The Doll Maker

by Arrixam

Slowly slipping into madness like his father, spending days and nights endlessly crafting his armies, facing forces not meant to be seen by mortal men, he was called upon by one most desperate of his abilities. Now in a new world, will this be for the better for Tristain? Or will it implode on itself? Contains OC Archmage/Sorcerer

6. Part 2

A message from the author!

Hellooooooooo everybody! Been a while hasn't it? I apologize for the long wait; most of you probably forgot a good chunk of the lore now, haven't you?

So first thing's first, some personal advertisement. I've decided to upload what I have so far of Artemis' "prototype" story on my fictionpress account. By the time you've read the end of this chapter I will have everything uploaded. Unfortunately, the story is incomplete as I decided to work on the rewrite to clear up some things that didn't make sense. The lore is quite out of date, but most of the basics I use in the rewrite and this Doll Maker story are included. Feel free to take a look. I know a lot of you have been asking me to read his story and this is the best I can offer until I find a publisher... and finish the final draft.

Next, I've found something remarkable while I was researching the real nobility most ZnT characters are based off of. Like Montmorency. My word! I would have never have guess THAT person was related to her family. After learning about that, I decided to throw that into the story. Now, this isn't something I just discovered and threw into this chapter. This takes back a few chapters, actually. Since Siesta was no longer included back in Chapter 3.

I'm just letting you all know that I am starting an original arc. I do sincerely hope you all enjoy it. I've put a lot of thought and effort into the characters and plot.

Third, I forgot to include a quote from my stories in the last chapter. So I'll be providing last chapter's quote as well as this chapter's. Each quote is supposed to have a relation with the theme of the chapter. So, typically, if you read the quotes you can guess what each chapter will be about.

Finally, I thank each and every one of you for reading Doll Maker. OCs are HIGHLY frowned upon here on Fanfiction Net, yet you've taken a chance to peer into this story and have most graciously welcomed it! You all make me cry.

Please enjoy the show and leave a review. Any and all are tremendously appreciated!

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"There's one monster I hate almost as much as the bloody fucking sun. Go on and laugh. But it's something more sinister and cunning than any other beast you will ever run into. It's what made your God abandon the world because even He couldn't tame it.

"It's called Humanity. And there's nothing more evil out there than that."

---

"Did you know humans weren't supposed to exist? We were made not in the Gods' images, but in the Originals'. The first humans were made to deceive them and kill them. When successful, we were discarded into the darkness to fade away.

"But humanity thrived in the darkness and usurped the creators...

"...Yet, there was one human who I remember that stood above the rest. None were more brutal than him. None spilled more blood than he. None delved deep into the machinations of the Laws like he. He found the glitches, the flaws, the imperfections missed by the Originals. An impossibility...

"...He is the one who started the spread of the Abyss. We will always fear him as the Great Evil. Though defeated, his influence remains as Lingering Residue...

"...Such as one of the first viruses he spread. The vampires."

---

Chapter 5

I am a False Hero (Part 2)

Nearly a thousand years ago, during an age when the Brimiric countries were at constant war with another, there was once a princess from Galia who fled from her homeland. Her uncle, the crown prince, had usurped his brother's power for his own when news reached his ears the Queen was pregnant with a male heir. The princess fled to Tristain, her family's sworn enemy, believing her uncle would never think to look for her there. Merari of Galia so changed her name to Marie de Craon, plaiting the identity of a bastard child of a low-ranking Noble of Tristain.

Her life eventually led to serving as a secretary to the Montmorency family, to which she fell in love with the heir to the family, Guy Montmorency-Laval. With the love being returned, they wed and eventually bore two children.

One child, little did they know, would become the greatest monster in the history of Tristain.

Guiles de Rais de Montmorency-Craon was a genius of a child. Perhaps it was because of his mother's royal blood, his potency with the Montmorency Water magic was unheard of. He had long surpassed his father before the age of ten and had improved many of the family magic as well as coming up with new formulas before turning sixteen. But magic was never his forte, no. The boy excelled in all matters of the mind, but his greatest merit was understanding the human psyche. With words the boy could convince any individual to perform any task for him— something that was proven right when the most influential Noble in Tristain, second only to the Royal Family, so offered his only daughter into marriage with him.

It was a feat in of itself when Guiles did not marry into the Vendée family but rather Catherine de Thouars married into the Montmorency, who were but 'Noble Commoners' compared to the magnificent Vendee bloodline.

Alas, he cared little for his wife, who quickly fell in love with him. His curiosity into the wonders that made up the world was far more interesting than some woman who wanted his attention. He got her to shut up when he gave her a child. However, he still played as the new lord of the Montmorency family, expanding their lands, servants, and resources beyond anything his father could achieve. Yet it was nothing more than a chore to him— he only chose to achieve greatness in short time so his wife and elders would not bother him for long periods.

His annoyance knew no bounds when the Royal Family called on his services into the war, something he had been succeeding to avoid for most of his life. Alas, even the looming threat of Albion's fleet could not be ignored.

So, much like how he treated the affairs of the estate, treating it as much as one would with a chore, he wiped out the invading force before they could so much as land with but the small armies of the Montmorency. But again his service was demanded and so he moved throughout the country, solving problems almost immediately in hopes to return to his research as soon as possible. His military brilliance 'awarded' him with the title of Marshal, imprisoning him further into the career of warfare. Therefore, it donned on him that the only way for him to return to peace was for him to bring peace to the land. He accepted his role of Marshal as he believed all others were incompetent. War had lasted nearly a hundred years and so he will see to it there would be a long enough peace for him to return to his studies until he died of old age.

Old age… such a thought disturbed him.

Within his career, he was feared by all surrounding countries. The whisper of the blue-bearded general being spotted within the battlefield struck a chord to all those who have heard of his exploits. The foolish perceived him as a challenge and a quick road to glory, but were horrendously crushed by his tricks. Those experienced and wise in the tact of war knew better than to face him, yet it was their pride and honor that demanded to meet him anyways. No matter the opponent, Guiles de Rais was victorious.

But let it be known the man was ruthless. As he saw warfare as nothing but a chore, he demanded to see it through to the end. To the very last man standing. When he battled, he made sure to leave no prisoners, to leave no enemy left alive. This was why all feared him.

However, things began to change when he met her.

In an age in which women were seen as properties, things for men to boast about and showcase like trophies, she was an abomination. And yet, Guiles de Rais was instantly captivated by her. But a girl who grew up in some backwater farm village, with a holy sword belonging to her family longer than records could show, she enlisted into the army of Tristain after obtaining the attention of the King. She was nothing more than a Commoner who had neither education nor any prior training in military affairs. Worse, she was a woman meddling in the affairs of men.

And yet, she was his equal in brilliance.

Like many of his peers, he scoffed at the idea of the King permitting her to enlist in the army. However, unlike his peers, he did not burst in outrage when it was revealed she was granted command of her own forces. Instead, while he pursued in his career, he kept a curious eye on her to see what was so special about her. He watched at how she achieved the same feats he had. How she picked up the sword, led her men directly into battle, sometimes going alone when her men would not follow, and always turn insurmountable odds into victories.

He didn't understand this nonsense about 'for the sake of God' she blabbered about. All that mattered was she was toppling forces that should have been impossible to win against. Even he would be wary of some of the odds she faced, and yet she dove in without a care in the world! As though she knew no matter what she faced she will come about victorious!

It was by chance that their forces would be united to take back land Albion had sieged. When they went over strategies he observed her closely. She spoke poor Tristanian, mostly slurring her words and speaking in hick slang. Her choice in words was limited due to her inadequate vocabulary and she couldn't read any of the names on the map. She was shy when addressing the other Nobles and often bowed her head when they spoke. Her mannerisms were poor, nearly insulting with ignorance. She was as much a Commoner in every way.

Yet, when they both looked over the map, her mind was just as sharp as his. Nay, he would dare to say she surpassed him.

On the battlefield, with his halberd and her sword, they fought fiercely against the Albionese. To say he was astounded by her would be an understatement. By no means was he the best spearman, no his greatness came from the mind not the blade. However, he could not help but admire how she could move around the battlefield so… beautifully. She danced around soldiers, dodging and parrying their attacks with minimal effort. Arrows that came at her were deflected without so much as looking in their direction. She was constantly aware of her surroundings and knew friend from foe without the need to look at their coat of arms.

By all means, not only had she the mentality to craft a strategy to defeat the Albionese, she took on the majority of their forces on her own as well.

On that day, he swore to himself to follow her. As Marshal, he gave her authority to be second-in-command to all of Tristain's arms.

As the years passed, as they both drew blood together, Tristain was starting to reach that moment of peace he so long craved. And yet, there was a pit within him that wasn't there before. When there was no longer a need for his services, what of her? What will become of her? Will she return to her village or will the King have a different use for her? These were thoughts that plagued his mind, that haunted his dreams, that frightened and distracted him in idle moments.

He never got the chance to find out. One day, something impossible happened. With her holy sword, the Holy Maiden of Tristain brought it down to deliver a finishing blow just like any other before. He saw the crimson blade shine like that of the sun. When the sword was brought down, a great tremor erupted from the ground. Fire and light surged out of the tip, and the air split apart with a thunderous roar. The battlefield was decimated as the land was scorched into a wasteland. Soldiers fighting in front of her, whether they be theirs or the enemy, were obliterated. Nothing but their ashes remained.

The silence that followed ceased the battle. Even the Holy Maiden was speechless, horrified by what she had unleashed. She had not known what she had done.

It was never her fault, he tried to plead with the courts. Naturally a phenomenon such as this could never be suppressed. It had reached the ears of the Royal Family and House of Lords. He tried to protect her from the courts. Alas, not even his resources and influence could have persuaded them. The House of Lords were jealous of her deeds, had always been ever since the King favored a Commoner to lead his armies. A Commoner was bringing Tristain victory. A Commoner was bringing peace, not a Noble— a chosen practitioner of magic as was intended by God Himself.

To find out this Commoner could perform magic was nothing less than heresy, they said. Guiles de Rais tried to argue that there was a chance she had Noble blood in her veins. That somewhere down in her line an ancestor could have been a bastard. But their minds were made up. The Nobles had even gone as far as bribe Cardinals from Romalia to present this to the Pope. And the Pope, in turn, had been bribed as well to condemn her heretical.

The holy sword was confiscated and brought to Romalia rather than returning to her family. And the Holy Maiden, now revered as the Witch of Tristania, was condemned to be burned at the stake.

In fear he might rebel, the House of Lords convinced the King to strip him of his title of Marshal and ordered his men to spread out to other lords. His own brother was the one to present the claim to the King that he had been bewitched by her devilry. Guiles de Rais was left with but twenty men, barely enough to protect his estate. For no matter how great his mind, he would never be able to plan a siege to free the Holy Maiden, who was protected within Tristain's capital itself.

And so, he watched in horror on the day of her execution. Their eyes met for a brief moment as the fires began to rise. She gave him the brightest of smiles, only diluted by her fear and sorrow.

He refused to accept such a fate.

"Oh great spirit of the lake," he said to the guardian of the Montmorency land, "I give myself to thee. Taketh my blood, taketh my soul, taketh my all. Taketh my water of crimson life, and so grant me a pact. As I giveth my life to thee, give me life in exchange!"

And so began the legend of Tristain's greatest monster.

*Scene*

"Stephanie! Run to fourth! Go, go, go!"

It's been several days since my dealings with Count Mott. I'll admit I had no idea on what to do from here on out. It wasn't my responsibility to take care of the broken girls, but I would be damned if I just left them alone as they were now. Yet, I don't know how I could give them back their humanity. Rather, I doubt I ever could. It was a process that will have them find their answer on their own, and I could only offer them guidance. Since I'm not a shrink, I've little to no experience in the dealings of the human mind.

My only experience is some mild advice I gave to Terah, which, honestly, was never very helpful to begin with. She was usually the one to give me advice. Some older brother I was.

The answer came to me the day after things started to settle down. Well, calling it an answer was horribly inaccurate. It's more of a start than anything. And after a few days of preparation, talking to some of the staff members as well as getting permission from Osmond, I was able to turn the field by the Void Tower into a playing field in under three days all by myself. God how I love my magic.

Baseball! Well, I figured if Sir Rolan introduced American football to the Institute of Research of Ilyvander in the era Before the Kings, why couldn't I do something similar? Since I knew next to nothing about football other than the backyard basics, I chose a sport I knew better than the back of my hand. I did play it for my entire childhood; even making it to the National Little League championship… we came in seventh, by the way.

Ah, it was the time when Matthew really was my best friend. But then puberty hit and we began to fight over Iris, abruptly ending our friendship. Throw in the promise for unfathomable power due to the Godking's Rite and it had us going for each other's throat. I won, but still.

On the next Day of the Void, after handing Louise Solstice once more so she could play to her heart's content and leave me the hell alone, I brought as many of the girls as I could as well as some of the staff members willing to try out the sport. I even dragged Guiche out of his hole. He whined, as usual, but listened eventually in the end. We divided into even teams as I went over the rules of the game with them. I acted as pitcher for both teams.

It took a few tries for everyone to understand the basics. Hitting a ball with a stick was a somewhat farfetched idea when presented to people who have never heard of the sport, let alone any sport for that matter. And then there was trying to get them used to the makeshift leather gloves for catching said ball. Plus, once the ball was hit, there was the occasional cluelessness on what to do after.

