questions," said the light, which was still bright, to the point where the young girl had to shield her eyes. The talking light realized this, and the light began to dim until there was only a small but warm glow surrounding a woman that could only be described as breathtakingly beautiful. Astounding blue eyes that matched the color of the sea perfectly, long flowing blonde hair that looked extremely soft, dressed in an all-white dress that fit her perfectly. She had a fragrance that was like fresh flowers blooming in the spring, accompanied by all the right features and curves in all the right places. A woman that was considered perfect by many, and this young girl was one of the many that thought she was perfect.
The woman smiled kindly, and said, "My name is Tone, and I am one of the goddesses of this world, particularly the goddess of Spring." The young girl looked rather confused. "You must be very confused as to why you are here, young one," said Tone. The young girl nodded, still too shy to speak. Tone smiled, and said, "I was able to collect your soul before it floated to the heavens because I decided to make you my apprentice." The young girl asked timidly, "A-Apprentice?" Tone simply replied, "Yes, young one. I have need for an apprentice, and I see that you are quite fit for the role if I must say so, although you may not realize it yourself. What is your name, young one?" The young girl shyly responded, "A-Aqua." Tone then asked, "Aqua. A beautiful name. Now, what is the last thing you remember?" Aqua twiddled her thumbs and shyly said, "F-F-Fighting Victoria w-with Ezekiel and the others." Tone thought for a moment, then said, "I see. Oh, please hold for a moment. I have an announcement to make."
Tone got out what appeared to be a microphone, although Aqua thought it was a godly device. Tone cleared her throat then said, "Oh my, is this on? Ahem! Attention, all mortals! This is Tone, goddess of spring, with an important announcement! In three months' time, I shall be hosting a tournament for only chosen warriors! How are they chosen, you might ask? Well, please look at the back of your right hand! If you have the mark of Tone, which is me, then you have been chosen to enter this tournament! If you do not have a mark, you will not enter the tournament itself, but you are more than welcome to come to spectate! If you have my mark, then entering the tournament is optional, but I advise against it, as the prize is worth it! Drum roll please!" Drums then could be heard echoing in the hall, then the drums stopped, and Tone said, "The prize is any wish of yours to be granted by a goddess! Eternal youth, infinite riches, a true hero among men, any wish of yours can come true, should you be the winner of the tournament! The tournament will take place at Creek Valley's Gladiator Arena three months from now! Don't forget to come, and good luck to all those that were chosen!" Tone then turned the microphone off and said, "Well, I do believe that should make things interesting." Aqua said nothing, and Tone then said with a smile, "I already know who's going to win this competition." Aqua shyly asked, "W-Who?" Tone then put a finger up to her lip, winked at Aqua, then said, "It's a secret."
Tone then looked somewhat serious and said, "Moving on, do you remember any of your past at all?" Aqua thought for a moment, then said, "N-Not really. I only remember being r-raised by Margaret, w-who is like a m-mother to me." Tone then said, "I see, so the seal is still as powerful as ever. Well, Aqua, you're only half right about that. The other half is concealed and will be revealed when the time is right." Tone then said, "Well then, your apprenticeship begins now. I shall teach you holy spring magic so you can be able to use it at a moment's notice!" Aqua felt that she didn't really have much of a choice, so she nodded, then began her apprenticeship with Tone.
TO BE CONTINUED IN "HOW I MODERNIZED A FANTASY WORLD: THE TOURNAMENT OF THE WORTHY107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cEbRhPLek
