A/N: Hey guys! I bring to you all the new chapter of the story! I apologize, I know I have said that I try to update the story weekly (Saturday) but I couldn't do so because I had a presentation to do as well as a mini-assignment that came up. I forgot to give you guys a heads up. Anyway here's an update and I'll probably update the story on the next Saturday, assuming nothing takes up my time.
Now then... time to respond to you guys awesome reviews!
Demons Anarchy of Pride: Yup, lots of stuff happening. With the party separated, I basically have to write each chapter with each of them (Jude/Milla's group, Ludger, Rowen). That's basically three point of views (not that I'm complaining). Basically I'm trying to implement how ToX was created, where you had two main characters (Jude & Milla) but they only got separated a few times. This time, the story really have huge gaps where the characters are not together :D
-You really hate Gilland xD
-Hehe, well that's assuming Fractured Milla finds out what happened between Ludger & Muzet ;) Well, glad you like how I'm trying to portray Muzet :3
flashyhero: I... I guess you're right. There's no other way to describe it
Grayjack72: Hehe, it's not easy dealing with Muzet
-We shall see what happens with Gilland becoming a catalyst, hehe
version15: A lot of you readers seem to be interested with Gilland becoming a catalyst :O
-He will be dealt with alright... sooner or later anyway
F-ckthesystem125: Yeah, so much things happening everywhere. I guess you feel that way because the story is now focusing on three "characters", which is Jude/Milla's group, Ludger and Rowen/Nachtigal.
SonicProdigy55: Hahaha, well let's hope fractured Milla doesn't find out! If not, well... it's not going to be pretty xD perhaps hilarious too :P
-Yup, Milla was bound to learn the truth sooner or later. Unlike in ToX where she found out after her death, this was told straight to her face. And by Fractured Milla no less, who is the same person technically. Now we will have to see how Milla adapt to this new found discovery
-Ah... you confused me about that but I'm glad you enjoyed "A Different Path". Honestly I miss writing that story. Something about it was fun. Maybe because that story really focused on how it would be if Fractured Milla was alive whereas in this story... I don't know... it's a different feeling XD
Gravenimage: Muzet's wrath is nothing to mess with
SkyRune: I'm glad you're enjoying this story! It means a lot to me to discover new readers finding out about this story and enjoying it. :)
-Mmm... so far, while I have plans for Lara to make an appearance in this story, I have not considered her role yet. I'll think about your suggestions. If it fits into the story, I'll implement it. If not, then I will not be able to use it.
Dimdy3019: Yeah? I believe I described it in the previous chapter that that the first Exodus base Milla destroyed was when she was six.
-Hehe, glad you like Efreet and Sylph personalities :)
Well that's it for reviews! I hope you guys will enjoy this chapter and please, share me your thoughts of the story/chapter. Your reviews always keep me motivated to write more. Until next time!
CHAPTER 36: FORWARD
Jude's group trekked through the cold, harsh environment of the Tulea Tundra while following Gaius and the Chimeriad's lead. The Auj Oule soldiers were with them as well, marching together with their King. None of the monsters in the region dared to attack the group, mostly because of the numbers from the Auj Oule soldiers. And even if the monsters were not afraid of sheer numbers, they could sense Gaius's strength alone and that would deter them from attacking him or those following him.
Ever since the group departed from the Auj Oule camp, Jude noticed that Milla seemed different. He couldn't tell what it was, but he definitely sensed something was off about her. However Alvin, Leia and Elize didn't seem to find anything different about Milla. Jude wasn't sure if fractured Milla sensed something was wrong with Milla, but that was maybe because fractured Milla was someone that Jude wasn't familiar with compared to the rest.
But fractured Milla knew Milla was not okay. Not after learning the truth of her identity, and fractured Milla knew how that felt. She experienced the same sense of loss and confusion that Milla was facing now but unlike fractured Milla, Milla had to remain strong because she still had a mission to accomplish.
"I should check with her if she's okay." Fractured Milla said to herself and made her way towards Milla.
Fractured Milla was about to reach Milla but stopped in her tracks when someone else reached her first. Jude. He just knew something was wrong with her and needed to make sure if she was okay.
Jude asked, "Milla, what's wrong? You look troubled ever since we left the camp. Are you okay? Do you need more time to rest?"