I wonder if Sir Rolan had this much difficulty…

Eventually everyone got comfortable enough to play the game with only the occasional hesitance or question. And Guiche stopped his bitching when he began to enjoy himself. Granted, the Noble brats still mocked us in the distance when they stumbled upon the rarely used lot. However, a small crowd was growing as word began to spread throughout the academy because 'Zero's Square mage' was introducing some barbaric game. They laughed and sneered at us, but I spotted a few that wanted to try it out.

The only one cheering us on was Kirche as she sat on the windowsill of a dorm room on the third floor. Rather, she cheered me on as I pitched, blowing kisses and flapping her personal handkerchief around. Beside her sat Tabitha with her legs dangling over the edge… with her head in a book as usual. Though I did see her eyes veer in our direction out of curiosity every now and then.

I should mention we renamed home plate to fourth. Why? Well, when one of the broken maids, a petite fourteen-year-old named Beth, had the chance to run to home plate, she broke out into hysterical sobbing. See, the constant shouting of 'Run Home!' really got to her.

"Move yur ass, girl!" shouted Marteau to Stephanie when a chef named Clyde hit the ball to right-field. The head chef took a break from his duties to see how things were doing.

Stephanie snapped back into focus, hoisted her skirt up to her knees, and started running from third to ho— fourth. Macline, the guy in charge of dishes if I recall, fumbled with the ball at first but then threw it back towards me with an impressive arm. Several years of baseball never went away as I caught it without having to directly look. But I gave Stephanie a chance, paused a second to toss the ball up and down once in my hand, and then gave a casual underhand toss towards our catcher, Guiche.

I should also mention when Guiche started to bitch, I pitched the ball with one Gear and some Craven magic amplifying my strength. The patting of the catcher's glove was the only thing preventing his hand from shattering. Luckily he was a quick learner.

As expected of someone who had never done physical activities, Guiche couldn't catch the ball for the life of him. It dropped to the ground and he fumbled around to pick it up as it rolled out of his reach. It was just enough for Stephanie to reach fourth plate.

God it sounds so weird calling it that. I've been calling it home my entire life.

Her team cheered, or at least those that could anyways. The maids from Mott only clapped their hands.

I did, however, see one of them give the smallest of smiles. Only the first day and I was making some progress. Small, insignificant progress, but progress nonetheless. It made me smile as I pulled another ball out of my sweater pocket.

"FAMILIAR!"

…Only for my happy moment to be replaced with extreme agitation. Coming around from the opposite end of the crowds, Louise made her way towards the pitcher's mound with Solstice in her hands. She was holding it firmly in her grip in front of her, ready to whack me with my own blade. I didn't miss she had been dragging it on the ground; the link I had with my own blade told me it had been dragged for quite some time.

It wasn't because it was too long or too heavy. No, Solstice was designed to be as comfortable as possible in the hands of its wielder. It might not be able to alter its shape, but it could alter its weight and the wielder's handling. No matter how long it was, anyone wielding Solstice will have no problem with its excessive length as though they had been using it for the majority of their life.

To have my blade dragged along the floor meant she was doing it intentionally. It was a good thing Solstice will never lose its edge. Otherwise there would have been hell to pay.

Not going to give her the chance try and hit me with my own instrument, I dismissed Solstice back into Equinox within the subspace dimension. Her frown grew but didn't stop her. Instead, she pulled out her wand and began to smack it against her palm as she continued to approach me.

I felt the runes try to persuade me— again!— into being more friendly towards her. Trying to tell me I should feel guilty for making Louise this upset. Instead, as I knew the foreign contamination was trying to manipulate my feelings with my own Spirit, it only produced the opposite effect. I was more annoyed than I should have been without the rune's influence.

Still, I sighed and did my best to calm myself down. Calmly, and with a neutral tone, I waved the ball at her. "Afternoon, Louise. I didn't expect to see you until dinner time. Why don't you join us for a while?"

"…What do you think you're doing, familiar?" her brow twitched as the grip on her wand tightened. "You're supposed to be instructing me about my magic, but instead you wandered off to shove your barbaric practices on the help. And you're making a fool of yourself doing it. As my familiar you're tarnishing your master's reputation. Stop this at once."

Despite the little things we've been through, how much I've helped her with her studies, her confidence issues, let alone saving her life against Foquet, our relationship is back to where it started on the first day. No matter what I've done to get this girl's respect, I am seen as nothing more than some meager house pet. No, I take that back. Even Kirche's salamander and Tabitha's dragon have more respect than I do.

I keep trying to tell myself this wasn't her fault, that this was the result of several years of being belittled by her peers. She obviously had a damaged mindset from being bullied. However, there was only so far my sympathy could take me. There is only so much I can tolerate before her arrogance and ignorance really starts to grate me.

Not to mention the silent whispering in the back of my mind to listen to her was really adding fuel to the fire. I don't know at what point the potency of the runes' influence jumped, but if I hadn't known about them before I would have mistook its interference for my own subconscious.

"How about no?" I shook my head while fiddling the ball around in my hand. The servants and kitchen staff were growing uncomfortable with our confrontation while the peanut-gallery of Noble brats was snickering at us. The students taunted Louise about how she was incapable of controlling me or that she couldn't continue to afford my services. Including Kirche, to my dismay. It amazed me how they still believed I was hired by her.

"…W-What?" her eyes narrowed as sparks lit up from her wand. She hadn't expected my response.

I pocketed the ball and took a few steps forward. She pointed her wand at me, ready to incant the first spell that popped into her head. She wasn't ready yet to cast any real magic without having it explode. The damage to her mindset was so severe it was taking Solstice quite some time to unravel it all. I'd expected something like this from a sociopath like Sir Rolan, but from a troubled preteen girl who cares too much about the opinions of her equals? I don't know what sort of upbringing Louise had to go through to have traits found in a war veteran with PTSD. But so long as she doesn't wake up screaming from some traumatizing nightmare, this was something I could manage.

…This is, of course, ignoring the one night she woke up in a fright regarding a dream about her second sister Eleanor and a horsewhip.

Bending down to look at her at eye-level, I patted my hand on her head and ruffled her hair a little bit. Like how I used to with Terah. She hadn't expected me to do that and almost flinched away. But she remained where she stood, albeit with quivering lips and a heated blush from embarrassment. Her eyes darting behind me and then quickly looking away shamefully. Once again her classmates mocked her, as was something of high school tradition when someone was receiving attention like this.

"I haven't forgotten about you, Louise," I said with a slightly calmer voice. "I promised to help you with your spells. But you're not ready to cast anything yet. Give it time and keep practicing until I can properly teach you anything. Until then, keep working on your craft with Solstice while I take care of a few things on my end. Is that understood?"

Her eyes locked with mine, trying to find a flaw in my words and argue against it as a normal teenager would. She was stubborn and spoiled; she demanded things to go her way and wouldn't take no for an answer. But the look she gave me was nothing compared to the one I returned, befitting that of a King of Ilyvander who so held the responsibilities of several million subjects.

But they were also the eyes of an older brother, something I hadn't used in a very long time.

She huffed, refusing to let me win due to her pride. "V-Very well. I will give you permission just this once to partake in your barbaric games so long as it doesn't impede in my studies."

My brow twitched. Whatever. It was a start.

"I didn't come to scold you," she said as she tucked her wand back into the holster on her thigh. "The headmaster wished to speak to the both of us about something and demanded our presence at once. I came to fetch you."

I stood back up straight and gave a weary sigh. "Then you should have said that in the beginning. We could have avoided this embarrassment."

I gestured to our surroundings. Some of the staff members were whispering to themselves or trying to pretend they weren't witnessing our moment. And then the students were laughing, mocking, or sneering at the two of us. This caused Louise to stomp her feet around like the child that she was and storm off with her fists swinging around wildly and shouting curses in my name.

I called for Clarence, the, uh… you know what I don't know what Clarence does. I called for him to take up the pitcher's mound while I go deal with what Osmond had for me. After handing him the ball while giving some advice on how to pitch, I left the field and gave everyone some cheers to have fun.

Barely making it past first base, a revelation hit me like one of Alyse's magic bricks to the face.

Fuck. The runes won this time.

How the hell did that happen?! I was clearly upset with her and had an inner monologue but thirty seconds ago about how my tolerance was at its end.

Artemis, just admit it. You like her. Louise isn't as bad of a girl as you think she is.

"Shut up, she still annoys the living hell out of me."

"King Philips?"

Marvin, the busser who took the position of first base, gave me a curious and worried look.

"Oh, just rambling to myself about my little summoner, pay it no mind," I assured him with a disarming smile and dismissing wave.

He dismissed it with a shrug and I continued on. My longer strides made it easy for me to catch up to Louise. However, neither of us shared a word as we made our way to Osmond's office. Perhaps Louise was still embarrassed with me, but I was thankful for the silence. There was something else distracting me from making conversation with the little girl.

I was starting to talk to myself again. Ever since the Lífþrasir killed my Jinni Sentinel, my thoughts have been… out of tune, for lack of a better explanation. Thankfully my sleep had been dreamless and I hadn't been talking to myself in the mirror like my first few days as Godking Dalang. But it can't be avoided that I've been hearing… 'myself' replying to my thoughts as though it were a separate entity. I've even been talking back.

I grimaced. This was the first sign my father spoke of in his notes of the growing madness that had consumed him. It made me shiver just thinking about how long I had until I could no longer remember who I was…

*Scene*

"Count Mott is dead," Old Osmond began without any hesitation. It was just the three of us. Professor Colbert, having acting as temporary secretary until a suitable replacement for Longuevuille could be found, stepped out to give us some privacy.

Count Mott is dead, I repeated to myself. This was why I hate using Carnage curses. If Mott really was dead, then it was by no means a clean death. The man must have suffered. Curses of the Carnage family extract one key emotion of their choosing to be a primary function to overshadow all other emotions and thoughts of their target. As the mind can produce several hundred different types of emotions, the possibilities were almost endless.

Rage, hatred, anger, wrath, and resentment, to give an example, are emotions that sound similar but are distinctly different. Casting a Carnage curse with the concept of rage will render the target in a state of strong distaste for all things indiscriminately. Casting one with a resentment concept will have the target do everything in their power to distance themselves from... well, anything.

And these emotions will continue to grow, feeding off their hosts like parasites until it is the only true dominant emotion.

I cursed the concept of lust onto the count. So long as he continued to look at the Playboy, the perception of lust will continue to rise until it was the only thing on the count's mind. As it was an inanimate object with only printed images of nude models, the count would deeply long for them, driving him into a state of madness as he knew they were not real and yet refused to accept that reality. His lust would push for him to have them no matter what, but he could never have them as they are not real. This would create a paradox, his emotions eating away at him in a perpetual motion that would grow until it consumed him.

…Which resulted in his death, apparently. It was supposed to die down as it was attached to a lifeless object. But I underestimated the count's personal lust. It must have already been his primary emotion, possibly the key concept he used in fulfilling all of his daily tasks.

This was why their family name was granted that of Carnage. Nothing but pure destruction can come from their craft.

My eyes narrowed. This news stirred up a hornets' nest of problems.

"That is… unfortunate Headmaster," Louise stated with forced empathy as she couldn't understand what this meant for her. "But… what does this have to do with my familiar and I?"

Osmond took the moment to lean back in his chair and light his pipe with a match.

"…What was the cause of death?" I asked instead. Louise gave me a glare as I had spoken out of turn. She had asked something first and here I was, her apparent servant, trying to take the importance out of her.

She should be appreciative I scared the headmaster's familiar for the third time before he could look up her skirt since walking in here. Already I could feel it plotting for a fourth attempt. I respect its tenacity but frown at its intentions.

"Reports to the Chief of Justice state he passed away after suffering from an unknown disease brought by a traveling alchemist from Rub'al Khali."

Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit! This does not look good at all. No, wait, Artemis calm down. You need to reexamine the situation for what it is. Think!

First, why was there a report to the Chief of Justice? If the statement was true then there wouldn't be a need to get the guy in charge of the courts involved. But then, considering the lack of medical advancements I've seen thus far, I highly doubt there was a department for disease control or a Secretary of Health and Human Services. Considering the time-period I'm in, if the count died from an unknown disease then they would bring in the church.

Count Mott's body was burnt to ash, no doubt. But still raised the question why the Chief of Justice was involved. I know Mott died from the Carnage curse. The guards should have known there was something bewitched about the Playboy. So, did someone send a report to an officer for investigation? Maybe because Mott was the Royal Messenger it reached the office of the Chief of Justice personally? And if there was an investigation, why did it say he died from an unknown disease rather than from the Playboy?

"And is there any confirmation about this report?" I pressed further.

Louise was turning her head between mine and Osmond's, trying to make sense about something she had no clue about. I was trying to question why Osmond wanted her here, but the matter regarding Mott was more important.

The headmaster nodded, "Mott's body had been cremated as a means to purge this so-called disease as well as a majority of his possessions. The announcement will be made public in a few days."

"…So-called?" I asked. Which meant Osmond knew more than he let on. "Am I to assume all of this was being done so to hide any evidence of his true death? To keep the honor in his name and whatnot?"

Osmond puffed a few blots of smoke from his pipe before answering. "As you suspect. Although, the truth of his death is that much more dark. As you know, I have been keeping tabs on the count for some time. A few guards I trust that have served him for years have reported to me what had transpired. The count did not die an honorable death. He was tortured both mentally and physically and in the end had been drained dry of his blood."

