Chapter VI: For the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness…
"Righteousness is the natural and essential food of the soul, which can no more be satisfied by earthly treasures than the hunger of the body can be satisfied by air. If you should see a starving man standing with mouth open to the wind, inhaling draughts of air as if in hope of gratifying his hunger, you would think him lunatic. But it is no less foolish to imagine that the soul can be satisfied with worldly things which only inflate it without feeding it."
—Words of the "First Brother" to the scholars of the "Sepulchral Lorekeepers", the academic branch of the Legion of the Divine Sun, the "Solar Guard".
=I=
Alpha is a woman who has lost everything.
Everyone she cherished was lost. That's why she is numb to the world.
Even as an elf, a being that has a long life compared to other races, she felt that her life was already beginning to end.
The tragedies wrought by the degenerate cult.
She has given up on life, especially after what the Cult did to her.
Demonic Possession. Uncontrolled magic absorption. Curse from Diabolos.
In fact, she is just waiting to die.
Until he came.
The child that carries the world on his shoulders in the midst of the darkness.
She promised him, her Savior, that she would stand by his side. To fight against the dark.
To gain revenge.
She remembered his words.
"We are Shadow Garden. We lurk in the shadows. We hunt in the shadows."
'I promise…I will destroy the Cult of Diabolos…No matter how much it takes.' The blonde elf promised within herself and for the people that the Cult has taken.
And for that to happen, she needs to check on her allies.
That's why, she is here at the moment.
In the room of the golden servant of her Savior.
She stared at him with a calculating gaze. Yes, he is a giant. And if one sees his face, they can determine that it is too youthful. His muscoskeletal structure does not match his alleged age.
Faster aging process. Longer lifespan. Not contradictory. Properties of a weapon.
"Who are you?" The bald child asked with suspicion in his tone.
But Alpha didn't change her expression one bit.
Stoic and calculative.
Nevertheless, after observing his zealous writing, if she had to say after she reviewed his notes before the giant servant got back from his endeavors, she was a bit dejected.
She has a low opinion of zealous people. Especially of priests.
Debauched botherers and hypocrites.
Whenever a "possession" happens, the priests do nothing but say flowery words, deceive the people as if what they are doing is divine, then murder the "possessed" man or woman behind the curtains.
Needless to say, she has a low opinion regarding faithful botherers and preachers.
Den of thieves and laughing charlatans.
That's why she asked the child in front of her.
"What does Shadow-sama see in you?"
Indeed. She cannot fathom what Shadow-sama sees in him.
That's why she tried to recall his words.
"In this world of darkness, little bro is the only one I trust. After all, he is the only one who understands. He is the Light, I am his Shadow."
She remembered vividly the melancholy and sincere smile that he had on his face while saying those words.
Brotherhood.
And yet, when she looked in the direction of his master's "Little Bro", she was disappointed. He is good with the sword, yes, but when she saw the look in his eyes, she saw those familiar gazes that those delusional priests and botherers had in their eyes when they preached or babbled about their belief and their "powers."
A Mark of a zealot.
The bald giant in front of her seems surprised as he realizes something.
"Are you a comrade of my brother?" The bald servant asked her. This time, he is calm.
Brother. She was a bit irritated when she heard those words coming out of the zealous servant's mouth. But she squashed it. After all, she still believes the words of her Savior.
"….My name is Alpha. And I serve Shadow-sama…" she simply stated.
Certainty and Loyalty.
The bald child seems to nod with understanding. Like he knew already of what transpired.
Then both stood without saying anything.
Silence permeated the humble room.
But the giant child broke the silence.
Then he began to glow.
"Do you want to listen to the Good Word?" He asked while smiling.
Alpha does not know it, but something in her mind tugs. It screams something. Her central processing simply echoed something in her mind. It wanted her to say 'Yes'.
She bit the inside of her cheek. She focused and forced herself not to let out that single word. So far, she has succeeded, as she has not uttered any response yet.
