Chapter 4: Knights of EL
"EHHHH!?" the all cried in unison
The girl blinked twice "Is there something the matter?" she asked innocently, she didn't find anything wrong from what she said.
Like lightning new questions started to flood in their minds adding up from the previous mysteries, Elsword have a daughter!? The animate suit of armor is her brother!? If that's true what is she!? Another spirit!? She looks completely human!? What!? When!? How!? These and other similar questions.
"Wait hold up!" Add said the revelation is starting to hurt his head "Start from the beginning".
"Uhhh" the girl genuinely confused "my names Aria...knight captain…His daughter?"
"Stop right there" Raven furrowed his brow "can you explain it to us?"
"Explain what?" she tilted her head.
"Explain to us how are you related to Elsword" Eve asked the girl, it was unlikely for him to have a child he was far too young to father one nor does he had a relationship with another woman, she would know she's keeping tabs.
"Aria" Elesis called, she don't want to scare the girl but there getting more questions than answers the longer they stay and they need to get to the bottom of the mysteries surrounding the castle, they come to investigate what seems to be a simple matter turns into something completely unexpected.
"Could you answer some questions for us?"
The girl put a finger on her cheek and hummed in thought "What exactly do you want to know?"
Oh do they have a million questions to ask her but after hearing that they want to know what exactly their facing.
"First off" Chung started "Who are you? What are you even?" it come out a bit rude but the girl didn't mind.
"You said that suit of armor Leo is your brother, how did that happen? Raven added.
"Me? My name is Aria Sieghart His daughter and a knight captain" she repeated her earlier statement "As for what I'm I is a bit complicated" she chuckle scratching the back of her head.
"We have time" Aisha pressed to hear the complete tale.
"It's a long one and some you might not understand but if you stay awhile and listen I will explain all that I can" she clasps her hands together.
"I alongside my siblings am knights, not the traditional knights but beings born of the El. There are six of us one for each element, how we were born that we don't know not even how my siblings come to be but what I do know we were born very different from each other and with very strong ties with the EL of a certain element".
"What are these 'knights of El', can you explain it further?" Aisha said her interest piqued on how such beings were created.
"We are embodiments of an El's power given form and sentience. You can say were beings made from concentrated El energy, we call ourselves knights because the one who fathered us was a Lord Knight so we see ourselves knights as well".
"My scanners show no trace of such energy from you or from him, you're a flesh and blood human" Eve said.
Aria nodded "Like I said we were born differently, I can't explain how myself".
"You said you're a captain, please elaborate and your siblings as well and his knights" the Queen inquired she wanted to know what Elsword was doing and a good starting point if any to solve the many mysteries of the place.
"Let me explain" she started.
"A 'Captain' is the head of the knights, Leo and I are Captains and those under us are knights proper. It can be confusing but to put it more simply me and my siblings are 'Lord Knights' or 'Grand Masters' of knights".
"The eldest one is Archon; I don't know much about him but what I do know is that he was born of the moon El and captain of the dark knight that's pretty much it".
"The second one is my brother Leo who you all fought at the gate. Obviously born from the fire El and is a walking suit of armor filled with lava, I know because I wound him once~" the girl giggled but it surprised them that the fire demon was wounded by such a sweet looking girl.
"He and his fire knights serve as warriors fighting bad guys and all that, their very disciplined, loyal to a fault and very stubborn and also the most numerous. They inherit a lot from Him back when He was with you guys adventuring".
"Next up is my brother Nanus and he's as big as a mountain!" the girl stood up and waved both her arms showing how big her brother is "He's an Earth knight and he's literally a walking statue! But don't let his size fool you cause deep down he is very gentle with a heart of gold, one time I asked him if he does have a heart of gold he smashed his stone body and it turns out his core is a large diamond!" everyone sweatdroped this Nanus maybe too considerate for his own good considering he would willing smash himself for her.
"The Earth knights are scattered acting as guardians and protectors of different places but most can be found protecting the El stones, you won't notice them until you look very close enough or you're an enemy".
"Before me is my brother Primo is a wind knight, he's similar to Leo being a suit of armor but his lower half is a horse like a centaur, he travels very often not staying for too long and very aloof and prideful saying he can be good at everything".
"Wherever he goes his wind knights follow behind him, their always competing with each other proving who's faster, who's better with the bow and other things they can show that their better than the other".