…Drained of blood? Something didn't add up. I suspected the count would have committed suicide or had gone berserk to which would result in his death via accident. Like stumbling down the stairs as he ran in the nude accident.

"Headmaster," Louise's brows knitted together. "Are you openly admitting to have spied on the privacy of another Noble?"

Of course the seriousness of the situation would completely fly over to someone like Louise. Rather than trying to figure out what this had to do with her, the programming of her upbringing as a Noble daughter triggered. Duty and honor dictated her to seek justice for someone like Osmond going against the system that made her what she was.

"I'll tell you what this is about later, Louise," I said quietly to her through an even voice. It left no room for argument. I turned back towards Osmond. "Torture isn't something that can be done so quickly and smoothly. There were at least a hundred guards and servants within his manor. Even if the count was… distracted with what I gave him, there should have been someone assigned to check on him periodically. Do you mean his killer did this within the small timespan?"

The headmaster tapped out the ash from her pipe once done and refilled it. "Yes, there was that hole in their observations. I had Motsognir investigate for me before the count was carried away… All evidence points to one thing."

There was a dark look in Osmond's eyes I have never seen before. A look that spoke of his great age with the experiences he had gone through leaking into the room like an open furnace. It made me tense and Louise take a reflexive step back and closer towards me.

"…Vampires."

The room became silent with a chill running through. Louise gave a small gasp. As vampires are seen as equal abominations as the elves, her fear was understandable. Even on Earth they were fearsome creatures masquerading as humans, who used charms and shadow-play to feast on humans. As walking corpses, they no longer had the mental locks normal humans had on their physique, and thus were far stronger and faster than the mundane populace. Not to mention by drinking blood they could regenerate any damage done onto their bodies. And the older the vampire, the greater the resistance their unnatural bodies could create, such as the ability to walk into sunlight or cross bodies of water after a few centuries. It took unique forces, mages, exorcists and/or Paladins of the Church, or the occasional other monster (like Sir Rolan) to take them out.

Now, those were vampires on Earth. Here on Halkegenia, where magic was the dominant factor of the world, where vampires were deemed as Firstborn and had a link to Nature magic… Even I would be hesitant in running into one.

But… in regards to Osmond's story… I mean… really?

My brain was trying to determine from what horror comic Lolifor read this story came. Sure this might explain why the count was drained of his blood. And it would explain why all evidence was destroyed as to preserve his honor. Being attacked by vampires— a feared creature in any culture— would warrant panic among the populace if it came to light. But this seems like a HUGE curve out of nowhere.

Here I was expecting suicide due to the Carnage curse; I get rebuked by blood-suckers. I have a feeling some Original Being is altering the Laws of the World just to screw with me.

"This is no laughing matter, Master Philips," Osmond's voice was stern as I couldn't hold in the dumbfounded look on my face.

I instead waved it off, "This time I'm going to have to take the words Louise said earlier. What does this have to do with us, Osmond?"

As sickening as it is, I'm grateful Mott was killed by vampires. It meant there couldn't be an investigation that would lead traces back to me. It also meant Kirche and I were in the clear, the girls I brought back were fine, and Louise wouldn't suffer legal prosecution as my summoner. The Chief of Justice couldn't press any charges against us without revealing some information about Mott. And if he were to do that, then the possibility of his real death was there. Thanks to him destroying all evidence, there was nothing he could do.

…Unless the Chief of Justice is an ass and makes up evidence to pin on us.

I wonder how Germania is this time of year…

"…There is a possibility Mott may have been involved with these devils due to his 'trade'," Osmond began grimly. My mind quickly followed and started to piece things together. "There is a possibility the maids you brought back were food for them. Not to mention the maid Siesta of Tarbes returned after the count wrote her off dead. It should only take a small ponder as to where she may have been all this time…"

…I should have paid better attention to what Siesta had told me on that night. She said monsters were about to devour her before 'I' came to save her. I had thought they were men who were about to do… that disgusting act. I didn't think she was literal about it.

Siesta wasn't the only one the Lífþrasir had saved. There were other maids he had claimed to have rescued. Some eventually turned up to the academy… all of which claimed I was their savior and followed me like a pack of lost puppies for the past few days. But then there were other maids who had been found dead… and the Lífþrasir claimed he took care of the assailants.

This meant, if Osmond's suspicions were true, the Lífþrasir and I had just rattled the worst kind of hornets' nest.

"…What did you do this time?" even Louise caught on to the chain of logic as she glared at me accusingly. But… 'this time'? The hell?

"Are you asking for protection, Osmond?" I ignored Louise, annoying her further.

He stroked his beard as he released another puff of smoke from his pipe. "No, I am capable of protecting my students from the likes of vampires. I might not be as formidable as you are in combat magic, Master Philips, but my Wind spells are superior to any other in terms of defense."

"Then what is it you want from the both of us?" My brows creased as I still didn't understand the point of this meeting. I would be able to understand if it was just between us two, but throw in Louise into the conversation— who had no prior awareness of any of this— and I was lost.

The old man gruffed as he pulled out an old iron box from under his desk. Interesting how it was iron, conveniently the same metal used to seal any and all presence from the (not) talking blade Kirche gave me. A metal used for neutralizing Fae magic. He opened it and pulled out an old leathery book that had been preserved exceptionally well.

My eyes immediately adjusted into the String World to analyze it. There was something… deep contained within the pages. It had similar anti-magic properties like Louise's Void affinity, yet there were other traces of styles.

A brow was raised in astonishment as my eyes picked up better properties contained within the book. This wasn't an ordinary book. This was an instrument of Phenomenon of the same style found on the talking sword. And I don't mean they were just two articles of the same branch of Defiant Works— I mean they had the same signature as they had been crafted by the same exact individual.

"I had desired to present this to Miss Vallière sooner," Osmond elaborated. "Do you still intend to withhold information about her, Master Philips?"

I gave an audible sigh as he had used this card against me. Louise gave me a mean glare meanwhile, something strong enough to get my attention but still not quite up to par for me to be bothered.

"I still do, but… I suppose at this point it can't be helped," I said with some defeat in my tone. "I had hoped she would have matured a little bit before we got to the crux of things. You do realize this is a heavy responsibility for any individual, no matter who they are, do you?"

Louise swiveled her head around between Osmond and I with her eyes wide with anticipation.

"Your opinion is based on experience, I trust," he said as a statement more than a question.

I wouldn't call the stories of the Sun King an experience, but they were what I used to judge this matter. My personal experience as becoming Godking couldn't be used as I still believe there was someone better fitting for the role. I'd even say that bumbling lunatic Donald Douglas of Wales would be a better candidate; he had almost a hundred Djinn partners in the Godking's Rite after all and had technically been the winner. And for all his madness, he was the only competent Master in that hell of a game. He never strayed from what he valued and never gave in to temptation to power. Even Sir Rolan respected him.

And I'm not the most ideal of people, seeing as I have my own skeletons to hide.

I nodded and he continued, "I understand and respect your opinion, Master Philips, however I best believe this is up to Miss Vallière to decide for herself."

"What?!" Louise had lost her patience. "What is so important that you two are talking about?!"

Osmond placed the book on his desk and slid it forward to the edge. He gestured for Louise to take it. "This is the Founder's Prayer Book. Within it is said to be the secrets of Brimir's magic. Only the likes of a Void mage is capable of reading it, however."

Suddenly the little book Louise had picked up had a ton more weight to it.

However, from what my eyes could tell anyways, Osmond was either lying or his logic was misled. The Fae mysteries inside the book were also acting as seals. Only certain keys could open it to reveal what was written. And after looking through the pages as Louise flipped through them, I would have to say even I would have difficulty unlocking them. It's not impossible, but a definite challenge.

This was, of course, assuming I would do it for Louise.

"It's blank…" she deadpanned as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. What little hope she had risen for herself had been crushed. She believed for a moment she was a Void mage but the lack of any of the spells being revealed to her proved her wrong.

Osmond nodded as though he had been expecting this. "You are still young and inexperienced with your magic. Give it time and practice diligently. Eventually you will be able to unlock the secrets of that book."

"…Please don't tell me you just used vampires as an excuse to give Louise that book," my eyes narrowed. "What is it you're really after, Osmond? Do you intend on using Louise as a weapon if they come to the academy or to present her as a beacon to scare them off? You do realize either choice have major repercussions, right?"

Frankly, no teenager can keep a secret to themselves. Especially now that Louise has just learned she wields her people's most sacred element it's more than likely she will boast about it. It'll drive her to practice her magic enough to cast Void-based spells akin to how the other students could easily cast a fireball. Word will get out quickly, will reach politicians and religious zealots, and there will be hell to pay. The other Nobles will either use her as a weapon against the other nations…

…Or they will condemn her a heretic and have her executed. Direct descendant or high-ranking Noble or not, this was equivalent to the second-coming of the Savior. If they didn't accept it before they won't be accepting it now, even if all the evidence would be staring at them in the face.

But then… what did this mean to the other Void familiars? If Louise summoned me as the Gandálfr, then who summoned the Lífþrasir? The Vindálfr? And this newly mentioned Myozunitonirun? It meant, as I had been summoned by Louise into this world, there were others who had summoned the other familiars. Who was the contractor of the Predator of Albion and the King of Romalia? And who controlled the Myozunitonirun?

God this was getting more and more complex by the day.

"I've already stated I am more than capable of protecting my students, Master Philips," the old man defended with a bit of bite in his words. "As head professor of this academy, it is my duty to ensure my students receive the best treatment and resources in order to reach their highest potential and education. As Miss Vallière is a Void mage, I will be giving her what I can that will teach her Void magic. No matter how little it may be."

"You're avoiding the question," I argued and took a step forward, close enough to press my hands against his desk and lean forward. "What does the news you gave us earlier have to do with Louise?"

"Familiar, that's enough!" Louise pulled at my sweatshirt. "I'll not have you disrespect the headmaster of the academy any longer! If you do not stop this, then I will not permit you to have any meals tomorrow!"

There was that tugging sensation at the back of my head again. I stood and looked down at Louise. I was about to brush her aside and press the headmaster with further questions, but instead I felt the need to listen to Louise's demand. This was getting annoying fast. The runes' influence was correcting my judgment. Apparently thinking rationally was out of the question and it would be better if I stopped thinking altogether.

It was pissing me off now.

"Louise if you can't figure out what he's doing…" I began but found I was no longer capable of finishing that sentence. I was going to tell her she wasn't capable of wielding Void magic if she lacked the competency to use it wisely. That if she couldn't figure out Osmond was using her for something then she will be rendered nothing but a tool. Here I am trying to protect her and instead her own spell was compelling me to just be an obedient servant.

"Fuck it," I swore— a rarity by its own right. Without another word, I just left the office.

*Scene*

Ten minutes later, Louise caught up to me on the stairway that would lead back toward the Northern corridor.

"I've had it, Louise," I groaned before she so much as dared to call me Familiar.

She stopped in her tracks with her brows knitted together in agitation. "What now…?"

I took another step down so that she and I could look at another eye-to-eye. "Louise, do you know the entire time I've been here all of my experiences have been insufferable? From the moment you stole me from my home and family to now. And no matter how many times I've tried to make things work, to try to see the lighter side of things, to try to be your friend, I've received nothing but grievances. You Nobles, who are supposed to be the rulers and caretakers of the system you built upon yourself, are nothing but spoiled little heathens who do not know your own place."

Her eyes flared in anger, but mine narrowed in disgust.

I wasn't done, "It's absolutely pathetic how the people who have nothing are the happiest and proudest bunch. The lowly Commoners who, what was it that you said? 'Can't live without the protection and presence of the Nobility'. These people, who have no magic, money, or status, are the only ones who have treated me as another human being. People I have done nothing for other than give them my company. But you? Who I have protected, had nearly lost my life for, and have gone out of my way to help you with your magic studies? You continue to treat me as though I am your pet."

There it was again. The soft whispering of my own voice telling me to calm down. But I refused. My state of anger was the only thing keeping me rational, as contradictory as that may be.

"Those people, my friends, were purchased like furniture, abused, violated, and tossed away by someone belonging to 'God's Chosen'. Normally, I would chalk this up as the act of an evil individual, seeing as it was Osmond and Kirche who were helping me bring them back. However, when I found out he had dealings with other Nobles, I was absolutely disgusted. But that's not why I hate you Nobles. No, sex-slavers exist even in my world; I marked them as more evil individuals.

"Do you want to know what sealed the deal?" I could feel my Spirit flaring through my skin, no doubt altering my appearance given by how Louise took a step back and fell instead. "Those girls will never be the same again. Some didn't even make it and couldn't be saved. And you don't care. No student cares. No teacher cares. The law doesn't care. So long as they can continue on with their duties then you can just look the other way. No, I don't even think you noticed the difference. Even when you had nothing to do with the incident, Louise, you're no different than that sick fuck of a count.

"And for you to continue treating they and I as if nothing is wrong…? As if we are any less human as you are? I've lost all respect for you."

Naturally, my words wouldn't sink in to Louise, who was far too immature to be able to measure the weight of them. With confidence, she stood back up, "Even I know Count Mott was a lecher— a stain on those who share the title of Noble. What he did to those girls was inexcusable. But it's their own fault. They could have just said no to his offer and—"

"DO YOU EVEN HEAR YOURSELF?!" I shouted loud enough for my voice to echo throughout the area.

