Arwintar 2 weeks before Draudillon arrives
Jircniv lay in his bed, curled up against him was his favourite concubine. She had a head of scarlet hair and a thin frame. Her beauty was not exceptional, however she had a mind as sharp as a razor edge. Jircniv privately knew he had feelings for the woman, but she was from lesser noble house, unworthy of an emperor's hand in marriage. The politics of the empire ensured she would forever languish as his concubine.
"You don't seem very energetic today Jir…" the woman said
"No I suppose I'm not… I just have a lot on my mind." Jircniv said with a sigh
"Is it about that mysterious superpower Eden?" the woman said arching her eyebrows
"Sharp as always Scilla." Jircniv said with a smile
"So what is this about? It's been a while since the treaty, why are you upset about it now?" Scilla asked
Most people would lose their heads if dared to speak to him in such a way. Jircniv made an exception for her, it was refreshing to him. Someone who did not see the crown before the man, someone who saw him as Jircniv the man not the Jircniv the Emperor.
"There was a fire at one of the houses in the wealthy district a few weeks ago." Jircniv said
"And? Fires happen." Scilla replied
"The house belonged to the former Furt house, their daughter is Arche Furt, Gramp's star disciple." Jircniv said
"And she is nowhere to be found? Presumed dead?" Scilla asked
"Yes, Gramps has stopped visiting that place ever since." Jircinv said as he bit his thumb
"Sounds like he's upset about losing such a promising mage, or that is what I would say normally. You aren't telling me this because it's normal isn't it?" Scilla asked
"Can't I be concerned about my mentor?" Jircniv replied with a smirk
"HA! You poisoned your nephew over some rumors. You are many things Jircniv, sentimental is not one of them." Scilla said with a smile
"Hahaha I suppose you are right, no the reason this concerns me is that I know Gramps. He won't let something like this stop his obsession over magic. Unless he has found what he wanted…" Jircniv said softly
"What you think Fluder started the fire and dissected her or something?" Scilla asked
"No of course not, well I wouldn't put it pass Gramps to do something like that… but no Gramps is no cultist, he's a sorcerer. I think someone took Arche, faked her death and gave Fluder what he wanted in exchange for his silence." Jircniv said bitterly
"You think Eden did this." Scilla stated
"Yes, they are a nation that worships the 41. They have magical knowledge that surpasses us by far and what has Grmaps been researching all this time? An ancient ruin constructed in the age of the gods." Jircniv said
"So you think Fluder has sold himself to Eden." Scilla replied
"When I try to judge a person's motives I play a little game, I think of what they do, what they say and I imagine what is the worst reason that would move them to act in such a way. Then I see if that reason matches the way to behave." Jircniv said with a grimace
"So Eden has potentially stolen two of the best magic casters in the region from your own backyard.." Scilla replied
"Yes whatever this nation is, it's tendrils run deep. I have no doubt it already has the Re-Estise in a stranglehold. Now the question is if the Empire is already fully entangled, or is there still something we can do to prevent it." Jircniv said
Very impressive your grace.
Jircniv turned to his window and saw the high elf twins sitting on his window ledge. Scilla shrieked and sprang out of bed reaching for the knife hidden in the drawer. Jircniv felt a chill go down his spine, was this where he would die? Truly Eden has long fingers…
"Guards!" Scilla shouted
"They can't hear you, no one can." Solanna said
Jircniv looked to the other elf Quacey and saw that his hand was out. It glowed with a magical light, casting some unknown sorcery within his bedroom. Jircniv backed away from the pair he grabbed Scilla and placed her behind him shielding her. The two elves got off the window and one more figure emerged at the window. Jircniv recognised her as Maeve, the girl that had easily bested his best knights.
"Good evening, your grace." Maeve said
"Are you here to kill me?" Jircniv asked his voice firm
"No of course not, you are far too intelligent to be put down so soon. We have many uses for you... you see war is coming to the continent and we need every capable man we can get." Maeve said as she approached
"What do you want?" Jircniv asked
"I want you to understand your position, your grace. You are not going to scheme your way out of this. You are a cog in the machine that is our master's designs, you will turn as you are bid or… be replaced." Maeve said
"What do your masters desire?" Jircniv asked evenly
"Peace, for this realm and all those who reside in it." Maeve replied
"How will you achieve that?" Jircniv asked
"Questions that are beyond your station your grace. Think of if this way, do your part and there will be no problems. Defy us and…" Maeve said
Jircniv watched as mask made of bone formed around her face. He looked to it's one burning eye and felt a revulsion well up from the deepest parts of himself. The magic lamps around his bedroom all flickered and died. He felt the temperature in the room drop and he could see the mist forming from his breath. Now in pitch darkness the only light he could see was from that mask.
"Big things are happening in this world your grace, we are one side of this conflict. There is another side, a far more terrible side that will not be as gentle as us. We like our allies to willing collaborators but thralls work just fine with us as well. " Maeve said her voice warping from behind that mask.
Jircniv saw two pairs of red lights appear over her shoulder and a pair of horrifying bestial heads appeared. One looked like a snake, the other was draconic. Both had rotting purple scales and maws filled with serrated teeth.
"Soon Queen Renner will suggest you invite the Draconic Kingdom into the alliance. You will help her achieve that aim. Obey and do your part, do this and you just might survive... That is the deal." Maeve said as the two monstrous heads bared their fangs.
Jircniv nodded as he locked his gaze with that one burning eye.
"Good, enjoy your evening your grace." Maeve said
In an instant they were gone, Jircniv felt the air temperature returned to normal and the lights flickered back on. He heard Scilla weeping behind him, as he turned to look at her weeping form he dreaded what tomorrow would hold…
Draudillon's Room Present Day
Draudillon knelt at her bedside, in her hand she clutched the rosary of the 41. Often she has found succour in drink when light of hope seemed bleak, but in times where truly the darkness has come she has found respite in the prayers of old and her faith. Now in a few hours she would venture to see these mysterious masters of Eden, she had no idea what would happen she could only leave the fate of herself and her nation to the gods. So in this eleventh hour the proud dragon queen knelt in a foregin nation to pray.
Praise to Lord Touch Me
Patron God of Dragons
Lord of Valor and Justice
Grant me the strength to face fates decree and may justice come to my nation
Praise to Lord Ulbert Alain Odle
Lord of Vengeance and Destiny
Grant me your providence so I may bring vengeance upon my enemies
Praise to Lord Punito Moe
Lord of Strategy and Guile
Grant me the wisdom to face this trial
Most of all praise to Lord Momonga
The ancient one, the first witness to creation
The Lord of Death and Duty
I pray you grant your humble servant this wish
Let me see my deaths approach
So I may complete my labors and depart this world with my eyes open
So I may receive a death with my duty done
This I pray to you wise and merciful 41
Deliver us for the ashes of ruination
A Morte Perpetua
Domine Libra Nos
As she muttered the last heartfelt words she heard a knock on her door. Draudillon slowly rose and dusted herself off. She kissed her rosary one last time and gently placed it within her clothes.
