13.
Even in the world of Elements, it’s an unlucky number.
Consider the thirteenth element, for example. It has been shunned as ‘Other’, removed from the glory of War and reduced to a mere relic of its former glory. To this day the Chroma Palace stands in the Oracle Plains, but few dare to draw near, fearing the unlucky ruins for its violent past.
Or maybe not daring to face the thirteen unlucky individuals set there to keep eternal vigil.
Long hailed as the center of all elemental realms, the Chroma Palace is a rumored to be linked to their very fabrics. ‘The Palace of a Thousand Portals’, it used to be called in ancient days. Elementals of various disciplines and designations would pass through its network every day.
But then one day, the Pantheon of False Gods rose from 11 to 29, and the bolstered forces of the False Gods started their long-sought invasion of the Elemental world.
The forces of the twelve elements united under the banner of Chroma. The only hope for the weak elementals was the Chroma Palace Network, which allowed them to sabotage the False Gods’ forces. But Gods are Gods, and in the end they managed to enter the very fabric of the elemental realms and lay waste to the Chroma Palace. Soon they had subjected the entire world of Elements, starting a reign of terror which continues to this day.
And their first action as Supreme Overlords? To set a guard upon their one fear, the Chroma Palace. Thirteen where selected for this gruesome task, their names unknown, their pasts secret from all. Perhaps they were young back then, but today they are famed as The Elders.
It is said that there was one Elder for each Element, at the beginning. But the flow of time touches all, and even the Elders have changed in the meantime. Only one has managed to stay true to its original element, shrouding itself in the stillness of the Aether. But none have weakened over time, and none have relaxed their watch.
Even today, every newfound Elemental must be awe-inspired by the Elders in their time. They are the final obstacles on the way out of the Palaces, guardians of the gateway to No Man’s land brimming with endless possibilities. Once you’re outside, you could challenge a Half-Blood, face off other players in the Arena or wreak havoc in Duels. But nope, you’re stuck on the inside, with those thirteen guardians standing ready to stop you. And maybe if you overcame them, you could go on to become a Godslayer, first in your respective League or a Champion of duels.
But you’ll still remember those thirteen Elders who provided you with your first challenge.
