The Throne Room
"My Queen please reconsider those soldiers are just conscripted peasants, many of them fell in the defence of the city. One of them helped carry Climb to safety in the aftermath of the Demon's attack." Brain pleaded
"They are still traitors, if they hadn't joined with my accursed brother all these lives wouldn't have been lost." Renner replied coldly
"Renner please, they would have been hung if they refused." Lakyus said
"Then they should have died where they stood rather than come here and kill their fellow citizens." Renner retorted
"Your grace, Climb stood in front of the Croxilisk to save those men, he knew they were not to blame for what they did." Gazef implored
Renner let out a sigh and was silent for a moment. She looked around the throne room and saw her various advisors looking anxiously at her.
"Very weil, I will spare the soldiers. As for Marquiss Buollop and Count Lytton we will hold a trial. If they are found guilty I will have them burned at the stake for treason." Renner spat
"My queen burning is reserved for heretics and blasphemers, the punishment for treason is the noose." one of the priests said gingerly
"They helped bring demons into my capital what would you call that good priest?" Renner shot back
"I…" the priest started at a loss for words
"My decision is final, if found guilty I will have them burned… slowly." Renner said malice clear in her voice
"As you wish your grace…" the priest said hesitantly
"The court is adjourned I wish to be alone, I will be in my room." Renner said as she stood up
Renner walked through the corridors of the palace and as she listened to her foot falls of attendant behind her she couldn't help but feel her eyes grow hot. She was so used to hearing Climb's heavy foot fall on the stone she never realised how much she would miss it once it was gone. Lakyus had said they could attempt resurrection, but resurrection was a finicky thing in this world. Even though the user could withstand it sometimes the soul just didn't want to come back. These types of souls are the ones who have lived hard lives and Renner knew how hard Climb's life was before she saved him. Lakyus and Maeve had told her that if the resurrection failed the body would be reduced to ash then there would be nothing that could be done. Climb would truly be gone…
Renner opened the door to her room and sat down at the table. The maid attending her laid down tea and cake on a tray before her on the table. Renner took up the pot and poured herself a cup. She placed her two spoonfuls of sugar and added milk as was her usual routine. She picked up the cup and took a sip and it tasted like nothing. She looked down at the tea and took another sip… still nothing. She placed another spoonful of sugar and took another sip and still nothing… Renner began adding spoon after spoon of sugar and still nothing… Within her mind her grief over Climb surged back in earnest, in desperation she took a spoonful of sugar and shoved it in her mouth. To her she might as well have taken a mouthful of sand. She clutched her head and wept as pulled on her golden locks, trying to curb the rising grief. When she finally calmed down and let go of her hair she saw locks of her beautiful hair in her hands. In a fit of rage she swiped the whole tray off her table, shattering the plates and cups upon her plush carpeted floor dying the bright red carpet crimson. Then Renner heard a knock on the door.
"Your grace it's Maeve, may I have a word?" Renner heard from beyond the door
"I wish to be alone." Renner replied
"It has something to do with Climb, I believe you should hear this." Maeve replied from beyond the door
"Very well come in." Renner said
Maeve walked in and looked to the remains of the tea set.
"Tea not to your liking?" Maeve asked
"It's tasteless." Renner replied
Maeve didn't reply as she took a seat opposite Renner and reached out into a pocket dimension and pulled out an ornate bottle filled with a golden liquid along with a pair of beautiful crystal glasses. She poured a portion of it for both of them before sliding one across the table towards Renner.
"Drink." Maeve said
"It'll taste like nothing…" Renner replied solemnly
"Drink, if you don't like it can join the tea and cake." Maeve said
Renner picked up the glass and took a sip it tasted warm and sweet like freshly brewed tea. Tears began to run down her cheek as she tasted the flavour. When she first sat down all she wanted was to enjoy her favourite tea, thinking it would help comfort her even just a little. However, it seemed fate seemed to want to rob her of even that.
"Is it joining the tea and cakes?" Maeve asked
"No… no it tastes like tea… " Renner said as she felt her the grief that was plaguing her mind fade away ever so slightly. The wonders of Ambrosia…
"Ambrosia tastes like what would comfort the drinker the most, it's a unique property of the drink." Maeve said as she took a sip
"What does your glass taste like?" Renner asked
"Chocolate." Maeve replied
"Well thank you for the drink Maeve, you said you wanted to speak about Climb?" Renner asked
"May we be alone for a moment?" Maeve said looking to the maid
Renner looked to the maid and nodded. The maid bowed and exited the room.
"[Deafen] [Anti Scry]" Maeve intoned
"I can potentially get the tools to heal him but I need certain assurances from you." Maeve said
"You can? What do you need?" Renner said frantically
"First I need to ask what gods do you truly serve." Maeve asked
"I was baptised under the grace of the water god but…" Renner said with a pause
"But?" Maeve asked
"I have started to accept the teachings of the 41 especially those of Blue Planet." Renner said
"Prove it." Maeve said
Renner stood up and walked to her wardrobe and took out the ancient tome in the secret compartment. She gently held the tome for a moment, gazing at the cover before placing it on the table.
"The Intricacies of Natural Healing. I have read this one, it's an advanced healing tome, you understand this?" Maeve asked
"In small parts, I don't fully understand what the contents, it's quite confusing." Renner replied
"Well that's not surprising have you read the Fundamentals of Natural Healing?" Maeve asked
"No." Renner replied
"Well you should start there I can give you a copy when time permits." Maeve said
"Thank you Maeve also I have taken to wearing this." Renner said as she pulled out the rosary in the shape of a snake intertwining with a staff.
"The staff of Asclepius, tell me Renner what do you think of death?" Maeve asked
"Death is a natural thing, the old must fade to give way to the new." Renner replied
"Very good, you have taken the teachings into your mind." Maeve said with a smile
"So will you save Climb?" Renner asked desperately
"One more condition. You will surrender this country to my nation, the religion of the six or four will be outlawed and the noble system will be abolished." Maeve said
"What? Even if I agreed there will be rebellions and uprisings. The Slane Theocracy and Holy Kingdom will invade us for heresy." Renner replied stunned
"My nation will of course send military forces, they will not be as strong as me or my compatriots but it is more than enough for the surrounding nations." Maeve said coldly
"You can't be serious Maeve this is insanity." Renner said
"That is my condition, accept them and I will guarantee Climb's recovery. You can live out the rest of your lives in comfort in my nation, you two will want for nothing. My nation will provide you with a life of luxury you can't even imagine." Maeve said
Renner sat quietly stunned, she visualised the offer on the table. It was truly a tantalizing offer, after last night's events she truly felt the weight of power on her shoulders. How wonderful would it be for her and Climb to disappear to a wondrous far away place and live together. No politics, no wars, no worries…
Her heart wavered greatly but she thought back to how those loyal to her had knelt to her and sworn their loyalty to her. So how could she just pack up and run now?
"I can't… I am sorry." Renner replied softly as her hands trembled realising that she had just condemned Climb to death
"Are you sure? Climb will die and you will rule a kingdom that knows you used your own citizens as meat shields." Maeve said
"I… yes." Renner said as she felt her heart shatter into a million pieces.