"Your Highness, are you there?" she head Gwen ask
"Yes, please come in." Draudillon replied
"Your Highness, it is time." Gwen said apprehensively
"Thank you." Draudillon replied
"Your Highness, I asked if I may accompany you and they said I may." Gwen said
"No, there is no sense in both of us taking the risk." Draudillon said firmly
"Please my queen, allow me to serve you." Gwen pleaded
"Do you wish to see Eden that badly?"Draudillon asked
"No… may I speak freely my queen?" Gwen asked hesitantly
"Go ahead." Draudillon said with a nod
"If I am to be honest, I do wish to see Eden… however that is not the only reason. My queen I have served in the palace for years, I have seen you agonise about the fate of our nation. I have seen how this crisis has been tearing you apart. Now with a chance to end the beastmen threat forever, you do something few sovereigns dare to do. You dare to wager your life for the future of the nation. I believe you are a queen worth serving, so please allow me to accompany you. If you are to take that long walk to the gallows at least allow me to accompany you for that walk. There are worse fates than dying for something you believe in. You don't have to face it alone my queen." Gwen said fervently
"Thank you for your kind words Gwen, but it is for that reason I must go alone. Stay here Gwen and await my return I will need company for the journey home." Draudillon said with a smile
"My queen..," Gwen pleaded
"That is an order Gwen." Draudillon said firmly
"I… yes my queen." Gwen replied eyes downcast
"Come we should not keep them waiting." Draudillon said as she turned and began walking down the corridor
As the pair approached the door to the conference room a pair of guards crossed their halberds over the door.
"Your grace, only those who will be journeying to Eden may enter. Will your servant be attending?" one of the guards asked
"No, she will not." Draudillon said
"My queen I…" Gwen began
"Gwen enough, head back to your room. Rest up it will be a long journey home." Draudillon said
"Yes my queen…" Gwen said softly
Draudillon nodded to the guards and they opened the door, before she stepped through she turned to Gwen who was still standing there gazing at her.
"Gwen." Draudillon said
"Yes my queen?" Gwen replied
"There has never lived a more loyal servant." Draudillon said as she turned and entered the room
Draudillon entered the conference room and found the table and chairs missing. Within she saw Keeno of the Roses, the agents of Eden, Jircniv, Renner and Fluder. In Maeve hands she held a scroll the glowed with arcane power.
"I apologise for the delay." Draudillon said
"No worries, your grace we are waiting for the go ahead from the masters anyway." Renner said sweetly
"Go ahead?" Draudillon asked
"Eden has a teleportation shield, this scroll has a mana frequency. The shield opens for different frequencies at different times. Attempt teleportation at the wrong time or with the wrong frequency and you will be ripped to pieces." Maeve explained
"A most robust security measure." Draudillon said
"Eden takes security very seriously, the bigger the gem the more the thieves after all." Maeve replied
"Your master's are wise." Draudillon said
"Yes they are." Maeve nodded with a smile
Those gathered milled about for awhile longer before Maeve put her finger to her ear and seemed to be receiving a message.
"Ok let's go." Maeve said as she unfurled the scroll and portal appeared in the centre of the room. She calmly stepped through the whorling vortex as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Draudillon watched as the other stepped through leaving only her self and Keeno.
"It looks scary but it's nothing, you won't even feel it." Keeno said gently
"I see." Draudillon said as she took a deep breath to steady herself and stepped through the portal.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself in a wide circular room. The room was made of marble and gold, the ornamentation was ornate and lifelike. She half expected some of the art works embedded into the walls would come alive. The floor was made of the finest white marble she had ever seen, the grain of the marble showed this was one massive slab of marble cut to the specific dimensions of this room. She saw the group standing in a group as they waited for her.
Once the group was gathered they walked towards what appeared to be a circular door. As they approached Draudillon was shocked to see the door seemed open like an iris as the pieces rotated exposing the way forward. Through the doorway she entered a massive room, along the walls were countless doors just like the one she stepped through. The area immediately outside of the door was surrounded by walls of blue glowing energy. At the wall of energy was a strange metal archway tall and wide enough for the giants to step through. In front of the archway was an Ordo Malleus soldier next to him was a white and gold pedestal.
She watched as Maeve approached the soldier and placed her hand on the pedestal. Then a display appeared above the pedestal. It showed her face and lines of text on the side of the portrait.
Name: Maeve
Level: -REDACTED-
Status: Herald of the Abyss
Race: -REDACTED-
Origin: -REDACTED-
Bios: -REDACTED-
Clearance: 1
Vocation: -REDACTED-
Seal: Cleared
"Welcome home Lady Herald." the soldier said with a crisp salute
"It's good to be home." Maeve said as she nodded to the soldier and walked through
Draudillon watched as Renner went up next and placed her hand on the pedestal. As before a portrait appeared with accompanying lines of text.
Name: Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself
Level: 5
Status: IP Sovereign
Race: Human
Origin: Realm 235
Bios: Female Type B1
Clearance: 9
Vocation: None
Seal: Administered
Then Keeno stepped forward.
Name: Keeno Fasris Invern
Level: 55
Status: 1st Lieutenant Ordo Malleus Militia
Race: Vampire (Sanguine Vampiricus)
Origin: Realm 235
Bios: Female Type B1S
Clearance: 5
Vocation: Offworld Militia Intelligence Officer
Seal: Cleared
"Welcome to Eden Lieutenant" the soldier said as he saluted
"A pleasure." Keeno replied as she returned the salute
Draudillon found some of the information was strange… Female Type B1? What does that mean? She watched as the others passed through until finally it was just herself, Fluder and Jircniv. Solanna and Quacey like Maeve had a lot of their information redacted, Eden must take their information security extremely seriously.
"After you your grace." Jircniv said with a smile
Draudillon grumbled in her heart as this blatant false chivalry was out on display. It was clear as day those two had never been here before. They just wanted to see her information on that display.
Name: Draudillon Oriculus
Level: 8
Status: IP Sovereign
Race: Human/Dracon 7/1
Origin: Realm 235
Bios: Female Type B1
Clearance: 9
Vocation: None
Seal: None
Drauduillon was surprised when she looked at the display. The detection magic must be powerful as it so clearly showed her draconic heritage. She only had one eighth of dragon blood, now that fact was shown clearly on that display.
"Ma'am please show me your hand." the soldier said as he took out a strange metal stamp.
Draudillon obeyed and held out her hand. She watched as the shoulder pressed the stamp to the back of her hand. She watched as a blue glowing sigil in the shape of sewn shut lips appeared on her hand.
"You are aware of the seal correct?" the soldier asked
"Yes I am." Draudillon replied
"Very good, proceed." the soldier said with a nod
After everyone was through they were led to an area, it was like a large warehouse. In the middle of the warehouse was what looked like a large gilded metal bird. It had a sharp point with curved metal wings.
"Prestige pattern transport, the most luxurious transport we have. I hope you all enjoy your flight." the soldier attending to them said
"Flight?" Jircniv asked
"This craft flies your grace, it will take us to the inner ring of the city." Maeve explained
"This thing can fly?" Draudillon asked incredulously
"Yes I have seen it myself, I visited Eden a few months ago." Renner said
At those words a hatch opened on the side of the metal bird and formed a set of plush carpeted stairs. Draudillon watched as the others walked up the stairs and entered the metal bird. With not much other choice she followed them and found herself in a plush luxurious interior. The floors were carpeted and the seats were made entirely of cushions. Draudillon took a seat at one of the seats, opposite her sat Keeno and Renner. They waited for a few minutes and voice suddenly spoke.
"Good afternoon honourable guests, we will be departing in a few moments. We will arrive in Eden Inner Terminal in approximately 20 minutes, please sit back and enjoy the ride." the voice said
Soon she felt the bird move and she looked out the window to see the bird slowly lift off the ground. Then she saw one of the walls open revealing a clear blue sky, the bird moved forward and exited through the opening. Draudillon looked out the window slack jawed as she gazed at the massive floating complex that they exited from, they were ridiculously high up she could see the clouds far below. It looked like massive gilded cathedral, it was the size of a mountain with sculptures the size of palaces. She watched as several figures flew up beside the bird and followed in formation. She recognised the red uniform of the Ordo Malleus, they wore strange masks and they wore large bulky boots. She watched the soldier flying next to her window turn to look at her, she raised her hand gave him a wave. The soldier rendered a salute before facing forward once again and continuing his escort.
