She had worked long and hard to reach this moment, and now that she was knighted by her master, it made the moment feel all the more significant.
"Thank you, Master," she said. "I couldn't have done it without your guidance."
Daimon grinned, "Let's not inflate my ego too much; I only pointed out the obvious paths. You did the walking." He lowered his blade, deactivating it as Sera stood up.
They both turned to face the 3 Masters behind them who were all members of the Jedi Council. Unlike the main Jedi Council which resided on Ossus, they were members of the regional Jedi Council appointed as the Masters of the Coruscant Temple.
The planet Ossus was where the main Jedi Council resided, whom Daimon never saw because most of his training took place on Coruscant. But now that he has trained a Jedi from Padawan to Knight, he would have to go there to complete his trials to become a Jedi Master.
He was already recommended by the members of the regional Jedi Council on Coruscant due to his achievements. If he was older, he would have been gone through the trials based off his achievements alone, but because he was considered quite young to be a Master, the council wanted to see the results of his teachings.
Now that he has, there was nothing stopping him from becoming a Jedi Master.
"First of all, I would like to congratulate you, Knight Sera, for completing your trials. I can see that the future is bright for you." Said Master Valen. Sera responded with a slight bow of her head, "Thank you Master Valen."
Turning towards Daimon Master Nyssara sitting to the right of Master Valen had spoke, "Now Daimon," she began. "Ever since you were a Padawan under Master Korran, we have foreseen a bright future within you due to how strong the Force is within you. You have also proven your knowledge of the Jedi arts and your dedication to training your Padawan. Therefore, it is only fitting that we proceed with the next steps in your journey."
"Next steps?" Daimon said, a spark of excitement igniting within him. He had anticipated this moment for a long time and now it had finally come.
Master Valen continued, "As you know, the trials of a Jedi Master consist of three distinct challenges: Trial of Skill, Trial of Courage, and Trial of Insight. Each trial will test not only your physical prowess but also your mental fortitude and understanding of the Force."
"Should you succeed," Master Nyssara added, "You will not only earn the title of Jedi Master but also gain significant influence within the Order itself."
Daimon nodded showing that he understood the new responsibilities and the influence that he would gain from reaching the rank of Master. He was already ready as reaching this milestone was just another step that he reached until his retirement from the Jedi Order.
It was currently around 7031BBY, approximately 30 years or so from when the hundred year of darkness was to begin. Within these 30 years, now that he was about to become a Jedi Master, he would come up with new lightsabers for the Order to use as it was very limiting for him to wield the protosaber which was attached to a power pack attached to his hip.
He couldn't throw his lightsaber and then use the force to control at will, plus adding how unstable the protosaber was, it was overall in need of an upgrade.
How he would do this, was by going to the ancient Jedi world of Tython and finding the First Blade which was the first Modern lightsaber created without the need for a power pack by a weapons master of the old Je'daii Order. Tython was abandoned thousands of years ago in favor of Ossus which Daimon considered to be a mistake.
Because of this, the first Lightsaber has been locked away on the planet guarded by droids ever since the Jedi Order abandoned the planet. If could find the hilt of the blade, he would be able to introduce actual lightsabers to the Order instead of the severely lacking protosabers they currently have.
"I am honored to be able to take the trials," Daimon said as he bowed his head slightly to the Masters in front of him.
"Since your ascension to Master is a unique case because of your age, the central Jedi Council on Ossus will give you your trials." Master Valen proclaimed. "But considering what we have seen you do, and what you have accomplished, your ascension to Master is only a matter of time."
"Thank you Master Valen for your kind words, I have worked and abided by the Jedi code (lie) ever since I learned about them. And with the Force as my guide, I only have to walk the path laid out for me." Daimon replied.
"Good," stated Master Nyssara as the 3 Masters stood up. "Do you have anything to say Master Kren?" she asked.
