Adi’Je: “My Lord, are sure you do not want me to accompany you?”
Me: “Yes Adi. Please stay here and rest.”
Adi’Je: “How long will you be out, My Lord?”
Me: “It shouldn’t take me more than two days.”
Adi’Je: “Two days!... Okay.”
She looked down while pushing a lock of her beautiful red hair back over her right ear. Sensing a bit of sadness in her, I gripped her chin lightly and made her look upwards, towards me. I smiled and gazed at her ruby eyes. They seemed to be telling me not go there... pleading me would be the best way to put it.
Me: “I will be back before you know it. Take care... my love.”
Adi’Je: “You too, my husband. Please return quickly... back into my arms.”
I smiled once more and started my journey. I walked north bound, my destination... the burned village at the foot of the Amoith Mountain. I am guessing the burnt village should be the Reha Clan’s former village. The last one of them was hiding there.
I walk to the place where I executed those Lexia siblings or rather we executed those siblings. Yesterday, as soon as Zoreth Lexia was captured, all of the Dynoths retreated. When not under control, these creatures seem to be of docile nature. I felt bad for them... poor monsters. One time, they were living up in the mountain, minding their own business and the next thing they knew, they were being controlled and used to create havoc and kill countless innocent beasts.
Hmm... Yesterday my crystal received some skills. As I have time to kill, I think I would see what are they and their uses. Now, what were they called again... Umm... I seem to have some problem recalling the names of the skills gained. Now what should I do? Hmm... Would it work? I guess I can try... Let see now.
“King’s Crystal... show the names of the new skills gained.”
KING’S CRYSTAL:-
1. Inter-species Telepathic Communication (Inferior Model).
2. Inter-species Forced Evolution Boon.
It worked!! Well... let’s see... the first one sounds good.
Me: “King’s Crystal, Show Inter-species Telepathic Communication.”
KING’S CRYSTAL:-
Inter-species Telepathic Communication (Inferior Model):-
Inter-species Telepathy is the purported transmission of information from one species to another without using any of our known sensory channels or physical interaction.
This skill is of Inferior Model. It can only be used to communicate with species having a brain function rate <=100.
The user can communicate with species having lower brain function rate when the skill upgrades.
Me: “King’s Crystal, Show Inter-species Forced Evolution Boon.”
KING’S CRYSTAL:-
Inter-species Forced Evolution Boon:-
The user can bestow an evolution boon over any species which will forward them into their next evolution stage without completing any kind of parameters.
Use of Boon:- 1/Year.
WOW!!! That is some powerful skill. Those Controllers are something. I wonder... how did they create it? Such powerful things should not be passed around carelessly. What were those beasts back in the Queendom of whatever their name was thinking?
Now a serious question arises. Should I share this little tidbit with the Council or not? I mean, considering their attitude... I think they would not be any different than those who created this Controller crystal. There is also a matter that I just don’t want to hand over this information. They did mention I could keep anything pertaining to this quest. In any case, I need to discuss this matter with both Adi’je and Naj’Rak.
I walked northbound, through endless meadows and bushes. This is truly a place to see and live. If the Dynoths did not destroy or rather if they were not forced to destroy the Feli Clan village and hog this entire place for themselves, it would have been a great holiday spot. The nature surrounding the place along with the cool breeze and the breathtaking sceneries makes this a truly beautiful place. And speaking of beautiful, maybe after I have finished our quest here, I could buy a place here and spend some time alone with my wives. I did not take neither Adi’Je nor Naj’Rak on a honeymoon. This would a perfect place for it too. It is a good plan... just us three and no one else.
No one else... I think Aby would have liked this place too. Probably even force me to spend our honeymoon here. Well, spring is right around the corner. Although, initially there were chances of friction between Aby and Adi’je, but I am sure with the onset of spring all of them would have forgotten about everything save for one... mating.
I laughed inwardly... thinking about all the time we spent together, all the annoying things Aby did to me and all the cute things about her too. How she laughed and acted in jealousy too, even her silly fights with Adi’Je... everything... everything about her was making me filled with regret. If I had only spent more time with her... if I had only talked more with her... if I could have saved her, then she...
My happy thoughts turned gloomy. I still haven’t forgiven myself. How could I? If I had just kept my cool, I could have saved her... So... so much regret within me, I could feel them boiling inside me... wanting to take over. How can you push out regret within yourself? How can I do it? Now that she is gone, I want to be able to remember all the memories we shared together. I do not want to be filled with regret every time I do that. How can I free myself? How?
I have been walking for two hours, searching the burnt village Rhea spoke about. I soon took some time to rest and in between my walks and in one of those rest I got a notice.
NOTICE:-
THE COUNCIL HAS VERIFIED THE ITEM WHICH IT HAD TASKED TEAM JAVEL TO RETRIEVE IT.
