ã€ŠAlter: Eclipse| The Chronicles of Gacaea | Book 1ã€‹


 [VL1] Prologue: Surely, His Dream Was Beautiful

    Gabriel Latham thought everything in the world was feasible.

    He had gone through many incredible things and had witnessed many unbelievable events in his journey, which had the potential to become unforgettable tales if told to somebody. From angels to demons, from ghosts to grim reapers, from magical to destruction.

    Surely, if anything was able to become feasible in this world, then so could his dream.

    And so he dreamed of bringing peace to the world.

    It was impossible, he knew, for he understood humanity. War had taught him its tragic flaws. But he knew for sure, as long as he was there the situation would be resolved. It wasn''t a talent given by birth or of the sort, but he simply believed fulfilling both sides'' wishes was the solution. So he tried to help people as much as he could.

    Nothing was impossible, he would always remind himself with a smile.

    "The only problem is time," he explained to the commander, who was also his best friend. "And it isn''t by my side for sure. Only the price I have to pay."

    Yes, the price he had to pay.

    In his journey, he learned something very influential. In order to save something, one must sacrifice something in return.

    It was ironic. He didn''t like to hurt people.

    And in this dream, what he saw firstly was death. The dead were lying around him. Their dull, dark eyes stared into his soul as if judging every action he had committed in his life, whether good or bad, but they didn''t dare to touch him.

    Was it because he''s dirty?

    For sure, he had blood on his hands. Lots of it.

    "..."

    He closed his eyes silently.

    ©`This can be a nightmare.

    He thought, and he dreamed, reshaping the scene. Slowly around him, a white path opened, leading him to another realm. Unpigmented fragments appeared as the path took him to wherever. He followed it without a second thought. He smelled the graceful scent of flowers, the cool wind gently combing his hair.

    Opening his eyes, he met a field of white. White petals smoothed past him and hovered into the gray sky.

    ©`But I can create a paradise.

    And it surely was.

    Taking a few steps as he spread out his hands to feel the air as if testing to see if this was actually what his mind could paint, he sat down with crossed legs. His blue eyes gazed at the endless field, extending to somewhere beyond.

    ©`This place is bottomless.

    He realized.

    ©`But could this also be how heavy my wish is?

    His aspiration was far away, unreachable, like the field of white. In order to cross it, he''d have to step on many flowers who had done nothing to him. That was his life, constantly challenging how far he could take to reach his dream.

    ©`As long as I live, everything will fall into places.

    And he held onto that hope. If his life can make a change to the world, then so will he continue to live, to survive.

    ©`And to fulfill my promise.

    Waking him from his thoughts, the rustling sound of flowers caused him to swipe his head at the source.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Standing before him was something that made him doubt his sight. Glimmering shoulder-length golden hair danced with the wind and round, baby aqua blue eyes stared at him curiously.

    A girl was in his dream.

    ©`Is this also something my mind trying to fool me?

    He was an absent-minded person, thus, sometimes he judged what his mind could create.

    Nevertheless, Gabriel offered his hand to the girl as he smiled warmly. The girl merely stared. What was it like for him at this moment? Had he met this girl somewhere before? Dreams are the reflection of an individual''s life. But to answer the question, certainly not. Was she also part of the dream, then? Was there anything true or false in the first place? The questions lingered in his mind, yet all he wanted was to befriend with her, whoever she might be.

    Doubting his smile for a while, the girl slowly accepted his hand and sat down, her eyes never left his.

    He smiled sheepishly, eyes closed. The wind picked up, cooling his skin and refreshing his soul.

    And then, searing pain tore his torso. Gabriel coughed and widened his eyes. Though it was a dream, the impact was powerful, realistic, and unbearing. A slucking sound ripped the swirling windy silence, bringing his instinct back as the girl pulled the knife out of his side. He instinctively put his hand on the wound, then looked at his hand and saw it covered in blood. Breathing shakily, he looked up at the attacker©`still bright and beautiful, and deadly, too©`and realized©`in the girl''s hand©`the knife was coated in something red and shiny.

    ©`I should''ve woken up. Or perhaps this was reality?

    He coughed.

    ©`No... it couldn''t be...

    Another cough.

    Slowly, his consciousness receded as he thudded down on the grass, slumping himself into the field of white, only to paint it with red.

    ©`Ah... I''m sorry... Bastian... I can''t... fulfill the promise...

    ©`Please... Continue on... without me.

    And then, with his last breath, Gabriel Latham died.

    * * *

    Somewhere far away.

    A young girl woke up, her eyes opened slowly, revealing the color of blue. Droplets of sweat rolled down her forehead. The light from the lantern illuminated faintly in the darkness, irradiating her short blonde hair that swept her cheeks.

    Hearing breathing next to her, she turned around. An enormous, grumpy man sat across her bed in a wooden chair, his arms crossed and his shoulders slumped down from lack of sleep.

    He stared at the girl, mouth straightened, awaiting something from her.

    She said simply, "Mission accomplished."

    ______________________________________

    A/N: if you enjoyed the prologue, please do vote or comment. It really motivates me to write more. Also, this is my first time using RRL. It''d be really helpful to hear more recommendations how to use this website :)

 [VL1] Chapter 1: In the Beginning

    Only thirty minutes after sunrise, when the sky is still muzzy and covered by thick, dark clouds where a few shafts of light peek over the golden horizon, the news of one of the God Hermes Successors'' demise has reached every creature.

    His recognition is nothing more than simply Gabriel, a mighty soldier of kingdom Prahan. The only reason why he stands out from the rest is because of his "God Successor" stature, a title that human beings rarely earn.

    "Then that means another God Successor will be ''born'', right?"

    I hear the soldier in front of me talks to the man next to him excitedly. His feature is of one who''s going to reach his thirties despite his slim feature and is shorter than the other man by a span ©` as I estimated.

    "Obviously," the other man snickers mischievously in respond. "Were you not taught when you were young? It clearly stated in the textbook that when one of the God Successors dies, a new one will reborn. All that''s matter is how long the election, also known as the "revival", would take."

    "Ay," the short man replies. "But I always wonder... Isn''t Hermes the messenger of God? How can his power be useful?"

    "Hm... You have the point. But the former one was marked as one of the heroes... So I dunno about that..."

    Long ago when the humans were overpowered by the other races, the Gods conferred their powers to humans and titled them the "God Successors". There are many races in Gacaea, but the most common of all is the Magical Workers, also known as "people that are born with magic". Call them wizards, supernatural, but they''re everywhere you go. Even these men here.

    The Magical Workers used to rule over the six realms of Plecaerux, but now that the God Successors are introduced with much greater power than them, they are no longer legendary. Thus, the Magical Workers can''t help but envy the God Successors.

    "Anyway, I bet he was put in as a reserve. What could he possibly do with his power? Acting as a communication tool for the government?" the tall man laughs whilst bringing up his wine bottle and taking a large sip from it, causing the other man to join in with his mockery.

    ¨C¨CHe''s always the one to talk. But I''m in no place to say it aloud.

    ¨C¨CAfter all, I''m just their junior and no more than a low-life human...

    Gripping my hands, I glance slightly over my shoulder to make sure Mylene follows close behind me as the four of us turn at a valley.

    With the fog hastily thickens, I notice an old lady sweeping her front yard nearby. The soldiers'' loud chat catches her attention and she turns to look at us. It''s the exact moment when I avert my eyes away from her. As I expect, she only stares at us for a few seconds before returning to her work. I''m not sure if it''s because for her poor eyesight as she didn''t wear glasses or that seeing soldiers lurking around early in the morning is so common, but I''m sure of one thing; when you pay attention too much at somebody, they automatically start to doubt you.

    The valley is cramped and tenebrous, tall buildings blocking away the beautiful rising sun. The path points downwards in an uneven slope and is covered in stony ground. Still, we manage to climb down with ease. I help Mylene, though. Despite the fact that she has walked on rocky paths before, I wouldn''t want her to injure herself.

    Mylene follows after, her dark mantle trailing after her, gently dangling against her back. She dashes her eyes around the area as she parts her lips before her red eyes rest on me. I nod and she nods back. Remembering the deal, she cautiously wraps her hand on the sword by her side in the event.

    We enter not too long before the leader raises his hand, causing the rest of us to stop, too. My eyes follow his arm and the creased red fabric. My hand automatically reacts to the sound of the hissing sword as I put my hand on the gun that''s buckled at my waist.

    There is a long silence, and then, the leader whispers, "There are three of them."

    I listen carefully as I observe my surroundings haphazardly. The silence returns again, lacked with oxygen this time.

    Then, out of nowhere, the ground between us is perforated harshly like the work of a pneumatic gopher. We stagger back while turning around in shock, keeping a safe distance from the crack.

    From beyond the ground, two white figures climb on. Huge bodies that are no taller than an office desk, they are a mix of gargoyle and dragon, and black deep cracks marked along their rough and hard reptile bodies, with the face of a wrongly melted man.