Milla shook her head, not wanting to burden Jude, "It's nothing Jude. I appreciate your concern for me, but I'm fine."
Milla started walking, thinking that ended their little conversation but Jude grabbed her wrist, stopping her. Jude's grip was firm yet gentle at the same time and Milla could see a fire in Jude's eyes. He wanted answers.
Jude spoke softly, "Milla… I know there's something bothering you and it's something big. I can tell when you're affected by minor problems because you still act like the Milla I know but this time… you're different. And it must be something big. That's why I want you to tell me so that I can help you. You can trust me."
"Jude…"
"I want to help you, Milla." Jude insisted, "Some things, you can't do it alone. You need to rely on others sometimes."
Milla listened to Jude's words and remembered what fractured Milla told her. The villagers in her dimension accepted her, helped her and were responsible for her to move on. If she was alone, she would have suffered greatly. So Milla had to turn to her close friends to help accept her fate as a human. Since Ludger and Jude were the first humans she encountered but only Jude was available, she should accept his offer to hear her out.
Milla took a deep breath and faced the young medical student, "Jude… let me ask you something. And I want an honest answer."
Jude nodded. He wanted to help Milla in any way he could.
So Milla asked the question, "What will you think if I'm not… who you think I am."
Jude blinked in confusion, "W-What? I don't understand."
"You know me as Milla Maxwell, the Lord of Spirits. But… what if I'm not who you think I am?"
Jude could not make sense of Milla's question and was about to ask Milla if she phrased that question correctly, but he saw how serious Milla looked. That meant Milla was sure about her question. She knew what she was asking. So Jude seriously thought about it, closing his eyes and repeating Milla's question in his mind so that he could come up with an honest answer.
When Jude finally had an answer, he opened his eyes and looked directly into Milla, "Since you want me to be honest… I'll try and answer what I can. The thing is, I still don't really understand what you're asking me, but… well… even if you say you're not who I think you are, you're still Milla to me. That's all that matters. Everything you've done, wanting to destroy the Lance to protect humans and spirits… they are all something that you were trying to do as the Milla I know."
"Jude…"
The medical student scrambled for words, not sure what else to say, "So… um… I just wanted to say that to me, you're still the Milla I know. And I'm sure Leia, Elize and the others feel the same way too. All of us want to help you because we choose to. So I guess… to me, you're still Milla and that's what's important."
Milla was moved by Jude's words, feeling like this whole time, she was being confused over nothing. To her, Jude made sense. At the end of the day, it didn't matter if she really was Milla Maxwell, the Lord of Spirits. What was important that she was doing what she believed was right. This was her form of justice to both humans and spirits. Should it matter that she wasn't the real Lord of Spirits when what she was doing was for the greater good?
Jude then added one final bit, "Also… you and I believe Ludger really did come from the future right? That means he knows everything about us. And if he knows us, then that means he knows who you really are, right? And even when he knew everything about you, he still wants to help you. Even when you said you didn't trust him back in Xian Du, he still said he wanted to continue to help us, didn't he?"
Milla was at a loss for word.
"That's why I think whatever it is that's bothering you Milla, you don't have to worry too much about it." Jude said with a gentle smile, "What's important is who you are to everyone else. To me, you're Milla… and that's all that matters to me."
Once Jude was finished saying what he wanted to say, he waited for Milla to respond. Even the two Great Spirits, Efreet and Sylph, were waiting for Milla's reaction within her mind.
Milla looked at Jude and he was staring back at her. She felt her heart skip a beat and her cheeks feeling warm. She did not know what this feeling was but it was rather pleasant... and at the same time, she felt embarrassed having Jude staring at her intently. She collected her thoughts and calmed down. Then with a deep breath, she spoke.
"Jude… I wish to thank you for being honest with me. I appreciate it."
Jude nodded, "No problem. I'm just glad I could help you out."
Thinking that it was over, Jude ended the conversation and continued walking again, following Gaius and the Chimeriad. Milla also resumed her trek but her mind was still preoccupied, replaying Jude's words earlier.
Efreet sensed Milla's discomfort and questioned within her mind, "Lord Max… I mean, Milla, what is wrong? You still seem troubled. Did Jude's words not ease your troubles?"
"I feel much better than before," Milla revealed, "But I still need some time… to accept this as a whole. There are still some things… that I wish to know about me."
