Chapter 37, Goddess of Light
Lethaea stood in place…
Blood pouring out from her stomach.
She dropped to her knees next to the fallen Kaguya and Sigrun.
"Fuck.." the hunter chuckled and spit out blood.
She looked up at the one responsible for this.
His skill with the sword..
His power..
"Didn't think Sivert would create a monster like you.." she whispered before dropping dead onto the floor.
Her ghost was cleaved in half as soon as it appeared..
The bodies were enveloped in Light and they vanished.
The large knight turned around and walked back towards his Throne, he sat down and awaited more worthy challenger's. It was a sword, meant to cut through the Light.
And it did it's job perfectly.
"It's… big."
Nimerah mumbled quietly. She and the other Guardians looked up at the large Imperial Land Tank the Cabal deployed.
Light Evectus they called it.
It was a Large Land Tank meant only for Sivert to command but he recently allowed the Cabal to use it since it was already on one of their carrier's.
A mobile Command Center for the Vanguard, the Cabal would allow Nimerah to use since they have another one already deployed on another front of the Island.
Led by their Valus.
Nimerah was so glad to have Cabal on their side..
This thing will help traverse the island with ease!
Not only that, it was heavily armored and possessed powerful weaponry.
"Now that it's delivered. I'm going to go assist other front's on the island. Let me know if you need support. I will do what I can." The Hunter Kryze told the elf.
"Thank you once again and I will. Good luck."
The two shook hands and Kryze took off into the air with her fireteam following behind.
"God that armor is cool." Nimerah quietly admitted.
Even though she can already fly, the armor just looks cool!
Without waiting any longer, Nimerah transmitted into the Land Tank's bridge. Finding two Psion's piloting it.
The bridge was large and also had a round war table in the center of it that projected the island and the multiple front's on it.
Standing by the war table was the Titan Rance and the Warlock Lyra.
"Commander. We're ready to advance. Red Legion forces have already left before us. Wanting to take all the glory for themselves." Rance reported as he shook his head.
"Indeed, let them. They will weaken the Island's forces for us. How are you doing by the way? You took one hell of a hit yesterday."
Rance chuckled lightly, "Yeah.. I got hit pretty hard but I lived. Left a nasty mark on my armor."
"Good."
Nimerah needed him and his fireteam. While reckless, they were useful.
"Let us proceed then."
Nimerah gave the command and the two Psion's piloting it activated the Tank. It begun moving..
Slowly but it covered a lot of ground with its size.
"I thought you said the Red Legion left before us." Lyra asked Rance while pointing out the bridge window.
There was a large battalion of Red Legion in front of the Tank. Led by a large Colossus. This battalion also had 4 Goliath Tanks accompanying it.
"This is the last battalion to leave that's why. Those carrier's hold a lot of cabal. These guys were just late to the party."
"Hm.."
Made sense.
"Now, Aurora has told me the island's forces are spread thin because of the Cabal. She also said three Ketch's arrived yesterday, their flanking the Hive fleet as we speak. Two however are establishing a base for the Eliksni warrior's."
Nimerah pointed at the other side of the island on the war table.
"While we don't have contact with them yet. Aurora believes they will be launching an attack on the scarlet Fortress surrounding the Pyramid."
"Twi ketch's? I don't think they will have enough troops." Lyra commented.
"No they do not but with the Island's forces spread so thin. The forces defending the Fortress are left without reinforcements. Currently, the Eliksni are attacking this section of the Fortress, defended primarily by Scorn."
Nimerah pointed at the section.
"We and the Red Legion will be attacking this section of the Fortress. Heavily defended by Hive and Taken. We take this out, we have a clear path towards the Pyramid."
All they needed to do was kill Surtr then Victory was theirs. The Forces on the island would lose their leader and they will crumble.
"We still need to be cautious though, there are Arch Demon's on this island. Not all of us can fight one.. So we need to be ready, as for how many Arch Demon's there are.. I'm not sure."
There could be hundred's for all Nimerah knows and if there was…
Then this war was lost, there was no winning.
"I suspect their being spread out though. To command the defenses on the multiple front's."
That was the most logical reason in Nimerah's eyes on why they haven't seen an Arch demon since two days ago.
So they're number's might not be super high like she fears.
Again.. it's still best to be cautious.
An Arch Demon was no joke..
"What about the Hive fleet?" Rance asked curiously.
"The Cabal are still engaging. According to Aurora, the Hive fleet remains but their weapons have been disabled thanks to Guardian teams infiltrating them. Their just heavily shielded by the Dreadnaught. The Dreadnaught has a magical barrier around it that protects the smaller dreadnaught's.. Cabal weaponry is unable to penetrate the barrier. So their relying on infiltration teams." Nimerah went on.
"Lethaea hasn't reported on her progress according to Aurora. And she can't get in contact with her or Sigrun and Kaguya."
Lyra crossed her arms and focused her gaze on the dreadnaught.
"Not only that, Hive forces on the Dreadnaught are slowly pushing back infiltration teams. If they get pushed off that Dreadnaught. Then the Hive will start sending reinforcements to all the front's and once they dealt with them. They'll surround us and kill us…"
Securing that Dreadnaught was a priority.
"I see.. then allow me to go. If all your doing is moving on the Fortress then you should be fine without me. I'll kill the Hive Commander on the ship and come back down once I finish." Lyra asked.
There was determination in her voice.
"Very well.. I'll allow you to go since the Titans Blair and Veylance arrived yesterday from the air."
They'll be a greater help in destroying the Fortress then Lyra would thanks to their unique skills.
"Alright. I'll leave immediately."
Lyra put on her hood of exile helmet and transmitted out.
"Now.."
Nimerah turned around and took a step forward, looking out through the bridge window.
"Let's see how the Red Legion progressed.."
There was thousands of Cabal that left before them. So Nimerah was expecting some good results on their early assault.
Her silver eyes were fixated on the dreadnaught she flew towards. The grip on the stick that allowed her to pilot the ship was tight..
Lethaea was strong..
A Saint, so there was no way she would've been killed when infiltrating that Dreadnaught.
Not even an Arch Demon could defeat her..
But..
Despite the logic Lyra kept going over.
She was having doubts.
Was Lethaea really defeated?
She took a deep breath to relax herself.
Lyra's Hawk approached the foothold the Vanguard and Cabal had on the Dreadnaught.
A large Hive like Hangar that Tombship's docked in. She put on her helmet and transmitted out of the Hawk.
Arriving on a nearby platform.
"Woah!"
She was immediately shot at and evaded the void projectile just in time before it hit her.
Lyra turned towards her attacker..
Or.. attacker's.
And she wasn't the only one.
"Hold the Line!"
The foothold was being heavily assaulted by the Hive. Cabal and Guardians fought alongside each other in a desperate attempt to push the Hive back.
But there was just an endless amount of them.
Nimerah did say the infiltration teams were being pushed back but this was worse then what Lyra imagined!
Nemo transmitted her Night watch scout rifle into her hands and Lyra immediately entered the fray.
Jumping in between two Titans who were unloading their machine guns on incoming Thrall's.
They were to focused on killing Hive to even notice her but Lyra didn't care. She called forth her Solar Light.