"Hmm good, gather the people you trust without question my masters have told me that it is time to escalate our relationship with the Re-Estise Kingdom. It is time for you all to see a wider world and to truly understand what is going on." Maeve said with a smile
"What?" Renner asked perplexed
"I will save Climb, you have proven yourself a leader who is above temptation. I have tested your virtue and you have not been found wanting." Maeve said
"You will? It was a test?" Renner stammered as a flood of relief entered her heart
"Gather them here this time tomorrow, also keep in mind there will be a seal placed on all of you if any of you speak of what you see the seal will kill you instantly." Maeve said a stern expression on her face
"I understand, is there a limit to the amount of people I can bring?" Renner asked
"No, but choose wisely. To even speak or communicate about the knowledge you gain will be instantly fatal." Maeve said
"Very well, thank you Maeve… truly." Renner said with a tearful smile
"This time tomorrow, also you will be gone for about a day or two have someone handle the affairs here in the meantime." Maeve said as she stood up
The Hall of Pillars
"Is it wise that we reveal so much to the mortals?" Ulbert said
"The demon incursion shows that Jaldaboath is starting to have his suspicions. We are entering a secret war, we will need the nations on our side if want to have any hope of preserving the inhabitants of the world." Punito Moe replied
"Yes it was a probing attack… if the attack works the other nations invade and swallow up the kingdom if it fails it just kills an incompetent royal. By defending the city as well as they did and awakening the guardians Jaldaboath will most certainly be at least suspicious." Momonga said
"Yes at the very least Jaldaboath will suspect a Custodian is on world. When this cold war turns hot we need to be prepared. We are fighting on the backfoot seeing as Jaldaboath has this entire realm as hostage." Punito Moe said
"Well my warriors are you prepared?" Takemazuchi said to the gathered figures standing below on the plaza
"The Ordo Custodes as always stands vigilant." said a four eyed humanoid wearing a white military officer uniform. The uniform had gold trimming and tassels. On its head it wore a peaked cap with the symbol of the 41 in the centre.
"The Ordo Malleus stands ready to destroy the 41's enemies." said an elf woman wearing a blood red military garb in a similar style to those of of the Custodian
"The Ordo Hospitaller stands ready to heal the broken of body and mind." said a hooded figure wearing pure white robes.
"The Ordo Mechanicus stands ready, our forge priests and warframes are ever at your disposal great ones." a hooded figure wearing red robes said with a bow
"The Ordo Iustitia stands ready to maintain the 41's justice." said an angel wearing pure white plate armor
"The Ordo Hereticus stands ready, let no evil escape our sight." said a man wearing a gothic style leather armor.
These six are the primary Ordos that are responsible for the military power of the 41. They each have differing roles but often they would work together to accomplish their roles. When military strength is needed, the Ordos are dispatched. The largest Ordo is the Ordo Malleus it handles the garrison forces on most of the worlds and is the hammer that strikes down on the 41's foes. While the smallest were the Ordo Custodes who take only the truly exceptional individuals into their ranks, they are elite troops in the purest sense. The Ordo Hospitaller were those that handles the biological needs and the Ordo Mechanicus handles the mechanical needs of the various army groups and realms. The Ordo Iustitia maintains the 41's justice and the Ordo Hereticus metes out the punishment of the sinful. Combined the Ordos form the Militarum, the combined military force of the 41 and none in the realms can withstand their might.
"Very good you will all return to Eden for now, the herald is bringing some guests to the world. You will have a meeting with her to discuss future arrangements." Momonga said
"Yes my lords." the six said in unison
"Dismissed." Momonga said
"41 deliver us." the six chorused as they were teleported away
Renner's guestroom the next day
Maeve looked to those Renner had gathered, they were herself, Brain, Gazef, Nfriea, The Roses and Marquis Raevan.
"Everyone knows what happens if you talk about what comes?" Maeve asked
Those gathered nodded.
"You understand the penalty for speaking is death?" Maeve asked
Those gathered nodded again.
"Very well." Maeve said
"Demiurge is this room secure?" Maeve asked through a message
"Yes Maeve dono, even we cannot see what lies within that room." Demiurge replied
"Thank you Demiurge." Maeve replied
"Now then please enter the portal." Maeve said as she gestured to blue whirling vortex that appeared behind her
"What is that?" Marquis Raevan asked as he gazed at the mass of arcane energy trying his best to keep his voice even.
"A portal to my country, now come on step through it is time to meet the masters. I already sent someone to collect Climb." Maeve said
Renner deciding that the rest needed a push so she calmly approached the portal and walked through. The rest seeing their queen step through filed in after her. They emerged in a large crystal plaza with forty one pillars that towered up into the heavens. Once they were all through they felt the floor start to ascend and soon they saw the top of the pillars and they felt their knees grow weak. Before them sat the 41 gods of old, they could sense their power. Ancient and unforgiving, atop their pillars they gazed over all of creation. Everyone present knew of the old gods, their appearances and jurisdiction was common knowledge among the people of the Re-Estise. They were not worshiped of course but there wasn't a soul who didn't know them. They were often the heart of myths and legends, from a time before the six great gods.
"Welcome Queen Renner of the Re-Estise kingdom." Momonga said atop his pillar
"I... " Renner said at a lost for words as she looked around this divine domain
"I see you are at a loss for words, no matter, it is common for the mortals to be surprised when they first see us. Come my daughter take your rightful place." Momonga said
"Daughter?" Renner thought to herself then she saw Maeve walk out from behind her and tendrils of darkness extended from the black pillar and hoisted her to the top of the pillar to stand to Momonga's right.
Renner's mind was reeling at the revelation. All this time this little girl was a child of a god? She always in the back of her mind felt the gods weren't real. There was no evidence of them in the mortal realm to say the least save for some ancient constructions beyond mortal understanding. Who would have expected for the past few months she was sitting across a child of a god.
"Maeve is your child?" Renner asked her eyes wide as saucers
"Yes she is my second child. Not going to comment on their lack of decorum my child?" Momonga said with a glance at Maeve
"Err no father." Maeve said blushing scarlet
A chorus of laughter echoed throughout the divine hall.