    One of them hisses, showing its sharp teeth and its perfectly strong jaw as it slowly approaches us, long, sharp nails noisily click the dusty brick. We back away even more, our guards are completely on.

    They are Dogeacs, wyvern-liked monsters that live in Veonem. Perhaps their food source is short at their homeland so they came here to hunt. No wonder for the massacres nowadays.

    The leader slowly unsheathes his sword. Before he can make a move on the first of them, a creature whizzes from the hole and soars high in the sky and casts a great shadow on the upper hanging hill, over the artificial ruin.

    Catching off our guards, the first one attacks, pushing through the man''s defense who stands in front of me. He grunts as he blocks its impact with his sword, trying to push back the heavily monstrous body. I back away, raising an arm to shield Mylene who quickly cowers down behind me.

    Up above, a roar erupts, coming closer and closer still. Shadow blinds the blinding ray. Gasping out of surprise, I quickly grab Mylene''s shoulder and duck, pushing her down along with me. At the same time, the Dolgeac hovers over us. It spreads out its spiky nails at us, trying to grab a hold of something but fails, missing me briefly by the hair then drifts back to the sky again.

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    Definite, I unhesitatingly stand back to counter-pose. I quickly pull out the gun from my hip and the one on my back whilst glancing at the background again. I click my tongue in disappointment to see that the monster is nowhere in sight.

    "Stay close to me," I command in a firm tone.

    "Understood!" she answers quietly and firmly, the dark blue hood covering her expression.

    Nodding, I return back to face the creature. Not waiting too long, the Dolgeac appears and revolves at our direction again. Guns readied in my hands, I quickly position them at eye level. The creature continuously moves its position, from left to right, then right, and left.

    ¨C¨CThere!

    I immediately fire nonstop once it''s exactly in my aim. The Dolgeac dodges my shots constantly, spinning its body to the left in a perfectly straight line then does another roll to the right. The metals screech and disintegrate into the wind as the creature heads directly at us like an incoming bomb.

    ¨C¨CA waste of bullets!

    "Duck!" I yell, clicking my tongue and immediately lower my weapons.

    Mylene breathes, in confusion, and stoops down, covering her head just in case for an impact.

    We duck one more time, however, the Dogeac is closer to reaching us this time. I stand up. The sound of swords clashing against invulnerable skin echo throughout the area. The leader is currently using his fire magic to make the monster cowers back every time he takes a step forward. It almost looks effective as he laughs satisfactorily until the monster jumps forward when the fire vanishes, growling and bringing its jaws forward to mack the man, causing him to scream.

    The short man suddenly shouts, "I can''t cause a damn impact on them! We have to find their weakness first!" He draws back his sword and blocks another hit from the creature that he''s dealing with as it jumps forward. The monster angered at its effortless attacks, steps backward cautiously and begins flapping its wings. "Uh-oh."

    "I know! I''m trying!" I shout back.

    "Well, try harder, brat! This thing is flapping its wings!"

    Keeping my eyes on my enemy, I inhale heavily. Taking a few seconds to gather my nerve, I glare at the creature determinedly.

    "Come here," I mutter, putting one of the guns in my hands back in its place, then surreptitiously grab a hold of one of the knives strapped on my left hip.

    The Dolgeac, as if accepting my challenge, lets out a roar and pushes forward more. The black wings flap violently as it advances its head, its facial expression tells that they''re no fools.

    "Closer," I continue, breathing heavily. "Closer."

    And it does.

    Once it''s in a required range, the Dogeac opens its mouth to lets out another roar, or perhaps to bite me.

    ¨C¨CThis is it...!!

    I bring up both the gun and the knife in my hands. Realizing what''s about to come, the monster quickly closes its mouth.

    ¨C¨CI knew you''d do it, too.

    I swing the knife toward its eye. Flying with all its speed with only the hope to eat us, the Dogeac is unable to stop. There is a bloody splashing sound as my knife meets the flesh. A blood-curdling scream painfully tears the air as the Dogeac crashes into me, landing harshly on the ground, its claws clinging onto me, scratching, begging me to let go. Yelling helplessly, I hold its neck tightly as I randomly grab a crack of the floor to stop the force. However, the monster''s head is brought closer to mine instead. Teeth snapping dangerously close to my flesh, I lean my head backward whilst pushing it back, holding it in one place.

    The stoppage''s painfully aching. My back scrapes against the rocky surface to the point it can leave scratches, with my neck titles to the right and my backbone is dangerously close to being damaged. Thankfully for my grasp around its neck, I''m able to survive the intended bites of the monster.

    With sharp intake of breaths and my chest pounds vacillatingly nonstop, I huff, "I found it! Stab at where is unprotected!"

    The others gaze at me in bewilderment of what just happened, then breathe and return back to killing the monsters using the technique I just discovered.

    Inhaling and grunting heavily, I use all of my force to push the monster off me. It groans and shrieks a vengeful bellow that''s dripped with pain, continuously rushing toward me instead.

    Suddenly, the Dogeac is picked up off me and pushed to the ground. With a knife in her hand, Mylene breathes shortly then raises the weapon up and brings it down at the monster unhesitatingly. The tearing, sanguinary squashy sounds of flesh echoes throughout the area.

    But that isn''t all.

    She stabs its head multiple times, swinging the blade up then down as if one wasn''t enough.

    I sit up slowly with wide eyes and my mouth hanging opened at her unnecessary violence. When she''s done, Mylene slowly turns around and faces me with sweats dripping down her forehead from the heat of the sun, mouth parting open in gasps. Her hood covers one eye, her other velvet-colored one stare at me in relief.

    "Elius," Mylene says slowly, waking me from my daze. "Are you alright? You look really... frightened."

    It takes me a long hesitant moment to answer. "I... I''m alright."

    She smiles and lends me her hand to help me up. I shakingly hold it and stand up. The Princess can sometimes be so deadly.

 [VL1] Chapter 2: Unwelcome Appearance

    "One sweet potato, please." I eye the menu board a few more times before my attention rests on the man before me whilst my hand ruffling my pocket to find my wallet. Taking it out, I hand him 2,300 zenes*.

    "Alright. Be right on, Sir." The seller smiles, holding a hand up for us to wait before turning his head down.

    I return the same gesture then glance sidelong. Mylene is looking around with great enthusiasm and the desire to participate the active market. Her mouth often stretches, one side remains straight and one curls up, creating a half-smile on her oval face. Her unbelievably long blond braid falls to her ankles with the messy tips stick out of her brown cloak. Her beautiful, yet dangerous eyes were hidden in the shadow that''s cast by her hood.

    I sigh at her carelessness and place a hand on her shoulder, grabbing her and pulling her close to me.

    "Hey! Wait! What are you doing?" she yells out of surprise, staggering backward, her hood jumping.

    "Your Highness, must I need to remind you the deal I would. You have to stick close to me," I hiss quietly.

    She turns around and faces me with a dissatisfied pout, fixing her messed hood.

    "I know," she groans. "It''s just that it''s so active today so I''m pretty hyper, you know." She grins widely and rotates around in her spot, spreading her arms wide open.

    "In any case, you need to follow my orders. It was the deal when we went out. Otherwise, I won''t take you out again."

    Despite my advice, she ignores me. She has her eyes closed the entire time with a relax expression, enjoying the fresh air. Mylene takes in a deep breath while keeping a huge smile. "Mm! It''s been such a long time since I''m chained in the castle that I almost forgot what ''fresh air'' truly feels like! Sitting in a big room facing four walls every day is exhausting and boring, don''t you agree?"

    Hearing no reply, she peeks open an eye and narrows it at me. "But, you don''t look so happy..."

    For her saying so, she must has noticed my grumpy expression which I tried my best to conceal.

    "Give me a good reason why I should be after I... watched you cruelly slaughter an animal and dirtied yourself," I reply bluntly. "If Her Grace knows what I did, I''ll lose my position and become a vagrant. Or worse, my head will be hung on the wall before brunch."

    "Why?" she asks, blinking her eyes innocently.

    "You know why! She hates seeing you holding a weapon! She hates war, and weapons remind her of war!"

    "But it''s so unfair! Anybody can hold them, but not me!" She pouts.

    "Because you''re different. You''re her little sister. She just doesn''t want you to take the wrong path, and neither do I."

    "...Or perhaps it''s just because of who I am," Mylene says in a low voice, then inhales heavily at my lecture. "Look. I''m sorry that I stabbed that Dogeac. The soldiers were doubting while you fought because you protected me instead of letting me join the battle. I had to show them that I can do something."

    "Even so... It isn''t a Pri- a lady''s duty. It''s men''s job. You could''ve given a signal or something for me to step in. I could explain to my subordinates later." Despite what she said, I keep staring at her agitatedly. I open my mouth, about to continue but is cut off.

    "Here it is."

