ã€ŠThe Records of Eternity: The Traveller of Worldsã€‹


 Chapter 0: The First Step

    As I walk through the shady forest behind the family manor, I feel something call for me. There exist no true sounds but the leaves flying alongside the wind and my own footsteps, but I can hear it.

    Someone or something is calling for me. Father and Mother always told me not to leave the manor on my own but when have I ever listened to them. Continuing my adventure through the dark forest I come to a clearing and finally hear someone.

    ¡°This is supposed to be the place. I can¡¯t stay here for too long, I¡¯ve only got a few more minutes at best,¡± the voice says.

    Strange¡­ I had just been over there a moment ago and nothing was there. Curious as to who is there, I peer out from the brush and make eye contact with the man in front of me.

    ¡°So I had the right place after all. I suppose for you this is our first meetin¡¯. I am ***** the ***** of *****, now I don¡¯t have much time so I¡¯ll make this quick,¡± the strange man said putting his hand up to my face.

    Before I can comprehend what¡¯s going on a light flashes before my eyes as I tumble back.

    ¡°I¡¯ve given you a great blessin¡¯, so use it wisely. Although I know you¡¯ll do fine. I ought to be headin¡¯ out right about now, but we will meet again. It¡¯s inevitable after all. One day you¡¯ll go on a grand adventure. You will know when the time comes for you to set out, but for now, farewell,¡± the man says while I¡¯m still blinded from the light.

    As I regain my sight I find that the man from before has disappeared. But where he previously stood, the grass has died and the trees in the area have lost almost all of their leaves as if they were dead.

    ¡°Young Miss! Young Miss Millie, are you out here!?¡± I can hear my family¡¯s servants in the distance.

    I don¡¯t really want to go home yet though.

    ¡°Come on Young Miss, we know you¡¯re here somewhere! We have snacks for you, if you want them you better come quickly!¡± one of the maids says.

    Having been successfully baited at the prospects of snacks, I excitedly hurry over to where the servants are.

    ***Ten Years Later***

    Ugh¡­ I hate getting up so early like this.I¡¯m still tired but that dream woke me up again. I¡¯ve been having that dream pretty often these days, that dream of the past.

    It¡¯s been ten years since then. I can¡¯t remember what that man looked like or his name. I didn¡¯t know what he meant back then but it didn¡¯t take long to figure out that I had gained something extraordinary.

    Since that day I had been able to speak with animals. That man called it a blessing but it hasn¡¯t done much, so what if I can talk with animals. Doesn¡¯t mean much when the people around me just give me strange looks as if I¡¯m crazy. This so-called blessing has done nothing but ostracises me from everyone else¡­ no, not everyone.

    I hear a knocking on the door. ¡°Miss Millie, have you awoken? I¡¯m coming in,¡± a gentle voice says as a young maid enters my room.

    ¡°Yes, I am awake Hilde,¡± I respond sitting up in my bed.

    Hilde, one of the two people who treat me well. Although she works as my personal maid she looks about the same age as me, but she¡¯s several years older.

    Not long after receiving my so-called blessing a few animals had told me about an injured person collapsed in the nearby forest. I took a few of the servants with me to check it out and just as I was told, Hilde was on the ground with her brown hair stained red by the pool of blood she laid in. It took a lot of effort but I managed to convince my parents to take her in as my personal maid.

    ¡°Good, now onto why I am here. Congratulations on turning 16 today Young Miss,¡± Hilde says with a great smile on her face while clapping her hands.

    ¡°Oh that¡¯s right, it is my birthday today. I had forgotten about that. It¡¯s not like anyone really cares about it,¡± I say while trying my best to hold a smile.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true! Both me and your sister Miss Minna care and¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t think of anyone else,¡± Hilde apologises with a disheartened expression.

    ¡°No, you were right there are some people who do care. It¡¯s enough that both you and Minna care for me,¡± I respond with a genuine smile.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Hilde¡¯s face turns sour and I hear a pitch of annoyance in her voice as she says, ¡°unfortunately though, before coming here your Mother told me to tell you to go see her and your Father¡±.

    ¡°I wonder if I can get out of this if I don¡¯t show up?¡± I say as I step up to the windowsill.

    Without warning my Father bursts into the room, ¡°I figured you would try something like this! This time you will listen!¡± he yells in a dignified voice.

    Looks like I missed my chance to get away.

    ¡°Listen here, young lady¡­ no, I can¡¯t even call you that. You¡¯re a failure of a daughter. For once in your life, you¡¯re going to do something useful. In a months time, you will be marrying an Austrian nobleman for the sake of building our family¡¯s connections. So until then, you are under strict house arrest and your lessons are to be doubled. Even if just a little, maybe, just maybe we can at least make you look like a proper noblewoman,¡± my father says, continuing his lecture for the next half hour.

    ¡°Although I still have more to say, I do have several more important matters to attend to. For the rest of the day you are not to leave your room,¡± says my Father, with the door making a loud thump as he exits.

    With an expression as if she had just solved a difficult problem, ¡°I suppose that explains the unusual amount of guards I saw around today. They¡¯re meant to keep you from leaving,¡± says Hilde.

    He going so far just to confine me here, so I¡¯m sure this is important for him. If it¡¯s this important then that leaves me with no choice, time to run away.

    I write up a small list of essentials and hand it off to Hilde, ¡°can you get me the stuff I listed here? By nightfall if possible,¡± I ask.

    She takes a moment to look over the paper I gave her and before long she clears her throat, ¡°yes don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll take care of everything, just leave it to me. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me,¡± Hilde says as she bows and turns to exit my room.

    I¡¯ve dealt with that mans bullshit for sixteen years now. I¡¯ve thought about running away before but I didn¡¯t want to leave Minna behind on her own, but I don¡¯t have much choice anymore.

    If I am to be shipped off against my will to marry some stranger then Minna will end up alone anyways. But where do I go from here? Hmm, where did I put that map¡­ ah, here it is.

    For now, why don¡¯t I try going to an Asian country, I¡¯m curious to see what they are like. My best bet would probably be getting on a ship in the Netherlands and make that Dutch colony my first stop in Asia. I never thought that being forced to learn all those different languages would actually pay off. With my destination settled, all that¡¯s left is to wait for Hilde to return.

    Not too long after finishing the dinner that was brought to me I hear a loud sound coming from beyond the door.

    Before I can even get the chance to get up from my desk a hear someone knocking on the door.

    ¡°It¡¯s Hilde, I have what you requested for.¡±

    ¡°All right then, come on in,¡± I slowly respond, still bewildered by the previous commotion out there.

    Hilde walks in and hands me a bag similar to the one used by couriers. After inspecting the contents to make sure everything I asked for is here, I take the map I previously had and stuff it in the bag and sling it over my shoulder.

    ¡°Now then, Hilde, just what was all that noise I heard earlier?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that, it was nothing much. I had just finished subduing all the guards that are here to prevent you from leaving. They are all currently taking a nice nap right now, albeit against their will,¡± Hilde says nonchalantly as if it were no big deal.

    ¡°Those should have been well-trained professionals, sometimes I wonder what you were doing before I picked you up. More importantly, I want you to accompany me to the front door. There is something I want to ask of you before I leave,¡± I say, taking a more serious tone.

    ¡°¡­ as you wish,¡± Hilde responds as we begin our walk down.

    We arrive at the front door to my family¡¯s manor and as we finish our conversation I prepare to say my goodbye.

    ¡°I will follow your orders, Miss Millie. But I will make this clear, I don¡¯t like this. I wanted to go with you,¡± Hilde protests.

    I walk up to Hilde and gently hug her as I bring my mouth up to her ear and whisper, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m counting on you. Please keep that naive little sister of mine safe from my parent¡¯s machinations. You two are the only ones who ever truly cared for me and I know you¡¯re a capable person Hilde, so please do me a favour and keep Minna safe,¡± I say in a calm and gentle voice.

    As we separate from each other Hilde hands me a rather heavy pouch.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Nothing much just some money for your travels,¡± Hilde responds.

    ¡°Just where did you get this?¡±

    Trying to avoid my eyes, Hilde says, ¡°let¡¯s just say your father was kind enough to leave a large chest unlocked for me and I just borrowed some money from it.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ fine, we can just leave it at that,¡± I say as I open the front door.

    ¡°Young Miss, allow me to ask one last question before you leave.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Oh and just call me Millie from now on. I¡¯ll probably be getting disowned for this after all.¡±

    ¡°As you wish, Millie. Just what made you decide to leave on a journey like this all of a sudden? I know you have thought about it on many occasions in the past but you¡¯ve never once acted on that idea until now.¡±

    ¡°To put it simply the time felt right. Not sure how else I can explain it, but there has been this feeling nagging me every morning for the past few days. It¡¯s as if the wheel of fate has begun to turn for me. Then the whole marriage thing was thrown my way, I¡¯d say that was the nail in the coffin. Besides, I¡¯ve always wanted to see the world and now my chance has come. Anyways I¡¯m counting on you, my dear friend. May we meet again someday,¡± I say as I begin to walk out the door and leave the manor.

    ¡°Goodbye, my dear mistress. Until the day we meet once more.¡±

    I turn back to wave one last goodbye and Hilde waves back but with one hand wiping her tear filled eyes. A sight that almost made me turn back and jump into her arms. Steeling my heart, I strengthen my resolve to not turn back and begin walking down this new path laid before me.

 Chapter 1: The End is just the Beginning

    I never thought it was so boring to just wait around in a queue. It¡¯s nearly been an hour since I got into the queue at the dock.

    ¡°Next up!¡± I hear the ticket attendant say while beckoning for me to come forward.

    ¡°Good afternoon Miss, may I please see your ticket?¡± said the attendant at the dock.

    ¡°A good afternoon to you too. Here¡¯s my ticket sir,¡± I say while responding in kind to his politeness, as I hand him my ticket.

    ¡°Thank you, Miss. Here¡¯s your room key. Feel free to take a seat over there with the rest of the passengers while you wait to board.¡± The ticket attendant says while beckoning the next person in the queue to come up.

    These past few days felt much longer than they should have. No thanks to the fear of someone from my family finding me. But now I no longer need to fear them.

    Although I¡¯m a bit worried about Minna and Hilde, I can¡¯t turn back now. Especially not after spending a massive sum of money to get a ticket for a luxury liner.

    I¡¯ve heard that this ship is top of the line, with many activities to keep its guests busy. Perhaps I¡¯ll go exploring once I¡¯m on the ship.

    *Ding* I hear a bell ringing and as soon as it finishes the cruise ship starts allowing its passengers on.

    As we all begin boarding I take a look around and find that many of the people here seem to be wealthy nobles with too much free time or travelling merchants that are well-off. Surprisingly despite us being in a Dutch port many of the passengers here don¡¯t seem to be natives, not that I¡¯m one to talk.

    As I hop off the gangplank and step foot onto the ship I¡¯m met with the exquisite sight of beautiful pieces of art decorating the halls. Something about this is somewhat unsettling¡­ oh, that¡¯s why it reminds me too much of home. As nice as the paintings are, I don¡¯t really want to spend too much time around them.

    Guess I should check the itinerary I was given the other day when buying my ticket. According to this, a buffet will be held about right before departure at 1700 hours¡­ so in about 30 minutes. Not really enough time to explore the whole ship, so I might as well head over to the outdoor pool where the buffet will be.

    As I arrive at the main deck where the pool is located I find out that there are far more people here than I originally thought. Tables are lined up with a plethora of food, alongside the many waiters walking around serving drinks. Some of the nobles and merchants have already started drinking at the bar. Children are splashing around in the pool enjoying their time. This is quite the lively place, time to follow suit and enjoy the food as well.

    ¡°Giving away free swimsuits to all the guests, free food, free wine, and beer. It¡¯s no wonder that the ticket cost so much. And it was completely worth it too!¡± I say as I begin to gorge down the delicious food.

    ¡°Hahaha, glad to see you¡¯re enjoying yourself lass.¡± A loud voice says from behind me.

    I turn to see an old man, with a large muscular body befitting of his loud voice. From his clothes, he seems to be a part of the crew.

    Turning myself around to face him, I say, ¡°if I had to guess, you¡¯re the Captain of this ship aren¡¯t you.¡±

    ¡°A smart one, ain¡¯t ya. I¡¯m Captain Bram, the Captain of this here ship, the Concordia. A pleasure to be meetin¡¯ ya, Miss Augustine.¡±

    ¡°¡­ I don¡¯t recall ever giving away my family name to anyone here.¡± I say curtly.

    ¡°No need to worry lass. I ain¡¯t about to hand ya over to your parents, so feel free to enjoy ya time here. Oh, and ya don¡¯t need to worry I¡¯m the only one who knows your here so you can let go of that dagger ya holdin¡¯.¡± Says the Captain as he walks away to greet the other guests.

    He even knew I had a weapon on me. Not sure if I should feel safe that someone as capable as the Captain is here or if I should feel endangered by his presence. But for now, I should keep my guard up, just in case there are more people who know who I am.

    After greeting a few of the more well-off looking guests the Captain walks up to a podium at the front end of the ship and begins to address all the passengers.

    ¡°To our most esteemed guests, welcome aboard the leisure ship Concordia. Our first destination will be a Dutch holdin¡¯ in Africa for refuellin¡¯, then on to a Dutch India port city, and lastly we makein¡¯ to the Japanese port of Nagasaki. We will spend one night at each stop until we reach Japan where we will spend two, after which we be makein¡¯ our return to Amsterdam. I¡¯ve mentioned it to a few people already but this ship was a gift from our fine friends in Italy and they have included a great variety of activities for our guests to take part in for our long journey together. Now then, I¡¯ll be takin¡¯ my leave now to finalise our departure. If everythin¡¯ goes as planned our departure will be in a few moments. Enjoy your stay aboard the Concordia,¡± says the Captain as he takes his leave.

    Taking the time to enjoy some drinks I make another scan of the passengers and make a mental note on who to avoid. But there I saw one person in particular that stood out. An old man entertaining the children with his stories. With his current tale finished, I find my interest piqued as I go over and introduce myself to the old man.

    ¡°Hello, sir, my name is Millie. Do you mind if I sit on your stories for a bit?¡±

    ¡°No need to ask. These stories of mine are open to all. I¡¯m called Tanqile, a travelling merchant. Although it is getting quite late, so this will be my last story for now.¡± Tanqile Says as he looks up to the sky.

    Clearing his throat, Tanqile begins his tale, ¡°Now then, this is a story that has been passed down in my family for generations. An ancestor of mine was on a trading mission from the Greek city-state of Athens to Egypt. The beginning of his journey started out fine but on his return, he couldn¡¯t make it back to the port town and was left with no choice but to set up a camp in the sandy plains of Egypt. While looking for a good spot to camp he came across a strange man collapsed under a tree. Deciding to help the stranger on the ground, my ancestor sets up camp by the tree and takes the strange man into his tent. The stranger soon wakes and sees that my ancestor is eating, and asks if there is food to spare. Being the kind man my ancestor was, he agrees to give the stranger some food and offers him to stay in his tent for the night. And soon the night passes and the dawn arrives. My ancestor awakes but the stranger is nowhere to be seen. In his place, however, is a large basket of various fruits and vegetables, coupled with a note left behind giving thanks. And these weren¡¯t your run of the mill fruits you would find in a marketplace, these were incredibly rare fruits and vegetables. Most of which couldn¡¯t even be found in the surrounding areas. In a hurry, my ancestor left his tent to look around the area for the stranger to thank him, but there was nothing in sight. Nothing had changed from when he first set up camp, no footprints left in the sand, absolutely no trace that anyone else had been there. Except for one thing. The tree that was nearby had withered away. Dead branches scattered on the ground with the soft wind whisking them away. Hmm¡­ I suppose I¡¯ll end this tale here. Now much like my previous stories this one to had a message too it. How about it, Millie, care to take a guess at what the moral of the story was?¡± Asks Tanqile as he finishes his story.

    The young kids who were listening are all looking at me with excited eyes, anticipating my answer. With a few seconds to think about it, I say, ¡° it was to be kind to others, or something like that.¡±

    ¡°You are correct, young Millie. In India there exist the concept of Karma, doing good things will reward you with a good future. On the other hand, doing wrong will bring ruin to your future. So with that in mind you good boys and girls should return to your parents before it gets too dark out here.¡± Says Tanqile as he sends the young kids off.

    After listening to Tanqile¡¯s tale I noticed something strange that stood out to me.

    ¡°Hey, Tanqile. Just how true is that story?¡± I ask.

    ¡°To be perfectly honest, I don¡¯t know. I also had to leave out some of the more gruesome events, I can¡¯t be scaring those youngsters after all.¡± Says Tanqile.

    ¡°What about the part with the withered tree? Was that true or was it something you added?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Again, I don¡¯t really know. This story has been passed down in my family for nearly two-thousand of years, so I can¡¯t say for certain if the story is real or not. Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just that a long time ago I encountered something somewhat similar. I met a strange man and after a brief moment, he disappeared with the surrounding plant life withered and dead. The part in your story about the tree had reminded me of that, it got me thinking that perhaps they were the same person.¡± I say.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good joke, Missy. But the age of gods and mysticism is a bygone era, this is the 19th century, where progressive people move the world. This story was probably something an ancestor of mine made up as a fun way to explain the benefits of kindness. Thinking about it logically there is no way someone can just disappear into thin air and the people in history who did claim to have such magical abilities were probably lying about it. Even if we assume the story is true, there is no way it¡¯s the same person. Humans just don¡¯t live that long. Ah¡­ sorry for going off on a rant there Miss Millie, I¡¯ve had discussions like this with some rather religious folk in the past. Let¡¯s just say those never ended well.¡± Tanqile says in an apologetic tone.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Anyways it is starting to get late, so I¡¯ll be on my way.¡± I say as a part ways with Tanqile.

    If only he knew.

    ***A couple of months later***

    Its been a while since we left the Dutch African port and everything was fine until now¡­

    ¡°Just what is this siren!? It¡¯s so loud!¡± I yell as I jump from my bed.

    Suddenly I feel the ship shake. In a rush to see what the commotion is I run out to the balcony by the pool. I arrive with several others before me and more coming. We see a large ship emerge from some fog with a loud bang, shooting its cannons at our ship.

    Thankfully all the shots were just short of making contact but the blast from the water was still enough to rock the ship.

    ¡°Attention all crew and guest!¡± Shouts Captain Bram.

    Hearing his voice I look around to find the Captain. Eventually, I find him in the back of the crowd.

    ¡°I want all crew members to prepare for evasive manoeuvres! And to our passengers, please remain calm. We are currently under attack from some pirates. They most likely don¡¯t intend to sink us, as there would be nothing to gain from it. We are only a few days away from the port in India, if we can run for long enough the Navy will arrive to help. We just need¨C¡±

    Without warning a cannonball flies overhead. Mothers are covering their children¡¯s eyes, others just look away. Many of the ship¡¯s crew start to tear, as we all look at the disfigured body of the Captain who got hit directly by the shot.

    With almost all of us here at a loss with the sudden death of the Captain, the pirates continue to fire on us until a shot finally lands a clean hit to the engine room and our ship comes to a slow stop.

    The pirate ship picks up speed, seemingly looking to board. But just before they get in range, the pirates turn their ship around and leave just as quickly as they came. With the pirates leaving, everyone breathes a sigh of relief¡­ or not as we noticed the ship has started moving again.

    The alarm system goes off again as several of the crew inform us that a large maelstrom is dragging the ship towards it and within an hour the Concordia will be brought under. Panic erupts from within the crowd as everyone is struggling to reach the lifeboats in an attempt to save themselves and their family.

    ¡°Hey watch it!¡± I yell as I get pushed into the side railing of the ship, having nearly fallen off and into the water.

    Having just stabilised myself I prepare to make my way to the lifeboats with everyone else, but I get shoved by a rather round man and pushed over the railing.

    Just barely hanging on to the edge I scream, ¡°someone, help me!¡± but the shout falls on deaf ears over the large crowd rushing towards the lifeboats.

    Only a few seconds later I receive the final push as someone brushes up against my hand on the railing, making me lose my grip as I fall into the ocean.

    Being swept along with the currents into the maelstrom, I try to call out to everyone on the Concordia as a last-ditch effort. Unfortunately, I¡¯m just too far away. As I get dragged further beneath the currents my consciousness fades away until I finally pass out.

    ******

    I awaken to the sound of the rough river currents. I jump up after remembering what just happened and I find myself surprised that I¡¯m on dry land.

    Taking a look around my surroundings, the first thing I notice is the everlasting twilight. As if time has stopped and the sky is forever lit with a dim red light. The place would be incredibly beautiful if it wasn¡¯t for the rest of the scenery here. Almost everything has been charred black. From the scorched ground to the darkened trees. Yet despite the signs of a fire, I feel as if I could lose a finger to frostbite. And finally a small wooden boat and a strange man fishing in the nearby river, seemingly not bothered by the strange area we¡¯re in.

    As I walk up closer to the man I notice he isn¡¯t quite what I had originally thought. Upon closer inspection I notice the strange ears that he has, sharing similarities to that of a wolf. He even has a tail¡­ or rather he has ten of them.

    With little to lose in this situation, I call out to him and introduce myself, ¡°hello there, I¡¯m Millie, do you think you could tell me where we are?¡±

    ¡°Awake now are ya. How¡¯s ya body feelin¡¯?¡± he asks.

    Not much of a greeting, so much for trying to be polite. Although now that he mentions it something feels a bit off.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, something doesn¡¯t feel right. But it would be nice if you would also introduce yourself and answer my question.¡± I say, with my patience beginning to wear thin.

    ¡°Well it¡¯d be quite strange if ya did feel fine considering what happened to ya. Anyway, it¡¯s about time I welcomed you. Congratulations, your dead now. Welcome to the Sanzu River¡­ you might be more familiar with the name River Styx, same thing. Regardless, your dead now. This is the border between life and death.¡± The man says with a grin on his face.

    ¡°Maybe this isn¡¯t the time to mention this but you lost that accent of yours halfway through. That¡¯s a fake one isn¡¯t it?¡± I say.

    ¡°¡­so ya seem rather calm over the whole situation, considering your dead now.¡± He responds.

    Did I just get ignored?

    ¡°To be honest the whole I¡¯m dead thing hasn¡¯t really set in or something like that. I mean, I can feel myself standing right here. The whole situation doesn¡¯t feel real. Although, when I think about it logically there is no possible way I should have survived the maelstrom.¡±

    ¡°If you want proof I got your body on this here boat if you want to see it.¡± He says.

    ¡°¡­wait, what!? Are you serious? I can see my own dead body, let me take a look.¡± I say while running up to the boat.

    As I near the dimly lit boat I see a body laying down in it. None other than my own lifeless body, dressed in some kind of white garb.

    ¡°Huh, so that¡¯s what I look like from an outside perspective¡­ wait, hold on. How am I standing here while I¡¯m laying in the boat there? Also isn¡¯t it about time you introduced yourself.¡± I ask.

    ¡°You have a point. We¡¯ve been talkin¡¯ here for a while now, and I have yet to introduce mine self. I am the Demon-God Akkre Kojuuin, the Keeper of Eternity.¡± He says with a smug look.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ I¡¯ve read my fair share of historical texts and studied various mythologies from around the world and I have never once heard of you before.¡± I say as I go through my memories.

    With his ears and tails drooping down a bit, Akkre sighs as he continues, ¡°well I suppose it¡¯s no surprise. I am the one lost to history yet forever destined to preserve it, for only I will remain at the end of days to start the universe anew. That¡¯s enough of the depressing stuff for now though. Lets us go back to ya first question. The reason there be two of you is ¡®cause your soul has been removed from your body. You¡¯re currently in a simultaneous state of existence and non-existence. As it stands you¡¯re not really dead¡­ but you¡¯re not alive either.¡±

    Akkre continues his lecture on what¡¯s going on but everything he says is too complicated for me to understand.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you didn¡¯t understand any of that. So what you should take away from all this is that I can bring you back to life.¡± Akkre says.

    Upon hearing his statement I bolt up to Akkre and move my face in close to his and say, ¡°You can really do that!?¡±

    Pushing me back a bit he responds, ¡°of course I can, but it won¡¯t be for free. Nothing is ever truly free. Every action has a consequence. As for the price of your life back, it will forevermore belong to me.¡±

    I take a moment to ponder what he means, but unable to figure it out on my own I end up asking him.

    ¡°What I meant was that you would serve me as a vassal. Our relationship would be that of a lord and his vassal. Of course, there is one other party in which you would serve but my own orders would supersede them if they conflicted. So how ¡®bout it? I give you your life back in return for your servitude?¡±

    There is no need to think about it, I¡¯ve still got things I want to do and I don¡¯t want to meet a miserable end here.

    ¡°Of course I would accept, no way in hell I¡¯m letting myself die that easily. It¡¯s kinda funny though, how people are taught not to make a deal with a demon yet here I am doing exactly that.¡± I say.

    ¡°Then we have ourselves a deal. Oh, and also I think you humans around here got the wrong idea about demons. A demon is a type of spirit being that is classified as a soul eater, not whatever hellspawn your thinking of. Besides I¡¯m only half, my other half is divine so this is closer to making a covenant with a god. Let us move on to the next part, now that the details of the contract have been laid out. While you may not like this, it won¡¯t hurt you¡­ for now at least.¡± Akkre says as he pulls out a strange dagger.

    The dagger is two blades with one on each end of the handle. The dagger itself looks like a ceremonial weapon, but the two blades are vastly different. One is a dark obsidian coloured blade with the other being a ghastly white transparent blade.

    Without much warning, he proceeds to make a small cut on his finger and lathers his blood onto the obsidian blade. Soon after he plunges that bloody blade into the chest of my lifeless body. And before I can protest he turns and pushes the white transparent blade into my own chest.

