Chapter 3

A Suffering World

The Diplo's engines were heating up to the core by the time they had penetrated through the atmosphere of Expel. The landing, however, was fortunately sound and safe. Everyone took a moment to rest as Marietta began scanning through their current location on Expel.

"So what did you find?" Mirage spoke as she slowly opened her eyes.

"Well, i've scanned through the data. We've landed on the northern shore of the continent of Lacour. It's one of the largest continents in Expel, the town of Lacour is just south from here. It's the closest city to our current location, there is also a port known as the Port of Helrie just towards the west." informed Marietta as she looked deeper into her analysis hoping to plug out more information.

"Well, atleast it's not that bad. I'm sure the inhabitants of this planet would be friendly." Lieber shared his thoughts.

"How would you know that?" asked Xeim, a little cautiously as he looked towards Lieber, "She only provided data on the planet's structure and composition... nothing about the inhabitants."

"Uh... w-well, I just get the feeling! So there! ...wise guy." Lieber snapped back at Xeim.

"I think they call it a hunch," Steeg joined in to tease his brother. "And we all know where he got those from." He continued as he began to snicker which made Lieber even more furious.

"If you're all done having fun now, I think we have some business to take care of." said Mirage looking annoyed, "I suppose we won't be getting off this place for a while now. And in a few hours, this area will be surrounded as long as the ship stays here. I don't think the locals will be taking this too kindly, so i'm going to have to head to the nearest town and brief them of our situation."

"Uh... captain. You sure it's a good idea to give all the details?" asked Lieber looking a little unsure of her plan.

"Don't fret. The UP3 no longer applies to Expel, i'm sure we'll get through it somehow. We just have to make sure that they don't start working up a panic in all this time since the Diplo won't be able to function again in another 10 hours considering the damage that was done." Mirage seemed quite convinced with her plan. It wasn't something new to her, but she was more used to following procedures already laid out to her since this was her first time as captain.

"We'll do our best here," replied Marietta. "It won't be easy, but maybe by tomorrow early morning, everything should be done. I'll be sure to stay in contact."

"That's good to hear. Lieber, Xeim, I think I would have you come with me. Just be prepared, there could be all types of monsters lurking out there... you never know." Mirage had already started to head towards the transporter as she spoke.

"Yes ma'am!" said Lieber as he and Xeim followed Mirage right behind her.

"Be careful guys. And we'll see you soon." Steeg waved his hand as he looked back at the three head out of the bridge.

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Lacour wasn't too far a distance from the shore. As Mirage, Xeim, and Lieber made their way towards town, they couldn't help but notice the area get darker and more gloomy as they approached Lacour. Somehow they got the feeling there wasn't something right about this. Fortunately, they didn't come in contact with any monsters for them to take care of. As they reached Lacour, it seems there weren't any guards at the moment and the gate was wide open.

"Let's just try and get an audience with the king." Mirage spoke as she looked around the huge town.

The kingdom of Lacour was just built in not too long ago. The famous arena of Lacour Tournament Arms was an interesting sight, but it didn't seem lively at all. The weapon and item shops were extremely exquisite and they had some good item quality there. Despite all the attractions that were worth seeing, there didn't seem to be many locals around the area. Although it was dark, it was odd that there were hardly any people in town.

As Mirage made her way to the gates of the castle, two guards blocked her way. "Sorry, you cannot go any further. If you are here to see the king, he won't be holding an audience until matters are settled."

"What matters?" asked a curious Mirage.

"Hmm judging by how oddly you are dressed, I assume you are travellers so you're not really aware of our situation." the guard on the right said as he examined the three, "Allow me to explain. A group of demons barged in here through the gate trespassing and injuring a few of our guards. They headed south to the town of Linga just a while ago. From the information we have right now, the inhabitants of Linga don't stand a chance against those demons, and there's been all kinds of bloodshed. The king has ordered for their aid but we're still not able to keep matters in control. Citizens of Lacour have evacuated out of town immediately after they heard the news. Port Helrie is crowded at the moment, which i'm sure you must've seen."

"So what do these demons want? And who are they?" Mirage asked as Lieber and Xeim nodded curiously.

"We don't know. We haven't seen something like that before, but we're afraid they might be after the energy stones. I heard one of the demons mention it before he left. I'm sure you'll find more information on this if you head south towards Linga, but I wouldn't suggest doing that. It's far too dangerous." the guard replied.

"Demons... hmm, this sounds familiar." Xeim noted, "Let's head down to Linga for now. We're not going to get anything settled by staying here. And I think we might pick up a clue on the way."

"Well, i'm not usually one for sticking my nose in other's business, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to look into this issue." Mirage turned back to the guard as she spoke to him.

"Very well then, be careful strange, yet brave travellers." the guard said as he opened the gate to the south.

