Unauthorized Reincarnation
Chapter 4: The Chosen Revealed (part 2)
As dusk draped the city in gold, Aurelia guided Lily into the western quarter, where a spiral of stone and crystal climbed into the heavens. Runes pulsed faintly along its surface, alive with hidden power.
“This is the Arcane Tower of Luminas,” Aurelia said, her voice carrying reverence. “The Archmages commune here with the stars and the gods’ will. But today, it will serve another purpose—for from here, all Luminas shall see you.”
Lily craned her neck, awe widening her eyes. “It’s like… a lighthouse, but for magic.”
Aurelia allowed herself a faint smile. “In a way, yes. From its peak, one voice may reach every street. And before your announcement, I will show you the city you now stand to protect.”
They ascended the tower. Each step carried them higher, until wind brushed their faces and the city of Luminas spread beneath them like a living map.
Aurelia lifted a graceful hand. Her tone grew solemn, yet gentle.
“Luminas is built like a wheel. At the very center stands the Radiant Castle, seat of our king.”
Lily followed her gesture upward. The castle’s spires pierced the heavens, white stone shimmering as though carved from light itself.
Her lips parted. “It looks… unreal. Like it was sculpted out of the sky.”
Aurelia’s smile lingered. “To many, it is. But within those walls lie both blessings and burdens.”
She turned her hand eastward, where the evening sun struck rooftops in golden hues. Bells tolled softly.
“There, the Cathedral District. Pilgrims travel from every corner of the realm to kneel beneath its vaults. Faith fuels this nation as much as steel.”
Lily studied the stream of worshippers below. “They all look so certain. I’ve never believed in anything that strongly.”
“Belief often comes after hardship,” Aurelia said softly. “You may yet find it.”
Southward, the streets burst with noise and color. “That is the Market District. Food, tools, charms—here coin moves like blood through veins. To live or to earn, one begins here.”
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The scents carried even to the tower—smoke, spice, bread. Lily’s stomach betrayed her with a quiet growl. She flushed, embarrassed. “Sorry… I skipped breakfast.”
Aurelia chuckled lightly. “Then we shall remedy that soon.”
To the west, the roar of voices drifted like thunder. “There stands the Coliseum of Valor. Knights, gladiators, even heroes test themselves there. Some fight for honor, others for survival.”
Lily’s brow furrowed. “You mean… they cheer while people bleed? I never liked fights back home.”
“Nor do I,” Aurelia admitted. “But the crowd hungers not for peace. They hunger for strength.”
Farther still, near the coliseum’s shadow, rose a broad fortress-like hall with banners snapping in the wind. “That is the Adventurers’ Guild Hall. All who seek fame, redemption, or fortune pass through its gates. Perhaps, one day, you will too.”
Below, armored figures gathered, sharpening blades and laughing loudly. Lily shrank a little, clutching her arm. “They all look so sure of themselves… what if I can’t keep up?”
Aurelia placed a steady hand on her shoulder. “Doubt is natural. But you were chosen. And you will learn.”
Finally, Aurelia gestured to the wide ring of homes and workshops encircling the city. “And there lies the Outer Ring—the common folk. Blacksmiths, farmers, merchants, children. They are the true heart of Luminas. Protect them, and in time, this city will call you its own.”
For the first time, Lily smiled faintly. “This feels… normal. Like a place I could belong.”
Aurelia inclined her head. “Remember that feeling.”
Then she straightened, her voice rising. “Now—your arrival must be announced.”
Inside the tower’s summit chamber, the air hummed with living magic. Attendants in indigo robes formed a circle, bowing as Aurelia led Lily to the center.
“Stand here,” Aurelia instructed. “When the ritual begins, your likeness will be projected above the tower. All of Luminas will see you. The moment is sacred—speak truthfully, even if you say only your name.”
Lily’s palms grew clammy. “The entire city? Now? I… I’m not ready—”
“You are,” Aurelia said firmly. “The chosen never arrive ready. But they grow.”
The mages raised their hands, chants spilling like waves of power. Light wove into the spire, shaking the stones beneath Lily’s feet.
Then—blinding brilliance.
Above the Arcane Tower, Lily’s figure blazed vast and radiant, suspended against the sunny sky. Her voice, carried by magic, echoed across every street, market, and temple. Citizens froze mid-step, lifting their gazes in silence.
Every soul of Luminas now watched her.
Lily’s lips trembled, her throat tight. She managed only a whisper at first— “M-my name is…” The words caught, almost lost to fear.
Then Aurelia stepped forward, her hand resting firmly on Lily’s shoulder. Warmth spread through her, steady and unshakable. For a heartbeat, it felt as if a god truly stood beside her—supporting, lifting, refusing to let her falter.
The fear drained away. Lily drew a breath and spoke her name aloud.
Aurelia’s voice followed, calm yet commanding, resounding across the city:
“People of Luminas! Rejoice, for a chosen soul has descended by the will of the Seven Gods. Witness her name, her strength, and the blessings bestowed upon her!”