    Expecting pain I bite down on my lip¡­ but I feel nothing, nothing at all. Then suddenly the double-edged dagger vanished.

    ¡°Just what did you do!?¡± I ask in a panic.

    ¡°I created a blood oath between us, based on what was previously agreed. You will serve me for as long as you live. Although you might experience some pain where ya¡¯ body was physically stabbed. And that dagger has become one with your essence. I was able to bind it relatively easily to your soul since, well, your soul is already here out of your body. It is the physical representation of the pact we made so be sure not to lose it, not that it is even possible to lose at this point.¡± He says.

    ¡°I probably should have asked earlier, but what is it you actually want me to do?¡± I ask.

    ¡°If you want my honest answer, I want you to do everything I¡¯m too lazy to do myself. I will explain in some more details when you meet the others. Hop on this boat and I¡¯ll get us out of here. I will also be beginning the procedure to bring you back to life so hurry it up, Millie Von Augustine.¡± He says as he extends his hand out to me.

    As soon as I grab his hand he pulls me onto the boat with him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe I ever gave you my full name, although for someone who can bring me back from the dead I wouldn¡¯t have been surprised if you had known my name from the beginning,¡± I say as we sail along.

    ¡°Well¡­ yeah, I did know. I know the names of everyone who dies. It¡¯s a part of the job after all. Anyways let¡¯s get this started, for what was your end has become your new beginning.¡± Akkre says.

    My senses slowly fade away causing me to lose consciousness as Akkre begins the procedure. Eventually, I succumb to slumber, with his last words ringing in my head.

    The end is nothing more than a new beginning.

 Chapter 2: Champion of the Keepers

    Woken up by a spice-filled aroma to see an unfamiliar ceiling. I find myself laying in a large bed.

    ¡°Awake now, are you? When you¡¯re ready you should come down the hall. I¡¯ve made some food for you. But really¡­ an unfamiliar ceiling how clich¨¦.¡±

    Who is¡ª oh that¡¯s right it Akkre. Did he carry me here?

    *Grumble* Ugh¡­ that¡¯s right I haven¡¯t eaten in a while. Adhering to Akkre¡¯s words, I follow the delicious scent in the air as I come up to a large door. But as I try to push, it doesn¡¯t budge.

    ¡°That¡¯s strange. I can¡¯t open the door.¡± I mumble.

    I attempt to pull the door but to no avail. I know the smell is coming from beyond here but I have no idea how to open the door.

    *Whoosh* Suddenly the door flies open and we are met by a young girl with beautiful, straight, long black hair. She politely bows and guides us over to a seat by the table where the people from before are sitting.

    ¡°Well dig in, kid.¡± Akkre says as he begins to eat.

    ¡°Gramps, you could have at least waited for her to sit down.¡± Says the young girl from before.

    ¡°Oh, right. Thank you Akkre for your assistance earlier and thank you for the food as well. And I was wondering who¡ª¡± I say before being cut off by the young girl.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you eat first. I¡¯m sure your body hasn¡¯t eaten for a while so you should be rather low on energy. You can ask your questions once we have all finished our meal.¡±

    At the young girl¡¯s request, I refrain from asking any questions and begin to chow down. The air is filled with various spices as the sauce practically melts in my mouth.

    ¡°Thanks for the meal. It was delicious. Back to what I was going to ask earlier, who are the other people here? I am a little familiar with Akkre but I haven¡¯t yet been introduced to the rest of you.¡±

    ¡°As ya¡¯ know, I¡¯m Akkre, Akkre Kojuuin. I¡¯m known as the Keeper of Eternity.¡±

    ¡°Pleasure to meet you kiddo, I¡¯m called the Keeper of Time. My name is Chronos.¡±

    Chronos¡­ I feel like I¡¯ve heard that name somewhere before. He¡¯s an old-looking fellow with a long grey beard and a face covered in wrinkles.

    ¡°I am the angel Raziel. I hold the position of Keeper of Knowledge.¡±

    Another name I feel like I¡¯ve heard somewhere, but I just can¡¯t place it. She has stunning blonde hair that stretches down to her shoulders. Gorgeous white wings line her back, as she gives off a sort of divine aura.

    I turn to the young girl who let me in earlier. As I do she returns my curious gaze with a peaceful smile as she says, ¡°my turn then. I am Kiyo Kojuuin. Unlike these three I¡¯m not anyone important. I¡¯m simply Akkre¡¯s great, great, great, great¡­ and a few more greats granddaughter, let¡¯s just say I¡¯m Akkre¡¯s descendant.¡±

    So her name is Kiyo and she is Akkre¡¯s descendant¡­

    ¡°Wait, what! But he looks so young. Akkre doesn¡¯t look anywhere near old enough to even have a granddaughter!¡± I yell in surprise.

    ¡°Looks can be deceiving. ¡®Sides, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve figured out that we are not human¡­ well, I guess in Kiyo¡¯s case she is mostly human. Since you¡¯re familiar with us now, how ¡¯bout you introduce yourself to my wonderful descendant and the rest of these old fools.¡± Akkre says with a slight smirk.

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m Millie Von Augustine. As per the agreement that was made, I am a servant of Akkre.¡± I say while performing a short bow.

    ¡°As I mentioned before I will now go into more detail on what I want you to do apart from miscellaneous tasks. I want you to enter a certain tournament for us. It¡¯s a tournament held by the gods once every one thousand years. The next one is coming up soon.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°Hold on, so I am fully aware of the existence of gods and such things now thanks to you, but aren¡¯t there some conflicting names here? I¡¯ve finally remembered why I recognised some names earlier. Raziel is an archangel from Judaic myth and Chronos is the name of a primordial god from Greek mythology. What¡¯s up with the conflicting myths.?¡± I ask, compelled by my eagerness to learn about the world.

    Akkre thinks for a moment before answering, ¡°I think the best way to put it is that everythin¡¯ holds a degree of truth but has been twisted over the course of many years. Now I could go into some more detail here but it would be boring and it¡¯d be way too much effort to do.¡± Akkre says with an exasperated expression, clearly unwilling to delve deeper into the topic.

    ¡°I¡¯m a little disappointed but that¡¯s fine, I have a few more questions anyway. Like, why do you need me to participate in this tournament for you? And what kind of tournament is this?¡± I ask.

    ¡°The answer to your second question would be a martial arts tournament. I believe that is enough for a satisfactory answer.¡± Chronos says while stroking his long beard.

    ¡°As for your first question, the tournament requires that a champion is chosen to represent each faction. Said factions being the different pantheon of gods, for example, the Olympians or the Asgardians. Additionally, the chosen champion of each faction may not have any more than 1/16 of Spirit or Celestial blood, nor may they be connected directly to a god or spirit. This effectively requires that the chosen champion must be a mortal. In most cases, the champions are given extensive training that would allow them to fight on even terms with demigods, in addition to any special equipment they are given.¡± Raziel explains in great detail.

    ¡°Almost all of the current champions are descendants of the first ones to participate¡­ however, we never had a champion before which is where you come in.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°And why is that?¡± I ask.

    ¡°¡­ well¡­ we cheated in all the previous ones and got disqualified in the first round.¡± Akkre reluctantly says.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, I heard about this from grandma. You tried to participate by disguising yourselves and you all got identified immediately.¡± Kiyo says.

    ¡°So how do you expect me to compete in a martial arts competition even though I don¡¯t know the first thing about fighting?¡± I ask.

    ¡°We got a few years ¡®till the time comes. Don¡¯t worry We¡­ or rather I will train you.¡±

    Akkre says as Kiyo begins to turn pale.

    ¡°Akkre¡¯s training isn¡¯t very easy, people have died undergoing his training,¡± Kiyo says while shaking.

    ¡°That¡¯s a bit harsh, people like Alice and Xue had no problem with my training. I think you¡¯ll do fine¡­ probably¡± Akkre says as he turns his head away.

    ¡°Hey wait a moment there! Just what do you intend to put me through!¡± I say as I begin to panic.

    ¡°You probably don¡¯t need to worry, while you were sleeping we gave ya¡¯ some more divine blessings.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°Huh? Divine blessings? And what do you mean by ¡®more¡¯?¡± I ask.

    ¡°A divine blessing is rather straightforward. It¡¯s a blessing you receive from a divine being, such as a god or high-ranking angel.¡± Raziel says.

    ¡°And when we went to give you some we found out that you already had one, it grants you universal compatibility. The ability to instantly understand a language once spoken to. It¡¯s how you¡¯ve been able to speak with us all this time.¡± Chronos says.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    ¡°It¡¯s just as these old folk said. Anyways the additional blessings ya¡¯ received have greatly increased your base strength, oh and you also now have an affinity for all types of magic.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°I¡¯ve put up with it for a while now but will you please stop calling us old, Akkre. You¡¯re not much younger than either of us. At the very least I look young, unlike this old fool!¡± Raziel says while clenching her fist in one hand with the other pointing at Chronos.

    ¡°Don¡¯t point at me, you old crone! The two of you are just as old as me!¡± Chronos says as his hand hits the table.

    About ten minutes go by before the three of them finally calm down.

    ¡°So can I ask I question now?¡± I say.

    ¡°Ahem¡­ go ahead.¡± Akkre says, clearing his throat.

    ¡°What faction are the three of you from? I¡¯ve read Raziel¡¯s name in Judaic texts and Chronos is one from ancient Greek mythology, yet the three of you seem to be on the same team.¡± I say.

    ¡°We belong to a rather special faction. It¡¯s called the Order of the Keepers. Collectively the three of us are known as the pillars of existence. We operate on a much grander scale than the other factions within Celestia. The Order itself includes our subordinates, although the three of us are the only ones with any real divine power.¡± Raziel explains.

    ¡°Okay, one last question. When does this tournament start?¡±

    ¡°In 25 years.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°¡­ really? You¡¯re putting that much time in preparing? I¡¯ll be over 40 by then.¡± I say.

    ¡°Is 25 years really that long? Seems pretty short to me.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s short for you, Gramps. Not everyone has been alive for billions of years. Humans don¡¯t usually have a long lifespan like Spirits and Celestials do.¡± Kiyo says.

    ¡°One last question, but for real this time. Just what would I be doing for this training of yours?¡± I ask.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be sending you around to various places to accomplish an objective. Once that¡¯s done we just repeat that. Just know that it may not be a place on this planet that I am sending you. I might even have you sent to the past. You will have 25 years to train but thanks to Chronos we can take all the time in the world by having you do my errands¡ª I mean by training you in the past. of course, this is after we get your fundamentals up to par.¡± Akkre says.

    He said something incredibly dubious right there but this is quite the adventure he is proposing. Although, I have already agreed to do his errands, so I have little choice in the matter.

    ¡°So with that out of the way, how would you like to go on a small trip to another world?¡± Akkre says.

    Another world! My eyes light up at the very idea.

    I begin to jump in my seat as I say, ¡°yes! I wanna go! Where are we going!?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll find out, in due time. However, we are only going to pick up a weapon for you to use. But first, you need to rest. Wait until after dinner, we can go then. Now then, the meeting is adjourned, everyone is free to do as they please until dinner time.¡± Akkre says as everyone begins to leave the room.

    ¡°Well, in any event, make yourself at home, Millie. This shrine was built in honour of Akkre, but outside of my family, there aren¡¯t many humans who have ever heard of him. The god that history forgot.¡± Kiyo says.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ hey Kiyo, I¡¯ve been wondering about this for a while. How old are you?¡±

    ¡°How old do I look to you?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t look much older than me, I¡¯d say 17 or 18. But since your related to Akkre you might be even older.¡± I say.

    ¡°Your starting to catch on. Thanks to Gram¡ª I mean Akkre¡¯s blood, my family tends to age rather slowly compared to most humans and we have a longer lifespan. But over the generations, that boon has been dwindling. As such I am not much older than I look at 670.¡±

    From my perspective, that¡¯s still pretty old.

    ¡°Anyways, feel free to wander around the grounds but don¡¯t leave our property without telling someone, you could get lost in between dimensions. I¡¯ll talk to you later, I need to clean up the mess Gramps and the rest of them made.¡± Kiyo says as she begins cleaning the Keepers mess.

    With Kiyo busy cleaning and the others nowhere to be seen, I take some time to explore the shrine. I have been walking around for almost half a day now and it feels like I still haven¡¯t fully explored the place, I haven¡¯t even found an exit yet. Now that I think about it where the hell am I? There¡¯s no way, am I lost?

    ¡°¡­I think I¡¯ll just keep walking.¡± I say mumbling to myself.

    But really, I have no idea where I am. I know I¡¯m still in the shrine but seriously why is this place so big? Oh, I think that¡¯s Kiyo over there.

    ¡°Hey!¡± I call out.

    The woman turns around at my call for me to realise that it wasn¡¯t Kiyo. But they look rather similar, are they sisters?

    ¡°Who might you be? An intruder? No, someone like that wouldn¡¯t just call out to me.¡±

    ¡°Sorry if I startled you, my name is Millie. Akkre saved me the other day and I was just exploring. From behind you looked like Kiyo so I thought I would call out but it seems as though I was wrong. Are you her sister?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that, you¡¯re not the first one to make that mistake. However, we are not sisters. My name is Tsuyu, I¡¯m Kiyo¡¯s grandmother and Akkre¡¯s great, great¡­ actually, I¡¯ll just skip that part.¡±

    ¡°Does everyone around here just not look their age or something? You hardly look older than Kiyo.¡± I ask.

    ¡°It¡¯s flattering for you to think I look as young as Kiyo, but unfortunately I am almost a thousand years old. If you stick around long enough you should get used to the age disparity at some point. I can sense some power in you, I assume you are the one they chose for the tournament.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I am. But I haven¡¯t really fought other people much before so I¡¯m not sure how well I will do.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me the venerable ancestor is going to train you.¡±

    ¡°You mean Akkre right? He said he would.¡±

    ¡°I am so sorry for you. His so-called ¡®training¡¯ is mostly just sending you to do the stuff he is supposed to be doing. Often times just cleaning up a mess a made from a while ago. You might get a real task given to you but more often than not they can be absurdly difficult.¡± Tsuyu says.

    ¡°So I heard. Although, when I think of training, I think of things like pulling logs around or sparring. I was a bit surprised when I heard I would be going around to different places.¡± I say.

    ¡°He thinks that experience is the best way to learn. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll end up sparring someone at some point but I can assure you that it won¡¯t be easy. But with the power you have received, you should be able to make it through in one piece¡­ I hope.¡±

    ¡°On the topic of power I was given, can you tell me a bit about magic?¡± I ask.

    ¡°I¡¯m no expert but I believe Raziel would be a better recipient of that question. The only thing I know is rituals related to shrine work. There aren¡¯t too many people around here who are well versed in combat magic other than Raziel. The only other ones would be the venera¡ª I mean Akkre¡¯s wife and one of their daughters. Unfortunately, they are both out shopping right now but you will most likely meet them when dinner comes around. But I can take you to Raziel, who can give you more information about magic. She is currently in the garden, I¡¯ll guide you to her.¡± Tsuyu says.

    After nearly forty minutes we finally reach the garden. But apparently, the garden is as large as a house. Why is this place so damn big?

    ¡°Hey Tsuyu, I¡¯ve been wondering this for a while now. Why is this place so absurdly huge?¡±

    ¡°You think this place is big? I think it is incredibly small, especially when compared to the house the venerable ancestor grew up in. Since dinner is coming up soon Raziel will come out on her own. So you can just wait here and you can talk with her as you two make your way to the dining hall. I need to be going so I can get ready to help set the table. See you soon.¡± Tsuyu says.

    In an instant Tsuyu vanishes, leaving me alone at the Gardens entrance. With Tsuyu gone, I turn to the garden to see Raziel¡¯s wings turning from around the corner.

    ¡°Hello, Millie. If you were waiting here then you must have some questions for me correct?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it was about magic. I wanted to know more about it.¡±

    ¡°I see, dinner should be soon so let us talk as we walk. Magic is essentially the ability to manipulate the energy around you and give it a temporary form. There are various different types of magic. For example, we have elemental magic which has many different uses, from basic home applications to military applications. But that¡¯s only scratching the surface of it. There are so many more different types I would need all day to go through them all.¡± Raziel explains.

    Raziel continues to explain some of the different types of magic and their use until we reach the dining hall.

    Wait, this smell¡­ it reminds me of home. As I slide the door open the smell only gets stronger as I see a familiar sight.

    ¡°Just in time Millie. Since you¡¯re from a German family I cooked us up a German meal, rouladen with sp?tzle. Hope you enjoy.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°This looks great Akkre. Just where did you learn to cook like this?¡± I ask.

    ¡°I¡¯ve spent my fair share of time wandering around Germania. Oh right, that area isn¡¯t called that anymore. Anyways there are some people here you haven¡¯t met yet so let¡¯s get you introduced.¡± Akkre says.

    Just as Akkre pointed out, I notice a few more people around I haven¡¯t yet met.

    To Akkre¡¯s right is a woman who looks vaguely similar to Kiyo and Tsuyu, but not so close that I would confuse them from behind like those two.

    And on his left is another woman but she has similar ears on top of her head like Akkre and seven transparent tails. Unlike most of the people around here who have black hair, she has blonde hair like me.

    ¡°Nice to meetcha, names Tsuki. I¡¯m Akkre¡¯s wife. I do hope you do well in the tournament. If I could I would enter it for Akkre but despite my being born one human I¡¯m on the list of ineligible participants. Over on Akkre¡¯s left is one of our daughters, go on and introduce yourself.¡±

    ¡°A pleasure. My name¡¯s Ena.¡±

    ¡°Excuse me, I don¡¯t mean to be rude but¡­ well¡­ it¡¯s just that I noticed that your hair colour is very different from your parents.¡±

    ¡°I know it¡¯s a bit strange that I¡¯m the only one in the family without pure black hair. From what I understand, I have what is called atavism, it¡¯s rather common among Spirits. It¡¯s where an old trait from an ancestor shows up later down the family tree. From what I heard my grandmother on my father¡¯s side had blonde hair and that¡¯s where the trait comes from.¡± Ena explains.

    With everyone introduced we begin to eat our luxurious German dinner. The flavours blend perfectly together in my mouth as the juicy meat from the rouladen mixes with the gravy from the sp?tzle.

    ¡°That was delicious, thanks for the food Akkre. Now then, don¡¯t think I forgot about it. Where are we going on this trip you mentioned?¡±

    ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you excited. Worry not, for I am a man of my word. Our destination is my hometown, in my homeworld. The Capital city of the Great Demon Empire, Sesna.

 Chapter 3: 404 Not Found

    ¡°Akkre, you said we were going to another world right?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Yeah, we are.¡± Akkre says nonchalantly.

    ¡°Then why the hell are we at the front door! You¡¯re like all magical and stuff, I thought you would open like a portal or something.¡± I yell.

    ¡°If you want I could just open a portal, but it would take a few days for me to do. Interdimensional travel is not something I¡¯m particularly good at. ¡®Sides magic ain¡¯t something I¡¯m good with.¡± Akkre says in response to my outburst.

    But he can make a portal after all¡­

    ¡°Now then, Door, open a gateway to Spirit World, the northern continent of Artikkuus, Sesna, Capital of the Great Demon Empire.¡± Akkre says addressing his front door.

    ¡°Affirmative. Now connecting to Sesna gateway. Please standby, this process may take a few minutes.¡± The Door says in a monotone voice.

    ¡°Wha¡ª the Door, it talked!¡± I say as I jump back in surprise.

    ¡°This place is full of surprises, isn¡¯t it?¡± Akkre says with a slight smirk. Clearly amused by my reaction.

    ¡°It¡¯s just an automated message, no need to be so surprised. You¡¯re gonna have to get used to it, cause you¡¯ll be seeing this thing quite a lot¡­ and she isn¡¯t listening.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°Hey! Hey! What was that! Come on, tell meee!¡± I say excitedly jumping up and down.

    ¡°Just tell me alrea¡ª ouch!¡± I say as Akkre throws a book at me.

    What the hell, just where did that come from? He pulled that thing out of thin air.

    ¡°Hope that got your head in working order, Millie. Anyways, the place we are going is Sesna. The second largest city in all of Spirit World and the Capital of the Great Demon Empire. It also happens to be where I was born.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°Wait, hold on, can I have some clarification on just what you are? Are you a Demon or are you a God?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Akkre says in an instant.

    ¡°¡­ so what are you?¡± I ask again.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Akkre says again.

    This is starting to wear my patience thin.

    ¡°Just answer the bloody question!¡± I yell.

    With an exasperated sigh, Akkre says, ¡°I am literally a Demon-God. Half Demon and half God, fifty per cent Spirit and fifty per cent Celestial. It ain¡¯t hard ta¡¯ understand.¡±

    ¡°While we are on the topic of my heritage, the city of Sesna was named after my mother. She was the founder of the Great Demon Empire, Empress Sesna Kojuuin. As per tradition, each member of the Imperial family has a city named after them. In case you were wondering my city is a large mountain city, but that¡¯s not important right now. The Empire is the largest nation on the northern continent, of Artikkuus. Artikkuus is home to four or five different nations¡­ it¡¯s a pain to explain it so I¡¯m not going to unless a time comes up when I have too. Hmm¡­ let¡¯s see to put the size of everythin¡¯ into perspective, the size of Sesna is about as big as all of western Europe.¡± Akkre said.

    He just said something completely outrageous. As big as all of western Europe, for one city. I think I¡¯m starting to understand why this shrine is as large as it is. Wait, Tsuyu mentioned earlier that this place was incredibly small. So she was using Spirit World sizes as a comparison.

    ¡°Regardless we¡¯re only goin¡¯ to get you some equipment, so you won¡¯t be able to see much of the Empire. But don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll get your chance to see the Empire as well as much more of Spirit World. But only you, we won¡¯t be around for that one.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°Hey, just what do you mean by tha¡ª¡± I try to ask before getting cut off by the door, ¡°Connection complete. Thank you for waiting.¡±

    ¡°Looks like I made it in time. Hey, Akkre, wait up a moment.¡± Calling from behind Tsuki walks up to us, carrying a small box in her hands. ¡°Can you bring this to Mila?¡± she says while handing the box over to Akkre.

    ¡°Sure if I see her. What¡¯s in the package?¡± Akkre asks.

    ¡°It¡¯s just the usual. I¡¯ve put a magic seal on the package so she is the only one who can open it.¡± Tsuki responds.

    ¡°Oh, the blood packs. You can come with us if you want to ya know.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°I would honestly love to go with you but I got a call just now from my sister. She said that Alice just passed out drunk at a bar. She wants me to come to pick her up and drag her home.¡± Tsuki says.

    ¡°Again¡­ just who does that girl take after?¡± Akkre says, crossing his arms.

    ¡°Yes, I wonder who¡­ certainly not her father who constantly takes her out to go bar hopping.¡± Tsuki says while giving Akkre a cold stare.

    With his head turned away, trying not to meet Tsuki in the eyes, Akkre stays silent. Eventually in a cold sweat Akkre grabs my hand and makes for the door and says, ¡°nope not my fault!¡± clearly trying to make sure his wife doesn¡¯t have time to respond to his antics.

    <hr>

    As I¡¯m forced through the doorway my vision turns white. As I regain my sight, my eyes are met with tons of people walking around and buildings that reach into the sky. There are all sorts of people around here, but I don¡¯t think there are any other humans. Many of these people have rather distinct features; some have tails, others have horns, and some have hoofs. In the far distance, walls surround the city, reaching so far up into the sky that an end can¡¯t be seen.

    ¡°Try not to stare too much, it¡¯s a bit rude. Now come along. It would be quite problematic if you got lost here.¡± Akkre grabs my hand once more and drags me along with him as he leads us through the city. I didn¡¯t notice before but Akkre is wearing a cloak hiding his many tails.

    ¡°Hey, Akkr¡ª¡±

    ¡°Shush. Don¡¯t call me by name while we are in Spirit World.¡± Akkre says, cutting me off. ¡°These days only a handful of people know I even exist. To the Spirits of today, I am nothing more than an old legend. I¡¯m nothin¡¯ more than an ol¡¯ tall tale. I¡¯ve been givin¡¯ support to the Empire from the shadows for ages and when the time comes I will show myself on centre stage once more like I did all those years ago¡­ but now is not that time. Anyways just make sure not to call me by name.¡± He explains.

    ¡°So then what should I call you?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ how about agent 770, Vond¡­ sorry, bad joke. Just call me Erkka, it¡¯s my name backwards. Also, try n¡¯ pick up the pace, I don¡¯t want to pull your arm off. Although you¡¯re probably stronger than me in terms of physical strength right now. We need to hurry, it¡¯ll be a pain if my younger sister finds out that I¡¯m in Spirit World.¡±

    ¡°Are you on poor terms with your sister or something?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that, it would just be a slight annoyance to me. But it would cause massive problems for everyone in the Empire. My sister has a really good nose and knows I have a hard time refusing her request. If she knows I¡¯m around, she will drop everything to come to find me.¡±

    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t sound like too much of a problem, I mean sure it might cause some trouble for the people around her at the time but, I don¡¯t see how it can affect the entire nation.¡±

    ¡°Think about it for a moment Millie. Remember who my mother is. Now, what position do you think that puts my sister in?¡±

    ¡°Your mother? If I remember correctly she is the Empress, so that means¡­ oh, that makes her the princess.¡±

    ¡°Close. My mother has been dead for a long time. My sister is the current Empress. I know far too well what happens when a ruler is missing, it¡¯s not fun for any of the advisers or administration workers. So let¡¯s hurry it up.¡± Akkre says while pulling me along once more.