"Why don't you ask your 'other' self again?" Sylph suggested.
Milla shook her head, "No. She's from another world. Her... situation is now entirely different from mine so she won't be able to answer what I wish to know."
"Maybe when we meet up with Ludger, you can ask him." Sylph mentioned, "He's from the future and he should know some things about you, right?"
Milla nodded in agreement, "That's right. He's the only person that might have answers to my questions."
"Then there is no use for you to worry about that now, Lord... I mean, Milla." Efreet remarked, "Until we meet the Kresnik human again, let's just focus on pushing onwards."
Milla agreed and tried to push aside her worries and insecurities of her identity, rejoining Jude and the others as they followed Gaius. While she could not push all of her worries from her mind, it was enough to not distract her and grab Jude's attention. For now, her only hope to get her answers answered was from Ludger. Until she meets him again, she won't be able to be at ease.
For the next hour, the large group hiked through the Tulea Tundra, enduring the cold, chilly winds of the harsh region. But after a long while, they finally came upon a cave.
"The Kukhar Ice caverns." Wingul announced to Jude's group, "Stick close to us, outsiders. Even the locals can get lost here. The maze inside the cave is tricky to most."
Alvin gestured for the Chimeriad to enter first, "Lead the way."
The group entered the cave and were relieved to discover that the Kukhar Ice caverns was only chilly compared to the brutal cold of the Tulea Tundra. Inside the caverns, Jude and the others discovered that Wingul was not exaggerating about the possibility of getting lost. The Kukhar Ice caverns consist of several passageways leading to the unknown.
The Auj Oule soldiers offered to lead the way, which Gaius accepted. The Kukhar Ice caverns was still relatively unknown and while Gaius had no qualms that no monster would be a threat to him, his soldiers wanted to still serve the King in any way they could. And as King, Gaius was pleased to provide. This time, it was the Auj Oule soldiers leading the way for the Gaius, the Chimeriad and Jude's group.
However, that did not last long.
A scream pierced through the caverns, echoing on the walls of the passageway. Recognizing the scream coming from his soldiers, a subject of Kanbalar, Gaius sprung into action. With a burst of speed, he dashed through the passageway and the Chimeriad followed their King. Jude, Milla and the others realized this was urgent and hurried as well, rushing towards the source of the scream.
It wasn't far and before the party entered a different section of the Kukhar Ice caverns. Unlike the other parts of the interior which consisted of passageways and mazes, they were now in a large, open-space part of the cavern that even had a small crystal lake. And just swimming around the water, they saw what caused the screams.
Aqua Dragons. There were two of them, each around the same size. Both of the Aqua Dragons jumped from the water and landed on the ground and one of them instantly used its claws to a group of Auj Oule soldiers, killing them. The other Aqua Dragons released a terrifying roar, frightening the remaining Auj Oule soldiers. Now vulnerable, the Aqua Dragon swooped down for an easy meal.
Leia sprung into action, stepping between the Aqua dragon and the Auj Oule soldiers, "Watch out!"
With Leia in her way now, the Aqua Dragon shifted its focus towards her now instead of the Auj Oule soldiers, diving towards Leia with its mouth wide open. Despite its large size, it was incredible fast and agile, which surprised Leia and thus was unable to properly guard herself. She managed to tumble to the right just as the Aqua Dragon smashed its head into the earth, destroying the ground.
"Man, how can something so big move so fast?" Leia cried out in regret and returned to her feet.
The Aqua Dragon swooped down for another attempt to bite Leia in half but she was quick on her feet, dodging it fairly easily and returned a quick smack across the Aqua Dragon's head. The monster growled in frustration before managing to spin around, knocking Leia off her feet with its tail. When Leia landed on the ground, she lost her grip of her staff, her weapon rolling away from her.
"Leia!" Jude shouted when he saw this. He quickly ran towards her but he was too far away.
"Damn it, we're not gonna make it!" Alvin cursed, taking out his gun and firing at the Aqua Dragon. Elize was also channeling an arte but it appears that she would not make it on time.
Now without her staff as a weapon, Leia was defenseless. The Aqua Dragon sensed this and swooped down for the kill. The cost of her selfless act in rescuing the Auj Oule soldiers was her life. She didn't even try to defend herself because she knew there was no escape. This was the end of the road for her.
Or so she thought.
