A/N: Hey guys, I bring to you all the new chapter for this story! I apologize for the late update but here it is!
Now to respond to you generous reviews!
That Mysterious Reader: THAT SUSPENSE MUSIC!
RKF22: Well technically she doesn't. She did ask Rideaux why they were doing this.
U-Know Yunho: That bastard Bisley taking ELle just so that he can win! D: How dare he!
Riku Uzumaki: Hmm... you just provided me with a funny image of F Milla going all hams on Bisley! XD but yeah she is definitely pissed and we are finally approaching the ending.
-Hmm a linked mystic arte with Ludger and F Milla. That is an interesting thought there. You just gave me a good idea :D
GroundZeroFirework: Surprised by F Milla's mystic arte? D: but... but... she already used this mystic arte in chapter 23, which was even titled "Omnislash". You probably forgot
-And yes, the "Omnislash" was a Final fantasy reference to Cloud's Limit break :P although technically F Milla's Omnislash is more like from the DotA Hero Juggernault ultimate but Juggernault ultimate is a reference to FFVII so yeah :P
MagatsuIza: Go mama F Milla and papa Ludger! Save Elle XD
Project AE Hachi-Roku: Well they are definitely angry about it, hehe.
-As for Julius, he actually makes an appearance in this chapter so to answer your question, he's still alive :P
-Erm... you sound surprised by F Milla's mystic arte :O I mean, I already introduced her using it in Chapter 23 so this is actually her 2nd time using it :D
-That's right! Ludger and F Milla are coming Elle, you just gotta hold on!
-And thanks for the wishes! :D
TheAnime4Fan: Haha, glad you liked the skit. It does sound like how they are xD
-Well Ivar is also feeling guilty about diong it. He's gonna get some redemption in this chapter :)
-Yeah I know right! Elle is captured and WOOPS! Ludger still has time to go on other quests and fight giant Golems xD the pacing of the game was completely... off :/
-Thanks! I hope you will like this chapter!
Well guys that's it for reviews! We are finally at the FINAL ARC of the story! Man it's been a long journey and I hope you're liking it so far. The changes are still evident and there will be still differences between the game and this story!
Anyway, I hope you guys will enjoy this chapter and let me know your thoughts!
CHAPTER 31: THE WAY TO THE LAND OF CANAAN
Fractured Milla's eyes slowly fluttered open, confused when she realized she was staring at a ceiling. She tried to get up but a piercing pain on her head stopped her from doing so. Confused, she tried to remember what happened because she had no memory of how she ended up here. Then it hit her.
"Elle!" Fractured Milla screamed out, "Elle, where're you?!"
The door of the room burst open and Ludger, Leia and Alvin appeared followed by Milla, Jude, Elize and Rowen a second later. The empty room a moment ago was now filled up in an instant.
"Milla you're finally up. Thank goodness." Leia said with relief.
"Where's Elle? Is she here? And- grah! Ugh…" Fractured felt a sharp pain on her head and stopped herself, "How… how long was I out?"
Alvin gave a shrug, "Not too long. I found you on the rooftop after clearing those Spirius guys that were still hanging around."
"And… was Elle there…?"
Alvin did not answer. And from his expression, fractured Milla feared the worst.
"Milla… Elle's been kidnapped." Ludger said, thus delivering the news that fractured Milla dread.
Fractured Milla rolled her hands into fists, "Elle… it's all my fault… I wasn't strong enough…"
Ludger kneeled on the side of the bed and placed a small item on the bed. Fractured Milla's gaze landed on the item and instantly recognized it.
"This is… the pebble Elle collected at the Kijara Seafalls." Fractured Milla whispered.
"Milla… it's not your fault." Ludger said, "You did your best protecting Elle. I should have followed you back home so if anyone's to blame, it's me. But there's no point in pointing fingers. Milla, do you know why Spirius took Elle? What happened?"
"Yeah we tried asking those Spirius guys we caught about why they want Elle," Alvin said and then sighed, "But those guys are tough cookies. Won't let out anything."
"Or maybe they just don't know." Jude offered.
"'Milla', what do you know about this?" The Lord of Spirits asked her twin self.
And fractured Milla told the group everything, covering every single detail. From the moment she entered the apartments to Ivar and Rideaux's appearance and her battle against the Spirius agents up to her final moments before she lost consciousness.