Powerful flames enveloped her body and two flaming wings sprouted from her back.
The warlock leaped high into the air and summoned a Dawnblade in her right hand.
She begun lobbing powerful solar projectiles at the hordes of Hive. Pushing them back slowly.
"Push forward!
A Cabal Centurion ordered, his Legionaries and Phalanx's quickly obeyed.
The few Guardians also joined in, following Lyra as she led the charge.
But it wasn't enough to push them back instantly..
With their overwhelming number's.. they could just keep coming until Lyra and the other's became exhausted an-
"Their retreating!"
"Huh?"
Lyra was left in utter confusion at what she just heard, she would've called her fellow Guardians delusional if she didn't actually see it..
It was true, the Hive retreated at the call of a large Wizard leading them from the back.
Why did it issue the retreat when they could fight forever?!
Lyra put that thought aside and lobbed a solar projectile towards the large Wizard.
She casually swiped her left arm, nullifying the solar projectile with ease before turning around and retreating with her forces.
Lyra landed on the ground and her solar light diminished.
"That wizard's powerful.."
The solar projectile might've not killed her instantly but it should've hurt her.
The wizard also had little armor like other wizard's. Possessing mostly robes, she had a helmet with two large horns adorned on it and three eye socket's for her three green eyes.
She was also larger than most Wizard's.
With the Hive retreating back into the Dreadnaught, the foothold was secured. The Cabal made sure to increase the defenses though, with several drop pods landing in the hangar to provide reinforcements.
"You."
Lyra pointed at a Titan conversing with his fireteam, he turned around.
"Your name's Bison right? One of Blair's friends."
"That's right."
He confirmed with a slightly exhausted tone. He's been fighting for hour's..
"What happened?" Lyra asked.
Bison looked towards the large hallway that led into the Dreadnaught and was connected to several other hallways.
"Were not sure. Everything was going well yesterday and Victory was in sight, we just waited until Lethaea reported her victory against the Hive's Commander on this ship. But she didn't report and suddenly the Hive grew stronger, more organized, pushing us back."
Bison held out his left hand, summoning his ghost who projected a holographic image of the Dreadnaught.
"We had half the Dreadnaught secured and within a day we were pushed back right where we came from. Kryze left not long ago but soon after we were attacked. We would've lost this foothold if you didn't show up."
Lyra crossed her arms, "Were you able to get in contact with Lethaea's ghost? Or Kryze?"
"No." Bison's ghost answered and added on. "Communications in this Dreadnaught are being blocked. Once you enter, you lose contact with everyone outside."
"This Dreadnaught? It wasn't like this in the other Dreadnaught's?"
"No."
Lyra was in a deep ponder now, it makes sense. This is the Hive's command ship and they'll do whatever they can to handicap the Cabal and Guardians to keep their advantage.
"Hold here then. Send out small infiltration teams to cover my flank."
"You're going?"
"Yes.."
Lyra quickly answered, she turned towards the dark ominous hallway that led deeper into the dreadnaught and departed towards it.
The other's watched her slowly disappear into the Darkness…
The fireballs soared through the sky, singing with death and destruction. They dove down.
Striking the sentinel shields of many Titans.
A thousand Titans pushed forward, with Cabal and Guardians behind them.
Together they led a vicious charge against the scarlet Fortress. Intending to take down the gates and walls so they can push forward and towards the Pyramid.
This section of the Fortress was heavily defended, thousands of Hive and Taken accompanied by several Greater Demons rained hell on their attacker's.
Of course they also didn't just stay on the high Fortress walls or tower's.
Hordes of Thralls and Knight's charged the attacker's.
"Ready your shields!"
The lead Titan Blair shouted.
The push halted and they waited for the incoming wave to crash against their shields.
Hive shields crashed against the void light shields.
Slowly pushing the large void shield wall the Titan's created back.
But that lasted so little.
The battlefield went quiet for a second..
"Push!"
Blair ordered.
Together, in unison. The titans pushed back their attacker's. Knight's fell back on thralls, causing chaos and confusion.
The knight's and their shields were down but they needed to be quick.
Hundreds of Cabal Incendior's stepped up behind the Titan wall. They unleashed their vicious and powerful flames on the Hive.
Scorching them all with flames that spread quickly among the horde. The Hive horde immediately retreated back to the Fortress.
Blair and the Titan's continued pushing forward. Protecting their allies behind them as they followed.
The shield wall of Light was large, towering at 20 meter's tall.
The only danger's that got over this wall were magic attack's fired by the Greater Demon's.
But those were quickly taken out by warlock's, who used the counter element's to the element of the magic that was fired.
A planned attack and defense.
"Finally in range.." Blair whispered.
They kept advancing on the Fortress but more slowly. Taking a step every minute.
Blair fixed a glance behind him and gave a small nod in confirmation to the large red legion Colossus standing on a large hill created by the large crater's caused by the Nuclear magic Nimerah and the Demon's fired.
This was Val Dume. One of Sivert's best warrior's and commander's.
He wore powerful white and gold armor and carried a large slug launcher.
Receiving the signal, Dume raised his right hand and brought it down halfway. Pointing forward.
A row of 60 Goliath Tanks pushed up and close to the Titan's. Switching with the hundreds of Incendior's behind them.
They took aim and soon fired on the Fortress.
Guardians and Cabal joined in, shooting nonstop at the Fortress with some Hunter's throwing their Arc Staff's or Warlock's lobbing their Nova Bombs.
All of it struck the Fortress walls and tower's.
Easily shattering the barrier's the Greater Demon's put up and causing hell on the Fortress.
They kept firing, wanting to weaken the defenses on the Fortress before pushing up to attack.
"You guys are doing well. Good work Blair."
Nimerah said over the comms.
Blair fixed another glance to his rear, spotting the large Cabal Imperial Land Tank slowly approaching from behind the Cabal army.
It soon joined in, utilizing its heavy weaponry such as heavy slug launcher turrets and missile turrets.
It was hell for the defender's.
The Fortress's tower's crumbled and fell on the Fortress's walls, causing even more hell for the Hive and Taken.
The Greater Demon's took to the skies leaving their fellow defender's to fly over the Sentinel wall.
They prepared their powerful magic.
"Urk!"
"AGHH!"
They were immediately met with missiles and magic fired at them. Their bodies exploded into waves of resonance energy as they perished.
A failed counterattack.
With minutes of hell rained down on the Fortress, it begun to fall. The walls crumbled and the gate's fell.
The Titan's increased their speed, pushing faster.
They approached the destroyed Fortress, the shield wall soon diminished and the Titan's begun slaughtering the surviving Hive and Taken.
Within minutes Vanguard and Cabal started marching over the destroyed Fortress.
This attack lasted hour's, with Blair and the Titan's slowly gaining ground. But they did it.
Victory was in sight..
They just had to go deeper into the island and towards the Pyramid ship.
During their march, Nimerah started sending out Hunter's to scout the area's.
The Terrain, the Defenses..
All of it.
She wanted to know everything so they could be prepared. There was definitely more defenses around the Pyramid.
However…
None of them returned.
