The Erratum-Chapter 46: Origin.

A natural sensation arose within Cetas’ Zeal - an instinctive kind that seemed to general that he could feel completely familiarized with it.

It felt similar to blinking, breathing, and hunger.

A typical human would normally feel these throughout the course of their life. Of course, mostly, they are not curious as to why they feel these things and yet.. they can be explained by various scholars around the world.

Perhaps, the sensation that Cetas felt right now is akin to having a sixth sense. Despite that, though, he noticed three distinct peculiarities within him.

It was something beyond his comprehension, however, if it were to be simplified it can be explained as such:

’Three different currents leading to different paths, containing an ethereal perception to them.’

Obviously, these three paths were the three Origin Zeals - Physique, Elemental, and Metaphysical.

Cetas didn’t think any further to simplify what he felt right now due to it being something as natural as living itself.

He composed himself, clearing his mind and thoughts. Naturally, his will decided what path he should tread upon.

Before Cetas had formed his Flourish, he had already considered which Origin he should choose.

Prior to him talking with Jones, Cetas considered all the benefits that the three Origins contain.

First of all, Physique Zeal by its definition pertains to the enhancement of one’s own body, further strengthening them to break human limitations.

For his very first Flourish, Cetas can choose a part of his body to enhance. Whether it be his feet, eyes, or arms, he had the freedom to dedicate his Zeal to improving his prowess.

This is useful in many scenarios!

Especially if he enhanced his feet, he could run faster which would potentially give him more space between enemies, allowing him to shoot with the Ivory Flintlock.

Furthermore, it could help in future bouts such as a battle against a Leviathan. Cetas could utilize his strength to overpower them and win in a battle of attrition!

Reminded by Galkan’s incredible strength, Cetas considered the fact that having a powerful body is more beneficial than it seems!

Moving on, he also considered striding upon the path of the Elemental Zeal. Initially, Cetas had already decided so as he was greatly inspired by Skadi!

Controlling the winds, and gathering storm clouds is not an easy feat to handle! However, if he ascended above the ranks of Zealot, one day Cetas could also handle such complexities!

Elemental Zeal lets one manipulate the Zeal outside of their body! It’s fundamental nature lies within the ability of a Zealot to spread their own Zeal to the real world and control the elements from within.

Of course, Cetas didn’t know what Element he would learn to control!

It was all a gamble in the end..

Nevertheless, Elemental Zeal had the capabilities to improve his strength by sixfold! That is if he mastered his ability to control the pertaining element belonging to him..

Lastly, considering the Metaphysical Zeal a path to tread upon filled Cetas with uncertainty. First of all, it is the most uncommon Zeal that individuals stride in which makes them suspicious of its rudimentary aspects.

As explained by the Historian and the members of the crew before, Metaphysical Zeal lets one perceive reality in a higher plane!

This, in itself, sounds great. However, the lack of perception made one naturally unreactive to such a phenomenon.

Of course, so what if you can see in a higher plane? Do you even have the ability to perceive it? Does your brain have the capabilities to adjust to the Metaphysical Realm?

Additionally, Metaphysical Zeal possessed no combat prowess to them! No strength in terms of the body, and no manipulation of the outside world!

Instead, in all its simplicity, Metaphysical allows individuals to merely look at the world in a different manner.

Sure, information is crucial but when starting out as a Spark, wouldn’t strength be more important than knowledge?

Considering all of the aspects of Zeal, Cetas’ will had already been chosen.

The most common and the one that inspired him the most!

Elemental Zeal!

So, Cetas let his will be attracted by the current that represented the origin of Elemental.

However, before he could flow towards the current, a weird sensation arose inside of him.

His perception is filled with black and yet.. Cetas could see a pale cream dot in front of him, particularly in the direction of the third current.

Then, grain-like dots emerged from within the current. Millions, if not, billions of grains flowed inside the current, replacing its liquid-state into a sand-like flow.

As if Cetas were looking at the deserts that Jones told, he saw the third current coursing with sands. It grew bigger and the attraction inside of it became drastically stronger that it out-shadowed the prior two.

It compelled him to go, whispered for him to go, told him to go, willed him to go.

As if Cetas’ will correlated with the third current, he couldn’t do anything but be sucked into it.