"So even the human 'Milla' doesn't know of why Spirius has kidnapped Elle." Rowen stated while fiddling with his beard, "This is quite troubling."
Jude turned to Ludger, "Ludger, what should we do?"
Everyone's gaze landed on Ludger. Without answering Jude's question, Ludger picked up Elle's pebble from the bed and held it in the palm of his hand. He stared at the pebble for a long while but once he strengthened his resolve, he closed his hand and put the pebble in one of his pockets for safe-keeping.
Ludger offered his hand to fractured Milla, "Let's go."
Fractured Milla looked at Ludger's hand and then looked at him, "Ludger…?"
"I don't know whether Spirius took Elle as a hostage or because she has something they want but if they even beat you, that means they spent a lot of resources to capture her. I don't care about any of that! I just want Elle back… and I know you feel the same. Now let's go!"
Without even waiting for fractured Milla's response, Ludger walked out of the room and out of his apartment. Leia helped fractured Milla out of bed and the group all quickly moved out to catch up with Ludger.
Ludger burst out of the apartment complex and dashed through the compound. Before he got any further, his GHS started ringing. Instinct ruled over and he pulled out his GHS and answered it.
It was Vera. " , President Bakur has given orders for your presence. Please make your way to the Spirius Corporation with all due haste."
"Where is Elle?!" Ludger roared through the GHS, "Why did you take her?! What do you want?!"
Vera maintained her composure and responded, "We understand that you are deeply upset and President Bakur's orders are related to your question. We will be waiting for your arrival."
Vera ended the call before Ludger could say anything else. Ludger released a short curse and placed his GHS back into his pocket. Realizing that a few of the nearby pedestrians had witnessed his anger, he took a couple of deep breaths. Calm down. He needed to relax.
Jude, Milla and the others finally caught up with him.
"Ludger, what're you doing?" Jude asked.
"I got a call from Vera," Ludger replied, "She said Bisley wants to meet me and… to explain why they took Elle."
"What do you think old man? A trap?" Alvin asked Rowen.
Rowen thought about it while stroking his beard, "It is quite difficult to tell at this point. I'd suggest we stay cautious when we're at Spirius."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Let's hurry." Fractured Milla said, "I'm going to return the favor for taking Elle."
"Don't push yourself Milla. You've only just recovered." Elize reminded.
"That's right, you shouldn't be so hasty!" Teepo added.
"Nothing anyone says will weaken her resolve." Milla remarked with a knowing smile, "Because we both feel the same way about this. And I'm sure you're all familiar with how I work."
Fractured Milla smiled and patted Elize's head, "Thanks for being worried for me but she's right. I have to do this and no one's going to stop me."
Through fractured Milla's words, Jude felt like this was a similar scene to one year ago. At the time Milla kept repeating her words of wanting to 'accomplish her mission' and no matter the obstacles, she would bypass them. Now fractured Milla was the same thing, an unstoppable force to do what she felt needed to be done. Then again Jude realize there was no surprise that the two Millas shared such similar characteristics. They were practically the same being. And yet at the same time, they were also not the same. Complicated and yet simple at the same time.
Ludger led the party through the streets of Elympios, moving towards the Spirius Corporation. With each passing step, Ludger had memories of Elle running through his mind. Her complaints. Her laugh. Her cheerfulness. Her sorrow. Everything that he could remember about Elle was flashing before his eyes. Someone that was precious to him was taken from him. The thought of Spirius hurting Elle infuriated him and his blood boiled. Ludger had never felt such anger that it somehow scared him.
Finally the party arrived at the Spirius Corporation and instantly they knew something was off. Spirius agents were all lined up in two rows, creating a 'path' towards the entrance of the building. It was as if the agents were welcoming the party.
"What's going on here?" Jude questioned, not sure whether to be alarmed or not.
Ludger eyed the agents and decided to proceed, "Let's just see what Bisley has to tell us."
The party moved past the Spirius agents and although they tried to ignore them, they could not shake the eerie feeling that something was not right. That feeling was enhanced when the Spirius agents even saluted the party, confusing them even more.
Once inside the Spirius building, Ludger sighted Vera by the reception desk. Bisley and Rideaux were nowhere in sight but Ivar was present next to Vera.