Days after Nimerah sent them out, not a single hunter returned. Nor their Ghost's..
And of course, there was more bad news as time went on.
The resistance grew stronger, The Hive and Taken regrouped and are meeting their attackers head on..
"A hundred Hunter's.. not a single one came back."
Nimerah slammed her left fist on the war table. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Calming herself..
"You should rest.."
Her pupil recommended, placing her left hand on her shoulder.
"No."
Nimerah brushed it off and opened her eyes.
"I'm fighting a war Aurora.." she told the warlock.
Aurora sighed and looked down at the war table. It showed the several front's and status's of them.
"Their Commander.. whoever it is.. their clever… they keep predicting my movements… they keep… they keep pushing us back!" she shouted in the quiet bridge.
Nimerah was playing a game..
Like a game of chess..
Every move she made, her opponent countered.
Scouts were dead..
Strike Teams were eliminated.
"It's like they know how we fight and operate…" the warlock whispered. She crossed her arms and started biting her right thumb..
"How's… How's it looking in the sky?" she asked her second in command.
Aurora shook her head, "We've sent so many infiltration teams into the Dreadnaught. They keep getting eliminated and Lyra hasn't reported back.. we have control over the skies but we can't push with you.. There's air defenses all over the Pyramid and not a single Guardian can get close enough to take them out."
Of course there was..
Nimerah bit harder, drawing blood.
Suddenly the war table started beeping..
Holographic figures of footholds established around the island by the cabal started to disappear.
"What…?"
Nimerah's eyes widened.
The Cabal forces around the island.. they were being eliminated!
Distress signals were pouring into Cabal Communications, there was so many..
"Their Commander has decided to finally use their most powerful.." Nimerah quietly pointed out.
She stopped biting her thumb and turned around. Sitting down on the war table.
"I'll return to the fleet and let you know what else happens." Aurora said.
Nimerah did not respond..
So the warlock just sighed and left.
Nimerah closed her eyes once more.
This war…
It was a test..
Nothing more..
Everyone was getting tested, even their enemies.
Nimerah was getting tested to see if she truly was worthy of being Commander.
To do so..
She needed to push past her limits.
To be better than the Commander's the Vanguard had in the past. Nimerah in no way looked down on them.
She respected them..
But these times were different then the Last City and..
That was her mistake.
Her eyes widened in realization.
"This.. isn't the Last City.. this isn't us needing to defend. This is us needing to grow stronger."
All of this was built by Sivert who's seen that..
He knew the Guardians needed to get stronger if they truly wanted to live in the Cardinal World.
He knew they needed to become something more than Guardian's..
To become Greater than they ever been..
Nimerah's soft pink lips formed into a small smile.
"That bastard.."
He was thinking ahead of her…
She turned back around to look at the war table.
Nimerah's beautiful blue eyes focused on her front.
They were deeper in the island than any other and her front was the largest.
"Very well… time to think outside the box.."
She was going to make a dangerous gamble..
One that will make her look like she's gone mad but if it works. They can reach the Pyramid Ship.
She raised her two shock blades, blocking the Flame censer swung at her.
"Nrgh!"
Heavy!
Really heavy!
But she stood her ground, pushing the Flame censer away and swinging both her blades.
The large Scorn Baron evaded with ease and swiftly got behind her, swinging it's two left claws and striking her back.
Eramis crashed against the wall in front of her.
Growling in anger..
These Scorn…
They were fast, coordinated.
They were trained!
Fighting better than most Eliksni warriors Eramis has seen.
She quickly ducked, saving her head from being crushed by the flame censer of the baron.
Eramis turned around, swinging both her blades with all her strength and landing a lethal blow to the Scorn's abdomen.
It roared and backed up from her.
Eramis stood up, watching in anger as the wound she landed on the Baron healed with ease…
It laughed at her and spun it's flame censer.
The old Kell of Darkness utilized her Stasis and froze the Baron in its tracks. Only for it to break out like the many other times she froze it!
"Hah!"
The Baron crashed face first onto the ground as a larger Eliksni landed on it.
"Syrsieks.."
Eramis was glad to see her Archon here.
The large Archon placed two large shock grenades on the Baron's back before backing away from it and getting at a safe distance.
The Baron stood up, desperately trying to the get shock grenades off but they exploded anyways.
Completely destroying its entire body at once..
Eramis shook her head in annoyance.
"They're stronger.."
"And faster." Syrsieks added on. "But we still took this Fortress."
Eramis let out a pleased sigh.
She looked up and watched as their beloved Ketch advanced. Hovering over the captured Fortress..
"Intel indicates that the forces on this island are spread thin. We will establish a base here before advancing." Eramis have a nod of approval..
This particular Fortress was in a canyon and the House of Wolves spent hours fighting to capture it..
It's best to keep it due to high ground advantage it gives them.
The knight let out a roar of pain before his body crumbled to dust.
Lyra dropped to her knees.
Panting heavily..
"How long… Nemo?"
"Four days…" the ghost nervously answered.
Lyra's armor was a mess and she was extremely exhausted, but she was not going to retreat.
She was deep in the Dreadnaught and Hive came at her in every direction at random moments.
They were wearing her down as best as they could before she confronted the commander.
Lyra's breathing begun to calm down..
She had a massive headache that stung like hell. Lyra placed her left hand on the ground, creating a healing rift for herself.
She sat all the way down on the floor, letting the healing rift do its work. The pain her headache gave diminished but didn't fully go away.
Her mind was exhausted just like her body..
"Damn Sivert…"
Lyra looked up at the dark hive ceiling, she knows Sivert is watching her.
"You better cuddle with me for a whole day after this, because I'm definitely going to be resting in bed for a whole day."
The warlock said and chuckled softly..
"If that's what you want. Then I will."
She heard his voice, Lyra turned her head slightly to the left. Standing there was Sivert, wearing a black suit.
"Should you really be talking to your tester's. Let alone standing by them?" she asked in confusion.
"I'll make an exception for you and.. I'm not really here. Just in your head."
Lyra rolled her eyes and smirked. "Then you know what I'm going to do to you after this right?"
Sivert gave a small nod along with a small smile.
Lyra was not going to let him leave bed…
"I don't mind you having your way with me." Sivert replied.
"Good."
Lyra was going to do all sorts of lewd things to him for revenge.
The healing rift soon vanished and Lyra stood up slowly. Letting out a painful grunt as she did.
She continued her journey through the Dreadnaught's dark hallways. Though strangely, Sivert followed her.
The hive she fought and killed didn't notice him, so he really was in her head.
So.. she decided to ask a question.
"Is.. Lethaea…"
"Dead? Yes. She's watching you back at the Tower. Only her as well. I don't show live feed inside the Dreadnaught for other's."
Lyra stopped walking, "So she really got killed?"
"Mhm."
The warlock couldn't believe it. Lethaea was so strong! To think she got defeated.
"Who killed her?"
"Cronos, The Commander of my Hive. The one your looking for. A Knight…"
Lyra sighed and continued walking.
"So.. I'm walking towards my death then? If Lethaea couldn't kill him.. then I definitely can't."
"I doubt that." Sivert calmly replied.