    Without much time to react, I find myself sprinting just to keep from falling while I get pulled along behind Akkre.

    The crowded streets disappear from sight as we walk through the back alleys until we come up to a sturdy looking steel door. Without much warning, Akkre shoves a cloak similar to his at me.

    ¡°Now that we¡¯re here, put this on. And make sure you have the hood over ya head covering your face.¡± He says.

    *Knock* *Knock* Akkre hits the door a few times while he puts on his hood, hiding his face. A few seconds after knocking a snow white eye peers through the sliding peephole and we hear a gruff voice.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±

    ¡°Tell the Creator that the Tyrant of the Heavens is here to see her.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°One moment.¡± Closing the peephole I can hear his faint footsteps as the man behind the door walks away.

    ¡°I¡¯m fairly certain this Creator person is the one we¡¯re going to get equipment from but what¡¯s with the Tyrant and cloak stuff.¡±

    ¡°A 10 out of 10 assumption, that is who we are gettin¡¯ your equipment from. The Tyrant thing is a codename of sorts, it¡¯s better when people don¡¯t know you directly in the underground. So we use an alias, although in my case it¡¯s an alias for an alias. Same reason for hiding your face. It¡¯s best to remain anonymous.¡± Akkre explains.

    If by underground he means things like criminal activities then I can understand why, but I don¡¯t think royalty should be taking part and endorsing such things. Within a few minutes, I hear a strange sound coming from behind the door.

    ¡°Come in, the Creator will see you in room 404. Thanks for your patience.¡± The doorkeeper says.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    ¡°Not a problem at all my good sir. Now come along, we shouldn¡¯t keep her waiting.¡± Akkre says as we enter the building.

    Having crossed the threshold, the doorkeeper closes the door and locks it behind us.

    <hr>

    I follow Akkre closely as I scan the building. We have been walking quite a while now but I have yet to see any room labelled 404, even though we have long passed the 400¡¯s. Eventually, we reach a dead end.

    ¡°Are you sure you know where we have to go? I saw a 403 and a 405 but no 404. That room is just nowhere to be found.¡± I say.

    ¡°Well, it is room 404 after all, not that you would understand. And I do know where to go, I designed this place after all.¡± Akkre says while he moves a painting hanging on the wall next to us and reveals something hidden behind it. ¡°You need a password to open up room 404. This hidden panel is where you gotta¡¯ input it.¡±

    After spending a few seconds pressing some buttons, the dead end wall in front of us splits in half to reveal a door. As we walk through and shut the door behind us I can hear the sound of the walls moving back into place, once again hiding the room. The room itself is bright and well lit with two couches and a table in between them. On the table is a simple white mask, and on the far couch lays a woman with deep black hair like Akkre that practically shimmers in the light. She is stretched out on the couch wearing loose robes that resemble the clothing of some countries in Asia¡­ but they¡¯re way too loose. She looks like a complete mess, her hair is completely dishevelled and the way she is wearing her clothes makes it seems like she is half naked.

    ¡°You said we were going to get some equipment from someone called the Creator, right? Don¡¯t tell me that she is the Creator.¡± I hesitantly ask.

    ¡°¡­ Unfortunately, you are correct, Millie.¡± Akkre says after a short pause, clearly distraught over the scene in front of us.

    ¡°Ahh!¡± The woman screams, quickly tidying herself up. ¡°I thought you were here alone Akkre. I didn¡¯t think someone would be with you so I didn¡¯t bother to clean myself up. How embarrassing. Hold on, give me a moment.¡± She says while taking some time to further clean up her appearance, straightening her hair and moving her clothes around to be less revealing.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m ready. So what brings you two to see little ol¡¯ me?¡±

    ¡°I think your too old to be saying stuff like that Amne¡­ not to mention your chest is also way too big for you to pass off as a child. Millie, take off your hood and introduce yourself.¡± Akkre says.

    After that first impression I¡¯m a bit reluctant, but if she is going to give me equipment I should probably try to be polite.

    ¡°¡­ Millie. Millie Von Augustine.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ have I met you before. You seem kinda¡¯ familiar? No, perhaps I¡¯m mistaken. Her name started with an ¡®E¡¯. Anyways my name is Amne, I¡¯m Akkre¡¯s cousin. I apologise for my appearance before. That fool at the door didn¡¯t tell me that there was more than one person. I¡¯ll ask again, what brings you two here to see me?¡± Amne asks.

    ¡°You know why I¡¯m here, it was written in the letter I sent you the other day. I gave you the details for the weapon in that letter. I assume you already got it made.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°Oh that. I got so excited that my blood started boiling when I saw how crazy that design was. But are you sure she can handle it? The thing is rather large, and that doesn¡¯t even account for any armour.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯m certain she can handle it.¡± Akkre says while pushing me up to the table.

    ¡°If you say so.¡± Amne says as she reaches out behind her and places a case larger than me on the table and opens it to reveal a rather unique weapon.

    At first glance, it seems like a shield but a shaft that serves as a grasping point extends out from two sides of the shield. One half is elongated with a sharp point on the end, which makes me think this is a lance of some sort. The other half is shorter but the edges are sharpened to resembles a sword. Just what the hell is this thing, it¡¯s trying to be too many things at once.

    ¡°So how do you like it?¡± Amne asks.

    ¡°Came out better than I thought it would. Good job, Amne. Let¡¯s get it bound to Millie then.¡± Akkre says.

    Bound? What is he talking about?

    ¡°Watch closely, Millie.¡± Akkre says while drawing attention to his hand.

    I can feel energy gathering around him as a scythe appears from out of nowhere and into his grasp.

    ¡°Whoa! What did you do!? That was cool!¡± I shout.

    ¡°Because this weapon is bound to my soul, I can materialise and dematerialise it at will. It effectively means I am carrying a concealed weapon with me at all times. Here, try and hold my scythe.¡± He says.

    He places it down, resting against the table but as I try and lift it the thing won¡¯t budge. I thought Akkre said he wasn¡¯t very strong, but he was moving the scythe around with no problem.

    ¡°Hard to lift, ain¡¯t it? That¡¯s cause it¡¯s bound to me. Another benefit of having a weapon bound to your soul makes it so you are the only one capable of picking it up. Let¡¯s get started, come over here and sit down, then close your eyes.¡± Akkre says.

    Following his instructions, I move over to the couch and sit.

    ¡°Oh, this is quite comfortable. So now wha¡ª¡±

    <hr>

    ¡°¡­There, we finally finished. Hey, Millie wake up we¡¯re done.¡± Akkre says.

    In a daze I begin to open my eyes and slowly get up, only to feel sluggish and tired.

    ¡°Huh? What? Just what happened while I was out. I¡¯m suddenly feeling a bit light-headed.¡± I say while looking around the room.

    ¡°It has been a few hours since you sat down. I only took your soul out and did some work with it, no big deal.¡± Akkre says while reading a book on the couch.

    ¡°What!¡± In a panic, I pat myself down to make sure I really am alright. Doesn¡¯t seem like there are any problems outside of feeling a bit out of it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you. Amne and I are pros, outside of feeling a bit off for a couple hours your fine. Regardless, the procedure to bind the weapon to your soul has been completed. See, the shield or sword or lance¡­ the thing isn¡¯t here anymore. Try to picture the thing materialising in your hand and focus your energy there.¡± Akkre explains.

    I don¡¯t know how he pulled out my soul but he could at least give some explanation or warning¡­ actually, I think I¡¯m better off not knowing. For now, I¡¯ll just go along with what he says though. Remembering the form of the weapon, I picture its strange shape in my mind. I try and direct my energy towards my right hand and after a minute or so I manage to successfully materialise the weapon in my hand.

    ¡°Ha! I did it! Look, guys!¡± I say ecstatically.

    ¡°I¡¯m actually surprised you got it on your first try, even if you were a bit slow. With some practice, you should be able to do it nearly instantly like me. But that¡¯s good enough for now. So we haven¡¯t actually thought of a name for the uh¡­ the thing your holding, since it¡¯s yours now you can deal with that.¡± Akkre says.

    A name, huh. Let¡¯s see¡­ so it¡¯s a sword, a lance, and a shield, all in one.

    ¡°How about Schanzild,¡± I say.

    ¡°That¡¯s German, right? Seems to me like ya took the first three letters for sword, the middle three for lance, and the last three for shield, and just put them all together. Does that sound ¡®bout right?¡± Akkre asks.

    ¡°Spot on, Akkre. Will that name suffice?¡± I respond.

    ¡°You chose it, thus its name from now on shall be Schanzild. Thanks for your help Amne, I¡¯ll have someone swing by your workshop later with some payment.¡± Akkre says as he puts his book down and turns to Amne.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, I had fun after all. Its been a while since I got to make something so interesting for once. You guys heading out now. You can use my portable gateway if you want if you¡¯re going back to the shrine.¡± Amne says.

    ¡°That¡¯s probably the best choice. Kagra has probably already picked up my scent so it would be risky to walk all the way back to the city gateway.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. If she got her hands on you, it would be a while until you could leave. Give me a moment and I¡¯ll set this baby up¡­ alright ready to go over here. Just step through and you¡¯ll be at the shrine gateway.¡± Amne says.

    ¡°Oh, I almost forgot about this. Here take this package and give it to Mila. Tsuki wanted me to give this to her if I saw her, but I don¡¯t think I should stick around much longer.¡± Akkre says while handing off his package to Amne.

    ¡°Sure thing, although I¡¯m not sure when I¡¯ll see her. But you know, considering the position that those two are in they get along pretty damn well. Anyways I shouldn¡¯t keep you lot here much longer so go on now, see ya.¡±

    With her parting words Amne shoves us all through the gateway she set up and in a flash, the familiar sight of Akkre¡¯s shrine stands before my eyes.

    ¡°It feels like she rushed us out.¡± I say.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know, but my younger sister Kagra was actually nearby. It would have been somewhat troublesome if I had stuck around much longer. Now how ¡®bout we get started on that training of yours¡­ is what I would like to say. But it¡¯s late and I bet you¡¯re pretty tired after experiencing interdimensional travel and having a weapon bound to your soul. So I will start your trainin¡¯ tomorrow. That said I won¡¯t be the one to train you, I mean it will be me just not me. I¡¯m too lazy to do it myself.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°You lost me. What the hell you are talking about?¡± I ask. ¡°So are you not going to train me or are you?¡±

    ¡°Sorry, I worded that poorly. What I mean is since I am too lazy to do it, I am going to send you to a slightly less lazy version of me that will train you. So let me ask you a question, do you want to go to school?¡± Akkre asks.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never been to one before so I¡¯m a little interested but I don¡¯t see how that relates to the matter at hand.¡± I say.

    ¡°Good, because I am going to send you to the past. To a time when I used to be a teacher at the Royal Academy in Spirit World, it is located in the centre of Artikkuus on the border between all the nations on the continent. The entire school is one big city-state and is the second largest city in all of Spirit World. I¡¯m going to have you transfer into my homeroom class. While you are there you will learn the basics of magecraft and how to fight, and in addition to that, you will learn arithmetic, science, and various other things. Also when you¡¯re there use the alias Eillim. We will send you off in the morning, so get a good nights rest. So¡­ see ya.¡± Akkre says.

    While I stand here completely flabbergasted at this strange turn of events, Akkre runs off before I can get even open my mouth.

    ¡°This guy is such a pain¡­ wait where do I even go to sleep?¡±

    Before long I notice a small sheet of parchment with something written on it.

    ¡°Guess I can take a look at it. It reads ¡®Hey Millie, you are probably wondering where it is your going to sleep and how to get there. Flip this note over and there are some directions to your room from the gateway.¡¯ How did he know?¡±

    As I flip the paper over I see a crudely drawn map and another message at the bottom. Let¡¯s see, ¡®I knew because you¡¯re easy to read.¡¯ This guy is really a pain in the arse. Whatever, I¡¯m too tired to deal with this right now. I¡¯ll just follow the directions and sleep.

    <hr>

    ¡°*Snore* Gawfpt! Ow, what the hell!¡± Being kicked out of my peaceful sleep in the most literal way, I end up face down on the floor.

    ¡°Get up, it¡¯s time to go. And a young lady such as yourself shouldn¡¯t snore like that.¡± Akkre says with that annoying smug face of his.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t even realise I was snoring.¡± I respond, picking my self up.

    ¡°It was really loud too. Now get movin¡¯ or do I need to drag your bum down the hall?¡± Akkre threatens.

    ¡°I¡¯m moving, I¡¯m moving!¡±

    Because I¡¯m certain he would actually do it, I quickly get up and follow Akkre. Before long we reach the gateway already active with Chronos and Raziel standing nearby.

    ¡°So the kiddo is finally up, I see. Raziel already made the transfer preparations. I modified the gateway to send you to the past, near the south gate of Royal Academy. The Akkre of the past is waiting there for you, but he isn¡¯t aware that you will be coming from the future. Also, make sure you never let others find out that you¡¯re not from that time period. You name will be Eillim¡­ uhh, let¡¯s go with that ship you were on, Concordia I believe. You will be Eillim Concordia from now on. The setting we are going with is that you were a sheltered rich girl from Celestia who is ignorant of the world and that Raziel has been taking care of you. With this explanation, it should be able to be used as an excuse as to why you don¡¯t know anything about Spirit World. Oh and this is important, back then it wasn¡¯t called Spirit World. That¡¯s a name that humans gave it and after a while, it just stuck around. The actual name is Spiriumtria. Also, If anyone asks you what kind of being you just tell them you¡¯re a Celestial, appearance wise the common folk of Celestia have little difference from humans. This is all I have to say, so good luck out there. Anything you two need to say?¡± Chronos asks.

    ¡°Chronos mentioned this but really, you shouldn¡¯t let anyone know who you really are and that you¡¯re from the future.¡± Raziel says.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have much to say outside of reiterating the importance of not lettin¡¯ anyone find out you¡¯re from the future. Got any questions so far?¡± Akkre asks.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ so why do I need to use a fake name and why is it so important?¡±

    ¡°The answer should be obvious. Because it¡¯s cool! You get the chance to use a codename for cryin¡¯ out loud. You don¡¯t have a say in the matter¡­ I¡¯ll be ripping that tongue out if you don¡¯t use it.¡± Akkre says, staring me straight in the eyes. ¡°Anyways, you¡¯ll be away for several years. Any questions? Not! I¡¯m not letting you ask any. So¡­ bye, have a great time.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°Hey wait! What do you mean by years!? Answ¡ª¡±

    Before I can finish Akkre shoves me through the gateway and closes it behind me as I fall on the ground.

    ¡°I swear, he is such a pain.¡±

    As I stand up and get a good scan of the environment, the first thing I notice is the massive walls in front of me and the ridiculously freezing temperatures around here. Before long I sense a presence behind me. Swiftly I turn around to see a familiar face.

    ¡°You¡¯re the new transfer student Eillim, right? Names Akkre Kojuuin, I¡¯ll be your homeroom teacher. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to Royal Academy, the most prestigious school between Spiriumtria and Celestia.¡±

 Chapter 4: The Centre of Learning

    ¡°Come along now, uh¡­ sorry, what was your name again?¡± Akkre asks.

    How in the world did he already forget my name? He was the one who called out to me in the first place. I suppose past or present, Akkre will still be Akkre. Just a pain to deal with.

    ¡°It¡¯s Mi¡ª¡± barely getting out one syllable, I manage to stop myself. Just in time, I remember what I was told just a few moments ago.

    ¡°You alright there?¡±

    ¡°Yeah sorry, I uhh¡­ bit my tongue. As I was saying before, my name is Eillim Concordia.¡±

    ¡°Well then miss Sillim, I will be taking you to your residence for your time studying here.¡±

    ¡°Alright, but you got my name wrong. It¡¯s Eillim.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry Millim.¡±

    ¡°Like I said, my name is Eillim.¡±

    ¡°Right, right, I knew that¡­ Rillim.¡± Akkre says with a slight smirk.

    Somehow he is managing to be even more annoying than he is in the present.

    ¡°You''re doing this on purpose aren¡¯t you?¡± I ask, giving him a cold stare. ¡°I¡¯m willing to bet you knew my name from the very start and have been messing with me this entire time.¡±

    ¡°Quite the smart one ain¡¯t ya. Correct you are, I have been messin¡¯ with you from the get go. Anyways let''s get movin¡¯, since your transfer was so sudden we don¡¯t have a dorm room ready for you so you will be staying in the Headmistress¡¯s manor.¡± Akkre says as he walks us into the massive city.

    Much like when we went to Sesna there are a great many assortments of people walking around. Once again, I am the only human around. Since I have been able to talk with animals since I was young, I wasn¡¯t terribly surprised when I learned of other races. The saying ¡®where there''s smoke there''s fire¡¯ makes a lot of sense in regards to people like Raziel and Akkre.

    Back on earth the civilisation¡¯s of the past must have come across beings like Akkre much more often than in the modern day. Seems like the acceptance of things other than humans faded over time and knowledge of their existence turned into myth and legend. Seeing all these people makes me wonder how did humanity forget about all these interesting people.

    ¡°Hey Eillim, you even listening to me?¡± Akkre asks.

    ¡°Oh sorry, what were you saying? I was a bit lost in thought.¡± I say.

    Akkre shakes his head and sighs as he says, ¡°Kids these days, they just never listen¡­ well, I was the same way now that I think about it.¡±

    ¡°From my perspective, you still don¡¯t listen.¡± I point out.

    ¡°Ignoring that and back to what I was saying. You will be transferring into my homeroom class, 11th year, class 0. Normally people are split into different classes by year. Each year has classes ranging from class 1-100, with each class further divided by the student''s speciality. Those being academics, athletic talent, and natural aptitudes for various other specialisations.

    But class 0 is a bit different. There are people who are a single failing grade away from dropping out, and then we have honour students like the Secondary Education Division¡¯s Student Leader. Once you''re in class 0 you don¡¯t leave until you finish your education. While most classes have the same number for different years, there is only one class 0. It starts at year 1 movin¡¯ up until university and then resets back to year 1.

    Essentially some people could get stuck with me as their homeroom teacher for nearly their entire school life. So congratulations on being stuck with me for the next several years.¡± Akkre says with a hearty laugh.

    ¡°I think I regret saying I wouldn¡¯t mind going to school. *Brr* H-how are you not cold Akkre?¡± I ask while shivering. ¡°Your wearing such light clothing yet I¡¯m here in a coat and a long dress and I¡¯m fr-freezing.¡±

    ¡°This is pretty warm temperatures around here, it¡¯s even summer right now. Seems like you¡¯re probably from a warmer area. Artikkuus is the coldest place in Spiriumtria after all, I shouldn¡¯t expect a foreigner to be used to cold temperatures. Hold on one sec.¡± Akkre says as he reaches out his hand.

    I feel something gathering around it. It doesn¡¯t feel like its the same type of energy as materialising his weapon nor does it feel like magic energy. I¡¯m not even sure if it is energy at all. Within moments something begins to take form in Akkre¡¯s hand. As it gets larger the thing Akkre is holding reveals itself to be a long fur coat.

    ¡°Here take this. It ain¡¯t the best thing around but it should at the very least keep you from getting too cold.¡± He says while handing me the newly formed coat.

    ¡°Just what did you do? How? I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m saying anymore, I¡¯m so confused.¡± I say in amazement while stumbling over my words.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a part of my power of Eternity. The eternal cycle of destruction and creation. I took some of my fur and some of the cloth from my clothes and bound them together to form that coat. Of course, I¡¯m oversimplifying it so you can understand at a basic level.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°But I don¡¯t see any fur on you. So where did that come from?¡± I ask.

    ¡°That¡¯s what you think. I¡¯ll explain as we walk so let''s get moving, I¡¯m supposed to take you to see the headmistress and I¡¯d rather not make her wait.¡±

    As we make our way, Akkre tells me that he is what is called an Infinity Wolf. He says that his species are able to shapeshift between two forms. His current one seems to resemble that of a human, but with his wolf ears atop his head and his many ethereal tails. The other form is that of a giant wolf.

    Apparently being in the wolf form consumes massive amounts of energy to maintain and the consumption only increases with age. When an Infinity Wolf is around 1000 years old they lose the ability to transform because they can¡¯t keep up with the energy consumption rate.

    ¡°I hope you got all that because I won¡¯t be explaining it again.¡± Akkre says as he points off to the side. ¡°Now if you look over here, you will see where you will be stayin¡¯, that¡¯s the Headmistress¡¯s manor. Although you will have your tour of the place later. First, we need to head to the faculty office so you can meet the other teachers and Headmistress Rizze. The office isn¡¯t far from here if we hurry we can make it and I won¡¯t get chewed out for being late.¡± He says.

    As we make our way through the faculty office Akkre has me give the teachers around us a brief self-introduction. We then make our way to the headmistress¡¯s office.

    *Knock* With a couple of knocks on the door, Akkre doesn¡¯t even wait for a reply before entering.

    ¡°Hey Rizze, I¡¯m here and I brought the transfer student. I¡¯m not even late this time. Oh, I see little Amea is here too.¡± Akkre says, addressing the two other people in the room.

    As I enter the room after him, warm air flies over me dispelling all signs of the cold temperature. Straight ahead I see a woman sitting in a large chair in the far end of the room with large stacks of paper on her desk. She has deep crimson hair and her eyes look as if they are on fire. Similarly, the young woman standing off to the side looks just like her, albeit younger looking.

    ¡°You just barely made it by the appointed time. And will you stop calling me little, I¡¯m not a kid anymore.¡± Says the young lady off to the side.

    ¡°No need to get upset with him, Amea. He made it on time and that''s what matters. Besides you are a great deal younger than him.¡± Says the woman in the chair.

    ¡°Ma, you can¡¯t be so lenient with him. That¡¯s the reason why he is so lazy, your just too soft on him.¡± The young lady responds.

    ¡°How about y¡¯all save the parent-child dispute for later when we don¡¯t have a guest just standing here.¡± Akkre says, calming the situation down.

    ¡°While I don¡¯t think there is even much of an argument, Akkre is right. We shouldn¡¯t keep our guest here waiting any longer. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Concordia. I am the current headmistress of Royal Academy and the State¡¯s representative for international matters, Rizze Rastuil. You¡¯ve already met Akkre. He is to be your homeroom teacher in class 0. And over here is my daughter Amea, go on and introduce yourself.¡±

    ¡°Well as you¡¯ve just heard, my name is Amea. Amea Rastuil. I¡¯m also in class 0 and I¡¯m also the Student Leader for the Secondary Division. Nice to meet you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you too. I heard I will be staying at your place, I hope it¡¯s not too much trouble.¡± I say.

    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. We have quite the large house after all and besides, Akkre and his daughter Alice are also staying at our house as well so one more isn¡¯t a problem.¡± The Headmistress says.

    It seems like I just can¡¯t get away from him.

    ¡°For now why don¡¯t you give her a tour of the house, Amea. I have some matters that I need to discuss with Akkre. You and Akkre can show her around the campus later. Oh, and explain to her how things work in this academy.¡± The Headmistress says.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Alright. Follow me Eillim, I¡¯ll show you around our house and tell you everything you need to know about the Academy. And Akkre, meet us at the cafe on Zuishi street when you''re done so we can show her around the campus.¡± Amea says as she guides us back the way we came towards the Headmistress¡¯s manor.

    As we walk around her house, Amea begins to explain a bit about the academy, ¡°guess I¡¯ll start with the classes. They are divided into four sections. The general studies, magic studies, martial studies, and specialised studies. Other than the specialised section the other three are fairly straightforward. The specialised studies encompass a broad variety of different things from housework to leadership. If there is something you''re interested in then you can probably find something related over at the specialised studies section. Questions?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but not about the classes. You mentioned being a student leader or something, what''s that about?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Oh that. I think I should start with the way the school is set up. Royal Academy is split between three divisions. The Primary Education Division, the Secondary Education Division, and the University Division. The Academy uses an escalator system up until the end of the Secondary Division. To get into the university, students are required to pass a difficult test, regardless of whether or not they came from the Academy or from a foreign school.

    Now each of these Divisions has a Student Leader, and collectively these leaders manage the student-run activities such as clubs, as well as administer disciplinary action when students break the rules. Leaders are chosen by popular vote by their respective divisions and stay leader until they move up from the Primary to the Secondary Division, or graduate in the case of the Secondary and University Divisions.

    That¡¯s the basic rundown for the Student Leaders. I tried to keep the explanation as short as possible but it still came out a bit long, I hope you got all that.¡± Amea explains.

    ¡°Your right, it was a lot of information at once. But I got used to hearing these long-winded explanations a while ago.¡±

    ¡°Is that right? Oh, here is something pretty unique to Royal Academy that you might find interesting, the duel system.¡± Amea says.

    ¡°Duel system?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a system we have in place where any student or faculty can challenge anyone else to a duel of any kind. It could be a traditional one on one fight or even a simple cooking match. Of course, you do need the approval of one of the Student Leaders and a faculty member or if you can get it, the approval of my mother the Headmistress.¡±

    ¡°All I¡¯m hearing is that I can challenge that pain in the arse to a fight on my own terms.¡± I say with a firm picture of Akkre in my mind.

    ¡°I assume you mean Akkre. As long as he isn¡¯t being challenged to anything that requires magic prowess he agrees to almost any duel. Anyways lets move on.¡± Amea says as we move towards the next room.

    As Amea finished explaining the basics of the Academy to me we also finished up the tour of her house and made our way towards the cafe where we are supposed to be meeting Akkre. As we head towards the front gate of the manor we pass by something strange.