She does not know whether it's the voice of the child in front of her or the way he phrased it. Maybe he used some insidious, arcane means? She cannot determine what it is, but she does not like it.
Voice that stuns allies and enemies alike. Persuasive, but not coercive.
Then, the bald child in front of her sighed. It looks like he already deciphered that she is not here for the "Good Word" or whatever superstition it is.
"….If you do not want to listen to the Good Word, then I will just introduce myself. My name is Athanasius Aurus, servant of the Kagenou household and the Soul brother of Cid Kagenou!" He stated with an enthusiastic tone and a smile on his glowing face.
Purity and sincerity.
For a moment, Alpha seemed to comprehend a little bit of why Lord Shadow trusted the boy in front of her with all of his heart and soul. But still, it is not enough to convince her.
A skeptical woman.
"…Are you aware of it then? That the resurrection of the Diabolos is at hand?" the blonde elf simply asked.
The golden child, Athanasius, simply nodded.
"The promise to render Chaos in the world. To resurrect an agent of the Primordial Annihilator to wreak havoc using the Ruinous Light. To snuff the world of the Divine Light." The child stated. Radically different from the explanation of her master, but unnaturally close.
Therefore, she ignored it and continued her statement.
"….Indeed. The Cult of Diabolos…." The elf stated.
Athanasius then bared his teeth. Anger is present in his disposition. He nodded in agreement.
"Yes…those abominable heathens! The heretics! To think that they would sell their souls for the sake of their ambitions and for the dark promises of the gods! They dared to even use the corruptive powers! If I get my hands on one of them, I will swear that they will see the Gestalt's light before they die in their own hubris and foolishness." Athanasius madly stated. His eyes contain fire and more. It contains constrained wrath.
A zeal to purge. Righteousness is manifested by the coiling of the muscle.
If Alpha was disoriented earlier, she's utterly stupefied now.
'…Such zeal…. Is he really an ally of Shadow-sama?' The elf once more, contemplated. If anything, the child in front of her resembles those priests from Lindwurm more and more.
Alpha would have continued, but the words that came out of Athanasius' mouth stopped her.
"I know that they falsified the history! In fact, if what Lord Kagenou said was true, they murdered countless noble bloodlines throughout the ages! They murdered men, women, and children that embodied the Solar Principle! The schemes of the Ruinous Powers manifested themselves over centuries! In fact, that WHORE of a Goddess that is ever present in the heretical statues and spires of Lindwurm has a high chance of being instituted by the Ruinous Powers themselves! Chaos disguised with Order!" Athanasius stated with such disgust.
Alpha was stupefied. It seems that she is mistaken. Athanasius wasn't ignorant of the situation. He speaks like a zealot, but those words were true.
"The series of "demonic possessions", the growing corruption within the hearts of many Kingdoms like the Holy Kingdom of Oriana and the Knightly Kingdom of Midgar, the situation at the Lawless City, the degeneracy of the nobility, the ever lowering percentage of spirituality within many nations' Capital cities….All of it was a preparation for something insidious. Something wicked and malevolent." He stated with a heavy and analytical tone.
The elf was once again surprised. Besides the amount of information that the child has, his capability to change his tone from being a zealous botherer to a cold analyst seems disorienting.
"…Indeed. That's why I'm here. To confirm if you are really an ally….or an enemy." The golden-haired elf stated heavily.
After her words, tension flowed in the air.
Both beings were observing each other.
Analyzing, Comprehending, hypothesizing, and concluding.
"…"
"…"
No one spoke. The room was silent. The sun is blasting its full rays into the window of Athanasius' room.
Then Athanasius laughed.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA! No wonder my soul brother chose you as his follower! You are indeed a superb comrade! Skepticism is necessary, especially in this fight." Athanasius stated rather enthusiastically.
Alpha was disoriented. But then, her lips curled upward a little. A small smile was present on her face.
'Shadow-sama, it looks like I don't need to doubt your decisions.' She thought.