"If you're trying to boost my confidence. It won't work.. my mental state is a mess. If I use my Unique Skill anymore then I'll probably collapse out of exhaustion."
Sivert started to snicker quietly.
"What's so funny?"
Lyra angrily asked as she looked at him.
"Your just cute when your angry. That's all."
His words made her heart flutter but she didn't show those emotions.
"Damn you. Get out of here.." she cursed.
"Alright then. Good luck." Sivert turned around only for his right arm to be grabbed.
"Wait! I was just kidding. Don't go…"
Lyra begged..
Sivert looked down at her and smiled softly, he turned to fully face her.
He spread his arms and gently embraced Lyra, she closed her eyes and started to tear up.
His warmth..
She missed it.
"I'm.. scared… Sivert." Lyra admitted as she cried.
"Of losing?"
"Yes!" she shouted in response before embracing him tightly.
Sivert lifted his right hand to remove her helmet, he looked down into her silver eyes.
And she looked up into his golden eyes..
"You're a Guardian. Defeat means nothing to you. Shake it off and fight again."
Lyra looked away, "Easier said than done."
Sivert grabbed her chin, making Lyra look back at him.
"What are you fighting for?"
"To get stronger…."
"Oh but there's more. Something that means a lot to you.." Sivert pointed out.
A small blush was seen on her cheeks.
"I.. want to impress you, to make you fall for me. So then you can marry me.."
Sivert smirked and chuckled a little.
Such a childish goal but very cute.
"So Love then?"
"Yes… at least it's the main reason.."
God she was so adorable when she's like this. Sivert looked up at the ceiling for a brief moment.
Then he looked down at Lyra who looked up at him with curiosity.
"Tell you what. You defeat Cronos and then Surtr. I will marry you."
Her heart skipped a beat at those words.
Her eyes widened..
"Really?"
"Yup. I will marry you and make you my Queen."
Oh…
That.. word.
His Queen…
Oh!
HELL YEAH!
Lyra's heart raced and she started to surge with energy that seemingly came out of nowhere.
"Haha! I'm not letting you take those words back!"
She cupped his cheeks and pulled him in for a rough and passionate kiss, one Sivert gladly accepted.
Lyra quickly broke off.
"I'm going to go on a killing spree if it means becoming your Queen." She proudly declared.
"Good. I hope you do."
Sivert let go of her and Lyra ran off but stopped just down the hallway. She turned around.
"Wait for me my wolf."
She blew her fiancé a kiss before continuing her journey.
Sivert's heart fluttered at the gesture. He placed both his hands in his pockets and laughed quietly.
"Oh boy…"
The future definitely was going to be troublesome for him but.. it's time he gets himself a wife.
And there was no better candidate then Lyra.
He departed and awaited Lyra's battle.
She was like a raging storm, Arc Light danced around her as she sped down the hallways.
Slaughtering all.
"HAHAHAHA!"
Lyra laughed manically as she slaughtered Hive and Taken. The mighty Ogre's were slain.
The battle hardened Knights were cut down.
She stormed down several hallways, killing everything in sight and eventually.
She found herself at the door's that led to the Throne Room. Guarded by fierce Knights and..
That large Wizard Lyra saw earlier..
The storm continued and the warlock lunged at them.
Catching them off guard by her sudden surge of energy and power.
They were quickly slain, with the Wizard dying last to a powerful palm strike.
Lyra clenched her fist and punched the doors, destroying them.
She leapt into the throne room, built like a small arena.
Sitting on his Throne was Cronos himself.
He immediately stood up, grabbing his cleaver that rested against it.
The mighty Knight stepped down and into the center of the arena.
Lyra glared at him, a fierce and powerful glare.
"You're in my way from becoming Sivert's queen!"
She shot a powerful surge of lighting that moved quickly, striking Cronos who reacted to late.
That one strike left a dent in his armor.
He laughed as he looked down at the wound Lyra caused.
He was told she was worn down. To think she still had this much energy and power.
And that statement…
"A small weak child of the light like you will not be my master's queen."
"Huh?!"
Lyra was fuming with anger at that statement.
"My sister shall be his Queen, she will give birth to his brood."
Oh…
Now Lyra was really pissed…
She was not about to let some Hive Wizard take her spot!
"Like hell!"
The warlock lunged at Cronos, she shot out another surge of lighting towards Cronos.
He swung his blade, nullifying it.
Lyra quickly formed a dawnblade in her right hand, she dove down and clashed blades with Cronos.
"If anyone is giving birth to Sivert's children! IT'S MEE!"
Lyra looked and spoke as if she was going insane but in truth she was perfectly sane.
This is just how she always was.
Their blades clashed, sending out powerful shockwaves that shook the throne room.
Lyra was fast.. and powerful.
But Cronos was trained by Evander..
His skill with the blade was greater than Lyra's, and she quickly found that out.
Recognizing the fighting style he used..
"Ugh!"
Her dawnblade was knocked out from her hands, she jumped back, evading Cronos's blade.
Lyra unleashed a barrage of solar projectiles towards him, he swung his blade again, nullifying them.
The warlock clenched her fist and activated her unique skill.
"Agh!"
She was met with a painful sting to her mind.
Even after getting so much energy, her mind was still exhausted.
"No…"
Lyra growled in pain underneath her helmet.
"Push… past your limits." The warlock whispered.
She looked back up, her eyes immediately widening.
"Crap!-"
Lyra was struck by Cronos's cleaver, sending her crashing against a nearby pillar.
She destroyed the pillar and it collapsed on her.
The pain.. it was horrible..
Worse than anything she's ever felt..
Lyra felt like her mind was about to explode..
"Damnit….."
Lyra pushed a large rock off of her.
"Weak!"
Cronos grabbed her left leg and threw her towards another pillar. She crashed viciously against it and fell down.
"You are not worthy. My Sister shall become my King's mate and give him powerful children."
His words fueled Lyra's anger more but she couldn't do anything..
"Ugh…"
She groaned painfully underneath her helmet.
She was out..
Lyra… could not fight anymore.
The warlock was going to be like the other dead challengers in here…
Rhaegar's eyes were focused on his war table. They haven't broken off it for days, to stare at one thing for so long. It'd drive anyone else mad.
But not him. It is tiring though he will admit, but this was his job. When he's done though, he's definitely going to spend time with his beautiful wife and look at her for a whole day!
He could see Nimerah leading her forces straight towards the Pyramid.
Did she not know there was more defenses? Heavy defenses..
The Pyramid was on top of a lake of lava. With a singular bridge connecting to it.
That bridge was the only way in to the Pyramid and that bridge had thousands of Hive, Taken and Scorn on it.
Ready to defend it.
"Hm.."
Rhaegar was slightly confused but oh well..
Time to finish this.
"Finish up and move towards this location." Rhaegar ordered the Arch Demons and placed his finger on Nimerah's front..
Rhaegar wasn't sure if she noticed or not but..
Her front..
Was the only one left and that fleet will longer provide support for them.
"Push forward!"
"There's to many!"
"AGH!"
A full scale war…
The Vanguard and Cabal slowly made their way towards the bridge. They used their same tactic. A 1000 titans were at the front with their void shields.
