Chapter 1: Fall of a Prince

778, seventeen years after the Battle of Belhalla

Seliph ducked into an alleyway, hoping that the Dozel soldiers didn't see him. It was getting harder and harder to stay hidden nowadays, and Edain had had to move their hideout several times.

It was difficult to live in peace, but they managed anyway. Shannan and Oifey insisted on training them almost every day, however. Seliph wasn't sure when the war they were preparing for would come, but he was content with waiting for the right moment.

For now, he had to get these supplies back to Edain and the rest of them. He sighed in relief as the soldiers passed by. He rounded the corner, and made his way back toward Edain's home.

Strictly speaking, there was little chance they would recognize him as a rebel, or even the son of Sigurd the 'traitor', but it was better to be safe than sorry. As he weaved through the lines of citizens, he kept an eye out for more soldiers.

As Seliph did so, he caught a glimpse of a green haired man from the corner of his eye. Pausing, he turned to get a better look. However, the green haired man quickly disappeared.

Seliph frowned, but shook his head and kept moving.

Yet he kept getting a glimpse of the green hair, and soon, it was clear someone was following Seliph. Why? Were they a spy looking for Prince Shannan? Or him, as the son of Sigurd? Maybe Lady Edain?

He changed his direction, deciding not to head back to the house. He needed to deal with this first. Walking into a different alley, Seliph quickly checked the area, deeming it clear. He gently set the supplies down and took a deep breath.

"I know you're following me. Would you like to explain why?" He steadily asked, keeping a hand on the short sword on his belt.

A short silence, and Seliph wondered briefly if he was going crazy. Then, another voice spoke from behind him. "Shannan trained you well, I see. Or was it Oifey?"

"It was both, actually." Seliph spun around, ready for an atack. Standing in front of him was a man with long green hair, as he had seen. Piercing green eyes met his, and the casual robes of a bard adorned him.

"I see you do not recognize me. I do suppose you were just a baby at the time…"

"What?" Seliph paused, taken aback. "Who are you?"

"A friend of your father. My name is Lewyn." The man grinned at him, unbothered by Seliph's suspicion.

Lewyn… "Wait, King Lewyn? Of Silesse?" Seliph blinked. If this man was speaking the truth, then he indeed was a friend of his father.

To his surprise, the man sighed at the title. "Just Lewyn is fine…Silesse it but another imperial conquest now, is it not?"

Seliph nodded hesitantly. The news had been unwelcome, as Silesse had been the last country not under the thumb of the empire, but Shannan had confirmed it. If this man really was Lewyn, then…

"Oifey has said a lot about you, you know? He wasn't sure if you were alive…" Seliph slowly said, not really sure how to proceed with this situation. He didn't really know Lewyn, but Oifey had spoke of him quite highly. A Major descendant of Ced, with the ability to wield Forseti, one of the strongest individuals of Sigurd's army before the empire. "Were you in Silesse this whole time?"

"Hah…no." Lewyn smiled sadly, looking down. "Not since the mess in Belhalla. Here I am, still living a pathetic, shameful life, while my homeland is conquered. At least Mother faced Silesse's demise, with pride and dignity. Not me, I'm just an idiot bard…"

Seliph wasn't sure what to say. Oifey had never talked about Lewyn as melodramatic or regretful, painting him more as a mischievous fun-lover. "My apologies, Lord Lewyn…may I ask why you are here now, then?"

"Ah, yes. Heh, look at me, ranting to you. I should be the one apologizing." Lewyn sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Anyways, I'm here to tell you to start your rebellion. There's no better place than Isaach to start fighting back against the empire. "

"What?" Seliph was taken aback at his bluntness. "What do you mean? We don't have many people–I mean, why?"

"Why?" Lewyn raised an eyebrow. "You should know especially. In Grannvale, sure, the empire's keeping peace, but in places like Silesse, Munster, and here in Isaach, the nobles of Grannvale keep their thumb on the people. There's no freedom, and they don't care about the people. It's oppression, simple as that."

"Well–" Seliph couldn't really argue with that. The leadership in Isaach was quite questionable, and the people struggled to go about their day to day lives. The soldiers of Dozel really didn't do anything except throw their weight around every now and then. Danann, regent of Isaach and King of Dozel, had quite the bad reputation too. Seliph didn't know much about his sons though, except when Larcei would complain at dinner about Iucharba or Iuchar trying to win her affection.