"…Looks like we have come to an understanding. Both of us are aware of the conspiracy and the darkness of the world." Alpha stated. Her tone was now softer than before.
There is no need to be harsh anymore. Her worries were for naught. The golden child in front of her is a comrade.
An ally against the dark.
Athanasius agreed.
"Indeed. The darkness of the world needs to be extinguished. I can't do it alone. And I know….that soul brother can't do it alone too." Athanasius stated to the elf. His tone is laced with concern.
Alpha simply listened. She has to know what Athanasius meant by that.
"Soul Brother…..he carries the burden of the world by himself. He felt alone in the dark. He may not complain, but the burden is gradually wearing him out. That's why….I chose to lift the burden with him." Athanasius stated with determination.
Alpha, once again, was stunned. 'Her Savior is burdened and weary?' She thought with concern.
"That's why I will ask of you, fellow comrade of the Light, will you help him carry his burdens?" Athanasius, for the first time, asked with absolute seriousness.
Tone that can cut the hardest of steel.
Alpha looked down for a moment. Then she raised her eyes to look at him.
A stare of promise.
"Wherever Shadow-sama goes, I will go. Whether in glory or in suffering, I will stand by his side. It's the least I can do after he gave me another chance to live." Alpha stated—nay—promised.
Gratitude and Loyalty.
Then Athanasius smiled.
His eyes were filled with warmth and sincerity. As he extended his hand, his fingers gracefully unfolded, revealing strength and assurance. The subtle curve of his lips hinted at a genuine smile, inviting connection and camaraderie. His hand, firm and steady, conveyed a sense of trust and respect.
"I will work in the Light, where everyone can see. You will work in the dark to purge evil. I will take all the persecutions and deprivations. You will have my back and I will have yours. The battle between the seen and the unseen, we are united."
Then, the golden-haired elf made a motion with her hand. He took the extended, unfolded hand of the giant child and shook it.
"To hunt in the shadows." She stated with absolute certainty.
Athanasius nodded.
"To serve in the radiance of the light." He replied.
A pact of camaraderie.
Inside the humble room, as the sun blazed with all its glory, a promise of unity was made.
A deal that will last for eternity. Even beyond the cosmos.
=I=
Seven Years After the Landfall. M30
Sunspear
As the morning sun of the Sixth Solar Day (Saturday) bathed the village in a golden hue, a solitary figure wandered through the bustling streets. The face of the figure is youthful and strikingly handsome, matched only by his crimson-red hair dancing in the wind at every movement.
A figure of brotherly authority.
With each step, the young man absorbed the sights and sounds that permeated the air. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, for he had witnessed this village in its darkest days. It was a place once plagued by destitution, where despair had woven its threads into the very fabric of existence.
Now, however, the village stood as a testament to resilience and determination. Dilapidated huts had given way to sturdy structures, and the streets were adorned with vibrant colors and bustling market stalls. The once forlorn faces of the villagers were replaced with radiant smiles, and a palpable sense of contentment emanated from every corner.
As he meandered along, the man couldn't help but be captivated by a procession of young people, their golden tunics gleaming like beacons of hope. Their fervor and energy were infectious, and he marveled at their commitment to the village's growth. With black trousers that accentuated their unity, they moved with purpose, leaving a trail of progress in their wake.
Sunbeams. The most basic unit of the Solar Guard.
But what is most distinct about their appearance is the piece of clothing that is wrapped around their left arm. A stark black armband that has a gold cross—the Sun Cross—in the middle of it. And in the Golden Sun Cross, the horizontal bar has a sword on each end. Symbolizing Brotherhood and steel.
Golden Tunic. Black Trousers. Bladed Sun Cross Armband.
From a distance, the young man observed their dedicated efforts in construction. Each swing of a hammer, each sweep of a brush, carried a sense of determination and pride. They were the torchbearers of change, embodying the dreams and aspirations of a community on the rise.
A Brotherhood of builders and fighters.