"The mission was good for her." Punito Moe said
"Agreed." said Bukubuku Chagama
"Now then onto business, Queen Renner we have brought off of you here today because we feel you and those under you have demonstrated great virtue in the face of adversity. We have decided to furnish you with the greatest gift of all. The truth." Momonga said
"The truth?" Renner asked shakily
"Yes little one the truth, you see more often than not mortals are happier in ignorance. The truth I am about to tell you is as much a curse as it is a blessing." Momonga said
"What do you mean?" Renner asked her body shaking as she realised she was speaking to a god
"Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra, you are a priest of the water god are you not?" Momonga said answering Renner's question with one of his own
"Yes I am." Lakyus replied
"In the religion of the four or six I believe it is stated in your holy texts that all other gods are false gods. That all other believers should be destroyed and the false religions torn up root and stem." Momonga said
"I…" Lakyus said fear gripping her soul
"It's not a rebuke child, no one not even gods can blame a soul for the circumstances of their birth." Bukubuku Chagama said
"Thank you… and yes the texts do say so." Lakyus said
"Yet the religion of the four or six have seen fit to judge those of a different world view as them as dangerous and is to be exterminated." Tabula said
"I…" Lakyus said unsure of how to answer
"Your scaring her Tabula san." Chagama chided
"Tell me what is the faith?" Momonga asked
"The faith is… the worship of the gods." Lakyus replied hesitantly
"No, the faith or any faith is simply a system that helps guide to pouplace to maintain order. In its purest form it is nothing but a set of laws. Tell me Lakyus do you feel the people should serve the faith?" Momonga asked
"Yes the gods are to be revered." Lakyus replied
"Why?" Momonga asked
"I… " Lakyus said realising that she has never asked herself this question
"Your faith does not have a reason, it merely demands your obedience. A true faith is the same as any government, any sovereign. It's true purpose is to serve the people and the people having being served give their devotion in turn. Tell me would you serve Renner as whole heartedly as you do if she simply demanded your loyalty while doing nothing?" Momonga asked
"No… " Lakyus said softly
"Queen Renner you ordered that a quarter of the city be left to die to demons so you could save the rest and you ordered the temple that you have been baptised in to be desecrated for the chance to save your people. Tell me, what do you think history books will say about you after that? " Momonga said
"They will call me a murderer, a heathen. A queen who cares not for the people." Renner replied sadly
"Some will say so but in my opinion, you did the right thing. As a ruler you will come to realise that you can't save everyone. The burdens will only get greater moving forward, power always begets responsibility. As for us we rule all of creation we have absolute power so that begets absolute responsibility. I cannot tell you if what you did was right only you can answer that for yourself but I do applaud you for your actions despite knowing what others will say." Momonga said
"Thank you for your kind words." Renner said with a bow
"Now as for your faith, I am here to tell you the horrible truth. Your faith is a lie, it is a fence to keep the sheep in. It does not provide it merely maintains the deception that only it should be glorified when it provides no merit of its own." Momonga stated
"No that's a lie the six gods saved humanity! The holy texts are clear, the other races pounced on us like wolves, we only survived because the six gods delivered us from annihilation." Lakyus said fervently
"Did they now? What is a holy text really, isn't it just a bunch of bound parchment given a title. It was written by mortal hands and mortals are flawed so is it logical to assume the text is infallible?" Tabula said
"The texts are clear how else do we explain the constant threat from the other races?" Lakyus replied
"I don't expect you to believe us Lakyus, your faith is strong that by itself can be seen as admirable albeit misguided. Do you wish to speak to your gods?" Momonga said
"What?" Lakyus asked
"I can bring your gods here to speak to you although be warned the truth can be a painful thing you know." Momonga said
"What? No you must be lying." Lakyus said
"I wish to speak to them, great Momonga. Please I wish to know the truth of what happened all those centuries ago." Evileye said
"Ah the last surviving templar of the Ordo Malleus, you did well to survive for so long alone. You have our commendations in fact the Field Marshal of the Ordo Malleus has expressed interest in speaking with you." Takemikazuchi said
"Field Marshal? You mean I am not the last?" Evileye asked
"No you are the last on your realm but there are many other realms. The Ordo Malleus still stands strong templar. The Field Marshal is the supreme commander of the Ordo Malleus across the realms." Takemikazuchi said
"Wait you said realms? There are other worlds?" Marquis Raevan said
"Yes you are from Realm 235, there are many others, tens of thousands of different realms." Punito Moe said as he conjured a display of the world tree and all it's connected realms.
The gathered looked on awestruck as the truth hit home. The world was so much larger than they could have ever imagined. The old gods were real, the nation that the Maeve and her compatriots spoke of was beyond the confines of their own world. It explained why they were so adamant in refusing to speak about it. Such knowledge was dangerous, it wouldn't be a stretch to say this knowledge could tear the human nations apart if let out into the public knowledge.
"As for your request Evileye I can bring them here now, however I want all of you to agree that you wish to see them. I will not force the truth on you, you must embrace it willingly or even the truth can be perceived as a lie. If you do not wish to see it I can take you to a separate area to wait." Momonga said calmly
"I wish to see." Evileye said
"As do I." said Renner
"Ha when I woke up this morning I wasn't expecting to meet both the old gods and the new. Count me in." Gagaran said with a laugh
The rest of the group all agreed except of Lakyus, she stood there pale as the rest looked to her.
"Lakyus hiding you head in the dirt is not gonna make things better, the truth cares little about how mortals feel." Evileye said
"Very well I shall see…" Lakyus said in a strained voice
"Very well." Momonga said
Then before the gathered group six portals opened and form each portal was thrown an ethereal figure. Lakyus immediately recognised them, it was the six gods. Around their necks were steaming black collars and chain attached to the collar led into the portals. Then from the portals stepped the most horrific beings they had ever seen. They were tall and thin emancipated things with rotting and rusting armor and weapons. Their faces had no eyes only a wide gaping maw from which leaked a thick white fog. Those gathered immediately felt the temperature plunge, they could see the mist in their breathe. They were trembling partly from the cold, partly from fear as they gazed at those otherworldly horrors. The chains were held in their rusting rotten gauntlets, they could see the frost forming around the chains. They wondered what kind of hell did these beings crawl out from...
"Please the others said we could fade if we wanted to…" Shurshanna begged on his knees voice wracked in indescribable pain
"You will fade when I allow it, you will exist for as long as I need you." Momonga replied coldly
"What… what is that?" Renner asked petrified
"These are your gods and those behind them are my jailors the Abyss Walkers, you have your questions ask them." Momonga replied
The group was silent as they looked at the six ethereal figures who knelt on the ground panting in pain.
"Very well let me ask the first question then, what truly happened 300 years ago. DId the other races truly attack humans?" Momonga asked
"No… it was our fault all our fault…" wept Allah Alaf
"What do you mean?" Lakyus asked eyes wide
"We attacked the other races first… we made it look like humans did it… we started the wars. Then when the humans were starting to be overwhelmed… we stepped in... pretended to be heroes…" Allah Alaf gasped out
"No… they're making you say it…" Lakyus said
"No… we aren't all powerful, we were just mortals. We made a deal with the devil, we had no real power. You want to see gods, just look up at those pillars, we are just worms squirming at their feet... " Allah Alaf wept
Lakyus took a shaky step back as she gazed at the weeping husk of one of her gods.
"No this is some sort of trick, the other races can't possibly be good… they are savages all of them." Lakyus said in denial
"How much more do you have to cling to these lies Lakyus." Evileye said softly
"You know it's true Evileye! The other races are brutish creatures, they prey on us as if we were cattle. No demi-human can possibly have compassion for humans." Lakyus retorted
"Really?" Evileye said as she reached up for her mask and gently took it off.
"Evileye? What…" Lakyus asked shocked at her sisters actions
Then Evileye opened her eyes and all those gathered took a startled step back as they gazed into her blood red eyes. Evileye opened her mouth revealing her fangs.
"Am I monster sister? Am I incapable of compassion? If I am a monster strike me down!" Evileye shouted
Lakyus looked stunned at the face of her comrade. All this time her dearest companion was a vampire, they had defended humans side by side…
Evileye seeing her lack of reaction reached into her robe and pulled out a silver dagger and handed it to Lakyus
"Go on, I'm a monster aren't I? You say demi-humans aren't capable of compassion well I'm a bloody vampire! A HETEROMORPH!" Evileye shouted tears forming in her eyes
Lakyus took another stood back face as pale as parchment. Evileye seeing this stormed over and grabbed her hand placed the dagger in her hand before putting the tip over he unbeating heart.
