Interlude 1: The Arcanum

The world, as most know it, is but a veil, a comforting illusion that hides the true nature of existence. Beneath the mundane surface, a secret world thrives, teeming with arcane forces and ancient horrors. Magic, not a mere myth but a tangible ****, pulses through the veins of the Earth, unseen and unfelt by the majority. Ancient Gods, entities of unfathomable power and malevolence, lurk in the shadows, their presence a constant threat to humanity. Armies of Hell, bestowing their dark magic upon witches and warlocks in exchange for their service, add to the ever-present danger. This is a world where the line between sanity and madness is razor-thin, where knowledge of the truth can shatter minds and unravel the fabric of reality.

In this clandestine world, a beacon of hope exists - the Arcanum. An organization as ancient as the evils it combats, the Arcanum stands as humanity's bulwark against the encroaching darkness. Its roots reach back to the first inquisitors, men and women who, faced with the malevolent magic, sought to harness the neutral magic of the world itself. Over the centuries, the Arcanum has grown, its influence spreading across the globe. Every government, every power structure, is aware of its existence and grants it near-unlimited authority. The Arcanum is humanity's secret shield, its members working tirelessly to maintain the illusion of normalcy, to keep the populace from spiraling into mass hysteria.

In a small town in Oklahoma, the residents knew Michael's family as retired secret agents. His parents, both in their fifties, were figures of respect and admiration. Their silver hair and aged faces were symbols of their wisdom and experience, their demeanor a testament to their noble spirit. Michael's father, a man of few words, exuded an aura of authority that was almost palpable. His battle-scarred face and piercing gaze commanded respect, his presence alone enough to silence a room. His mother, graceful and beautiful despite her age, radiated a serene power. Her calm demeanor and wise words held an influence that was both subtle and profound. Together, they were a formidable pair, their combined presence a **** to be reckoned with.

Their lives were comfortable, their needs taken care of by the Arcanum's generous pension. They lived in a modest home, a fitting abode for their status as veterans. The townsfolk held them in high regard, their influence undeniable. Yet, beneath the surface of their tranquil lives, they were warriors of the Arcanum, their retirement merely a shift from the frontlines to the strategic command.

Now, they were in Moscow, at the Arcanum's current headquarters, for Michael's initiation. The Arcanum moved its headquarters every decade, a precaution against the forces of Darkness. Michael, following in his parents' footsteps, was about to be inducted as a lieutenant of the Arcanum. The initiation was a solemn ceremony, a tradition that had been upheld for centuries. It was this initiation that had shielded Michael from the reality shift, the ripple in existence that had sent a shiver down his spine.

Michael was a product of his upbringing, a remarkable individual shaped by his extraordinary parents. He had inherited his father's commanding presence and his mother's serene wisdom. Yet, he was not a mere reflection of his parents. He had his passions, his desires, and his own steel will. He was ready to face any threat to humanity, even if it meant going against his parents. He was a complex individual, not simply a hero painted in white.

The next six days would be a test of his patience and his training. He had to complete his trials, earn his knighthood. But he also had to find a way to keep track ofthe changes in Eliza's reality, to find out what was happening to her. He had to find a way to help her, even from afar. His heart ached at the thought of her, alone and possibly in danger, while he was thousands of miles away. But he had a duty to fulfill, a responsibility to the Arcanum, and to humanity.

As he sat there, in the cold, austere room of the Arcanum's headquarters, he made a vow. He would uncover the truth. He would save Eliza, no matter what it took. His resolve hardened, his determination unwavering. The game was on, and the stakes were higher than ever.

The secret war between Light and Darkness had just become personal. The Arcanum, his parents, Eliza, they were all intertwined in this clandestine battle. And he, Michael, was at the center of it all. He was a warrior of the Arcanum, a beacon of light in a world shrouded in darkness.

His parents, the stoic general and the wise queen, stood by his side, their presence a source of strength. They were his pillars, his guides in this secret world. They had faced the horrors of the darkness and emerged victorious, their spirits unbroken. They were the embodiment of the Arcanum's resolve, its unwavering commitment to safeguard humanity.

The Arcanum was not a benevolent savior, nor a shining knight in armor. It was a necessary ****, a lesser evil combating greater horrors. It was ruthless in its mission, its agents capable of **** measures for the greater good. It was a beacon of hope in a world teetering on the brink of chaos, a shield against the encroaching darkness.

As Michael prepared for his initiation, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. He was about to join the ranks of the Arcanum, to become a part of something much larger than himself. He was about to step into the shadows, to wage war against the forces that threatened his world.

And he was ready. For the Arcanum, for his parents, for Eliza. He would face the darkness, armed with the light of the Arcanum. He would stand against the horrors, his spirit unyielding. He would fight, not just for himself, but for all of humanity.

The legacy of the Arcanum was a heavy burden, but Michael was ready to bear it. He was ready to continue the fight, to carry on the legacy of the Witch Hunters. He was ready to step into the shadows, to face the darkness.

And he would emerge victorious. For he was not just Michael, the son of two retired agents. He was Michael, the lieutenant of the Arcanum, the warrior of Light. And he would not falter. He would not fail.

The secret war between Light and Darkness had just become personal. And Michael was ready for the battle.