The three Quark members discussed the possible reasons for this issue as they headed out of town on their way towards Linga. The path to the town was again very straight and narrow, which didn't seem to be a long way to travel.

"The Demons, could they possibly be from Daemonium?" asked Mirage on the way. "Why would they want these energy stones from a planet like this?"

"I suppose we'll find out when we get there." was the best reply that came to Lieber's mind.

At the arrival of the town of Linga, they couldn't help but notice the wreck caused by the demons. Dead bodies, houses burnt down, and scraps of metal all over the locality. Mirage walked towards the nearest injured man who was lying on the ground in agony.

"Are you still alright?" Mirage asked looking very concerned.

"Ugh... forget me... they're h-headed for the san-sanctuary inside the cave... quick ...!" the injured man passed out as he spoke his last words.

Mirage shook her head as she looked around the town, "The sanctuary. Where could this cave be?"

"Didn't we spot one on our way here? That must be the sanctuary he was talking about. And also where those goddamn demons are headed!" Lieber spoke as he smacked his fist.

"Right then. Let's head to the sanctuary pronto." said Xeim while already on his way outside of the town of Linga.

There wasn't much else to note about Linga, other than the blazing state of the town and the bloody mess. From the state of Linga, the three could already tell they weren't just any normal demons.

And so, just near the town, they found the small cave known as the Sanctuary of Linga where the demons were headed for. They noticed numerous types of herbs and fossils inside the cave. It was quite deep and they encountered a few weak monsters which didn't interest them a bit. Xeim stopped to notice small blood drops on the ground just near the end of the cave.

"They're close by, just keep your guard." Xeim cautioned his friends. The cave started to get a lot darker and foggy. As soon as they thought they reached the dead-end, they noticed a small rigid path just behind the mist that lead to the other side of the cave.

Just as they were about to head into the narrow path, something abruptly blocked their way. A tall and slim demon with long silver hair, floated in the air wielding a bloodlusted sword and blocked their path.

"Well, it seems like you found your way here." the Demon spoke with an elegant voice, "I was wondering why it was taking you Kluasians so long to catch up with us."

"What are you demons here for? Is it the Energy Stones?" Mirage fired questions as she got into her battle stance expecting to be attacked anytime.

"Oh, if you're here in hope to retrieve it, then i'm afraid you're far too late. I would love for you to gaze upon the beautiful stones, but it's too bad you won't be living long enough to enjoy the excitement," the Demon retorted in his simple elegant manner as he swung his sword towards Xeim who dodged it with ease while narrowly setting his eyes on the Demon. "You... you're-"

Before the Demon could complete his sentence, he noticed Mirage and Lieber already charging up behind him hoping for a sneak attack. Xeim shook the demon of his path and ran towards his allies to assist them. "Electric Fists! Take that! And that! And that!" the three lightning quick punches again knocking the Demon down.

"Haaah!" the demon swung his bloody sword once more towards Lieber who barely dodged it. Lieber quickly gave himself some distance to stay safe, "Burn! Sizzle Shot!" Lieber adjusted his phase gun as the sharp fiery laser strucke the Demon from behind weakening his movement.

Mirage clenched her fists together in an axe-handle shape as she jumped into the air, "HAMMER OF MIGHT!" The explosion sweeped the Demon of his feet leaving him in a weak position.

Just as he was about to get back up on his feet, Xeim rushed into them again with lightning speed and shoulder first delivering a heavy blow, "Fiery Tackle!" Meanwhile, Mirage took the time to charge herself on the ground before leaping high into the air and charging into the demon from above striking with her feet, "Try to dodge this! Aerial Assault!" she shouted as she knocked down the demon once more from the impact. The last blow scarred the demon's face as blood dripped from his mouth.

"Heh, you're quite a strong bunch. I won't be forgetting this scar, my pretty damsel." the Demon spoke as he just began recovering. Before anyone noticed, he quickly got back up and struck his blade diagonally enveloping a large flame which engulfed all three of them, "Repent, for death is upon you! Crimson Sword!"

"I won't be wasting my time on a worthless bunch like you, besides i'm not obliged to finish you off." said the Demon as he drew back his sword looking down on the fallen Quark team. "The Alliance has only one true purpose. To revive the Supreme Deity, and you will play an important role." The Demon snickered on every word of his sentence.

"S-Supreme wha-? What'd you wanna d-do that for...?" an injured Lieber managed to blurt out, confused by the Demon's statement.

"A reason you will soon figure out yourselves. Just keep going on mortals, the deeper you fall into this dilemma, the more pawns you will become. Farewell for now, I have to catch up with the rest of my minions. Hahahahahahaa!" And after that, the demon disappeared without another word.

Mirage tried to push herself back up, but she had no strength to do so. Not too long after, all three had lost consciousness.