"Go on do it. Kill the monster, I feed on human blood. I'm a monster aren't I? GO ON DO IT!" Evileye screamed as tears ran down her face.
Lakyus held the dagger at Evileye's heart and stood stock still gazing at her face.
"Oi oi Lakyus… calm down… " Gagaran said gingerly
"Lakyus please put down the dagger… " Renner said softly
Lakyus coming back to her senses dropped the dagger on the ground with a clatter and embraced Evileye.
"I'm sorry…" Lakyus wept
Evileye put her arms around Lakyus and they both sank into the ground weeping. Gagaran and the twins both came close and embraced the pair.
"The truth can be a curse as much as a blessing, but lies and deceptions are poison for the heart" Momonga stated
"Yes it appears it is so, Lord Momonga." Renner said softly as she gazed at the five women.
The 41 waited patiently as the roses collected themselves and they once again retook their positions facing the 41.
"Now then is there still any doubt to the true nature of the faith of the six?" Momonga asked
"No." Lakyus said softly
"Very well, I will now explain the reason why we have dispatched our forces onto your world…" Momonga said
The Realm of Eden
When the group stepped through their minds still reeling from the revelations granted to them, they found themselves in a beautiful marble hallway. They saw an angel approach them, it was a beautiful woman with wrappings over her eyes wearing a flowing white dress. Instead of wings she had wisps of blue energy radiating from her back in the shape of wings.
"Lady Herald and honoured guests I will bring you to the Hospitaller Head Quarters where the patient is waiting. Please follow me." the angel said in a serene divine voice
"Thank you, lead on." Maeve said politely
"I still can't believe it… our entire culture… a lie by a demon…" Lakyus said softly as they trailed behind the angel
"I knew for awhile now that something was wrong, the world was not as horrible a place as the history books said." Evileye said
"How old are you really shorty?" Gagaran asked
"I'm over 400 years old, the world all started going wrong around the time the six gods appeared." Evileye said
"You never said anything… why?" Lakyus asked
"Would it have made a difference? Who would trust the words of a vampire." Evileye said
"I suppose that's true." Gagaran said
"They said you were the last of an Order? What was that?" Lakyus asked
"The Ordo Malleus we were the fighting force tasked with guarding the continent. The six gods lead a campaign against us, they branded us heretics. We fought for awhile but the six gods were too powerful, in the end we lost everything and our memory was lost to the world." Evileye said solemnly
"How do you know you are the last of your order? There could be some still in hiding." Gagaran said helpfully
"I searched for many years, but I found no hide or tail of my old order. Their all dead." Evileye said
"Well at least you're not alone in the world anymore shorty, you have us and your order exists here as well." Gagaran said
"Yes it is such a relief, it has been really lonely these past centuries." Evileye said wistfully
"You know I like your real face much more than that mask and Keeno is a nice name." Lakyus said with a smile
"Thank you sister, I can't even begin to describe how stuffy it is behind that mask." Evileye said with a smile
"Pity you have to wear that damned thing when we get back." Gagaran said
"Yes the world isn't ready for the truth yet." Evileye said with a sigh
"It will be ready in good time." Lakyus said
To their right strode the Renner and Marquis Raevan, they were in deep conversation about the future of the kingdom.
"We need to disempower the church." Marquis Raevan said
"Yes I'm thinking something along the lines of the Empire's structure. It would also make a peace treaty and alliance easier when we have similar policies." Renner replied
"Yes but we need to do this carefully, the church has many supporters both within the court and the populace." Marquis Raevan
"Yes if we handle this poorly those lackeys in the Slaine Theocracy will come marching in declaring us heretics." Renner growled
"We should try and understand the Holy Kingdom's stance on this, if we get the peace treaty with the empire we can also use our sides freed up troops to help the Draconic Kingdom as a sign of good faith." Marquis Raevan said
"Yes we can say they are a human kingdom as well, it's a bit of a grey area with them since they are attacked by demi humans but they do not follow the faith of the six." Renner said
"The Slaine Theocracy still brands them as heretics but the Holy Kingdom has never had any animosity with them. I hear their diplomatic overtures have been rather cordial." Marquis Raevan said
"Well that's good one less puppet of Jaldaboath is always good." Renner said
"What about the Argland Council State? We share a border perhaps some diplomacy might be beneficial." Marquis Raevan said
"No not yet, we don't want to give the church any extra reasons to declare a holy war." Renner said
"Yes I suppose, but perhaps we can do it more subtly…" Marquis Raevan said he cupped his chin
"You have a suggestion I presume." Renner replied
"We can protect those followers of the 41 that live near the border, perhaps pass some policies that reduce their persecution. This might be perceived a slight nod at the Argland Council who follow the 41." Marquis Raevan said
"Yes and we say Maeve and Momon dono are worshippers of the 41, since they defended humans from demons it can be seen as a reward granted to them. " Renner said
"Yes rewards for heroic valor is seen as a natural thing for a sovereign. But of course we need to weaken the church first." Marquis Raevan said
"I have an idea for that… you remember what Momonga sama said? The six gods carried out this false flag operation to incite a conflict." Renner asked
"Yes… are you saying you wish to frame the church?" Marquis Raevan asked
"Yes exactly, seeing that is how our world was ruined it seems poetic we use the same trick to try and fix it." Renner said
"Yes that could work… we should discuss this at length at a later time." Marquis Raevan said
"Agreed." Renner said
Behind the pair walked Nfriea, Gazef and Brain.
"The casualties back at the capital are going to be problem, the alchemical reserves are totally gone. We don't even have enough glass to make the bottles." Nfriea said with a sigh
"Perhaps we can send an expedition to the Great Forest of Tob to gather materials." Gazef replied
"Isn't it dangerous? That place is crawling with monsters." Brain said
"It may not have to be… Momonga sama mentioned that they had a base there. Nazarick I believe was the name perhaps we could request them grant us security." Nfriea said
"That solves the short term problem but in the long term there's going to be supply problems, the forest is really far from the capital." Gazef said
"We could relocate the alchemist guild to E - Rantel that would make it easier on the supply lines." Nfriea said
"Yes I believe there's a village nearby right?" Brain said
"Carne Village. It's the only one still standing after the raids by the scriptures." Gazef said bitterly
"Wait isn't that where that girl is Nfriea?" Brain said with a wry smile
"Yes it is… she was saved by Maeve and Momon dono sadly her parents didn't make it." Nfriea said with a sigh
"Well you better man up and head back and tell her how you feel before something else happens." Brain said
"Yes, besides you will be closer being at E-Rantel." Gazef said with pat on Nfriea's shoulders
"Yes I suppose… " Nfriea said face turning scarlet
"We can also use the village as a stopping off point for the alchemists and troops. God knows they need the business after the raids." Gazef said
"And who knows the head alchemist may need to head down to inspect things…" Brains said wryly
"Ok ok enough can we just drop this subject." Nfriea said his face tomato red
"Haha whatever you say lover boy." Brain said with a laugh
The group continued their conversation until they ended up outside a massive white structure. It easily dwarfed the royal palace. They could see figures flying around the structure in circles trailing a blue glow behind them. The structure was ornate made of a pure white stone with gilded ornamentation. They heard a loud whirring noise and they saw a strange carriage fly off from one of the upper platforms escorted by four of the flying figures.