Louise squealed as she once again fell down in fright.

I brushed my hand through my hair as I turned away from her. I couldn't look at her any longer. My head was pounding from anger and my vision was narrowing. My God, I've never had the urge to kill a little girl before. It was almost on par with my hatred towards Matthew. The image of choking Louise until her windpipe caved in flashed through my mind.

"I don't want the guilt of killing a little girl," I said to myself, but loud enough for her to hear. "We are done, Louise— no, Vallière. Whatever relationship you and I had is gone. You will learn your magic without my assistance. I will be staying in the academy until those girls are deemed sociable. Until then, you are to never approach me. You are to never speak with me. If you so much as try…"

I turned just enough to look down at her, "…I will kill you."

There was no mistake this time. She understood.

*Scene*

"Good morning Darling," Kirche covered my eyes with her hands as she pressed herself against my back. She thought I wouldn't have noticed her with the way she was trying to sneak outside my vision. But when someone has their attention on me, I've always been able to tell. I blame my girls for trying to sneak into my room all these years.

Sure I love them. But sometimes a man just wants to sleep…

I sighed but gave her a welcoming smile, "Good morning, Miss Zerbst. What can I do for you today?"

It had been a number of days since Louise and I parted ways. I only took the clothes and items I had with me from Ilyvander and the talking sword Kirche had bought me. I wasn't so sure what to do with the clothes I made and spare materials Louise had bought me. Eventually I just decided to leave them and pay her back in time.

But that right there was the problem. I had no money. I had been freeloading off of the kitchen scraps and sleeping under the stars, but that could only be tolerated because I was considered Louise's familiar. Granted, I was still treated like one according to Osmond's point of view, but he and I had an agreement that it would be best to go along with the story the students made up to hide my identity as the Gandálfr. That I was hired by Louise to pretend. So, having broken all ties with Louise, I needed to pay for my own needs.

Osmond offered me a teaching position, believe it or not. He also asked me to become his secretary since the occasional professor that assisted him couldn't always be there in his office. Both were high-paying jobs, but I refused both offers. I only intended to help the girls get back on their feet and be done with this place for all. So, we both agreed I was to work with the help until such a time I deemed satisfactory.

The job provided lodgings with the staff (stacked mats for the ladies and highly uncomfortable hammocks for the men), spare uniforms, three meals a day, and a small salary… which was on par to a two-dollar-an-hour wage. Maybe even less. I don't know. The currency system in this world made no sense to me.

Osmond thinks this is just a phase where Louise and I will eventually work things out. Well, unless Louise becomes an actual human being, I don't see that happening. But we humored each other and left things as they are now.

Let it be known I cannot cook. Even with the blessing that is the Gift of Craft, one of the seven tools of the Primordial dragons used to manipulate Primordial Law, I cannot make a dish to meet Marteau's standards. With it I can make a hundred-command spell in an instant, recreate miracles of the gods, forge Defiant instruments such as my Solstice and Equinox, but can't make a decent meal?! How Terah tolerated my meals is a miracle in of itself. And now I suddenly understand all those times Baker ridiculed my culinary abilities.

…Stupid Faery-Jinni crossbreed. It's not that I can't cook. You're standards are just too high!

Artemis, we just agreed you can't cook. Marteau even kicked your ass for that abomination you tried to pass as biscuits and gravy.

"It was fried egg! Get it right!" It's not my fault the eggs turned gray! How the hell does that even happen?!

"…Darling?"

I've got to stop having these moments with myself when I'm with someone. "Sorry. Just kicking myself for getting something wrong earlier. What was it that you needed?"

She eyed me curiously for a moment before straightening herself. With a cheeky smile, she teased, "Word has it you and Vallière are having a lover's spat."

"Oh, that," I shrugged and went back to work trimming the bushes. Siesta and a few other maids and servants drilled into me the proper etiquette required when dealing with Nobles. Turning my back to one was a large taboo. However, I respect Kirche enough to treat as a friend. I have no respect for any Noble and therefore had no interest in partaking in these gestures.

"We're not really having anything. That's the most accurate explanation I can give you. I'm not anything with her at the moment. Not her servant, not her familiar, not her friend, and not her mentor. I plan on leaving as soon as possible, once my business with the academy is done."

Kirche hummed to herself as she wrapped her arms under her bust. Even with a serious expression this girl had the tact to exaggerate her assets to their fullest. Now there's a woman with dedication. "She seems pretty upset about this. Breakfast today was the first time anyone's seen her. And when you served her meal… It was like she was looking at her deepest fear and you just saw her as a stranger."

I knew Louise had barricaded herself in her room for the past few days. I went out of my way to make sure she wouldn't have any meals. Call me cruel, but Louise is far too spoiled to be able to willingly starve to death. It only took her three days for her to get out. And despite our brief… reunion, I suppose I could call it, she ate all her breakfast.

"Well…" I looked up for a small time before returning to my work. "I did threaten to kill her if she ever approached me again."

"…Is it that serious?"

I sighed and turned back to her, "Was there something you needed, Miss Zerbst? You're not the type to want to have an idle conversation just for the sake of having one."

"As it so happens I do have a reason for approaching you," she responded playfully enough for me to cringe. That tone… no good ever comes from it when a woman uses that tone with me.

From between her cleavage she pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper. With a quick flick of her wrist, it unfolded for me to see the neatly written script. Granted, I can't read the land's archaic alphabet to save my life. Yet something was telling me what was presented onto the paper withheld the power of my own soul.

Like the devil, she gave me a charming smile, "I'm here to claim the reward you so promised. Now that the heat has died down you and I can start our own together. I spoke to Old Osmond and he gave me your contract for a full twenty-four hours. As of this moment, you are mine to do with as I please~"

I was sweating bullets at this point. Due to everything happening I had forgotten about that promise. I swore I would do anything for her for twenty-four hours if she gave me the 'magic grimoir' to trade with Mott. Which she did. And now I was stuck with a debt collector whose only interest is getting in my pants.

Artemis, she's a really hot girl. That doesn't sound so bad. She's, what, sixteen? You still look sixteen so it's not like it'll be a problem.

No! Kirche isn't the problem! It's what will happen if the girls find out about this! Especially Reaper! I still have the mental scars from when Iris and I fell asleep together on the couch of her condo…

Only someone like Reaper can turn a pillow into a sledgehammer, what with her excellence in her family practice of Craven magic.

"That's right…" I put the clippers away into my pocket as I sighed in defeat. "I did make you that promise. I am a man of my word. Very well. Until this time exactly tomorrow morning, I am yours to do with as you please, as you have said. W-What do you have in mind for me?"

…Shouldn't have stuttered on that last part. It only made her smile that much more sinister.

*Scene*

I… uh… was expecting something horrifying. Like dressing me up as a personal butler and seeing to her every demand. Instead, Kirche had me given me a pair of some academy uniforms and had me accompany her to class.

"I asked the help for your measurements," was her reply when I asked how and why she had a uniform tailored and ready for me. At six and a half feet, I was the tallest person in the academy. She couldn't have asked one of her 'flames' for a spare of clothes. But, really? Why in the world would the help have my measurements? I personally had to alter the uniforms they gave me.

Classes were separated by periods, as it was for almost every school. Certain periods of time were spent on one subject by one teacher, and when the time was up the professor would leave to have another appear and start on a new subject. Though this was an academy that specialized in magical studies, there were other subjects gone over. History, mathematics, (rather arcane and inaccurate) sciences, economics, political studies, and etiquette. It was usually the first or last period of the day when the students would migrate to a particular tower to learn about a certain element.

I've only been in a few classes with Louise, and all of those periods have only been in regards to magical studies. So for this morning, I was attending classes like a normal student. I would have loved to have attended a history lecture, but mathematics was first thing in the morning. Regardless, I was as prepared for what was needed. I had a few parchments of paper and everything. Kirche offered me a quill and ink bottle, but I preferred to use my ballpoint pen.

…It's seriously going to suck when the ink runs out. The ink used for quills is too thick to put in a pen and I don't know how to synthesize the kind I use.

Naturally with me being in the classroom ruffled a few feathers. Students sneered at me for a 'Dishonored Noble' being allowed to learn under the same roof. Some couldn't stand the idea and walked out. But the majority didn't even insult me directly. No. Most of their displeasure was directed towards Louise for being 'unable to keep her servant'.

Guiche froze as soon as he entered the room and saw me. I take it he considered classes to be the only place where he could escape me. I waved and offered a smile. He looked ready to cry.

Louise ran out of the room as soon as she spotted me sitting beside Kirche. I paid her no mind but Kirche looked at her rival with a smug smile of victory. It was too much for the girl to take.

It was a misunderstanding, honestly. She thinks I betrayed her by siding with her family's enemy. She still doesn't realize that I'm not a part of her life any longer.

Right after mathematics was economics. Hardly anyone paid attention to this class, and it wasn't just because the professor was dull. But it did play a big part. I would rather watch the grass grow than listen to this man explain the fundamentals of supply and demand. The other part of the problems was the lack of maturity from his students. Some were paying attention, but most had the mindset that they didn't need to know any of this as they will inherit their families' fortunes.

After economics came something of a surprise. At least to me it was. The students had been aware of it for some time, apparently, and had been making small chatter between lessons about today's upcoming event. I hadn't heard anything from the staff and hadn't been told to prepare for anything. So when we were told to head towards the front entrance and line up (getting an odd look from the messenger Professor Colbert), I had no idea what to expect.

The students weren't lined in any particular fashion other than according to their years. Donning a second year cape like Kirche and Guiche, I stood between the two of them. To Kirche's right was the petite Tabitha… with yet another book pressed to her face. And to Guiche's left was his… significant other, Montmorency, who continued to glare daggers at me. I was happy the blonde fool had been able to get the girl to forgive him for cheating.

As for the other girl, the first-year across the field of us, Katy Springfield if I remember correct, she was staring between Montmorency, Guiche, and oddly enough myself. It would seem she still had feelings for Guiche, disdain for Montmorency for being the victory in capturing his heart, and… I'm not too sure what look she was giving me.

But seeing as she was blushing when our eyes locked… no good could come from that look. I pray she wasn't developing feelings I think she was.

At an announcement from Osmond himself, the students cut their chatter and erected themselves proudly. Some more than usual. Take Guiche for example. He wore an extra frilly shirt, combed his hair exceptionally well, and had his stupid rose wand pressed to his smiling lips like some kind of romantic dandy. The girls around him swooned in delight, with Montmorency looking greatly irritated but said nothing to correct him.

The subject of the matter arrived. In glory, no less. Knights in decorative armor rode on horses at the front with less armored but all the same immaculately dressed soldiers with spears and halberds surrounding a grand carriage. Though they were dressed for show, there was no mistaking they were as sharp of mind as the weapons they carried. Their eyes traced over each student, each staff member, each professor; judging and evaluating every individual like a real security team should. They were evenly spread out to leave no holes in their defense should a situation come up and would react with utmost efficiency.

Several of their eyes locked with mine but they all dismissed me almost as fast as they evaluated me and moved to the next person.

At the front of the group rode a… special individual. Obviously someone of a higher rank with the way he was donned in formal military attire instead of the steel plating. A fine pressed suit, a cape billowing in the wind, a pointed hat with a large feather, and a… blunt rapier which I could only assume to be some sort of battle wand with the traces of magic lingering. He had long silver hair with a neatly trimmed beard; yet another clue of his rank.

Oh, and he was riding a God-honest griffin. Just throwing it out there.

I should make a mention about the carriage itself. It was pristine white with a few gold and silver markings etched and gilded onto the fine wood. It was also blessed with some sort of magic to make the paint shine as well as offer decent fortification on the chance of an assault. Pulling the carriage were a pair of pure white horses. Pure white. From their hides, to their hooves, to their mains, to their eyes, and the horn protruding from their heads.

"Unicorns," Kirche whispered loud enough for me to hear.

"They say only the most pure of hearts can ride them," Guiche whispered back with a passionate look glazing his eyes. "Truly our princess is the most radiant of maidens."

His comment earned him a hard slap to his shoulder courtesy of Montmorency.

Meanwhile, I was trying to make sense of this world. First we have dragons, that ludicrous creature called a bugbear, then elves, then vampires, that beast of a griffin, and now we have unicorns. But then again, thinking back on it, if such a creature as a bugbear exists here then who am I to question what other mythical creature exists here?

Although I'm a little disappointed my eyes didn't pick up anything magical about the unicorns. They were just horses with horns from what I could tell. The unicorns in Ilyvander before the Age of Kings were supposed to be revered as gods. Destructive gods. Angry destructive gods. They were rivaled by elder dragons, large forest and river deities, and the occasional Archmage like myself. Pure or not, those unicorns could never be tamed by humans. Many legend-worthy beings had tried and failed.

Finally reaching the front of the academy, where the headmaster and the most elder of the professors were gathered, the knights filed in rank to let the carriage forward. A dame with blonde hair, a sword at one hip and two flintlocks on the other, strolled in sharp steps to the side of the carriage and opened the door. She took a few steps back and bowed her head in servitude.

The first to step out of the carriage was an elderly man dressed in priestly robes of red. A high priest of some sort, I could only assume. But considering these people have a pope, I wouldn't doubt they also have a Cardinal system. The priest took a few steps out and held his hand for the other passenger.

The entire male populace suddenly came at full attention if they weren't before.