Fractured Milla saw Ivar and had to stop herself from drawing her sword, "Ivar… how dare he show his face!"
"Take it easy." Milla said and fractured Milla calmed down… at least a little.
The party approached Vera. Even inside the Spirius headquarters, the staff and agents were acting weird. The staff would give way for Ludger and agents again saluted him. This confused the party but paid little attention to it. The party soon reached Vera.
Vera spoke first once Ludger reached them, "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
"Where's Elle?" Ludger immediately demanded. He was not here to play games.
"Everything will be made clear at the President's office." Vera said and then eyed Jude and the others, "I believe that President Bakur only requested for . I'm afraid your friends will have to wait here."
"They're coming with me." Ludger countered.
Jude supported Ludger, "That's right. We want to know as well why you've taken Elle. There's no way we're going to just sit here in the lobby and wait."
Vera fixed her glasses, "Very well. If that's Vice-President Kresnik's decision, I will abide by it."
Ludger, Jude and everyone among the party were stunned by Vera's words.
"Ludger's been made the Vice-President of Spirius?" Jude exclaimed in surprise.
"That explains why the Spirius agents have been saluting Ludger." Rowen commented.
"So now we've got a buddy who's a King and another who's a Vice-President! We're awesome!" Teepo cried out but Elize quickly grabbed Teepo's mouth before it could blurt out any more nonsense.
Once the party was over with their initial shock, Vera continued, "That is correct. His promotion is effective immediately. Are there any more questions before we proceed?"
"Where's Rideaux?" Fractured Milla asked, "I remember he and Ivar attacked me. Ivar's here so where's Rideaux?"
Ivar saw Milla, the Milla he served, looking at him with disappointment. He just wanted to dig a hole and hide in it forever. It was bad enough when he attacked fractured Milla but to see Milla looking at him with those eyes… he wanted it to end.
Vera however defended Ivar, "Director Rideaux is currently unavailable and junior agent Ivar is simply acting on President Bakur's orders. As I've said, everything will be explained at the office of the President. Now, is there anything else?"
The party had no other questions so Vera motioned for the party to follow her to the elevator. The party followed and both Millas noticed that Ivar was trying to avoid eye contact. He obviously felt guilty and confused for attacking fractured Milla, a person who possessed the same looks like the Milla he served. He joined the Spirius Corporation so that he could gain a new objective in life but his last mission had planted seeds of doubt in his head. The feeling of guilt sickened him.
The elevator doors opened and everyone went in. After that, the doors closed and the elevator began its ascension to the 40th floor.
Skit: The Side-Effects
Present: Ludger, Jude, Milla, Fractured Milla, Vera
Fractured Milla: Is Elle here in Spirius?
Vera: All questions will be answered in due time. Please be patient.
Fractured Milla: You…!
Ludger: *Coughs* Ugh…
Jude: Ludger? You're bleeding.
Ludger: It's nothing… just the side-effects.
Vera: I was not aware that was already at this stage of the Chromatus side-effects.
Milla: So you know about the side-effects?
Vera: Of course I am. As the personal assistant of President Bakur, I have to know anything related to the Kresnik family. The Chromatus side-effects are of course within my knowledge. But 's situation is odd.
Jude: What do you mean?
Vera: has only been using the Chromatus form for a very short period of time. The side-effects should not have appeared so soon. But it appears his condition is already severe at stage three from my observation.
Fractured Milla: Stage three?
Vera: Spirius has categorized the Chromatus side-effects into five separate stages. The coughing of blood is stage three.
Jude: And what's at stage five?
Vera: Death.
Jude, Milla & Fractured Milla: Ludger…
Ludger: …
The party finally arrived on the 40th floor and Vera led the group towards the CEO's office. Fractured Milla prepared herself, the answer to why they kidnapped Elle was before her. She had been itching to set the record straight and had been holding herself back.
Vera opened the doors and entered the office with Ludger and his friends following behind her. The party was surprised by what they saw. Empty. Bisley's office was empty. Normally Bisley would be sitting behind his desk but he was not there. The only thing that was different was a computer screen placed on Bisley's desk.
"Where's Bisley?" Fractured Milla demanded, "Did you lie to us?"
Vera ignored fractured Milla's accusations and walked to Bisley's desk, standing next to the computer screen and turning to face Ludger, "President Bakur has other matters to attend to but he has left you a message."