"But, Jugdral is at peace right now." Seliph weakly protested. The thought of leading an rebellion, being the head of an army didn't sit right with him. If he was truly honest with himself, he was a little scared, too. The rest of them, even Shannan and Oifey, expected him to one day lead the rebellion, simply because he was born as the prince of Grannvale. Seliph wasn't sure he deserved the title of savior or hero just because of that. "There's no need for a rebellion right now. Shannan says our best move of action is to build up strength and wait for the right moment…"

"Well, that moment isn't far away at all." Lewyn replied very seriously. "Even right now, we may be entering a new era. This era of peace will not last much longer, Seliph, if it hasn't ended already."

Seliph felt a chill go down his spine. "What do you mean?"

"This world is at a critical turning point, Seliph." Lewyn continued, a gust of cold wind rushing across them, making Seliph shiver. "The structures of law set by Emperor Arvis will not keep the peace any longer."


Julia watched in shock as Julius collapsed, clutching at his chest as he retched and contorted. He had been so excited to receive the tome, but Julia didn't think this was supposed to happen. She tried to step forward, perhaps pry that dark book from his hands, but she couldn't even make herself move. What…what is this pressure?!

Julius shrieked once more, hands never leaving the book despite the pain it seemed to be causing him. Dark magic seemed to surround the prince's body as the purple book glowed and pulsed.

"Julius!" Julia cried out, unable to keep watching. She turned to Manfroy, who looked politely concerned. "Manfroy, what's happening? Do something!"

"Stay calm, Julia." The Archbishop assured her, but Julia couldn't help but notice the slight tone of triumph in his voice. "Prince Julius is merely going through the natural transition. He will be fine soon."

Julius clutched his head, face contorted in pain. "No…no…Loptous…so much…hate…"

He began to quiet down, and Julia could only watch as even the pained murmurs died down. Soon, Julius opened her eyes, fixed on her.

Were her brother's eyes always so dark?

Julia stared back into her brother's eyes uneasily, feeling an utter sense of wrongness emitting from Julius. This didn't feel normal.

"See?" Manfroy gleefully said, eyes bright with maniacal joy. "He lives again…my lord Loptous!"


Had this always been Manfroy's plan? Was his very purpose to revive a fallen god? Julius didn't know. Manfroy had always seemed a little eccentric, but in the end, he was a business partner of his father.

He had heard of the stories of Saint Maera and his Loptrians fighting against King Gair, looking to reform the Loptrian Empire. Manfroy had claimed that despite this, the Loptrians were unfairly oppressed and banished. His father had agreed, so Julius believed it. Manfroy had always sounded so wise, like a grandfatherly old sage. Julius had looked forward to making things better for the Loptrians, and Grannvale as a whole. He himself had their blood running through his veins. It only felt right to Julius.

But how could he agree with that now? This malevolence, this hatred…how could anyone say in good faith that this was meant for good, meant to help people? Manfroy had told him that he could control this power with the dark god's blood in him, but Julius couldn't imagine breaking through the suffocating hatred that pierced his mind and swelled from his blood. He had never even realized it was there, but the dark energy was always there, slumbering and waiting for the time to wake.

And now it had awoken, and Julius felt like he was surrounded and bound by liquid darkness, a prisoner in his own body. All he could see was darkness, like he was floating in a different universe, far, far away from Grannvale…He could feel Loptous' presence within him…

Hmm. You are different from the one's before you.

Julius flinched at the malevolent voice that seemed to echo in every corner of his skull, giving him an uncomfortable sense of vertigo.

Immature. Soft. This is my vessel? The voice hissed, and Julius shut his eyes tighter. He didn't want to see that…that monster!

Pathetic. It's just a dream space, yet you can't even look at me…this may be even worse than becoming a manakete like the others…

'Who…who are you?' Julius trembled, still refusing to look.

Ha. Are we not one now, child? You know who I am, I know you do. I haven't degenerated far enough to not realize that.

'So…the dragonkin is real then…it's not a myth at all. You're Loptous…but I—I don't understand.' Julius tried to push away the dark webs pressing onto him, to no avail. He curled inward, trying not to feel claustrophobic. 'How is this happening? This doesn't happen with the other Holy Weapons, right?'