"And finally there's me!" she jabbed a thumb to her chest "born from the water El and captain of the water knights, were mostly healers and seafarers I would introduce my knights but their all at sea at the moment and there's no better sailor than us! Sailing the seven seas, and boarding ships! Salt, gunpowder and treasure I really miss those moments!" she said proudly, everyone didn't expect that she and a group of suppose healers would turn out to be straight up pirates.
"I felt a bit lonely since I'm the only girl but then I was blessed with a little sister! Her name is Maria and she's a knight tied to the sun, she's very cute and have huge angelic wings on her back, unlike me she stayed like a child and she's the most precious thing you will ever see!"
"Her knights are called paladins. They obey my lords orders and are very protective of Mary, I know one paladin is here somewhere in the castle".
"I asked Cain before, the method of our 'birth' are the same but the actual procedure varies. For example Leo and Primo are both spirits, Nanus is a golem while I'm human".
"That's about all I can tell about us" Aria finished her explanation.
"Is it alchemy?" Aisha asked she's familiar that of all forms of magic alchemy lies between magic and science there capable of feats even the eldest sages can't replicate and finding ways to create life, is the way of their creation that simple? Some greater power is clearly at work here.
Aria shook her head "Though similar to alchemy Cain said before it is much more 'unique' I'm not exactly sure so it might be a better idea to ask Cain or lord Elsword, though they might not tell everything".
They all are deep in thought regarding the 'knights of El' as every captain are tied to an El shard as their knights, not even Aisha for all her travels knows exactly how they were created or borne that remains a mystery but then another question took its place; Why?.
"I'm sorry if my explanation didn't much more like a general overview, you guys should ask Leo. Unlike me who was mostly out at sea Leo stayed at the castle".
The group understandingly groaned, after making acquaintance with the Lion and briefly fought at the gate, he's a bit hostile towards them. Still a lead is a lead no matter how unsavory.
Much of the afternoon was spend retelling their adventures to the water captain under the pavilion and generally enjoying the atmosphere of the garden, Aria listened attentively of their stories of searching for the missing El shard which all started in Ruben the home of her lord father Elsword. Whenever they asked questions regarding the other mysteries she didn't know any of it.
"I was out at sea and returned very recently, I heard of those rumors but unfortunately I don't know anything about it".
"What of your other brothers? Do you know where they are now?" Raven asked the girl who put a finger to her cheek and hummed for an answer but shook her head.
"Only He and Cain know where they are, last I heard Nanus is in Sander and Primo went east and who knows where Archon is right now, only me my brother Leo and my little sister Maria is in the castle".
"I noticed whenever you mention Elsword you said 'He' or in Leo's case 'Lord' instead of 'Dad' or 'Father' you call yourselves his children and have his name so I had the impression you call him such" Elesis said, the idea that Elsword having children is an odd for her, this make her an aunt and the girl before her is her niece if they can consider such.
Aria laughed meekly "It's true were His children to a degree having his last name and all, don't get me wrong He love us and treat us like His real children and He wanted to be seen as a father but were technically more like His 'creations'".
The girl frown and look deeply at her cup of tea "I don't know, I'm very grateful but felt underserving of His love sometimes it's difficult for me to see myself as a daughter and more like a vassal, Maria calls him 'Dad' but because she's a child, bless her she never grow up".
The mood turned when she said this, Eve can sympathize with the girl for she too was a 'creation' by a man named Adrian Nasod, though he was indeed a loving father figure for her and cherished her she still is one of his many creation.
As they spend the time idle chatting the sun finally hid its face along with the light it brings, in turn the garden glows with its own preternatural light as small orbs appear seemingly out of nowhere like the stars above.
The gang was left awestricken as the garden glowed beautifully as the orbs of glowing light pulse and twinkle, stalks suddenly grow from the edges of the cobbled path and at the tip curled hangs an orb of light imitating a street lamp.
"My Lord!" Aria yelled excitedly standing up and running down the path to meet up with Elsword with Cain hovering right beside him.
"Are you well my lord?" she asked concern as she warped her arm with his guiding him to the pavilion with the others.
"I'm fine dear" he put a hand over hers for assurance, as they near the pavilion once again something is very different about him that left them silent.
Aside from the initial reunion after four years he now sports a halo glowing right above his head and from his back are large angelic wings embracing his body and a golden mane with what seems like arms coiling around his neck.
"Come now don't be shy" he said and a little girl poked her head behind him.
A girl of four years old wearing a plain white sundress, golden hair with ringlets framing her small innocent face with deep blue eyes filled with both curiosity and wariness but what really caught their attention are the halo that shines right above her head and the wings on her back.
Aria walked around Elsword and took the girl off his back and approached them "Mary, come meet daddies friends".