"Maeve why are we going to Eden this way?" Renner asked
"The masters are busy so we are going to attend a ball first and meet them afterwards. Only the masters can teleport people directly into Eden, everyone else has to use the gateway terminal." Maeve replied with a shrug
"Why can't anyone else teleport in?" Fluder asked
"You'll see soon, just give it a while, I'll show you why." Maeve replied cryptically
The conversation died with those words and all those gathered wondered what she meant by those words. Soon they heard the voice from before again.
"Honoured guests we are now entering Eden airspace. We should arrive in 10 minutes." the voice said
"Go on Fluder look down." Maeve said
Fluder went over to one of the windows and peered downwards.
"Impossible… how?" Fluder gasped out
Draudillon looked down and saw a massive city below them. It's building were tall and the spires reached up to the heavens, however what caught her eye was the walls around the city. It formed layers and segments dividing the city. The walls were massive easily a 100 metres thick, the walls were laid out in a circular pattern with winding walls in between the rings of circles. On the top of the walls were large arcane symbols running the length of the walls.
"The walls they are magic circles… how do they sustain such a spell? Where does the mana come from?" Fluder said softly
"Eden sits on a mana vein, it is a natural occurring phenomenon that produces an immense amount of mana. The vein gives off enough mana per hour to flatten the continent of your origin." Maeve explained
Draudillon gulped and looked back down at the walls, they could see less than 10 runes. She knew a typical low level spell had around 50 runes in it's construction, the number goes up the higher tier the spell. She looked out into the city and saw the city stretched well over the horizon, in fact the walls were so long and the curve so gradual she only realised it was a ring due to her birds eye view. If she was at the base of the wall she knew she would think the wall was a straight wall. Such a construction is surely the domain of the gods…
The Hall of Nine Goals
Draudillon walked down this massive corridor, the floor had the largest carpet she had ever seen. It was as wide as her throne room, this hallway alone dwarfed anything she had ever seen back home. Banners of the 41 with sizes to match the massive size of the hallway hung along the walls. Soon the group the group came to a massive set of double doors, the doors depicted a paradise with warmth and succour abound. However at the base of the door where they could see it the most clearly the door was made of black and purple stone. It showed some sort of dark valley where men and women in chains were being lorded over by beings in black rotting armor.
"The profaned valley." Maeve said as she noticed the group had stopped to look at the black bottom of the doors
"What is that?" Jircniv asked
"Hell, a place where the 41 send the true sinners. Hell does not burn, it is cold and devoid of light. True suffering is not pain, it is the absence of happiness and hope. In the profaned valley warmth and hope is nonexistent, only biting cold and despair awaits for those who fall." Maeve said
"You sound like you've been there." Renner said
"I have, pray you do not have to visit in the future." Maeve replied as the doors slowly creaked open
The doors opened to reveal a massive ball room. The ceiling reached high up into the heavens, the room was so large that even with the ceiling so high it gave the illusion of the ceiling being at a normal height. The statutes adorning the pillars all seemed to gaze at the person who looked at it. At each pillar were strung lanterns, the lanterns had a strange glass pattern, it gave off a strange light pattern similar to the waves of the sea. The dancing flame causing the pattern to wave and flicker cast on the gold pillar gave it the appearance of liquid gold gently flowing. There were tables filled with a buffet spread, the fare on display was far beyond anything the visiting monarchs have seen before. The scale of the room played tricks on the minds of those gathered, how does one even construct something like this?
The room was crowded filled with beings of various races, Draudillon could see elves, humans, dwarfs even some dragons who have taken their humanoid forms. Some wore military uniforms others wore what looked to her to be the finest formal attire. The common theme in this room was the gold and platinum which covered the room from it's walls to the attire of its occupants.
"Lady Herald so glad you could finally join us." a blonde high elf wearing the blood red of the Ordo Malleus said
"Field Marshall Elwing." Maeve said with a salute
"Lady Herald." Elwing said returning the salute
"Don't so stiff Elwing this is a party." an old man with blue skin and wearing white robes said as he slapped Elwing on the back.
"Ouch… it's like a steel wall." the old man grumbled as he held his wrist
"Good to see you Rafnar." Maeve said with a chuckle
"You too Maeve." Rafnar said with a laugh
"You should not strike the armor of the Field Marshall, Grand Hospitaller." a monotonous voice said from behind the pair
The two turned and revealed a short squat dwarf wearing red robes. His face however was more metal than flesh. The only flesh visible was his left eye surrounded by scarred and mangled flesh. Numerous tubes and metal implements were imbedded into his flesh, making him seem more machine than dwarf.
"Arch Magos Cawl, it has been awhile." Maeve said with a salute
"The honour is mine. Lady Herald." Cawl said as he placed his right palm over his heart
"Do you have to wear that even in a ball?" Rafnar said to Elwing
"The Ordo Malleus must always stand prepared so I must lead by example." Elwing replied
"The Field Marshal is correct, laxity leads to a drop in efficiency. For the 41 we cannot be good, we must be perfection." Cawl said
"A tall order Cawl, only the 41 are perfect." Maeve replied
"We must emulate them to the best of our meagre ability so that we may tend to their great works. It is a losing battle, probability of success zero, but no matter the trial we must fight on, such is our duty." Cawl said
"Cawl is right, there is a saying as spoken our august lord Momonga. It is the prerogative of the strong to attempt the impossible." a voice said
Those gathered turned to see three figures approach. One was dressed in a white uniform similar to the style of the Ordo Malleus. He had four compound eyes that bulged out of his head, he looked like a humanoid insect. His skin was a shiny beige carapace and his mouth was segmented with a pair of mandibles.
To his left was an angel with flowing white hair, she had a voluptuous figure that could be seen even under her armor, she wore a set of gleaming silver armor that faintly glowed with an ethereal light. The armor clinked with a bell like sounds as she walked, from her back was folded a set of pure white feathered wings. Above her head floated a glowing white halo that gave off a divine luminescence.
The last one was dressed in black gothic style leather armor, he wore a long cloak over his shoulders that covered his shoulders and collar. The cloak reached down to his ankles and on his head he wore a large black hat. The armor was ornate with silver pauldrons and a chest plate. On his hands were silver gauntlets with sharpened fingertips and spiked knuckles. His parlour was pale and you could make out the blood red eyes of a vampire.
"Well since everyone's here we might as well introduce ourselves." Elwing said
"I am Rokarr, Lord Commander of the Ordo Custodes." the white garbed insect said
"Some of you already know me I am Elwing Rommel, Field Marshal of the Ordo Malleus." Elwing said
"I am Rafnar Skaoison, Grand Hospitaller of the Ordo Hospitaller." Rafnar said
"I am Belisarius Cawl, Arch Magos of the Ordo Mechanicus." Cawl said
"I am Uriel Seraphnius of the first sphere, High Arch of the Ordo Iustitia." the angel said
"That leaves me I suppose. I am Grimgar von Carstein, Primus of the Ordo Hereticus." the black dressed vampire said
"They are the highest ranked individuals in each of the Ordos, the Ordos handle the military matters of Eden. Combined they form the Militarum, the combined military force of the 41 across the realms." Maeve explained
"Wait you said realms, what do you mean by that." Jircniv asked
"Well yes we haven't told you yet, there are other worlds in creation. Your world Realm 235 is just one of many, your world is considered an Off World. Eden also known as Realm 0 is one of the Core Worlds. Core Worlds are created to help maintain all the other Off Worlds, it is on these worlds were the inter world forces gather. The reason we said Eden is far is of course because it doesn't even reside in the same plane of existence as your own." Maeve explained
"You said created? You can create worlds?" Draudillon asked stunned
"Not us the 41 supreme beings can... and yes the 41 are very real." Maeve revealed
Draudillon looked around at the gathered individuals in the room. All their attire, their equipment all spoke of immense power and wealth. Any piece of equipment on any of the individuals in this room would be considered a godly treasure. Her draconic avarice was going into overdrive as she looked around the room.