"A message?" Ludger repeated.
Vera switched the computer on and the monitor switched to life with an image of Bisley being played on the screen.
Bisley spoke on the computer screen, "Ludger, if you're watching this, then that means you probably know that the little girl Elle has been taken by Spirius. To answer your question, yes, Elle was taken under my direct orders."
Fractured Milla wanted to grab her sword and destroy the computer and all of Spirius but Milla grabbed her hand, stopping her. Milla motioned at fractured Milla to look at Ludger and she saw it. Ludger was holding back his anger as well, his fists white from clenching his hand hard and his eyes filled with murderous rage.
Bisley continued speaking on the screen, "I'm aware that you and your companions must be wondering why I have forcefully taken Elle from your… care. However before I tell you that, I wish to tell you the full story of Origin's Trial."
Milla folded her arms on her chest, "This should be interesting."
Rowen was at full attention, "The true story of Origin's Trial… I wonder if I want to hear it or not."
"You see, Origin's Trial is nothing but just a game." Bisley revealed on the video, "Fractured dimensions… Canaan… everything. A game created by the three Primordial spirits: Chronos, Maxwell and Origin. This pact was created two millennia ago when humanity discovered spyrix. However three spirits disagreed whether humans could truly control spyrix technology or not. So they devised an experiment… a test… to reveal human's true nature. The three spirits wanted to see whether human beings were capable of resisting the temptation of ultimate power."
"This was before Maxwell created the schism and still trusted humans." Vera added as an explanation.
Milla stepped up, "So basically the Chromatus was given as a test."
"To test… if humans could resist the temptation of ultimate power." Leia said in realization. The rest of the party could see the picture now.
Bisley continued, "Chronos gifted the power of the Chromatus to the Kresnik family as a means to measure how well humans can suppress the temptation of power. If someone reaches the Great Spirit Origin before a million divergence catalysts appear, mankind passes the trial. However if no one does, then mankind fails and the spirits leave. That was the conditions of their pact. The conditions of Origin's Trial."
Vera paused the video and added in, "Unfortunately Origin's Trial was rigged from the very beginning, making it extremely difficult to pass the trial."
"How so?" Jude inquired.
Vera resumed the video and Bisley resumed talking, "As we know, the first human who comes before Origin will be granted a wish by Origin. With such a reward at stake, the Kresnik family began fighting amongst themselves, constantly at war with each other. The fighting would escalate which resulted in Kresnik members abusing the Chromatus and because of this, catalysts and fractured dimensions increased at an alarming rate."
"Even then, many perished from overusing the Chromatus through the side-effects." Vera said as she paused the video, "So not only were fractured dimensions and catalysts increasing but the numbers of people who could use the Chromatus were decreasing. Now at the present time, only very few in Spirius are capable of using the Chromatus."
"But I thought Chromatus users can reverse the effect by killing other Chromatus users?" Alvin pointed out.
Vera narrowed her eyes, "That is classified information on the Chromatus. How do you know of that?" Vera then sighed, "No matter. To answer your question, yes. Chromatus users can reverse the side-effects by killing and consuming the life force of other Chromatus users. However all this does is nullify the side-effects. It does not reverse the process of someone becoming a catalyst. Therefore the result is still the same. A catalyst is formed along with a fractured dimension and the number of Chromatus user still decreases."
Jude and the rest looked at Ludger with a solemn expression. Victor had said the same thing so it was the truth.
Vera resumed the video and Bisley spoke, "At this rate, it is no surprise that the number of catalysts and fractured dimensions is approaching one million. Despite the Spirius Corporation's best efforts in destroying fractured dimensions to delay the result of Origin's Trial, we cannot handle the rate that fractured dimensions are being created. However Ludger, you have obtained the Five Waymarkers to Canaan. Thanks to you, we can finally put an end to Origin's Trial. You have done a wonderful job and that is why I have promoted you to Vice-President. You have earned it. Now leave Origin's Trial to me. I shall be the one to end everything."
"Here is your answer in regards to the girl." Vera said.
Bisley paused for a moment, "Unfortunately Ludger, in order to defeat Chronos and pass Origin's Trial, the little girl Elle is the key. I know you'd refuse to cooperate in handing her so I have taken her by force. The little girl is the Key of Kresnik and only by using her will we be able to defeat Chronos. I know you won't be willing to sacrifice her but this is for the good of humanity. Once more I'd like to congratulate you as the new Vice-President of Spirius."