"Samaritan class Hospitaller transports. They transport the patients from the gateway terminal here for treatment." Maeve said sensing their stares
"What are those flying figures. They move much faster than a flight spell should allow." Evileye said
"Those are the Elysian Fallschirmjägers, they wear special equipment known as three dimensional maneuver gear or 3dmg for short. They are an airborne division under the Ordo Malleus, their equipment uses a combination of flight spells and propulsion magic to achieve better speed and maneuverability." Maeve explained
"Any chance we could get some of those?" Brain asked
"Unlikely, you would more likely kill yourselves by crashing if you tried to use one. It takes years to train a Fallschirmjäger. Now come the Grand Hospitaller is waiting for us." Maeve said as she walked towards the massive golden doors of the structure
Once they entered the first thing they noticed was the smell. It smelled odd there was this sharp stinging odour hanging in the air. The group wrinkled their noses as they entered.
"Antiseptic spray, it keeps the air clean from germs, reducing the chance of infections." Maeve explained
"What is this germs? I read about it the tome in my room but I never understood what it was." Renner asked
"It's tiny life forms too small for you to see, they are what causes illnesses and festering wounds. Certain types can travel through the air, meaning it can spread illnesses by the air surrounding the ill." Maeve explained
"Ah you are a student of the ways of natural healing I see." said a voice.
The group turned to see what appeared to be an elderly man with blue skin wearing white robes. He had a gentle smile on his face and kind twinkling cerulean eyes. He looked every bit of a kind wise patriarch.
"Grand Hospitaller, an honour see you again." Maeve said rendering a salute
"The honour is mine lady herald." the Grand Hospitaller said as he covered his face with his hands palms facing towards his face in greeting.
"Maeve told me you can heal him." Renner walked forward anxiety clear on her face
"Of course, we are the best healers in all the realms. The only thing we can't heal is death." the Grand Hospitaller said with a laugh
"He'll be fine Renner." Maeve said with a smile
"Yes he will, now then is there any other request? Any physical augmentations you want to perform while we are here?" the Grand Hospitaller asked
"No, just keep him human please, not metahuman just normal human." Maeve said exasperated
"I was merely suggesting since we will have to overhaul him anyway, we might as well…" the Grand Hospitaller said
"Rafnar, please…" Maeve said eyebrow twitching
"I know I know I'm just kidding Maeve." Rafnar said with a laugh
"Thank you." Maeve said exasperated
"Anyway my attendants will see you to guest areas, please make yourselves at home this will take about 3 hours." Rafnar said
"Thank you Grand Hospitaller." Renner said with a grateful bow
"Think nothing of it child, orders are orders." Rafnar said with a smile
The group was brought to a waiting area with plush furniture and a buffet spread.
"This place is truly amazing." Renner said as she sat down gazing at the ornate room. The level of artistry and luxury was mind boggling. A simple hospital waiting area made the royal palace look like peasants hovel. The chairs had cushions and the armrests had ornate carvings so lifelike they looked like they could start to move at any time.
"Try the food, it's quite good." Maeve suggested as she went over and poured herself a glass of Ambrosia.
The others all filled up a plate and began to dig in. Pleasant conversation abound as they discussed the wonders around them. Even with the knowledge that the fate of the world was in their hands those gathered took the time to get some levity from the burden.
"Sorry to interrupt." said a voice. The group turned to see an elf women wearing a blood red military garb similar in style to the one Maeve wore.
"Field Marshall, good to see you." Maeve said as she stood up and rendered a salute
"Lady Herald." the elf women said as she returned the salue
"I apologise for the interruption but I wanted a word with Templar Keeno." the elf woman said
The group turned to look at Evileye who sat there looking at the elf woman bewildered.
"This is Field Marshall Elwing, highest ranking officer in the Ordo Malleus." Maeve explained
Hearing this Evileye's eyes widened and she shot to her feet, hand shooting up in a salute.
"Apologies Ma'am." Evileye said face red with embarrassment
"At ease templar. I hope you don't mind if we have a little chat?" Elwing said
"Yes of course Ma'am." Evileye said
Elwing brought Evileye to a separate room and sat her down. The room was given to her immediately, there were few beings with more authority than the field marshall of the Ordo Malleus.
"Have a seat Templar Keeno." Elwing said
"But Ma'am I am only a Templar." Evileye blustered
"It is fine, I will allow it." Elwing said calmly
"Thank you Ma'am." Evileye said as she sat down stiffly
"Now then I have heard that you are the last surviving Templar on your world." Elwing said
"Yes I am as far as I am aware." Evileye said sadly
"When I heard your world was cut off by Jaldaboath I feared the worst, that the garrison there was wiped out. I am glad to hear at least you survived." Elwing said
"Yes but I only survived by hiding… " Evileye said ashamed
"There is no shame in hiding when fighting is not possible, live to fight another day." Elwing replied
"But I gave up the 41 and the order… I hid and did nothing, I never said a single prayer in 200 years." Evileye said softly
"Let me tell you something Templar, our prayers and traditions are merely what we use to help guide our soldiers on how to behave. All this time did you at any point attack the innocent, destroy the 41's great works?" Elwing asked
"No." Evileye said softly
"Yes I heard you still fought to protect, to defend. You still did your duty these past centuries, you did it alone with no support to speak of, your courage is to be commended not criticised." Elwing said
"Thank you Ma'am… " Evileye said softly
"The reason I called you here today is because I have some news for you. Soon the various Ordos will be moving into your realm, we will take back your world. We will come when the time is right, during that time we will need someone who knows the culture and lay of the land. Can we count on you to help guide the forces of the 41? " Elwing said
"Yes of course Field Marshall." Evileye said
"Very good, now I have two things to give you. The first is this… " Elwing said as she reached into her pocket a took out a medal.
"Rise Templar." Elwing said
Evileye immediately stood at attention and she watched as Elwing stood up and pinned the medal on her robe.
"For valorous service in enemy territory and bravery above and beyond the call of duty, I Field Marshall Elwing Rommel, Supreme Commander of the Ordo Malleus bequeath you the Knights Cross 1st Class. We will come to rely you in the war to come Templar." Elwing said with a smile
Evileye looked on, stunned at Elwing at a loss for words.
"Your supposed to salute now." Elwing said with a smirk
"Err ah yes, my apologies." Evileye said with salute facing going tomato red.
Elwing returned the salute and stood back.
"What is your rank Templar Keeno." Elwing asked
"I am a third sergeant of the 4th Magus Division." Evileye replied
"Well you will be doing a lot more in the future, I feel in light of your future responsibilities your rank is no longer appropriate. I am promoting you to the 1st Lieutenant of the Ordo Malleus.' Elwing said as she took a pair of ampulets and handed it to Evileye.