    I turn around at the voice. The man spreads out his arm with a plastic rectangular bag and a smile on his face. The sweet, mouth-watering aroma of the baked potato mingles in the air. I gently receive the bag.

    "Thank you." I blast my best, friendly smile.

    And with that, he returns the same facial expression. "You''re welcome, good Sir."

    "Ah~"

    Behind me, "Tanya" almost jumps up and down in excitement, spreading out her arms completely widely as her stomach growls in participation for a good breakfast. I smile and hand her the bag. She quickly snatches it, settles in a bench nearby, and begins her first bite within seconds.

    "Nn! It''s so delicious! I knew it! We should totally advertise this shop and have more people come here! A good baked potato like this should be announced to everyone!" She then opens one of her eyes and narrows at me. "You should eat, too, Elius!"

    "It''s fine. I already had breakfast." I say as I sit next to her.

    "That early? I didn''t know."

    "Yeah, sometimes we have to do missions early in the morning so we have to always be prepared," I say as I narrow my eyes. Noticing her red eyes were slightly uncovered from the shadows of her hood, I come closer and adjust her hood. Giving her a halfhearted smile, I warn her again, "Be careful, My. They''ll notice."

    "My" is her nickname. It''s easy to speak, but can be confused as "my" for those that aren''t close to her. Many of her friends call her that, but some prefers to address her by her real name.

    "I know," she says, nodding neglectfully, waving her hand as she dismisses my warning. "Geez. You''re such a brooder, you know that? I thought that years of military training would toughen you up! Relax! I can totally take care of myself!"

    "..." I sigh heavily. You''re the last person I want to hear it from...

    "But I like that about you cuz then you''re so easy to pick on!"

    "....." I sigh heavier this time.

    She slams a hand on her chest while winking. "But don''t worry! I''ll protect you from big, bad bullies, starting with those so-called subordinates of yours!" She pouts before continuing, "Those bastards are the worst! They always call you ''weakling'' and ''dumb'' and pick on you all the time. Just because they''re Magical Workers and have more education than you doesn''t mean they can pick on a human, especially my knight. They don''t deserve the honorable badge of the knight! Ugh, how dare they humiliate my family''s name! And I know you''re much more valuable than that, Elius-kun! After all, humans always fascinate me with their amazing inventions without even the use of magic!"

    "My..." I''m so touched I can''t speak a word.

    "Hehe. With my authority, you''ll be safe!" She smiles the brightest smile as she chews her food.

    "Thank you, my lady. Your kindness deeply touched me," I say, smiling, "but I think I''ll deal with them on my own. Just like you said, I need to toughen up. Starting with my colleagues."

    "OK. If you''re ever in need of help, come to your mama!" She slams her chest.

    I laugh awkwardly.

    "Anyway..." I grab the water container and give up it to her once she almost finishes the food. "Here, drink up. Be careful, though. Don''t choke."

    She nods and gleefully takes a large drink of the water. Once she pulls out, she sighs in satisfaction.

    "Haa... So good.... Is this all there is for today?"

    "Yes."

    "Great! Then let''s go to town again!"

    "My! Don''t look up like that! People will notice your eyes!"

    But she quickly turns away and heads into a fortuitous direction, ignoring my warning. "Hehe, don''t worry! They won''t! It takes a good eye to notice them!"

    I inhale and shake my head. Mylene doesn''t know what a chaos her eyes would cause.

    Out of all the five kingdoms, none has such eye colors like her except the Western kingdom, Druton, which is famous for its cruelty. And this girl here is the princess of this kingdom; Mylene De La Fontaine of Memor.

    Memor is a kingdom located in the northwest between Prahan and Druton, almost close to being called in the center of the map. The Freezing Ocean blocks it ways at north, and the Sea of Memor divides the land in half at the south. Memor is well-known for its time magic and its effective sorcery to predict the future. It''s friendly and welcoming to all, except one realm ©` Druton, the kingdom where the dark races inhabit. The dark races are very easy to identify because all of them have one thing in common ©` red eyes.

    Druton and Memor have been hostile to each other for centuries. Even in the current time of peace, their hatred for one another never ceases to fade and would remain intact forever. It''s so strong they should call it a tradition.

    Memorians claimed that the dark race brings nothing but misfortune to their realm. One reason could be a prediction that was made long ago, which was brought from an oracle when the Queen asked about the corruption of the realm. The oracle predicted that the realm would corrupt one day when the first Drutonian steps upon Memor.

    Thus, because this kingdom doesn''t welcome folks with red eyes, if the news that the princess has red eyes leak through civilians, it would surely bring harm to the royalties.

    I wouldn''t want that to happen at all judging how much the people currently love the Queen. I look around at the happy faces of the citizens. The kingdom remains lively and peaceful all thanks to her. So of course, I wouldn''t like to see a stranger pointing at the Queen and saying that she has been hiding a monster all this time.

    ©`©`Mylene is not a monster, no matter what eye color she has.

    I furrow my eyebrows, releasing a heavy sigh. "You''re always too uneventful. You must be careful. Memor doesn''t welcome the dark race. If they find out about your eyes, I can''t image how much dreadful consequences will pour on the realm," I warn her, gathering my weapons.

    "Well, that''s why I was sealed in the castle since birth. Trust me, it wasn''t a pleasant experience at all. I won''t let my physical trait stops me from exploring the world again." Mylene winks as she smirks mischievously. She averts her eyes away to view the busy street. "But you know, I really hate my eyes. They''re the reason why I lost freedom. Yet, sometimes, I also blame other people. If everyone gets along, then children like me wouldn''t be mistreated or prejudiced. I guess the world is really unfair, huh."

    I watch her quietly, silently agreeing with her statement.

    "Well!" Mylene suddenly raises her voice. "Catch me if you can!"

    She hurriedly dashes into the busy crowd.

    "My!" I yell her name and quickly run after her. "Wait up! You don''t even know the streets!"

    "Oh c''mon, Elius. I''ve had been exploring this place for months! Surely I can remember more names than you," she replies, rolling her eyes, although her face doesn''t show that much of what she stated. Then she stops and looks back. "Hurry! I heard there''s a play today."

    ©`©`She''s always so adventurous.

    I shake my head, following her reluctantly. "Coming!"

    ©`©`But perhaps that''s what I like about her ¨C her bravery.

    Thinking this, I smile amusing.

    * * *

    The room is serene and still, filling with no more than the songs of the finches and the sigh of papers. A cherry desk that seems almost superfluous, since there''s little to no paperwork to be seen. A deep burgundy leather desk chair, that reclines at an ample angle. There''re only two small table lamps - one near the door atop a wicker table that clashes with the rest of the room''s executive motif, and another on the cherry wood desk with a long brass pull-cord. The presence of overhead light casts shadows into the corners, spilling under the desk and over top the framed black-and-white pictures on the wall and the new bookshelves, perfectly outlining the oblique silhouette of the woman seated in the chair.

    She''s Acele De La Fontaine, the queen who lords this kingdom.

    She''s a beautiful young woman, despite her age. Dipped in silver, her long wavy hair falls neatly to her waist and is tied in a back-knot style with side-swept hair bang, radiating like a pure river under the sunlight. Come in pair, her captivating light blue eyes are absolutely lovely to gaze at for any men. On her fingers and neck are coated in priceless and sparkling jewelry, including the crown rest atop her oval head. In her hands are a few sheets of documents and a pen, dropping down softly on the white papers.

    A knock at the door catches her attention. Although she doesn''t stop, she slows down a bit.

    The door opens. The clicking sound of footsteps enters and the door closes quietly. It''s then that she drops her pen and untwists her fingers.

    "Good morning, gentlemen. I apologize for disrupting your morning." Acele smiles, eyeing each of them, from the man stood on her right to the firm boy next to him.

    A huge span in a difference of age, the older male is dressed in a formal butler suit with his golden-blonde hair in ponytail style rests on his board shoulder with a few strands dangling loosely. The boy, however, had only reached his early stage of maturity.

    Her eyes move back to the elder, then she nods. "You may start explaining, Charlie."

    "Yes, Your Majesty," Charlie clears his throat," As I said before, Mylene had snuck out of the castle again. It appeared that she left early in the morning when I haven''t arrived at her chamber."

    The boy crinkles and folds his arms.

    He appears to be in his late teen, around 19 years old. He has messy green hair with two long tresses of the bangs on each side falling past chin and ending at the nape of his neck. He wears a dark brown vest over a white dress shirt (the top two buttons unbuttoned), a golden chain hanging from his pocket and connected to the other side of the vest. One noticeable features would be his thick, rectangular dark glasses covering his sharp orange eyes along with that deep scowl of his.

    Acele holds up her hand at his reaction.