Yes how can such a splendid city be anything but the creation of the gods. It is the pinnacle of hubris to even assume such feats could be done with mortal means alone. A question lingered in her mind however, why… why is such a powerful turning their eye to their humble world? Surely beasemen and simple wars do not merit such a response…
After the introduction, Jircniv unsure of what else to do decided to sample the buffet. He felt an uncharacteristic lack of confidence in the presence of these beings. He always felt he was powerful, he was the emperor of one of the strongest nations in the region. Here however the chess board was different, the game was not armies or nations. It was worlds with all their millions and even billions of inhabitants. He could only imagine the full force of the Militarum when brought fully to bear. This place has a sense of history to it, Renner mentioned the Ordo Malleus has almost a million year history. Not only that, since they handled the defence of all the realms, it could be safe to say that the Ordo existed in a state of constant war. A force that has held the line for a million years… a million years… the number was so outside his frame of reference. He felt the arrival of the six gods 600 years ago to be ancient history, then what is a million years? The old wolf does not grow old by being lucky, they grow old by using tooth and nail clawing their way through the endless stream of opponents. That is exactly what the Ordos are, ancient apex predators that have not failed and have not faltered. Most knight orders barely survive 200 years, in his world any organization that lasts a century is something to be proud of. The paladins of the Holy Kingdom are proud of their 400 year history, their pride is so great in fact that any insult to them would be an insult to the nation. It was then did Jircniv realise why their uniform is blood red, they were the men and women on the front. They were the first line, the vanguard, the shield that guards the realms. He can only imagine how many losses they have incurred, so they wear the colour of blood. They wear their predecesor's sacrifice on their backs and go boldly to their end. Their uniform is a tribute to the fallen and prophecy for their future. Fated to die a violent death on a foreign world, protecting people you will probably never know. Crawling through the ashen fields of desolation, being tempered in the crucible of war and diving into the mouth of hell itself. When all is said and done they are ready to do it once again and again, until their bodies are ground to dust before the ceaseless engine of war.
Jircniv shuddered as he imagined the scale of conflicts that can be waged on some of the worlds. In his naive mind, limited by his comforts in the palace, he found he could only picture fields of ash and bodies piled up to the heavens. Shakily he reached for a glass of wine, in his shaking he accidently toppled the glass staining the white table cloth. He watched as the blood red spread through the white cloth and felt bile rise in the back of his throat. He was no fool, you don't send dragons to fight sheep, what the hell is on his home world…
"You seem troubled." a voice feminine voice said from behind him
He turned to see brown haired woman with large cerulean eyes looking at him, she wore the uniform of the Ordo Malleus but he could tell she was one of high rank. The average soldiers he saw wore a simple uniform with a long sleeved shirt and long pants. He noticed officers would wear a more ornate version of the uniform as seen from Keeno. Then there were those of even higher rank, those he noticed wore a great coat over their uniform giving them a regal and intimidating appearance. The woman before him was wearing a greatcoat and she had multiple medals pinned to her uniform.
"Ah no my lady, it's just its alot to take in…" Jircniv replied
"It's fine most people are quite shocked to learn of the truth about the state of the world, you are handling it quite well if I am honest." she said with a smile
"Thank you for your kind words… I am sorry I didn't get your name." Jircniv replied
"Oh where are my manners, I am Lieutenant Colonel Viktoriya Ivanova Serbyakov, Ordo Malleus Elysian Fallschirmjägers." she said with a salute. As she saluted she cocked her head slightly and let out a light bell like laugh.
At those words a hand chopped down onto her head, Viktoriya flinched as she felt the blow to her head. She rounded and faced the man that had struck her, he had a head of dark hair with black eyes and had a stern expression on his face. He too wore the garb of a high ranking Ordo Malleus officer.
"Weiss! What was that for?" Viktoriya exclaimed as she clutched her head tearfully
"Salute with pride Viktoriya." Weiss said with a sigh
"I was just kidding." Viktoriya said ruefully
"Ha… apologies good sir, my colleague can be a bit… playful." Weiss said with a sigh
"No it's no issue, think nothing of it." Jircniv said
"Thank you good sir, I am Colonel Matheus Johnan Weiss of the Ordo Malleus Totenkopf." Weiss said as he rendered a neat salute.
"I am Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix of the Baharuth Empire." Jircniv greeted
"Ah so you rule the eastern empire." Weiss said
"Yes, you seem very well informed." Jircniv said dryly
"No need to be so wary your majesty, we will visit your realm soon but not as conquerors, we go as liberators and protectors. Your realm is dire danger, if it wasn't the Herald would not be dispatched." Weiss said seriously
"Come on Weiss you're scaring him." Viktoriya said reproachfully
"No it's fine my lady, it is just that I can't help but feel this is the calm before the storm." Jircniv said
"You aren't wrong, we will all be going to war soon." Weiss said grimly
Jircniv bit his lip and turned his gaze back to the stained white table cloth. He wondered how many of his citizens would die in the war to come. It will be a war on a scale never seen before. He shut his eyes trying to block out the image in his head, then he heard singing…
"Ah the Successors of the Breath…" Viktoriya sighed as she closed her eyes and listened
Jircniv turned in the direction of the singing, he saw pillars had risen up amongst the crowd. On each pillar stood a woman garbed in a white dress. They all had blindfolds over their eyes and stood atop pillars and sang. Their voices were beautiful easily the best he had ever heard, he had attended operas and plays before. In his empire they were stately affairs, the theatres would seat only people of import. The best actors, the best orchestra, the best singers, only the best were chosen. For what else could you offer but the best before an emperor?
Now as he listened he felt the artists back home were nothing but amateurs. These women sang on a completely different level. They sounded like angels beckoning the audience into the kingdom of heaven. He felt his turbulent heart start to calm, his worries melted away and his heart felt at peace.
"You know peace is just the eve of another war, if we worry endlessly we won't live a life worth living. Life is the calm between the storms, the sun glow before twilight, the warmth of the hearth before the logs burn out. If we don't even let ourselves enjoy ourselves in these times then when do we truly live?" Viktoriya said as she handed Jircniv a glass on wine.
Jircniv took the glass wordlessly as he listened to beautiful melody. He brought the glass to his lips and looked down into the blood red liquid, instead of seeing blood he smelled the fragrance of fine wine. He closed his eyes drank in the fragrance and let the melody take his soul. He took a sip and focused on the sweet flavours on his palette. Perhaps she was right, there was always another war, there was always another trial. Sometimes it would be good to just take the time to relax…
Draudillon listened enamoured as the melody flowed through the ball room, beside her stood Maeve and Renner. The talking had died down, now the sound of their voices spread into the souls of everyone present.
"Who are they?" Draudillon asked Maeve
"They are the Successors of the Breath, handmaidens of Bukubuku Chagama. They honour the Lady of Music with their voice by bringing peace and tranquility to those who listen." Maeve replied softly
"Why do they wear blind folds?" Renner asked
"The blinded themselves to achieve true mastery of Bukubuku Chagama sama's gift to this world, the gift of music and song." Maeve replied
"The stories say Bukubuku Chagama sama is the mother of life, they say she sang life into the first body. Giving birth to life with her voice." Draudillon said
"Yes she is the mother of all who draws breath, these handmaidens emulate her to the best of their ability. They try to emulate her first breath, hence the name the Successors of the Breath" Maeve replied
As the song started to rise and the melody rose with it, white wispy flowers made of light started to appear around the room. The flowers floated gently in the air and shed small motes of light that floated gently down onto the audience. Draudillon reached up and plucked one of the flowers out of the air. It felt soft like velvet and was warm like a mother's touch, it was truly a soothing sensation.