Just before the jaws of the Aqua Dragon were about to shut on Leia, Agria the Shadowless appeared and delivered two powerful but quick slashes across the Aqua Dragon's muzzle, stopping the monster's attack and saving Leia's life. No one saw how she got there so quick, even Wingul was surprised by Agria's appearance.
"When did she get there?" Presa rhetorically asked. Gaius was more surprised over the fact that Agria actually made an effort to rescue someone she hated. He did not expect that.
Leia's mouth was agape with surprise, "A-Agria?"
"Just so we're clear, I didn't save you cause I wanted to!" Agria said immediately, "You saved me and now I saved you! The debts repaid, are we clear?"
Leia picked up her staff, "Y-Yeah, okay… thanks for saving me, Agria."
That ticked Agria off, "Why are you thanking me? I don't need thanks coming from someone who reeks! Don't misunderstand me, I just didn't want to forever be in debt to you. After this, I don't owe you anything! We're equal, got that?"
"R-Right…"
The Aqua Dragon released a terrifying roar and attacked Leia and Agria. The two ended their little conversation and jumped away, Agria to the left and Leia to the right. For now Agria was going to need to work together with Leia to take down the Aqua Dragon.
Gaius unveiled his katana from its sheath, "Let's go."
Gaius dashed towards the second Aqua Dragon, immediately followed by Wingul, Jiao and Presa. The four of them would be actually more than enough to defeat one Aqua Dragon but they needed to return to Kanbalar as soon as possible. They didn't have time to waste with these monsters.
Jude bumped his knuckles together, "Come on, we need to help Leia!"
"Right behind you, kid." Alvin said and drew his gun and sword before following Jude. Elize also went in with Teepo flying right by her. Fractured Milla was about to but she stopped when she saw Milla seemed lost in thought. Fractured Milla nudged Milla gently on her arm, taking her out of her thoughts.
"You need to stop thinking about it." Fractured Milla urged, "Now come on. Leia needs our help."
Milla nodded slowly and drew her sword, "You're right. I apologize."
With the two Milla running next to each other towards the Aqua Dragon attacking Leia, fractured Milla was beginning to respect Milla. Even though she only learned the truth just a few hours ago, she was beginning to cope with that fact. She was still troubled of course, but much better than how fractured Milla imagined her condition to be.
'I guess she's tougher than she looks.' Fractured Milla thought. That was her final thought before she also took out her blade and together with Milla, Jude and the others, engaged the Aqua Dragon of the Kukhar Ice caverns.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Meanwhile on the Bernauer Highroad, inside the damaged Elympion ship, Rowen and Nachtigal along with three Rashugal scouts explored the highly advanced ship. So far they managed to not run into any Elympion soldier and remained undetected. Rowen, had hoped it would stay that way but from if things continued like this, it would be a matter of time before their presence would be known.
Rowen had forgotten how… excited Nachtigal could get sometimes.
"Ilbert… do you see this?" Nachtigal remarked before pressing a button and the metal door opened, revealing a room, "The door opens with the press of a button. What manner of sorcery is this?"
The three Rashugal soldiers sweat dropped at seeing their King like this. Rowen sighed, "Nachtigal, this is no different to us channeling mana into control stones. It is the same concept."
Nachtigal entered the room, which turned out to be just a common bedroom. "Indeed, but having to always channel mana into the control stones can be quite a bother. Be honest Ilbert, pushing a button to open a door is much more convenient!"
Rowen sighed, "Nachtigal, I believe now isn't the best of times to have a debate on our personal preference on opening doors."
Nachtigal was about to respond when one of the Rashugal soldiers saw two Elympion soldiers walking towards them but have not noticed them yet. "Chief Ilbert, two of them is headed our way."
Rowen looked at where the Rashugal soldier was pointing and saw the pair of Elympion soldiers. He quickly ushered for the Rashugal soldiers into the room that Nachtigal was in, confusing the King. Nachtigal was about to speak but seeing Rowen's face was all the answer he needed. After years of fighting side by side, the two had formed a bond that they could read the other with just their body language.
Nachtigal pressed a button and the door closed, using the room as a hiding spot. Now they hoped that the pair of Elympion soldiers did not spot them or check this room. Soon enough, they could hear the footsteps of the Elympion soldiers approaching and they could hear their voices from behind the door. They were having a conversation.