    "Please hear me out first. This isn''t the only problem since it isn''t the first time my sister snuck out of the castle. It is troublesome indeed, and should be stopped in any way. Nevertheless, this time, the situation is an emergency. Almost dangerous, to be outright. As I''m certain you all know about the news of the God Hermes''s Successor''s tragic demise for unknown causes this morning. Personally, I''m quite ambivalent. The Great Gacaea War had come to an end for seven months until now. We and our allies have been restored together smoothly, and then this incident happened. It seemed that there are some things that haven''t been uncovered yet..." ©` She turns to look at the boy with a small smile ©` "So, for the meantime, I''d like you, Rupert, to watch over my sister and also inform this to Elius and Cody. I''m afraid they haven''t known about this circumstance yet," she pauses, then adds, "I trust that you will carry out the task serenely and productively."

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Silence passes the room. Charlie and Acele stare at Rupert, awaiting his answer.

    "It''s always that troublemaker," he curses under his breath. Hands trembling slightly, Rupert inhales deeply and bows. "I beg your pardon."

    Acele nods.

    Opening the door, Rupert walks out, then closes it. The silence returns again.

    Charlie stares at the door with pure confusion and turns to face Acele who in turn merely remains calm. Getting out no readable answer, he returns back to gaze at the closed wooden doors.

    Pssssssssstaaaaaaa!!

    Suddenly, the sound of smashing objects shatter the silent. Echoing screams of fractured vases, then terrified shrieks follow afterward quickly. Charlie jumps backward at the sudden uproar. Hands raising and eyes widening, he turns to stare at the queen again.

    Acele simply smiles. With his mouth hangs open, he tremblingly points at the door. "Pardon me Your.... Your Majesty...."

    "Yes?"

    "What... What is that?!"

    "Ah... He''s simply taking out his anger. No need to mind about."

    "N-no need to mind about!?"

    Not long after, the great doors swing open. Rupert walks in with huffed breaths before he slams it close. Rupert grips his fists as he grits his teeth silently. After what seemingly of countless intakes of breaths, he speaks, "Ugh, fuck this... Hah...! Alright, got it. Just need to get the girl and Elius back. Nothing to get mad about.... Right."

    "Very well. I appreciate your cooperation, Rupert." Acele nods.

    "Tch."

    Charlie''s shocked. He turns towards Acele. "Your Majesty, pardon me but is it really safe to recruit him as your bodyguard?" He turns back to look at Rupert, who glares at him with his orange eyes before he knew it.

    "Of course. I completely comprehend that he''s a big deal to handle, but you should try to work with him, Charlie." Acele smiles. "You shall not judge one by their appearance. Sometimes, they are more than you think."

    * * *

    The breeze blows softly in our faces as we watch the parade. We had lost much time being here. I continually check the watch. Mylene, on the other hand, continues to cheer for the shows and hoots for the magic tricks. When the performer bows, the crowd give another roar as they stand up, clapping nonstop. I curse and force Mylene down. She lets out a yell.

    "We need to go now. You also need to attend your lessons," I hush.

    "Oh, come on! The show will end in 20 more minutes and it''s starting to get excited!" she whines, furrowing her brows. "You won''t leave me, right? Please?"

    ¨C¨C20 more minutes, you say...

    "My. The deal."

    She chews the inside of her cheek and looks back. For me, it''s plainly for lightheartedness; however, she''s always fascinated by magic tricks done by people, claiming that humans are amazing at entertaining themselves in many ways. Regardless, I''m still responsible for her safety.

    "My, we have to go now. Queen Acele will be mad if she finds out you sneak out longer than other days. She allowed you to go out because you always make it in time for the lessons and duties," I whisper, glancing around me to make sure nobody eavesdropped.

    "Uuuggggghhh." After groaning loudly, Mylene finally sighs. "Okay, I understand..."

    I nod and get up apprehensively and help her to get up. Rows after rows, the crowd uproar repeatedly, causing us to excuse ourselves as we pass through.

    "All right, let''s go back," I breathe after finally getting out of the busy crowd. Mylene still glances back often with disappointment. I stare at the parade not for long until I return back to business.

    Walking for a while, we come across another market. Despite its small size, the materials are freshly polished and eye-catching with the burning aroma of grilled foods. Mylene suddenly leaves my side and runs ahead, her eyes catch something interesting.

    "Eh? Hey! Wait up!" I chase after her.

    Pushing through the timid crowd, I look around to find her. From two stores away, Mylene enters a small weapon shop. Trailing after her while calling her name, I push the brown silky curtain out of the way. The reeked smell of metal rusts my nose as soon as I enter. Surrounded by four walls of all sorts of weapons that were set orderly, the shop appears neat on the inside. The few lamps illuminate the room. There are several customers, many seem like hunters.

    Looking around, I find Mylene standing at the bow section.

    She hums as she examines them, sometimes rubbing the surface of the weapons.

    The shop owner who stood nearby has his eyes on her. He smiles at her in curiosity. "Are you doing alright?"

    Jumping at the sudden question, she glances at him slightly, fixing her hood. "A-ah, yes! I''m good!"

    "Hm... You seem very interested in bows."

    "Yes, I do."

    "Not many people use bows anymore. It all depends on the first shot you make. You either injure the prey and gives it a chance to escape, or a critical hit and end its life right on the spot. Only the poor who hunts for a living buy the cheap ones." He inhales. "Do you hunt?"

    "S-sometimes... I''m still practicing..."

    "I see. Do you plan to buy one?"

    She shakes her head. "Oh no, I''m just looking around. My sister doesn''t allow me to hold a weapon. She doesn''t like warfare and thus, weapons."

    "Ah, I see..."

    Mylene holds up a random bow and examines it, trailing her finger from top to bottom.

    The shopkeeper chuckles. "That''s an expensive one, Miss."

    "Oh. No wonder it''s so attractive," she says, testing its capability.

    "Wanna give it a try? I have some poles in the back--"

    However, I quickly cut in, "©`My!"

    Catching her attention, she turns to look at me with surprise. "Elius-san!"

    "There you are!" I run up to her and pant heavily.

    "Sorry, I forgot all about you," she apologizes, but quickly turns to the shopkeeper. "I was chatting with the shopkeeper. We were talking about bows. He was offering me to try this in the back." She gestures to the bow she''s holding.

    I look at the man, eyeing him.

    As if sensing my doubt, he smiles. "Aye, good sir. I understand she can''t buy them, but you see I like bows, too. I also have a daughter. She uses bows to hunt."

    "Really? That''s awesome!" Mylene beams and turns to me, her eyes sparkling excitedly like a puppy.

    "My," I warn her.

    "Elius-san! Pleaaaaase?"

    "Come on, now...." I sigh and smile back at the shopkeeper, bowing. "Thank you for your offer but we''re good. We have to go now."

    "Eh...? That quick... But..." Mylene quickly looks disappointed.

    I ignore her protest and grab her hand, pulling her to the exit.

    Mylene looks back and waves to the shopkeeper hurriedly. "B-bye!"

    At the corner of my vision, I see him waving back, a smile forming on his lips. "Come back any time."

    Exiting from the shop, we resume back to walking back to the castle. With my hands still wrapped her arms, I pull her close to me. She doesn''t complain, only sighing. "He was so nice..."

    "I know..."

    ¨C¨CBut we can''t accept his kindness...

    "It''s just that... we''re different."

    "I know," she suddenly smiles and looks at me. "At least I have you."

    I smile back. "And I have you."

    * * *

    Standing in front of the gate, the two guards, but one stands firmly with straighten back, head tips downward to gaze at the stone stairs that lead to the green translucent forest beyond. The older man yawns. He would constantly utter, "Why the need to guard?" with no reply back.

    The younger lad, standing across from him, however, is the only one that to take his work seriously. Short straight white hair smooths down to his neck with his wand in his hand, the blue magical crystal ball glimmers under the sunlight. It''s strange for a boy to possess pink eyes like his, but strangely, they appear great on him.

    With another yawn, the man says, "You know what? I''m going inside."

    The boy finally averts his eyes to the man. "Excuse me? This is an important job."

    "Whatever," Amon mutters in disgust, "you can''t stop me, boy." He gulps down another sip of his water from his small container as he turns around.

    The boy scowls and stands in his way, extending an arm.

    The man frowns. "Get out of the way."

    "I won''t let you. We have to welcome Duke Lexington of Druton. He''s visiting our realm. If we make a mistake, there will be a serious outcome. Queen Acele told us to stay put©`"

    He cuts him mid-sentence. "Queen Acele, Queen Acele, Queen Acele. Is that all in your mind, Cody? When did you become a dog to her?"

    "...I''m not her dog. It''s simply for the task." Cody pauses. "You''ve reeked of alcohol. How many did you drink last night?"

    The man clicks his tongue. "I don''t know. By the time I got home the bitch yelled at me... So probably more than four."

    "You mean your wife," Cody corrects.

    "She is not my wife. Never will be," he growls. "See, you don''t understand me, do you? Of course not, because I''ve had never told you about my personal life! So don''t meddle in my business, brat! Now get out of the way."

    "No, it''s wrong."

    "What exactly is wrong? I''m just taking a break."