A slender and smooth hand took the priest's hand. A young lady in a white and violet dress descended down the steps of the carriage with practiced grace that put any of the students in the etiquette lessons to shame. She had a young face, chiseled with aristocratic features such as high cheek bones and a small, narrow nose. Her smile was also blissful that didn't wrinkle her face or leave any dimples. Her eyes were the same shade as a sapphire, and shone just as brightly. Placed on top of her purple hair was a silver jeweled tiara.

So… this was the crowned princess of Tristain, Henrietta des Tristania.

*Scene*

"King Philips, what is your impression of Tristain's princess?" asked Kirche. She didn't call me 'Darling' this time and chose instead to address me by my title. Which meant she wanted my opinion as a King rather than as Artemis James Philips.

Of course, it was a little difficult to answer her without being smothered by…

"Is the tea to your liking, master?" asked the maid Lillian.

"Shall I feed you, master?" asked the maid Stephanie.

"Would you like me to prop some shade, master?" asked the maid Rebecca.

"…I'm fine girls, thank you," I waved them in dismissal, getting pouting looks in return.

I had honestly thought by pretending to be a student today they would have taken it as a sign of abandonment. That I had become the very thing they despised. Instead, it seemed to have the exact opposite effect. As soon as the help had heard I was serving (being slaved by) Kirche, the girls I had brought from Count Mott as well as the ones the Lífþrasir had saved came flocking by the dozens to serve me. They offered to carry my materials, to fetch me snacks as I went over my notes, to rub my shoulders, and so on and so forth.

By the time Kirche and I had been heading to the Alviss Hall for lunch, the girls had already prepared a small table for the two of us. Foods, drinks, and delights were given as well as more than enough girls on standby to have my needs met.

One, named Claire, had offered to go under the table if you know what I mean.

Kirche had been offered the same services— except that last one— but I've a feeling it was just to be polite. There was something lacking when the maids asked the same questions to the Germanium. However, Kirche didn't seem to be bothered one bit and instead found their attention towards me… entertaining.

But getting back to Kirche's question…

"I've nothing to say about her," was my honest opinion. Kirche tilted her head in a gesture for me to explain my logic. And so I did. "I know nothing about her personally other than she's the current ruler of the country and a distant relative of Vallière. She's recently inherited the responsibilities of her family without the full authority, as she is revered as 'Princess Henrietta' and not 'Queen Henrietta'. Only time will tell if she is worthy of the crown or not. But, regardless, she will one day inherit the full authority as she is the only direct heir to the throne. It won't matter if she is a good or bad leader; this is the system the Nobles had set for themselves."

"If I may ask, at what age did you become king of your people?"

I never told Kirche the difference between a monarch king and a King of Ilyvander. It didn't matter, seeing as I still had all the responsibilities of an actual ruler anyways. I sipped on my tea before answering. "I became Godking Dalang only a few years ago, the same age as you are right now."

A brow was raised at this. "The same age? Exactly… how old are you?"

"I am currently twenty years of age," I replied casually. I also enjoyed watching her eyes widen slightly.

"My," but that surprise became wonder as her smile grew. "You certainly age well, Your Majesty."

I nodded at the compliment and continued to eat my lunch. Another maid, I think her name was Madeline, tried to wipe the crumbs from my chin. But I took the napkin from her hand and did it myself. It made her frown but she went back in line.

The other maids looked at her not in jealousy, but in praise. My God, they were making a game out of this now.

"You don't seem like some of the Nobles of this land," Kirche tried to pry more information out of me. She leaned forward with her arms tucked under her chest, pressing her bust up more as though they could entice me. "Even in Germania most Nobles wouldn't think about lowering themselves to work with the Commoners. It's frowned upon and would tarnish their reputation. Not to mention most would see it as demeaning. However you don't seem to have this problem.

"By no means do I doubt your regal rights. You've proven yourself worthy of your title then and again. You're most educated, speak in a vibrant dialect, and are well-mannered. And your magic is truly something the likes only found in stories. I'm simply… curious why you're so different."

She didn't ask a question. She just left it open for me to assume my own or for me to fill in the blanks she was purposely sliding my way.

"That's because I wasn't pampered and trained to be of any nobility," I answered. "Nor did I have the desire or ambition to rise up in the ranks of my society. I grew up in a farming town and lived without support for the latter half of my life with an extra mouth to feed. I had to manage a way to pay for living expenses for the two of us while trying to continue our education. Several times we were threatened to be separated as everyone viewed me as incapable of properly raising her, but I managed to make ends meet. I always had food on the table, could keep the roof over our heads, could clothe us, and always had plans in cases of emergencies.

"To provide these things, I worked all kinds of jobs as much as I could. Sometimes I would wake up before the sun rose to walk to the next town over for a job opportunity. Sometimes I would forgo sleep if it meant I could work an extra shift. Sometimes I would give up meals to feed her. And sometimes I would surrender my pride and do jobs no one would dare to do."

Waste and sewage management was one of the most disgusting jobs I've ever done. And the sad part is it wasn't the worst I've had to do.

My mind went back to a conversation I had with Lolifor all those years ago. He had asked me why I would do this to myself. He understood better than anyone but I didn't see that until after he told me his story about his late sister. However, he didn't agree with my method. I worked tirelessly to provide for Terah while trying to finish my education. I would get as many scholarships and grants as I could from high school to go to a two-year trade school. By the time I would graduate, find an internship, and then get a stable job, Terah would already be in her final year of high school.

Lolifor argued it was stupid; that she would be too old for me to give her the childhood she never had. That the final year before she would go live her own life wasn't worth the ten I would sacrifice. I remember arguing back that it would be worth it; because I would be giving her the best year of her life.

I would have been able to afford the dresses, accessories, and jewelry she always wanted. The purchases she would need for homecoming, winter formal, and prom. She could have had a normal high school life, if only for her last year.

Would have; could have. But I never got that chance.

"I know what it's like to be a part of the working class," I corrected her usage of the proper term for Commoners. "I also know what it's like to be looked down upon by snobs who never had to work a single day of their life; by people who had luxuries given to them. I refuse to forget what it is like now that I have the same luxuries they did. I would rather work to earn everything I have rather than have it given to me."

"That sounds quite romantic," Kirche was flushed as she put a hand on her chest. "The Commoner King; someone of the lowest rank ascending to the highest in but a nightfall. The Commoners would adore this story and the Nobility will despise it. But how did you become a king? Did you learn of your heritage and used it to become the rightful heir?"

I frowned as the memories came back to me. "Nothing as fancy and… diplomatic. The former Godking had disappeared without warning. None of his subject knew where he had gone. They were only able to trace him to a general location. But instead of looking harder for him, they found a world of individuals with just as much potential as the Godking. So, the Judge, Archduke, and High Priest created a rite in which would decide who would become the next Godking. Djinn, the doll-like citizens who served him, were thrown across lands to forge pacts with us.

"What was something originally supposed to be a subtle scouting expedition became a bloody crusade. Multiple candidates were found but only one of them could become the new Godking; they turned on another to prove who the best was. And then you had the people who had made pacts with Djinn but weren't selected. They demanded a chance to prove their worth and so began to eliminate the real candidates to take their place. It became an all-out war with the last survivor to be the next Godking.

"Even I was swept in by this tide. I was forced to fight former friends and neighbors; I was forced to kill people I grew up with, people who I helped and they did in return. I didn't fight them because I wanted to be Godking; I did it because I had to. I did it to protect the one I cared about more than anything. And to improve my chances in surviving this, I teamed with individuals who had the same mindset and gathered as many Djinn as we could.

"Rather than I leading them, my girls taught me what I needed. It is where my magic comes from as well as my prowess. In the end, I had surpassed one of the three Original Djinn, the High Priest, and inherited his Sorcery: the Reverse. With it, I gained one of the three fragments to the original Godking's trademark Sorcery: Doll Maker. And from that, I overpowered the greatest threat to us all, a second of the Original Djinn, the Archduke, and gained the second fragment of the Doll Maker.

"Thus we have what I am today," I concluded with a sigh. "I became the most powerful Master of the Godking's Rite. I am also the only one who can perform Doll Maker— the ability to create more Djinn such as the Sentinel you saw before as well as the citizens who run the city. I didn't become Godking Dalang through birthright; I didn't even become it out of my own desires. I wanted power to avoid confrontation and to protect the one I loved the most and so I achieved it. The title of King means next to nothing to me."

Kirche had listened to my story and didn't say a word for a while. I let the information soak in her head while I finished my tea. The recollection of all the horrors that disgusting game made me go through ruined my appetite. I also left out a lot of information. Such as what happened to Terah by the last week, what happened to my town when Archduke Arcanite stole Solstice, how my father was the previous Godking, and, especially, how I was able to transfer my girls' abilities into my being.

Dreamer's Law of Synthesis… I'll never be able to understand you no matter how many times Sir Rolan beat the theory into me.

"I believe you are more of a king than any other, King Philips," Kirche gave me an acrimonious smile after some time. "To take up the crown even as you don't desire it… To accept it not for your own hubris but for the sake of those you love… It would make for a romantic tale if that were all it was— a tale. I can understand why you hate us Nobility now."

I leaned back in my chair. Truly Kirche was a very sharp mind if she had come to that conclusion even with all the information I had left out. "I don't hate the Nobility, per se. I despise people who don't respect others. We all have the same value, Kirche. We are all people. We might not all be equal; some are better than others and vice-versa. I hate people who think they are above this as they view themselves as 'God's Chosen' when they are just as human as the rest of us. It just so happens that they are Nobles.

"So to say, I don't hate you, Kirche. You're the first person willing to listen to me since coming here. The chef Martin gave me an ear, but he didn't actually listen. He still reveres me as a foreign King— a Noble of a different land and must be respected and feared as such. But you? You're the first to get to know me."

"…And is that why you are angry with Vallière?"

I ignored the whispering at the back of my head, trying to persuade me to forgive the pinkette. "Louise didn't even bother to treat me like a human being. She treated me as her personal pet. Plus she treats the working class the same way. That's why I'm mad at her. But I also don't have the patience or the right to teach her otherwise."

With my tea done, the maids moved swiftly and efficiency to clear the table. In a matter of seconds a new spot of tea was served as well as two slices of cake— one for Kirche and I. Though I wasn't in the mood to eat it I kindly accepted the tea.

"Tell me about yourself, Miss Zerbst," I decided to change the topic. I never liked talking about myself, even to my girls. Though my experiences molded me into a better person, I won't say they were the most favorable of memories. I prefer to keep them as deep as possible. "What made you decide to come to the Academy of Magic? Isn't there something similar in Germania?"

She answered after taking a small sip of her own tea. "There's the Dragon Crest Institution, but it's more of a research and development division than an actual place of learning. Only the most die-hard of scholars go there. I came to Tristain to… get away from the stuffy affairs of the family estate."

She left it clear that she didn't want to talk about it. For a girl who could manipulate her own emotions as much as she could with another's, she had let a bitter twang in her voice slip at the mentioning of her family. Just as I didn't want to talk about what happened to Terah, I wouldn't dare to pry into her personal problems.

A part of me wanted to ask about her so-called rivalry with Louise, but chalked that up as the runes talking and not me. So I scrapped it and decided on something else.

But she beat me to the punch, "Now I'm curious. What would your lover say if she saw us like this?"

Don't answer that question Artemis. It's a trap.

"They'd probably kill me," I ended up blurting out without a second thought.

Dammit what did I just tell you?!

"They?" Kirche wasn't the only one to have asked that question. Some of the maids had as well. Their eyes narrowed in scorn while Kirche fashioned a mirthful smile.

I refused to say anything more and had all of my attention locked on my tea.

Kirche began to cackle behind her hand. "My, oh my, King Philips. It's not uncommon for a Noble or Royalist to have a second wife. Usually the first is for presentation while the second, third, and so on are for… fun. How many lovers do you have?"

"I don't have a wife," I said instead of answering that question. "And I love each and every one of them as much as the next."

…It only made her smile grow that much more. "Oh? So it means there's still room for more?"

Dammit all. Artemis, just stop talking or you're going to dig the hole that much deeper.

"Half of them are fine with it but the other half… they're the ones you have to worry about," was my reply. I then thought— stop talking dammit!— about what I said and tried to do damage control, "S-So no. Besides, I think eight girls are plenty."

"Eight?!" shrieked the maids. Kirche asked as well, but she didn't scream at the top of her lungs like how they did. I'm glad they had a spark of personality returned, but did it really have to be achieved this way?

I wonder if I have some sort of mental problem. Whenever Alyse or Reaper get me rolling like this I can't seem to keep my mouth shut. I try to talk myself out of what problem I find myself in but it only adds fuel to the fire with every attempt. I've yet to find a way to fix this.

"C-Can we talk about something else?" I pleaded so very not like a King should.

But Kirche was cackling, "King Philips, I do recall you made a promise to do anything for me for an entire day. If I ask for something as small and insignificant as the details of your love life then I will hold you up to that promise. So, please, don't leave anything out. I wish to know their names, how you met them, and how you please them in the chambers."

Suddenly the heat of the sun intensified as everyone's eyes gazed at me with such fierceness it was making me melt. That, and some of the things I do with some of the girls I had hoped would never have to be mentioned. I'm not ashamed of doing… certain… deeds with them, but I am embarrassed. I was probably blushing up a storm at this.

I also cursed myself for being a man of my word.