    ¡°Hey Amea, what¡¯s that over there?¡±

    ¡°A grave. Specifically my fathers grave. The former Headmaster.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for bringing this up. I didn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, he died when I was really young so I don¡¯t really remember him. From what I heard, my father and Akkre were classmates alongside my mother. It was due to their friendship that on his deathbed my father asked Akkre to look after me. To be honest, despite all his faults, Akkre takes his commitments pretty seriously and is a pretty good father figure... even if he occasionally makes me want to knock that head off his shoulder.¡± Amea says with a small smile that quickly turned into a sour expression.

    ¡°Anyways let¡¯s move on. I won¡¯t hear the end of it if we make Akkre wait for long. Oh, but don¡¯t tell him I said any of that stuff from before, it¡¯s rather embarrassing.¡± Amea says as we continue past the front gate.

    I didn¡¯t mean to bring up a depressing topic like this with my curiosity but at least she didn¡¯t mind. It takes some time but we finally reach the cafe where we are supposed to be meeting Akkre at, however, he is nowhere to be found.

    ¡°¡­That damn fool. Hold on Eillim, I¡¯m going to go ask the manager if he was here.¡±

    ¡°Hey Makion, was Akkre here?¡± Amea asks addressing the shopkeeper.

    ¡°Oh, Miss Amea. Yes, he was here a while ago, he actually asked me to tell you that he was going over to the bar across the street.¡± The shopkeeper says.

    ¡°Drinking in the middle of the day again I see. Guess we should go get him before he¡¯s too drunk to think straight.¡± Amea says in an annoyed tone as she begins to turn around.

    ¡°No need, for the man of the hour is already here!¡±

    ¡°Ah! Please don¡¯t shout right next to my ear and how did you even get behind us without us noticing?¡± Amea asks.

    From seemingly out of nowhere, Akkre appears and startling both me and Amea.

    ¡°If you couldn¡¯t sense me approachin¡¯, you clearly need more trainin¡¯. I can excuse Aillim for not sensing me since she is a new student, but you¡¯ve been here all your life. You have an excuse. I would like to continue this conversation but we shouldn¡¯t keep Xillim waitin'' and give her a tour of the campus.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°If you''re trying to be considerate of me you could at least get my name right.¡± I say with an annoyed look.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter what I call you as long as you know I¡¯m addressin¡¯ you. Anyways now that we¡¯re all here let us be on our merry way.¡± Akkre joyously says as he turns to leave.

    ¡°Not so fast, I¡¯ve had enough of this fooling around. I challenge you to a duel, Akkre. A one on one fight, and if I win you need to take things more seriously.¡± Amea says, stopping Akkre in his tracks.

    ¡°Are you sure you want to do this, Amea? You haven¡¯t won against me before, what makes you think you can now.¡± Akkre says, with his tone of voice getting sharper.

    ¡°I won¡¯t know unless I try. Of course, we already have the approval from a Student Leader, so all we need is for you to agree.¡±

    ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll agree. I won¡¯t even impose any terms of my own, but just for you, I¡¯ll take the fight seriously for once. Now let¡¯s head to the field for some space.¡± Akkre says, with his entire demeanour completely changing.

    He no longer has that happy go lucky feeling to him and his speech feels cold. I certainly wasn¡¯t expecting this. I had a feeling that there was definitely more to him than my less than impressive first impression.

    We make our way towards a large open field. Amea explains to us that the field is used exclusively for duels. Along the way, she continues to explain to me the various building and facilities we pass by, but Akkre stays silent the whole time.

    As we get closer to the field a large man approaches. Standing over twice my height with massive tusks stemming from his mouth and long hair coving his entire body. The ground shakes as he moves towards us.

    ¡°Welcome Sir Akkre, I heard about the duel between you and Amea. Will you be using this field for your fight?¡± The large man says.

    ¡°So you''re in charge of the field today Johef. Yeah, make the announcement. Oh and sorry ahead of time, but I¡¯m going all out this time. I need to teach a certain little girl what it means to challenge the top. It¡¯ll even serve to show the new transfer what¡¯s to come.¡±Akkre says.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine my old friend. It¡¯s a rare treat to see you fight at 100%. I wonder what sacred treasure you''ll pull out this time. Anyways, I¡¯ll go and make the announcement, so you two should go get into position. And you, that new transfer student I believe, come with me. It¡¯s not going to be safe out here in the open.¡± The large man says.

    ¡°You should go with arbiter Johef, Eillim. You¡¯ll get front row seats while I show that Amea that it¡¯s 1000 years to early for her to even think she stands a chance.¡± Akkre says as he and Amea walk to opposite ends of the field.

    Not wanting to argue with him right now, I stay quiet and follow his instructions. I follow the arbiter over to an observatory of some sorts nearby. Inside we have a view of the entire field with all sorts of equipment laying around.

    ¡°So Johef right? What is all this stuff?¡± I ask.

    ¡°If you mean the devices I¡¯ve got all over the place, they are for broadcasting the duel to the entire city via the arcane communications system. Using the same system I will announce the fight to the entire city and anyone can watch from the many arcane vision screens throughout the city. It¡¯s my role as the arbiter to serve as both the judge and to provide commentary for any events taking place in these fields. Anyways those two should be in position by now so I should get started. *Ahem*¡± Clearing his throat, Johef opens his mouth up wide and shouts.

    ¡°Attention Royal Academy! At Secondary Field Hastul, a duel will begin shortly! Our participants are the Secondary Division¡¯s Student Leader, Amea Rastuil! And the one she challenged is none other than the Crown Prince of the Empire and our famed history and military theory teacher, Akkre Kojuuin. The duel will be an old-fashioned one versus one fight and will begin in 3¡­2¡­1¡­ FIGHT!¡±

    As soon as the signal was given Amea throws a large fireball at Akkre, exploding right in front of his face. With his vision clouded by the smoke, Amea shoots out several bolts of lightning from her fingers. With the smoke from the fireball still clouding everyone''s vision, it¡¯s hard to tell what state Akkre is in. Suddenly from the smoke, a fireball and several bolts of lighting come flying out towards Amea. In almost an instant she manages to put up a protective barrier around herself. As the smoke around Akkre clears, we see a strange object circling around him.

    ¡°Oh, there it is, folks! Akkre said beforehand he would take this seriously but even then I didn¡¯t expect this. For those of you watching who don¡¯t know, Akkre is in possession of many powerful tools. The one you all see floating around him is a special mirror from Celestia that reflects all magic back at the source. They seem to be talking over there, so lets dive in a little deeper and listen in on their discussion.¡±

    ¡°I heard about that mirror from Ma, but that thing really is something. However, it can only protect you in one direction so how will you fare against this!¡± Amea shouts.

    Looking up, we all see dark clouds gathering in the sky. Meanwhile, the ground beneath Akkre begins to glow, soon erupting into a column of fire swirling around him as lighting strikes down on Akkre from the darkened sky. I feel an enormous burst of energy coming from the epicentre of Amea¡¯s attacks when suddenly we hear the howl of a wolf. At the sound of the howl all of Amea¡¯s attacks dissipate into nothing and in the aftermath all we can see is a large black-haired Wolf towering over all the buildings in the city, even eclipsing the walls that surround it in size. Is this the wolf form that Akkre had mentioned earlier? He said it was a large form but this is outrageous.

    ¡°Aaand here is what we¡¯ve been all waiting to see, Akkre¡¯s wolf form! It¡¯s sad to say but this fight is just about over considering the sheer force from Akkre¡¯s howl has pushed Amea into a wall knocking her unconscious. It¡¯s a real shame we couldn¡¯t see anymore. Although it was a bit anticlimactic, that concludes the duel between Akkre and Amea, the victor is, of course, Akkre. All things considered, Amea did very well to even push Akkre into transforming. Glad I''m not a janitor as cleaning up this mess is something I don''t want to do. That¡¯s all for our broadcast folks, this is the arbiter Johef signing off.¡±

    We walk out of the observatory to meet up with Akkre and Amea but as we open the door Akkre is already here carrying Amea on his back. His face looks much more relaxed and he is back to his usual attitude.

    ¡°She fought hard today. Amea¡¯s casting speed has risen tremendously. She has truly improved.¡± Akkre says with a gentle and caring smile. ¡°You two, make sure you never tell her I said that. If either of you do, a worse fate than death awaits.¡± Akkre says, still smiling but with a completely different meaning behind it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry sir my lips are sealed.¡± Johef says with a cold sweat running down his face.

    I respond in a similar manner.

    ¡°With the way things turned today, it doesn¡¯t seem like we¡¯ll be finishin¡¯ that tour today Eillim. Not that it really matters, since the best way to get the lay of the land is to explore for yourself. If that letter I got was any indication, you¡¯ll be here for a while so you better get used to things around here soon. I was also told to train you. So be ready cause it won¡¯t be easy.¡± Akkre says with a smile.

    I may have made a mistake when I agreed to this but it¡¯s too late for regrets now¡­

 Chapter 5: The Return

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll think about showing up but I can¡¯t make any promises, see you all later.¡± I say as I wave my classmates goodbye.

    Well¡­ I never had any intention to go to the party anyways. I know it¡¯s no way to make friends, but I already have all the friends I need¡­ even if one of them is a complete moron. But a graduation party¡­ thinking back I¡¯ve been here a while now. Almost eight years now. When I first got here I was certainly taken aback by how different the customs and culture are here compared to home. I¡¯d say I got used to everything pretty quickly¡­ Almost everything. I don¡¯t think I will ever get used to the dramatic differences in size. Even after being here for eight years, there are plenty of places left unexplored by me. Although between my studies and the training Akkre put me through, I think I still got to see a fair amount of the city.

    ¡°Huh? This feeling, its the same as back then. Took long enough.¡± I say while reaching for the door.

    Beyond the door to my dorm room, I can feel the swirling energies shifting through space. As I open the door the sight before my eyes confirm my suspicions, it¡¯s the time portal that was used to send me here.

    Looks like my time here has come to an end. I was expecting this, it¡¯s a good thing I was prepared and got my important stuff packed ahead of time.

    ¡°Now I just have to shove my clothes in, and... done.¡± I say.

    I want to say bye to those two and I do feel bad for not going to see them, but how am I supposed to explain this. I don¡¯t even know how long this portal is gonna stay open and I don¡¯t want to keep Akkre waiting¡­ I don¡¯t even want to know what he¡¯ll do if I¡¯m late this time.

    ¡°Just going to throw this through. *Hmph* *haa* Now that the suitcase has been taken care of it''s my turn.¡± I say, jumping into the portal.

    ******

    Within mere seconds of jumping through the portal, I open my eyes to find myself sitting atop my suitcase, with Akkre¡¯s shrine right in front of me. It¡¯s been so long since I was last here seeing this place is almost nostalgic.

    ¡°Ahh!¡±

    Upon hearing a scream I turn around to find the portal closing and see the sight of pure white hair fluttering in the wind. As she lands on her back I can see her pale white eyes scanning the environment. She quickly stands up to asses the situation, I¡¯d expect nothing less from a newly trained soldier like herself. Irina Icrwl, one of the few people I would call a friend.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ I give up. I ain¡¯t got the slightest clue as to where I am. You mind filling me in on the details, Eillim. Also, you might want to get up and pick up your suitcase. You¡¯re kinda sitting on top of someone¡­ actually, I¡¯ve got the feeling you knocked the man out cold. I hope he¡¯s not dead.¡± Irina mentioned something rather dangerous right there¡­ there¡¯s no way¡­ I hope.

    ¡°You''re kidding me, right? There¡¯s no way¡ª holy shit you were right! I did knock someone out cold!¡±

    In a panic, I hurry to pick myself and my suitcase up, to find out that I knocked Chronos unconscious. Thank goodness it was just Chronos, I can only imagine the terror if it had been Akkre I hit.

    ¡°Hey, that old man isn¡¯t dead is he, Eillim?¡± Irina asks while looking over my shoulder.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, it would take far more than that to kill a god. More importantly, what are you doing here, Irina? Care to explain?¡±

    ¡°Funny story actually. I was hiding in your closet waiting to surprise and congratulate you on graduating, but all of a sudden that portal appeared out of nowhere once you showed up. I was so surprised when it happened that I was left speechless and missed my timing to show myself because you jumped through so quickly. I was curious as to where you went so I followed you. And that about answers your question, so my turn. Where are we?¡± Irina asks.

    ¡°I can answer that. This is the Shrine of Eternity, one the three areas that make up the Hall of the Keepers.¡±

    Walking up behind us is Akkre, answering a question that wasn¡¯t directed at him. Although, now that I actually think about it I never did learn the official name for this place.

    ¡°Oh, it''s Rere!¡± Irina yells gleaming with excitement as she runs up to him.

    ¡°*Ack*¡± As Irina dashes towards Akkre, she knocks up a bountiful amount of dust in her wake, choking and nearly blinding me.

    ¡°Halt! Stand and salute!¡± Akkre yells.

    Immediately on Akkre¡¯s words, Irina stops moving and stands up straight like a log. An almost instant response, I can hardly picture the hellish training he put Irina through in the Military Training Program.

    ¡°Just how many times do I need to tell you, don¡¯t call me Rere. You¡¯re not a child anymore, I know you can say my name just fine. Now come along, Irina. I¡¯ll give you the rundown of your situation once we¡¯re inside. Millie or rather Eillim¡­ whatever your name is, I don¡¯t care if you wake the old man up or not but at the very least bring a blanket or he¡¯ll catch a cold sleeping out here. Oh, you don¡¯t need to wake him up either. But if you do, you should be prepared for a lecture longer than anything you got at the academy.¡± Akkre says as he turns around and guides Irina in.

    Considering it has been nothing but lectures for the past few years at the university, I think I¡¯ll just leave Chronos in the foyer. I could go without hearing another lecture for a long time.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± I whisper as I move him inside and a lay him on the floor.

    ¡°Welcome back, Millie,¡± Raziel says as she walks up with her usual gentle smile.

    ¡°¡­ huh, oh right, that¡¯s me. I¡¯ve gotten so used to being called Eillim I nearly forgot it was an alias.¡±

    ¡°If you would like, I can call you by that instead. Which do you prefer?¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ I don¡¯t have any particular attachment to the name but I don¡¯t care either way. You can keep calling me Millie or use Eillim, I¡¯ve been called so many things over these past several years I stopped caring.¡±

    ¡°Very well, then I will simply keep using Millie. In any event, I will take you to Akkre and Irina. I have noticed much more power radiating from you since we last met. It would seem your little venture paid off.¡± Raziel says.

    Ahh, finally some praise. All I ever got from Akkre was ¡®not good enough, keep training¡¯ it feels good to get some praise for once.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, I bet I could even fight you Raziel.¡± I say, puffing out my chest.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let my compliment go to your head. You may have grown¡­ in some places more than others, I see, but I don¡¯t think you''re so strong that you can beat me in magic. You¡¯re still nowhere near strong enough for any of us Keepers to consider fighting seriously. And as far as I know, you never once got Akkre to fight you at full power, did you?¡± Raziel exclaims in a stern voice.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ true¡­ he would just nullify anything I threw at him. Just what is with him? He is horrendously weak in terms of physical strength and has no talent for magic. Yet his control over his innate abilities are off the damn charts, and don¡¯t even get me started on all the strange tools he constantly has with him.¡± I say with a sigh.

    ¡°You were taught about the three divisions of power that Spirits and Celestials have, correct? Physical power, magical power, and ability power. If we use you as an example and put your power as a number it would be something around 1,000. If we put that into a bar graph it would be something around 45% physical, 45% magical, and 10% ability. Do you follow so far?¡± Raziel asks.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s no problem.¡±

    ¡°Good, now for Akkre, I can only describe his power as infinite, just as his species name suggests. You can generally figure out an Infinity Wolf¡¯s power distribution by the number of tails they have. Seven means a relatively even split of power between the divisions. Eight means relatively high magic and ability in the middle ground with low physical power, with nine being the opposite. High physical and low magical power. Ten, however, is a bit of a strange case.

    There isn¡¯t much detail regarding ten tailed Infinity Wolves since there have only ever been three of them in existence. But each of them has 100% of their power in a single category. Akkre has 100% of his power in his innate abilities. While his twin sister has 100% in physical power and his mother has 100% in magical power. I¡¯m not completely certain since there simply isn¡¯t enough of them to gather sufficient information.

    Based off of circumstantial evidence I think that the ten tailed Infinity Wolves all have a power distribution of 100%, 0%, and 0%. Although to begin with there isn¡¯t much data regarding the Infinity Wolves in general considering you can count how many are still alive on a single hand. There¡¯s even less data regarding the pre-unification society of the Infinity Wolves¡­ sorry I started going off on a tangent there. So back to Akkre¡­¡±

    Raziel went on to explain that she couldn¡¯t define Akkre¡¯s power as a concrete number, because of his classification as both a demon and a god. Meaning that, depending on when he last consumed a soul and how much faith people have in him, these factors will act as multipliers on his power. However, no matter how much you multiply infinity, it¡¯s still infinity. I think I understand what she is saying, but at the same time, I have absolutely no idea what she is saying.

    ¡°How about we go to an easier topic until we reach Akkre, tell me about your time at the Academy. Other than going through Akkre¡¯s tortu¡ª I mean training.¡± Raziel says.

    ¡°How about this then¡­¡± as we continue on our way to meet up with Akkre and Irina, I tell Raziel all about the fun times I had at the Academy. All the while, I do everything I can to suppress the nightmare that is Akkre¡¯s training.

    It¡¯s been so long I had nearly forgotten how absurdly large this place is, but eventually, we make our way to Akkre.

    ¡°Took y¡¯all long enough to make it here. I was able to explain everything to the young Irina over here with plenty of time to spare. Now on to more important matters, lets see how strong you¡¯ve gotten. Second lieutenant Irina Icrwl, attention! Your first order will be to fight with Eillim and gauge her strength. Raziel, can you set up an isolated field for where the two of them can fight without worrying about their surroundings?¡± Akkre asks.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°Of course. Just who do you think I am.¡± Raziel says.

    Without a moments delay, I feel large amounts of energy, unlike anything I have ever felt before. It feels like magic yet it¡¯s nothing like anything I¡¯ve learned about at the Academy. After consolidating her power into a bright orb she slams it into the ground with great force. Before I get the chance to fully comprehend what¡¯s happening, all of us are suddenly in a completely different place. A vast field of flowers, as far as the eye can see. Their sweet scent fills the air as a spring breeze flies through, pulling up the loose rooted flowers into the sky.

    ¡°Are you surprised? This is the power of void magic, this is something you wouldn¡¯t ever be able to learn at the academy. I¡¯ve created a temporary space isolated from everything on the outside. Perfect for the two of you to duke it out.¡± Raziel says.

    ¡°So you two can begin whenever you want by the way. I¡¯ll stop the fight once I feel like I¡¯ve seen enough. Oh, and lethal force is authorised.¡± Akkre lazily says as he sits down.

    He just said something incredibly dangerous right there.

    ¡°You heard the boss, Eillim. I hope your ready ¡®cause here I come!¡±

    In a flash, Irina materialises her weapon, a large scythe laced with pure ice. Just in time, I manage to bring out my own weapon and block the attack with my spear shaft. I¡¯ve thought this for a while now but scythes just don¡¯t make for a practical weapon, they seem so awkward to use. As I pull back to create some space I notice that parts of the spear shaft are giving off cold air. Regardless of how impractical her weapon is, that pure ice still gives her a considerable edge. But at the end of the day, the way Irina fights is just a poor mimicry of how Akkre fights with his scythe.

    ¡°Seems the way you fight hasn¡¯t changed in the slightest since our last bout. Still, don¡¯t have a style of your own.¡± I say in an attempt to taunt her.

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you think you might want to watch your back, my old friend. Hyaa!¡±

    Irina throws several daggers my way but only one seems like it¡¯s aimed at me, and it¡¯s easily blocked by my shield and falls to the ground. The Schanzild feels a bit heavier. So those were pure ice daggers. I need to stop blocking it or I won¡¯t be able to lift this thing anymore.

    ¡°Now arise, Ice Pillar!¡± Irina announces, using words of power to strengthen her magic.

    ¡°Damn! I should have realised what was happening sooner!¡± Surrounding me are the daggers she threw, forming a circle around me acting as a catalyst for her magic. As a spiked pillar emerges from under my feet, I swiftly jump back and narrowly avoid being skewered.

    ¡°Huh? Oh, come on! *Argh*¡± I was too focused on the pillar beneath my feet that I didn¡¯t even notice one spawning behind me, knocking me to the ground. I lose sight of Irina, only for her to appear right in front of me as she tries to sweep her scythe across my chest. In a panic, I somehow bring up my shield in time and knock her back. But it looks like I¡¯m gonna have to go at this barehanded now since the Schanzild is completely frozen.

    ¡°*Tch* And that was the one attack I was really hoping to hit too¡­¡± says Irina with a super annoyed look on her face.

    ¡°Wait, don¡¯t tell me the reason you aimed for my chest is that you''re still mad about that.¡±

    ¡°Of course it is! Why else would I aim for your breast! You used to have the same bust size as me, but you grew dammit! By 10 centimetres too, how dare you!¡± Irina shouts as she loses her composure in rage.

    ¡°Come on it¡¯s not like I can control that! And besides, it¡¯s not like 85 centimetres is particularly large. And if you want to be mad at someone why not Amea? She beat both of us by over 15 centimetres. Moreover, this isn¡¯t the time to be arguing about this.¡±

    While Irina is still trying to argue with me, I take the opportunity to close the gap and get into close quarters.

    ¡°Enchantment, Fire Fist!¡± Using enchantment magic I cover my hand in a strong fire as I get a clean strike to Irina¡¯s stomach.

    ¡°*Gak* I forgot that unlike me you¡¯ve got talent in both martial arts and magic. I can only use ice elemental magic, but you¡¯ve got everything at your disposal. I wanted to show off my strength in hopes of getting a promotion but it looks like it isn¡¯t gonna be that easy.¡±

    Figures that wasn¡¯t enough. As an ice elemental, fire is Irina¡¯s natural weakness. But she brushed it off like it was nothing. That girl can really take a hit. Fortunately, that one hit was all I needed.

    ¡°Activate sigil, Explosion!¡±

    ¡°Uh-oh, this isn¡¯t good,¡± Irina whispers as she realises what is going on.

    ¡°You''re not the only one who learned new tricks since we last fought.¡±

    Within moments the sigil I burned onto her jacket explodes, creating a large smoke cloud. Coming out from the smoke Irina¡¯s jacket is thrown towards me blocking my vision, but as I knock it from view Irina is already in front of me.

    ¡°Nice try, but it¡¯s not enough.¡± Thanks to the scythe¡¯s long wind up I manage to get down and get a clean sweep with a low kick. Irina and her scythe fall to the ground simultaneously as I prepare another strike.

    ¡°Enchantment, Stone Fist.¡± I clad my fist in stone as I bring down a heavy punch on the downed Irina. *Clank* right before my fist makes contact the stone dissolves as it hits something.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Eillim is the winner here.¡± As I bring my fist up I see Akkre¡¯s mirror fly back to him as he walks towards us.

    ¡°You¡¯ve certainly gotten stronger, but that fight might have gone much differently if this foolish student of mine ever used the weapon she is actually proficient with instead of using that damn scythe. But I suppose a win is still a win in the end.¡± Akkre says.

    ¡°Rere, about our deal from earlier¡­¡± Irina asks while avoiding eye contact with Akkre.

    ¡°You failed. So there be no promotion for ya. Also as punishment for your loss, your going to take a bath with hot water.¡±

    ¡°Please anything but that! I just took one, two weeks ago after you got upset at me for sleeping through the final written exams.¡± Irina says as crystal tears fall from her eyes.

    Irina¡¯s pleas fall on deaf ears as Akkre just ignores her, but is that really a punishment?

    ¡°Now then, lets get out of this place, shall we. Hyaa!¡±

    Akkre swings his fist behind him creating cracks in the air. The cracks spread as the field Raziel created begins to dissolve and after a few moments, we are back where we were earlier in Akkre¡¯s shrine.

    ¡°You know I could have just dispelled the field. The way you destroyed it lacks any form of elegance.¡± Raziel says with an annoyed tone.

    ¡°That¡¯s where your wrong, Raziel. The only option was for me to destroy it. Why? Because it has impact. It just looks cool.¡±

    ¡°Not everything has to just ¡®look cool¡¯. Everything you do lacks elegance, it¡¯s barbaric. Besides me dispelling the field would have been much faster.¡±

    ¡°Huh! You trying to pick a damn fight! Calling me barbaric, you old hag!¡± Akkre yells.

    ¡°Your the one trying to pick a fight old man! For starters¡­¡± Raziel, in turn, starts to get heated up.

    ¡°Hey Irina, they completely forgot that we are here, didn¡¯t they?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Yep, they completely forgot we exist.¡±

    The two of them went back and forth for almost an hour, but thankfully it never escalated to a full blown fight. The two of them finally started to run out of steam as they calmed down.

    ¡°This is going nowhere. Why don¡¯t we just call in a cease-fire and put an end to this, well Akkre?¡±

    ¡°I concur. *Ahem* now then I¡¯m sorry for makin'' Y''all wait.¡± Akkre says.

    Oh, his accent is back.

    ¡°I got a bit derailed earlier, so lets get back on track. Earlier today I sent out a message for everyone to gather in the dining hall by sunset and it would seem we are right on time. We are goin¡¯ to be celebratin¡¯ ya return and congratulatin¡¯ you for finishin¡¯ your studies at the Academy. And now that you''re old enough, we got plenty of booze lined up.¡±

    I think he''s forcing that accent a little too much there.

    ¡°But it shouldn¡¯t have been long at all for you since you last saw me. A graduation party is one thing, but for all of you, I¡¯ve only been away for a few days¡­ oh, I get it now. You just wanted an excuse to drink.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Now come on everyone we have a party to get to!¡±

    Ignoring me. So that means I was right.

