The Shattered Sky: Only I Do What the Gods Can't

Kael sat on the edge of the bed, staring out of the large window as the first rays of sunlight bathed Raven Town in a golden glow.

The morning was calm, a stark contrast to the chaos that had engulfed the outskirts just days ago. Despite the serenity, Kael's mind churned with unease.

The town had been saved, but the cost weighed heavily on him—the lives lost, the ones he couldn't protect, and the unanswered questions about the Void Bandits.

"Still brooding?" Neo's voice interrupted his thoughts, her tone laced with dry amusement.

Kael sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "I wouldn't call it brooding. Just... thinking."

"Thinking is fine," Neo said. "But sitting here won't answer the questions you're obsessing over."

Kael turned his gaze to the room, taking in the ornate furnishings and the rooms' beautiful design once again.

"Neo," he began hesitantly, "what are the fragments, really? I mean, beyond what everyone knows—the power they give, the corruption they cause. What are they?"

Neo was silent for a moment, an unusual pause that made Kael sit straighter.

"They're remnants," she finally said, her voice quieter than usual. "Pieces of something greater. When the constellations shattered, their essence fragmented and fell to this world. Each fragment carries a fraction of the power of the stars themselves."

"Why do they corrupt people?" Kael asked, his voice tinged with frustration.

Neo sighed. "Power without purpose is dangerous. The fragments resonate with those who have a compatible will, but if the connection is forced or misused, the energy becomes unstable. That instability warps the body, the mind—everything."

Kael nodded slowly, absorbing her words. "And the Void Bandits? What they were doing... experimenting on people, turning them into controllable corrupted... How is that even possible?"

Neo's tone turned colder. "Because they're playing with forces they don't understand. Controlling corruption is unnatural. It's like trying to tame a storm—it might work briefly, but the backlash will be catastrophic."

Kael clenched his fists, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "They're not just bandits. They're part of something bigger, something darker. And they're willing to destroy lives to achieve their goals."

Neo's voice softened. "And that's why you're here, Kael. To stop them. To stop things like this from spiraling further. And of course—to stop Orion the Skybreaker"

Kael took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. "I'll stop them," he said firmly. "But first, I need to figure out what's happening to this world."

—--

Kael sat at the edge of his bed, his hands resting on his knees, as he stared at the faintly glowing fragment in his palm. 

"Neo," Kael said aloud, his voice tinged with frustration.

He hesitated for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "I need to know... what is this fragment? What does it actually do? Because it feels like it's everything and nothing at the same time."

Neo was silent for a moment, then spoke with a certain dept to her words. "What makes you ask that now?"

Kael exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Because it doesn't make sense. I've seen fragments that let people control fire, become faster, stronger, or shoot explosive orbs. But mine?"

He shook his head. "It lets me feel things. Gives me warnings. Sometimes it makes me stronger in a fight, but then it does something completely different, like... like making someone listen to me when I speak. And that blast I used against the Skybreakers—that felt like a completely different ability. None of it connects!"

Neo's voice softened. "And that frustrates you?"

Kael nodded, clenching his fists. "I need to understand it. If I don't, how am I supposed to use it when it matters? How am I supposed to protect anyone—Lira, these people, anyone—if I can't even figure out what my fragment does?"

Neo's presence seemed to grow stronger, her tone calm but firm. "Kael, fragments are more than tools or weapons. They reflect the essence of the stars they came from. And the fragment you hold—Lyra's fragment—is unique."

"How?" Kael pressed, his brow furrowing.

"Lyra's fragment embodies harmony and freedom," Neo explained. "The constellation Lyra represents the lyre—a symbol of unity, balance, and freedom."

"Its power isn't in brute force or simple utility. It's in connection. It draws out the potential of those around you, aligning their strengths and emotions. It warns you because harmony includes understanding the discord that threatens it. And yes, it can destroy, but only when destruction is necessary to restore balance."

Kael stared at the fragment in his palm, its glow reflecting in his wide eyes. "What does that even mean?"

Neo's tone became more profound, almost reverent. "Lyra's fragment isn't about doing—it's about being. It makes you a catalyst, Kael. Your words carry weight because the fragment amplifies your intent, your emotions. It makes people listen, not because it forces them, but because it resonates with the truth in what you say. It guides you in battle, not just with strength, but with precision—turning chaos into order."

Kael's voice was barely a whisper as he was not speaking to someone physically by him. "And the energy? The power to destroy?"

Neo paused, her answer heavy. "Even harmony requires disruption sometimes. The energy you wield comes from breaking apart what no longer fits—what threatens the balance. It's not just destruction; it's creation through change."