    Cody sighs. "Look, Amon. Just go back to your spot, do your duty, then I''ll help you out about your problem, okay? We can talk about it."

    Refusing his offer, Amon pushes Cody aside. "I don''t need help. All I need is my drinks."

    Still stubbornly, Cody extends a hand to stop Amon again. "Wait, Amon! You must hear me out©`"

    "Actually, you''re right."

    A deep voice speaks from the dark entrance way, stopping the two males in their tracks.

    Stepping out from the shadow, the man completely shades them. His short blonde hair quivers gently as a soft wind passes by.

    With a smirk on his face, the man continues, "Congratulations, Amon!" ©` he claps his hands ©` "The Queen had assigned me to take your place! Isn''t that great? Now you can go drink however you want!"

    Amon''s expression instantly lights up. "Really?"

    "Of course."

    "Sweet! Thanks, bro!" He pats the man''s shoulder as he exits.

    The door slams close. Still shocked at what just happened, Cody slowly follows his gaze to the stranger.

    Merely smirking, the man passes him, his brown cloak flatters after him, displaying his swords armed by his sides, one''s a saber and the other''s a sword. Now that he exposes himself to the light, Cody is able to notice the white bandage that covered the man''s right eye.

    "I''m Derek," the man introduces himself.

    "I... I''m Cody..."

    "Cody? Sounds like Code. Like that tattoo you have on your face." Derek points beneath his left eye.

    Cody sneers. "Why did you do that?"

    "Do what?"

    "Excuse Amon away! Take his place! I almost succeeded to convince him!"

    "Nah. You''re wrong."

    Cody cocks an eyebrow, daring him to repeat what he said. "What?"

    "He was already fragile. No matter how much you try to help him, he won''t accept it. I know a hopeless person when I see one."

    "I still need to help him. He needs the money."

    "Who cares? If he isn''t up for the job, best to shoo him away rather than let him get in the way, right?"

    Cody scowls, "I don''t like the way you do things..."

    "You don''t have to." Derek shrugs and stares far into the forest. "By the way, what are we doing?"

    "Eh? You... don''t even know...?"

    "Hey, if I do I wouldn''t ask, right?" Derek retorts with a cocky smirk.

    ¨C¨C Is he really a replacement?

    Thinking this, Cody replies anyway, "We are waiting for Duke Lexington who''s from Bralulan to arrive and welcome him. He''s visiting this kingdom. It''s been a long time, though. He should be here 5 minutes ago." The young silver-haired boy realizes this and checks his watch.

    "Oh, I see. He won''t be coming then."

    "? What?"

    Cody looks up from his watch. However, a powerful impact suddenly makes contact with his stomach. He coughs and grunts then fall to the ground with a loud thud! his hands clutching his injury. As his consciousness quickly fades away, he moans, "You...!!"

    "Hm? Oh, I''m just Derek," Derek replies proudly, a mischievous smirk replaces his straight mouth as if he already knew the boy was about to ask for his identity. "Assassin Derek, to be exact. And as for Duke Lexington, I killed him."

    *zenes: 2,300 zenes = $2.45. The cheapest price that can be brought in this world is around 400 zenes (which can buy a small piece of candy) and up. An average annual salary (such as a mail deliverer) is 150,000 zenes. Zene is either in the form of bronze coin or paper money. Gold and silver are invested in technology and accessories or trading with other continents.

 [VL1] Chapter 3: The Stained Daffodil Au Revoir

    We move hastily through the crowd, the blazing sun glares at us harshly while the hot air suffocates our noses. We are halfway through the streets. Mylene breathes heavily with the cloak covering her nose, mostly trying to hide her eyes. I hold her hand tightly and turn at a corner for a short cut. I''m completely focused on delivering Mylene back to the castle unnoticeably so much that I don''t notice the presence coming toward me.

    Suddenly bumping into a board chest, I release a yelp out of pain. I wince my injured notice and quickly look up to apologize. "Sorry©`"

    However, I immediately pause as his appearance comes into view. Contrary to his tattered green hair, he''s well-groomed. None of his soldier uniform is wrinkled or messy. I spot the familiar gleaming swords that hang proudly on his hips.

    "Rupert?"

    "Elius," the young boy says, narrowing his eyes at me. The orange sunlight beams brightly over his attractive face ©` the light that heats up the determination of his eyes. "What are you doing here?" Then he narrows his sharp eyes at Mylene, tightening and twisting into an angry glare. "And you. Do you have any idea how long you were gone and how long I been looking for you?" His low tone is dripped with boiling anger.

    Mylene pouts and quickly returns his glare. "How dare you talk to me like that, Rupert? Know your place." She takes a step forward whilst yanking me back by the collar. "Elius isn''t at fault, I am. If you''re going to sue me, make it quick. We''re very busy."

    Rupert growls, "I didn''t come here on my own accord nor do I attempt to be deafened by your raucous voice. As a matter of fact, Queen Acele assigned me to get your troublesome ass back."

    "R-Rupert," I shutter. Rupert''s never one to hold back all the cursed words that he knows no matter who it is.

    Realizing his choice of word, he rolls his eyes and clears his throat, before going back over what he said. "No, or rather, Your Highness."

    "What?! Watch your mouth! I am definitely not troublesome! You''re the one who is. We were simply on our ways back to the castle just like how we usually do!"

    "Of course, and I believe you know it''s currently afternoon right now? Well, to your curiosity, you missed three lessons. Maybe four! Even with your usual petite excuses, what are you going to do about your skipped sessions?"

    "I''ll make them up!"

    "Your Highness, Rupert, please argue no further. Not now," I cut in, trying my best to push them apart while keeping my voice low at the same time. "It''s rather... disadvantageous for us to proceed such an argument in the opening of the valley! Look! Everyone is staring at us! If this continues, they will soon discover Mylene''s identity!"

    Rupert breathes heavily and glares at Mylene for a long moment, before backing away gradually. Glancing sidelong, he looks fleetingly at each of the passerbys, then glares at those who are staring at us, sending chills up their bones and yanking their attention away. Turning around, he inhales in deeply.

    "Alright, but you better not mess around or whine to look at something along the way," Rupert warns in a low tone, keeping his eyes on Mylene.

    Mylene grimaces, but I hold her back with a hand. She glances at it then back at Rupert. "I understand."

    Rupert nods and heads out the street. Following after Mylene, I stay close next to her.

    Hot golden streaks spread across the sky, devouring the straw rooftops and Mylene''s beating long hair. The bazaar grows more optimistic at the arrival of the afternoon, people are found at every corner. Catching our attentions, many civilians head off to the discussion board where a large crowd starts to congregate.

    I cock an eyebrow in confusion.

    "A war is coming..." Rupert breathes.

    We whip our heads at his murmur. "What?!"

    His eyes immediately widen at our lack of knowledge. "You didn''t know?" Rupert asks. "There''s a commotion about us attacking a duke of Bralulan at the gate. They reported that the guards were irresponsible, one left and one was hostile. Then... he just started attacking their carriage."

    "No way...!!" Mylene gasps. "That means we are starting a war!"

    "No... This couldn''t be...." I''m shocked for a moment, my mouth gasping as I recall the destruction the Great Gacaea War had brought not too long ago and the effect that remained ''till today. "Hey, Rupert," I say, grabbing his arm. "What about Cody? Is he alright?"

    "Ah, yeah, that''s right... Elius said he guards the gate today," says Mylene. "What happened to him?"

    Rupert stares at us for a while in silence before heaving a heavy sigh. "... This might sounds implausible, even I don''t believe it, but... the report notified that he deliriously ambushed the Duke."

    * * *

    "Their army multiplies nonstop. We are unable to get past their ultimate shield!"

    "The First Wall is going to fall!!"

    "Why did they suddenly attack us without waiting for a consolidation? Could it be this already planned....!?"

    "What about the allies?" The senator gasps in realization. "Our allies! Contract them! They may come and help us in time!!"

    "Your Majesty! What should we do?!"

    Acele doesn''t utter a word at the commotion. Staring at each individual in the room, she turns at Charlie and the High Councilor standing by her sides.

    It''s too late... She thinks her face crunches up and her heart squashes at the news. Things aren''t according to her plan in order to settle the matters. Although she has the proof to prove their guilt, what can she do to stop the damage that had been done?

    "I didn''t do it, I swear! Your Majesty!" Cody shouted at the top his lungs, struggling unwillingly as the knights drag him away.

    On the other hand, Acele remained silent with her nonchalant expression.

    Cody decided to send out his last piece of hint. "A spy was in our quarters! His name is Derek! He knocked me out! Please believe me! You must find him!!"

    ©`©`Derek.......

    Acele thinks whilst recalling when Cody was arrested.

    ©`©`He''s right...!

    Looking back at Charlie, she whispers, "Find Mylene. Tell her to meet me in my study room. Also, I''ll be entrusting this to you..."

    She hands him a paper scroll that is bound by a red ribbon. Charlie quickly nods, receives the paper, and disappears from his place. Acele then turns to the general.