Maria or Mary the youngest of the knights clings on to her older sister and buried her face on the girl's neck and wrapped herself with her wings protectively.
The girls immediately stood up and closed in fawning over her.
"Aww she's so cute! Can I hold her?" Rena said excitingly, the girl hold on to Aria tighter and shook her head like she saw a scary person, her golden hair waved back and forth as shook her head causing the girls to fawn her even more.
Aria patted the girls back making her look up "there's nothing to be afraid their very good people" she then approached Elesis and Mary looked at her intently.
"This is aunt Elesis" Aria introduced her; Mary looked at her elder sister and then backed to Elesis, Aria nodded to Elesis to take the girl from her.
Mary protested albeit weakly mewing covering her face with both her hands "Hello there" Elesis said hoping to calm the little girl.
She stared at her for some time until slowly her little hands rest her chest gazing at her crimson eyes with her bright blue, she then wraps her arms around her neck tightly and embraced her with her wings the same she did to Elsword. "She likes you already!" Aria proclaimed.
"She's a bit clingy" Elesis said patting the little girl on the back. Aria clasped her hands and smiled "She's just affectionate".
They all gathered under the pavilion and Cain called for servants to serve them their evening meal, the roof of the pavilion suddenly opened revealing the night sky studded with stars that lead them gasping in awe, they all enjoyed the evening in each other's company the members of the search party catching up with one another, Aria recounting her experience at sea raiding hamelian ships shocking the king of said ship and the girls taking turns on Mary being more open to them though still clingy wrapping whoever holding her with her wings.
"You're the one raiding all those ships!?" Chung yelled when he found out it was Aria disrupting Hamel's shipping and attacking the royal fleet itself.
The girl smile and nod "They put up quite a fight too".
"Half of the royal navy was scuttled that's about a hundred battleships all in one engagement!" Aria laughs happily remembering that she single handedly destroyed what arguably the largest and powerful navy in Elrios with just a handful of her own.
Miraculously there have been zero deaths during what Hamel considered the greatest and the most embarrassing naval defeat it suffered in history.
"Elsword!" Chung turned to his friend who just smiled apologetically "At least no one died right?" was his only defense.
Among the noise of laughter of Chung yelling at both Aria and Elsword's ear Eve sits quietly on her chair gazing at the lord knight, memories of them together during their adventures played back in her mind. She being surprised is an understatement; he is so much different now than before even investing in nasod technology, he is still the same Elsword deep down but at the same time not, she couldn't put her finger on it.
She felt a shift looking down to see Maria nestled against her, golden hair tickling her nose and her large white wings envelop around her as she sleep, 'This is Elsword's child' she thought may not be biological but a daughter nonetheless the same way when Adrian created her.
Maria stirred muttering something lowly "Mommy".
After registering what the child said Eve turned red the same as Elswords hair, she darted her head left and right to see if anyone else heard as well, luckily for her no one seems to have heard.
Elsword approaches her and smile lovingly at Maria sleeping on Eve's bosom. Eve's blush a deeper red with what Mary said earlier replaying in her mind and Elsword looking at them she can't help but imagine them being a family, she quickly remove the image from her head "What?" she said.
"Looks like someone's tired" He pried the sleeping angel from her, Mary seemingly know who's handling her wraps her wings around Elsword much tighter than anyone "I'll be taking her to her bed".
"Let's call it a day" Ciel suggested covering his mouth yawning.
"Cain please show them their rooms" the nasod drone bowed "Yes my lord".
"Sleep well guys I will personally show you guys what I have done to the place" Elsword bid goodnight and carried Maria with him.
"I should retire to my quarters as well, good night everyone and sweet dreams" Aria said as she left with Elsword.
They watch as the trio returning to the manor, they missed their chased to talk to Elsword regarding all they heard and all they just learned but today happened to be their unplanned reunion and they don't want to ruin it with questioning.
Especially in front of Elsword's 'daughters' that he view them and especially not in front of Cain, the nasod drone kept a wary eye on them throughout the evening, whether they mention something relating to the rumors he would interject.
But all is not lost, they have another chance tomorrow.
Cain guide the gang to their rooms, the manor is dark and foreboding when they first step inside but at night then the whole placed become a haunted castle, the windows are covered by curtains even then they can't see anything from it, the darkness is so thick that the light from lamps can only illuminate their immediate area and nothing else.
"Why is the house this dark!?" Aisha finally complained what's on everyone's mind; her senses are currently higher than Rena's at every unknown sound shivering and twitching like there is something hiding in the dark.