He let go of his senses and let his will control him.

Whatever awaited Cetas at the end of the current, he would face it with utmost certainty..

So, Cetas flowed inside the sands, heading to a place begotten by nothingness.

With his eyes closed, his mind clear as the skies, and his will controlling him, Cetas fell into a dream-like state.

*

[A fragmented memory.]

[Where we traversed beyond the current.]

[Searching for answers about our Origin.]

[Who are we?]

[Why do we exist?]

[And.. what lies beyond the current?]

I wore my diving suit, preparing for an expedition outside of the walls. The suit covered my entire body with brass, clamped over a watertight gasket and an air hose for breathing.

Well, who needs air hoses anyways? Those were old-fashioned, we were already breathing underwater, why would we even need air at all?

Why would people traverse the pockets near the volcanoes just to gather.. air.

It didn’t make sense at all..

Still, this is my first expedition.

All the practice and training I’ve done has led up to this moment.

After donning the diving suit, I met with my friends and waved them goodbye. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

It didn’t take that long, though, maybe a few tidal shifts? Okay, maybe it did take that long..

Anyhow, once meeting with the group I’m assigned to, led by the Exploration Leader Louganis, I fell in line and listened to the mindless yapping.

However, since its Leader Louganis, of course I would listen attentively. I always listen! I never get bored or anything..

Leader Louganis, was of course, the greatest Descender of all time! Possessing the rank of Black, only attained by a few in the history of us - our kind..

Of course, everyone would listen to the only Descender with a Black Rank!

Inside of a room with steam machinery powering our walls and our city, there was a large gaping hole at the bottom covered with reinforced metal produced by the very best engineers!

It looked large enough for two Leviathans to enter! Which.. is a bad thing, I think..

If there were ever a breach, then that would spell our demise!

I don’t want that to happen, no way!"

Well, not that a breach would ever happen, Leader Lougalis, the Black Descender, was here after all!

So, looking as if he had finished his briefing about the depths, which I’ve already drilled into my mind several times, Leader Lougalis raised his arm and curled it into a fist.

"TO US DESCENDERS!"

Naturally, we followed along, "To us!"

Within a moment or so, the reinforced metal began to slide on the side, opening the gaping hole below us, making us descend deeper into the depths unknown..

This would mark the 209th diving of the Descenders! Truly a pivotal role in our kind.

"For the glory of the Aegir!"

*

Sitting in an upright position, sweat trickled on Cetas’ forehead. He jolted awake, surprised by the sudden dream that occurred.

A memory? Was that.. me?

His breath hastened, gasping for air as Cetas’ mind contracted. Migraines formed all over his head, pulsating greatly and making Cetas fall on the floor.

A word resounded in his mind.

Aegir..

The lost race of the Depths..

Cetas’ ears rang.

Feeling as if he were going to faint, Cetas’ eyes began to feel heavy.

However, a pulsating light washed over him, giving him a sense of warmth and energy.

A faint voice echoed inside the wagon, belonging to the gentle Jones.

"C..eta..s!"

For a few seconds, Cetas could feel numbness throughout his body. However, as the pulsating light covered him, the feeling soon vanished.

His breath gradually became normal and his eyesight returning as Cetas regained control of his body.

With a deep breath, Cetas sat up, and looked at his surroundings.

Barrels filled with food and water. Boxes containing fruits and other essentials. And bags with clothing inside of them.

Moreover, he saw Jones in front of him, his hands placed on Cetas’ shoulders.

Cetas shook his head and became observant once more. Actually, he seemed more observant. It was as if his eyes.. no.. his perception has widened.

"Cetas! Are you alright? Where does it hurt?"

Cetas answered in a slow tone, "I’m.. alright.."

He put his hands on his forehead, rubbing it up and down to clear his head. Even though Cetas felt dizzy, he felt better due to Jones’ Zeal.

The pulsating light somehow energized his body.

Additionally, an unknown emotion emerged from within Cetas.

Then, Cetas grinned at Jones and felt.. happiness.

His grin was exaggerated, the edges of his mouth beamed upwards.

Then, Jones’ eyes turned wide upon hearing sounds that he thought would take longer than a year to hear.

Cetas.. laughed for the very first time.

"I’m alright, really. Also, I’ve unlocked my Origin.."