They pushed towards the bridge.
Facing heavy resistance.
There was Hive, Taken and Scorn raining hell on them.
Not only that, monster's born from Surtr's magicules were also attacking the Vanguard and Cabal. Giant spiders and fire breathing Birds!
They were being attacked by everything on this island..
"Commander! We need to push back! Ugh!"
Blair took a step back after his shield took a heavy hit from a Scorn Walker.
"Negative! Keep pushing forward!"
Blair and the other titan's couldn't believe her words.
"But Comman-"
The Scorn walker that shot at the shield wall was suddenly destroyed a lightning strike.
Wind Magic…
"Keep pushing!" Nimerah ordered once more.
"Understood.."
Blair obeyed and his fellow titans followed him.
Nimerah stood on top of the Imperial Land Tank, firing Nova Bombs in all directions of the battlefield.
But the more Hive, Scorn and Taken she killed..
They were soon replaced with twice as more.
Their overwhelming number's lowered the morale of the Cabal and Vanguard and Nimerah could sense this.
"Listen and fight!" she shouted.
"I am Nimerah! Commander of the Vanguard! I swear upon my Light that we will take this bridge and conqueror this Pyramid! We will defeat the evil demon inside!"
She shot a powerful gaze towards the fighting Cabal.
"Cabal! You eat the mountains! You drink the seas! March on! Fight for your Dominus and bring him glory!" she encouraged with a vicious tone.
They roared in response.
"Guardians! If you fall! Get back up! Trust in your Light! Trust in your companions! We will show Sivert that he is not the only one who can become Legend! FIGHT ON!"
Nimerah shouted, aiming her staff at the bridge.
"YEAH!"
She was met with loud cheers.
The push continued and it was stronger than ever.
Nimerah unleashed more Lighting strikes on the entrenched defender's. Weakening them.
The Imperial Land tank and the many Goliath Tanks supporting it also rained hell on them.
"Aurora. Get ready to provide air support on these coordinates." Nimerah said.
There was nothing but silence though.
"Aurora! Come in-"
*BOOM!*
Nimerah's words fell silent at the large explosion that came from behind her and the sky..
Her blue eyes looked in horror as the Cabal fleet fell.
Arch Demon's unleashed Nuclear Magic on the massive warships and carrier's. Destroying them with ease..
Within seconds, the Cabal fleet was destroyed, with the Vanguard soon joining in.
"Arch Demon!"
A Titan shouted.
The push immediately halted.
The Cabal and Guardians looked up in the air..
A lone Arch demon hovered there, above the entrenched defender's, both hands behind her back.
Soon several more Arch Demon's appeared.
Their number's increased as they surrounded the Vanguard Cabal..
20 Arch Demon's looked down at the attacker's.
They raised their hands and prepared magic.
"No.."
Nimerah gripped tightly onto her staff and closed her eyes.
"Shit!"
"Incoming Nuclear Magic!"
Panic erupted between the Cabal and Vanguard forces.
The 20 Arch Demon's readied their Nuclear Cannon's.
"Commander!"
Her follower's called to her for support but Nimerah did not respond.
The Nuclear cannons powered up and soon fired just as Void Light engulfed the Vanguard and Cabal forces.
Within seconds, a quick massive Ward of Dawn formed.
The Nuclear Cannon's crashed against the Ward of Dawn..
"Ugh…"
Nimerah held her staff with both her hands..
She was being pushed back but kept the barrier up.
"AGH!"
Her allies all watched her.
Watched her protect them..
"AGHHHHHHHHHH!"
The warlock let out a loud war cry.
Her hands were burning and her body was engulfed in Void Light. Consuming her own strength and energy to feed to the Ward of Dawn.
A sight that burned deeply into the memories of all that watched..
The sight of a noble Commander protecting her troops..
The combined Nuclear blast from those Nuclear Cannon's scorched the land and even most of the defender's on the bridge.
It soon diminished and Nimerah dropped to her knees once it did. The Ward of Dawn soon broke and vanished.
Nimerah's armor was scorched along with her body.
"Ugh…"
Her ghost quickly got to work..
"Nimerah!"
Her close friend and fellow elf Galadriel called to her as she landed on top of the Imperial Land tank.
She rushed to her side. Lending some of her Light to help heal her.
"Damnit…"
Nimerah chuckled and coughed up blood..
She was hoping to take the bridge before the other fronts were destroyed and the Arch Demons were routed back here.
It's why she saw it as a gamble but…
She lost..
The Arch Demon's readied their Nuclear magic again.
"I'm sorry… I failed you.. all of you.." Nimerah told her friend.
"No. You led us.. we wouldn't have gotten this far without you. You're a good commander." Galadriel assured.
Nimerah smiled happily at that.
"Thank you…"
Nimerah closed her eyes and awaited death.
*BOOOOM!*
A massive shockwave erupted from the sky, pushing everyone back, even the Arch Demons were unable to keep themselves afloat.
This shockwave halted their magic and they looked up at the sky along with everyone else..
There was a massive hole in the Hive Dreadnaught and it begun to fall along with the rest of the fleet.
"What?..."
Nimerah couldn't believe her eyes..
No one could..
Lyra crashed against another pillar.
Cronos was dealing as much to her as he could before finishing her off. To inflict all sorts of pain on her for declaring herself his King's queen..
Her body was limp..
"Look at your allies warrior of the sky."
Cronos pointed his sword to a magic projection he created. Showing the fall of the Cabal and Vanguard fleet.
Lyra did not respond.
Her friends.. they were all fighting, exhausting themselves..
"Be their Hero."
Sivert's voice whispered in her mind..
His last bit of encouragement..
One…
Lyra desperately needed.
She closed her eyes, as she heard the distant dying screams of her allies..
She awoke.
Power coursed through her veins, a ferocious power like none she had ever experienced.
Overwhelming power..
Her Light also started to pulse..
Overwhelming she thought..
Her eyes opened and widened in realization.
No..
Becoming Sivert's wife wasn't the key. The answer, despair and terror from having her friends killed became the key to shattering her own limitations.
She's already lost to many people she's cared about, even if Nimerah and the other's wouldn't truly die.
She would not let them die!
This is what Sivert wanted!
Lyra had awakened!
"Hahahah!"
Arc Light exploded from her, creating a shockwave that pushed Cronos back and crashing into his throne.
She quickly stood up.
"Hahahahahaha!"
Lyra laughed in joy, she was no longer just an Enlightened.
She had become a Saint, every cell in her body blended together, her spirit surpassing her physical form.
Lyra could easily tell her body was being remade, this power!
It was tremendous! On par with an Awakened Demon Lord.
With this awakening, Lyra just now had realized how foolish she's been..
Her heart desired Sivert yes but her mind, it desired to fight alongside her friends, to protect them.
To defeat their enemies.
"AHAHA!"
Another surge of Arc Light exploded from Lyra, striking and enveloping Cronos as soon as he stood up.
{Confirmed. Unique skill Valkyrie has evolved into Ultimate skill Lady of War, Freya.}
"Hahaha!"
An ultimate skill!
Lyra felt unstoppable! She felt like a GOD!