    ******

    It didn¡¯t take long at all, as not even an hour into the party, Akkre drank an entire barrel and is piss drunk. From what I was told almost all the residents that live in the Hall of the Keepers are here¡­ and almost all of them are as drunk as that damn wolf.

    ¡°You know Irina, *hic* I saw you like two weeks ago. The *hic* you from this time period I mean,¡± Akkre says in a drunken stupor.

    ¡°Rere, there¡¯s something really important I need to know. Will I get any bigger?¡± Irina asks.

    ¡°Well your *hic* already pretty dang tall, and I¡¯m pretty sure you stopped ageing a few years after you left the Academy.¡± Akkre responds.

    ¡°I meant my breast!¡± Irina yells in a distressed voice.

    ¡°Oh, nope. Your *hic* still pretty flat. But don¡¯t worry because *hic* FLAT IS JUSTICE!¡± Akkre shouts, attracting the attention of everyone in the room.

    ¡°Noooooo!¡± Irina shouts as she wanders off to a corner all depressed.

    I¡¯m fairly certain that Akkre shouldn¡¯t be telling her about her own future¡­ wait this is my chance to get my questions answered. I need to be careful though, dealing with drunks is a complete pain.

    ¡°Hey Akkre, you got a moment?¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you uhh¡­ *hic* Rillim, what¡¯s up?¡±

    He got my name wrong again, but I can¡¯t let a drunk get to me. If I let him make me angry it means I lose. Alright, let¡¯s start with something easy.

    ¡°It¡¯s Eillim and I was wondering, how old are you?¡± I ask while casually correcting him.

    ¡°How old am I? I don¡¯t know, *hic* I stopped counting after like 15 billion,¡± he says while picking up an empty jug.

    Geez, he really is an old man. For someone that age he barely looks older than 30.

    ¡°I see, oh here¡¯s a refill.¡± I hand him another drink in an attempt to keep Akkre satisfied.

    ¡°Why thank you, Qillim.¡±

    He¡¯s doing it again¡­

    ¡°Anyways, what did you do after I left the Academy?¡± I ask while desperately trying to hide my annoyance with him.

    ¡°Hahaha, *hic* I did what no one has done before or since. I *hic* conquered all of Spirit World. I united everyone *hic* under the banner of the Empire. Hahah¡ª*snore*¡±

    Without any warning at all, Akkre falls over and passes out. I wanted to start off with easy stuff then lead into more complicated questions, but I guess I should have expected this. Especially after considering all the alcohol he drank.

    ¡°Hey, Eillim! I did it! I found someone smaller than me!¡± Irina says excitedly as she drags someone behind her.

    ¡°That¡¯s not hard though, you are rather tall after all.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. She has smaller breasts than me, and by 1 whole centimetre, isn¡¯t it great.¡±

    Irina looks rather proud as she says that, but I don¡¯t think she has much to be proud of¡­ wait that¡¯s Tsuki, right?

    ¡°Hello Millie, oh that¡¯s right or perhaps I should call you Eillim now.¡± Tsuki says.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that too much.¡± I say.

    ¡°What, the two of you already know each other?¡± Irina questions with her head tilted.

    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s Akkre¡¯s wife.¡±

    ¡°Huh? I thought Rere was engaged to that Vampire princess.¡±

    ¡°You mean Mila, right? Why don¡¯t I tell you a bit about that. The marriage between those two is a matter of ceremony to symbolise the submission of the Kingdom of Kzoszo to the Empire. It¡¯s one thing for Millie to not know but you Irina should have known that polygamy isn¡¯t uncommon amongst Spirit royalty. Anyways, while it is a political marriage, Mila does love Akkre¡­ but I love him more, so it¡¯s fine.¡± Tsuki says.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think Mila would like to hear that. Oh, by the way, I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you something. How are you still alive?

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Tsuki just silently looks at me like I¡¯m crazy. Yeah¡­ that definitely came out wrong, oops.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ask someone that, Eillim it¡¯s rude.¡± Irina chimes in before I get the chance to rephrase my question.

    ¡°You¡¯re the last person who should be calling me out for being rude. But I should have phrased that better. I mean, your human right? Then how have you lived so long?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that''s what you meant. What''s the best way to explain this¡­ A long time ago some stuff happened and now I¡¯m immortal.¡± Tsuki says.

    Well, that didn¡¯t help much.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I explain in place of my mother.¡± Ena says as she sits down next to us, ¡°Essentially you can¡¯t consider father and mother to be a separate existence. Their souls have been tied together, the first ever case of a successful soul bonding. The soul bonding has tied mother¡¯s life force to father¡¯s, and because he is immortal that trait was transferred to her.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct, but I don¡¯t recall ever explaining this matter to you before.¡± Tsuki says.

    ¡°That¡¯s because elder sis Alice is the one who told me.¡± Ena says.

    ¡°Speaking of, where is Alice?¡± Tsuki asks.

    ¡°Elder sis Alice passed out drunk next to father, after gorging down three large barrels of alcohol.¡± Ena responds as she points over to the black haired beauty sleeping next to Akkre.

    ¡°Ena do me a favour and bring Alice to her room. I¡¯m going to bring Akkre to our room and I¡¯ll probably go to sleep as well. But the rest of you are free to keep enjoying the food and drinks until they are all gone. Oh, and before I forget, Millie, make sure your ready tomorrow. We are sending you out again.¡± Tsuki says as she picks Akkre up and carries him over her back.

    With a heavy sigh, I say, ¡°I would like to rest a bit since I just returned after so long, but I know Akkre isn¡¯t one to let me do that. So, where to this time?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re sending you across the galaxy to help deal with a civil war that¡¯s going on over there. Welp, goodnight everyone.¡± Tsuki exclaims as she carries Akkre out of the room.

    ¡°Wait! What the hell do you mean?!¡± I shout while trying to catch up to Tsuki, but she is nowhere to be seen.

    Guess I¡¯ll just drown myself in whatever alcohol is left and hope a hangover will be the worst thing I have to worry about.

 Chapter 6: Its a Bird, its a Plane, its... a flying Stop Sign

    ¡°You¡¯re Finally here. Took ya long enough, Eillim.¡±

    As I walk up to the gateway Akkre calls out to me with Irina standing by his side. All the while not missing his chance to annoy me.

    ¡°Well sorry if I¡¯m a bit exhausted. I just get back after eight years and the first thing you do is make me fight Irina. And now just one day later you¡¯re sending me off again.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry you won¡¯t be alone, I¡¯m going to have Irina go with you.¡± Akkre says.

    I¡¯m no expert on the subject but I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s a good idea to keep Irina around instead of sending her back to the past.

    ¡°Are you sure you shouldn¡¯t send her back?¡±

    ¡°What, you don¡¯t want me sticking around or something?¡± Irina asks.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. I actually rather enjoy your company, Irina. However, this isn¡¯t your time. So I¡¯m not quite sure if it¡¯s okay for you to be here.¡± I say.

    ¡°Neither of ya need to worry if it was really a problem the old man would have dealt with it. Now, lets put the complicated time travelling issue aside for now. This time I¡¯ll be sending you off to a world far from here. You¡¯ll be in a nation currently going through a civil war¡­ actually, I think it would be more apt to say a unification war. What was once a single country has been split in two with the death of the former King. Ruling over East Lucia is the youngest child of the late King. He rules his territory with an iron fist and firmly believes that the kingdom would fall without the aristocracy¡­ at least that''s what he says in public. His council of advisers are all from well-distinguished families that have long since been loyal to the Crown. On the flip side is the older brother who rules over West Lucia. He is a rather free-spirited individual and he promotes the people of his court based on merit with complete disregard of their social background. I¡¯m sure you can see what initially sparked this war. Question time, why am I sending you two here?¡±

    ¡°Me! Me! Let me answer!¡± Irina says while jumping excitedly.

    ¡°Alright, Irina give it a go.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡±

    Why were you jumping so much if you didn¡¯t even know¡­ I need to think of an answer quickly.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t know then¡­ DON¡¯T TRY AND ANSWER! Next! your turn Eillim ¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ is it because you agree with one of their viewpoints and just want to interfere?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Sure lets go with that. Yep, that¡¯s the reason why.¡±

    That¡¯s a lie. I am almost 100% certain that¡¯s a lie.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true Dear, you shouldn¡¯t lie like that.¡±

    After hearing her voice, Tsuki suddenly appears in front of us from thin air.

    ¡°¡­¡± Akkre says nothing as he looks off in another direction.

    ¡°Go on tell them the truth, Akkre.¡± Tsuki says.

    ¡°Funny story¡­ yeah¡­ well¡­ it¡¯s like this, a few years ago when Lucia was still whole I was there passed out on the roadside from hunger. The older brother, Octave, found me and gave me some food, so I owe him a favour. And that¡¯s ''bout it.¡±

    No surprise there since Akkre seems too pass out from hunger a lot, considering it would happen several times a year when we were at the academy. But more importantly, how did Tsuki just appear from nowhere?

    ¡°Putting Akkre¡¯s bi-annual hunger collapse aside for a moment, just how did you do that, Tsuki? What kind of magic was that? Can I learn it?¡± I ask.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I did anything in particular, just what are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°She is talking about how you just show up in front of us. I¡¯m also curious.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°Oh that, it¡¯s nothing special. Akkre can also do it.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t really say it¡¯s nothin¡¯ special, we are one of the very few people who can do it. And it¡¯s the only form of long distance instantaneous teleportation in existence. And it¡¯s not magic. If it was, then I wouldn¡¯t even be able to use it. Our teleportation trick is a result of the soul bonding, we are always aware of where the other is and what they are doing. Enough about this, lets get you two moving. The gate finished its calibration a while ago so get a move on. Your goal is to help Octave, King of West Lucia, in his effort to end the war that plagues his lands.¡±

    ******

    Akkre throws both Irina and me into the gate before we can ask any more questions and quickly shuts it off before we can even stand up. It doesn¡¯t take long for me to see the sea of flames off in the distance with the smoke clouding the rising sun. Not to mention¡­ we are surrounded by about a dozen soldiers with their firearms aimed directly at us. This isn¡¯t good. As they open fire on us, I get my shield out to block the barrage of bullets. Irina and I take cover behind the Schanzild but I can¡¯t block everything at once. Bracing myself for the worst I hear the sound of bullets ricochet off metal coming from behind us. As I look back I see a large man wearing a strange getup with a mask coving his face and is holding¡­ a stop sign? What?

    ¡°Are you ladies okay? Hmm¡­ you two look fine. Now get ready, it¡¯s our turn to attack. An opportune time since the enemy must reload before shooting off another volley.¡± The masked man asks.

    ¡°Shit, It¡¯s Stop Sign Man! All units retreat!¡±

    Before we can mount our counter-attack the soldiers who had previously surrounded us retreat and are soon out of site.

    ¡°Are you two alright?¡±

    ¡°Thank you for the help umm¡­¡±

    As I try to thank him for his assistance I realise he hadn¡¯t given us his name yet.

    ¡°People call me Stop Sign Man. And you are?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m called Eillim and over here is my friend Irina.¡±

    ¡°What wonderful names. By the way, that shield-like thing you have¡­ is it supposed to be covered in ice like that?¡±

    I was so absorbed in the situation I didn¡¯t even realise that the Schanzild was still frozen from the fight with Irina. I can¡¯t believe I forgot to get this fixed.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not supposed to be frozen like this. Irina your gonna have to help me with this later, the only people who can remove pure ice are you and Akkre.¡±

    ¡°Hold up young lady, did you say Akkre?¡± Stop Sign Man asks.

    ¡°Yeah, he is the one who sent us here, something about owing someone a favour. Do you know him or something?¡± I ask.

    ¡°I¡­ uh¡­ I don¡¯t know him personally but I have heard his name. Do you see the river over there, follow it and you will come to the Capital of West Lucia within six hours on foot. I suggest you go there. Now, I have some business to take care of, so farewell.¡±A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Stop Sign Man puts his stop sign on the ground and sits down on it. Unbelievably the stop sign starts flying and he takes off in the most ridiculous way he possibly could.

    ¡°Hey Irina, what the hell did we just watch?¡±

    Irina puts her hand on my shoulder and just shakes her head, ¡°Don¡¯t question it. Lets just get moving and head to the Capital.¡±

    ******

    Just as Stop Sign Man said, all it took was six hours to reach our destination. But it looks like actually entering the city will be troublesome. Most likely due to the ongoing war, all non-residents have to go through a screening.

    As she looks closely at the pamphlet describing the screening process Irina asks, ¡°so Eillim, how are we going to get through this?¡±

    ¡°For starters, how about you actually hold the pamphlet correctly. It¡¯s upside down. And why don¡¯t you think of something yourself?¡±

    ¡°You''re the smart one, so you can do the thinking. But if you really want me to think of something I can. Hmm¡­ I know, we can try digging a tunnel to get in.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather just take my chances with the screening.¡±

    ¡°Suit yourself, I¡¯m gonna start digging over here.¡±

    Leaving Irina to her own devices I head over the checkpoint and wait around in the queue for the screening.

    ******

    Well¡­ both Irina and I got into the city, but it certainly isn¡¯t the way I wanted to do so. After a few moments a man wearing a similar uniform to the officer watching over us shows up, although his uniform has more decorations, I think it¡¯s safe to assume this is the commanding officer here.

    ¡°So officer, what brought these two here?¡± The man says as he points towards us.

    ¡°Oh, Captain you¡¯re here at last. We took these two into custody since they were clearly suspicious. This one here, I believe she said her name is Eillim. She couldn¡¯t give us any background information at all during her screening so we took her in on the possibility of being a spy. The other one never gave us her name but we found her digging up the ground right outside the city walls¡­ to be honest I¡¯m not sure what I was supposed to do in that situation so I placed her under arrest as well just to be safe. What should we do with them, Captain?¡± The prison guard asks.

    ¡°Nothing, they are free to go. And they have a free pass into the city.¡±

    ¡°I apologise ahead of time for my rudeness sir, but what? These two are clearly suspicious and you mean to have them freely walk around the city?¡±

    ¡°If it were my choice I would just keep them locked up here but they are being released on orders from a member of the council. And not just any councilman but it was King Octave himself that gave the order. Now let them out of their cells and take them into the city.¡± The Captain says.

    With a clearly displeased look, the officer opens our cells and takes us outside the police station.

    ¡°There you two are free to go, now don¡¯t be causing any trouble. If you do, I¡¯m hauling both of you back down here. Now get a move on.¡± The guard says as he returns to the prison.

    ¡°Quite the rude man isn¡¯t he, right Eillim?¡±

    ¡°Your not wrong, but I can¡¯t blame him for being on edge. His country is in the middle of a war. One of their towns was just burned to the ground not too long ago, you saw the flames. The real question here is why were we released, and by the King¡¯s order no less. We haven¡¯t met many people here yet and we get pardoned by the King.¡±

    ¡°Well sure that¡¯s important, but more importantly where are we going to stay? It¡¯s not like we have any money for an inn.¡±

    ¡°Well shit, I didn¡¯t think of that one. Huh¡­ Irina, did you notice?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re being followed. Lets turn into this alley over here and ambush our pursuer.¡±

    On Irina¡¯s suggestion, we take a turn into a nearby alley and hide. Just as predicted he shows himself.

    ¡°Now, Irina!¡± on my orders we come out from hiding and traps our pursuer between us.

    Drawing a dagger to his throat, Irina whispers, ¡°Who are you and what do you want with us.¡±

    ¡°I mean you no harm, I am but a messenger. The council requests your presence at the palace.¡±

    ¡°Irina put your blade down. And you messenger, take us to the palace.¡±

    ¡°Hey Eillim, are you sure it¡¯s a good idea to just blindly trust what he is saying.¡±

    ¡°No, as a matter of fact, I don¡¯t. However, we aren¡¯t doing anything else right now and if he is telling the truth then we are one step closer to finishing Akkre¡¯s errand. Of course, if he is lying, you are free to do with him as you please.¡±

    ******

    As we follow the messenger through the city we finally get a good chance to take a look at the city. Judging from the metallic structure of the buildings I¡¯d say this world is pretty far ahead in terms of technology when compared to back home, but it still pales in comparison to Spirit World. Then again this place seems devoid of magic which makes a big difference. After a short while, we reach the palace. This place is rather large but is nothing compared to the buildings in Spirit World. After a few minutes, we arrive at the throne room.

    ¡°I see our guest has arrived. I heard that you two are here on the behalf of my t¡ª friend Akkre. I apologise for the incident you had entering the city. I hope it didn¡¯t cause you, two ladies, too much trouble.¡±

    As we enter the room, the man who I assume is the King is sitting in the throne. He stands up tall and speaks in a loud voice. In contrast to the grand design of the palace, he looks rather plain looking with a face that shows signs of ageing. Outside of his muscular body, he doesn¡¯t have much to write home about.

    ¡°It was a little of an inconvenience but we made it into the city and in the end, that¡¯s what matters. Now excuse me for asking but you don¡¯t really look the part, so are you really the King?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Indeed, I am King Octave Dieudonn¨¦ of West Lucia. I am well aware I don¡¯t make an effort to distinguish myself as a King with my appearance. The reason for this is because Akkre once told me that what makes a person a King is not their appearance, not their lineage, but their actions. A King must strive to be the best he can for his people and for his country. For a man isn¡¯t born a King, he must become one. I don''t waste our nation''s wealth on making myself look better, there are plenty of other things that need my attention before that. While I am familiar with your names the others here are not, so go ahead and introduce yourselves to the rest of my court.¡±

    ¡°Of course, I am Eillim Concordia. The champion of the Keepers, although I suppose I am still training to fully take that title. And this is¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Irina. Irina Icrwl, Second Lieutenant of the Imperial Army of the Empire.¡±

    ¡°Excuse the interruption, King Octave, but how are you already familiar with us? We only recently arrive in your kingdom after all.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right, umm¡­ it was none other than Stop Sign Man who told me. He has done much for the kingdom. He told me how you were familiar with Akkre, and that isn¡¯t something I can just ignore. Knowing Akkre I¡¯m sure he had something in mind when he sent you here, so do tell. What is your objective?¡± The King says.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ we were sent here to assist you in an effort to end the ongoing conflict.¡± I say.

    ¡°I for one fully welcome your help¡­ however, some people here aren¡¯t as readily accepting.¡±

    ¡°That is correct. A good day to you ladies, I¡¯m Geoffroy the Grand General in the West Lucian military and a member of the council. I speak for a majority of us on the council when I say that we can¡¯t fully trust you two. It¡¯s not that we don¡¯t like you, we just haven¡¯t seen anything that proves your worth. We will administer a few tests to see what you are capable of. Just to reiterate, we don¡¯t mean any harm. We just don¡¯t want to send ill-prepared people off to a battlefield.¡±

    ¡°That sounds fair. I too would be sceptical about sending someone I just met to fight a war for me. Is this okay with you Irina?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind, just tell us what we need to do.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°Very well. The first test will be a simple test of strength. Tomorrow we will have an opponent prepared for this test, so make sure you''re ready by noon. We will make it a little easier for you and assume that you two are about as strong as each other so only one of you will have to fight. Now then, after that, we will have you visit the Golden Summit, a mountain that''s south-east of here that defines the border between the west and the east. Several large orichalcum deposits exist there, but we have not yet been able to get our hand on it, since in the past anytime we go with a large group the east responds by doing the same. At the same time, we can¡¯t proceed with a smaller group that won¡¯t attract the attention of the east because of the mountain¡¯s guardian, a large dragon. A long time ago in my grandfather''s generation when our nation was whole, he pushed forward on a military expedition to slay the dragon but was repelled. Since then we have forgone using military force to claim the mountain. Although in the recent past both us and the east have tried to subdue the dragon once more and we still failed. But we have recently learned that the dragon could speak our tongue and we tried to open negotiations with it. The result was losing several of our diplomats and their guards. We want you two to deal with the dragon, Hiquahazull. Of course, we don¡¯t have any actual expectations for this, so should you fail it we will have a few more tests prepared, assuming you make it back alive. But on the rare chance that you actually succeed then we will end your test and have you two help us directly on the field.¡± The King says.

    A dragon huh¡­ even in spirit world dragons are very rare and hardly show themselves to others. Although, Akkre seems to be on very good terms with the dragon tribes of Artikkuus. I¡¯m not sure how the second test will go but the first one should be no problem at all. Irina is pretty strong after all and I didn¡¯t spend the last eight years fooling around¡­ wait, that''s not true, I spent a lot of time fooling around. But I should still be strong enough to beat most people here in a fight.

    As our discussion with the King and his council was wrapping up we were invited to stay in the guest rooms while we are here. With having no money for an inn, both Irina and I jump at the opportunity for free lodging. We end up spending the last bit of time in the day just resting in our room as we await the first test.

 Chapter 7: The Lightning Emperor

    It¡¯s high noon and through the ever reliable game of rock-paper-scissors, it was decided that Irina will be the one to be partaking in the upcoming test. Although¡­ this works out fine, I didn¡¯t really want to fight anyways. But something about the way this fight is set up has a familiar feeling¡­ nah it couldn¡¯t be. Soon enough someone walks up onto a small hovering platform high in the air.

    ¡°Today we have a very special fight for all the citizens of West Lucia, as this fight is sponsored by none other than our King, Octave Dieudonn¨¦! And I, Laurent, will be your host for this special occasion. Now lets introduce our fighters!¡±

    Walking out from opposite sides of the field are Irina and her opponent. As they enter Laurent flies down to greet them.

    ¡°First up we have General Alfred with his trusted Assault-Blade, a mechanised assault rifle capable of transforming into a sword. Is there anything you have to say in regards to your opponent General?¡±

    ¡°I heard that my opponent is a woman, but can you really call her one? She looks just as tall as me and I¡¯m almost two metres, not to mention her chest is as flat as a board. Can you really call that a women. And look h¡ª I mean she is unarmed, I can hardly call this a fair fight and I want to go easy on her, but I was told to give it my all so that¡¯s what I intend to do.¡±

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look good,¡± I say.

    One of the councilmen laughs. ¡°What? Worried about your friend''s safety?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m worried that your country is going to lose a strong soldier today.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s quite the statement General. Now let¡¯s see what your opponent has to say,¡± Laurent says as he draws his microphone back from Alfred.

    ¡°And as for his opponent, we have Irina Icrwl, a foreigner here under the good grace of his Majesty. Tell us, Irina, what do you have to say in response to the General?¡±

    She is clearly upset over Alfred''s words as the ground beneath her is beginning to freeze.

    ¡°I¡¯m not as unarmed as I appear to be and¡­ I¡¯m gonna fucking kill the bastard till he wishes he wasn¡¯t even born!¡±

    And she was doing so well until now to hold her anger from visibly showing¡­ well, maybe not with that ice at her feet.

    Taken aback by Irina¡¯s strong words, Laurent retreats back to his starting position, overseeing the arena.

    ¡°Ahem¡­ now that the introductions are over, on my mark the duel will officially begin. Aaand¡­ fight!¡±

    Irina quickly materialises her weapon as she charges at Alfred, but it¡¯s not her scythe that she pulls, it¡¯s her spear. A spear made entirely of pure ice, it will freeze everything in a small area on contact. No one can even touch the spear without being encased in a tomb of ice, except for Ice Elementals like Irina. She¡¯s seriously trying to kill her opponent.

    ¡°Not even 10 seconds into the fight and Irina is already in General Alfred¡¯s face! She¡¯s certainly a fast one. Just in the nick of time, the General jumps back, narrowly avoiding Irina¡¯s spear thanks to a well timed parry! Oh, I¡¯ve never seen something like this before. The top half of General Alfred¡¯s blade is covered in ice.¡±

    ¡°What an unusual weapon. Just what are the mechanics behind such a tool? Do tell, Miss Eillim, what is the science behind that weapon your friend uses?¡± a councilman asks with sparkling eyes as he refuses to take his eyes off of Irina¡¯s spear.

    ¡°To be perfectly honest I don¡¯t know the specifics behind it but I do know it¡¯s not science. Her spear is made from pure ice, a type of ice that can never melt and freezes everything it comes into contact with. While ice generated by it isn¡¯t pure ice, it isn¡¯t normal ice either since it can¡¯t melt except under specific conditions.¡±

    ¡°A shame, I was hoping to replicate it and incorporate the technology into our military¡­ say do you think she will let us over in R&D take a look at the spear after this is over?¡± the councilman asks, still eyeing the spear.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, you would be covered in ice on contact. The only people who can hold pure ice are Ice Elementals, so just trying to touch the spear would probably kill you.¡±

    Not to mention even if he could touch the spear it¡¯s bound to Irina so no one else can pick it up anyways. But I think I¡¯ll just keep that to myself, the councilman looks dejected enough as it is.

    ¡°Who would have guessed that our guest would put up such a fight!¡±

    ¡°Do tell, Miss Eillim, just how is she able to exert so much strength when Miss Irina doesn¡¯t seem to have much muscle?¡± asks one of the councilman.