Master Kren who had been quiet till now, shook his head, "I don't have anything for young Daimon at this time. The Force has guided him on this journey and allowed him to reach these points, there is no doubt in my mind that he deserves to take the trials."
Daimon thanks Master Kren for his kind words as he and Sera were dismissed from the council chamber. As they were in the elevator, Sera was slightly nudged her former Master. "Must be nice to get a chance to go to Ossus and meet the wisest and knowledgeable Masters in the Order."
"Indeed, it will be a great experience that I'm sure you will also go through in the future as you continue your training," Daimon replied. They continued their conversation talking about the stories they heard about Ossus as well as some other things.
As they stepped out of the elevator and into the halls of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, Daimon had walked by various knights and Padawans who had greeted him. Within the temple and the Republic, Daimon's popularity was relatively high as everybody within the temple and most people within the order have heard of his accomplishments and connection with the Force.
As they continued to make their way through the halls, Daimon saw a familiar face, a face he hadn't seen since he became a Knight. It was the young Jedi that he had denied training because of what the Force was showing about the young Zebrak's future.
Making eye contact with Daimon, Iko, the Zebrak in question, tried to hide his grudge as he bowed his head and greeted Daimon. Yet Daimon felt the lingering hatred that the boy felt from him not wanting to train him. Iko felt as though he was wronged and looked down upon by Daimon who was much stronger than most Jedi Knights and even Masters were.
Looking at Sera beside him, Iko wanted to know what made her special and made Daimon choose her over him. Ever since he was young, he strived to become the most powerful Jedi in history, but as things were, he was still lacking in some areas.
Iko's master was Knight Kalger, another one of Daimon's former classmates growing up.
"Daimon, it's been a while," he said stopping in the middle of the hall to talk.
"Yes, it has, how have you been, are you still the weakest duelist out of our class," Daimon teased causing Kalger to roll his eyes.
"While I have been training, I might be able to last at least 10 seconds against you now which is more than what I could before," the both of them laughed as they reminisced about their time when they were younger.
"Also let me introduce you to the newest Knight who has just ascended," Sera stepped up and bowed her head to Kalger, paying her respects to her senior.
"This is Sera, my former Padawan and now the newest Jedi Knight within the temple."
"It's an honor to meet the former Padawan of this massive brute here," he jokingly stated. "How did you survive his training, I'm curious?"
Sera chuckled lightly, "It wasn't easy," she said. "But I learned quickly that my former Master's lessons stretched beyond mere combat. He taught me to understand the Force in ways I never imagined. For that, I'll always be grateful."
Kalger smiled. "Well said. Daimon has always had a knack for pushing others to reach their potential."
"Guilty as charged," Daimon replied with a grin as his attention switched to Iko.
"And this is Iko, my Padawan," Kalgar introduced. Daimon greeted Iko and asked him a few questions about how his training was going. After a few more minutes of talking, the group went on their separate ways with Daimon heading to his ship to travel to Ossus.
Inside the ship was Cortana in her fully created body waiting to take him to Ossus to complete his trials for his ascension to Master.
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Standing in front of him was Cortana within her droid body, which he only completed about a year ago due to some problems and complications he ran into trying to create something which he had never seen done before.
Her face was made out of a smooth material to make her face resemble that of a humans mixed with droid features. Her body was made out of the strongest materials which she procured utilizing the funds she had 'procured' from a few willing rich corporations and other wealthy organizations and such.
(Cortana's look)
With a Force infused core, she had various abilities that some would consider very abnormal for a droid to be able to use, alongside her insane intelligence.
"Where to now Daimon?" she asked.
"We're going to Ossus so that I can finally become a Jedi Master and hold some influence in the order." Daimon replied as it was about time he earned what he was due.
"Then the plan is proceeding on schedule then," Cortana said. She was already aware of his plans and had suggested many of her own plans which stretched out over a 500-year period, allowing Daimon to reach what the level of a Force-God and then enter the next stage of his life which she knew was going to be some of the greatest moments in galactic history.
