[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqK91fcYs9E]Within the Mindscape[/url] A young man swordsman, eighteen years of age knelt before a golden throne, his gaze locked to the velvet carpet below him. He was covered from shoulder to toe in a set of armor shining with luster, engraved with a plethora of flashy embroideries, which differentiated in a colorful palette of shades. The armrests of the throne were made out of a flossy skin, wrapped in viridescent scales. At the end of the rests were six lifeless snake heads stared blankly at the cladded human. With them were two more, fastened at the peak of the throne’s crest rail, which flicked their tongues as their eyes narrowed at him. They emitted faint hisses, but were quickly shunned by the person sitting in the throne itself. The older man was sporting facial hair which would decimate the pride of any who attempted to compare. A full fledged beard and a mustache, accompanied by flowing hair which would woo any woman within an instant. This man- well, god, was no other than Susanoo, deity of sea and storms. Controller of tides, thrasher of waves, slayer of Yamata no Orochi. [b]”Rise, my herald; Cormorant of Shadows.”[/b] Why the god of the sea and storms forced such a dreary title was beyond his contemplation. But, he had gotten used to it, and swiftly abided by his father’s command. Without a moment’s delay the swordsman straightened his back, his armor pieces clanking as they brushed against each other. A grey shield draped over his back, within it a red cross was etched beautifully. He raised his head to face the god, looking at the elder straight in the eyes. [b]”You understand your mission, correct?”[/b] The boy gave a quick nod of affirmation. But the man still displayed a dubious expression, the lingering feeling to take precautions was present. [b]”Well, just to reinterate. You have been contacted by an envoy of the Grand Chiharu Council, which has requested your assistance. It is believed that there is a source of malicious energy somewhere within the region. They wish for you to live under the identity of one of their pupils, and eliminate the source of their problems. It may take weeks, months, maybe even years. But this quest shall render quite the reward, one which will benefit you for the entirety of your life. Bountiful knowledge and eternal profits, something which is greatly sought after. I wish you the best of luck, my dear child. May your benevolence guide you entry to such a path. Also…”[/b] The man trailed off, until his complexion was suddenly filled with anger and displeasement. [b]”Why the hell are you kneeling in my cab?!”[/b] [b]Back to Realiy:[/b] Shadouu’s eyes refocused, leaping back into his seat with a start. The young man was at a loss of breath, briskly repeating the process of inhaling and exhaling. [b]”And for the love of god, fasten your seat belt! If I get into a car crash, you are going to fly out of the window!”[/b] The taxi driver yelled back in a hoarse tone, something must have ticked him off. Oh, right, Shadouu was on his knees in the back row, mumbling to himself. That happened. [b]”But, I don’t think we’re going anywhere. Come on, move, move!”[/b] Or maybe it was the traffic moving at a snail’s pace which had blown this man’s fuse. Either way, he was in an angered state, and their destination wouldn’t be in sight for a while. Iruda clicked his tongue, instantly realizing those who were responsible for the traffic blockage. [b][i]”Tch. The Shrouded Ones have impaired my chariot. Luckily, I have another one I can summon!”[/i][/b] After throwing some cash at the man, the student flew through the bluntly opened door, landing on the sidewalk. He found himself enveloped in an ocean of passerbies, all heading to their different places. Shadouu was just a lone soul in the midst of thousands, a minescule pebble in a quarry. He had to find the proper route, otherwise he would miss the check-in time. The young man held out his phone, then dramatically opened his eyes with a stern look, [b][i]Guide of Lost Souls, and Chariot of Shadows, I summon you!”[/i][/b] The [i]maps[/i] application on his cellular device opened, outlining the fastest way to the university. He then tapped the heels of his shoes, colored in a dark scheme. Though they were outdated, the heelys still had an inexplainable charisma to them, showing off the essence of modern day fashion. In all honesty, it was for those who were too lazy to walk. Which, judging by the sales, was quite the large crowd. Shadouu set off on his course, navigating his way through the traveling students with finesse and ease, directing himself with slight foot movements. By the time he had arrived, the dead was in the middle of a glamorous speech. He listened intently, captivated by the fluency of her voice. It was able to speak out to its listeners over the bustling of the city backdrop. But, soon enough, he must not forget his objective. Students were either watching the dean, or were lugging their luggage off scene. Even though his father had sent his luggage a week in advance, instead of tending to it, the student was forced to proceed to the only class he had. FJA 531, what he perceived as the group his employer would place him in. Soon, he found his teacher, with another student in his presence. A grin parted on his face, Shadouu focused on the professor, [b][i]”Do not fret, for the Herald of- I mean… Shadouu Iruda has arrived. May I act effici- oooooh, steak~”[/i][/b] He quickly seized a few cuts of the meal, and dug into the delicacy.