    "Gather all the soldiers. We''ll protect the First Gate."

    "Yes, Your Majesty."

    Acele stands up, causing the council to quiet down. "Things have gotten this bad, there can be a way to turn back no longer. This kingdom will not be here anymore. It''s settled then; Bralulan had planned this from the start. However that I tried to console this peacefully the damage cannot be unfixed. You all should run for your life, save it so the stone Ercanem can live. The stone that resembles our souls, the stone that keeps this land, this kingdom alive! Go!"

    The room falls into an intense silence, and then the uproar arrives. Many push each other aside. Some argue to stay with the queen. Few soldiers long to die with the general.

    Acele ignores all the suggestions and hands extended to come with her to the other side as she walks toward the doors, the commander follow her. "One more person lives matters than you think. Do not die for me, die for the kingdom."This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    * * *

    Light shots through the transcendent, oval windows, illuminating through the shadow of the gray clouds casting aloft the city. The castle stands magnificently. Built upon white brick and coated in a sea of uplifting flowers of different kinds, uproars and below echo within.

    Lamps highlight everywhere, footsteps mix with one another running down and up the hallways, shadows tumble their owns and weapons readied in their hands. Exiting from the assembly, we head to the chambers for the royals. Quieter here, its peaceful atmosphere still remains.

    Usually, Mylene would''ve been questioning Rupert on what is going on, insisting on going to Queen Acele. However, she stays put.

    Arriving at her chamber, Rupert opens the door. "The Queen told you to stay inside and lock the door."

    Mylene stares at Rupert for a moment, confusion nor surprise was displayed as she nodded and moved to the entrance.

    "Wait!" A voice shouts, pausing us on our tracks. Turning around, our gazes fall on Charlie who was running toward us with his arm up in the air. His expression is one of emergency. Skidding to a stop, he pants heavily.

    "Charlie!" Mylene gasps.

    "What do you want, old geezer?" Rupert says.

    Taking in deep breaths, Charlie exhales, "Queen Acele... has a change of plan..." He coughs through breaths. "Bralulan is attacking us at the Freezing Ocean. They''re going to pull in to the shore soon. She canceled the council and told them to run and survive as much as possible. She orders you to come to her instead!"

    Receiving the news, we quickly dart to the study room where Queen Acele recited. Opening the doors for us, we instantly run inside.

    Looking up as we come in, Queen Acele pauses her discussion with a commander and several councilors and gazes at us. Her gaze falls onto Mylene and she quickly moves to pull her into a tight hug. "Oh God, you''re fine!"

    Stunning us, what was supposed to be the elegant Acele in her beautiful weary dress is now a solemn warrior. Her armor shines splendidly, the armored hat rest atop of her oval head decorated with wings on each side shimmers her out as an angel furthermore.

    "W-what''s wrong?" Mylene stumbles through words, surprised.

    "Bralulan had begun attacking, Your Highness," the commander replies simply.

    "What?! That''s fast!"

    "Yes. We''re putting soldiers on the front line, both at the shores and at the southwestern wall. I don''t know how longer it can hold, though. A few villages and towns near the northern border are being attacked already."

    "That''s why I''m so glad to see you''re fine," says Queen Acele, pulling away whilst caressing Mylene''s cheeks who immediately froze in her spot. Still atoned with astonishment, Mylene blinks and holds her sister''s hands dearly.

    Unable to hold back my concern, I speak up, "Pardon me, Your Majesty, about the assaulting incident this afternoon, I-I''ve no clue about the background, but there''s clearly a misunderstanding here. Cody wouldn''t dare to cross out of his line."

    Catching their attention, they pause and look at me. Queen Acele composes herself. "I know, Elius. However, there had been a commotion about punishing him by the other soldiers. The only way I could console them was locking him up. I ensure that he''s fine. I also left his wane by his cell just in case there''s an affair."

    I release a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

    "What we are more worried about is the arising army of Cornelius," our attention avert to the commander as he announces. "His army''s consisted of 2,000 men and they are marching toward the southwestern wall to support the previous wave. All of them are armed with Shelter Spell."

    Queen Acele knits her brows in worry as she turns to look out the window then back at the general. "What about our allies? Did they..." The general shakes his head. "I see... With the situation turned this badly, it can''t be helped." As she speaks, she turns at us.

    "You''re not going to... sacrifice, are you? Sister? Says something, sister.... Sister!" Mylene approaches her in worry; however, Acele merely stands her ground. Suddenly, she pulls Mylene into another embrace. Holding her head gently on each side, Acele rests her forehead against her younger sister''s, closing her eyes and heaving a heavy sigh. In return, Mylene does the same thing despite the confusion, and merely enjoys the few last peaceful moments they''d share of their sisterhood.

    When Acele opens her eyes again, she lets Mylene goes with a faint smile, her eyes display all the sorrow and bitter regret she hides in her heart. Mylene''s shocked at her sister''s expression and furrowed her eyebrows together in a mix of frustration and puzzle. She calls her name once more as she reaches out to her sister, but Acele takes a step back from her range of reach.

    "Your Majesty..." Rupert suddenly calls out.

    Shifting her eyes to him, she smiles sadly and answers, "Rupert... I apologize that I don''t have anything left to teach you."

    I spot Rupert curling his fingers into tight grips. "It''s forsaken. I learned a lot from you, even though it was in a short period of time... Now, I can go out and fulfill my goal." He then bends his body and bows to her. "Thank you."

    Acele smiles genuinely at this while Mylene and I are left confused at what''s going between the two of them. Even though I was Rupert''s friend, I had no idea that Queen Acele has had been tutoring him... or perhaps he never intended for me to find out.

    "I hope that you will be happy with what you achieve."

    "..." Rupert wears an expression that seems to be in a puddle of drowsy determination at her advice.

    "Rupert, Elius."

    "At your command, My Queen," we reply at the same time.

    "I assign you to assist Princess Mylene to the eastern gate along with the other members of the Royal Dogs. They will enhance her safety on the journey," Acele commands in a firm, clear voice.

    Quickly getting her message, we nod.

    "Wait! What''s the meaning of this?! I won''t leave you behind!!" Mylene grits her teeth; her face is comforted in furry. Her hands close into fists and she crouches forward.

    Acele ignores her and speaks in a firm voice, "This is an order. Deliver her to Prahan safely."

    "Yes, Your Majesty," we salute in union.

    Mylene still stubbornly reaches for Acele, but Rupert and I grab her by the arms and hold her back, dragging her to the exit.

    "N-no! Let go! I''m the Princess! I will never leave my bloodline behind!" Mylene struggles with great force, kicking and yelling. Once that first tear slides down her rosy cheek, the rest follows like an unbroken stream. She releases soft whimpering sounds with her face glistening with freshly shed tears. "What about the times when you promised you would spend your days with me? Take me on picnics, walk through the streets like a normal citizen, or... or have dinner together? Were they all but deceptions? Are you... a liar even till the end?

    In my vision, Queen Acele smiles happily at Mylene like her usual elegant self. "Goodbye... Mylene. Stay safe. Know that I loved you."

    "I do not understand! Let go of me! We need to have a talk! D-don''t leave me alone, Sister! Sister!" Mylene shrieks and pushes forcefully. Thankful for the guards at the door, they help us escorting her out of the room.

    * * *

    The room''s no longer quiet. Filling up with shouting and explosions outside, Acele closes her eyes after watching the silhouettes vanishes from her sight. She breathes heavily as she gulps, holding back the desire to chase after her loved ones, the need to escape, the feeling to be by her sister''s side. She gulps it all down, then turns around, facing the commander. Taking a final shaky breath, she returns back to her stony figure as she tightens her hands into grips.

    "Come. We''re going to the First Gate," she commanded, walking toward the table as she began proceeding to the plan slowly sketching in her mind.

    The commander silently follows. "Are you afraid?"

    She chuckles. "Of course I am, Lucius. Won''t a tiger be nervous when it knows it''s going to die? That its clan will be destroyed? How about you?"

    "I''ve had been on the battlefield during the Great Gacaea War. I would gladly die for my kingdom once again."

    "Just what I expect from the great frontier general of Memor." Acele smiles.

    When both of them head outside, the doors suddenly slam close. Locking sounds resound, a big translucent blue circle appears on the door, circling and sparkling then disappearing into thin air.

    "So that was your dear younger sister... I heard you talked about her often before the Great Gacaea War, but I never thought she would grow into this young and beautiful woman," says the commander as he chuckles.

    Yet, Acele''s gaze is faraway with morose stuck her gorgeous crystal blue eyes. Despite said fact, she tucks a graceful smile upon her gentle face. "Yes. I love her very much. We only have each other, after all."

    "Hmph. ...Are you planning to die with your kingdom?"

    "Perhaps. Perhaps not. But I know for sure that they want my neck first before my sister''s. If my staying and sacrifice will hold them back for a while for her escape then nothing can be better," Queen Acele replies. "As I said, she is very dear to me."