"They prefer it this way" Cain nonchalantly said "As a nasod it does not bother me, neither does Elsword nor Leo, Aria stayed mostly at her garden and Mary likes to play hide and seek".
"Exactly who prefer to live this way?" Ara asked fidgeting as the unknowable darkness starting to get to her like Aisha is.
Lu crossed her arms "I don't like this darkness, even I'm limited to what's in front of me" Rena nodded "I kind of sense something but it's vague".
"I can see clearly, but there is something over there" Eve said, like Cain she can see in the dark perfectly using her nasod night vision, she pointed up ahead the hallway seemingly to nothing.
Add with his prosthetic eye look ahead "It's literally nothing; my scans are picking up nothing absolutely nothing like a void".
Cain is somewhat annoyed that they're afraid of such a little thing, he continued along the corridor forcing the group to brave it through to catch up with their guide.
He presented a row of doors on either side "These would be your rooms" he then pass them "breakfast will be served at the dining hall, I will escort all of you there as well, please have a good night" Cain bowed and left disappearing as the darkness covered him.
They retreated to their rooms and settled for the night, every one of them deep in thought not getting that much sleep. Recalling the today's events is nothing short of stressful, reuniting with their friends and visiting Elsword is one thing but with all the rumors and other unexplainable phenomena they come to investigate.
Elsword changed so much they couldn't recognize him, the knights, and the castle itself it's like their hiding something, still Elsword is their friend and they trust him completely. They hope that He trust them enough to tell them what exactly going on.
Making a conclusion based on nothing is unproductive, they forced themselves to sleep and hope that the next day would become the reunion party they just wanted for the past four years.
Elsword is in his study surrounded by books reaching the ceiling is signing various papers on his desk with the aid of a small candle serving as his only source of light, the flame from the candle flicker and dance as he work away the night.
A knock come from the door and someone step in the study, it was Leo in his gilded armor holding under his arm a large tome.
"My Lord" he bowed "Demons are growing in number in both Hamel and Valder. Some tried to cross Bethma but was intercepted by Earth knights. High concentration of energy is detected in Lanox and slavers are being reported south originated from Sander".
"Send a force to deal with the slavers" Elsword said keeping his eyes on his work papers "are the next batch ready?"
"Yes my Lord, with the latest shipment and those from our forges one hundred suits are ready to house your will".
Elsword dip his quill in an ink pot and resumed writing "do so at sunrise and send them on their first mission".
"Yes my Lord" Leo bowed and dropped the tome on Elswords desk.
"And of the demons?"
Leo shrugs "more active at night their conserving their strength and launching raids on small isolated targets, corruption is rife so the numbers can't be too relied on".
Elsword nodded and continued to shift through the papers.
"Keep monitoring the demons, if things gets worst then you'll find yourself busy" Leo nodded.
Silence dominated the room as Leo stood there motionlessly for a few minutes prompting Elsword to stop his work and look up at him.
"Will there me anything else my son?" Leo shifted visibly uneasy.
"My Lord…I would like to apologize for my action to you regards the events this morning" he stood in attention "I'm prepared to accept any punishment".
Elsword put down his quill pen and sigh "You will not be punished in anyway. I was the one at fault; you were not informed of their arrival, this would have been avoided if not for my negligence".
"Still I caused them harm, I must receive what is just".
Elsword set his glasses on the table and massaged his forehead "Don't take 'No' for an answer, huh".
"…my lord you're…"
He sense something like liquid escaped his lips, Elsword wiped his mouth to see his hand stained in crimson red, he procured a handkerchief from his pocket and covered himself.
"You should rest my lord, working late at night is not good for your health" Leo said with concern.
"Hehe, I will be fine" from his desk he took a silver flask opened it and took a swig "nothing like brandy to null the pain".
"Didn't Cain say to cut on the alcohol?" Elsword snickered and took another swig.
"Now if that's all then I would leave you for the preparations" Leo bowed and left the study closing the door behind him.
"It's funny"
Leo turned to his left to see a pair of red eyes floating in the darkness glaring at him.
"What's so funny?"
"It's funny in an ironic way that loyalty to be subjective and that regarding truth, you say the hard truth to protect them from the lies, or lie to protect them from the hard truth" It said the last part with more stress and clearly directed at the lion "clearly I'm both amazed and amused".
"What are you saying? That I lied to my lord?"
"How could we truly claim what we say is true or false?"
"I tell no lie"
"No, but you agree to it to let it all play out~"
"Just what do you want from me drone?" Leo said irritated.