"Simply put, this fragment ability allows you to do anything as long as it is righteous and does not threaten to disrupt the harmony of this world."

"For example, If you where to use the ability to kill for fun or any unjust reason, then your ability would be rendered useless as that is an unrighteous act that goes against harmony"

Kael let her words sink in, his grip on the fragment tightening slightly. "So, it's not about mastering the fragment... it's about mastering myself."

"Exactly," Neo said, her voice warm with approval. "The fragment enhances what's already there. Your instincts, your resolve, your desire to protect—they're what make Lyra's fragment work. Trust yourself, Kael. Trust who you are, and the fragment will follow."

"What if I am an evil and unrighteous person undeserving of this power?" Kael asked.

"Then Lord Astraea wouldn't have chosen you and the fragment would have corrupted you"

"I see. So this power was actually so overpowered," Kael said with growing intrigue. "Hahaha! I can't wait to show off Infront of Lira."

"Actually... if she uses her abilities right then for sometime Lira could easily one-tap you," Neo gave a response that shattered Kael's hope.

"Defeat me in one blow?! You've got to be kidding."

"I'm not. Strong fragment's like those don't just come out from bushes. That is how she found hers right?"

"I see so lady Astraea—?"

"Yes"

"And the gy... gymatic..." Kael asked, his confidence waning.

"Yes, the gymnastics was shown to her by divine intervention."

With that Kael's confidence and pride in his abilities completely shattered. "Now I wonder who the Herald of Celestials actually is"

—---

Kael dressed in the simple but clean clothes that had been left for him—a white shirt and dark trousers—and made his way out of the room.

The estate was even grander in the morning light, its marble halls glowing softly under the golden sun. Servants bustled quietly, their movements unobstructive.

As Kael walked through the halls, he noticed the way people looked at him—some with curiosity, others with gratitude. Whispers followed him, snippets of conversations about the stranger who had helped save the town.

"Is that him? The one from the outskirts?"

"I heard he took on the corrupted alone."

"A fragment user, they said. But not a noble."

'Why would I need to be a noble to have fragment abilities?' Kael chose to ignore the murmurs, his focus set on finding answers.

When he reached the grand dining hall, he was greeted by the sight of a long table laden with food. A small group of people sat at one end—guards, townsfolk, and what appeared to be minor officials.

The moment Kael entered, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to him, their expressions a mix of awe and uncertainty.

One of the guards—a tall man with a neatly trimmed beard—stood and approached him. "Kael Reed, isn't it?"

Kael nodded. "That's right."

"I'm Captain Elric," the man said, extending a hand. "On behalf of the guards and the town, thank you for what you did."

Kael shook his hand, a faint smile on his lips. "I couldn't have done it without your men."

Elric chuckled. "Modest, too. You're a rare breed, Kael."

Kael's gaze shifted to the others in the room. "How are the outskirts? Are the villagers safe?"

Elric's expression grew somber. "Most of them, yes. We managed to drive out the remaining bandits and corrupted, but the damage was... significant."

Kael nodded, his jaw tightening. "If there's anything I can do—"

"Your actions have already done more than enough," Elric interrupted, his tone sincere. "But there's someone who wants to speak with you."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "Lady Seraphina?"

Elric nodded. "She and the town's ministers are holding a meeting. They've requested your presence."

Kael's heart skipped a beat. "Why?"

Elric shrugged. "That, I don't know. But it's clear they see you as someone important."

Kael followed Elric through the estate, his footsteps echoing in the quiet halls. Neo's voice broke the silence in his mind.

"Be careful," she warned. "These people might be grateful now, but politics is a dangerous game."

Kael smirked. "You sound paranoid."

"I'm realistic," Neo shot back. "And you should be too."

Elric stopped in front of a set of heavy oak doors, their surfaces intricately carved with celestial patterns. He gestured for Kael to enter.

"They're waiting for you inside," Elric said.

Kael hesitated, his pulse quickening. He closed his eyes and glanced at Neo—though just an orb of light in his mind, her presence was a steady comfort in his mind.

Kael took a deep breath and pushed the doors open.

The room beyond was vast, its high ceiling adorned with a mural of a starry night sky. A long table dominated the space, surrounded by serious-looking individuals in finely tailored clothing. At the head of the table sat Lady Seraphina, her expression calm but unreadable.

The air in the room was heavy, the atmosphere charged with tension. Kael stepped inside, the weight of their gazes pressing down on him.

"Kael Reed," Lady Seraphina said, her voice cutting through the silence. "Please, have a seat. We have much to discuss."