    Turning at the hallway, Acele raises her hands. Forming on her palms appears pinkish blue circles rotating around. A huge magical spell materializes on her feet, encircling an area at the middle of the pathway. The atmosphere becomes glassy and pellucid as if they''re walking on the bridge of time. Within minutes, a transparent wall emerges, separating the hallway as the light clears its structure and angle.

    When the trap had set, Acele opens her eyes slowly and lowers her arm, the magical circle vanishing from sight. She turns around and catches up with the general. The thudding sounds of footsteps echo in the still silence.

    Elius Kirkland

    Mylene De La Fontaine

    Acele De La Fontaine

    Charlie

    Rupert Leavitt

    Cody

    Credits to the rightful artists.

 [VL1] Chapter 4: Incoming Troops

    The violent rocking waves of the sea are threatening and inviting at the same time. Ear-cracking explosions resonate across the surface. Cannon balls splash into the water, awaiting the moment to join their brothers and sisters. Shouts and commands shriek across the boards only to be blurred by the gunshots and magical attacks coming from the mainland. Monsters that lurk in the cold ocean floor know better than to stay away from the sailors'' fierce battle. They swim at a safe distance from the ships with constantly moving eyes, waiting for the right moment to fill their growling bellies when a creature falls into the water.

    On a craft, a column of sailors had climbed atop of each other by the desk. They''re a group of three males, carrying each other''s legs over their shoulders. The line that they had made sways lightly, showing that they had tried this technique before.

    "Ugh... Ughhh..."

    "Nico, hurry!!"

    "Why are we doing this..."

    Mouths grumble and dressed in black, they''re set orderly from tallest at the bottom and shortest at the top.

    A young boy''s standing behind them. His short, messy raven hair dances in the wind and his eyes are bright red cherries, with his tongue sticks out as he uses his thumb to estimate the line that his comrades have built.

    "Aye!" The raven-haired boy, whose name''s Nico replies, his voice''s high-pitching like a youthful child.

    He fixes his naval army cap then backs a few steps. Clicking his heels whilst holding his cap down, he quickly dashes to the border of the ship. Pressing his boots against the wooden floor, he bends his knees whilst stretching his arms backward, his chin tips up, and eyes stare at the dull, gray sky. Then, he jumps, doing a one hundred-eighty degree back flip.

    The jump extends for about ten meters before he feels his weight dragging him down.

    The boy on the top quickly spreads out his hand. "Catch!"

    Nico quickly grabs his hand. Using all his strength, the boy swings the Nico upward, and the raven-haired boy rolls in midair. With his legs quickly spread out, Nico once again uses his fingers to estimate the angle he would land. Hurriedly fixing his pose, he lands exactly on the boy''s back who immediately holds him tightly.

    "Ugghhh!!" The boy under Nico groans as the line sways slightly. "You''re heavy, Nico!"

    "Shut up. At least I''m cuter than you." Nico grins cockily, sweeping a couple of his long trends dangling by his ear. Taking out his binoculars from his belt, he extends it and looks into it, gazing at the landscape before him, moving the binoculars at all directions.

    "Ah! I see Derek! He is over there!" he squeals, pointing at where Derek is. "He''s approaching the castle with Lieutenant General Cornelius!!"

    "Do you see the queen?!"

    "Um... Nope!! She''s not out yet, I guess."

    "How dare you! I wanna see Derek, too!"

    "''Cause I''m lucky~!!"

    "Ughhh!!" The boy at the bottom growls, breathing out flame as he tries to balance his brothers. "Why do I have to do be down here?! Livian, keep your butt from my face! It stinks!!"

    "Uwah! S-sorry!"

    Nico moves the binoculars to the leading craft. "Ah! Major General Cornelius had landed! We should catch up!"

    "No, let him be." A deep, alluring voice speaks from behind them.

    "Ah, Miss Callahan!!"

    The woman steps out of the cabin, the clicking sounds of her heels echo in the whirling wind like a ghost. Her name''s Sullivan Callahan. Sullivan stands behind them, arms crossed as her sharp and cold blue eyes survey the ocean. Her long, gorgeous blue hair waving like an ocean itself behind her back, trailing her curvy figures. She silently surveys the burning flame that was upon the land of her enemy. One would warp themselves up for they were staring at a hellhole. But not her.

    "Ms. Callahan, have you came out to check the scenery again?" the man with shoulder-length damson hair-colored asks. He''s the tallest out of the group, which is the reason why he''s at the bottom. Holding his short comrades over his shoulders in a trembling manner.

    "Yes, Daryl," she replies, tugging a handful blue strains behind her ears. "Ah~ How I miss the battlefield. It reminds me of the Great Gacaea War. Men, be sure to capture this scene for me!"

    "Yes, Ma''am!"

    A blustery wind rushes by the ships, pushing them forward. A chilly sensation freezes up their bones and the line totters.

    "Waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!" All of the boys scream in surprise.

    "Hold still, Daryl! Hold still!! I can''t swim!!!" Nico shouts in panic.

    "I''M TRYING!!!" Daryl once again tries to balance them for he''s the one on the bottom.

    Sullivan smiles, her long blue hair waves beautifully, trailing her slender body. A sadistic smile on her lips, she chuckles. "That Cornelius. He''s always so brave and risky. Doesn''t he know he''s not heading into the enemies but Death?" She inhales shakily. "Well, he can go die for all I care. Hmm, how about I pull his corpse around the city when we come back?"

    "L-lady Callahan!"

    "As much as we love you, that sounds too... brutal," Daryl says,

    "Huh. Shut your mouth and keep the line still. Don''t you dare interrupt a lady''s dream," she says darkly as she glares at Daryl.

    "Y-yes, Ma''am!"

    Sullivan sighs and turns around, facing her subordinates. "Speed up! We''re slowing down! I want to tear more bodies than Cornelius does!"

    "Understood!"

    She turns around and inhales again. "Those citizens of Memor can''t be taken as slaves, anyway. How disappointing. If we spare one of their lives for slavery, we won''t be able to restore the land to ours. Such a system. I wish the stone Ercanem didn''t exist." She turns at the brothers. "Nico, keep an eye on the mainland! Report if anything significant happens!"

    "Aye~!!"

    After Sullivan has left to worry over other duties, Nico clicks his tongue. "Ercanem Stone, huh. What a troublesome system," he mutters, rolling his eyes and returns back to looking at the ocean. "This is why I dislike participating in war; I don''t really get anything in return."

    * * *

    We meet the two soldiers who waited for us just a few minutes after we run outside. They''re leaning against the wall. Seeing us, they move from their spots.

    "You''re here!"

    "This way!"

    They are both young soldiers in their mid-twenties.

    I suddenly stop walking and shout, "Wait!"

    "What''s wrong?" One of them asks. He''s rather taller than the other, his long messy violet hair brushes his broad shoulders and his blue eyes send chills down my back when he turns to gaze at me impatiently.

    "I have to go to the prison. Cody is still there," I explain, pausing to survey their reactions. Mylene, Rupert, and Charlie are shocked for they know who Cody is. As for the soldiers, they wait impatiently.

    "We''ve no time for that," the violet-haired man barks. "You''re requesting us to spare our time at the wrong moment, cadet."

    "I know so we have to hurry. Please, we''ll make it quick," I beg. "You guys go on ahead. I''ll catch up later."

    "I''ll go with you," Rupert says, and steps to my side.

    I nod. It''s expected for we had been friends for a long time. However, the next volunteer surpasses my expectation.

    "I''ll go, too," says Mylene, causing all of us to widen our eyes.

    "What are you saying, Your Highness?" The taller soldier''s bewildered, his eyes widen.

    "No," Rupert responds immediately. "Stop being a pain in the ass and listen to what we said, what the queen told you."

    Mylene furrows, her face is still scarlet from anger and brimming with tears. "Elius is my friend. I can''t leave him behind."Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    "No, he''s right," I say with concern, stopping her. "You''re the Princess, Mylene. We can''t have you endangered yourself just because of my self-indulgence. You go with them. We''ll be fine. If we continue arguing, things will fall apart. I''m a soldier, I''m responsible for keeping you safe."

    As if wanting to support my advice, the castle shakes and rumbles. Dust and small pieces fall down from the ceiling, leaking through the cracks.

    "Let''s go!" The taller soldier grabs Mylene''s arm and pulls her with them without waiting for her reply.

    Even though she doesn''t protest, Mylene still looks back at us hesitantly.

    "Charlie, please protect Her Highness," I call to Charlie. He turns over his shoulder and nods grimly.

    The taller soldier turns at us, his face is skeptical. "Four minutes. The quicker, the better."

    We nod, then turn around and make our ways to the prisons.

    * * *

    The clangor of swords echoes through the smoking scene. Men scream in pain clutching their grievous wounds as bows twang sending snakes of deaths into the never-ending army. The clamor continues with the clinging and clashing of metals and echoing explosions. The soldiers are bashing and gouging against their enemy under a sunless sky.