"Just curious" red eyes shifted to the door of the study then returning to the lion "what do you think of 'them' here".
"They shouldn't be here…my lord does not want them to be here".
"And yet here they are".
"Did you have a hand in this? Do you see well of them coming here?" the lion said accusingly.
"Indeed I do" red eyes bobbed "You just need to see the bigger canvas".
"...What are you planning?" he pointed his baton at the pair of red eyes.
"It's best to wait and see~. We're nearing the climax of this wonderful piece".
Leo lowered his baton but glared at the pair of red eyes icily "Whatever you're planning this time I will have no part of".
The being chuckled "Naïve Lion you're a part of this from the beginning".
The red eyes shrink falling deeper in the darkness "Oh and one more thing, the knights stationed underground haven't seen the light of day for some time. Why don't you send them on a mission? After all no one would go down there save for Elsword anyway".
The being said and disappeared.
Cryptic and suspicious it may be Leo couldn't help but heed it's words, he too was curious where these events will chain to, whatever happens he's already a part of this scheme anyway and whatever harm come to his lord then he would be there.
After all.
Devious the red eyed being may be his loyalty to Elsword is unquestionable.
All are expendable to further his lord's goal.
Morning came and Cain woke the search party to join Elsword for breakfast, at day the manor are less broodingly dark than at night but even then there are parts of the house that the sun don't shine.
Cain guided them to the dining hall a large room with a long table in the middle; Elsword as well as his daughters Aria and Maria are already present.
It was all normal enough, a typical morning in the seighart manor. The drones serve them their morning meals, greeting each other good morning, and Maria held aloof with her wings.
The little angel flew around the hall and dive hug Elesis from behind and sequent wrap her wings around surprising her.
"Good morning auntie!" she greets her cheerfully.
Elesis patted the girls head "Good morning, your energetic today" she said as the girl nuzzle on her back, last night she looked very tired and shy but now it did a full 180.
"Maria is like that every morning when the sun is up, but gets very tired and regress back to being shy when the sun sets" Aria explained as the said girl flew off from Elesis back and into Ara.
"Good morning!" she landed on Ara's lap and embraced her, Ara returned the hug "Hehe, you're so warm~" she said feeling the gentle warmth from the girl invigorating her.
She did this to the girls including Chung which he let slide, after breakfast Aria took her away for their lessons along with Cain leaving the gang with Elsword.
"Most of the manor is sealed collecting dust but there are some parts that I want to show you guys" Elsword said.
"With how dark this place is at nights I'd say you didn't do a good job" Raven said sarcastically, making him laugh nervously.
Elsword lead them through the undistinguishable halls, if not with Cain or anyone guiding them they would have been lost in this maze like place, Elsword stopped at their first destination and opened the door.
Their first stop is the library; the room is circular with a round table at the center. It has two floors filled with only bookshelves packed with books of different topics and subjects tended by nasod drones.
"I'd didn't expect you have a library here" Aisha said surprised, he's normally an idiot who only how to swing a sword and charge recklessly.
Elsword grabbed a book a drone gave him "I have a lot of time on my hands and I'm hurt you think of me like that" he handed the book to her.
The book was titled 'Draconic origins of magic' with her name on it. It one of her theses she published that connect the ancient dragons teaching humanity the first magic "You have a copy of this?"
"It's quite interesting" Elsword said sweeping his arm to the library "This library has everything from Valder to Hamel even from the eastern empire and beyond".
He approached the center table and opened a hidden panel, at the center of the table an orbed rise up and holographic screens light up "If you can't find the book you're looking for then you can search for it here. A digital copy is also available and can be read here".
Aisha approached and browses the different books on the screen "…this is quite amazing. How did you get your hands on these?"
Elsword purse his lips "like I said I have a lot of time on my hands".
They frowned seems that he not opening up to tell them his secrets, it's no use prying he would tell them in time but there concern only grows.
The gang followed Elsword on their next destination their suspicion growing with every step, whenever they come across a fire knight walking on the halls for whatever reason it gave them a gaze as if warning them.
They come across a balcony facing the courtyard "Hey what are they doing over there?" Chung said "Hm?" Elsword looked over the balcony to the courtyard and smiled "Look closely".
The legion of fire knights was holding some sort of ceremony. Leo stands in front of a block of knights at the center of the yard.
From his hand a ball of fire appeared dancing and flickering gently. He pinched the fireball and a little flame is in between his fingers and with it placed the fire on a knight's helmet standing in front of him.
Other knights imitated the action pinching a little fire from the fireball on their palms, those that received have flames running around their person like starting a campfire, the flame was small but slowly it builds up and grows.