"What is all this…" Draudillon asked awestruck
"The song is called Harmonia's Cadence, the handmaidens can sing with a power to alter the reality around them. Drawing on the power of Bukubuku Chagama sama, they weave their song into the air around them. Look at the flowers." Maeve said as she gestured to the flowers placed around the ballroom.
Draudillon looked to a bed of roses and saw the flowers were now facing the handmaidens and were swaying along with the melody of the song. The roses who have not bloomed started to open and bloom. Even some of the older flowers restored themselves… yes Bukubuku Chagama is the god of life, she is matron of beauty. They say the first healers were not divine magic casters, they were bards… music was the original healing magic…
"The first healers…" Draudillon muttered to herself
"I see you realised, yes the first healing magic came from Bukubuku Chagama. Fitting considering she is god of life. She can sing the dead back to life, she can sing youth into the elderly. Her voice can shape the landscape, deserts turn into verdant fields, fallow fields turn into a rich harvest. Her songs mend the most broken hearts, reform shattered souls, there are few forces in creation that can defy her power." Maeve said
"Amazing…" Renner muttered
Yes it is
The Hall of Pillars, Several hours later
Draudillon stood at the base of the pillars mouth hanging open as she gazed at the 41 gods arrayed before her. All of them both majestic and terrible to behold, she could sense their power. It was an ancient power, it was raw and unrefined, she felt she was standing in the eye of a maelstrom. The storm was leaving her a place of safety out of sympathy even thought it could swallow her at any moment.
"It's real…" Draudillon whispered as she fell to her knees
Draudillon prostrated herself pressing her forehead to the floor, all her pride as a queen gone before the true gods. After all what use were mortal titles before the divine?
"Rise child." sang the melodic voice of Bukubuku Chagama
At those words she felt compelled to rise, this fact both filled her with warmth and dread. With two words she could compel her to movements, truly they were gods.
"My lords, it is an honour." Draudillon said breathlessly
"It's all real… if the 41 are real… then what about the six gods?" Jircniv asked
"A very good question, young emperor." Momonga said his voice resonating with a regal baritone.
"Bring them forth, their suffering is every entertaining." Ulbert said his voice felt to those listening like razors on flesh.
"Yes let them see the traitors, there is no greater sin than treason." Takemikazuchi growled
Before their eyes six portals opened and incorporeal figures were thrown out. The figure shivered and trembled on the floor. The chains around their necks hissed and burned, steaming in the pristine air of the hall. From the portals then stepped their jailors, the dreaded abyss walkers.
Renner has seen these jailors before, but even now she felt her blood run cold. There was something very off about them. It was as if her very soul found them revolting, in her mind they didn't look that bad. They looked liked high level undead but her soul thrashed and tried to compel her to back away. So back away she did along with the rest who were brought here all except for one. Even Solanna and Quacey took a hesitant step back as they gazed at the six rotting figures that breathed white fog. Only Maeve gazed at unflinchingly at the six eldritch horrors, to her soul it felt like a piece of home, to her mind however it just reminded her of sufferings of the past.
"Come my dearest daughter take your place by my side." Momonga said as he extended a skeletal hand.
Jircniv and Draudillon looked on flabbergasted as tendrils of darkness raised Maeve up to the right side of the dark god.
"Maeve is your daughter?" Jircniv asked face going very pale
"Yes she is one of my two children. She is the Herald of the Abyss." Momonga said
"Please…" whimpered a voice
All eyes once again turned on to the groaning six on the floor before them. Draudillon immediately recognised Alah Alaf.
"You your Alah Alaf." Draudillon said softly
The ghost groaned and looked up at her face, his pain wracked features changed for a moment as recognition struck him.
"Your… you're that young dragon queen." Alah Alaf gasped out
"I never expected to see you again Alah Alaf. Not feeling so god like now are you?" Draudillon said as her lips curled into a snarl.
"Please, I'm sorry, please… tell them to make it stop…" Alah Alaf whimpered
"If I recall you once told me my race will be wiped off the face of creation. As decreed by you and your fellows, the self proclaimed six great gods." Draudillon sneered
"Please I'm sorry…" Alah Alaf begged
"You were charlatans all along, do you have any idea what you have done…" Draudillon hissed
"Please…" Alah Alaf begged
"Our world was torn apart, the old unity gone, all that remains is ceaseless war." Draudillon spat
"We were wrong… please let me die..." Alah Alaf wept
"Let you die…" Draudillon said after a pause
"My Lords why are they here like this?" Draudillon asked perplexed
"They are being punished, they will spend their remaining existence rotting in the Profaned Valley." Momonga said
"What? You said we could die…" Shurshana said
"If you think this has a happy ending you haven't been paying attention." Ulbert said as a sadistic grin appeared on his face.
"You won't die... when I am done with you I will allow you to succumb and become one of the many abyss creatures that reside in the Profaned Valley. Your punishment is death eternal." Momonga said
"But death means we disappear…" Alah Alaf said
"A typical mortal misunderstanding, what you think of death is nonexistence. Death is a state just as much living is. You will exist in the state of death in the Profaned Valley until even the light of existence fades from this reality." Punito Moe said
"Tell me dragon queen do you know what the last lines of every prayer you say mean?" Momonga asked
"It means… deliver us from death eternal… I understand now… it means save us from sin…" Draudillon said as the realization dawned on her
"Yes deliver you from death eternal in the Profaned Valley. A Morte Perpetua." Momonga said
"Domine Libra Nos" Draudillon whispered to herself
"Why have you asked us to come here?" Jircniv asked now speaking with his heart, deception was the game of mortals not gods.
"To tell you the truth." Momonga said
Jircniv listened as the truth of the world was relayed to him. How small he felt now, in the past he always felt in the back of his mind he was important to this world. He was an emperor, some would say he was considered essential. Now he learns he merely controls a tiny patch of land on one of the smaller realms. There were thousands of realms, all with their own kings and rulers. Some control stretches of territory larger than the entirety of his home continent. Then there were the commanders of the Ordos, they held enough power to raze worlds to ash. He could only imagine what it would be like to command trillions of professional soldiers along with countless other local militia groups.
Draudillon listened with rapt attention as the truth hit her, she always knew in the back of her mind. Something must have gone drastically wrong to cause the past age to collapse so suddenly. So it was the demon Jaldaboath that caused it all, the slaughter of her race, the extermination of the high elves and the beast men invasions. The prosecution of the other races by the six gods, it all stemmed from this one being. Her race decimated, more than half of her citizens reduced to slaves and food, all because of some wayward servant.
The coming war was a holy war, they would be fighting for the future of their world. If a king's honour was worth sending thousands to their deaths, then what would be the price on the future of a world? Draudillon could see rivers of blood in her mind's eye, but she knew if they didn't win, there was no hope for any of them. It was win or die, it they lost Jaldaboath would rule her world and there would be no future for them. The 41 have made it clear Jaldaboath will be captured no matter the cost, if the price was every soul on her home world then so be it. No victory too costly, no sacrifice too great, the only question now was whether her world would survive the coming war.