    "Retreat!" The commander of Memor shouts as he swings his arm to evade his troops. "Their black holes will engulf the buildings. Slash at the openings."

    His men nod. It sounds like a good plan to them.

    The houses aren''t empty, reverberating with screams and screeches of the civilians as the ground slippery with sludge. Then, silence passes as the men patiently wait for the enemies to advance from the smoke.

    "Men, halt!" A clear voice speaks from the smoke. Loud footsteps snap the ground and all of them stop in union at the order. "Burn up." The general then snaps his finger.

    Silently, the enemies begin circling the streets according to the command. With torches in their hands, they throw them in the abandoned houses and watch the orange flames engulf the woods. As if it isn''t enough, the Magical Workers also murmur spells beneath their breaths as magic circles appear in front of them.

    Realizing what''s planned ahead of them, the commander of Memor grits his teeth and howls, "...! R-retreat!"

    However, it is too late.

    Within seconds, flames shoot out and coat the city in an undying orange. The soldiers shriek and use their arms or hands to shield their faces from the hot, burning air.

    The commander of Memor clicks his tongue in furry. He''s about to make his escape when a bloody splash resounds throughout the air. Quick pain creeps up from his back and his head is immediately separated from his neck, flying weightlessly in the air then smashes to the ground with a loud, bloody squish.

    "How craven; a leader shall undergo obstacles with his troops and puts his own life on the frontier. I indeed have no hope for Memor to win in the first place, but I never image it''d fall in such a shameful way. Such a pity it is for your loyal men that serve for the kingdom for hundred of years, and yet they receive nothing even in their demises."

    Suddenly, a pair of icy blue eyes glows brightly as the smoke subsides, outlining the edges of a chiseled face. The man''s eyes are on them, fiercely, as the black cap shadows his expression. But they don''t miss the dispassionate frown on his face. A grenade readied in his hand, the man brings it to his mouth, bites off the lid, and throws it towards his enemies.

    "May Grim Reapers have mercy on you upon the Judgement Day."

    The soldiers merely stand there, not noticing what he was throwing, and shriek when they finally do. Blame the smoke. Unable to run, they blasted into pieces. The explosion''s incredible, blowing off a quarter of the group.

    The flame reverses back at the man abruptly. Gallantly, he raises his hand. A large black space exactly as his size forms, edging the shape of a gleaming magic circle. Wondrously, the flame is sucked in immediately, no light''s seen within the hole as the fire and the pieces of objects ©` shattered houses pieces, a rocky fragment of the sidewalk, an arm, or a leg of some soldier ©` vanish in the bottomless space.

    When the smoke evaporates, the general deactivates his magic and lowers his arm. Behind him, his men advance forward with a vigorous roar, slaughtering all the enemies in their sights and clearing a path for him.

    The general waits and gazes at the scene. Beautiful, tremendous architectures are now heated to piles of ashes and dust, trees lean sideways with blackened faces, and bodies of the devastated abodes lie atop each other. He sighs in disapproval of the mess. Suddenly, a roar erupts from the houses on his right. Swords high in the air, the intruder charges at him carelessly and madly as if he has no care if the attack misses his target.

    ©`©`Survivors!

    Quickly taking a belligerent position, the general quickly uses his steel sword and stalls the intruder''s blade from injuring his leg. Grunting and exchanging bitter glares, they strike the blades against one another.

    "You''ll pay!" the soldiers shout fiercely as their swords break with a loud clang!

    The soldiers raise their sword at the same time and roar fiercely, swinging both of them down in different targets at the same time. In a flash of movements, the general leans backward, the swords barely misses his head. He knocks the swords away with his own and whilst his sword''s still up in the air, he adjusts it so the blade would meet the soldier''s skin and brings it down, severing his opponent''s neck.

    No time to take his next breath, another enemy appears by his side. Fortunately, his sword''s still high in the air, readied to slash the new intruder the same as the previous soldier. The general hurriedly dodges the attack. In a blink of an eye, he sprints and pierces through his enemy''s eye. Brazier-red blood sprays from his opponent''s wound, splattering on the commander''s cheek.

    Pulling out his now blood-covered sword, the body collapses to the ground by his feet.

    The general quietly inspects the scene whilst breathing heavily in exhaustion.

    ©`©`Only two? ''Ought to have more.

    Unknown in his vision, a soldier stealthily charges at him from behind. The general widens his eyes when he senses the presence of magic and quickly swipes his head around only to see blazing white light had already gathered at the intruder''s blade.

    Unable to react as he realizes he''s frozen with time magic, adding to the short distance they are, the general''s stern. Just as the man''s sword is about to meet his back, the tip of a sword suddenly pierces through his heart. The soldier immediately stops in his track, coughs out blood, and widens his eyes. His shirt comes away with dark and sticky. His sword clangs to the ground.

    "Beware of your surrounding, Lupin. Everyone will be sad if you''re gone, especially me."

    Derek''s behind the soldier. Armed with a saber in his hand, he swings the enemy to the side, the body escapes the grasp of his blade smoothly and slumps to the ground. The red-velvet liquid trails down the metal like tears.

    The moment he glances at Lupin, Derek immediately beams with sharp shark-like teeth shining brightly as though he hasn''t committed a murder.

    "Long time no see! How had it been? Still up and at them, eh?" He cheerfully pats Lupin''s back.

    In return, Lupin''s expression slowly softens a bit even though the frown remains on his face, dark shadows almost cover his eyes. Now that he has quite came out of the shadow of the watery smoke, his appearance slowly resurfaces.

    Lupin, who''s actually already in his mid-thirties despite his young appearance, has sleek pale blonde hair and blue eyes. His muscles are clearly visible despite the heavy dark green uniform that covers them. He also wears black hand gloves and a black cap that has the Bralulanian symbol of an eagle spreading its wings in front of a shield and sword embedded on it. Possessing arcane icy blue eyes, there is not an aura of friendliness on this man.

    With both of the men having short blonde hair, it''s difficult to tell the differences between them at first. But after a while, the similarities slowly extract themselves.

    The pale blonde-haired man, Lupin, appears to be shorter by several inches than the other male who seems to be at least 7ft (213.36 cm). Despite said fact, both the men are fairly taller than the average height.

    "I''m shocked. What brought you here?" Lupin questions, giving the other male the cold glare.

    "Oh~ Ah, that familiar detestation I''d always receive. No less expectation from you, General~ What did they say? "The shorter you are, the grumpier you will be"? Bahahaha! But you''re not short at all, isn''t that ironic?"

    Throwing his head backward, Derek laughs sinisterly as he holds his stomach. However, Lupin merely sneers, not appearing to lessen his seriousness in the slightest bit.

    "Well, I was tasked to help you out with the war, killing and all. You know, the usual dirty work."

    Scoffing, the blonde-haired male shrugs with a smug smile.

    "When I heard your name, I immediately arrive at your spot, see? What a good old friend I am, aren''t I?"

    Lupin narrows his sharp gaze. "Your eye."

    Derek blinks and touches his bandaged left eye.

    "Oh, this? I was in disguise while doing a mission. You know how I am nicknamed, Derek the ''Dead-Eyed Assassin''." He rolls his eyes. "I was hoping they''d change the obnoxious epithet by now. I can''t fulfill any missions without covering it." He smirks, sighing helplessly. "To be frank, I''m rather bothered, though. Guess it''s time to take it off, eh?"

    Bringing his arms behind his back, he begins untying the badge. As the bandage falls to the ground, his dark, bloodshot eye''s revealed, uncovering a very sinister facial expression that''s absolutely suitable for a villain.

    Derek grins mischievously, showing his shiny sharp shark-like teeth.

    Lupin stares emotionlessly at Derek, eyes unchanged and mouth remains curling upside-down.

    "I see that you didn''t change much."

    "''Course I don''t! All the ladies still swo~on over me when I cover it! Too bad they''ve not a single clue about my real identity!"

    Derek chuckles, shaking his head in mockery as he sways his hands arrogantly.

    "But I''m even happier to hear that from you, cuz if I do change then Lupin will definitely ignore me! That''s a greater loss than not having a thousand pairs of eyes on me a day! And I helped you out from this deadly man, too. Aren''t I deserve a praise, eh?"

    Lupin ignores him as he sheathes his sword. He turns back to his army and resumes his work.

    "Men, do not make a mess. We''re going to reuse it afterward!"

    "Yes, Sir!!"

    "Hey! Don''t ignore me!!" Derek chases after Lupin. Noting a new feature of Derek, there''s a large coffin rests heavily on his back, rustling softly as he runs.

    They march toward the west wall, called the First Wall ©` the last standing wall to protect the falling castle.

    ~~

    Nico

    Daryl

    Sullivan Callahan

    Lupin Cornelius

    Derek Adkins

    Credits to the original artist