Clearing the ship for departure, Cortana simultaneously set a course for Ossus while Daimon sat in one of the passenger seats which had a small computer next to it. Turning towards the computer, he looked at his current account which currently had hundreds of millions of credits in it.
Cortana had been compiling the wealth into many shared accounts with high-level encryption to ensure that their funds remained secure, untouched by corrupt bureaucrats looking to exploit them or other interested people.
This wealth was not merely for luxury, at least not now; it would allow him to do a lot of things once he becomes a Master and after he leaves the order.
Leaving the atmosphere of Coruscant, the ship transitioned into Hyperspace, the stars streaking into lines of light beyond the viewport. "The journey to Ossus will take around five standard hours. You should meditate and prepare yourself Daimon."
Daimon nodded as he did just that for the next 5 hours. The trials that he would take on Ossus would be harder and more challenging for sure, but he can see the path laid ahead of him. It was like an intricate tapestry woven with threads of destiny, each one leading him closer to his ultimate goal.
As he delved deeper into his meditation, he visualized himself standing before the council after completing his trials. Their nods of approval were followed by his appointment as a Jedi Master, giving him more sway in how the Order worked.
Visions began to emerge, flashes of battles fought between Force users which Daimon knew to be the upcoming hundred-year darkness. After that were visions of him meeting three very distinct beings whom he recognized as the Force Priestesses. And if he was seeing them in a vision, then that meant he would meet them soon enough.
"Daimon," Cortana's voice broke his meditation. "We will arrive at Ossus in mere moments."
Daimon nodded as he exited his Force mediation and looked out the viewport. The lush green surface of Ossus was visible as they descended towards the Jedi Temple. Unlike on Coruscant, the Jedi Temple on Ossus was much larger as it was the central temple of the entire Order.
The ship landed on a designated platform on the Temple grounds. Daimon stepped out onto the platform, feeling how powerful the connection to the Force was here than it was on Coruscant.
As Daimon approached the grand entrance, towering pillars carved from rare stone loomed above him. He could see Jedi moving about with purpose, younglings practicing their forms, knights deep in discussion, and Masters engaged in meditation. Each face held a story, some good, some bad.
The doors slid open, and he stepped inside. Inside, the grand hall stretched out before him, a masterpiece of architecture and symbolism. Rays of sunlight filtered through massive stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns onto the marble floor.
A tall figure clad in traditional Jedi robes approached him, their presence emanating serenity and strength. Master Veylan, one of the most respected members of the Jedi Council, stopped a few steps away.
"Daimon," she said, "We've been expecting you."
Daimon bowed slightly, "Master Veylan, I've come to complete the trials and take my place as a Jedi Master."
Her expression remained neutral, though there was a hint of curiosity. "A great responsibility, and a path not taken lightly. Follow me; the Council will decide if you are ready."
As they walked through the corridors, Daimon couldn't help but take in the details of the temple's design. Every element seemed infused with the Force itself. He could feel its energy in the air, resonating with the walls.
They entered a circular chamber where the Council was gathered. The Masters sat in a semi-circle; their expressions as inscrutable as ever. Cortana had insisted he prepare for this moment, and now, standing here, he knew why. Unlike the Master on the Coruscant Temple, the Central Jedi Council Masters had a different presence than the ones he had met.
"Daimon," another voice called, this one belonging to Master Zarith, who had a reputation for being both wise and exacting. "You stand before us seeking the rank of Jedi Master. But to do so, you must face the Trials."
Daimon nodded, "I am ready."
The Council exchanged glances before Master Veylan spoke again. "The Trials are not merely a test of skill but a reflection of one's connection to the Force. They test the mind, body, and soul. You will face the Trial of Skill, the Trial of Spirit, and the Trial of Insight. Should you succeed, the title of Jedi Master will be yours."
Master Zarith leaned forward. "The first trial begins now. Draw your saber."