"How much longer until the ship's repaired?" A rough, male voice asked his partner.
"Shouldn't be much longer." Another voice replied. This person seemed younger from the tone of his voice, "I still can't believe we were forced to retreat because of that guy in black armor. He almost wiped out the Elympion fleet! By himself! He attacked our ship with that spear of his but we're lucky he managed to get out of there." The person groaned, "I didn't sign up for this… why did we even come here in the first place?"
"This is for Elympios's sake." The rough voice reminded, "If we don't go through with the plan and live outside the schism, our world will die."
Rowen stroked his beard as he listened, trying to fit together this new information. 'Elympios… is that where these people are from?' The Conductor wondered, 'And this person with… a black armor… he was able to weaken their ships? Who is it?'
The younger voice grunted, "I know it's for Elympios but… I don't know, I just don't like how we're doing this."
"Doing what?" The other Elympion soldier asked
"You know… this 'Otherworld Reactor' plan. I mean, is this really necessary? We're going to be using the people of this world as fuel just so that we can live. Doesn't that bother you?"
The soldier with the rough voice was silent for a short while, "Well, it's either us or them. If we don't go through with the project, our world is going to die. I'd rather we live than them." The person paused, "Anyway, we should return to our post. Think the repair's almost done."
The pair of soldiers continued talking but by then, they were too far away from the door so Rowen and Nachtigal could not hear anymore. But they had heard enough.
Nachtigal turned to his old friend, "So… these foreigners appear to be from another world."
Rowen nodded, "It appears so. If we heard correctly, I'd assume 'Elympios' is the name of their world. However, we still have no idea where they come from."
"Also, they mentioned this 'Otherworld Reactor' plan." Nachtigal added with narrowed eyes, "We need to find out what that is."
Again, Rowen nodded, "Agreed. However, now is not that time. I believe they said they are almost done with the repairs of their ship. We should get off from this ship before it is too late."
Nachtigal agreed and pushed the button, opening the door. After checking that the coast was clear, the group of five sneaked out of the room and made their way for the exit of the ship. They got some vital information, their mission was accomplished. They needed to get out of here.
Suddenly the whole ship shook violently, surprising the intruders. Nachtigal and Rowen managed to maintain their balance but the three Rashugal soldiers lost their footing, falling on their behind. When the shaking finally stopped, they could hear something mechanical rumbling from below. No, not just below but on the walls of the ship as well. The sound got softer and softer before it only became a soft whirling sound. After that, Rowen and Nachtigal felt something was off. They could feel as if they were being lifted up into the air, even though their feet were still planted firmly on the floor.
"This feeling…" Nachtigal whispered.
Rowen had a feeling he knew what this sensation was and burst into a run, "The ship is taking off. We must get off the ship before it gains too much of an altitude! Hurry!"
Nachtigal followed along with the three Rashugal recon soldiers, hurrying through the corridor. When Rowen turned a corner, he bumped into two Elympion soldiers, most likely the one that walked past the room earlier.
"Huh? Who's this?" The Elympion soldier on the right blurted.
The other one raised his weapon, "Intruder!"
Before the Elympion soldiers could fire or worse, alert the ship of their presence, Rowen quickly started channeling a quick arte.
"Wind Lance!"
Rowen unleashed a green, high-pressurized blade of air towards the pair of Elympion soldiers. The arte sliced through the two soldiers, mortally wounding them. They collapsed on the ground but before they lost consciousness, one of them quickly clicked on a device that all Elympion soldiers carried. Instantly, the entire ship started blasting an alarm, ringing through the corridors and hallways.
"Looks like they know we're here now." Nachtigal remarked plainly.
Rowen checked his surroundings and prepared to move again, "We have to hurry. Before the ship gains too much altitude, we must reach the exit." The Conductor started to run again but when he looked back, he saw that Nachtigal did not follow. The three Rashugal soldiers also stayed put. "Nachtigal?"
"Ilbert, the enemy already knows we're here. For a man with your experience, you should be aware that blocking the exit is the first thing to do when an intruder is detected." Nachtigal said calmly. Rowen made no response because Nachtigal was right. Nachtigal continued, "And even if we managed to reach the exit, it is already too late. No doubt this… flying ship has reached the skies. We'll only plunge to our deaths if we jump down then."
Rowen walked back towards his old friend, "So what do you propose we do?"