After somewhere of a hundred knights received this they were then given a sword and kneeled down, Leo address them though they were too far to hear his words. The knights stood back up and simultaneously strike their chests in salute.
"A knighting ceremony" Raven asked and Elsword nodded.
"I believe Aria explained the basics. The knights are created by giving a portion of their power to a vessel, in this case Leo and a select few of his knight's part a piece of themselves to an empty suite of armor. The flame slowly grows becoming its own individual".
"You mean all of them came from Leo?" Rena said.
"Leo created the first batch of fire knights, when those knights mature they create the next generation from their own and the cycle continue; Leo is the forebear to all of them yet despite coming from a single source their unique individuals".
"The El gave life to Elrios from us humans, spirits, Lizardmen all life came from the El even though we all came from it were different from each other and the same principle goes for all of my children" Elsword finished.
"Why?" Elesis interject "What reason for them to exist?"
The space around them changed suddenly, shadows all around them seems to shift and stretch and by something unexplainable the light of the sun dims on a cloudless sky.
A heavy hand has placed upon them, gravity pulling them down and they struggle to even stay upright, no words escape their lips nor can they rationally explain this phenomenon.
Elsword stood unaffected by all this, the once bright welcoming smile gone replaced with disdain. It was overwhelming…dominating.
"They have a purpose…as do I" he said sadly before turning around.
The oppressive force disappeared as fast as it came and they all looked at Elsword walking down the hall.
"There's just one last room I just want to show you guys, come on!" He called them excitedly.
The gang though reluctantly followed, they catch up with him easily enough since he was limping.
"Did you just felt that?" Aisha whispered to Elesis.
"Yeah…what do you think?"
Lu comes up beside her "A large amount of force and power. Similar to a demon lord controlling his underlings there compelled to obey"
Elesis shook her head "We don't have anything to work with…until we do we need as much info we can get no matter how vague".
She doesn't like it but there's no choice, right now there head deep in enemy territory and they don't know what head to tails is.
"Here we are!"
Elsword took them on a large doomed room empty room, what light the room have is just enough to show the whole room; it was akin to an observatory but without the telescope.
"This here is the observatory 'Hyperion' I spend a lot of my time here, easily my number two favorite place of the manor just behind the garden 'Eden'. Father and daughter made it from the ground up you know?" he said braggingly.
Add crossed his arms "You can't call this place an 'observatory' without the telescope" he pointed out which made Elsword smirk.
He patted Add's shoulder much to his annoyance "Don't worry Addy I got something better than just an overcompensated lens".
Ignoring the horrendous nickname he just given him Add got curious.
"Hyperion" Elsword called and the dome vibrated in response surprising them.
"Show them a good show will you?"
The observatory turned off all the lights but they could still see themselves and each other and found themselves in a vast dark and empty void.
They felt their bodies becoming light like their swimming and began floating.
"Anti-gravity?" Eve guest.
A bright flash assaulted their vision and instinctively covered their eyes; once they re-opened they weren't sure if they're in Elrios anymore.
Floating not in the void of darkness but at the adobe of stars.
Balls of fire shines bright across their vision, uncountable stars dotting the canvas and the wonderful mysteries of the galaxy they call their home is laid flat before them, every conceivable constellation stellar clouds of vibrant and vivid colors and comets streaking by.
It was beautiful that it left them awestrucked drifting in space as an insignificant spec to the grand majesty of the universe.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Elsword said floating in front of them snapping them back to their senses.
"How?" Those words escape Add's mouth without him knowing "How did you do this? Aren't you supposed to be an idiot!?" he yelled and Elsword laugh.
"Like I said I have a lot of time on my hands".
With a snap of the finger the heavenly canvas slowly dissipate and gravity taking hold once more bringing them on the ground, the lights turning on insuring them that there back.
Elsword raised his arm and on his opened palm a round object descent to it from nowhere.
"Say hello Hyperion".
The small sphere 'opened' reaveling an eye or more accurately it's a floating mechanical eyeball. The servo and lenses on its 'iris' rotate inspecting each and every one of them.
Then a string of lights like stars appear and connected with a string of light like a constellation "HELLO" it reads.
"Hyperion is a nasod drone I created just like Cain and stays here in the observatory, just tell him what you want to see and he will show it in full immersion".
Hyperion floats around the group looking up and down on each and every one of them noting their details.
"What it's doing?" Ara asked feeling uncomfortable that a floating metal eyeball is drinking in her features at the very last detail.