In that aspect she was grateful to the 41, they are spending the effort to save her home. They may be prepared to crack her world like an egg if it is deemed necessary but they would try every other option first. She knew most rulers would take the easy way out, what king would mobilise an army to defend a village. In their eyes that's what her world must look like a tiny dot in the massive expanse of their dominion.
1 hour later
Draudillon knelt before the true gods and bade them farewell. Her mind reeling from the revelation of the Slaine Theocracy and the traitor Jaldaboath. So the collapse of her once beautiful world was started by a wayward child of the 41. She wasn't that surprised as she thought back, mortals were flawed as seen by the state of her world. If left to their own devices they would tear themselves to pieces. As she rose, she asked the lords one last question.
"My Lords with your permission may I pose one last question?" Draudillon asked
"Go ahead child." Bukubuku Chagama said
"Why are we mortals so flawed?" Draudillon asked
"Because you die. Your mortality ingrains a sense of desperation towards you, you struggle to do the most you can before your last hour strikes. This fear of the end is the root cause of all mortal sin." Momonga replied
"Remember this well child, to run from death is to stand still in life. The past is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift that is why it is called the present." Bukubuku Chagama said
"Do what you can with what you have and leave the rest to fate." Ulbert said as he raised a brown tome with a glowing yellow eye on the cover.
"Is that…" Draudillon asked
"Yes the Book of Destiny, but remember the ink is only dry when the time is past." Ulbert said
"Yes my lord… My lords thank you for your wisdom." Draudillon said as she knelt once more
"Wiser every day child." Touch Me said
Jircniv saw a portal appear behind them, those gathered all bowed and stepped through. Jircniv walked out the portal into a room that looked like the front desk of a hotel that only served kings. In front of them stood a soldier who saluted them once they exited the portal.
"Your rooms have been prepared for you honoured guests." the soldier said
"Thank you." Draudillon said with a nod
"There will be a showcase tomorrow of the troops that we will be sending to your world when the time comes. Please rest up in the meantime." the soldier said
Draudillon followed an attendant and looked around the beautiful room, it felt soothing and safe. Most rooms granted to monarchs were grand and regal with the subtle factor of intimidation in it. The designers of those rooms wanted to impress the power of their home nation to those who stayed there, so that's what the rooms tended to end up as. Expensive, ornate and utterly excessive shows of power. This room however felt calming and warm, it was clearly designed for comfort in mind.
In her room, however the floor was carpeted from wall to wall, at the threshold there was hard wood and a small area for her to put her shoes. Normally in the palace shoes were worn everywhere but here it wasn't the case apparently. They must be really confident in the state of their cleanliness. So she took off her shoes and stepped onto the soft plush carpet, it felt really good to walk on barefoot. She wiggled her toes and felt the soft threads of the plush carpet slide in between her toes.
She walked over to one of the cupboards and opened it to find a set of night clothes ready for her. It was a simple white silk nightgown. It was obviously designed to be comfortable seeing as the cut of the dress was baggy and wide flowing sleeves. Her draconic senses told her it was an extremely valuable item. She picked up the night gown and felt the soft fabric through her fingers, she could feel the presence of mana within the gown. They even enchanted something like this…
Then she heard a knock on her door, she walked over and opened it to find Renner standing at the doorway.
"Queen Draudillon would you mind joining myself and Emperor Jircniv for a chat?" Renner said
"Of course Queen Renner." Draudillon replied as she put on her shoes and walked out with her into the hallway.
She followed Renner into her room and found Jircniv seated opposite Keeno at a table. Wordlessly they watched as the pair joined the table.
"So what would you like to speak about?" Draudillon asked as she watched Keeno pour all of them a glass of wine.
"The future." Jircniv replied
"I assume you are willing to join our alliance?" Renner asked
"Yes of course, after knowing what I now know… I can't believe I am saying this but the beastmen are one of my lesser concerns now." Draudillon said with a sigh
"Jaladaboath… never even heard of the name." Jircniv said quietly
"Same for me as well when I came here previously, he must be quite the puppet master to orchestrate the events that have occurred." Renner replied
"If he is as good as we think he is, I doubt anyone on the continent knows about him." Draudillon said
"No, he is taking much more direct action now. Have you heard of the demonic incursion in my capital?" Renner asked
"Yes I have, you handled that quite well Queen Renner, only 30% casualties that's a feat worthy of song." Jircniv said as he raised his glass
"I rather the songs being sung about those who fought for the city rather than the queen who used the outer rim of her city as meat shields." Renner replied with a sigh
"The worst part about being a monarch is that those you saved keep their tongues to criticise you afterwards." Jircniv said
"I know how you feel, I used a city as bait to move most of my surviving citizens into the safety of the inner cities." Draudillon replied sadly
"I just wish there was another way." Renner said softly
"You shouldn't be too kind Queen Renner, every peasant with mouth will second guess you if you show weakness." Jircniv said
"Well I personally hung the priest that baptised me." Renner replied dryly
"Fair point my lady." Jircniv said as he raised his glass once again
"Well yes, back to the topic at hand… the demonic incursion was started by Jaldabaoth. Maeve and her compatriots have suspicions that Jaldabaoth or his agents were the one that gave my idiot brother the item that caused it." Renner said as she grit her teeth
"What kind of item was it?" Draudillon asked
"Maeve told me it was an item that contained the magic [Armageddon Evil] it was a spell that could summon an infinite amount of demons if a suitable host is using it. Luckily for me my brother was far from a perfect host." Renner said her eyes as cold as a winter's night
"I heard someone killed him." Jircniv said
"Yes I did." Keeno replied
"Why didn't Maeve kill him?" Jircniv asked
"They were preoccupied with the other demons who were guarding him. I barely succeeded Momon sama shielded me from the demon lords dying spells." Keeno said as pink flush appeared on her face
"I see Momon not only saved your life but he also stole your heart." Draudillon teased
"Wha… no… he didn't…" Keeno said softly looking down as her face got ever redder
The table laughed at the sight, it was a surreal experience to laugh at a vampire centuries old. What's more said vampire was harboring a crush on a great hero, if anyone had asked them a year ago if they would ever witness a scene like this they would have laughed it off. Now they were sitting in the most luxurious room they had ever seen in a city built by gods. Fate truly can filled with twists and turns.
"Does he know?" Draudillon asked
"No I don't think so… at least I hope not." Keeno said as she clutched at the sides of her head, those gathered could almost see the steam coming out of her ears.
"I assume Momon sams is one of Maeve's compatriots." Jircniv said
"Ah yes you haven't seen him yet, he's a tall warrior wearing full adamantite plate. I once saw him take on Gazef Stronoff and Brian Unglaus at once, they were bested easily. He is as strong as a mountain and just as durable while being as quick as the wind." Renner said
"He's also Maeve's older brother." Keeno added ruefully
"Wait so this Momon is also a child of a god? Jircniv asked
"Yep… I'm kind of out of my league at this point." Keeno replied with a sigh
"Quite ambitious to covet a demigod." Jircniv said with a smirk
Keeno didn't respond instead she dropped her forehead onto the table with a dull thud and let out a long drawn out sigh.
"So what are our plans now going forward?" Renner said trying to spare her friend further embarrassment by swapping the topic.