That's because those traitors and cowards only made a blood pact, a geas. The voice snarled, and Julius withheld a whimper as the feeling of hatred and bloodlust washed over his entirety even stronger than before. I AM BOUND TO YOU, CHILD. WE ARE NOW ONE FLESH AND BLOOD.

'No! No!' Julius shook violently. He had felt the dark deity's motives. He had felt the overwhelming urge to kill, burn, and destroy. 'I know what you want to do through me! I won't let you control me!'

A pause, and Julius started, a little confused. Before he could question it, however, the dragon's voice returned, malevolence dripping from every syllable. Interesting. You really are different. All the others asked for my power, using it for their own ambition and power…that made them all the easier to manipulate and control. But you…

The uncanny feeling of something looming over him made Julius shiver. It was like a shadow was cast over him, pulling him deeper and deeper into despair. You have recognized that you will not be in control. You are not blinded by greed, despair, and power.

'I d–don't want to hurt anyone…' Julius pleaded. 'I don't want your power if it comes with all the hatred, the darkness…I just wanted to help people live better lives…'

Hmph. The voice seemed contemplative. Do you really think that emotion is enough? That desire to protect and help…do you actually think that can push back the ANGER and HATRED?!

Julius crumpled again as the force of the words hit him like waves of power.

As I thought. You lack conviction. It almost sounded like the dragon was disappointed in him, like a teacher to a student.

'N–No! I won't give up!' Julius felt a sudden rush of righteous spirit. 'I'll die before I give up!'

Really? Loptous snarled in questioning, anger returning to his voice. Do you really have the will to die, the courage to go through with such a thing? Can you do what seventeen emperors before you failed to do?

Don't make me laugh.

"Aah!" Julius snapped up, finding himself in his bed. "What…"

Was that a dream? Was it all over?

No. He could still feel the lurking hatred and dark viciousness in his mind, trying to rise to the surface. Julius grabbed his head, trying to force it back as he shut his eyes tightly. He would not let the darkness take over him!

"Julius?" A weight next to him distracted him from his focus. "How are you feeling?"

Julius slowly cracked his eyes open, half-expecting to see the shadow of a dark dragon. Instead, he was met with concerned red eyes. "Saias? You're back from the Bragi Tower?"

His brother looked at him, worry etched clear on his face. It quickly turned to horror as he realized what Julius was still clutching in his hand. "Julius…is that…?"

"Manfroy…Manfroy gave me the Book of Loptous." Julius admitted. He couldn't even let go of the dark tome like it was glued to his fingers. "That's the last thing I remember…"

"That…that deranged bastard!" The young bishop cursed, startling Julius. Saias had always been calm, calculated, and cool under fire. "He's probably been planning this all along…"

Julius already suspected it, but hearing Saias say it out loud made his stomach sink even lower, as he felt the darkness surround him again. "So that was all he wanted? I was created just to revive an evil god?"

"Julius, don't say that." Saias quickly backtracked, realizing the implication. He rubbed at his hand where his mark was, which Julius knew he only did when he was nervous. Julius' own brand felt like it was on fire, a clear indicator of everything that had passed…even now, he could feel the malevolence seeping out of him at Saias, a full-blooded descendant of Fjalar, Loptous' sworn enemy. Shivers went down his spine as Saias leaned toward him.

"Urgh!" Julius clutched his forehead, trying to block out the whispers of death and destruction that arose. "Saias…do you know how long I've been asleep?"

"...I'm not sure." Saias cautiously answered, watching Julius carefully. Julius felt sick to his stomach, realizing this was probably how everyone would now look at him…a monster. "I warped here as soon as I could when Father reached out to me. He told me that…that you attacked Julia."

"What?" Julius blinked in shock. Attacked? 'What did you do?!' "Is she alright?!"

No response but the shifting waves of hatred and malice. Julius could feel the dragon's presence, yet the spite did not overtake him…was he only letting him stay in control? He had no recollection of attacking Julia of the sort…is that what would happen if Loptous fully took control over him?