Their laughter and camaraderie filled the air, a joyous symphony that accompanied the steady rhythm of progress. Their youthful spirits merged seamlessly with the wisdom of their forefathers, as if the torch of transformation had been passed down through the ages. It was a living testament to the village's ability to rise above its past, forging a future rooted in collective dreams and shared resilience.
To keep smiling despite the hardship. To embody the Solar Principle through expression and action.
The man paused to take in the scene, his heart swelling with a mix of nostalgia and gratification. The village had become a living tapestry of transformation, a testament to the indomitable human spirit. He had borne witness to the hardships endured by this community, and now he reveled in the fruits of their unwavering determination.
With a renewed sense of hope, the young man continued his wanderings, his steps lighter and his spirit buoyant. He carried the stories of the village within him, an eternal reminder of the power of perseverance. And as he ventured forth, he knew that this village's tale of development would inspire others, igniting sparks of change in the farthest reaches of the world.
For in the wandering of a single man's footsteps, a symphony of progress echoed through the village, resonating with the dreams of a brighter tomorrow. And as the man merged with the tapestry of life once more, he knew that the spirit of transformation would forever endure, carried forward by those who dared to dream and wander.
The Great Awakening is now happening.
The crimson-haired young man kept walking, with purpose and destination in mind. He too wears the same gold tunic, black trousers, and the bladed sun cross armband. As his footsteps echo under the coarse road, he heard someone called out to him.
"Brother Lucanus!"
The crimson-haired young man, Lucanus, looked at the source of the voice. His eyes landed on a brunette young man with a youthful face, the same age as him. Then, Lucanus smiled.
"Brother Baltazar! It's Beam Marshal Lucanus for you." Lucanus stated rather humorously.
"Hah! In the brotherhood, you are my brother all the same. Besides, I'm your best friend, can't I have any leeway?" The brunette boy, Baltazar, asked jokingly.
"…I'm still the leader of our Sunbeam." Lucanus stated with a smile on his face.
"Heh! Yes, yes, Beam Marshal!" Baltazar replied with both respect and a smile on his face.
"Anyway, did the rest of the Sunbeam get the order?" Lucanus asked for confirmation.
"Affirmative. I told them that we are going to hold a meeting this morning. The other Sunbeams of Sunspear are going to hold a meeting too, after helping in the daily labors of developing the village." A serious tone took over the voice of Baltazar.
Lucanus nodded.
"Letters from the First Brother said some ominous news." Lucanus stated in a grim tone.
Baltazar looked shocked. "Letters from the First Brother himself?...It seems like there is a situation."
The two young men kept walking.
Then the handsome, crimson-haired young man narrowed his eyes.
"We will talk about this at our headquarters with the rest of our Sunbeam."
Then both young men increased their pace.
=I=
The small headquarters stands in the midst of the village, its exterior blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings and other houses. Its humble façade, constructed from weathered timber and stone, bears the marks of resilience and resourcefulness. The structure, though modest in size, exudes a sense of purpose and stability.
The two young men approached the structure.
Approaching the entrance, one finds a sturdy wooden door adorned with intricate carvings that depict symbols of protection and strength. A small window on either side allows glimpses of the warm light emanating from within, inviting those who seek refuge or purpose to step inside.
Then the crimson-haired young man knocked five times.
Next, he whispered at the door, "For the night is dark and full of terrors."
After he said the words, the door echoed out another three knocks made by the fist of a person inside.
The creaking of the door was heard.
As the door opens, the interior reveals a carefully organized space that maximizes functionality within its limited footprint. The air is filled with a gentle warmth and the scent of aged wood, creating a comforting ambiance.
"Good morning, Beam Marshal!" The young man beside the door spoke with discipline in his voice as he raised his left hand.
The Solar Salute.
Lucanus nodded and saluted his fellow brother.
The crimson-haired Beam Marshal examined the status of the Sunbeam headquarters.
To the right, a row of simple wooden hooks houses coats and outdoor gear, a practical reminder of the dynamic nature of the headquarters' occupants. Opposite the entrance, a small storage area holds essential supplies and equipment neatly organized on sturdy shelves, ensuring easy access when needed.