"A 1st Lieutenant? That's a commissioned officer rank." Evileye said stunned
"Yes I am aware, you can't wear your medal or your rank openly yet as you are currently undercover. I will have a uniform made for you when the time comes, so just keep those somewhere safe in the meantime." Elwing said
"Yes thank you Ma'am." Evileye said
"I am expecting great things from you Lieutenant. Dismissed." Elwing said
"Yes Ma'am." Evileye said as she saluted
When the pair walked back over the group, Maeve saw them and stood up.
"Lady Herald." Elwing said as she saluted
"Field Marshall." Maeve said as she returned the salute
"Drop by to the council chamber with Rafnar once you are finished up here we have much to discuss." Elwing said
"Of course Elwing, see you soon." Maeve said
The pair once again traded greeting as they parted ways.
2 hours later
"Climb!" Renner said as she embraced him
"What? What's going on?" Climb said bewildered as he sat up from the bed
"How are you doing young man, everything feel right?" Rafnar said
"Erm yes, what happened?" Climb asked
"You got hurt quite badly, we sent you here to get healed." Renner said
"Where are we?" Climb asked
"We are at Maeve and Momon's home, we'll explain more later." Gazef said
"Yes you should be able to move around just fine, there were no complications with the procedure." Rafnar said
"Thank you so much Grand Hospitaller." Renner said tearfully
"Your welcome child, now come young man let's give those legs a try." Rafnar said with a smile
Climb hefted himself up and tried to stand up, to his surprise he stood up easily. He found that he felt great, he felt strong… stronger than before actually.
"I feel strong… stronger." Climb said
"Now that is impressive, i'm not sure if you remember but one of the demons smashed you through a wall." Brain said
"What? Then how am I still… alive?" Climb asked getting ever more confused
"We fixed you up, I made some adjustments and fixed some of your growth problems." Rafnar said
"Growth problems?" Climb asked
"Haha yes I can tell you weren't eating very well as a child, your growth was stunted. We fixed those while we were healing you, you should be at your peak physical potential." Rafnar said
"I… I see thank you sir." Climb said with a deep bow
"Hahaha aren't you a polite one. Your welcome young man." Rafnar said with a chuckle
"Yes I will treasure this gift and serve my queen better than I ever have. You have my eternal gratitude." Climb said
"Climb you just relax for now, no more stunts like that again please. " Renner said wearily
"Your resolve is admirable young man but heed this old man's warning. A strong resolve and drive is valuable but you need to know your own limits. Pushing yourself too far is how a lot of young soldiers end up cut to ribbons." Rafnar said seriously
"Yes.. I will engrave your words into my heart." Climb said seriously
As Climb turned back to speak to the rest of the group Maeve strode up next to Rafnar.
"I don't think your message got through old man." Maeve said
"It never does." Rafnar said with a sigh
"Well hopefully he never has to see you again." Maeve said
"We won't the 41 don't give out gifts like this easily, next time this happens he's going into the ground." Rafnar said solemnly
"Yea the waiting list is still pretty long isn't it." Maeve said
"Well in my 30 millenia as Grand Hospitaller I have never seen the list drop below five digits." Rafnar said
"How are you doing on a successor?" Maeve asked
"Not very good, can't find anyone talented enough." Rafnar said with a sigh
"If it makes you feel better I heard the last Lord Hospitaller looked even longer than you did." Maeve said
"He got lucky, the Ordo stumbled across me just in time for when the previous Grand Hospitaller was killed." Rafnar said with a scowl
"Fate works in mysterious ways Rafnar, who knows, it might happen again." Maeve said
"What might happen a new successor or me dying?" Rafnar said with his brows raised
"Hopefully the former." Maeve said with a smirk
"Well we should probably get going we shouldn't keep the rest waiting, Field Marshall Elwing has graciously provided a few officers to give them a tour of Eden while we confer." Rafnar said
"Very kind of her." Maeve agreed
The Hall of Valor
The room was an ornate room, filled with the best ornaments and furniture in all the realms. The greatest servants of the 41 have all been in this room. The massive hall was known as the Hall of Valor for a simple reason. It is here were the fate of worlds are decided, the council has many members made of the heads of the Ordos and their many sub divisions. In the centre is a round white table with gilded ornaments denoting the seven seats. The table originally had only six seats for each of the Ordos but rather recently a spot was added for the Herald of the Abyss. Behind each seat were areas for the respective divisions of the Ordo to sit in on the meeting.
This room was where all the hard decisions were made, when the 41 made a decree and military intervention was required the Ordos would meet to discuss how to best execute their will. Each member here was being of legend of the untold countless souls in all the realms only a handful have ever stepped inside this room.
"As the Lord Commander of the Ordo Custodes, I Khirophom will be presiding over this meeting. Are there any objections?" said the four eyed being
"Nein." said Elwing Field Marshal of the Ordo Malleus
"Negative." said the Arch Magos of the Ordo Mechanicus
"No." affirmed the High Arch of the Ordo Iustitia
"No Objections." said Rafnar Grand Hospitaller of the Ordo Hospitaller
"None." said the Primus of Ordo Hereticus
"Nein." said Maeve the Herald of the Abyss
"All secondary attendees please name yourselves." a scribe said
"Colonel Ajax, Deathwatch of the Ordo Custodes." said a towering dark skinned humanoid who had large horns growing out the side of his head
"Lieutenant Colonel Serbyakov, Elysian Fallschirmjägers of the Ordo Malleus." said a slim brown haired human woman
"Colonel Weiss, Tottenkopf of the Ordo Malleus." said a dark haired human man
"Sister Solaria, Sororitas of the Ordo Hospitaller" said a blonde elf woman
"High Magos Englebart, Legio Skitarii of the Ordo Mechanicus" said a short dwarf in a red robe
"Venerable Dreadnought Kane, Legio Venator of the Ordo Mechanicus." said a massive mechanical war machine
"Executor Lian, Bastion Core of the Ordo Iustitia" said a female angel with short pure white hair
"High Judge Balthasar, Purifiers of the Ordo Hereticus." said a dark skinned man with long thick dreadlocks
"Recorded, Lord Commander of the Ordo Custodes you may begin." the scribe said
"Thank you, as you may have realised those gathered here are all part of the divisions that serve primarily as combatants and combat support. The reason for this is that there will be an invasion of Realm 235 in the near future. I am sure all of you are at least vaguely aware of Jaldaboath's betrayal." the Lord Commander Khirophom said
"The Legio Cybernetica will not be available for the coming campaign, they are currently tied down on various fronts." the Arch Magos said
"As will the Pyrphia Dragoons, they have suffered heavy casualties and are still rebuilding." Elwing added
"Yes I am aware, I have set aside two Deathwatch teams for the coming campaign." Khirophom said
"Eight Custodians, you are taking this seriously Lord Commander." Maeve said
"The fact that our lords have sent you is a clear sign as to the severity of the matter." Khirophom replied
"Category 5 threats are not to be taken lightly, the legions of the Ordo Mechanicus stand ready at any time." the Arch Magos said
"Hopefully we won't need to use all this combat strength, the casualties will be enormous." Rafnar said
"Yes our current plan is a blitzkrieg, once the world is close enough to the Yggdrasil and we have located the Abyss reactor we need to seize it as soon as possible." Khirophom said
"We need to find it first, I am currently working with the indigenious population to help locate it. Thus far I have secured the support of one of the major nations on realm 235. I hope to acquire more soon." Maeve said
"Any suspected locations?" the Primus of the Ordo Hereticus asked