"Yes. Arvis had to intervene and stop you, though. I assume now he's going to talk to Manfroy. Hopefully, burn him while he's at it…" The priest muttered the last part darkly, shocking Julius once again. "I take it you can feel his presence?"

"Loptous, you mean?" Julius nodded shamefully. "It's like a suffocating ocean of darkness and malice…I feel like I'm drowning…"

Arms suddenly wrapped around him, and Julius realized with a start that his older brother was hugging him. "Don't worry, brother. By my lord Bragi, I promise I'll find a way to help you. You won't become the Gair Emperors if I have anything to say about it."

His tone was resolute like it was when he was coming up with a battle plan. Julius now understood why so many called him the greatest tactician in Jugdral… "Do you have a plan?"

"There's books and texts all over the continent. I'm sure one of them can help us…" Saias reassured, pulling back from the embrace, but Julius found it hard to believe, especially when he could clearly hear Loptous' sentiments about that idea…

"Is that really it?" Julius spat out suddenly, eyes shining blood red. "You're just going to say 'I have no idea' and hope it makes me feel better?"

Saias, startled, dropped his arms, looking at Julius with wide eyes. To his credit, Julius was also just as shocked, raising a hand to his mouth, his eyes losing its dark red glow. "I'm… I'm sorry Saias, I don't know where that came from…"

Saias studied him, his shocked face quickly replaced by cautious curiosity. "Julius…were your eyes always that dark…?"

He reached gently toward his little brother, but Julius flinched, his eyes flaring once more. "Don't touch me!"

Saias recoiled as Julius swung at him, standing up quickly. Julius halted jerkily, forcing his hand to freeze in place. To his horror, the Book of Loptous had flipped open, ready and waiting to cast its magic…

"No…no!" Julius forced the book shut, ceasing the malicious voices that came when he opened it. They called at him, telling him to use the power, to take what was rightfully his…

It was like the souls of the seventeen Gairs still lived on inside that book, and their greed and desire for power were even worse than Loptous…Loptous' presence was unnerving, unnatural, and suffocating. The voices of the Emperors were more intoxicating, just calling him to give in to the power that was destined by his birthright…

"I'm sorry, brother…" Julius looked down, unable to meet Saias' eyes.

"There is nothing to apologize for. I've heard of the archbishops of Bragi being able to remove curses." Saias gently told Julius. "That might be able to help this…predicament of yours."

Julius could only nod as Saias quietly left the room, left with just the presence of the dark dragon god. So…you've heard their voices. Tempting, is it not? To let loose and destroy…

'No…no…I'll never…I'll never give in!'

So stubborn. Loptous mused, and Julius realized that he was genuinely amused. Perhaps you do have some strength after all.

'…Who are you, Loptous?' Julius asked. He had given up trying to block out the dragon's voice entirely, and curiosity got the better of him. 'Are you a dragon? A god? Why are you bound to me, unlike the rest of the dragons?'

What's this curiosity? Are you not trying to get rid of me, little scion? Loptous snarked. Julius, a little irritated, snapped back at the dragon in his mind.

'You've made it very clear that that's impossible.' Julius thought harshly. 'And since you refuse to shut up, I have no choice but to talk to you.'

Watch your tone, little prince. Loptous hissed, and Julius winced as the pounding anger made him shiver. Loptous was just full of hate and malice that any attempt to break through made his head spin. I am the Earth Dragon Loptous, and you are but my vessel.

'...So you are a dragon? How does a dragon possess a person?'

Us dragons are gods to you pathetic humans, but even we have our limits. Loptous sounded very annoyed at having to admit that. When we have lived for thousands of years, our physical bodies begin to degenerate, leaving us mindless creatures.

'You possessed the first emperor to avoid that fate?' Julius wondered.

Precisely. It was better than reducing myself to a human form, locking my power away in a stone. The fool had no idea what he was asking for, so blinded by his lust for power. Julius couldn't help but agree after having a taste of the single-minded thoughts of the emperors. I placed my power in his blood, and my essence in the Book of Loptous. Once he came in contact with the Book, it was simple to take over.

'Your essence is in the Book of Loptous itself?' Julius started at the realization. All the Holy Weapons contained the power of the dragon-gods, according to legend, but having the essence of the dragon itself…if he could get rid of the Book, did that mean Loptous' essence would be rid too?

Cease your foolishness, boy!