    ¡°Let me ask you lot, just how much do you know about Spirits?¡±

    After spending a few moments to compile their information one of them responds, ¡°We, unfortunately, don¡¯t know much. I would say almost our entire population is human, save for some unaccounted other beings. As such our knowledge is limited to their existence and what we hear from his Majesty about this Akkre fellow.¡±

    ¡°So you all essentially know nothing and the little you do know is about Akkre so almost any information you do have is garbage. To keep it simple, a spirit¡¯s power comes from the soul rather than muscles, unlike us humans. Of course, they can also increase their muscle mass to enhance their strength as well, but even if they lose said muscle mass, spirits will still retain their strength as it is tied to their soul.¡±

    ¡°So what about you? From the way you spoke, you implied that you are human like us. But the feeling you give off is closer to Miss Irina than it is to us.¡±

    ¡°I am human, but at the same time, I am different from regular humans. I can accumulate strength, like a spirit can, within my soul. But for all intents and purposes, I am a human. Furthermore¡ª¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to have to interrupt you all for now. While the rest of you were busy with all that scholarly talk, the fight escalated tremendously and General Alfred looks very close to dying,¡± said King Octave.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°How about I go and stop her, your Majesty. I¡¯ve gotten a bit restless just sitting here talking after all. Besides it¡¯s a good chance to show off my stuff after all,¡± I say responding to the King.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ very well, Eillim go and do something about your friend before she kills off one of our better Generals. Someone go send word to Laurent that Eillim will be jumping in and when she does, get Alfred out of the arena,¡± says the King as he gives out his orders to the people around him.

    Time to get moving. As I materialise the Schanzild, I quickly throw it at Irina right before she is able to pierce Alfred with her spear. Just like I thought she jumped back at the sudden interference.

    ¡°Now then, Spatial Movement, Warp!¡±

    As I finish my incantation I find myself in the arena with the Schanzild in my hand.

    ¡°I just got word from the King folks! It would seem that our other guest has taken to the arena as well with permission from the King. Lets see what sort of fight is coming up next!¡± Laurent says excitedly as he addresses the audience.

    ¡°I only intended to stop you from killing the poor man, but it seems like the audience is looking for a fight thanks to that fool of a host. So how about we continue from where we left off a few days ago, Irina?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you up on that. This time Rere isn¡¯t here to end it prematurely, so this time I will finally get to beat you.¡±

    ¡°Quite the sore loser aren¡¯t you, well you never have won against me after all.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t lost either, Rere always stopped us in the middle. But enough talk, lets do this.¡±

    Irina takes the first move as she dashes towards me.

    ¡°Not so fast! Arise, Flame Wall!¡±

    Using magic I create a wall of fire standing several metres tall blocking Irina¡¯s path.

    ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got, Eillim! You should know that¡¯s not nearly enough to stop me!¡± screams Irina as she jumps over my Flame Wall.

    Just as expected she opted to jump over the wall. Swiftly I jump back revealing the sigils I implanted into the ground with my feet.

    ¡°Shit, a trap! *Hmph*¡±

    Quickly realising her mistake Irina throws one of her daggers into the ground nearby.

    ¡°Arise, Ice Pillar!¡±

    ¡°Arise, Flame Pillar!¡±

    Simultaneously, we both recite our incantations, launching a pillar of ice and fire into the air. I jump back anticipating it to come flying at me but to my surprise, nothing comes my way. Instead, the Ice Pillar collides with Irina, knocking her away and out of the path from the Flame Pillar. A smart move on her part, but she wasn¡¯t able to completely come out unscathed, still taking the blunt force from her own attack even if she isn¡¯t affected by the ice. With Irina knocked back by the pillar I should have enough time for that.

    I begin to gather all my energy and darken the sky by sending my energy upwards as I start the incantation, ¡°Oh great beast that illuminates the clouded sky, take my power and grant it form. Come forth and lend me your aid to smite my foe. As I call your name, Lightning Emperor!¡± as I finish the incantation, a multitude of lightning bolts come down and collide with each other. Giving my spell form.

    ¡°That spell, just how in the world did you get Amea to teach it to you!? The living magic, Lightning Emperor,¡± Irina says as she prepares several ice based protection spells.

    Thunder roars through the arena, as the Lighting Emperor takes form. After the initial flash of lighting dissipates everyone is in awe of the sight before them. A large serpentine dragon, its body made entirely from lightning, gracefully floating in the air.

    ¡°Now go, take down those barriers!¡± on my command the lightning dragon opens its mouth for a breath attack. Once again the sound of thunder resounds throughout the entire arena as lightning spews forth from the dragon¡¯s mouth, tearing through almost all of Irina¡¯s ice barriers. All that''s left is the Ice Cocoon and even that has largely been destroyed.

    Irina steps out of the cocoon with her hands up and says, ¡°Why don¡¯t we call it quits here. I know it takes up a lot of energy to maintain that spell and I¡¯m worn out after having to deal with it as well,¡± she finishes as she walks towards me with her hand out.

    With my energy running out my spell fizzles, while I walk up to Irina and shake her hand.

    Suddenly Irina¡¯s grip tightens, ¡°Psych!¡± she says as she lands a clean sucker punch to my stomach.

    ¡°I should have seen that coming, you shameless little¡­¡±

    Just before completely losing consciousness I hear Irina yell out her words of victory, ¡°Yes, finally! I¡¯ve won!¡±

    ******

    I wake up to find myself in an unfamiliar room.

    ¡°Ugh, my body still hurts.¡±

    ¡°I see you''re awake,¡± says the woman sitting across the room from me.

    ¡°Who are you and where am I?¡±

    ¡°This is the medical bay at the palace. I am the head of foreign policy and I serve as one of the top military Doctors. My name is Annette.¡±

    ¡°Well then, Annette, it¡¯s nice to meet you. So how long was I out for?¡±

    ¡°Not too long, only about an hour or so. Since your awake now I¡¯ll take you to where everyone else is,¡± Annette says as she guides me through the palace.

    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ve brought Eillim here just as you requested,¡± she says as she opens the door.

    ¡°Welcome. You recover fast don¡¯t you, Miss Eillim.¡± The King says.

    With a big grin on her face, Irina walks over to me and says, ¡°How you feeling Eillim? I¡¯m sure that punch you took did a decent amount of damage.¡±

    ¡°Just you wait, Irina. I¡¯ll get you for this someday.¡±

    ¡°Well, it looks like the two of you are doing fine after that magnificent fight. Unfortunately Miss Eillim, your payback will have to wait.¡± the King says trying to calm the situation.

    ¡°Yeah I remember, something about us negotiating with a dragon.¡±

    ¡°Yes, that correct. At least you remembered, unlike Miss Irina. So now that your both here I¡¯ll give you the details. We want you to negotiate a deal for us where we can mine the mythril from the mountain with the Dragon of Light, Hiquahazull. The reason we are asking you two is because we have confirmed that Hiquahazull is not originally from this world. So we thought that you two, people who are familiar with other worlds, might have an easier time than we would.¡±

    I turn to Irina and ask, ¡°does the name Hiquahazull ring any bells? Unfortunately, I don¡¯t know much about dragons.¡±

    Irina furrows her brow with her head tilted as she says, ¡±It¡¯s not strange since the dragon tribes tend to keep themselves hidden from everyone else. Although exceptions do exist, like with Akkre¡¯s connection with the Ice Dragon tribe. But I¡¯ve never heard of a dragon named Hiquahazull before.¡±

    ¡°Anyways, as what was mentioned the other day, we want you two to secure us a deal where we can mine the mythril in the mountain. Although, I say secure a deal¡­ no one is expecting this to end peacefully. We fully expect this to come down to a fight. So I want your honest opinions, do you really think you can fight and win against a dragon?¡± The King asks.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I assume this is a fully grown dragon, in which case it could be difficult. A few years ago Akkre had taken me and a few others from the Military Training Program, Irina was one of them, and we went to go spar against some of the young dragons of the Ice Dragon tribe. No one had won their fights but Irina and I managed to at least bring it out to a draw. Of course, we are stronger than we were then, but those were young dragons. If we fought a fully grown dragon we would probably need some assistance.¡± I say.

    ¡°Very well. I will have a couple of the knight divisions follow. I shall have Annette go as well, she should be able to provide some medical assistance. Anyhow, you will be departing tomorrow morning. Sorry for sending you out so soon, but reports came in earlier about some movement from the east so we are trying to be quick with our actions.¡± The King says.

    ¡°No need for an apology your Majesty, but do you mind if I ask one more question before we head out?¡± I ask as we turn to leave.

    ¡°You can ask but that doesn¡¯t mean I will answer.¡±

    ¡°You sound like Akkre with an answer like that. Regardless, I was wondering why you seem to hold him in such high regards? Sure he¡¯s strong but is that really all you need to hold such a high degree of respect for him? To me, he just seems like a lazy bum who works people too hard and he doesn¡¯t even try to do something with his absurd strength.¡±

    The King stays silent for a moment with his eyes closed. He soon responds. ¡°There is much more to him than just his strength. I have received much from him, but the most important thing I learned from him is his philosophy. Moreover, he is involved with the founding of Lucia, but I¡¯ll just leave it at that for now, as this is a discussion for another time. Take this little time you have to rest up, you two have a lot of work to do tomorrow.¡±

 Chapter 8: The Dragon of Light

    We arrive at the meeting spot outside the city walls and find Annette together with two large vehicles. They have several guns mounted on them and look to be able to easily carry a few dozen soldiers each.

    ¡°So you two finally arrived, so what do you think? These are the prototypes for a new war machine our research teams have been developing. They are large tanks doubling as transport vehicles, the Theta and Iota. While they are smaller than most of the others in their class, they are outfitted with more firepower to compensate. Think it will be useful against Hiquahazull?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°Whether or not they¡¯re useful depends on if they can take a hit. Regardless of the effectiveness of those machines, they will shorten our travel distance considerably.¡± I say.

    ¡°Guess we will have to wait and see if they¡¯re any use in battle. For now, lets just hop in and get moving.¡± Annette says while beckoning us into the tank with her.

    Contrary to their appearance, sitting in the Iota is rather comfortable. I wouldn¡¯t have thought to put cushioned seats in a military assault vehicle.

    The tank begins to vibrate as it¡¯s engine roars and within moments we are on our way to the Golden Summit.

    As Annette takes a quick glance at her watch before she turns to face us, ¡°at our top speed we should reach the mountain in about one hour.¡±

    ¡°I know I should have asked this before we went on this dragon slaying mission, but do we know what kind of dragon we are dealing with? I mean is it a Spirit Dragon or a Celestial Dragon?¡± Irina asks.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. What¡¯s the difference?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°If it is a Spirit Dragon, we can probably just talk this whole thing out since they are typically more willing to do things peacefully despite generally being the stronger of the two. But if this dragon we are going to see is a Celestial one then this will be troublesome. While I have never seen one myself Rere has told me about them before and given me several warnings to stay clear of them. Although there are generally weaker than the Spirit Dragons, Celestial Dragons tend to be far more aggressive. On top of that, if handled poorly it is very possible to be cursed. But he never told me what the curse was.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°Did Akkre ever tell you how to tell the two apart?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Yeah. Spirit Dragons have long serpentine bodies with shorter arm and legs. Most noticeably, Spirit Dragons don¡¯t have wings, while the Celestial Dragons do. The Celestial Dragons also have much larger bodies and limbs.¡± Irina explains.

    To me, it sounds like Spirit Dragons resemble the dragons from the far east, while the Celestial Dragons resemble the dragons from European tales.

    ¡°Well? What kind of dragon is this Hiquahazull, Annette?¡± I ask.

    ¡°From your description Miss Irina, it seems that Hiquahazull is a Celestial Dragon. Based on the reports, he has a large body with four wings and golden scales.¡± Annette says.

    ¡°I see. We are both lucky and unlucky at the same time. Since he only has two sets of wings that means he hasn¡¯t fully matured yet. A fully grown Celestial Dragon has three pairs of wings for a total of six. However, the very fact that Hiquahazull is a Celestial Dragon means we need to be extra careful.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°You''re being unusually serious today, Irina.¡± I say.

    ¡°Mhm¡­ well, I need to be. I know full well how powerful dragons can be. As a part of the Military Training Program, we went to spar against the Ice Dragons far more than that one time you went. And it wasn¡¯t just the young ones we fought against. It was the adolescents and the fully matured ones too. While we were eventually able to win consistently against the young ones and occasionally managed to not get destroyed by the adolescents, the fully matured dragon is one we could never fight with. The entire class against a single fully matured dragon and we couldn¡¯t win. There is a reason why dragons are amongst the strongest of the magical beasts and on that day everyone in the MTP learned first hand why. Thanks to Rere¡¯s blunder while he was drunk the other day I know that I¡¯ll be fine, but I don¡¯t know your future Eillim. As your friend, I don¡¯t want to watch you die.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°Thanks for your concern, Irina. But if you made it through this ordeal then I¡¯m sure I will too.¡±

    So I say, but against a dragon, I¡¯m not completely certain we will come out unscathed. Based off of what Irina said we should be able to win since Hiquahazull isn¡¯t fully grown. Since Irina makes it out of the fight then I should be able to as well, but there is no way there won¡¯t be any casualties¡­ specifically from the Lucia reinforcements.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we put together a plan of attack? It¡¯s better than going in blind. So Annette, are there any records of how Hiquahazull fights from Lucia¡¯s previous engagements with it?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Yes, I made sure to look them over before we left. According to the records, Hiquahazull tends to use its massive size to just overpower us. And when it comes to the machines we use, it tends to shoot off a high energy beam of light from its mouth when it registers our tanks. We have also noticed a small downtime in which Hiquahazull can¡¯t fire the beam after using it once, but it only lasts a few seconds. Taking our past failures into account the Theta and Iota have been equipped with an energy shield that should be able to block the beam in theory, but it can only withstand a few shots. We won¡¯t be able to keep the shield up when firing the main cannons.¡± Annette explains.

    ¡°I see¡­ I think I more or less have a plan in mind. First, we should have Irina try to immobilise Hiquahazull with her pure ice which will ideally keep it from forcing us down with overwhelming strength. After Hiquahazull uses its breath attack we barrage it during the downtime and hope that between Irina, me, and your cannons we have enough firepower to take the dragon down. Although I don¡¯t expect things to go as planned.¡± I say.

    ¡°But is there a backup plan?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°¡­ I didn¡¯t think that far ahead. In the likely case, our first plan fails then just use your best judgement. Formulating plans isn¡¯t my strong point. Although if we can keep Hiquahazull¡¯s attention off of me for long enough I know a spell that should put an end to the fight, if it fails to finish the job then I won¡¯t be able to keep participating in the fight.¡± I say.

    ¡°At least it¡¯s more eventful than Rere¡¯s strategy of ¡®stare at it until it dies¡¯.¡± Irina says jokingly.

    We spent some time talking about random everyday things until we come to a stop.

    Annette takes a peek outside and says, ¡°we¡¯ve arrived at the base of the mountain. From here on it¡¯s best if we hop out and travel on foot, our knights are doing the same from here on as well. If we are inside the tanks and Hiquahazull shows up it might be too late by the time we leave the vehicle after all.¡±

    Following her suggestion Irina and I leave the Iota with several of the knight infantry. We begin to move shortly after with the Theta and Iota leading the way through the mountain pass.

    As we travel up to the summit I notice lingering traces of energy. And before long the air is practically shaking as a large dragon descends down on us.

    ¡°I am Hiquahazull, the lord of this mountain! Turn back now or die!¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Hiquahazull gives out an ultimatum as his powerful voice carries throughout the air.

    ¡°Is it not possible to talk this out!?¡± I yell up to him.

    ¡°No, it is¡­ you, human. Your scent. It is reminiscent of him. Servant of that wretched Keeper of Eternity who bound me to this land. I retract my previous statement. I will end your lives here!¡± Hiquahazull roars as he swings his claws down towards us.

    Irina and I are able to jump back before impact but the knights have been decimated. Goddammit Akkre, just how in the world did you manage to upset this guy so much.

    ¡°Irina! Plan A. Immobilise him!¡± I shout.

    As Irina pulls out her throwing daggers the knights regroup and begin shooting at Hiquahazull with their rifles, but they do little more than ricochet of his golden scales. Although some managed to hit some sensitives spots as Hiquahazull opens his mouth briefly, pushing him back. This gives Irina an opening to get a clean hit on his left arm, freezing it to the ground.

    With Hiquahazull regaining his bearings we notice the signs of a breath attack, as the rifle shots vaporise as they near his mouth. In a hurry, we all scramble to get behind the Theta and Iota as they launch their energy shields.

    Having successfully blocked the attack, we once again take an offensive stance as we resume our assault. Irina jumps up close to get a good hit in with her spear but is thwarted as she collides with Hiquahazull¡¯s tail. The knights continue their volley, aiming for the more vulnerable spots on the dragons face. Hiquahazull swings his wings towards us blowing half our foot soldiers away with a strong gust of wind while freeing his arm from the frozen ground. Just as he takes to the sky the Theta and Iota fire their main cannons and pierce through, creating two gaping holes in Hiquahazull¡¯s right wing causing him to fall back to the ground.

    Hiquahazull¡¯s body begins to shimmer, sensing the danger Irina yells, ¡°put up those shields! Everyone quickly, take cover behind them!¡±

    Moving as fast as I can I dash to take cover behind the Iota¡¯s energy shield with Irina, as we see Hiquahazull¡¯s shimmering body glow brighter until a massive burst of energy comes flying out. As the light calms down we see the Theta¡¯s weapon and defence system has been destroyed and all the knights who couldn¡¯t make it behind the shield have disintegrated leaving nothing behind but the charred ground outlining where their bodies once stood.

    Upon seeing all the dead I can¡¯t help but get a little nauseous. The mangled bodies from the initial attacks litter the ground around us while the scent of blood and burnt flesh fill the air.

    ¡°Your free to mourn the dead later but right now you have to focus. If we fall here who will be left to tell the tale of these brave men and women who stood up to a dragon. Now get ready Eillim, lets give their deaths meaning and take this dragon down!¡± Irina says before jumping back into the fray.

    I thought I was prepared for this, but I suppose no amount of mental preparation can truly ready me for this bloody sight. But Irina¡¯s right we can¡¯t let the knight''s deaths be in vain.

    I stand up once more and under the cover of the Iota, I begin the incantation for my strongest spell.

    ¡°Oh king of the sky, ruler of the ocean, guardian of the land, preserver of the flame, lord of thunder, heed thy call¡­¡±

    ****** Irina Icrwl ******

    Looks like Eillim¡¯s got her head back together. And that incantation¡­ so you''re prepared to give up that much for this, in the end, it¡¯s better than dying.

    ¡°If your truly willing to give up that much for this Eillim then I will accept your resolve and buy you as much time as you need!¡± I yell.

    She does nothing but gives me a sorrowful smile but it shows no signs of regret.

    Although the Theta has been destroyed the Iota continues to fire on Annette¡¯s orders. Creating a hole in the dragon¡¯s left wing this time. Now with him being unable to take to the sky I dash up and lunge with my spear into his right arm. Piercing through his arm into the ground, encasing his arm in ice and leaving it frozen to the ground. Using my spear as a platform I jump off it towards the dragon¡¯s back leg. While I glide underneath Hiquahazull I throw some daggers up, freezing his stomach before falling short of his back legs.

    Before getting the chance to get up, Hiquahazull manages to free himself once more and kick me towards a nearby boulder. While in the air I managed to throw out some more daggers and using them as a catalyst I create a slope of ice that launches me back at Hiquahazull. While flying back at the dragon I dematerialise my spear and quickly materialise it once more just before I get knocked back again by his tail, but not before I get a cheeky hit in that freezes his tail. I try to stand up again after having collided with the Theta, but fall back down to my knee.

    Annette quickly runs over to my side to help me up. With her support, I am able to move into the safety of the Iota¡¯s shield range as the remains of the knight troops keep Hiquahazull busy.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like I¡¯ll be able to keep on fighting but it seems my efforts paid off. His frozen limbs limit his mobility greatly allowing even the worst shot here to get a good hit in on the eyes, and with those holes in his wings he can¡¯t take to the sky.¡± I say before taking a glance at Eillim. ¡°Moreover it seems she has nearly finished her incantation.¡±

    ¡°¡­ I offer up mine self to the powers the govern nature, grant me the power to smite thine foe! Wrath of Nature!¡± Eillim yells.

    With her incantation finished Eillim¡¯s right arm begins to disintegrate as a ritual sacrifice for the spell. From the tips of her fingers to the end of her shoulder, all that remains is the connective joints in her shoulder with blood spurting out. Thankfully it doesn¡¯t take long for her sacrifice to bear fruit. The trees warp and twist, coiling around Hiquahazull like a snake. The ground begins to shake and splits from underneath the dragon with a pillar of flame rising from beneath, as dark clouds fill the sky before unleashing a flurry of lightning bolts down upon the beast. Before long the clouds dissipate and the ground closes as Hiquahazull finally collapses, shaking the ground on impact.

    Cheers erupt from the remaining knights and Annette falls to the ground as her legs finally give out under the pressure, adrenaline no longer able to get her up. I go over to help Eillim up and get that hole in her shoulder closed up.

    Together with Eillim we help each other walk over to Annette, but we feel a sudden burst of energy coming from Hiquahazull as Eillim yells out, ¡°everyone get out of the way!¡±

    In a panic, everyone is able to clear the path except me and Eillim, since neither of us are in any condition to move quickly. Before I can react Eillim shoves me out of the way before she gets enveloped in a beam of light coming from Hiquahazull.

    ¡°I have not the strength left to¡­ finish off the servant of the Keeper. But forever more¡­ she will bear¡­ the curse¡­ of¡­ the¡­ dragon¡­¡± Hiquahazull says on his last breath.

    In a fit of rage and with the last once of my strength I throw my spear at the dragon''s corpse completely freezing it.

    I begin to crawl over towards Eillim to check if she is alright. With my head laying on her chest I confirm that her heart is still beating, but she is still bleeding from the loss of her arm. If too much time is wasted she¡¯ll die from blood loss.

    ¡°Annette! Please help!¡± I scream.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I¡¯m already on it!¡± Annette says while giving out various orders to the knights. ¡°Lieutenant, get that stretcher over here this instant! And someone help Irina back into the Iota.¡±

    With everyone on board the Theta and Iota, we begin our return to West Lucia¡¯s capital.

    ****** Millie/Eillim ******

    Although my sight is still hazy I awake to the familiar sight of the medical bay in the palace, and Irina sitting by my side with her head resting in my lap. But it doesn¡¯t take long for it to feel like something is off. My right arm¡­ from the shoulder down, is wrapped in bandages. I should have lost it when I cast my spell but I can still feel it and move it around.

    Feeling my movements Irina wakes up and rubs her eyes, ¡°hmm¡­ ah. Your up! Are you feeling okay!? How is your arm!? Hold on, I¡¯m going to get Annette!¡±

    ¡°No need I could hear you from across the hall. I take it she finally got up?¡± Annette says as she walks into the room.

    ¡°How long was I out for?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Nearly 47 hours. The sun just rose recently, but that''s not important. How is your arm?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°It feels fine. Even though I know it shouldn¡¯t be. Just what did you do? You give me a new arm or something?¡± I ask as I begin to take off the bandages.

    ¡°Well¡­ you certainly have a new arm. But I wasn¡¯t the one who gave it to you.¡± Annette says.

    ¡°What do you mean¡­¡± I say right before taking a look at my arm. ¡°What the hell!¡±

    An arm covered in hard scales, with sharp claws. It¡¯s like a dragon''s arm.

    ¡°About that, while you were sleeping I got in contact with Rere and he said it¡¯s a result of the dragon¡¯s curse. You are currently dragonising, the process of turning into a dragon. He said that there isn¡¯t a way to revert the change but there might be a way to halt the process and that he asked Raziel to find out how.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how I feel about this. On one hand I think this is kinda cool but on the other hand, I¡¯m freaking out and a little terrified.¡± I say with a wry expression.

    ¡°Just trust in Rere, I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll figure something out. Besides he mentioned that the dragonising is a slow process so you should have some time¡­ as long as your not injured.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°Yeah, I just hope they can stop this whole thing while I still think it¡¯s cool.¡± I say.

    ¡°Ahem. Sorry to interrupt but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll appreciate it. You two won¡¯t have to do anything for the rest of the day and you have free reign within the city. To put it simply you have a day off, but I would like you to come back here later Eillim. I want to get an x-ray of your bone structure, it might help the dragonising but it won¡¯t be until later tonight. Here some money so take some time to have fun.¡± Annette says, handing us each some of the local currency of about 10 gold coins each.

    ¡°Alright.¡± I say as Irina and I leave the medical bay, after wrapping my arm back up.

    Guess I finally get a real chance to see the city without getting interrupted. Might as a well enjoy this time off.

 Chapter 9: A Day Off

    ¡°Well since we have the day off I know what I¡¯m doing, see you later Eillim.¡± Irina says as she walks off.

    ¡°Alright, see you later.¡± I say.

    Now that I¡¯m alone it¡¯s time to start searching. I spend a good few hours asking the more suspicious looking individuals and aimlessly searching the more shady looking areas in the city until I find what I¡¯m looking for. I stop in front of a small pub, far removed from the rest of the city in an isolated alleyway. As I enter the pub I get a few looks from some of the customers before they return to their business. They¡¯re the kind of people one would expect to find in a place like this, the rough type who skim the law and cause trouble. I walk up to the man behind the counter. One of the few people in here with a nicer appearance than the rest, standing tall with well groomed hair, a rather dandy man.

    ¡°I¡¯m here for the other side.¡± I say with a firm voice while giving the man a cold stare.

    ¡°Very well¡­ this way.¡±

    Without much fuss, the man leads me to a door in the far corner of the pub, out of sight from most of the pub. Beyond lays a stream of bright lights and tables set out from one end of the room to the other, each surrounded by various groups of people. Everyone is playing different games for money. Well, of course, they would be it¡¯s a gambling den after all.

    ¡°Take a seat at any free spot and make sure to pay off any debt you rack up within one month.¡± The man says before returning to his position behind the counter in the previous room.

    Noticing that a nearby table finishes their round and a couple people get up and leave, I take the chance to grab a spot. Sitting down a get a good look at the other players, similarly to the customers in the pub, my neighbours here are all the rough looking type. In contrast to everyone else in here, the dealers are all good looking men and women, exuding an aura of professionalism.