We had plenty of time before lunch ended. Besides, I've a feeling Kirche wouldn't let this down until after classes ended. I also know the maids will be spreading this information throughout my coworkers.

Oh high school. Looks like even in a completely new world I can't manage to escape your nonsense.

I gave a heavy sigh as I began to go off the chronological list. "The first of them that I met was Alyse. She was my first partner in the Godking's Rite. Her full name is Second Alyse and as her name indicates she is the Heiress to the House of Alyse, a family that specializes in the research and development of Higher magic.

"She was climbing through my window one morning when I met her…"

*Scene*

This was the point I had been dreading all day. Without any other incidents (other than the rumor mill spreading that I was some sexual deviant), the day had gone by smoothly. During breaks, Kirche would continue to ask me about my girls. Luckily, I had been able to avoid going into details about our private affairs and told her stories about certain instances instead.

Such as the time Reaper, ahem, 'fed' me by chewing my lunch and then transferring it over directly into my mouth. It was the most disgusting version of a kiss I've ever experienced, but because it came from Reaper I was swept away into euphoria.

God there is something wrong with me.

She even provided a reasonable and well thought out excuse as to why she did it so Alyse wouldn't freak the hell out. Something to do with conserving time. Nonsense, but the way she worded convinced everyone else that it was the 'proper' way.

But it didn't mean Alyse would have let it slide so easily. She blatantly believed Reaper was instead kissing me (which she was). But she mostly argued that she didn't want Reaper anywhere near me.

In comes Bladeworks with a solution. Though she's not as 'educated' as Alyse, a magician, or Reaper, an assassin, but the swordswoman of the team was perceptive enough to figure out that Reaper was indeed kissing me and deceiving Alyse. Her solution wasn't to tell Alyse the truth but to offer her services as her lord's (me) knight and give this revolutionary feeding method herself.

Alyse, still believing it wasn't a kiss, agrees to let a 'commoner' like Bladeworks tend to me. So then I had another disgusting food-transfering kiss. I should have told Alyse the truth, but I feared the repercussions more than anything. I didn't have my magic back then as I did now— Alyse would have killed me if she learned that those two girls were kissing me, in front of her, without knowing.

I had drawn a small crowd at telling this story. Both helping staff and students had turned their attention towards me. It did not help quell the rumors of me being a sexual deviant, but oh well.

At least it made Kirche laugh. Not a dainty, maidenly laugh. But a throaty, almost snorting, laugh that she couldn't control. It was good to see her real self rather than the front she always put up.

Artemis, you're rambling again. Get back to the point.

Oh that's right. So here we are at the end of the day. Dinner was over, our conversations had finished, and what discussions I could share with her about fire-related spells had died down. We returned to her room as I put up a new set of protections like the ones I've made for Louise, with Kirche's permission of course. It was late into the evening and Kirche and I had stayed up chatting with a few glasses of wine. Only a few days ago since I've taken my first drink and already I've had my fair share. I would need it for what's to come next.

We retired for the night. I didn't have any change of spare clothes and so I slipped off what I could, though I made sure to keep my boxers on. Kirche as well slipped everything off with the exception of her lace panties. Her well-endowed chest was fully exposed. I wouldn't deny her ebony skin was beautiful.

The curtains were closed, the door locked, and the candles went out all in a single sway of her wand. We climbed into bed, the sheets wrapping over us as our skin touched. She took the initiative to climb on top of me…

…And rest her head against my chest.

She did nothing else. Her breathing was calm and her hand rested against my waist. For the first time since meeting her, Kirche was doing nothing to try and seduce me. Half naked and the girl only wants to cuddle. I couldn't understand it.

So I asked.

And she responds after chuckling under her breath, "King Philips, don't tell me you're disappointed? Were you expecting something after all? If you want, I don't mind doing the deeds you believed we were going to enact."

"…I'm saying you have exactly what you want but choose to do nothing. I'd figure someone like you would have taken full advantage of the moment."

She was silent for a while before answering. Her tone was somber, something so very unlike her. "Your heart belongs to another, King Philips. It wouldn't be the first time I've snatched someone away from their lover— to have an affair with the dangers of being caught makes it all the more enticing. But it was always a mutual agreement between the culprit and I. If I were to take you right here and now… it would be cold.

"My runic name is the Ardent. As such, nothing will hurt me more. Even a false love, filled with nothing but carnal pleasure, has an ounce of warmth to it for me to thrive in. The flame of two lovers joining to make a more luminous flare is something wonderful. But I can't have that with you if you will not accept me. King Philips, you approve of me as a person, but do not look at me as a woman. You will not accept me as your lover, even if for just one night."

She was right. I had agreed to do anything Kirche would ask of me, but it never meant I would have liked it. And if she asked to sleep with her, I would do so only because of our agreement. If I hadn't taken her before on her previous advances then right now wouldn't have made a difference. And she knew it. The deed would have been shallow.

"But that won't stop me from trying," her voice became elevated. Her wording matched as though she were reading my thoughts. "I will simply have to find a new way to claim you, King Philips. And I believe I've found it. Slowly but surely, I will warm your heart. While you are away from your lovers, I will be the one to be there in their stead. I could never replace them, but I shall take their responsibilities.

"I will stand by your side, King Philips. I will hear you when you are troubled. I will comfort you when you are hurt. I will tend to you when you are tired. Even if you will never touch me, I shall follow you to the ends of the earth."

Not to ruin the moment or anything, even though I already am, but how in the hell did she know about the word 'earth'? Last I checked, I was in a completely different world that had never heard of my little blue planet. Maybe it was a result of the translation spell? The heck if I know.

"I won't be here for long, Kirche," I shook my head. "Soon, I will leave the academy for my own reasons. And what I have planned isn't something I want you to see or partake in. I'm telling you this because I respect you. A lot of people are going to die… and most of them by my hand. And when my business is done, I will be looking for a way home. I have my own people to look after and the location isn't somewhere you can follow. If you do follow me, you will only be hurt by our inevitable departure."

For a while we both lay there on the bed with our arms around another. Because of the heavy discussion, neither of us could have slept. One of us would have to cap off with something to loosen the tension or we were break off right here, either Kirche leaving or she making me.

Kirche was the one to speak. "We're a better match after all, King Philips. I refuse to let a flame die when I have my eyes set on it. No matter how much it may hurt, my feelings will remain the same."

She adjusted herself to let her head rest against the crane of my neck. With a hand pressed against my chest and a leg over mine, she made herself comfortable and took it as a cue to fall asleep. The minutes passed until her breathing softened and her body relaxed.

It had been a while since I've slept in a warm bed. Not too long for me to miss it, but long enough for me to welcome it like an old friend. And it was always a favorite of mine to sleep with one of my girls tucked under an arm without having to worry about the other seven kicking open the door to bitch about how unfair it was. Tonight was… peaceful. I didn't need a weave to keep the bugs away or to warm myself during the dead of night. And my back wasn't going to be sore in the morning.

But what bothered me was Kirche. She doesn't realize what she's going to get herself involved in. Now wasn't the time to think about it. There was plenty of that in the coming days. Right now, I had the maids to worry about and then gathering supplies and finances once I left the academy. So until these matters could be dealt with, I shut my eyes and drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

A shock through my membrane woke me up a few hours later. It was a subtle weave used to draw me into consciousness without startling me. Its purpose was to have me awake without having my body show visible signs so to fool any intruders that may break through my wards.

Such as the one who had used an unfamiliar spell to unlatch the window with another to open it without making a noise. With my eyes closed, my perception shifted into the String World to examine this intruder. They were using Natural magic to compel the wind to silent their presence. Not just their sound, but their entire being. They appeared invisible as the light was bounced off their surface and their scent couldn't be picked up by the still slumbering salamander, Kirche's familiar Flame.

It raised its hand. More Nature magic flowed through its command. The weaves I could pick up indicated it was a charm to keep us asleep.

It was then the secondary spell of my wards kicked off. The security system had detected malevolent intent from this intruder and retaliated with equivalent force. The hand was smacked away as concussive force burst in front of him out of seemingly nowhere. He stumbled back more out of shock than actual damage.

Both Kirche and Flame shot up from their positions at the loud bang. I leapt out of bed to reach for the…

A child? The one who broke into Kirche's room was a child in dark clothing, a cloak with a hood, and… glowing red eyes.

Those eyes widening after being caught, he pulled out a dagger from his cloak and leapt at me faster than what should have been humanly possible. Nature magic propelled him forward but definitely nowhere near enough to have him traveling as fast as me at my second Gear.

It's not that I couldn't react quickly enough, it was more like I didn't need to. The protections around the room kicked in before I could weave an instant 'push' spell. A second concussive blast, far more lethal than the first, blew the kid back and out the window.

My heart dropped to my stomach as I ran to the window. Yes, my wards were meant to deliver as much countermeasures as the attempter would intend. So if someone were to try and kill us, then my wards would react with equal force. But it didn't mean I wanted to kill a child. The burst was powerful enough to cave even a full grown man's chest.

However, when I peered out the window to see what I have done, I found myself being stared back at by the same child. He was standing on his feet, having survived the three-story drop as well as the lethal blow to the chest.

And he wasn't alone.

Children and teenagers in dark clothes and cloaks with hoods were outside, spread across the back lot of the academy. Many of them looked up to spot me peering down on them, catching them in the act they were conducting.

Kidnapping, from what I could tell. They were carrying many unconscious students; some over the shoulder while the older or larger ones had to be carried in groups.

Everyone dropped what they were doing to raise their hands at me in unison. My eyes picked up a series of sequences powered by Nature magic. Spells to paralyze my body, to knock me unconscious, and some to outright kill me. Hell, the unified force of the stun spells alone can kill me.

Every last one of them was using Nature magic. And had glowing red eyes. They were Firstborn. And dare I say from the events Osmond told me about a few days ago that these were all—

They unleashed their spells before I could finish that thought.

The Gift of Craft blazed out of my hands as I lifted up my left to create an instant-command barrier. The invisible shield of pure Spirit buckled by so many powerful magicians attacking at the same time, but withheld nonetheless. And with my other hand, I wove a much more useful spell.

A small wisp of white smoke formed in my freehand. I tossed it out the window, shut it while placing a silencing spell over the layer, and moved towards my clothes in haste. I wasn't going to jump into danger in just my boxers.

"Darling, what's—"

My spell finally kicked off. A loud shriek pierced through the walls enough to wake the dead. And just imagine, this was loud and obnoxious even after going through my silencing barrier. Lord knows how loud it really was— well, I did, as I'm the one who created it.

If no one was awake then, they sure are now.

Solstice was in my grip and Equinox on my back at my command. "Stay here and let the guards and I take care of it. These things are out of your league, Kirche."

I pulled the window open again, filled myself with Craven magic, and leapt out.

The Firstborn were still stunned by the horrendous noise. They were either on their knees or puking from the nausea. This group was the one to take the full brunt of my spell, after all. It also spoke on how fearsome their Nature magic was when none of the unconscious students had woken up. It meant they would be out for quite some time and that much easier to transport out of the academy.

My knees buckled on the impact from so high up, but the Craven magic reinforcing my body drove off the pain and recoil. I sprung forward and swung Solstice through the nearest child— no, I could no longer call them children. These were nothing but monsters wearing their faces.

Two, four, seven more were cut down before they were starting to regain their focus. Yet I still moved swiftly to dispatch them. Being superior physically and mentally than the average human, the remainder of these vampires was able to shake off the effects of my shrieking spell to realize I was taking out a large chunk of their numbers.

"One," I activated my first Gear. I couldn't hold back against these creatures. Vampires, even newborns still adapting from their human limits, were stronger and faster than the average human. Throw in this world, where apparently the average vampire can use Nature magic, and their vast numbers at the moment, I was at a huge disadvantage.

But it's not like I've ever been on the advantageous side before. Having facing Storm King P'Zylor's ridiculous quantity of Seraphim with my meager numbers, I was all too familiar with starting off on the losing side.

Sunlight flowed through me from Solstice's core while I wove spells with my other hand. The Gift of Craft blazed its florescent wings as I projected assaulting and protective spells simultaneously. Fireballs, wind blades, concussive blasts, and barriers to defend against or reflect opposing spells as well as physical blows were created on the spot. Despite how they surrounded me, how they were still faster than me despite using a Gear, I was able to keep them at bay and lower their numbers by myself without having to damage any of the unconscious students.

When there were only three left, my ears had picked up the sounds of fighting and my eyes spotted the patterns of several spells being woven throughout the academy grounds. A mass-scale fight had erupted. So this group wasn't the only one.

Solstice severed the head of a teenage girl vampire while spikes made from the grass impaled another trying to come at me from behind. Now there was only one left who didn't have any support to draw me away. None of her spells would have worked against me and I could shoot her down if she so chose to run. She was backed into a corner and knew she was going to die—

"MAMA!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.

My heart froze. Vampires tend to stick together in covens with the eldest and most powerful playing pack leader. Typically, that pack leader had to be stronger than the entire group they watched over.

All I saw next was gold fluttering in the wind, piercing red eyes, and a flash of silver.

The world shook as I lifted Solstice between myself and the oncoming train wreck. She came out of seemingly nowhere and would have killed me had I not seen a flicker of movement in my peripheral vision. By sheer force alone, this blonde-haired vampire had broken through my protections and rattled everything. I nearly blacked out by taking the brunt of that attack, despite it being softened by my failing barrier and Solstice's support.