"Good work.."
Sivert's voice whispered in her mind once more.
"Lethaea sends her best wishes.."
Just as he said that a white light appeared in front of Lyra.
Her beloved sword Raze-Lighter appeared. Remade and stronger than ever!
Kali had reforged it for her on behalf of Lethaea.
Lyra smirked and grabbed her sword.
"Come on then! I'll KILL YOU ALL!"
She lunged at superhuman speeds towards Cronos who barely managed to block her strike.
Ugh!
Heavy!
Her attacks were heavy!
Just like his…
No..
This women can't be as strong as the one who trained him!
She can't be! She was just weak but now she got stronger?!
Their blades clashed but not for long.
Cronos's cleaver shattered like glass and he fell down on his back.
"Impossible!"
No!
He can't die like this! Not while his master is watching!
Large powerful flames engulfed Raze Light and Lyra swung it, creating a massive Nuclear level explosion that incinerated Cronos instantly and a large portion of the Dreadnaught.
Wings of Solar Light formed on her back and Lyra took flight, immediately slicing an Arch Demon who was near the Dreadnaught.
She flew towards the battlefield at supersonic speeds, stabbing her new Mythical Grade sword into another Arch Demon before it could react.
She continued on, slaughtering the Arch Demons as they rushed towards her.
"Lyra!" Nimerah shouted in joy and disbelief!
The warlock did not respond though, focused on killing her enemies and damn she was doing a hell of a good job at it.
"Her Light! It's so bright! She got stronger!" Nimerah yelled.
The Cabal and Vanguard forces cheered Lyra on as she killed the Arch Demon's.
"How?" Galadriel asked in disbelief.
This power was greater than Nimerah's!
"She had become a Saint." Nimerah answered and stood up.
This war was not lost and Nimerah had won the gamble!
"Push forward!" Nimerah quickly ordered.
The Cabal and Vanguard immediately obeyed.
The charge continued and the defenders were pushed back with ease.
"Hiyah!"
Lyra cut down the last Arch Demon and turned her attention to the Pyramid Ship.
She closed her eyes and Light begun to engulf her body.
Pure Light just like the Traveler's..
It was bright and powerful.
Lyra aimed the palm of her left hand at the Pyramid Ship and her Light charged up.
Her allies watched as she fired a beam of Light at the Pyramid, causing paracausal flora to sprout over the Pyramid's surface.
It begun to destroy it as well.
"What the hell!?" Surtr yelled in complete shock.
His followers were dumbfounded as well.
Rhaegar looked up at the large hole created by Lyra's beam of Light.
He did not see this coming..
Guardians truly were fascinating wonders of life. He's so glad he got to witness this.
"Hmph.."
His job was done, now it was up to Surtr.
Rhaegar stopped just before he departed, quickly jumping out of the Beam of Light's way.
It struck Surtr who was to slow to react, sending the demon crashing against his throne.
"Agh! AGHH! To bright!"
It hurt!
The beam of Light soon diminished and stopped and Surtr growled in anger.
Rhaegar chuckled, amused by the amount of damage Lyra did to him before even actually fighting him.
Finally, the High Elf departed.
"Prepare yourselves!" Surtr ordered his follower's..
It won't be long before the army outside enters his Pyramid..
Even after suffering such a major loss, the defending forces of Darkness kept on fighting but their resistance crumbled every push the Vanguard and Cabal made.
Lyra rained hell down from the skies, her wings burned bright as with her sword. She was like a beacon of hope..
A beacon of war..
Strangely, the Cabal soon started cheering her on.
Calling her "Goddess of War!"
Something she was quickly taking a liking to.
"Look!"
A titan pointed at the sky.
Coming down from the sky was 5 Eliksni ketch's, they managed to live only because they retreated to a safe distance from the Arch Demons.
Soon enough, the ground forces they deployed started arriving from eastern side of the island.
Lyra's eyes widened in disbelief at their leader who swiftly cut down a large Scorn the size of a Baron.
"Eramis?"
The old kell of Darkness looked up and at Lyra who descended towards her.
"Lyra is it? It's been some time."
"Indeed it has…"
Lyra didn't like Eramis because of the horror's she committed, not only to humanity but to her own people.
But if Sivert has forgiven her..
Then she can as well.
"We were enemies once, now we are allies. Come I will lead the charge!" Lyra said and flew off towards the long bridge.
Eramis had no problem following behind the warlock who was fighting like a god. Her Light..
Her power.
It was a sight to see indeed.
Skiff's flew down towards the bridge, helping take out ground forces before dropping off reinforcement's and heavy support like Spider Tanks.
It was a mighty push! To see an army of many who were once enemies to each other charge towards their one enemy.
Still, despite how overpowered they were. The defender's kept defending, and they were still doing a good job…
It annoyed Lyra by how many there were.
She just kept killing and they just kept coming!
Nimerah fired three Nova Bombs towards a Tormentor who was walking towards the attacker's.
A smaller one then those she saw at the beach.
Her Nova Bomb's obliterated them with ease.
"Keep pushing!" she yelled.
Her allies had no problem obeying her. After what they have seen her do, she was someone worthy of being their leader.
The war on the bridge was long and chaotic. It was amazing the bridge was still even standing with all the explosions happening on it.
To provide more support, Eramis had her ketch's bombard the defender's.
It helped a lot..
Hell from the ground..
Hell from the sky..
The defenders were being slaughtered.
This mighty battle that would go down in Legend was a beautiful sight for all who watched..
Mostly Sivert..
He teared up in joy on his throne, to see all of them fight together!
It was so fucking beautiful! And he never resorts to language like that.
His heart raced in excitement!
"You did good Rhaegar!"
He hugged the High Elf as soon as he appeared in front of him. Rhaegar was surprised but accepted the.. strange reward.
If his work really made his master tear up in joy then Rhaegar himself was about to cry in joy.
The Guardians who watched from the Tower cheered on their allies.
Eventually.. all who watched agreed on the name of this battle.
The Battle of Hell's Bridge!
It lasted long.
But soon the defender's started to retreat at the orders of their master.
Surtr wanted to save whatever forces he had left.
"Curses…"
He couldn't believe they were getting this far!
They were about to fall! To perish!
If only that stupid Hive beast on the Dreadnaught didn't fall! He would've been getting praised by his beloved master!
Rewarded!
But No!
Now there was no hope of winning!
One Saint was enough but a newly evolved one?!
No..
Surtr was not going to win this fight..
He stood no chance against those who matched against True Demon Lord's. Even if he was a demon peer, he wasn't as strong as a Primordial who would become a Demon Peer.
Even so..
He wasn't going to just let them kill him.
The Demon Peer will fight until he falls.
His remaining forces gathered around the center of the Pyramid.
Surtr hovered in the air with his two arch demon follower's.
They were immediately fired at to which his forces fired back at.
The Imperial Land tank entered the Pyramid with no problem, accompanied by its army.
Eliksni skiff's also flew down through the massive hole Lyra created in his Pyramid Ship.
Deploying reinforcement's.
All of this gave Surtr a very annoying headache.
He snapped his finger's, summoning several resonant spikes in the air to inflict pervading Darkness on all his foes.