'Urgh!' Julius flinched as a wave of anger washed over him.

Do you think that no one has tried such a thing? I can control your every action, and every action you take is by my mercy. You could not even attempt to destroy the book, let alone go through with it. Loptous' voice rose even louder, as his anger and hatred exploded at his next words. If the Holy Weapons of those traitorous dragons were thought to be invincible, what makes you think MY ESSENCE would be weaker than the ones of those cowards!?

Julius could only cower on his bed, pressing his ears with his hands and waiting for the raging monologue to end. He trembled as unimaginable anger and hatred were turned onto him, feeling smaller than an insect. Loptous growls continued, huffing as his presence radiated malevolence and pain.

Knock-knock-knock. The sound stopped both of them, as Julius realized someone was waiting outside his door. Did Saias come back? Was it father? He shuddered as an uncomfortable prickling feeling crawled up his skin.

What was that feeling? Why did it repulse him so much? "Julius? Are you in there?"

The gentle, kind voice used to always relax him. It was the voice that sang to him when he slept, that comforted him when he was sad, that laughed with him when he was happy.

However, that voice now struck pain into his heart, and Julius didn't know why. "Mother–"

"Julius, can we come in?" A second voice sounded from the other side, and Julius froze as he recognized it. His sister, whom he had apparently attacked hours earlier. What was she doing here?

NAGA… Julius stiffened as a surge of pure hate coursed through his blood. He could feel his heart rate quickening, racing, urging him to destroy. The malice was infecting every cell in his body, and Julius saw red as he stared at the door. I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU!

'No!' Julius stopped himself, gripping the Loptous tome tightly, trying with every fiber in his body to not open it.

"Son? We're entering," The door gently swung open to reveal his mother and sister, and for a moment Julius recoiled at the sudden light he felt emitting from them. Was that aura of light always present? He had always felt strange around them, but never thought twice about it.

The blood of Naga…my very being detests her presence! Loptous roared.

"Naga…traitor!" Julius hissed through his teeth, realizing with horror that Loptous was quickly overcoming his will.

"What? Brother, are you alright?" Julia stepped closer, and Julius shot a hand out.

"Don't! D–don't come any closer!" He fell to his knees, gasping in effort. Every instinct in his body was telling him to kill.

I swore it when you betrayed us, and I swear it now, Naga! No descendant of yours will live!

Deirdre approached him, and Julius couldn't move his lips, couldn't tell her to stay away. He could only recoil as she reached toward him. Her hands stiffened, perhaps noticing the aura of darkness.

"Oh…no…!" Deirdre's eyes widened. "Release my son, Loptous!"

"Mother? What's happening to him?!" Julia stepped back, terror in her voice. Julius realized with despair that dark magic had been gathering around him, like a flame burning to life. He felt his legs moving, and as he rose, Julius could do nothing but struggle in vain and horror.

"Your son is gone!" Julius, no, Loptous roared. "I am the earth dragon, Loptous! Descendants of Naga, you will die here!"

"No!" Julia rushed forward, but Deirdre held her back. "You devil! Julius, please, fight it!"

Fight it? Was that even possible? Loptous didn't think so…but it didn't matter what Loptous thought! He wouldn't hurt his family! "Gaah…Julia…run!"

Julius staggered, momentarily regaining control. Loptous snarled inside him, enraged at him, at Deirdre and Julia, at everyone and everything. "G-get away!"

He screamed as he felt Loptous forcibly wrench at his mind, like a tug of war over control of his body. Dark magic brimmed at his fingertips, ready to be unleashed. "No..! URAAAGHH!"

Julius collapsed, slamming the Book of Loptous to the ground, and he felt the room shake…or was it just his body? He wasn't sure, all he could focus on was keeping the ocean of malice at bay. It threatened to break through any second, the hastily built dam cracking from the force of centuries of festering despair and rage. ENOUGH STRUGGLING, YOU PATHETIC INSECT!

"AGH!" Julius felt like he was hit by a mountain, the force slamming into him and leaving him out of breath…and he knew it was over. "No…"

"Brother!"

"Julia, stay back!"