It wasn't over yet. She showed no shock for me surviving her first attack and was already chaining for another strike.

"Two!" I commanded. The second Gear activated and brought me back to reality. My senses had reset after her first shock with my reactions heightening. I was able to lift Solstice at an angle to shift her sword away from my throat, but she still managed to clip across my lower jawline.

Her sword came again without hesitation. I brought Solstice around again to parry. I leapt away to draw distance to better use Solstice's excessive reach, but she followed close to keep the space having read my intentions. Again and again she brought her sword down and with each blow, no matter how much I slid most of the force away in a parry, it felt like I was taking a beating from a hammer.

Her moves were elegant and fluid. There wasn't a trace of flaw as each strike was one whole swing rather than a collective chain of attacks. She left no openings and gave no chance for me to strike back. She was driving me back, wearing me out, and clipping me at nearly every attempt. I couldn't even have a chance to activate an instant-command spell.

"Three!"

I drove my feet to the ground and pushed back. The sudden shift in the balance of powers caught her by surprise. My next parry didn't just slide her sword away; it full-on knocked her attack aside. I was granted an opening to retaliate, but she adjusted her footing and brought her weapon back to parry mine. With our prowess even now, it turned into a match of who was the better sword-wielder.

I was winning this time. For Solstice's long reach, it was best used as a rapier-class weapon. It was nimble enough for me to swipe away oncoming attacks and flick back into offensive slashes in but an instant. And its most destructive feature is the stabbing motion. Because Solstice had the feature to adapt and evolve according to any foe, I could even cut through her metal plating.

However, for the life of me, I couldn't land a decisive blow. She moved before I could do anything. She was able to avoid anything lethal, sometimes even provide a suitable counter attack. Many times she was able to close the distance and hammer at me once more.

There was also the matter of her weapon. By this point in the battle Solstice should have adapted its edge to split her weapon in half. But the two blades continued to cross as though they were of equal measure. As a blade constantly improving itself through Evolution, Solstice should have analyzed the weapon it clashed against and made itself superior.

…It meant there was something more to her sword. I could pick up traces of magic, but I could not get a read on the patterns since she continued to move at ridiculous speeds. Nor did I have the chance to be distracted else get myself cleaved in two.

I don't know how much time had passed for us. But it was becoming evident that I was tiring from fighting her. Though my body could regenerate with Spirit, I was being given a limited amount from the moonlight, which is only one-tenth as potent as the Spirit from sunlight.

She was showing no signs of fatigue, however.

I had two options. The first was to use a fourth Gear and overwhelm her with pure physical force at the expense of my stamina. However, she might be able to keep up with me still and draw out the time until I run out of juice. I would burn myself out faster if I use another Gear. The second option would be to disengage and strike her at a distance with a series of assault spells. The downside of that plan was the unknown variable of her potency in Nature magic. She had yet to reveal anything other than swordplay so I don't know what a magic duel would produce.

Third option would be to gather distance, slip Solstice into Equinox, and wait until my sheath could evolve me with her abilities. However, I doubt she would let me have the chance and strike me down the moment I seal my sword. There's still the fact that I don't know whether this will be a plus or minus as I know next to nothing about her.

…I didn't want to find out her proficiency in Nature magic was something like blood-casting.

As it turned out, I didn't need to do anything. With her next strike, she hammered down on me hard enough for me to shift my weight against her. And then, she used my return force to leap away. Without so much as having to look back, she sprinted down the garden…

…And leapt over the wall that lead to the other side of the castle. Fucking vampires.

I was alone now with a bunch of unconscious kids surrounded by dead corpses. That vampire girl I almost finished off had long run away. I swiped the blood off of Solstice with a minor spell and tried to control my breathing. Sweat ran down my brow to burn my eyes and I was grateful this hadn't happened during my fight. Perhaps it had and I was too focused to have noticed.

I sure as hell didn't notice Kirche standing far off the entire time. Her salamander, Flame, stood by her side with its body coiled more like a panther than a lesser-dragon. She had her wand out with a robe covering her modesty. By the looks of things, she looked ready to support me but unable as I was in close combat with the coven leader. I don't know how long she'd been standing there.

"I thought I told you to stay in your room," I managed to ground out. The words were pointless. Even I would have run out to help during the time I didn't have my magic. Hell, I've done it a number of times during the Godking's Rite.

With the battle broken off, she took the chance to approach the students lying across the lawn to check on their conditions. I made a note on how she was able to stay calm regardless of the situation, especially with the loitering and cut-up corpses sprawled about. She was a little green with disgust, but her mind was intent on her peers.

The smell of death was starting to make my head spin. Monsters or not, each one of them couldn't have looked younger than thirteen. And to look so… human. I felt sick. It doesn't matter how many times it happens; killing never gets any easier. And always, always, always it forces the memories of my first murder back to my head.

Out of pure hatred, to vengeance, to righteous retribution, to justice, to protecting the innocent, every act of killing by me will always be the same. Disgusting. I don't understand how monsters like Sir Rolan could do it as easily as breathing.

"These are all my fellow classmates," Kirche reasoned in a firm voice. "I could never just sit there while this was happening to them. It would eat away at me."

I had no right to argue against her. I rose Solstice and brought it into Equinox. The sheath of the Midnight Sun recorded everything Solstice had encountered and etched the secrets of the vampires into my core. I always knew how to cast Nature magic, but I was never proficient at it since I wasn't naturally tuned with the laws of natures. That was no longer a problem. The spirits of this planet were mine to compel as though I was a child of nature— a Firstborn.

And I was accessible to the abilities of vampires.

I could charm people with just a gaze, seduce them with a few words if I desired. I can make pacts with animals and make them my servants, my familiars. I could see through the darkest of nights, hear the faintest of heartbeats, and distinguish the scents of everyone in the academy. If I focused hard enough, I could extend my will through vast regions of land, communicate with the dead, and even unlock the secrets within another's subconscious. And— though I would never do it— I could turn anyone into my loyal servants with but a drop of my blood.

I had all their abilities without any of their attributes. I was still human and therefore had no thirst for blood. And I wasn't vulnerable to sunlight.

…I couldn't help but smack myself. Sunlight! I knew at first glance that these things were vampires and I, who is a walking container of sunlight, didn't think about exposing their greatest weakness.

"Kirche… stay safe. Please." I said before taking off in pursuit of the coven leader. Her scent was still lingering within the area and the sound of fighting was still ongoing. But the presence of human life was dwindling. Whatever guards the princess had brought with her were being depleted.

I jumped up the wall the eldest vampire had jumped over in a single bound. Unfortunately I couldn't do such a thing like she did. I had to make a weave to have myself stick to the surface of the brick and another to push myself upwards. It took me three bounds to get to the top.

I hate vampires.

---

Old Osmond was the first to awaken in the evening. It was at the most unholy of hours when his bones began to ache. The wards around the academy had not triggered an alarm. But it was from his personal experience that told him something was amiss. He hadn't lived over a century by staying idle behind a desk.

The years wasted in the Third Germanium Invasion in his youth shaped him into the dangerous man that he was today.

His weary body climbed out of bed with his staff flying into his grip. Motsognir quickly climbed onto his extended hand on the dresser and rested against his shoulder. Without a care for his attire, Old Osmond went out of his room and moved swiftly down the halls of the staff dormitories as though he were decades younger. Drills from the military still working their measure even after all these years.

One door creaked and out stepped Jean with his own staff. He too had forgone dressing and slipped out in nothing but a robe and night cap. Their eyes locked as the former Flame Serpent nodded in understanding. Two veterans had sensed something was wrong long before the greatest of protective charms could have.

They needn't say a word to another as they paced down the halls without having to make a single noise. Like hunters, they searched here and there for what didn't belong.

It was when they stepped out into the gardens did they come to a conclusion together. There was something out there. Something dangerous. A threat. But their eyes did not see something, and yet their instincts had told them that something…

…was staring back.

It was then there was a scream unlike any other coming from the direction of the student dormitories. A shriek like a thousand banshees wailing in some opera of hell. It made them flinch but they kept their senses about.

The intruders weren't so skilled to keep their mentality fortified. The glimmer spells to cloak themselves were falling apart. Dozens of children and younglings littered the yard in dark attire with still sleeping maidens carelessly dropped as they covered their ears.

Every one of them had glowing red eyes.

Vampires!

There needn't be a word spoken for the two of them to act. Jean casted a series of luminous flame spells to lighten the area while Osmond summoned wind blades. The light made most of the young vampires look away with the remaining flinching in pain. It was Osmond's compressed wind strikes that drilled holes through their skulls so cleanly no blood was spilt. Some were able to put up a wind shield, but Osmond's power was ever greater and pierced through with ease.

Their instincts flared as they both knew they were surrounded before the remaining intruders revealed themselves. Vampiric children in hordes climbed out of windows, down walls, sprouted from the ground itself, through hallways, and dare he say from the darkness of the shadows. An overwhelming number of bloodsucking children circled them with no path for the two to retreat.

They stood back to back as, almost blindly, the children charged at them. Jean summoned a tempest of fire, but never deliberately burning any of them despite what they were. Regardless, it worked well as a shield to push their numbers back while Osmond expanded the fire with his wind. And when the occasional youngling ran through the flames carelessly, Osmond struck it down.

Alas, the years were getting to the both of them. Years without battle had made them soft, despite being sharp enough to detect such a threat before being presented. They were outnumbered and overwhelmed. Two Square mages like them could take on a small army of Commoners, but Firstborn vampires? Even as young and fresh as the ones they were fighting now were on par with decent Triangle mages. Soon they will be overtaken.

"Open fire!"

Gunshots banged as a wave of damned children were struck down in the far back. Heads were turned at the sight of the third party. The Princess' Musketeer Corps were lined up in a firing squad. Some of them still dressed in their armor with a few others in underclothes.

The girls who fired the first shot quickly moved to the back of the line to reload their weapons. The second line of girls switched with them, knelt down, and aimed their muskets.

Half of the children turned their attention away from Osmond and Jean Colbert to redirect their assaults on the new party. However…

"Wind Bolt!"

A chain of compressed air flanked them before they could react. Limbs, organs, and gray matter flew everywhere by the sudden attack. The one who initiated it was Viscount Wardes with his wand-rapier. Behind him stood the remainder of the Princess' Guard, who were all donned in their armor.

"Quickly! Find Her Highness and bring her to safety! Spread out and find her! Wipe out as many of these abominations as you must but the Princess is top priority! Brigs, Harnett, with me! Move!"

Osmond couldn't believe it. The Princess was missing during such a crisis? It would open a deep wound for the country should anything happen to her.

As the Guard split up into groups, Wardes and two other mages moved with him to support Osmond and Jean.

Osmond's eyes widened. The barrier surrounding the school had activated with such ferocity it felt like his head was about to split open. Something big had just crossed through; more like it completely broke through before any defense could be brought up.

"Papa…?" one of the children spoke.

Heads snapped at the direction the speaker was looking at, ignoring the brothers and sisters that were being cut down by Wardes and his teammates. Eyes widened and fanged smiles spread.

The fighting stopped as the air became heavy. Grass and blood froze with each step as the caped figure approached from the Vistri Court. He was tall, dressed in the finest of silks, and carried a silver sword at the hip. His cyan hair was slicked back with a matching goatee trimmed, and a pair of crimson eyes pierced through greater than any blade could.

Those eyes were so sharp they could peer through the veil of a man's soul. Osmond felt all his secrets revealed to this man. He knew he could. He had stood before this gaze before decades ago…

"Papa!" the children sang in joy.

"Daddy!"

"Father!"

The man gave them a loving smile as he carried himself through the crowd. "Children, see to it your chores are finished. I will watch over you from here."

Osmond did not make a move to suppress the damned children. He let them continue with their previous task of carrying the maidens and students away. Oh how he hated himself for just letting them go. But it was needed. He could not properly defeat such a threat while having to worry about casualties. He needed the field cleared if he was going to unleash everything against this beast.

Jean's grip on his staff was tight enough to crush the wood. He was gritting his teeth as he had come to the same conclusion. Though he did not know of the vampire's identity like Osmond did, Jean knew this monster was above his level even as a Square mage. The entire terrain would be reshaped in their battle. He would have to pray someone else would save them while the two of them tried to kill this thing.

"As if we'll let you!" shouted Wardes as he raised his sword-wand for an attack. Following suite, his comrades began chanting quick spells as the children moved.

"No, don't!" Osmond tried to stop them.

Bolts of lightning from Wardes and burst of wind from Harnett fired from their wands. Seismic rifts of rock spikes traveled along the ground from Brigs' incantation.

The blue-bearded vampire merely raised his hand with lax care and muttered something incoherent under his breath. A blast of air, more of a cannon shot, fired from his hand alone. It was large enough to overpower all three spells and strike the three mage knights. Wardes and Harnett had been able to cast a wind shield with the blast pushing them back, however Baron Brigs took the full brunt and was sent flying.

A second cannon shot of air fired, breaking through their unified wind shield. A third followed in its shadow and struck them before either could recover. They were blown off their feet and with enough force to render them unconscious.

Osmond began to sweat. Though it was on par to three Square-class wind spells, he knew those attacks were minor in terms of traditional Firstborn mysteries.

"Jean…" it had been a while since his voice was this tense. "Go tend to their wounds."