"No you don't!"
They were quickly cut down and Surtr was attacked.
He brought up both his arms to block against Lyra's powerful kick that sent him flying back.
"You bitch…" Surtr cursed, summoning his Pyramid Tech longsword.
"No."
Lyra raised her blade, her beautiful new violet eyes glared upon Surtr.
"I am Lyra Light! Wife of your King Sivert Light! I am Your Queen!"
"Huh?"
What the hell was she talking about?
"You dare insult the existence of my current mistress Lady Aria?! I will make sure to kill you before I fall!" Surtr declared.
His two Arch Demons quickly engaged Lyra but were swiftly cut down by her Mythical Grade sword.
Soon the two clashed their blades. Light crashed against Darkness.
Surtr's rage fueled him with power..
But Lyra's evolution and will to fight for her friends was stronger.
Each clash of their blades created vicious shockwaves that shook the Pyramid and the forces within.
They moved at incredible speeds on the ground and air.
It was a godly battle.
Light vs Dark.
"Die!" Surtr yelled with fury.
Lyra was calm and collected though, easily blocking and countering his attack's.
He was powerful indeed but Lyra just became more powerful..
She closed her eyes and awaited Surtr's next attack, a powerful swipe from his blade.
The warlock parried quickly and spun around him to deliver a deadly slash to his back.
"Agh!"
Surtr dropped to the ground and turned around. His blade shattered as it clashed against Lyra's.
The warlock slashed him again in the chest before kicking him.
The Demon crashed against his already destroyed throne.
Even after suffering such heavy wounds to his body and spiritual form, he still stood up..
But he did not attack..
Lyra was soon accompanied by Nimerah and the other's.
Surtr smirked and eventually started laughing.
He snapped his fingers, in response.
Two tall beings appeared in the air above him before landing on both his right and left.
Lyra's eyes widened at these…. Familiar monsters..
"Rhulk?"
No…
They weren't Rhulk, they just looked like him.
Horrible memories started unearthing..
Memories Lyra thought she buried…
The warlock was traumatized from that day. So to see these two tall beings that looked just like that monster who took her friends..
She became fueled with rage.
Her wings of Light erupted, glowing brighter and burning hotter.
"AHHHHHH!"
The warlock lunged at the two beings, they prepared for her attack.
But Lyra's anger combined with her strength was too much for them. Their glaives shattered in an instant and these two new enemies fell at the hands of this goddess of war.
Surtr sighed, he kind of expected that…
These.. Subjugators, that Sivert found on his ship are not trained, but Sivert said he would do that.. just he didn't have the time to do it before this test.
Surtr looked at his foes.
He was outnumbered..
This..
Was his loss.
"You did good Surtr…"
He heard his master whisper to him. The Demon Peer smiled softly after hearing that.
He got praised just as he was about to perish. It was a beautiful feeling for the red demon..
Surtr closed his eyes and resonance energy begun to envelope him.
His body was soon warped by his own out-of-control powers, transforming him into a petrified, lifeless tree with gnarled vein-like roots of Darkness growing from it.
The Demon Peer was no more..
Well not here at least.
He was still alive, just resurrected back at Sivert's palace.
Speaking of Sivert..
The Hunter soon appeared by where Surtr died.
Everyone looked at him with cautious eyes.
Hoping they didn't have to fight him as well.
"Relax." He held out his right hand.
"I've come to congratulate you! You've all grown stronger from today. You've all faced against Hell itself. Victory is yours!" He shouted happily.
The allies erupted into cheers.
All over his throne world, from here to his palace to the Tower.
"Now, time to fulfill my promise."
He snapped his fingers and soon after thousands of chest's begun to appear in front of those who participated.
Those who died and were sent back to the tower were also given their loot.
The participating Cabal and Eliksni were also given some new gear. Enhanced and more powerful armor and weapons.
The cheer's grew louder and Sivert swore he could hear everyone back from the Tower.
"Thank you for this opportunity to help us grow stronger Sivert. It certainly has worked." Nimerah said as her ghost transmitted her winnings to her vault.
She fixed a glance at Lyra who became a Saint and was still glowing with Light.
"No problem but don't worry! There's more opportunities. Surtr may have been defeated but evil still lurks in this island and on another island not far. Filled with Hive."
Sivert pointed at Nimerah energetically.
"It'll be up to you to deploy strike teams to eliminate these threat's. Got it?"
"Yes.. I'm aware.." The warlock chuckled and turned around to leave as did everyone else.
Sivert turned his eyes to Lyra who was staring at him..
Waiting..
He sighed and summoned a small black box in his right hand..
He approached her and got down on one knee.
"Lyra.."
The warlock watched him present the box..
Sivert opened it, revealing the beautiful black and golden ring with a violet gem on it.
Matching her newly colored eyes.
"Will you marry me?"
Lyra stared at him closed her eyes and sighed..
"No."
Sivert's eyes widened, he's glad at this point everyone left because getting rejected in public was one his worst fears.
"I don't see myself as worthy of being your wife. But there is one thing I'd like to be. Your paramour!"
Sivert stared in silence and disbelief..
He eventually snapped his fingers, Sivert teleported to his office with Lyra.
"Explain!"
She was so hyped up to marry him on the Dreadnaught! But then to flat out reject him!?
That's cold!
"Well… I'd rather you find a woman you truly love. Not just marry someone because you said they would if they won a battle. Besides, aren't you marrying Frey? The Harpy Queen."
Ugh…
Sivert chuckled a little in realization.
"I can't believe I forgot about that, and the fact that Aria told you that!"
"She kept asking questions ok!" The ghost defended herself with the hunter rolling his eyes.
"I don't blame you.. you spent months in our universe. Not only that, you were fighting a war."
Sivert sighed and closed the ring box, putting in his right pocket.
"I'd rather be your paramour cause having you desire me and my body is enough for me." Lyra happily stated.
Sivert rolled his eyes. "Well.. let's hope Frey will agree to you and Lethaea being my paramours.."
Lyra nodded in agreement.
Or else she was about to fight the ex-Demon Lord.
"Wait… how long was I gone for again?"
"Three weeks but this whole challenge thing was another two weeks."
Sivert eyes widened, "Crap. I've got to go!"
"Huh? Why?"
"No time!"
Sivert vanished, returning to the Cardinal World. Lyra sighed and sat down on the couch in the middle of Sivert's office.
"Better bring home babies.." she whispered.. she suspected he went off to meet with his wife.. or else he'd have no reason to rush leaving.
He arrived at the meeting place, a spot just outside of the Jura Forest and in the Harpy Kingdom.
Sivert waited for her with Rhaegar who he summoned just because he didn't want to be alone while waiting.
Fortunately for Sivert, he arrived a little earlier.
Looking up, he spotted Frey flying down with her two daughters Claire and Lucia. The eldest, Claire was carrying what looked to be a glass container but it was covered with a red blanket.
The three landed just a few feet away from Sivert.
"Frey."
"Sivert."
The Queen was glad he was on time. He did set up the meeting place and time after all.
As per their contract..
"I'm ready when you are." Sivert said with a nervous laugh.