"I suspect it is in the southern part of the continent in a nation known as the Slaine Theocracy however we do not have a means to verify it just yet." Maeve said
"Indeed take your time with the gathering of the information, the longer we stay undetected the better." the High Arch of the Ordo Iustitia said
"Yes there is a problem in that regard, I believe Jaldaboath intentionally gave a world item to an inhabitant on the realm to try and draw us out." Maeve said
"Yes [Armageddon Evil] a powerful super tier spell, we have read the reports. Good work on preserving most of the city Lady Herald a pity the guardians had to be activated. " the Arch Magos said
"Yes unfortunately that was probably a tip off, right now I have sent two guardians of Nazarick to help bring the eastern Empire to our side. I feel a more aggressive strategy will now be warranted." Maeve said
"Baharuth Empire was it?" Elwing said
"Yes they separate church and state which will make them more susceptible to our overtures." Maeve said
"Yes we will need the nations support, I have heard that supreme ones may be sending an Avatara, this will severely restrict our ability to field troops. We should send small groups of elites to aid the indigeinous population." Khirophom said
"A small mobile and diverse force would be optimal." Elwing said
"Yes I feel the Elysian Fallschirmjägers, Legio Skitarii, Legio Venator and Deathwatch would make a suitable first force. The Totenkopf and all other support troops can follow in secondary waves. " Khirophom said
"That's if we find the target before Jaldabaoth catches wind of us." the High Arch of the Ordo Iustitia said
In the event that we are discovered we can…
At the Ordo Malleus Aerial Garrison
"Why do we have to put on this stupid show?" Private Grant grumbled
"Hey it beats doing the nap of earth while flying silent." Corporal Sthukov said
"True, the sergeants can be totally merciless." Private Grant replied
"OI IF YOU HAVE TIME TO CHIT CHAT YOU HAVE TIME TO DODGE THIS!" their captain shouted as he hefted his spell gun and began firing shots up at the squad flying over head
"Crap! Disperse!." the squad leader shouted as the wing scattered and started to dodge the hail of spells
Renner looked up at the soldiers weaving in the air above them as streaks of light fired up at them.
"Isn't that a bit harsh?" Renner said to the Captain
"Hmphh we are entertaining guests and not only that the Commanders of all the Ordos are in Eden as well and they dare to have idle chit chat during training?" the captain said veins popping at his temple
"Section 1 and 2 anti air volley!" the captain shouted
"Sir isn't that dangerous?" one of the privates said hesitantly
"If any of them gets shot down I'll kill them myself. Ready weapons!" the captain shouted
High above the training grounds the wing of soldiers dodged desperately as spells fired up at them. They pushed their skills and resolve to the limit as they ducked and rolled.
"They are most impressive, it's hard to believe these are considered fresh troops out of training." Gazef said
"I wonder what kind of battlefield that have to fight in…" Brain said
"We have databases showing some recordings of past battles for training purposes. We can show you if you wish." the lieutenant who was chaperoning them said
"That would be great, thank you." Gazef said gratefully
Climb followed along with the group as they walked through the corridors of the garrison. He always tried to be a model soldier in order to honour his queen but looking at these soldiers he felt himself put to shame. Their movements were crips, efficient and disciplined. In the kingdom when an army marched in a parade all they had to do was stay in formation and match their foot falls. Here however when he saw their parade he was astonished, their foot falls made a single crisp sound. When he looked at them from the side it looked to be a single line of soldiers marching. Their limbs were moving in perfect synchronicity, it was a truly astonishing level of discipline.
They entered a great hall within was a central blue arcane orb surrounded by rows of seats. The orb was made of swirling arcane circles and turned to face them as they approached.
"This is our Cephalon Archive AI it where we store all past battle data so we may learn from the sacrifice of our predecessors.' the Lieutenant explained
"What kind of spell is that? I have been curious for awhile I notice that Maeve has a few smaller ones at her disposal." Evileye asked
"Those are pocket AIs they are simpler than this one here. This one is known as a Cephalon Class AI they are massive datastores that are capable of analysis and problem solvings. Only the Supreme Ones are capable of creating a Cephalon, this one was a gift from the 41. I have heard there is a superior version of data storage. Tabula Smaragdina sama and his honoured Mind Scryers use something known as Tesseracts. It stores vast amounts of data, normally we can only record visual and audio data but a Tesseract stores memories. It stores the signals from all the senses and even the thought process at the time. You essentially live the moment again, this would be traumatising to most so only those who personally serve Tabula Smaragdina may access them." the Lieutenant explained
"So this is a creation of a god?" Renner asked as she gazed at the massive sphere
"Yes this unit is designation Cephalon Sumar, this unit was created 700 000 years ago by Tabula Smaragdina." the sphere replied
"700 000 years ago?" Renner sputtered
"Ah yes the Ordo Malleus has a long history stretching back just under a million years. We have defended the realms since time immemorial. We are not only the largest but also the oldest Ordo. We look back on our long history with great pride." the Lieutenant said with a smile
"So this Cephalon holds 700 000 years worth of battle data?" Evileye said
"Yes, how about I show you. Cephalon Sumar bring up the recording from Lieutenant Colonel Serbyakov's drop insertion at the siege of Valhalla." the Lieutenant said
Before their eyes a scene was projected their eyes. It was from a first person perspective it showed a dark and cramped room and there were a group of six soldiers sitting in a circle. The room was dimly lit by red lights above each of the soldiers.
"This is a famous battle by the current head of the Elysian Fallschirmjäger Lieutenant Colonel Sebyakov and her famous wing of aces known as Scarlet Wing. They are dropping onto a battlefield to relieve a citadel under siege." the Lieutenant said
They looked on as a female voice spoke as the room shook.
"The fate of all the souls in Valhalla Citadel rests on our shoulders, strike hard strike fast. Be bold be swift live up to those wings on your chest." the voice said
"Yes Ma'am!" the soldiers replied
Then they saw the view rotate and they were now facing a metal wall. The shaking intensified and the wall opened up revealing a clear blue sky. Then the red glow turned green.
"RELEASE!" the female voice commanded
The view was then propelled out of the hole in the wall, those gathered looked on stunned as they saw that the small room was actually a pod falling through the sky. There were five other pods and soldiers were being ejected from the pods. They could see the clouds far below them, how high up were they?
"Form up in six clasp formation." the voice ordered
They saw the six soldiers lock each other in place at their elbows forming a circle. Then there was a burst of speed as the group hurtled towards the clouds below them.
"Entering Stratosphere, altitude 30 000 metres, speed 300." a voice said
They watched as the group hurtled towards the clouds below and they saw small dots flying in out of the clouds shooting spells at each other.
"Contacts in the Cloud layer." a voice said
"Strengthen magic barriers, speed through. Adjust vector 15 degrees, swooping hawk formation on my signal." the voice said
They saw the soldiers level out of the dive as they approached the clouds. They entered the mass of white and only saw the occasional flash of spell fire in the clouds. Then they saw the soldiers exit the cloud layer.
"Now!." the voice commanded as the soldiers scattered and formed up in a V formation.