The video ended there and the computer screen went dark. For a while, the whole office was silent. Ludger continued to stare at the blank computer screen for a long time, processing the final words that Bisley said. Then Ludger exploded.
"Sacrifice?!" Ludger snarled, "What's Bisley talking about?!"
Vera showed no sign of fear of Ludger's anger, "I don't know. President Bakur did not share with me the details."
"You're lying!" Ludger accused.
Fractured Milla stepped up, her anger also flaring, "Where is Bisley? Where did he take Elle? Answer me!"
"I'm sorry but I don't know. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm running late for a meeting." Vera said and started walking for the door, Ivar following.
Fractured Milla drew her sword and blocked Vera's path, "WHERE IS ELLE?!"
Milla stepped in and placed one hand on fractured Milla's shoulder, "You're wasting your time 'Milla'. She's not going to talk."
Fractured Milla continued to glare at Vera's emotionless set of eyes and realized Milla was right. She sheathed her sword.
Jude had never seen Ludger so angry before. After all this time, he always saw Ludger as someone who was kind and gentle but now, Ludger's eyes looked like they could kill. It was like someone who had completely snapped. It was terrifying to see a friend he knew becoming like this and there was little he could do to help Ludger.
Ludger finally spoke, his voice filled with malice, "I don't care about being Vice-President. If you're not going to tell me where Elle is, I'll find her myself!" Ludger then turned to fractured Milla and his friends, "Let's go everyone. There's nothing left for us here."
It was only then that Vera showed signs of panic, " , you are not to leave the Spirius building!"
Ludger continued walking towards the office's door, "I'm the Vice-President, I can do whatever I want!"
Vera lightly stomped the ground, " , this are President Bisley's direct orders! You're not to leave the building!"
Ludger ignored Vera's warning and exited the CEO office with his friends. Vera had a feeling this would happen and was actually even prepared for it. Bisley had assigned her this task because he believed in her and she was not going to fail him now.
Vera turned to Ivar, "Ivar, is not to leave the building, is that clear? Stop him!"
Ivar was hesitant, "Stop them all? Alone? I-I can't do that!"
"Don't worry, I was prepared for to do this. Just get to the ground floor and stop him!"
Ivar looked at Vera like she was a mad woman but obeyed her orders anyway, running out of the office and using the emergency elevator. It was much faster than the regular elevator so Ivar would reach the ground floor first.
Now alone in the CEO office, Vera pulled out her GHS and dialed a number. When the receiver picked up, she spoke, "They're coming your way. Remember, they are NOT to leave the building. This is President Bakur's direct order."
Vera ended the call and clicked off her GHS.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
When the elevator doors opened and the party stepped out, none of them were surprised to find Spirius agents waiting for them. Not just that, all the Spirius agents were armed with weapons and guns pointed at them. What did surprise them was that Ivar was also among them. They did not expect him to be down here so fast.
"Well this is quite the welcoming committee." Alvin stated.
One of the Spirius agents stepped up to confront Ludger, "Vice-President Kresnik, you are not to leave the building under President Bakur's orders. If you fail to comply, we will use force."
Ludger stared at the Spirius agent and then at his surroundings. There were an overwhelming number of Spirius agents here and it was the first time the ground floor was so full of Spirius agents. But instead of making a response, Ludger drew out his dual blades and prepared for a fight. The Spirius agents were trying to put up a brave front but they all had a look of fear in their eyes.
"Vice-President Kresnik, this is your final warning!" The Spirius agent warned.
"Your empty threats won't work here." A voice said.
The Spirius agents all turned to the source of the voice which was coming from the entrance of the Spirius building. A man with a black trench coat and a long katana stood there with his arm crossed accompanied by a woman that was floating in the air. It was Gaius and Muzet.
"Gaius! Muzet!" Leia called out happily, "What're you doing here?"
Rowen chuckled, "I see that my dear King has finally learned to operate his GHS. Or at least learned enough to read the text message I sent him telling him to come to the Spirius building."
Muzet pouted, "I can't believe you all left us out from the fun!"
Gaius stepped up and drew his katana, "Now then… it appears you need help with defeating these foolish agents."