    ¡°Since we have quite a few new faces here at the table I¡¯ll explain the rules here once more.¡± The dealer says as she shuffles the deck.

    She explains that this table is playing games of 21. First, we place our bets and then two cards are dealt to the player and one to the dealer. We can then choose to draw another card or leave our hands as they were dealt. A player can also choose to double down after their initial hand is dealt to increase their bet by 100%. After all the players decide whether to keep or draw, the dealer draws one more card and a winner is chosen based on who¡¯s total value of their cards is equal to or closest to twenty-one without going over. However, if the dealer lands a twenty-one it¡¯s an auto win for her. All the money bet goes to the player who has the closest to twenty-one. In the event that more than one player has a total score of twenty-one then the betting money is split between them.

    ¡°Now lets begin.¡± The dealer says wearing a sly smile.

    We begin to place our bets, but a problem arises¡­ I don¡¯t know the value of a single gold coin. For now, just play it safe with one gold coin.

    Placing down my gold coin I get a few looks from the other players as I notice they bet a handful of bronze and silver coins.

    ¡°Quite the rich young lady ain¡¯t ya.¡± One of the other players snickers.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got plenty of coins to spare, just a mere gold coin is nothing.¡± I say in an attempt to keep up appearances.

    Of course unknown to everyone else I lament not asking Annette about the coins. Soon enough the cards are dealt, a nine¡­ and four, total thirteen. A smile grows on the player opposite of me, the same one who called me out earlier. Within seconds of looking at his cards, he decides to double down. After a few moments, another player decides to surrender, revealing his hand to be a total of four. Another player surrenders, revealing a total of five. With two players having already dropped out of the round just three other players and the dealer remain. The player sitting right next to me decides to draw on more but her expression does a complete reversal as she looks down dejectedly after seeing her new card. The only remaining player yet to make a move is me. Did the man who doubled down bluff or does he actually have twenty¡ªone? Should I surrender and take back half my bet? Ahh, screw it!This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    ¡°I take one more card!¡± I say with an unintentional shout. ¡°Oh, sorry.¡± I say addressing the various eyes on me.

    Although briefly startled by my outburst the dealer is quick to hand out another card. And it¡¯s¡­ an eight. HA! No black hands for me today, luck is on my side.

    ¡°With all the players having completed their turns, time for me to draw.¡± The dealer says.

    She draws a second nine on top of the one she already had for a total of eighteen. Not that it matters though. The only remaining player who was clearly depressed over her hand revealed a total of twenty-two, holding a six, six, and a jack. Of course, he lost the round, but unlike the two who had chosen to surrender he didn¡¯t receive a portion of her bet back. The man who had doubled down earlier revealed his two cards. A king and a nine for a total of nineteen. A strong hand for sure, but nothing compared to mine. Shortly after I reveal my hand for a total of twenty-one, the magic number. Being the only one to have twenty-one I collect my earning for the round and we begin to place bets for the next. I¡¯ve got a good feeling about this.

    I regret everything¡­

    I lost almost all my money to the point where all the other players are betting with the gold coins Annette gave me this morning. Seeing the other bets on the table I find a chance. If I can win this round I can win nearly all my money back.

    ¡°With the bets in place, I¡¯ll deal the cards.¡± The dealer says, still keeping up the same sly smile she started with.

    The cards are all dealt and the dealer has a queen. I look at my hand and nearly cry tears of joy at the sight, victory is nearly here. Double kings, a total of twenty. With the risk being far too much I decide to keep my hand as I await the other players. This time no one surrenders as the hand are shown. Twenty-four, eighteen, twenty-three, nineteen, and my twenty. I did it. I won.

    Just before I collect the earnings the dealer shows her card. I celebrated too soon.

    ¡°Ace. With the queen that puts me at twenty-one.¡± The dealer says.

    ¡°Bloody hell!¡± I yell bringing my right hand down, striking the table.

    From the force of my fist the table shatters, scattering shards of wood throughout the room. I didn¡¯t think I put that much force into it, oops.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    I remain silent as clouds of dust permeate through the air. Time for a strategic withdrawal. With so many people blinded and confused I use the dust clouds as cover for my escape, of course not before I swipe away the many coins from the ground. As I dash to the exit a couple of thugs standing guard at the door attempt to block my escape but I brush them aside with ease, while simultaneously busting down the door into the pub. While they¡¯re not entirely sure what¡¯s going on many of the people in the pub stand up brandishing various weapons and begin to charge at me, having a clear enough head to recognise me as the source of the problem in the gambling den. I fight off the few people who were closest to me and decide that trying to deal with everyone here would take too long a run towards the pub¡¯s exit. Before I can make it, about a dozen people crowd the exit and instead of taking the time to deal with all of them I chose the shorter path. I take a sharp turn before crashing into the myriad of people, and run up to a nearby wall and smash through it with my right arm. Paying little heed to my surroundings I jump out the hole in the wall with several people in pursuit. Just as I make a turn to leave the ally I slam into someone. I notice the man I crashed in to is the same officer who arrested me when I first entered the city. And behind him is a full platoon of city guards. The ruffians chasing me catch up with me but completely freeze after seeing the large police force in front of them.

    ¡°Men! Arrest all these thugs!¡± says the man I ran into, the supposed captain here.

    ¡°Thanks for the help officer, now I¡¯ll just be on my way.¡± I say in an attempt to escape.

    The captain sighs at my sight, ¡°you again¡­ hold up there. You¡¯re also under arrest.¡±

    ¡°But why, I haven¡¯t done anything wrong. I¡¯m the victim here, just a poor helpless woman being chased by these thugs.¡± I say. Of course, it¡¯s a complete lie. I know everything here is my fault.

    ¡°Okay, I see how it is¡­ not. We initially came here on a noise complaint but when we realised the area we figured it was probably something troublesome so I took a whole platoon with me. And what do I see, you destroying several walls and jumping out of that building. You are under arrest for destruction of property.¡± The guard captain says.

    Quickly figuring out that I can¡¯t talk my way out of this I attempt an escape but I get shot in the back with a stun gun. While not enough to knock me out, it¡¯s enough to temporarily immobilise me while I¡¯m cuffed and dragged back to the prison cell from my first day here.

    After spending several hours sitting around handcuffed in my cell Annette arrives and just gives me a cold look.

    ¡°So what did you do?¡± Annette asks coldly.

    ¡°Nothing terribly bad¡­¡± I say softly.

    ¡°Alright then, I guess you want to stay here.¡± Annette says whilst sharpening her glare.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I broke the walls of the nearby buildings and for illegally gambling away the money you gave me. Please let me out.¡± I say with my head lowered to the floor.

    Seemingly satisfied with my answer Annette opens the cell door and releases me from my handcuffs.

    ¡°Now come along, it¡¯s time for that x-ray I was talking about earlier. All the preparations are ready.¡±

 Chapter 9.5: A Day Off, Side Irina

    Parting from Eillim, I make way to the guest quarters we are staying at in the palace. As I enter our room I take a look at the fancy clock hanging from the wall.

    ¡°6:30 huh? Time for a nap.¡± I say as I jump onto the fluffy bed.

    Waking up with a great yawn I take a look at the clock once more.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.¡°2:22. It¡¯s only a bit past noon, guess I¡¯ll go back to sleep.¡± I say as I begin to doze off once more.

    Waking up once again, I find the light of the full moon coming in through the window. Taking another look at the clock I find that it¡¯s 11:46 and Eillim is in bed with me in a deep sleep. Not wanting to wake her I decide to go back to sleep again¡­ well, I was going to do that regardless.

 Chapter 10: Uir Ri Frzg (Unintelligible Speech)

    A cool breeze flies through the room forcing me up. Shaken by the cold air I take a quick look around to find the source, Irina. She¡¯s sitting on the floor meditating. Sometimes I forget that Irina is first and foremost a cultivator. It looks like she is covered in a light sweat¡­ oh, I see, she probably finished her body-tempering techniques. Taking this chance, I go and pull out a book from a nearby bookshelf and throw it directly towards Irina¡¯s head.

    *Thunk* ¡°Ouch, what was that for!?¡± Irina yells.

    ¡°Your aura was leaking out and it made the room horribly cold. Anyways it¡¯s been a while since I last checked, so what is your current cultivation level?¡± I ask.

    ¡°I¡¯m currently at the second stage middle dantian. But I¡¯m currently struggling since I¡¯m at a bottleneck, although once I breakthrough I should be able to reach the upper dantian.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°Even the ever talented Irina Icrwl can¡¯t breakthrough to the upper dantian, so much for being a genius cultivator.¡± I say provocatively.

    ¡°Shut up, you couldn¡¯t even make it to the first stage fifth valve let alone the second stage lower dantian. Miss forever stuck in the first stage.¡± Irina says, returning my provocation.

    ¡°Alright, that''s enough joking around for now. Annette wanted me to come down to the medical bay after waking up for something called an x-ray. Not sure what that is but I¡¯m fairly confident that it¡¯s some kind of medical examination. You coming?¡± I ask.

    ¡°I guess, I¡¯m not doing anything else now since you interrupted me earlier.¡± Irina says while cleaning herself up.

    ******

    As we arrive in the medical bay we find Annette fiddling around with some kind of machine.

    ¡° I¡¯d say good morning but it¡¯s nearly noon, anyways come on over your just in time. I finished setting things up and we are all ready to go on my end.¡± Annette says as she turns over to face us.

    ¡°So what exactly is this x-ray you want to do?¡± I ask.

    Before answering, Annette hands me a light gown and tells me to change into it. Having been pushed to a corner of the room behind a curtain, I reluctantly begin to strip and change my clothes as Annette begins her explanation.

    ¡°To put it in simple terms I am going to use this machine here to take a look at your insides, more specifically your bone structure as well as your muscle tissue.¡±

    Once I come out after changing, Annette directs me over to a long bench of some sorts and has me lay down on it in various positions as the machine from earlier slides around above me. After about half an hour of this Annette steps out of the room for a few minutes and comes back with a handful of photos. She explains that in her left hand are photos of my bones and her right hand are photos of several of my organs and muscles. Annette goes on to explain that currently, only my right arm, throat, and lungs have fully dragonised. I have various scratches from my gambling escapade the other day that caused the surface of my skin in those areas to dragonise. Apparently, my left eye is visibly in the process of dragonising but I have yet to notice anything in particular in regards to my sight.

    ¡°And that about does it for my report in regards to the changes to your body so far.¡± Annette says while I change back into my regular clothes. ¡°So next I want to conduct a few physical tests. This should be particularly beneficial to you since we can learn just how much strength you can exert with that arm of yours. Is this okay with you?¡±

    ¡°That''s fine. I¡¯m also interested in finding out what I can do with this arm as well.¡± I say while coming out from behind the curtain.

    We follow Annette over to another room, and as we enter the floor is littered with various weights.

    ¡°Let¡¯s begin. I want you to lift each of these weights with your right arm. What I have prepared here are weights ranging from 50kg to 500kg scaling up by 50kg each.¡± Annette says.

    ¡°You were really prepared.¡± Irina mumbles after seeing the weights.

    Full of regret now that I¡¯ve agreed to this I slowly stagger off to the first weight and begin to lift each one.

    After I reach 250kg I begin to take short breaks in between each lift and I begin to struggle at the 400kg weight.

    ¡°Seems like you won¡¯t be able to lift past 400kg so we can stop here for weight lifting. Next, I have something I want you to punch with full strength.¡± Annette says as she has a cart carrying two large slabs of metal. ¡°This is a new experimental alloy consisting of titanium, tungsten, and mythril. In addition to testing the force of your punch, we can test the strength of this new alloy.¡±

    Annette has me set it against the wall since it is too heavy for her to move around without the cart. I take a short moment to focus my energy and release a punch with all my strength as a loud bang reverberates across the room. As I remove my fist from the alloy we all take a look to find it has little more than a few scratches and a minute dent. Annoyed that a punch with everything I¡¯ve got hardly did anything I throw a few more punches at the alloy but with little success leaving only a few larger dents in the alloy.

    ¡°In our preliminary testing with the alloy we had one of our tanks shoot its main cannon at the alloy and it had a similar effect to your several punches, albeit to a much larger degree. Anyways from this, we can conclude that a full strength punch from you can be compared to a tanks main cannon, it is still significantly weaker. And that our new alloy is absurdly strong. Now I have one last thing I want you to try. I want you to see if you can shoot out a breath attack like a dragon since your throat is fully dragonised.¡± Annette says.

    ¡°¡­¡± I just stare at her whilst remaining silent.

    ¡°Don¡¯t stare at me like I¡¯m crazy. Just give it a few tries. If you can then, cool you got a new power. If you can¡¯t, then whatever.¡± Annette saysIf you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Haa¡­ fine, I¡¯ll give it a shot at least.¡± I say with a sigh.

    Having resigned myself to just get this over with, Annette has me move the second slab of the alloy over the previous one in front of the wall. Moving back to the opposite end of the room to the slabs of mythril alloy I prepare my attack¡­ actually, how do I even do this. Whatever, I¡¯ll just wing it and try and focus magic power into my throat.

    *Roar* I open my mouth in an attempt to release a breath attack but the only result is a deafening roar that causes the air to shake as Annette falls to her knees while covering her ears. Irina isn¡¯t as badly affected but gives me a sharp look of disdain. Annette picks herself up and similarly looks at me with a large frown.

    ¡°Just so you know, that wasn¡¯t on purpose. Also, don¡¯t point that spear at me, Irina, I¡¯m not a dragon.¡± I say, slowly backing away from Irina¡¯s spear.

    ¡°I know, I was just warning you that if you ever do that again without warning I will stab you.¡± Irina says while dematerialising her spear.

    ¡°Okay, so Eillim can you describe what you did there?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°I gathered magic energy into my throat and lungs, then I tried to release it. But the result is, as you saw or rather heard, that load roar.¡± I say.

    ¡°I see¡­ guess you can¡¯t do it after all. That''s a bit disappointing. Then with that, we are finished with the testing.¡± Annette says.

    ¡°Wait. I have an idea. Instead of using magic energy what about focusing your qi into your throat and lungs. A dragons breath attack is an innate ability after all, so normally it should be powered by qi, not magic energy.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°¡­ You actually have a point there, Irina. I suppose it¡¯s worth a shot.¡± I say.

    ¡°Qi? What¡¯s that?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°It¡¯s like the inner power of all things. With proper use, it can enhance the body and help increase a persons magic power. I thought you would have known this already, Annette. That Stop Sign Man guy is clearly a cultivator of at least the fourth stage since he goes around on a flying sword¡ª I mean flying stop sign.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°Cultivator? Fourth stage? What''s this? I¡¯m a bit lost, can you explain?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°A cultivator is the common name for a person who specialises in the usage of innate abilities. This includes racial abilities as well as qi cultivation. The fourth stage refers to the fourth of nine stages or ranks of a cultivator. Each of the nine stages is further subdivided into a varying number of sub-stages. For a persons qi to interact with the outside world they need to at least be of the second stage. Normally it takes several decades to reach the second stage and Eillim hasn¡¯t reached the second stage. Of course, if you are a genius cultivator like me it¡¯s no problem. Anyways, Eillim normally shouldn¡¯t be able to use her qi as an external weapon, but the dragonised lungs should be able to bypass this restriction. After all, dragons can release their breath attack before they even begin to cultivate. It¡¯s also a part of the reason beings like dragons live for so long since they are natural cultivators. As one increases in rank, a non-immortal can increase their lifespan and some even find ways to reach a state of immortality.¡± Irina explains.

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised, I had Irina pegged as an idiot. I didn¡¯t think she could explain all that.¡± Annette says.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you weren¡¯t wrong. Irina is a moron, it¡¯s just that she really is a genius when it comes to cultivation. Now let¡¯s give this one last shot, but using my qi this time.¡± I say while moving back into position for a breath attack.

    I begin to focus my qi into my throat and lungs. As I focus my qi, I feel an explosive amount of power building up before it overflows and is forcefully expelled from my mouth. A beam of light is shot out from my mouth causing the air to tremble before colliding with the alloy across the room, burning a clear hole right through it before the light dissipates.

    Irina just stands there nodding her head with a smug expression of satisfaction, as if she knew this was the right way to approach the situation. Meanwhile, Annette stands beside her with a dumbfounded expression. But before anyone can say anything I scream, ¡°uuk ahts ot (fuck that¡¯s hot!)¡± The heat from the beam has singed the inside of my mouth and burnt away my tongue while also cauterising it.

    ¡°HAHAHA! It¡¯s back! That absurd way of talking, I never thought I¡¯d hear it again.¡± Irina says as she nearly falls to the floor in laughter.

    ¡°Oot ap! Ou ry abin ur ouh urnd! (Shut up! You try having your mouth burned!)¡±

    ¡°Phft! I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t understand what you saying. Haha. Have you tried speaking an actual language like a normal person?¡± Irina says tauntingly.

    ¡°An t, sh ard! (Can it, washboard!)¡±

    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t call me that!¡± Irina says.

    ¡°I nw t! Ou an undsnd at I um ayn! Et vr er nd et e eet ur ss! (I knew it! You can understand what I¡¯m saying! Get over here and let me beat your ass!)¡± I shout.

    ¡°Put the argument on hold for now girls. Eillim come over here and sit down so I can examine your mouth. And Irina how in the world are you able to understand what she¡¯s saying?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time she spoke like that. A several years ago I tricked her into eating one of Rere¡¯s super spicy lunches and the result was her talking like that for the rest of the day. She couldn¡¯t answer anything the teacher asked her that day. I spent the whole day laughing at her, yeah that was great.¡± Irina says as I take a seat by Annette.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m starting to get why she seems to get on your nerves so much, Eillim, that''s got to be annoying. Anyways let¡¯s take a look inside your mouth, bear the pain and open wide.¡± Annette says.

    Following her instructions, I open up as she looks and pokes around inside my mouth over the next few minutes.

    ¡°Aside from the pain you¡¯ve got, you''re fine. The pain should subside in about four hours just before the meeting for our next course of action at 4:44. We want you two to attend too since the two of you together did much in regards to the Hiquahazull problem. Oh, and I¡¯m not sure when but I¡¯m fairly certain your tongue will grow back at some point soon, so you should try not to talk before then¡­ it¡¯s rather distracting.¡±

    ¡°Ut ts ot ey ult. Ou er da an wo ntd e oo oot a eam. (But It¡¯s not my fault. You were the one who wanted me to shoot a beam.)¡±

    ¡°I know your mouth hurts, just deal with it. If it¡¯s really that bad I can give you some pain killers later. Actually no I¡¯m not sure I can with you missing your tongue.¡± Annette says.

    Irina just snickers as my complaint falls on deaf ears¡­ and I can¡¯t even get pain killers. As we are getting ready to leave a messenger appears at the door while panting and covered in sweat.

    ¡°Why hasn¡¯t anyone answered the intercom here? We have been trying to contact you lot for the past 10 minutes.¡± The messenger says.

    ¡°¡­ oops.¡± Annette says. ¡°I think the intercom system in this room got blasted away by Eillim. It should have been right behind the alloy over there.¡±

    ¡°Ot ey ult. (Not my fault.)¡± I say.

    ¡°Giving me a strange look the messenger continues, ¡°one of our scouting units has spotted a large military force heading in our direction from East Lucia. At the request of the King and the council, we want you all to rendezvous with the Grey Knights, then head out to meet with our main force and act as reinforcements.¡± After finishing his message he runs off in a hurry, most likely to bring more reports around.

    ¡°You heard the man, there''s a fight brewing and I want in, so lets go¡­ what¡¯s that look for Annette?¡± Irina asks.

    The moment she heard the messenger call out the Grey Knights, Annette¡¯s face has been stuck with an expression of reluctance.

    ¡°Can we just go without them?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°Why? What''s with the Grey Knights? Something wrong with them? They weak?¡± Irina asks.

    With an exasperated look, Annette just sighs, ¡°the Grey Knights are a small division consisting of only six core members and their subordinates. Individually each member is rather talented in one area or another but¡­ well, you¡¯ll see when you meet them. They have problems.¡±

    With great reluctance, Annette takes Irina and I to the Grey Knight HQ before we head out. I get the feeling we should have left them behind but who listens to the mute.

 Chapter 11; The Grey Knights

    We stop after a short walk away from the palace. Before us stands an old shabby looking building. Parts of the metal walls are rusted and the front door is of rotten wood. The whole building looks as if it would collapse at the slightest provocation.

    ¡°Well¡­ we¡¯re here¡­ can I leave?¡± Annette says with a dark expression as we arrive at the Grey Knights HQ.

    ¡°Is it really that bad in there?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Oh, your tongue grew back already? I¡¯ll have to look into that regenerative ability of yours when we return later.¡± Annette says with a dark smile.

    Sensing danger in her statement I begin to back away making sure to not break eye contact with Annette.

    ¡°Sorry I was just joking around. Anyways back to the previous question. I can put up with the building itself¡­ but just the building. Trying to deal with those fools inside for a long period of time is another story though.¡± Annette says with a darkened expression.

    ¡°What are you two waiting for lets just go in already.¡± Irina says, pulling the door open.

    As we enter the Grey Knights headquarters there is only one possible thought that I could have right now, what the bloody hell is this mess. Trash and leftover food scraps littered all over the floor. Dirt paints both the walls and ground, concealing the original colour.

    ¡°Seems like it¡¯s cleaner than the last time I was here. That¡¯s good.¡± Annette says.

    ¡°Just wait one moment this is supposed to be cleaner than before? Also, can this place really be called a headquarters?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Yes, this place really is cleaner than before. If it was the same as the last time I was here, you couldn¡¯t have opened the door without trash spilling out from the entrance. It was a complete mystery how those guys could come and go with the state the building was in. The place didn¡¯t used to be like this and was probably what your thinking of when I said headquarters. It¡¯s just the grey knights gradually dirtied the place and scared off all the people in charge of keeping the place functional. I had to ask them before if they were okay with people coming in to clean and renovate the place with some automated cleaning machines, but they told me they were fine as is. At this point we thought of forcibly moving them out due to complaints but when we tried¡­ lets just end this here, I don¡¯t even want to remember that.¡± Annette says as she moves us forward to begin the search for the Grey Knights.

    After some effort getting through the piles of trash, we arrive at the first room of one of the Grey Knights. Just by standing in front of the door I can smell something strange coming from the other side¡­ some kind of fishy smell.

    ¡°Hey, Annette whats this plaque say?¡± Irina asks, pointing to the wood plaque hanging next to the door in front of us.

    ¡°It¡¯s the name of this room''s occupant, Sir Fen.¡± Annette says. ¡°I¡¯m going to say this now but be very careful to watch your steps when we enter.¡±

    Annette knocks a few times on the door before opening to a rather unpleasant scene. Without warning a fishy smell spreads through the air causing both Irina and I to cover our noses in a hurry. As Irina takes a step into the room she looks down to find she stepped on something.

    ¡°What¡¯s this? A sock? Why does it feel moist¡­ and this stain¡­ don¡¯t tell me¡­¡± Irina says as the colour drains from her face.

    ¡°So you realised, huh.¡± Annette says, making sure to avoid eye contact with Irina.

    While I¡¯m not entirely sure what they¡¯re talking about, It¡¯s clear the resident of this dirty room is out.

    ¡°Wha¡ª I don¡¯t remember leaving this door open.¡± A voice says from the hall. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you, Lady Annette¡­ and the ladies from the show fight a few days ago.¡±

    ¡°As you two have probably surmised this is Sir Fen.¡± Says Annette.

    ¡°But please call me Fenny, now may I ask what you all are doing here?¡±

    ¡°Mobilisation order. Be ready within the hour''s end.¡± Annette says.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ I see. Rather than follow that mobilisation order would you girls like to fool around with me and my socks?¡±

    While I don¡¯t quite understand the full meaning behind his words, Annette and Irina back away in complete disgust. Saying nothing Annette just nods towards Irina as she rushes up and punches Fenny, knocking him out and sending him flying into a pile of dirty socks.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? I mean I was a bit creeped out by what he said myself but was there really any reason to hit him?¡±

    Annette gives me a pitiful look as Irina walks over and whispers into my ear, ¡°He has been doing ¡®this and that¡¯ into his socks.¡±

    Finally understanding why the room smelt so fishy and why they were so upset earlier my face goes red from embarrassment as I rush out of the room.

    ¡°Come on Eillim, aren¡¯t you a bit old to be acting like an innocent maiden.¡± Irina says with a mischievous smirk.

    ¡°Shut up! Lets just go look for the rest of those stupid Knights and get out of here!¡± I yell as a start walking down the hall to look for the next room.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    Our steps echo across the halls as we come up to an open space. A room that seems to be a lounge type area. Surrounding a table in the room are several people playing the same card game I was playing yesterday.

    ¡°Excuse me you lot but this isn¡¯t the time for games, a mobilisation order has been issued for the Grey Knights!¡± Annette yells out, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

    ¡°Oh, why hello there lady Annette and the girls from that show fight a few days ago. What brings you all here today? While I¡¯m still talking allow me to introduce myself, I am Sir Aye Jay and next to me here is Sir Tea Bee E.¡± Says one of the two people here that¡¯s wearing a higher quality of clothing.

    ¡°Did none of you hear what I said?! THERE IS A MOBILISATION ORDER FOR THE GREY KNIGHTS! Now get moving!¡± Annette yells once again sending most of the rank and file soldiers scurrying around to get ready, leaving only Sir Aye Jay and Sir Tea Bee E with us.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ yes, you did say that and of course, I¡¯ll follow the mobilisation order but¡­¡± Sir Tea Bee E says trailing off as he looks towards Sir Aye Jay.