Nachtigal grabbed hold of his large sword, "What we should have done earlier. We take the fight to them."
Rowen shook his head with a sigh, "Even after all these years, you haven't changed."
"But I have, Ilbert." Nachtigal corrected, "After you left the military, I was a coward. I stayed behind the shadows and ruled with an iron fist. That was what I became… but you and that young Lord of Sharilton have reminded who I really am… who I once was. All I am doing now… is returning to the old Nachtigal."
"So… you plan to take control of the enemy ship?" Rowen inquired. Nachtigal answered with a nod and Rowen sighed again, "I stand by what I said… you haven't changed."
The two old friends shared a short laugh. After that, several Elympion soldiers appeared from the corridors, moving towards them. Rowen and Nachtigal's battle inside this foreign ship had begun.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Elsewhere on the north-west region of Rieze Maxia, Ludger Kresnik and the Great Spirit Muzet entered the Sillea Tundra. Unfortunately for Ludger, Jude and the others entered the Tulea Tundra and through that, the Kukhar Ice caverns. So Ludger was not using the same path as his friends.
"So, how about it Ludger?" Muzet asked seductively, poking Ludger's cheek, "I'd really love to have… a taste of that again."
Ludger shrugged Muzet's finger away but she poked the other side anyway, "Muzet, no! Why do you need to keep doing that anyway? I thought you already got the mana you wanted."
"Oh, you're no fun." Muzet said with a pout. Then she giggled, "The mana from the gift Chronos granted you was just absolutely delicious, you see. So tethering with you was simply… breathtaking. So be a dear and let's tether again one more time."
"N-No! Muzet, s-stop! What are you doing?" Ludger cried out as Muzet tried to grab hold of him. He had to actually pry her arms off of him before he could get away from her, "You need to stop it! We need to hurry and meet up with the others, so stop it… please."
Muzet giggled, "Oh, fine… you humans are so stubborn. Although… I guess that's what makes it so much more fun."
The two continued trekking through the Sillea Tundra, fighting off the occasional monsters that dared to attack them. Even as they fought monsters, Muzet continued to hum a light tune and even giggling as she blasted monsters with her arte. In a way, this Muzet was almost like the Muzet of the original dimension. Both were lighthearted and found a lot of things amusing, even giggling in the midst of battle. And yet, Ludger still felt something was… different about the Muzet with him now. There was something about her that made her different to the Muzet that he knew from the original dimension.
After a while, the pair finally arrived at the entrance of the Nava Lava Tubes, which was similar to the Kukhar Ice caverns except that the place was blazing hot. Even the monsters adapted to the area by mainly being fire-based monsters.
Since the Nava Lava Tubes was similar to the Kukhar Ice caverns, it meant that there were passageways and mazes where people could get lost if they were not familiar with the Nava Lava Tubes. Fortunately, Ludger had been here before in the original timeline and knew his way out. At least… he hoped so.
Muzet moaned in despair, "Isn't this place just hoooooot? It's really hot… how can you stand this heat? It's way too hot."
Ludger sighed, "Muzet, the more you say it's hot, the hotter you'll feel."
"Is that how it works?" Muzet questioned with wonder, "Oh my… you humans know so much."
Ludger wanted to say something when he realized they weren't alone. There were footsteps coming from the front, around the next corner so Ludger made a gesture for Muzet to not make any noise. The Great Spirit understood and simply casually floated behind Ludger, waiting for the unknown figures to reveal themselves. The footsteps got louder and louder and Ludger guessed from the sound it made, there were two of them. When the unknown figures turned the corner and revealed themselves, Ludger recognized them.
Elympion soldiers. A pair of them.
The Elympion soldier on the right saw Ludger and collapsed backwards, landing on behind in fear, "I-I-I-It's him!"
The other Elympion soldier raised his weapon at Ludger, "W-What's he doing here? Did he actually chase us all the way here to finish us off?"
While the Elympion soldiers were drenched in fear and panic, Muzet smiled and said to Ludger, "Oh my… what are they doing here? I thought you finished everyone off."