The three of them moved to the main table at the end of the headquarters, the site of the meeting.
A large, solid wooden table takes center stage, its surface bearing the marks of countless discussions and collaborative endeavors. Here, plans are laid, ideas are exchanged, and decisions are made. The table stands as a testament to the unity and purpose that defines this space.
Around the table, thirteen chairs await the individuals who gather for meetings and consultations. Each chair represents a unique perspective, ready to contribute to the collective wisdom that thrives within these walls. The chairs are worn but sturdy, embodying the resilience of those who occupy them.
Young Legionaries. Sunbeam brothers.
Adorning the walls, a tapestry of inspiration unfolds. Hand-drawn maps, intricate diagrams, and charts depicting progress and goals provide visual reminders of the vision that drives the headquarters' occupants. Additionally, shelves lined with books and scrolls, bearing knowledge and wisdom, serve as silent mentors and sources of inspiration.
A small fireplace nestled in the corner emanates a comforting glow, its crackling flames casting flickering shadows that dance upon the walls. It provides both warmth and solace, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared purpose.
In this small but vibrant headquarters, the air is alive with a sense of possibility and determination. The space serves as a sanctuary for minds to unite, ideas to flourish, and plans to take shape. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who seek refuge within its walls, a place where dreams are nurtured, and resilience takes root.
But the most distinctive feature of the site of the meeting is the huge dark flag fastened just behind the table. The dark flag bears the symbol of the bladed sun cross.
Legionaries of the Divine Tradition.
On the contrary, out of all the artifacts and items present in the headquarters, the flag is the most sacred of them all. A Sunbeam meeting won't start unless the Flag of the Legion is present.
Every piece of clothing, weapon, and even book in the headquarters may be lost, but NEVER the Bladed Sun Cross flag. To lose or not have that flag present in a sunbeam meeting is the equivalent of heresy.
Dishonor and disrespect to the Divine Tradition.
As the three men got to the wooden table, Lucanus proudly smiled.
After all, the members of the Sunbeam are punctual and present when instructed at the exact time of the meeting.
The three men stood before their respective seats, with Lucanus in the very middle.
Then the rest of the ten individuals stood in attention. Their makeshift uniform was crisp in discipline, and their armbands were neat in unity.
Then, as they stood in attention, all of them raised their left hand to the familiar Solar Salute.
All of them roared, ""Hail the Legion and the First Brother!""
Then after that, they recited the familiar Creed of the Divine.
In unity of voice, they spoke.
"I believe in the Divine Tradition, the embodiment of the ideals, values, and traditions of our forefathers. I believe in the Solar Principle, the unyielding and unchanging nature of the divine. I believe in the Golden Lights, the symbol of the radiance and purity of the divine. I believe in the All-Powerful Man, the gestalt made flesh and the ultimate authority in matters of faith and warfare. I believe in the Militaristic Ethos, the rigorous cultivation of strength, courage, and honor. I pledge my allegiance to the Divine Tradition and to the All-Powerful Man, and I vow to fight with all my strength and valor in defense of our sacred ideals."
Then, the roll call began.
Lucanus spoke with an authoritative tone.
"Zephyr!"
"PRESENT!" The familiar young man named Zephyr responded. He is the one who received the Beam Marshal and his assistant at the door.
"Kaelar!"
"PRESENT!"
"Corvin!"
"PRESENT!"
"Jareth!"
"PRESENT!"
"Eldric!"
"PRESENT!"
"Netherius!"
"PRESENT!"
The roll call continued until the last man, the twelfth man, was called by Lucanus.
"Baltazar!"
"PRESENT!" The brunette responded with a disciplined tone and constitution.
Then, Lucanus nodded. The whole Sunbeam sat down at the table in unity.
"We will begin this meeting by first reporting on what our Sunbeam did this week."
Lucanus stared at Baltazar.