"I feel we should just carry on as we have planned, beat back the beastmen secure the Draconic kingdom and prepare for war with the Theocracy. Knowing what I know now I would ask Fluder and his academy to research on anti demon counter measures." Jircniv said
"Yes I think that would be wise, I can send over some veterans from the demonic incursion to help train some of your troops. They fought against the demons before they might be useful as advisors." Renner said
"That would be greatly appreciated." JIrcniv said as he nodded
"My country has vast archives of the past, we have records dating back to the age of the gods almost 800 years ago. I will have some of my scholars comb through the records to see if they can find anything interesting." Draudillon said
"I believe we can offer Maeve and her compatriots a chance to look through the archives as well. They might be able to find something your scholars have missed." Renner added
"Reasonable, they know more about Jaldaboath than we do, if they know his modus operandi they will better be able to find something useful." Draudillon said
"I have already discussed this with Renner and Field Marshall Elwing, I have scouted a staging area for the army of the Militarum when they arrive. I plan to use E-Rantel as a base of operations for when they mobilise." Keeno said
"Yes, E-Rantel would be a good location, if the Theocracy were to attack their first target would be E-Rantel. If the armies of Eden can smash their initial assault it would greatly shift the initiative in our favour." Jircniv said
"Thats provided they don't cross the sea and hit the Draconic Kingdom first." Draudillon said grimly
"I don't feel that will be a problem, I mentioned this problem to Field Marshall Elwing previously. She said we can use some of their aerial troops to patrol the waters and sink any hostile ships. It seems she wants to force this conflict into a land war where her troops are most effective." Keeno said
"That's good to hear, so are we to assume this will mostly be a land war?" Draudillon asked
"Field Marshall Elwing mentioned at the later stages of the war she wishes to utilise the sea to open another front on the Theocracy flanks. She mentioned they will be able to bring out some warships although it will take some time for them to assemble them at the shore line." Keeno said
"Then what about the Argland Council State? I believe you have blood relations with the Brightness Dragon Lord." Jircniv said to Draudillon
"Yes but I don't feel we would be able to persuade them with words, they only listen to strength or… the 41." Draudillon said
"Then we could just wait for the Militarum to arrive and speak to them then. If it's power they want to see I am sure the Ordos will be happy to oblige." Keeno said
"Speaking of power, I have been thinking of sending a delegation to the dwarves north of E-Rantel. Emperor Jircniv I believe your nation has conducted trade with them in the past?" Renner said
"Yes the Empire has maintained trading relations with the dwarves much to the chagrin of the church of the six. They are the best smiths on the continent and are without exception worshippers of the forge god Amanomahitotsu. They make great food, great alcohol and above all great wargear, their runic equipment would be a definite upgrade for our troops." Jircniv replied
"It would be expensive to buy enough runic arms and armor to field an army." Draudillon said
"We don't have to arm everyone, just the elite units. We can arm the martial houses and the best troops in the Empire's legions with runic weapons." Keeno said
"Yes I believe that can work." Jircniv said
"Is there anything else?" Renner asked
"Nothing I can think of at the moment." Draudillon said
"Let's wait for the army to arrive before we make any further plans, for now let's just focus on beating the beastmen back." Jircniv said
"Agreed." Keeno said
"That reminds me where is Fluder?" Draudillon asked
"He was summoned by Lord Tabula Smaragdina, apparently he was granted an audience with the god of magic itself. He must be over the moon." Jircniv said with a sigh
The Library of the First Sin
Fluder found himself in a dark library, there were tomes, spell crystals, scrolls and these strange cubes everywhere on the numerous shelves. When he had heard the lord of magic himself was summoning him he was beside himself with joy. Now he found himself standing by a table surrounded by shelves stacked to the brim with knowledge. He knew he should wait for the god himself to appear but he couldn't resist the temptation. So he reached for one of the books on the shelves…
"You seek knowledge the greatest resource of all." an eldritch voice said from behind him
Fluder whirled around and came face to face with a visage of an eldritch being. It had tentacles and small black beady eyes. It's skin was smooth and a shade of blue reminiscent of a drowned corpse. In his shook he stumbled back and stumbled into the shelf behind him.
"Do you? Do you seek knowledge?" the being asked
"Yes." Fluder said softly
"Good, as do I. I am Tabula Smaragdina, god of the arcane and knowledge. Architect of the first sin." Tabula said
"The first sin?" Fluder asked
"Yes the first sin, the first mortals committed the first sin by stealing from me. They stole a fruit from the tree of knowledge. Thus was born the first sin Avarice. The first mortals desired something that did not have, so they deigned to steal instead of earning it." Tabula said
"The tree of knowledge?" Fluder asked
"Yes it's sweet fruit will grant knowledge beyond mortal comprehension, it will grant you ascension if you were take but a simple bite." Tabula said
"So the mortals stole it…" Fluder said
"Yes the first act of greed was not for money or power, it was for knowledge the greatest resource of all." Tabula said
"May I ask my lord why have you summoned this humble mortal." Fluder said softly
"To ask you this, why do you seek knowledge?" Tabula asked
"I wish to know all there is to know about magic, I wish to gaze into the abyss of magic." Fluder replied fervently
"You lie." Tabula said
As soon as he heard it he felt reality around him fall away and he plummeted downwards into darkness and landed hard onto a black stone floor. He stood up and saw his younger self kneeling beside another, he recognised the person as Rigrit his past friend and now hated rival. She was granted knowledge while he was denied, in his spite he swore to surpass her by himself. So he tried to defy his own mortality in order to buy enough time for his studies but in the end all he managed to do was to slow his aging.
"You seek knowledge out of spite, you lie to yourself and you lie to me." Tabula said from behind him
Fluder turned to see the god standing there glowing in the darkness with an ephemeral purple light.
"It isn't wise to lie to the god of knowledge, I have existed since before Bukubuku Chagama breathed life into your race." Tabula said
"I apologise, it was not my intention to lie great one… it's just I suppose if you lie enough you start to believe it." Fluder replied wearily
"Lies veil your eyes from the truth, knowledge is truth and lies are just props on a false stage. No matter how tender and how exquisite, a lie will always remain a lie." Tabula said
"Yes great one I shall engrave your teachings into my heart." Fluder said as he gave the most respectful bow of his life
"Good it seems you understand." Tabula said as the landscape changed and Fluder found himself seated in a chair next to the table.
"You have potential Fluder Paradyne, I will grant you a gift. In exchange you will support our efforts on Realm 235 with all your might." Tabula said as he took out a small glowing cube and placed it before Fluder on the table.
"What is this?" Fluder asked enamoured with the small cube.
"A tesseract, a storage of memories, the most potent method of knowledge transfer. All comprehension will be yours, their knowledge will be yours, their mastery will be yours. This is but a taste of what can be offered." Tabula said as he pushed the cube towards Fluder
"Serve me well in the coming war and you shall have this…" Tabula said as a red apple appeared in his hand
"Is that…" Fluder asked awestruck
Yes the Fruit of Knowledge….
Eden the next day
Draudillon stood atop a podium overlooking the largest square she had ever seen, it was easily a kilometer wide. She looked down to see the six commanders of the Ordos standing on elevated platforms as they stood at attention and waited. With her at her podium were those that had come here with her including. She saw a crowd of civilians were down below at the edge of the square, there was no cheering they merely stood silently and waited. Looking behind her, she saw above her on an ornate podium sat the 41 gods. Each sat on a throne with designs that signifies their dominion over creation. Beside each stood two attendants who looked the part for their respective lords. She noticed that next the Bukubuku Chagama was the two of the singers from the ball.
"Are all the attendants Successors?" Draudillon asked Maeve
"Yes only Successors may have the right to stand by the side of the supreme ones. They are powerful, easily some of the strongest mortals in all of creation. You see next to Lord Momonga are the Successors of Ash." Maeve said
Draudillon turned to see the pair of attendants, both had masks and armor made of bone. One had the mask of a wolf, he wielded a silver halberd that dripped black ichor from it's edge. His armor was spiked and full of folding plates giving it the appearance of a set of plate armor.