Daimon's hand moved to his waist drawing his protosaber, the blue light illuminating his face. Across the room, an automated training droid activated, stepping forward. But as it approached, it wasn't alone. Two more emerged, then three.
"The Trial of Skill," Zarith explained. "Defeat them."
The droids moved swiftly, their sabers igniting in a synchronized blaze of yellow. Daimon steadied his breathing, calling upon the Force to guide his movements. With a graceful arc, his saber met the first strike, sparks flying as their blades collided. The trial had begun.
The droids attacked in unison; their strikes coordinated to overwhelm even the most skilled combatant. But Daimon moved with a grace and precision which mirrored the stories that the Council had heard about his saber skills. His connection to the Force elevated his already insane reflexes, allowing him to anticipate their movements before they made them. He parried, deflected, and struck with precision.
The first droid fell with a well-placed slash that severed its torso. The second and third adapted, their programming recalibrating to counter his techniques. Yet, Daimons form was different from other Jedi Forms. His blade was a blur of blue light as he utilized how own saber form to fight the droids. The second droid's blade was wrenched from its grasp by a surge of Force energy, and a swift strike rendered it inoperable.
The third droid launched a series of rapid thrusts, its strikes aiming for vulnerabilities. Daimon met each one before it could strike him. As it lunged for a final attack, Daimon pivoted, using the Force to disarm it and deactivate its systems with a single precise strike.
The chamber fell silent, save for the hum of Daimon's saber. He extinguished the blade and stood still in front of the Council.
"Well done," Master Veylan said, she was impressed. "Your skill is undeniable. But the path of a Jedi Master requires more than prowess with a lightsaber."
"The next trial awaits," Master Zarith added. "The Trial of Spirit."
The chamber shifted, the walls changing into darkness as the Force itself enveloped Daimon. He found himself standing in a void, alone. Voices whispered from the shadows, doubt and fear manifesting as phantoms from his past. He saw the faces of those who tormented him in his past.
But Daimon did not falter as he had long forgotten about his former life and moved on to enjoy what he could do in this life; within the very universe he enjoyed. He knelt, closing his eyes and reaching deep into the Force. Instead of fighting the visions, he embraced them, acknowledging his past as he did years ago. The darkness began to recede, replaced by a blinding light as his resolve replaced the darkness. He stood once more, the whispers silenced, and the vision faded.
When the chamber returned to normal, the Council observed him silently. Master Veylan's expression softened, a rare smile touching her lips.
"You have passed the Trial of Spirit. Few confront their inner darkness with such clarity," she said.
"Now, the Trial of Insight," Master Zarith announced. A pedestal rose from the floor, holding an ancient Jedi artifact inscribed with cryptic symbols. "Decipher the meaning of this artifact. It is a test not of intellect alone, but of wisdom and your connection to the Force."
Daimon stepped forward, placing his hands lightly on the artifact. He closed his eyes, utilizing the Force to get the answers he needed from the object. The symbols glowed faintly, their meanings unraveling in his mind. They spoke of balance, the eternal struggle between light and dark, and the power of unity. He realized that the artifact was not meant to be solved but understood.
He turned to the Council. "It represents the symbiosis of the Force, how light and dark are not enemies, but parts of a greater whole. True mastery is not in conquering one, but in harmonizing them."
The Council exchanged glances, their collective approval clear. Master Veylan rose, her voice resonating with authority. "Daimon, you have faced the Trials of Skill, Spirit, and Insight, and you have prevailed. Your strength, wisdom, and connection to the Force have proven you worthy."
She stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "By the will of the Force and the judgment of the Council, we name you Jedi Master."
Daimon bowed his head accepting the new title, as the Council members also rose in unison, bowing their heads in respect. His Ascension to Master marked the start of a new time for the Jedi Order as it would see many advancements and change that would herald in a new age.
A/N: Within the next 2-3 chapters, we will see the start of the hundred-year darkness and see Daimon become a prominent member in the Jedi order before something happens and he finally leaves the order to go his own path.
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