"This is going to be fun." Muzet giggled.
Despite their overwhelming number, the Spirius agents felt trapped. They had enemies from both sides so their focus now would have to be divided.
"Let's hurry up and end this." Ludger said.
Ludger made a lightning dash to the nearest Spirius agent and switched to his sledgehammer, whacking a group of agents like he was swinging a baseball bat. He then returned to his dual blades and fought the agents like a rampaging typhoon. Jude, Milla and the others soon followed Ludger and engaged the agents in melee combat while Rowen and Elize remained at their position, supporting their friends with artes. The number of Spirius agents were decreasing fast like flies.
On the opposite side of the lobby, Gaius and Muzet were another unstoppable force. When the agents realized they had no chance of defeating Gaius, they tried to focus their attacks on Muzet. That was a mistake. Muzet simply blasted anyone that came close with artes and if needed, Gaius simply returned to Muzet's side to provide aid. There was no way the agents could overcome the pair with sheer numbers.
After a few minutes, the ground floor of the Spirius building was a mess. Countless wounded Spirius agents decorated the area, groaning in pain. Only one agent remained standing. Ivar.
"Ivar, stand down." Jude said, "We don't have to fight."
Ivar had his dual daggers drawn out and despite the situation, he had a set of determined eyes staring back at Jude, "I… I can't! I am a junior agent. I… I have to do this!"
The rest of the party knew how stubborn Ivar could be. His tenacious attitude was one trait that Jude and the others had to give him credit for. Despite the odds, Ivar would still fight for what he believed was right.
Fractured Milla was willing to strike him down when Milla approached Ivar.
"Ivar, I'm disappointed in you." Milla said.
"L-Lady Milla?" Ivar sputtered, "Disappointed? W-what do you mean?"
"This isn't you Ivar." Milla said as she crossed her arms on her chest, "Why are you an agent of Spirius? Everything that you've done as an agent is not fitting for you. So why?"
Ivar looked down on the ground, searching for his answer. When he looked up, Milla saw that Ivar's eyes were wet with tears, "What was I supposed to do Lady Milla? I… I was only there to serve you. After you were gone… I… I didn't know what I should do. I just… wanted to have a purpose again."
Milla looked at the miserable Ivar and approached him. When she was in front of him, she pated his head just like a mother would with a child. "Ivar, do you remember what your duty was?"
"To… to serve you Lady Milla." Ivar answered, "That was my only duty."
Milla shook her head, "No Ivar. That was your main duty but you had another task that I assigned to you. A task I only trust you with whenever I am gone from the village. That is why I said I was disappointed in you because you have abandoned that duty."
Ivar was lost, "Abandoned a duty… assigned to me…? What is…" And that it hit him. He remembered what Milla always told him to do a year ago when she was on her mission. "To… to protect the village of Nia Khera…"
Milla nodded, "That's right Ivar. I apologize, it was my fault for suddenly departing from the human realm a year ago but with my absence, you should have continued protecting Nia Khera. No one else can and I only trust you with protecting the village." Milla held Ivar's hands and looked him in the eye, "So Ivar, as a handmaid of Milla Maxwell, will you return to who you are?"
"Lady Milla…" Ivar was at a loss of words and burst into tears, "Yes Lady Milla… I… I won't disappoint you. I will look over Nia Khera in your place!"
Milla smiled and thanked Ivar. Looking at the young man now, she remembered how much of a handful he was during their youth and especially one year ago when she departed the village to destroy the Lance of Kresnik. But despite that, she knew that deep down Ivar was a splendid and loyal handmaid who only did what he thought was right. Ivar was now lost in his path and Milla felt that he just needed a push in the right direction. Hopefully now he had found his path again.
"Let's go." Milla finally said, "We still have to find Elle."
Ludger nodded and fractured Milla spoke, "Bisley shouldn't be far. Let's split up and look for him."
While the party started planning on what to do, Ivar suddenly blurted out, "Marksburg."
Everyone turned to Ivar. "What did you say?" Fractured Milla asked.
"They took… the little girl… to Marksburg." Ivar said, "You should… find her there."
"Ivar…" Jude said softly, amazed with Ivar.
Ludger stared at Ivar and then nodded to the group, "Marksburg… let's go!"
Fractured Milla followed Ludger, "I'll forgive you if they're really at Marksburg Ivar."