Professor Colbert wanted to stay, but he knew he was holding the headmaster back. As mages they were just as proficient the other, but Jean had long sworn to never use violence ever again. No matter how much he knew this… thing was a threat, he would never be able to break that oath. With reluctance, he nodded and went to see to the knights' wounds.

"…I'm disappointed in you, Euclid," the vampire began after steadily shaking his head. He spoke as though chastising a child. But because Osmond knew of this man's real age, perhaps to the vampire it was just like so. "I had believed you and I had an understanding. You stay out of my affairs and I would leave you alone. What have I done for you to needlessly go behind my back?"

Osmond didn't answer. Instead, he reached a hand out and Motsognir climbed into his palm. He said to his familiar, "Now is finally the time, old friend."

The charm the vampire carried washed away as he frowned. His previous bravado had vanished as he knew what Motsognir was just as well as Osmond. The scales were tipped in Osmond's favor. Even for a Firstborn, an Elder at that, not even he could withstand the might of a Square mage and a former harvest deity.

Motsognir twitched, awaiting the final command from his master.

"…Jeanne," the vampire spoke as though calling a pet to come at his side.

Mere seconds after muttering, Osmond's attention was drawn towards the top of the eastern bridge. He saw a trail of silver fly through the air, arc over the main building in a single leap, and land directly in front of the blue-bearded vampire. A battle maiden in plated armor with flowing blonde hair and just as equally piercing red eyes stood after making such a ludicrous jump. She raised a silver straight sword at Osmond.

"Deal with the mage," the vampire commanded. "I will slay the beast in the meantime."

Osmond was pushed into a corner. He might have still been able to win— no, survive!— if the partners were different. If it were a magic duel against the male while Motsognir dealt with the maiden, then there might have been a chance he could have walked away from this. But the vampire knew better.

However, something else had drawn the blue-bearded vampire's attention. His eyes moved up towards the bridge the maiden had just crossed. A curious scowl scrunched his face.

Osmond too looked while having Motsognir keep an eye on the two. He saw a figure stand on top of the bridge with his arms moving around like some sort of tribal dance. But he recognized the flames on the back of his hands that shone every color imaginable.

King Philips! Surely if any man could turn the tides of this event it would be him!

And it rang true when the so-called Archmage's newest spell was launched into the air. A bright orb of light reached high into the skies and expanded when it could be seen by all within the academy, perhaps even as far away as the capital.

A light lit up the night so bright Osmond had to look away. A warmth washed over him from the direction of the orb. A radiance so powerful it was as though a second sun had shone in the middle of the night.

The maiden screamed as she fell to her knees and covered her head with her arms. Screams echoed throughout the academy. When Osmond looked, her skin was turning charcoal black and hair peeling back. In haste, the male vampire undid the strap of his cape and covered her with it. Unlike her, he had a resistance to the burning light. He was not immune to its effects as his skin was slowly peeling away.

He snarled as he unsheathed his silver sword. Osmond could have sworn it shimmered red in the light.

The vampire muttered under his breath with lips moving impossibly fast. And Osmond saw glimpses of a florescent flame between his teeth. A flame that shone in every color imaginable…

…Like the flames on the back of Philips' hands!

With a voice of power, the vampire pointed the tip of his sword straight up into the sky and so declared:

"Dispel!"

And the world went back into the darkness.

---

As soon as I reached to the top of the wall, I looked around to see what was going on. In every direction was fighting. Knights and gunmen— gunwomen I should correct— from earlier this afternoon were moving together in small groups to kill the monsters. They stuck together and watched another's back. There was at least one mage per group to counteract their Nature magic. It was a good thing these creatures were severely inexperienced; an average, more mature vampire could have been able to take one group out alone.

Some of the other students and professors had woken up and were fighting as well. I spotted Guiche and his Valkyrie automatons moving around, cutting apart vampire children left and right. I also saw Tabitha shooting icicles on top of her dragon with pinpoint accuracy.

I saw Osmond standing before a pair of mature vampires, one of which I recognized as the swordswoman I fought earlier. So that's where she ran off to. And behind Osmond were three officer mages I had seen earlier this afternoon escorting the princess as well as Colbert trying to carry each of them away from the oncoming battle.

I would have thought they were going to win… if the reinforcements didn't arrive.

Young adult and matured vampires appeared. They were able to stop bullets and sword strikes with their bare hands. I saw one tear Guiche's Valkyries as though they were made of putty. And one fired a turret of wind bullets at Tabitha. They directed the children to carry on with their task, to take as many students and female staff as possible. The older vampires killed the male knights, some students, and incapacitated the gunwomen. Just like the others, the female knights were being dragged away.

Son of a fucking BITCH! The vampires were coming and going from the tunnels Foquet had made when she was stealing the Staff of Destruction. Did nobody seal those up?! Christ!

I didn't have time to kick the metaphorical asses of everyone in this goddamn world. If I didn't do anything then everyone would be overpowered in a matter of seconds.

The Gift of Craft lit as I channeled pure Spirit through my fingertips. I didn't need a fancy weave to make some complicated spell this time. I just needed to gather Spirit into a center, bind it, give it shape, and fire it off like a firework.

I felt extraordinarily weakened after a large chunk of Spirit was gathered into a small orb in my hands. The moonlight was slowly replenishing it but I wouldn't be back in my prime until almost a full hour, whereas I would be in peak condition in a few minutes if it was daytime. The amount of Spirit in my hands was enough to create a thousand Dot-class fireballs.

I had to deactivate two of my four Gears else collapse then and there.

I threw my spell into the air and let it fly up high into the heavens. When it reached a certain height, to where it could look directly down on all of us, the orb lit up brighter than when in my grip.

I had made a false sun. It was more so my own Spirit radiating without restraint. It would burn up in a few minutes, but it was more than enough for it to do its job.

God there really is something wrong with me if the symphony of agonizing screams made me smile.

"Dispel!"

Suddenly, that smile was wiped clean. My Spirit orb wasn't so much as overpowered with a greater spell as it was… erased. Worse, it erased the leagues of Spirit both Solstice and Equinox had gathered over the years. And, worse, my remaining two Gears were forcibly deactivated as well as the reinforcements of Craven magic.

I wasn't the only one affected by this wave of anti-magic— it had to be something as impossible as anti-magic. Buildings and walls such as the Alviss Hall, Fire and Water Towers, and the bridge leading to the Earth Tower came crumbling down as the magic sustaining its architecture was no longer present. Attacks and shields made from both vampires and magicians fizzled out; Guiche's constructions collapsed into piles of metal. And the massive invisible dome of hundreds of interweaving protections over the academy simply vanished.

The spell used to keep students unconscious was undone as well. Some continued to sleep but others was awakened in startling fright. They screamed and tried to fight for freedom.

Some were knocked back asleep with either a spell or physical blow. Others weren't as fortunate and killed on the spot on accident.

I say accident because the vampire children who did the deed were killed as well by their elders.

By no means was magic turned off by this anti-magic technique. Only spells activated at the time were forcibly removed. Such as my sun; however it had done considerable damage to the vampires and left them crippled. Their movements were significantly slower than before. Even the elders were weakened and moved only slightly better than the average human. Against the might of militarily trained mages and knights, they wouldn't stand a chance.

They all began to retreat into the tunnels with the elders defending the children.

Yeah, like hell I was going to let them get away.

"One," I reactivated my first Gear and coursed Craven magic through my body. I didn't have the power at the moment to craft spells, but that didn't mean I couldn't stand up against them with Solstice and Equinox. I leapt down, using the windowsills when I could to break my landing until I hit the bottom floor.

I ran forward with Solstice in both my hands, tip pointed towards the sky and pommel at my chest. It was a form I assimilated from Bladeworks used primarily for defense that also easily shifted into offense. Two adult vampires saw me coming and raised their hands for their Nature magic to stop me. They thought a wall of wind could; Solstice spliced through it as though their barrier didn't exist and cut off their arms at the same time.

They screamed in pain but that was quickly quieted when I moved Solstice back around to decapitate the both of them in one swing. Their bodies not even done falling, I pushed past them and pursued the escaping children.

"Spirits of the wind, shield me!" I called onto my newly attained attunement to Nature magic. It required nothing to activate as I was more so asking a sentient being for help rather than casting a spell. The collective concept of will that made up the air answered and veiled me with a shield.

More mature vampires moved to intercept me, but like before I swung Solstice through their offense and defensive spells. Anything I couldn't stop bounced off my Nature shield. It worked wonders as I used it to shoulder-tackle them; my shield tore them apart and sent them flying onto their backs. Unless they started using more potent spells, I was unstoppable. Luckily, they were all too weakened to do that.

Unfortunately, there was one schmuck among them who could deliver aforementioned heavy-fire.

Lightning surged through a gap in their numbers and struck me before I could react. My wind shield collapsed and I was the one thrown off my feet this time by the sheer force. I rolled onto my feet and dove away from the next arc of lightning heading straight for me. But the splash damage sent electricity through my body. It felt like I was being cooked on the inside.

"Master!" some of the mature vampires made way for the oldest of them.

A middle-aged vampire with blue hair and matching goatee stepped between the mature vampires and the children. He looked exhausted and frazzled. He was carrying a body over his shoulder covered by a thick piece of cloth. By the looks of the metal boots and gauntlets sticking out, it looked like the swordswoman I was previously fighting.

His lips moved and he waved his hand. I saw spheres of electricity form around him and moved immediately out of the way. Not even a second after, each of those spheres turned into arcs of lightning and fired across the field. I was able to dodge mine, but not without being blown away when the lightning made the ground I was just on explode.

Others weren't as fortunate. Magicians, knights, gunwomen, and even some of the retaliating students and staff members were struck fiercely. Some were capable of avoiding critical blows like me, but others were struck dead.

"Two!" I gripped Solstice a little tighter as my second Gear reactivated. Only a few minutes had passed and I could either weave a bunch of mediocre spells or one powerful one. I could either make a much better shield than what Nature magic could allow or wipe a large chunk of them out with a large attack. However, I don't know if this new threat could create a strong enough defense to counteract any assault I might unleash.

I also grit my teeth because his attack made everyone pause in their advance. It was more than enough for the last child to slip into the tunnels with Katy Springfield on his back.

The head vampire looked at me once. He saw me as a threat as much as I did with him. But I also saw that he was weakened. Osmond must have been able to hold him off long enough to drain him of his stamina. Without a doubt he was the most powerful of the group and coven leader given how the mature vampires revered him as Master. I need to take him out now while I still have the chance!

He saw this, his eyes widening slightly. He turned his back on me and followed after his children.

"Philips!" Osmond came hobbling around the corner, leaning heavily on his staff. He was bleeding a lot but he looked more desperate than anything— almost frightened. "Kill him! Kill him now! Don't let him escape!"

I took a deep breath and braced myself for the pain I knew I was about to feel. "Three!" my third Gear reactivated and pushed my body harder. I didn't have the spare Spirit to improve my stamina with regeneration. Craven magic could only do so much to strengthen my body. But I would burden my body further if I had to. If I let an opening slip like this then there was no chance of saving those people!

"Spirits, shield me!"

I charged with a Nature shield enveloping me once more.

Something changed within the other vampires. Those keeping the other groups at bay broke off their engagements and sprinted towards me instead. They no longer cared about escaping at this point. They were going to protect their master or die trying.

They were no longer using their standard tactics of trying to keep me away. They were throwing themselves at me left and right. And I cut them down as soon as they approached. However, my Nature shield was slowly being eaten away with every attempt. Though it would repair itself, it couldn't keep up with the constant bombardment. They kept coming at me at such extremes I couldn't find the chance to weave a spell.

One vampire sacrificed himself to rip apart my shield with a blade of wind attached to his hand. The result made him lose that arm and with me stabbing into his heart. But now my shield was down. And their attacks kept coming.

Magicians and knights came to fend them off, but one or two vampires were more than enough to distract them. Not to defeat them, but to stop them from helping me.

I was surrounded at this point and being overwhelmed. And I was tiring. I was making mistakes. Some vampires were able to avoid lethal swings. That extra swing took more energy out of me. They were capable at this point of clawing at me or nicking me when I could not deflect them fast enough with Solstice.

One dying vampire grabbed onto my leg, pinning me in place. I stabbed into her skull… but her body refused to let go.

Another dove for me. I stabbed through his chest, but his dying body gripped onto my arm.

Another wrapped her arms around my back and tried to dig her teeth into my neck. Craven magic hardening my skin saved me from being turned and I was able to use an instant-command to blow her brains out.

But still her body hung over me.

"Spirits of vengeance. Spirits of fire. Spirits of the condemned."

They stopped their assaults and chanted together. The air stirred as something unnatural shifted. Dark collective concepts of will began to circle around me like an angry storm.

The corpses clinging to me tightly were starting to blaze with agonizing heat. They began to glow an eerie red.

"Take our offering and vanquish our enemy!"

My heart stopped as my eyes widened.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no!

I began to fight desperately for survival. I tried to pry their dead grips off of me and swung Solstice to cleave them off. I could sever their limbs and detach their bodies off of me, but their grips were absolute and refused to come off. Seeing my desperation, more vampires threw themselves on me. I couldn't cut them down as they pinned my arms down. I was tackled to the floor and no matter how much I struggled I couldn't break free.

No one was able to save me.

Their skin was starting to burn as the air was vibrating violently. The pain was tearing me apart but the panicking was doing an even bigger job.

I knew what was coming. My eyes picked up the weaves.

I was going to die.

The last thing I saw was a world of red.

And everything went black.