"This is Lieutenant Colonel Serbyakov of the Elysian Fallschirmjägers reporting, where do you need us?" Serbyakov said
"Good to have you Lieutenant Colonel Serbyakov current battle situation is critical, the defenses at sector 3b is collapsing. The defenses must not fall under any circumstances, please provide any support you can." a voice said
"Received, status of air defenses over sector 3b." Serbyakov said
"Annihilated, please do what you can." the voice said grimly
"Very well, the 41 protects." Serbyakov replied
"41 deliver us." the voice replied
Renner watched as they approached the wall and she had a birds eye view at the hellscape that was the battlefield. Bodies were piled up in the mountains, fires burned everywhere. Everywhere you looked was a horrific scene of the dead and the dying. The battlefield made the battle at the capital look like a picnic.
"Gentlemen, it appears we will be doing double duty. Squad 3 and 4 provide air cover, squad 1 and 2 we will be air support. Remember this is danger close try no to blow up our guys. Send these heretics our regards, show them the Elysian Fallschirmjägers greeting." Serbyakov said
"Yes Ma'am." the soldiers said as two groups peeled away from the formation.
Renner watched as they dived onto the mass of screaming soldiers locked in combat at one of the walls. The group fired a volley at the mass of troops at the base of the wall eviscerating the troops in a spray of blood and offal.
"This is callsign Scarlet, here to assist." Serbyakov said
"You are a sight for sore eyes Scarlet, we need to thin out the enemy at the walls, try and stem the flow, give us an opening to retake our positions." another voice said
"Received, you shall have your opening." Serbyakov said
The group looked on at the projection as the battle raged, the wars they were familiar were often more organised. Two shield walls clashing against each other, a neat volley of arrows. Not… not whatever this was…
"This isn't a battle… this is hell… it's a… " Brain stammered
"It's a meat grinder?" the Lieutenant said
"Yes I suppose that's one way to put it." Gazef said
"It's what we call it when a battle devolves into such a state, all each side can do is send more troops in until one side runs out of meat." the Lieutenant said
Brain and Gazef turned back to the screen see the Lieutenant Colonel blast another group of soldiers spraying body parts in all directions.
"How long do you think we would last there?" Brain asked Gazef
"I'll be glad to last an hour." Gazef said
"How long did this siege drag on for?" Brain asked
"This battle lasted two weeks, it was two weeks of non stop fighting, you learned to sleep with knowledge at any moment a spell would hit you and that would be the end. The ground troops didn't really needed to eat, most of them were only dragged off the battlefield after being wounded or killed. Saved us some organisation on how to relieve the troops. Just fight till you drop, quite simple really." the Lieutenant said
"You sound like you were there." Brain said
"I was in Thunder wing during this battle, I dropped in after Scarlet wing did. " the Lieutenant said
"How many of you got back?" Brain asked
"I dropped with 30 others only 4 came back." the Lieutenant said grimly
"I'm sorry to hear that." Gazef said with a bow
"It's fine we all knew the risks." the Lieutenant said
"What about Scarlet Wing? How many did they lose?" Evileye asked
"They didn't lose anyone, a few minor wounds but no losses." the Lieutenant said
"What? How?" Evileye asked
"Scarlet wing is different they are an elite commando wing comprised entirely of veteran aces. The Lieutenant Colonel has the nickname Scarlet Letter, the foes she has put into the ground pile up to the heavens. Scarlet wing is only deployed for the most difficult engagements. In our lingo a scarlet letter is a love letter, so the running joke is that Lieutenant Colonel Serbyakov sends her foes love letters in the form of explosion spells" the Lieutenant explained
The group continued to watch the display before them and silently they thanked fate that they never had to live through such an ordeal...
Two Days Later at the Palace of Arwinter
Fluder walked towards the door of his personal quarters, he had just come back from visiting that sinister place. He lost another two disciples today but he had another minute to observe the inscriptions. Arche had managed to approach the pedestal again and for the Fluder was immensely proud. Arche seemed like perhaps one day she could take over his position, he would nurture her to the best of his ability so she may achieve her true potential.
He opened the door and walked towards his study mind still preoccupied by today's events. He turned the corner and stopped sitting inside his study were two elf children. At first he readied himself expecting an attack assuming they were elven slaves come to take vengeance. The empire legally allowed slavery for demi-humans and criminals. However on closer inspection he was stunned to realise that they were wearing. They were wearing the finest wargear he had ever seen, the amount of magic enchantments that were imbued covered their forms in a mana haze. Their ears were also significantly longer than a normal elf, their skin also appeared to be fairer. Could they perhaps be High Elves? The High Elves were an extremely long lived race bordering on immortality, they were exceedingly rare and were known to be extremely powerful. It was rumored that the elf kingdom's king had High Elf blood which is why he was so strong.
"You are Fluder Paradyne?" one of the elves asked
"Yes…" Fluder said cautiously
"Good I believe we can help each other." the elf said as she pulled out an ornate tome out of her backpack and handed it to Fluder.
Fluder took it and gazed at the book, it was written in the same strange symbols as the script written on the pedestal. He felt his heart start to race, could this book be the key to understanding that pedestal?
"What… what is this?" Fluder stammered eyes wide
"What do you think it is?" the elf asked
"Knowledge… ancient knowledge… knowledge I have sought for decades… " Fluder said
"It is the Grimoire of the Abyss an ancient tome penned long ago in eons past. The words below the title read pulvis et umbra sumus, it means we are but dust and shadow." the elf said
"You understand this language?" Fluder asked
"Yes we do, you can too for a price… " the elf said
"What price? Name it!" Fluder shouted
"Let's not be hasty but perhaps a taste first… " the elf said
The other elf put out a dainty hand and cast a spell. Immediately before Fluder's eyes the strange script changed into one he could read. Frantically he opened up the first page, it read...
To understand the abyss one must first comprehend what is creation. Creation in all forms is simply mana, mana is energy, energy creates form, form creates function. Energy is constant it can never be created nor destroyed merely transformed from one form to the other. This is first rule of creation, mana is all. The abyss is to creation what mortar is to bricks, the abyss exists between creation holding the fabric of reality together. It is mana in its…
Then the words reshuffled becoming once again incomprehensible. Fluder felt the book fly out of his hands and was caught by the elf.
"Please I have to know more!" Fluder begged as he fell to his knees before them desperate to read the rest
"I said it was a taste." the elf said with a wicked smile as she gazed at Fluder squirming on his knees
"What is your price! NAME IT!" Fluder exclaimed
"Soon the Baharuth Empire will be receiving an offer for a peace treaty and an alliance from the Re-Estise kingdom. You will persuade the emperor to accept. That is your first test, succeed in this and you may have another taste. Serve us well and we will give you everything you desire and more." the elf said as the pair stood up
"Yes it shall be done! I will not fail you!" Fluder exclaimed as he prostrated himself
We will be in touch, we are always watching Fluder Paradyne…
Author's notes:
So this chapter is abit different, it's focus is more on world building. Let me know if you like it. Also I feel like going for longer chapters but with a longer update time. So it's about double the length but double the time. Let me know how you feel about that.
So once again leave a review if you like it or hate it.
See you guys in the next chapter!