"He's memorizing how you guys look like so he could replicate it using holograms".
The eye continued to scan them until it was Eve's turn. He looked up and down and suddenly backed off.
The room is suddenly filled with light, their feet meeting marble floor and a wide open blue sky. They were surrounded with fire knights who all suddenly bowed down to them aimed to Eve.
Eve is surprised so far every nasod drone he come across in the manor treats her royalty which she is but in an over the top way.
"Hahaha, alright Hyperion that's enough you're scaring her".
The room flashed again and reverted to its original state.
"Well that concludes our tour; you're all free to explore the rest of the manor. Aria is at the garden with Mary and Cain while Leo is at the command tent just outside at the courtyard, can't miss it".
Elsword turned to the door to leave "Where are you going?" Chung asked and he replied.
"I'll be at my study. Being a lord over a region is painstaking work" Elsword massages his head not looking forward to the large stacks of papers waiting for his attention.
He left the observatory with Hyperion following him.
"What do we do now?" Raven asked. Now that their given free rein to explore the castle it time for them to investigate and gather as much Intel as they can.
"We should split up" Elesis suggested "we can cover more ground that way" everyone agreed with the plan and they began to explore the dark twisting halls of the manor.
"Have somewhere in mind?" Chung said to Elesis.
"I'm going to see Leo; he's the only lead we have so far" Chung nodded "Let me come along. I want to ask him some questions too" Elesis wondered what the king might ask but she wouldn't pry, together they reached outside to the courtyard and there they see a large red tent with banners of house sieghart displayed proudly at the center of the yard with knights around training and doing military drills.
"Excuse me!" Elesis called walking inside the command tent.
Leo is reading through various holo-screens projected from a small orb on the desk. Various reports and documents that Elesis assumed to be military in nature but did not quite understand. The Lion looked up to see the visitors.
"How may I help you?"
Elesis is rather uneasy with the lion, he's completely loyal to Elsword both his Lord and father and if she even said something slightly offend him he would lash out without a second thought even to her his supposed 'aunt' she cleared her throat.
"Just wanted to ask a few questions".
Leo pressed the orb and the screens disappeared "What do you want to know?"
It's a safe option to ask something simple to keep the conversation going Elesis thought ask him something about the rumors or their misgivings would make him cautious and suspicious of them.
"You're a strong fighter. I never meet someone as strong like you before, must be because your Elsword's son" for someone or something to beat the El search party easily she couldn't help but be impress since it was her brother that 'birthed' him, still the family thing would take a while to get used to.
"I'm weak" He said sharply "I simply overwhelmed all of you. If it was a battle of swords then I would be beaten, I still have a long way to go controlling it" Leo confess.
Elesis was surprised. He was powerful sure but to Leo he sees it as something of an inconvenience, from their rather brief fight he could control his power perfectly but he want to fight with the sword and only the sword without the aid of stuff like magic even if he have the potential to be strong that way…just like Elsword when he was young suppressing his latent magic.
"Are the other fire knights like you?" Chung asked bringing Elesis back to reality.
"When a knight is born it has a portion of our power, in time they will have memories and experience and from there like a spark would grow to a conflagration".
"And how does that work?" Chung presses, Elesis don't know what made him ask these questions he seems agitated for some reason.
"I send them out on missions. Bandits, slavers and other troubles".
"And of demons?" Ah, Elesis now understands.
Leo rises from his seat and stare at him "What about demons young king?"
"I'm asking what if demons somehow show up, what then?" Chung said almost challenging the lion which isn't a good idea.
Leo took pause before answering "When they do then we will scour them from Elrios".
"Why don't you do it now?" he said right away raising his voice.
"Is this what this all about? About YOUR kingdom overrun by demons?" Leo questions.
"I'm asking why you or Elsword didn't send any help fighting the demons in Valder beside Hamel!? Many died fighting reclaiming there home!"
"What of it?" Leo waiving his hand dismissively and sits back on his chair "Men and beast die at the field of battle".
"That's not what I meant!" Chung slams his fist on the table.
"When we needed help no one came! With your power and your knights this war would have been over!"
There was silence after that, a heavy tension in the air. Elesis didn't know Chung suffered that much, though she witness good men dead but for Chung it was his home and he is the king, his people, and that weight heavily on him for the past four years.
"…My lord once ordered me to go to Hamel along with my knights before, to fight the demons".
"But then what happen?" Chung said. If Elsword did order him to go and help where was it?
"I refused" Leo immediately answered "I will not leave my lord's side nor would I send my knights for your sake".