Julius watched in his hazy vision, watching as his body rose and reached toward his mother and sister threateningly. He could do nothing about it. Everything felt like a dim dream, surrounded by darkness and fear…

Dark magic surged out from the Book of Loptous, now fully open and radiating evil. A blast of purple darkness flew at the two, as Deirdre took out her own tome and raised a magical barrier of golden light to meet it.

Julius watched in defeat as the explosion rocked the room and building, as smoke and dust covered all he could see.

The innocent prince died that day…and the scion of darkness awoke.


Saias stumbled, managing to catch himself before he could collapse on the floor. The floor shook for a moment longer, before stilling.

Now, Saias was an intelligent man. Some in the empire called him the greatest tactician in Jugdral. With the floor shaking after an unmistakable explosion sounding near the royal chambers, Saias decided it was likely a good idea to change priorities.

Turning away from the path toward the castle library, he briskly headed toward Julius' room. Did his brother lose control of Loptous? Was this happening already?

As he walked, he began to hear panicked screams, and dread filled his stomach. His pace quickened, and he ran into the great hall of the castle where the voices and footsteps of terrified people echoed from.

He did not see Loptous incarnate in there, nor Julius. Instead, people covered in dark hoods and robes stormed into the hall, dark magic spells thrown left and right. He watched helplessly as a dark spell reduced a servant to ash. Where were the holy guards, the Weissen Ritter? Were they not here yet?

No, this must have been an ambush. A surprise attack, an invasion. The timing was impeccable. No one but the royal family and Manfroy knew of Julius' new condition…this must had been the Archbishop's plan. He rushed forward, taking out an Ellight tome.

"Hah!" He cast the spell at a dark mage attacking a defenseless noble. The beams of light cut through the man, sending him stumbling back with a scream. One more flash, and he fell to the ground dead.

"Bishop Saias!" The man gasped.

Saias didn't spend any time for chatter. "Find General Aida! The castle is under attack!"

"Ah! Yes sir!" The man ran away, happy to have an excuse to leave. Saias took out a Bolganone tome as several dark bishops turned toward him, evidently noticing his little light show.

"Ah…This won't do." Saias murmured, watching them prepare dark magic. "By the flame that markes my skin, I will see to it that you heathens shall leave this place."

He raised his hand, letting his brand flare to life. A blast of flame from his tome incinerated one of the mages completely, and Saias quickly moved to the right as a burst of darkness struck where he was standing a moment before.

"For Loptous!"

"For the New Empire!"

Saias narrowed his eyes at the war cries that his enemies let out. So these indeed were Loptrians. Manfroy was absolutely behind this. He wondered where Father was. Had Arvis killed the Archbishop? Or did something else happen?

Either way, his plan was to buy time for the Weissen Ritter to appear and regain control of the castle. Otherwise, judging by the number of Loptrians, Belhalla may fall today.

Saias winced as a dark spell nicked his shoulder, stumbling back and rising a wall of flame from the ground to consume half a dozen assailants. He tuned out their screams as they burned to death. For now, however, this was all going to plan. He turned his eyes to the other mages. "You should retreat. You'll never defeat me."

"We will not hide again! The Loptrian Empire will rise!" One shouted back, and the others cried out in agreement. Saias readied himself for an attack, but there was no need.

A fiery meteor descended from behind him, striking the dark mages with a burst of flame. Saias turned away from the searing heat, uncomfortable despite the brand of Fjalar.

"Good riddance." Aida closed her Meteor tome, huffing. She walked over to Saias, and gently placed a hand on her son's shoulder. "Are you alright, Saias?"

"I'm fine, Mother." Saias nodded, allowing himself to take a brief respite, giving his mother a quick embrace. He noticed Aida wince slightly, however. "Are you hurt? Where is the rest of the Weissen Ritter?"

"I'll be fine, Saias." She assured him. However, a dark look was on her face. "I can't say the same for the Weissen Ritter, though. They're all dead."

"What?!" Saias started. That was unexpected. The Weissen Ritter was made of the finest knights from the entire empire. All dead? "How is that possible?!"

"We were ambushed, and heavily outnumbered." Aida explained. "As far as I know, i'm the only one who survived."

"Then–" Saias took a deep breath. This was very bad. However, he couldn't afford to panic. "We have to get out of here then. I think…I think this may not be the worst of what may happen today."

Saias, for once, had no idea, just how right he was.