Ludger looked at the scared Elympion soldiers while answering Muzet, "I'm guessing these two stragglers were separated from their squadron and wound up here. There's no need to hurt them." Ludger drew out his dual blades, "I'll just knock them out and we can-"
But before Ludger could finish speaking, the Elympion soldier that was still standing was suddenly blasted on the chest by a dark orb, instantly killing the soldier. Ludger's eyes widened in shock and turned to Muzet, who was the one who unleashed the arte. The remaining Elympion soldier screamed for his life and made a run for it but he did not get far as a similar black orb smashed into his retreating back. The two Elympion soldiers were killed.
Ludger turned to the Great Spirit, furious, "Why did you kill them?! I told you I'd knock them out! We didn't have to kill them."
Muzet cocked her head to the side, genuinely confused, "Oh? What's the problem? They're the enemy, aren't they?"
"Yeah, but it was just two of them." Ludger argued, "There was no point in killing them."
Muzet giggled, "I'm sorry but it's my mission to kill anyone who knows about the schism. And that means everyone from the other world. However, Maxwell ordered me not to hurt you or your friends. I guess you're pretty special." Muzet paused, "Besides, I'm simply doing what you did at the marsh. I don't think there's anything wrong with that."
Ludger blinked in confusion, "What I did…? W-What are you talking about? What do you mean?"
Muzet inched close to Ludger's face, smiling, "I mean… you killed all those people from the other world, didn't you?"
"T-That was… because my friends… I had to and…"
"Your friends were quite safe by then but you continued killing those humans." Muzet pointed out, giggling again, "So I just thought you wanted to kill everyone from the other world. That's why I didn't think there's anything wrong with killing those two. After all, I'm just doing what you did, Ludger."
Ludger was frozen stiff by Muzet's words. His mind wandered back to the marsh, where he mercilessly and brutally slaughtered the Elympion army. His knees grew weak and his body trembled from the memory. What Muzet said was true: he went beyond what he had to do and murdered countless lives even after Jude and the others were gone. He remained behind and took out as much Elympion lives as he could, simply because he was blinded by rage.
'Why… why did I continue to attack the Elympion army after Jude, Milla and the rest were safe?' Ludger wondered in his mind. He looked down at the palm of his hands… the hands that murdered his own countrymen, 'Now that I think about it… I don't really remember much during the fight. I… I… I just wanted to protect my friends but after that… it was like… I was someone else. What happened… to me? Why did I not stop?'
Muzet spoke, bringing Ludger out of his thoughts, "Shall we continue, Ludger? You said we needed to hurry after all."
"R-Right…"
Ludger led the way and Muzet followed. But even as the pair walked through the passageway of the Nava Lava Tubes, Ludger knew there was something wrong with him. It was almost as if… there was another person inside him. Like a shadow. A shadow that unleashed his darkest thoughts and desires.
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The Aqua Dragons of the Kukhar Ice caverns were easily defeated. One of the Aqua Dragons stood no chance as it fought against the King of Auj Oule, supported by Wingul, Presa and Jiao. The other Aqua Dragon was able to put up a fight in the beginning when it fought Leia and Agria, but the moment Jude, the two Milla, Alvin and Elize joined in, it was killed rather shortly.
After the Aqua Dragons were defeated, the large group continued forth through the Kukhar Ice caverns. It wasn't long before they reached the exit. They were just a short distance away from their destination.
After a bit of walking through the snow fields, the group was finally outside the city of Kanbalar, the capital of Auj Oule. They were currently at the Xailen woods temple but before they could enter, Gaius ordered the Auj Oule soldiers that travelled with them to enter the city and check if the city was safe. So at the moment, Jude's group along with Gaius and the Chimeriad waited just outside the large, abandoned temple.
With the Auj Oule soldiers gone, Gaius chose this moment to speak openly. He turned towards Jude and his friends, "After my soldiers confirm the safety of my people, we will return to my castle. Once there, we can proceed with trying to find where the Lance of Kresnik was taken. Maxwell, I expect your cooperation."
"I'm not Maxwell…" Milla whispered but it was barely audible so no one heard it.
"Gaius, do you have a plan on how we can look for it?" Jude inquired. He asked because he had no clue where they could begin searching for the Lance. He felt their only hope was destroying it at Fezebel Marsh, but Gilland got away with the Lance.
Gaius folded his arms on his chest, "I do. I believe there are two people who might have a clue as to how we should proceed."
Leia looked puzzled, "Huh? Who?"