    ¡°I, for one will not be going.¡± Sir Aye Jay says.

    ¡°¡­¡± Annette is stunned by Sir Aye Jay¡¯s sudden words but quickly regains her bearings and says, ¡°Just what do you mean you''re not going?!¡±

    ¡°Exactly what I said, I have more important plans. I have a date soon and I need to prepare.¡± Sir Aye Jay says as he leaves the room.

    ¡°Sorry about that. But don¡¯t worry his subordinates will at least show up. Anyways I too must be going to get ready. I suppose I will be seeing you three quite soon.¡± Sir Tea Bee E says as he too leaves the room.

    ¡°Well at least one of them was a sensible person.¡± Irina comments once all the knights have left the room.

    ¡°For now at least¡­ once we are in battle Sir Tea Bee E is like a berserker, running in head first without any regard to previous planning.¡± Annette says with an exhausted look.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case then I take back what I said. Why in the world do you keep people like that around? Well, I guess at least one of them will show up, so he¡¯s got that going for him.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°In Sir Tea Bee E¡¯s case, he is rather good at managing the Grey Knights finances¡­ actually, without his help, none of the guys could probably sustain this place financially. They would blow all their money on who knows what. Sir Aye Jay, on the other hand, is only here due to past merits. He honestly hasn¡¯t done anything outstanding in the past decade, even I wonder why he is still here. Anyways we¡¯re halfway done, we only have three people of importance to find. Sir Zexis, the ace in the hole for the Grey Knights and Lord Pulk, the commander of the Grey Knights. I guess there is also Sir Sea Ten, he¡¯s not really one of importance though as his maturity level is the same as Sir Fen.¡± Annette says.

    We continue our way through this mess of a building until we arrive at the commander¡¯s office. Unlike the rest of the building, this place is significantly cleaner¡­ relative to the rest of the place anyways. As we approach the door we find a note attached to it.

    Taking a closer look, it reads ¡°To our esteemed guest Annette and friends, come outside to the front of the building, I¡¯ll be waiting. -signed Lord Pulk. P.S. I have dragged Sir Sea Ten with me and Sir Zexis is sleeping somewhere, I¡¯ll deal with him once everyone else arrives.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ are we going to head back then?¡± Irina asks.

    ¡°Seems like it. Lord Pulk should get things under control, more like he is the only one who can make these guys do anything useful.¡± Annette says as she turns back the way we came.

    Upon leaving the building, gathered around a myriad of vehicles we find all the captains we had met on our way here, with the exception of Sir Aye Jay. Alongside them are two others we haven¡¯t met. Like the rest of the captains, Fenny aside, these two also seem to be in their late thirties. However¡­ one of them looks a little strange, his eyes are rolled back. One of the men we haven¡¯t met yet walks up to us, dragging the other behind him.

    ¡°I take it you saw my little message then. Miss Annette knows who I am but allow me to introduce myself. I am Lord Pulk, the commander of this group of fools called the Grey Knights.¡± He then points to the man he was dragging behind him and says, ¡°this here is Sir Sea Ten. Sorry for the sad state he¡¯s in right now, he didn¡¯t want to come so I had to knock him out and drag him with me. Unfortunately, Jay had already escaped, well not that he¡¯d do much anyways. Well since everyone is here how about you get started on that briefing, Annette. What¡¯s the situation?¡±

    ¡°Sure but not everyone is here. Sir Sea Ten is unconscious and Sir Zexis is still sleeping somewhere, aren¡¯t you going to do something about that?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°I can explain things to this idiot later, but your right. I will get him over here.¡± Lord Pulk says as he brings some kind of device from his back pocket and presses a large red button.

    Just moments later we here a sound akin to an explosion as parts of the ceiling of the Grey Knights HQ start raining down from the sky followed by a person.

    ¡°WHAT THE FUUUUUCK!!!!!!!!¡± The falling man yells.

    With an amazing feat of agility and acrobatics, he manages to land safely on the ground and quickly begins to yell, ¡°Oi! Just what the bloody hell was that! Who is the son of a bitch who put a bomb underneath this old man''s bed!¡±

    Of course, no one steps up to confess. And having stealthily put his device away, Lord Pulk walks up to defuse the situation.

    ¡°Now, now, Elder Zexis, just calm down. We have some guests and a mobilisation order and the briefing is about to start.¡± Lord Pulk says shifting is gaze in our direction.

    Having noticed us at last Sir Zexis approaches us and we finally get a good look at the so called ace. Long hair with signs of greying and a clearly aged face, yet despite his clear old age he showed he was capable of some impressive feats. Being able to move like that mid air is nothing to scoff at.

    ¡°Hey this old man isn¡¯t normal, he¡¯s a cultivator. And he is at a higher cultivation level than I am.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°Oho¡­ this young lass has quite the eye. You are indeed correct I am a cultivator of the fifth stage with a fully formed Golden Core. This old man is nearing a breakthrough into the sixth stage. It¡¯s unfortunate that the people in these lands know little in regards to cultivation. Anyways young Annette, what do the details of this order entail?¡± Sir Zexis asks.

    ¡°So I can finally get started then? Scouts report a large military force from East Lucia heading towards the Capital. We were to rendezvous with the main force together with you the Grey Knights, and act as reinforcements. And¡­¡±

    Annette went on to more specific details surrounding the situation and getting into more technical points leading most of the Grey Knights to look at her with a dumbfounded expression, save for Lord Pulk and Sir Zexis.

    At some point Sir Sea Ten had woken up and asked, ¡°So what exactly does that mean.¡± Causing most of the others to nod in agreement.

    ¡°Haa¡­ you guys really are just a bunch of muscle brains.¡± Annette says with a great sigh.

    ¡°To put it simply for you simpletons, we go, we fight enemy, help allies. Do you lot understand now?¡± Lord Pulk says.

    Having realised the nature of the mission, everyone who didn¡¯t understand has an excited face. All ready to jump into battle. Between the joint orders of Annette and Lord Pulk we all proceed to move out and ride towards the battlefield.

 Chapter 12: Onward, to battle

    ¡°So since we have the time, anyone want to share what year this is?¡± Sir Zexis asks.

    ¡°What do you mean what year? Shouldn¡¯t you already know?¡± I ask.

    ¡°He is asking because he went to sleep about two days after the empire split into two. Anyways, it is currently the 2127th year of the Solaris Calender. So you''ve been asleep for about 26 years.¡± Lord Pulk says.

    ¡°Are you not hungry, Sir Zexis?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°A cultivator of my rank needs not to eat but once in a few decades. I am however very close to no longer being in need of food, perhaps in another hundred years or so I¡¯ll breakthrough.¡± Sir Zexis says.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard the stories but have you really been around since the founding of the empire?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯ve heard little girl, but I have certainly been around for quite some time. Let alone witness the founding, I took part in its founding. His imperial majesty, Charles Dieudonn¨¦, and me¡­ I guess that annoying Demon God helped as well, but the three of us built the empire up from nothing. It saddens me to see it¡¯s current state. This old daoist is willing to bet my cultivation that he shares the same sentiments and it¡¯s why he sent you two here.¡± Sir Zexis says as he looks towards Irina and me.

    ¡°Are you trying to say that Akkre was involved with the founding of this nation because he didn¡¯t tell us that when he threw us here.¡± I say.

    ¡°So he didn¡¯t tell you anything? Seems like he hasn¡¯t changed at all in these past 900 years.¡± Sir Zexis says.

    ¡°Since there is someone of your strength here, how come this war has been going on for so long? Couldn¡¯t someone have just woken you up to fight?¡± Irina asks.

    ¡°We¡¯ve tried. We¡¯ve tried many times. I didn¡¯t actually think that bomb would have gotten him up, my intention was to drag his sleeping body along and use it as a shield.¡± Lord Pulk says.

    With steam practically coming off his head, Sir Zexis shouts, ¡°so it was you who put the bomb under my bed! I had just gotten up then all of a sudden there¡¯s an explosion under my feet, blasting me up into the air. The blast destroyed my room too!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s put that issue aside for now, as we have arrived at our destination.¡± Lord Pulk says.

    ¡°How is that possible we were only in these vehicles for a few minutes? There is no way we could have gotten to the battlefield in such a short time.¡± I say.

    ¡°Of course our destination wasn¡¯t the battlefield, after all, it was the launch site.¡± Lord Pulk says as he steps out and points to the several large cannons behind him. ¡°We are going to throw ourselves into battle, in a literal sense.¡±

    ¡°¡°Your not serious are you?¡±¡± both Irina and I say simultaneously.

    ¡°I¡¯m completely serious. Now everyone into the pods, hurry up so we can fire!¡± shouts Lord Pulk.

    After stepping out from the transport and getting a better look at just what he expects us to get into, we see several large metal cylinders. Each one seems to have an entrance on several levels, so as to accommodate as many people as it possibly can. As we step into the first level of the cylinder, we see a vast sea of seats filling out the entire floor. The ceiling lays just above our head, most likely to fit more people in the space above. Following the instructions of Lord Pulk, we firmly strap ourselves to the seats as he gives out some orders to the people on the outside before shutting the door tight.

    ¡°I hope everyone here is ready, we will be launching in a couple of minutes.¡±

    ¡°Have you ever even done this before? Are you sure it¡¯s safe?¡± I ask.

    With an unconcerned look, Lord Pulk just says, ¡°nope.¡±

    ¡°¡­ which part?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Anyways, I suggest you stop talking unless you mind regretting your choice in a few moments.¡± Lord Pulk says.

    ¡°What do you mean by tha¡ª ahhhh!¡±

    Before I can finish my question a large force throws us into the air at high speed, causing me to bite hard on my tongue. Everyone in the cylinder is screaming at the top of their lungs, with only Sir Zexis and Lord Pulk managing to keep a straight face. Before long, everyone calms down and the screaming fades away¡­ until we realise we¡¯ve stopped pushing forwards as we begin to slow down and fall. The now falling cylinder begins to pick up speed once more, causing several people to begin screaming. A few seconds after we reached terminal velocity, it begins to feel as if we are slowing down. As the screaming fades once more we hear a rumbling sound, Lord Pulk explains that it is the system that is designed to allow for a safe landing.

    ¡°And now we have arrived.¡± Lord Pulk says as the doors on each level of the cylinder open up creating a walkway to the ground.

    As we leave the cylinder, we find ourselves right by our main forces strategic HQ. With several people dizzy and Annette over on the side puking, a messenger from the main camp comes bearing a message.

    ¡°Thank you for your swift response, Grey Knights and honoured guests. The orders given to your group are, to quote the minister of defence, ¡®just do what you always do¡¯. That is all.¡± The messenger says as he returns to the main camp.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    ¡°All right you heard the man, everyone¡­¡± Lord Pulk says trailing off. ¡°They had already left.¡±

    Hearing his words both Irina and I take a look behind us to see that aside from Lord Pulk all the captains have already joined the battle.

    ¡°Why is it so hard to get these idiots to work as a team. Anyways you two should go follow Elder Zexis, I¡¯ve got a feeling something bad is going to happen.¡± Lord Pulk says as he walks off to give orders to the rest of the Grey Knights.

    ¡°But you didn¡¯t tell us where he went¡­¡± I say.

    ¡°That¡¯s not a problem, Eillim. I can feel the energy he is releasing from here, not like he tries to hide it though. Just follow me.¡± Irina says as she runs off.

    As we run along the sidelines of the battlefield, dealing with whatever enemy comes our way, we hear a loud explosion. In the sky we see someone being blasted away towards our landing zone. Wait thats¡­

    ¡°Hey Irina, you saw that right? Someone was being thrown across the sky by that explosion. Doesn¡¯t he look kind of familiar?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Yeah, think that was the Tea Bee E guy. Well, he looks like he is going to fall pretty close to where we landed so he should be fine, I think.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°Not just close, at this rate he is going to crash into that cylinder we were in.¡± I say.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just keep moving we almost caught up with Sir Zexis.¡± Irina says as she runs off again.

    As we near the site of Sir Zexis¡¯s battle, we find the area littered with the bodies of enemy soldiers. Many of which have their bones twisted in ways I haven¡¯t before thought was possible. Just up ahead is Sir Zexis, completely surrounded by the opposing soldiers. All the soldiers are shooting in volleys at Sir Zexis, but he is just standing there with the bullets just bouncing off his skin. As we run down a line of soldiers to assist Sir Zexis, several of the soldiers run up with blades and take a swipe at him. But upon contact their knives and swords shatter, leaving nearly all of the soldiers with a bewildered expression.

    ¡°Just how tough is your body to withstand all of that?¡± I ask as we finally reach Sir Zexis.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Wait¡­ are you fucking kidding me!

    ¡°This guy was asleep this whole time!¡± Irina yells.

    Upon hearing Irina¡¯s words all the surrounding soldiers seem to have lost much of their morale, knowing that they couldn¡¯t take down a sleeping old man. With the enemy¡¯s morale low Irina and I nod to each other and take this chance for an easy cleanup of the surrounding troops.

    We make swift work of the enemy troops when suddenly Irina shouts, ¡°get back!¡±

    Swiftly, we jump back as a sword falls to the ground generating a cloud of dust where we once stood. As the dust clears we see a rough looking middle-aged man, wearing an armoured uniform from the opposing army.

    ¡°Good reaction time you two got. Perhaps this will be more entertaining than I thought since the old man is asleep I can put that job off for now. General Adam Li, preparing for battle.¡± Says the man as he charges at us.

    He swings his sword down and from it a crescent beam comes flying out. That was¡­ sword intent! That means this guy is a cultivator.

    ¡°Irina!¡± I yell.

    ¡°I know what you want to ask but he has a higher cultivation than I do, so I¡¯m not sure what stage he is at.¡±

    ¡°So you two know about cultivators and one of you is even at the third stage, impressive for someone so young. Although if your accompanying that old man then I shouldn¡¯t be surprised. It¡¯s unfortunate that I will have to kill off such a talented youth, such is fate for appearing as my enemy.¡±

    Irina dashes forward, spear in hand, and thrusts towards the General. With speed far beyond my comprehension, he parries and returns with a quick counterstrike. In just the nick of time, Irina dodges as I run behind to get a strike on his back while he is preoccupied with Irina.

    ¡°What!¡± I say as a talisman appears from his backside blocking my attack.

    A Ward Talisman, I didn¡¯t think he would have such security when his strength is clearly above ours¡­ no, he isn¡¯t here specifically for the two of us. He came here prepared to fight someone much stronger, Sir Zexis.

    The fight continues for a while but it feels as if he is just toying around with us as we stand exhausted and he hasn¡¯t even broken a sweat.

    ¡°Half human magician, young spirit cultivator, is that all you¡¯ve got. I was hoping for more entertainment, but it¡¯s about time I wrapped this up.¡±

    He readies his stance and swings his sword down in 6 different directions within a single second, sending a wave of sword intent with each strike. Irina manages to completely avoid each strike, but in my attempt to dodge I receive a hit.

    ¡°Shit! Again!¡± I yell as my foot gets cut clean off by the strike.

    Damn it now my foot¡¯s going to grow back all scaly like my arm¡­ but more importantly why is it always me getting severely hurt.

    In a quick rush, General Adam gets behind Irina and kicks her into me knocking us both around.

    ¡°It feels as though you weren¡¯t at full strength mage, perhaps this could have been more fun if you had been. Not that it would have changed the outcome. Farewell.¡± General Adam says as he stands before us and brings his sword down.

    Failing to muster up the last remains of my strength, I find it impossible to move with one foot as I prepare my shield as a last stand.

    *clank*

    The sound of clashing metal rings through the air as I look up and see¡­ a stop sign¡­ I should be happy to be saved but this¡­ this is just ridiculous.

    ¡°So you''re the rumoured Stop Sign Man. I hear you¡¯ve been causing quite a lot of problems for our military. And to stop my attack like that must mean your rather strong, but you''re only at the fourth stage, no match for me.¡±

    He prepares to strike us down once more but before he can move to swing, Stop Sign Man picks up both Irina and I and runs to take cover behind Sir Zexis.

    ¡°Perfect, I¡¯ll strike all four of you down at once!¡±

    With more force than he had exerted previously, General Adam swings his sword down with the intention of cutting right through all four of us. The sheer pressure being released makes me realise the vast difference in our strength and I come to the full realisation that we really were nothing more than ants in front of him. But as his sword comes into contact with Sir Zexis¡¯s head, the blade shatters into several pieces, leaving the General with the most dumbfounded look I¡¯ve ever seen someone wear. And in a completely reflexive move, Sir Zexis slaps General Adam as if he was a fly disturbing his sleep, sending him flying far out of sight.

    ¡°And I thought Adam was strong. But Sir Zexis is still sleeping after all this and even sent Adam flying. I thought they were both at the same stage, how is the disparity between them so large?¡± I ask.

    ¡°Elder practises a special cultivation technique that greatly strengthens his constitution. Allowing him to take the hits of someone who is a stage higher, so brushing off attacks from someone of the same stage is rather trivial for him. Anyways I¡¯m sorry if I was a bit rough with bringing you two ladies here, given the situation it¡¯s clear that I didn¡¯t have time to make sure you two were comfortable. Although looking at you right now, I doubt anything would be very comfortable given your missing foot. Regardless our side has won the battle in the end, although we lost a great deal of people as well. Someone will be here soon with a transport to pick up the injured. Just sit tight here with Sir Zexis, as long as he¡¯s here most stragglers won''t try to mess with you.¡± Stop Sign Man says as he hops onto his flying stop sign and takes off.

    ¡°That guy is so weird, but I guess he did save us. Hey, Irina wake up and stop drooling on me, the fights over.¡± I say

    ¡°Just five more minutes¡­¡± Irina mumbles.

    This girl can be way too carefree sometimes.

 Chapter 13: Preparing a Counter-Offensive

    ¡°So how is your foot?¡± Annette asks as we ride back to the Capital.

    ¡°Oh that, it¡¯s fine¡­ not. Just how could this be fine, my foot was cut off. But, it doesn¡¯t really hurt as much anymore.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ you should take a look for yourself, it has already started to grow back. I think your regenerative ability is getting stronger. At this rate you foot will fully grow back¡­ it just won¡¯t be a humans foot.¡±

    After a short while, the transport comes to a stop and Annette runs off, only to come back a moment later with a wheelchair for me. Waking Irina up, the three of us are instructed to head to the operations room for a meeting. Upon entering we find that everyone else is already here with our group being the last to arrive.

    ¡°Since everyone is here we can start now.¡± King Octave says.

    ¡°*snore*¡±

    ¡°¡­ Yes, of course, your Majesty.¡± One of the Generals say.

    ¡°*snore*¡±

    ¡°The estimations for our loses in the previous conflict just now ar¡ª¡±

    ¡°*snore*¡±

    ¡°Alight, will someone please kick that damned sleeping old fool out of this room! His snoring is far too loud and distracting!¡± Grand General Geoffroy yells.

    Many people in the room nod their heads in agreement that removing Sir Zexis from the room is for the best since he won¡¯t contribute anything while sleeping and is just being a nuisance. With most of the room in agreement, some guards come in and drag Sir Zexis out of the room as we resume our discussions. The Grand General goes on to say that while we did have an overall victory, a large portion of the army was lost in the process, to the point where the army can only withstand one more assault before collapsing. He went on to say that the situation gets worse as Sir Zexis is now sleeping again, but the expert that the eastern side has employed, while injured, is still alive.

    ¡°And this concludes my post battle report. Moving on to planning ahead, we can still hold out within the city walls for a couple of months with our defence system and food stockpile if we are brought to a siege. This is, however, a worst case scenario in the event our army becomes incapable. However we need not always be on the defencive side here, the eastern army has also taken a hit, while not as large as ours it is enough to halt any offensive move from them for a short time. And to top it off their expert has been injured. I suggest we launch a counter-offensive move and strike while we can before we lose this opportunity.¡± Grand General Geoffroy says.

    ¡°Is there not a lot of risk involved with doing so? While I agree that the eastern side suffered a blow from losing this exchange in percentiles, they still have more total available troops, do they not? Our weapon technology is superior to the east, why do we not wait it out and use the technological gap to beat them into submission?¡± one of the councilman propose.

    *ring¡­ ring¡­ring*

    ¡°Sorry I need to take this call, it¡¯s important. Continue your discussion, I will be back as soon as I¡¯m finished.¡± Says King Octave as he steps out of the room to answer his call.

    ¡°Putting his Majesty¡¯s call aside for now, once a long time ago, in a conversation with Elder Zexis he had mentioned a saying he had heard and I think I suit this situation quite nicely. ¡®You must enter the tiger¡¯s den to catch his cubs.¡¯ If we chose to wait, it would take far too long to build enough of a technological gap that can beat out the raw number of troops the eastern army can deploy. Moreover, they are most likely fully aware of the situation our military is in after this last battle. The moment they recover from this exchange is the day we draw our last breath. I propose sending a large military expedition to serve as a distraction while we send in a smaller more elite force to infiltrate the eastern Capital and sever the chain of command. From there we can come out and pincer the remaining enemy forces, crushing them from two sides. This is where our current technology advantage can come into play. While it isn¡¯t enough to win a war on its own, it will be enough to hold out until the infiltration operation is complete.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    As the room gets louder and louder gong back and forth between the two plans of waiting it out or striking while the iron is hot, King Octave returns causing the room to quiet down. After explaining the situation and the idea behind the two plans to King Octave, he comes to a decision.

    ¡°Just do whatever you want¡­ would be too irresponsible of me to say, wouldn¡¯t it? While we can just hold up here in the city the plan takes too long and the people would suffer greatly. I think Grand General Geoffroy has the best idea so far, so my decision as King is that we will proceed with the Grand General¡¯s plan. So now there is the issue of deciding the infiltration team. For starters, I will nominate our two guests, Miss Eillim and Miss Irina. I would also like to have Annette to go as well. By now we have a good grasp of their strength, while they may not be as strong as the Elder they are far stronger than any of our other soldiers. And of course, having a field medic like Annette around will help out a lot.¡±

    ¡°While I do not disagree with your choice, your Majesty, but isn¡¯t Miss Eillim severely injured. I do not think it best to put someone like that into such an important position.¡± Grand General Geoffroy says.

    ¡°If I may interrupt, Eillim is currently, by my estimations, expected to fully recover by tomorrow afternoon at the latest and in the morning at the earliest. As such I do not think there will be any problem with her on the infiltration team.¡± Annette says.

    ¡°And just how accurate are those estimations? I¡¯ve seen the injury that Miss Eillim has sustained and it would normally take several months to a year to fully heal even with our technology. Of course, I am also including the time it would take to get used to having a prosthetic limb.¡± The Grand General refutes.

    ¡°Yes, I would agree with you in most cases. However in regard to Eillim, just throw all common medical knowledge out the window. Her regenerative ability is something, unlike anything I have ever seen before, being capable of regenerating her entire arm in a matter of days. And from my observations, her regenerative ability is only getting stronger. The only downside is that the more injuries she sustains the closer she comes to fully transforming into a dragon. Right now I can only hope that a solution is found before we have another dragon problem on our hands.¡± Annette says.

    ¡°Worry not, I believe there will be an answer to the dragonisation before long.¡± King Octave says.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I ask.

    ¡°I mean exactly what I said. Anyways we should decide the rest of the members.¡± King Octave says.

    Before long we have the entire infiltration team sorted out. Me, Irina, Annette, Lord Pulk, General Alfred, and some of their subordinates. The army is planned to set out in the morning and to arrive at the battlefield by noon. At the same time, we in the infiltration force are to follow before splitting off to infiltrate the Capital.

    ¡°With this the meeting is adjourned. Everyone is to meet up and discuss anything that needs to be discussed with your subordinates and rest well for our final stand.¡± King Octave says before leaving the room.

    With everyone trickling out, only us of the infiltration team remain to discuss how we plan to actually enter the Eastern Capital.

    ¡°I think we should dig a tunnel and enter from underground!¡± Irina yells out.

    Remembering how she tried to enter this city the first time both me and Annette give cold stares until Irina settles down.

    ¡°Come on it was just a joke, I wasn¡¯t being serious¡­¡± Irina says turning her head away.

    ¡°How about we use Eillim¡¯s breath attack to cause a commotion at the north gate to draw the guards up there. Afterwards, we would run down to the south gate and take out any remaining guards and enter from there.¡± Annette proposes.

    ¡°Well, it seems good enough.¡± General Alfred says.

    ¡°Then shall we go with that? But there is one thing I am worried about. After I use a large scale breath attack, like I did in the testing room from before, I am left in a weakened state for a while.¡± I say.

    ¡°That will be a problem¡­ what should we do then?¡± Annette asks.

    ¡°I¡¯ve actually got a much better plan, and it has far less of a chance of us getting discovered until we make it deep into the city.¡± Lord Pulk says.

    ¡°Then lets hear it.¡± Irina says.

    ¡°Very well. According to the information I¡¯ve gathered there exist an underground sewer system that can be accessed from outside the city walls. We can infiltrate from there and using the inherent darkness of the sewers, we can easily avoid detection from any patrol groups. After that, all we need to do is find a manhole and we are in.¡± Lord Pulk explains.

    ¡°Haha, I knew it. Going underground was clearly the best choice.¡± Irina yells out.

    Ignoring Irina¡¯s little happy moment, both me and Annette have some apprehensions of having to enter the sewer system as it is kind of disgusting. But we ultimately agree as it is most likely the best way to enter the city without being detected. With our plans finalised, the group splits up as Irina pushes my wheelchair back to our room and helps me to bed. As the night goes on and worry fills the mind of the palace inhabitants only King Octave went to sleep with a sound mind, full of confidence as the rest of us await the operation that will decide that fate of this war.