The other had a mask of owl, her bone armor was lighter covering only her torso and a black semi transparent fabric covered her arms. She had a pair black rotted wings extended from her back filled with rotted feathers and an obsidian radiance emanated from her wings. Her hands rested on handles of two weapons on her hips, Draudillon could barely make out the shapes of two curved sabers.
"That is Mikael the Argent Wolf, the other is Lilith the Forlorn Owl." Maeve explained
Draudillon continued to gaze at the Gods and their respective Successors and idly she wondered how much has each of them sacrificed to attain such a title. The Successors of Breath gave their eyes and sight, she looked to the Successor of Amanomahitotsu beings who were more metal than flesh with extra mechanical limbs protruding from various points on their body. Then there were shining knights who stood by Lord Touch Me's side their weapons chained to their hands and then there were the two men Successors of Punito Moe who had their bodies fused into a body made of wood and leaves. Their wooden bodies had multiple eyes constantly darting around as they constantly looked at their surroundings. The flesh within the tree was still and motionless as if the body was merely a vessel for the soul and the true body was the tree that had grown around them.
Draudillon looked on at all the Gods and their Successors and she saw the common theme of sacrifice. Everything has a price, to achieve the pinnacle of mortal potential they had to give everything that was required of them. Only then would they be worthy to stand by the beside the gods. As she pondered this she heard the sound of a great organ and the familiar sounds of singing. She turned back to the square and saw pillars rise up from the edges of the square each with a Successor of the Breath a top it, they sang a haunting melody of loss. From the music she could hear the sorrow for those who had fallen in the past wars. As the song rose she saw the gathered citizens started to light candles and raised them up forming a ring of fire around the square. It was an extremely sombre scene, not at all like the grand entrances granted to armies before setting off to war
A line of soldiers marched into the square, they wore the red of the Ordo Malleus, they wore heavy armor and had skull helms. In one hand they held a tall tower shield and in the other they held halberds. They were the Totenkopf, the elite heavy front line of the Ordo Malleus.
Behind them marched a band lightly armoured soldiers wearing bulky boots and they wore lighter armor with masks over their faces. In their hands they clutched what Draduillon recognised as a spell gun, they were the Elysian Fallschirmjägers the air power of the Ordo Malleus.
After them came more troops of the Ordo Malleus dressed in medium armor and wielding kite shields and a sword in the other hand. On their backs they had bows strapped to their backs, they were your standard Ordo Malleus infantry, their numbers made up the bulk of the Ordo Mallleus forces.
After them came a moving barge, a top the barge stood eight white armoured soldiers, their armour was massive making them tower over three metres in height. Their armor was filled with gold ornaments. In one hand they clutched large shield, too large for the average man but perfectly sized for warriors of their size. In their other hand they clutched massive two handed swords that glowed blue with magical lustere. They were the deathwatch of the Ordo Custodes, the finest soldiers in the Militarum.
After the deathwatch came the metal juggernauts of the Legio Venator. Each towering 8 metres tall, some were of strudier construction and armed with what looked to be spell cannons and others were lighter and skinnier and armed with large cleavers. They were all painted gold and red showing the colours of the Ordo Mechanicus.
After the metal juggernauts came the iron warriors of the Legio Skitarii the ranged specialists of the Militarum. They clutched long massive spell guns glowing and crackling with mana energy. They wore red robes over their metal bodies proudly showing their dedication to the 41 and the forge god Amanomahitotsu.
Then marched the women in white robes, they carried no weapons merely backpacks on their backs filled with implements of healing. They were the Sororitas, the field medics of the Militarum.
After them marched the angels wielding blazing weapons of holy fire wearing ornate silver armor and large white wings that glowed with an angelic glow. They were the Bastion Core of the Ordo Iustitia, the keepers of order in the aftermath of hellish war.
Lastly came the black armoured warriors and spies of the Ordo Hereticus. The Purifiers as their name implied meant they were responsible for rooting out any and all corruption behind the path of the front line soldiers. They were armed with an assortment of weapons clearly geared towards fighting in urban spaces. If you stand against the 41 and manage to escape you can expect the Purifiers to come knocking eventually.
Draudillon gazed at the army arrayed below her, as the music ended, the square was filled with a crushing silence. Then the commanders of the Ordos all turned to face the 41 and said in unison.
"The soldiers of the Militarum await your commands supreme ones." the commanders said
At those words the commanders and the army all knelt as one giving off the crisp sound of a single knee hitting the ground.
Behind them Momonga rose from his throne as the two Successors gave way and knelt at his side.
Soldiers of the 41 soon you shall embark on a great crusade
I have great confidence in your ability to carry out your sacred duty
The Ordos of the Militarum has held the line since time immemorial
I see no reason to doubt your abilities now
Go with these words in your mind
Don't fight for glory
Don't fight for gold
Don't fight for yourself
Fight for those who have fallen before you
Do this and you will be fought for by those who come after
Duty above the self
Duty above all else
That is what it is to serve the Ordos
That is what it is to serve the 41
Remember these words
Remember your duty
Do this and you will be remembered
At those words the voices of the army echoed their reply
"All hail Ainz Ooal Gown!" the army shouted as one voice
It was then that Draudillon understood why the atmosphere was so sombre. To the Ordos there was no glory in war, there was only sacrifice. It made sense of course now that she thought back to it, if you fight for your own selfish reasons you will never be able to do what needs to be done. An army that fight for a higher cause will fight to the last, no matter the cost. The standards of the 41 must be upheld or the realms will fall into hellish disorder just like her home.
No sacrifice too great...
No treachery too small...
Excerpt from Eden Immigration Protocol Handbook
Clearance Levels
The level clearance level denotes the level autonomy granted to individuals during their stay in Eden. Certain areas are only accessible to individuals with the required clearance level. Exemptions are granted when authorized by relevant authorities.
9: To be escorted at all times
8: Allowed free movement on proper authorisation
7: Allowed free movement at all times in Civilian areas
6: Allowed to enter military zones, Green Zones and below
5: Allowed to enter military zones, Yellow Zones and below
4: Allowed to enter military zones, Red Zones and below
3: Allowed to enter military zones, Secret Zones and below
2: Allowed to enter Black Sites
1: Allowed to enter all areas
More detailed explanation for the clearance levels will be explained below...
Seal status
All individuals clearance level 7 and below are required to have the Seal of Silence administered. Failure to do so will result in immediate execution to be carried out by an Officer of rank 1st Lieutenant and above or individuals of clearance level 3 and above.
Status of seals are as below.
None: No seal is applied
Administered: Seal has been applied
Cleared: No seal is required
Bios Details
The bios details the type of physiology the individual has. Due to the multiple variations of conditions on the different realms, differences occur even among the same race.
Type classes are as listed below.
Type A (Created by the 41)
Type A2 (Ascended Type B/C)
Type A3 (Specially bred strain of species)
Type B1 (Natural Birth standard template)
Type B1S (Natural Birth, Spell based modifications present)
Type B1G (Natural Birth, Genetics based modifications present)
Type B1M (Natural Birth, Machine based modifications present)
Type C1 (Synthetic Birth, heavy mutations/augmentations present)
Type C2 (Natural Birth, heavy mutations/ augmentations present)
Type D (Potential hazard)*
* If a Type D individual is found, initiate immediate Quarantine Protocol. All contacted personal/individuals will be subject to immediate quarantine and examination. Failure to comply will result in immediate execution to be carried out by an Officer of rank 1st Lieutenant and above or individuals of clearance level 3 and above.
Author's Notes:
Hope you enjoyed the chapter, sorry it's a day late. The next few chapters will be on Path of Ash, the timelines are about to converge soon so I need to finish up the other half of the story.
Leave a review if you like it, any criticism is as always very welcome.
See you guys in the next chapter!