It was Wingul that answered, "Ludger Kresnik. He's already told us as well as you that he is from the future. It seems his words hold some truth but unfortunately, he is not here. So that only leaves to one person left."
"That lying tongue… Al…" Presa revealed.
Alvin feigned heartache, "Ouch… you didn't have to say it like that, Presa. I already told you, didn't I? I'm going to be on the straight and narrow now."
Fractured Milla even snickered when she heard Alvin's title from Presa, which earned a glare from the mercenary. Elize and Leia were staring at Alvin, not entirely sure how he might have a clue as to the Lance of Kresnik's location.
Milla shifted her posture with one hand on her hips, "It's true that Alvin was with Exodus but he told us he left the group. What makes you so sure that he would know Exodus plans now?"
Gaius looked at Alvin as he answered, "Because he knows about their plan of theirs… the one they called the 'Otherworld Reactor' plan."
Now that Gaius brought it up, Jude remembered that Alvin briefly mentioned the 'Otherworld Reactor' plan and Exodus plan to siphon mana from Rieze Maxia. But Alvin also added that he knew little of that plan, so what good would that do?
"Alvin, I believe you know more about the 'Otherworld Reactor' plan." Gaius continued, "I demand that you tell us every single detail once we're back at the castle."
Instead of denying his knowledge about the plan, Alvin gave a nod. He already promised himself that he was going to be honest, and to help create the future that Ludger knew. This was his first step.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
In the world outside the schism, Elympios continued with its everyday activities. And over at the well-established residential district of Elympios, Julius Bakur was enjoying his day off. As the top agent and Director of Dimensional Affairs of the Spirius organization, it was rare to have a day where he could relax. Even when he had no assignments to destroy fractured dimensions, he still had paper work to attend to. For now, he was just enjoying a cup of coffee while reading the daily Trigleph newspaper.
Julius flipped the newspaper to the next page and caught a glance of the picture on the table. It was a picture of him, his father Bisley Bakur, the President of Spirius Corporations and his mother, Cornelia Will Kresnik. However, his mother had passed away twenty years ago although his aunt, Claudia Kresnik, was still alive and well. Julius then looked at the next picture, which was a picture of him with a little girl. He smiled at the picture. He never thought he would be taking care of a child, but he did a good job. She was seven years old now and he was in charge of raising her ever since he met her on that mission.
The ringing of his GHS threw him out of his thoughts. He reached for the GHS in his jacket and looked at the caller ID. After that, he picked up the call, "What is it?"
"Julius, I know today is your day off but there is an emergency." Bisley spoke on the other end of the line, "Get over here as soon as you can."
Julius sighed, "What about Rideaux? I'm sure he's capable enough to handle this."
"Someone else has the full Chromatus." Bisley revealed, "Someone in Rieze Maxia."
That stunned Julius, like being sucker punched in the face, "…What?"
"Just get here as soon as possible. I'll fill you in on the details." After that, Bisley ended the call and the line went dead.
Julius understood and returned his GHS back into his jacket. He was flabbergasted to be honest. The only person in existence who had the full Chromatus was his father, Bisley. But apparently there was someone else that had it? Who could it be? And why now? Was he or she an agent of Spirius? There were too many questions with no answers. He needed to go now. But he needed to take care of one little thing first.
"They need me over at Spirius." Julius said to the girl, "Will you be alright by yourself?"
"I'll be fine." The girl said with a smile and then motioned at the cat next to her, "And Rollo's with me too. There's nothing to worry about."
Julius smiled and nodded, "Alright. I'll try to be back by dinner and cook you something."
The little girl belched, "Eww, no. You suck at cooking, Julius. And you always try to make tomato dishes. I hate tomatoes!"
Julius chuckled, "Fine, fine… I'll bring you out somewhere to eat."
"Can we bring Rollo?" The little girl asked. At this, the big fat cat meowed, as if to support the idea.
Julius nodded, "Yes, Rollo can come too."
"Yippee!"
Julius started making his way for the door, "I need to be going. Make sure you stay out of trouble, Elle."
With that, the door to the apartment swished open and Julius stepped out. Elle wished Julius a safe trip before returning to her room and playing with Rollo. Elle, the girl Julius had been raising for seven years was her. A girl he found when he entered a fractured dimension that contained one of the Waymarkers.
Unknown to Ludger or Julius, Chronos had already improvised Ludger's wish.
CHAPTER END