"Our Sunbeam did what the First Brother asked of us. Since there is no fighting, we helped in the construction of the Sunspear. Our Sunbeam helped in constructing the house of Old Marwick since it was broken down by the storm. We helped carry the materials for the other workers for the construction of the roads! We also helped dig ditches on this week's Third solar day! We also used our funds, with your permission, Beam Marshal, to help the young children and the local orphanage!" Baltazar stated proudly.
Then Lucanus looked at Zephyr.
Zephyr began his statement.
"Beam Marshal! We did our duty! Our Sunbeam is not lacking in training, especially in military endeavors. Though we are young, we already succeeded in successfully comprehending the first two tenets of the Solar Heart Doctrine that were written by the First Brother!"
Lucanus nodded with approval.
But before he could continue, Corvin stood up and said something.
"Comrades, I have something to say. I have failed to do my duty of helping with the construction of the Arcturus Road during the Second solar day of this week. I failed to do my duty, whereas you offered your strength and sweat to work that day. I will accept whatever punishment the Beam Marshal deems it to be." The young man, Corvin, stated with a disciplined and apologetic tone.
He is bowing his head in front of the Sunbeam.
A Legionary should never lie. A Legionary should always tell all his successes and failures to his brothers.
Lucanus made an imperceptible face.
"Raise your head, Brother Corvin. You have indeed failed." Lucanus stated with a serious tone.
Corvin raised his head, acceptance in his eyes.
"For this, I will order you to help the Sunbeam of Brother Caelan. They are currently constructing the local hospital for the sick and invalids of Sunspear. His Sunbeam is currently coordinating with other Legionary brothers to make the construction possible. I assign you to his group."
"Many thanks, Beam Marshal!" Corvin stated with stoicism and gratitude.
Actions forgive the sins of failure.
Corvin sat down with discipline as the meeting continued.
"Now, Brother Netherius, what's the situation with our funds?" Lucanus asked.
"The funds are going well, Beam Marshal. Through our labors and local businesses…."
The meeting continued until every Sunbeam member reported.
Then, after the weekly routine of reporting, Lucanus said something to the group.
"A message from the First Brother came." The crimson-haired youth spoke with a grim and serious tone.
His Sunbeam suddenly straightened their postures. Their eyes were filled with curiosity and seriousness.
After all, First Brother is the foundation of the whole Legion. His orders are absolute.
"The message only said a warning; the Ruinous enemies of the Divine Tradition began their move close to our Legionary strongholds." Lucanus stated with a grim tone.
A somber feeling permeated throughout the room.
"The stronghold of Ashborne, just a few miles from the southeast, spotted some malicious agents patrolling the borders. Checking the gates and the security. The Sunbeams in that area are on high alert for these sightings."
The Sunbeam gave a look of concern. The village of Ashborne is one of the strongholds that they personally participated in fortifying just two years ago, along with First Brother.
"In lieu of this, the First Brother ordered the "Ironheart" policy."
Now the whole Sunbeam has the expression of surprise present in their name.
"…Ironheart? The musterings of the Sunbeams in a solid cohesive force?" Baltazar asked in surprise.
"Indeed, the First Brother ordered the "Ironheart" on the Sunbeams of Ashborne, Luminara, Sunspear, Maremonte, and Valdoro." Lucanus concluded with a grim voice.
"That large of a force!? Does the enemy have an army!?" Zephyr asked incredulously.
"There is no certainty yet, but if what the scouts of the First Brother said is true, then the force of the enemy is numbering in hundreds." Lucanus stated with a grim tone.
The youth of the sunbeam were nervous.
A prelude to war.
"But the First Brother said that the sunbeams that he needs are not the young ones. He wanted the adult sunbeams. Capable legionaries. The young sunbeams not of age will serve in the logistics and medical team." Lucanus assured his members.
The sunbeam nodded with relief and disappointment.
After all, they wanted to fight with the First Brother side-by-side.
"But shouldn't we call on the help of the Dark Knights?" Baltazar asked for an inquiry.