"Why?" he said lowly tears in his eyes "Why didn't you? My people…suffered by the hands of demons".
Leo again but this time slowly rise from his seat "Why?" he said tilting his head almost mockingly.
"I see no reason for me to risk my knights fighting the demons nor will fighting them benefit my lord. He told me to go not for experience but for you because you are his friend".
Leo picked up his baton and tucked his hands on his back and circled Chung inspecting him "A king who couldn't protect his own people".
"What did you just say?" Chung took offense from the lion's words.
"That's enough" Elesis tried to diffuse the tension "Chung what's gotten into you?" she whispered hoping that Chung see reason.
"Of course Valder is no better, nothing more but men playing war" Elesis heard this and glared at him.
"Those are MY knights you're talking about" she warned, what started as a civil talk turned into something ugly.
Leo laughed and bowed mockingly at the two "my lord praised both of you but I disagree. One a pretentious knight and the other a king" he step closer to Chung "Who throw people's lives away".
Chung couldn't take any more of Leo's taunting and punched him in the face. Leo registered the impact but didn't react remaining calm and collected while Chung's hand after the punch connect got seared, the glove burned and the skin pulping red.
"Chung!"
Leo procured a bandage roll and throws it at Chung who instinctively caught it "If that's all then please leave. I have other things to do and I rather not be scolded the second time if it can be avoided".
Elesis glared at him before taking Chung and leaving the command tent. Leo returned to his seat and presses the orb and a small screen appeared showing only a pair of red eyes.
"Must we provoke them like this?" Leo said through the screen and the being laugh.
"Those two plays an important role you couldn't have done better. For them to inherit what awaits them below they need to reflect on their faults".
"And when would they be ready to wield it?"
"hehehe, I have already seen the outcome it's all planed out and all you need to do is watch and enjoy the show~" the feed got cut leaving only static. Leo could only sighed whatever he's planning he knows it won't be over soon.
Add and Eve walked along the twisting hallways and corridors of the castle. For the most part the castle is empty and only the main building and the second floor are being used, the rest of the castle is sealed off.
He ran a hand through his hair. This investigation is going nowhere, those knights either don't know anything such is the case of Aria and Maria or completely hostile for Leo. Elsword seems to be absent most of the time and that Cain drone is always with him, at this rate they never get anything done.
Add groaned in frustration they have been walking the maze like corridor of the castle and every room they come across is empty with the occasional nasod drone patrolling the hallway. The sun is setting and he doesn't want to get lost in the insanely dark castle.
He turned to eve "Eve we better get back and report nothing to the others, the sun is starting to set".
The nasod queen ignored him and instead stared at a door in front of her.
The door is the same like the rest though ever so often she would stop suddenly and stare at a door almost randomly or…
"We just went in circle didn't we?" he asked and she nodded. He groaned again "are you sure it's the same door you're staring at? All of these doors look the same".
"They do but this one is the only door that is lock" Eve said, Add went and placed his hand on the knob confirming that its lock.
"Who cares if its lock? I bet it's just as empty as the other rooms and those are locked too".
"Yes but…have we opened this door before?"
Add sighed "Can't say we did…look were doing this well in the morning and so far nothing, let's just get back" seeing that Eve is not yet done with her staring contest with the door he went back first
"Try to get back on your own yeah?" he said before leaving.
Once he's gone Eve placed a hand on the door. There was something that's drawing her to it something she couldn't explain like a voice whispering to her ear calling her.
"…"
"…sa…"
There it was a faint voice, no matter how she adjust her hearing she couldn't make out of it. Strange still is that Moby or Remy don't even hear anything and they have more powerful sensors than her, it seems like she is the only one that can hear whatever it is.
"…av…rd…"
Eve was hearing this 'voice' the moment she stepped into the castle, she didn't told her friends and thought it was just an error with how many nasod drones around something like their communications and signal is bound to get messed up. But after listening it for a while she could piece together what its trying to say".
"…Save him" she whispered as realization hits her "From what?"
As if the 'voice' heard her it answered which shocked Eve. And this time it's much clearer, she stepped back from the door and ran through the halls hoping to reach her friends
"…death…"
That one word echoed in her mind unable to shake a feeling of dread that the voice is referring to but what matters is that she gets to the rest of the gang.
As she ran slowly the sun set giving the castle up to darkness, the door slowly opens and revealed a pair of red eyes watching her run down the halls and laughter echoing in the night".
Right, this took a while but it's done. The next one might come in two weeks or three and its long like REALLY long; this one is two times longer than the last one!
Some comments would be nice…