The party quickly departed from the Spirius building, leaving Ivar alone. Ivar decided to leave as well as he no longer had a point to remain as a junior agent. Not just that, Bisley was probably using him anyway and he had lived his usefulness. Either way, he now knew what he needed to do. He needed to go back to Nia Khera and look over the village, to honor Milla Maxwell, the Lord of Spirits.
"I… I've found my place again…" Ivar said to himself with a smile, "And it's always been there. Home."
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
The party arrived at the Marksburg station and dashed out of the train. They had to find Bisley and find out what he was doing with Elle.
Gaius and Muzet had already been updated about the current events by Rowen, who explained everything. Gaius found the act of Bisley taking an innocent girl disgusting and cowardice. While Gaius agreed with the idea of acting on what you believe is right, he never involved those who were weak. No, such an act was unforgivable and unsuitable for a leader.
When the party emerged outside the Marksburg station, they were surprised to find Bisley along with Rideaux and a number of Spirius agents. They were at the far corner of the Marksburg harbor and saw Bisley placing the five Waymarkers on the ground in a star-shape. But Ludger did not care about any of that. His eyes were fixed on Elle who was held captive by Rideaux and she had a duct-tape sealed on her mouth.
"ELLE!" Ludger screamed out.
Fractured Milla saw the little girl as well and drew out her sword, "Elle! We're here for you!"
Bisley finished arranging the five Waymarkers and turned around to look at Ludger and his friends, "I had a feeling you'd show up. I thought my agents could have bought a little more time… but I guess it's to be expected of someone of your caliber."
Seeing Ludger, fractured Milla and all her friends, Elle tried to call out to them but only muffled voices came out thanks to the duct-tape.
Bisley approached Elle and said to Ludger, "So you want to rescue the girl even though I told you she is necessary in defeating Chronos? We need her!"
"I am not going to let you sacrifice Elle!" Ludger exclaimed, drawing out his dual blades. Jude and the others also drew out their own respective weapons.
"Doesn't matter." Bisley said, "The way to the Land of Canaan is open. It's too late for you Ludger!"
The five Waymarkers started to combine and released a spark of light. Then up in the sky where the moon was, another object circle-in shape started to form. Then a black void appeared and the circle split open before settling down. A dark, circle purple in color was now created, floating in the sky and the moon was no longer present. It was like it had replaced the moon. The land of Canaan was finally open.
Everyone was staring up in the sky at the strange object. The nearby citizens that witnessed the whole spectacle were confused, pointing at the sky and whispering amongst themselves. But it was not just them. Even the Spirius agents were in awe at the sight.
Bisley looked up at Land of Canaan and clenched his fist in excitement, "Finally… the end of Origin's Trial is here!"
"You have got to be kidding me." Alvin said in disbelief, staring up Canaan, "This wasn't what I had in mind of the Promised Land at all."
Gaius was also could not believe what he was seeing, "Who would have thought that the Waymarkers were the means to summon Canaan?"
Rowen stroked his beard, "But now that we know where Canaan is, how do we enter Canaan?"
"Can we use an airship?" Leia suggested.
"Futile. Approaching it will not grant you access." A voice said from above everyone.
Bisley, Ludger and everyone else looked up at the sky at the source of the voice. Floating in the sky was the Great Spirit of Time, Chronos. This was the second time Ludger saw the Great Spirit but his eyes were not on the Great Spirit but on the person that Chronos was holding with his right hand. The person was unconscious with several visible slash wounds on his body. It was Julius, Ludger's brother.
"Julius!" Ludger cried out but Julius did not respond.
Chronos eyed Ludger and then at Bisley, "I never imagined that you'd actually find all Waymarkers and open the way to Canaan. It appears I wasted too much time on this 'seeker'."
Bisley stepped up and pointed at Chronos, "Finally… I've waited a long time for this! Today the Kresnik clan will pass Origin's Trial!"
Chronos scoffed at Bisley's words, "Nothing but empty words."
The President of Spirius Bisley Bakur moved into a fighting stance but Chronos showed no fear. It was the final showdown.
Ludger however did not care for their fight. His eyes were on his brother, Julius and also to rescue Elle, who was in the custody of Rideaux. Spirius led by had their goal. Chronos had his own goal. And Ludger had his own goal.
CHAPTER END