"The Dark Knights won't bat an eye on us. They already see us as fanatics and deluded zealots. Do you think they are going to believe that a small offensive force is coming to attack the countryside?" Lucanus spoke with mirth in his voice.
The Sunbeam again nodded in grudging understanding. Both the nobles and the Dark Knights see them as nuisances. Backwater believers and botherers. In fact, the nobles only tolerated them because they didn't cause any Chaos and helped build forgotten and ignored villages.
"…But what is their goal in attacking? Surely they are not fools? They have some sort of motive, right?" Legionary Zephyr asked.
"Indeed. We do not know their prime motive. But if we hypothesize, it would probably be…..a step to resurrect an agent of the Primordial Annihilator." Lucanus stated with a grim and sinister tone.
Then the Sunbeam exploded in surprise.
"The agent of the Great Enemy!?" Now, if Baltazar wasn't surprised, he is now.
"Those degenerate heretics!" Legionary Netherius was now angry. After all, it's indeed a direct blasphemy against the Divine Tradition.
"That's why we need to prepare. Enact immediately the necessary steps for our sunbeam to be ready for the Ironheart policy." Lucanus commanded with an authoritative tone.
The Sunbeam nodded.
A fight against the Great Enemy.
And so, the town of Sunspear prepared.
=I=
In the heart of the tranquil countryside, where nature's embrace should offer solace and peace, darkness unfurls its malevolent wings.
A figure as sinister as the night itself, emerges from the shadows, his countenance bearing the weight of arrogance and malice. A formidable presence, he commands the loyalty of mercenaries drawn to the allure of power and forbidden knowledge.
Cloaked in a robe as black as the void, the man exudes an air of unyielding authority. His hair, as dark as the depths of the night, howled against the wind. His eyes, like twin orbs of smoldering obsidian, penetrate the souls of those unfortunate enough to meet his gaze. Behind that penetrating stare lies a cold, calculating intellect, honed through years of studying the arcane arts in the forbidden tomes of the Cult.
Wielder of the Ruinous Light.
With a voice as smooth and venomous as a serpent's hiss, he whispers blasphemous promises to his followers, weaving a web of deceit and manipulation. His words, laced with silvered persuasion, sow the seeds of betrayal, turning loyalty into a mere illusion. He uses his charismatic charm to manipulate the minds of his followers, bending them to his twisted will.
Indeed, the man hired those with wicked hearts. Greedy and strong. Evil and capable.
Mercenaries. Ruthless Brigands. Slaves of silver and gold. Defilers of the Divine.
The name of the man is Nathaniel Balotelli.
An agent of the dark.
Nathaniel's ambition knows no bounds, his insatiable hunger for power consuming him from within. He revels in the suffering he orchestrates, delighting in the torment of innocents whose lives he tears asunder. To him, the world is a canvas, painted with the stains of his wicked desires, and he wields his influence with an unyielding resolve.
As he prepares to unleash his unholy assault upon the unsuspecting village of Ashborne, Nathaniel Balotelli stands at the precipice of his darkest triumph. His eyes gleam with a perverse delight, fueled by the anticipation of chaos and the shattered remnants of hope. In the realm of the grim and dark, he is the embodiment of malevolence, a force that threatens to tip the delicate balance between light and eternal darkness.
"…If those stuck-ups from the Rounds don't want to take me, then maybe they will after this." Nathaniel said with a malicious smile present on his sinister face.
"A sumptuous sacrifice…..to honor the Blood of Diabolos!"
A feast of suffering and despair. Fueling the Primordial powers from beyond.
And so, Nathaniel Balotelli prepared.
"….No no no no….It's not yet the time." Nathaniel said with a perverse tone.
"The reckoning will come days later, kekekekekeke!"
A feast for crows and food for the empyrean.
The dark-haired man ordered his mercenaries to rest. After all, in the following days, they will feast.
The darkness of the night shaded the light of the humble village.
=I=
And so, the Cult made its move.
I will post later the Solar Guard structure. Though it's just a prelude information.