Frey only smiled softly, looking down.
"I'm afraid things are not going to go as planned."
Sivert raised a brow. "Why?"
"For I have not given my end of the bargain in our contract. Things have gone more different then we planned.."
They… sort of did.
The contract was quite simple..
Sivert marries and gives Frey children, children with his power. In exchange, Frey will vouch for Rimuru in Walpurgis and become an ally of Tempest..
However Frey never vouched for Rimuru.. as she did not have too because Rimuru unexpectedly kicked ass during the meeting and she is no longer a Demon Lord.
While she serves under Milim who is on great terms with Rimuru. They have yet to ally their nations.
"You know it doesn't matter to me right…? Rimuru is safe.. he became a Demon Lord."
"I am aware…"
The Harpy Queen responded.
"But I take contracts very seriously and I have not fulfilled my side.. I am grateful you did this though.. you truly are a kind man.." Frey complimented.
Her tone was soft..
Sivert did not reply.
"So you don't want to get married then?"
"I'm afraid so.. I don't feel worthy of you."
"Tch."
Sivert hated that response but he knew Frey. She wasn't going to change her mind.
"I am sorry. To Compensate for this.. I've decided to give you back what you gave me."
The older sister Claire walked forward, stopping two feet from Sivert.
She removed the red blanket covered the glass container.
Revealing three large eggs the size of a human baby..
Sivert immediately knew what they were..
His.. children.
"It's rare for even a Harpy Queen to lay three eggs.. mostly it's one or two." Frey said.
Sivert looked up and at Frey.
"You know I can't do this."
"You can…"
"No! I understand why you want to do this but I can't take children away from their mother."
Sivert can't raise them alone…
"Truly too kind.."
Frey whispered with a soft smile.
"Do not worry.. I don't believe I'd be a good mother either way. Besides, I already have three children. If I had three more then I'd have my hands full."
Sivert cursed her mentally, he slowly took the container from Claire. She bowed and walked back to her mother's side.
"I know you can do it my dear Sivert. You will raise beautiful and strong children."
The Hunter looked back down at the eggs.
"Alright…"
He would do it, for his three children…
They may not have a mother but they will have a father.
"Thank you.."
Frey approached Sivert with love.
"We will meet again."
"Of course… we both serve two Demon Lord's who are close friends." Sivert jokingly replied.
"Indeed. But… try not to make things awkward ok?"
"I won't.."
Satisfied, Frey leaned over and gave Sivert a kiss.
Their last kiss..
"If you ever change your mind or want to see them. Let me know." Sivert whispered to her.
"I will."
Frey stepped back.
"Until we meet again my dear Sivert."
Sivert nodded as he chuckled. "Until we meet again."
The Sky Queen smiled happily, taking one long look at her eggs.
Her children..
She then launched up in the air with her daughters following.
The three soared through the sky, back to their home.
"Bet you didn't expect that Rhaegar." Sivert joked.
"At this point. I've come to see that you are always full of surprises."
"Aye.. I am.."
The two Lightbearer's loomed over the three eggs, staring at them intensely.
"Good lord… she laid three of these?" Lyra asked Sivert.
She was in his room at the palace, where he kept the eggs under an air conditioning device that moderates the temperature to the eggs liking. Oh how Sivert loved technology!
"Yes.."
That had to hurt!
"Three.. babies Sivert…" Lethaea mumbled.
"Jealous?" Lyra asked her.
"Damn right… Sivert must've knocked her the fuck up!"
The warlock snickered at her lovers comment while Sivert just blushed.
"You didn't pull out once did you?"
"No…"
"Damn!"
That must've felt so good.
The Huntress turned around to look at Sivert. "When you going to knock me up like this? Or Lyra."
"I-.."
"Don't answer that." Lyra told him, she turned to look at Lethaea.
"When Sivert wants to Knock us up is up to him. Ok?"
The hunter pouted like a child. "Fine!"
Sivert chuckled and scratched the back of his head.
"When do they hatch?"
"I'm.. not sure. It depends on the Harpy in the egg. Hell one of them could hatch in a month for all I know."
That got the two women excited.
"Will they all be girls?"
"Most likely."
"Yes!"
Lethaea had lots to teach them! And Lyra was going to make sure they don't turn out like Lethaea!
"Now.. excuse me."
Sivert walked between the two and up to the eggs. He closed his eyes and placed his right hand on the far right egg.
"Lyanna." He whispered..
The egg shimmered with magicules for a short minute before returning to its original state.
He moved his right hand to the second egg on the left, placing it on it.
"Rhaella." He whispered once more.
Just like the first, the second egg shimmered with magicules before returning to its original state.
Sivert moved his right hand to the third egg.
"Aria."
"Yes?"
The ghost responded but got no answer, instead the last egg shimmered with magicules.
"Wait…"
The ghost realized why he said her name.
"Sivert… did you.."
"Name my third child after you? Of course."
The ghost would bawl into tears if she could and would definitely cry out waves of them.
"AHHHH! I LOVE YOU!"
"UMPH!"
Sivert was pushed onto the floor by his ghost, mostly due to her powerful shell. He hugged her tightly as she snuggled up to him.
"You named them? Isn't it… to early?"
"It's better to name them while they are still in their eggs. They develop better that way."
At least that's what the harpies Sivert talked with when first visiting the kingdom told him.
Lyra let out a small oh in response.
"Wait.. then did you make yourself weaker?"
Sivert stood up and held Aria close.
"Nope. I gave them each a reasonable amount of magicules. Equivalent to a Demon Lord seed."
It was a lot in the eyes of others but for Sivert it wasn't much to him. They'll be as powerful as their mother..
"Oh.. well I can't wait to see your daughters."
"Hm."
Sivert couldn't wait as well. He would sit here all day everyday staring at these eggs just to see them hatch.
If he didn't have a lot of work…
"Well. Just know we will be here to help." Lyra said, placing her left hand on Sivert's shoulder.
"Thank you."
"Mmm.. you know all this baby talk has me a little…"
Lethaea pressed her chest against Sivert's. It was at this point Aria left his grasps and transmitted out of the room. Knowing what was going to happen.
"Frisky.. and it has been a while since I've had my last…."
"Yeah, yeah. Just strip and get on the damn bed."
"Hehe! As you wish."
Her clothes were gone in an instant and Lethaea hopped on the bed.
"You too."
Sivert whispered to Lyra, giving her a nice spank on the butt.
The warlock grinned.
"Of course."
Sivert followed her onto his bed.
It's been a while for him..
He was going to enjoy these two to the fullest extent!
End!
Well here it is! Now, Like Sivert said. There are still more threats on the island!
I originally planned to make this whole war three chapters but then I figured I'd have to make it last longer in the time, and I can't do that because soon. Our Hunter reunites with his fellow student as the Holy War Arc draws near.
So, to compensate for this. I will be releasing small little side stories involving strike teams and various characters new and old. Sort of like my Tempest Tales chapters!
Only focused on various characters getting stronger.
Sorry if the war didn't end as you expected but like I said. I have more to add, right now I have to stick with the main storyline and match everything up.
Hope you enjoyed and see you guys next chapter!