THE COUNCIL OF ZOIT WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE YOU FOR COMPLETING THE MISSION SUCCESSFULLY.
AS PER RECORD, YOU ARE REGISTERED AS A MEMBER OF TEAM JAVEL.
DUE TO YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AS A MEMBER OF TEAM JAVEL IN PARTICIPATION AS WELL AS SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE LEVEL A QUEST OF THE COUNCIL OF ZOIT, YOU ARE HEAR BY AWARDED YOUR SHARE OF THE REWARD.
YOU WILL RECEIVE AS PER RULES, 1/7TH PART OF THE REWARD.
COUNCIL OF ZOIT REWARDED YOU:- 50,000 GOLD.
YOU HAVE BEEN CREDITED BY THE COUNCIL OF ZOIT FOR THIS MISSION AS BEING PART OF TEAM JAVEL.
YOU HAVE ALSO BEEN GIVEN A CHOICE AS AN REWARD FOR COMPLETING A LEVEL A QUEST.
CHOICE:-
1. A HIGH RANKING POSITION IN THE ZOIT ARMY.
(POSITION OFFERED:- VICE-COMMANDER)
OR
2. THE COUNCIL WILL GIVE YOU ANY UNUSED AND FREE LAND ANYWHERE IN THE ZOIT CONTINENT WITHOUT PAYING ANYTHING FOR IT.
(LAND AREA LIMIT:- 10 ACRES).
NOTICE:-
YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR REWARD IN ANY COUNCIL OFFICE OR COUNCIL OF ZOIT’S ADVENTURER GUILD’S OFFICE.
NOTICE:-
THE REWARD MONEY HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO YOUR ACCOUNT. PLEASE CONTACT ANY BANK TO VERIFY THE TRANSACTION.
(If any problem occurs, you can contact the HR Department of the Council of Zoit Reward Services through any Council Office or from Council of Zoit’s Adventurer Guild’s office.)
NOTICE:-
You have received a message. Please visit your nearest Messaging Center to read it.
So many notifications at once blinded me for some time. The first notification surprised me a bit, but also made me happy. Happy... because Javel and the others have successfully completed their quest. They deserved it... the recognition is well earned for them. Aby would have been happy too. I wonder if they are mad at me. I failed to save her... they should be angry over me.
And surprised because of two things. One... the obscene amount of reward money that is given to me.The amount 50,000 Gold was too much to be reward money. I wonder if Aby hadn’t convinced them to select me as a part of their team then their share would be far more than 50,000 Gold. Oh... Ron would be having a fit right now.
Second... the other reward offered to everybody. A choice between a Rank in the Army and a piece of used land anywhere in the Zoit continent. Some heavy rewards are being given out to them. But I must say the reward of a free land is quite tempting for me. I should definitely discuss with Adi’Je and Naj’Rak.
When I cleared all the notifications, I realized I had already reached the edge of a desolate place. Looking the place, the walls of most of the houses had long since crumbled and in their place stood thick beams of wood. They were blackened and signs of charring are still evident on them. It seems that nothing had escaped the destruction caused by the Dynoths when they attacked here. The floor around many houses still had glass littered with them. Some houses caved in while some were missing some parts of it. It was a total destruction.
But, I one thing kept nagging me. It is said that the Dynoths attacked this place leading to the deaths of many Feli Clan members. The Dynoths are simple creatures, they have the power to destroy these wooden houses, but not litting them in fire. There may be a case where some Feli Clan members caught fire accidentally during the attack. It should have been limited though. The houses had fairly large spaces between them. The whole village should not have caught fire from it. That is highly unlikely. If so, then a question arises... How did the houses catch fire? I can guess who did it, but why burn it too?
Even from the edge of the village, I saw the Amoith Mountain. Its tip was covered with ice and was guarding the village like a great wall from one side. There was no Dynoth close by. They should have present scattered in the whole area, but it seems every one of them has vanished. I think the last one of them had pulled them to guard him. If so, then where is he hiding?
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
I walked deeper into the village, walking straight towards the foothills of the mountain. If it wasn’t due to the lightstar, I would have thought there was enemy lurking behind every corner of this place. The scenery around the village was exceptional. On one side there was this huge mountain and rest of the three was looking over meadows, filled with different array of flowers. A soft cold breeze was blowing through and as I reached the foothills of the mountains, I saw a person sitting on a table on the road facing me, drinking something from a cup. Walking closer to him, he noticed my presence. Looking up towards me, he smiled and spoke.
“Welcome! Please take a seat here.”
He pointed towards a chair across him and spoke.
“Would like some light drink brewed from Dwyan plant?”
******** Naj’Rak POV************
Eldin: “What is it like to be King Le’On’s second wife?”
Me: “Aren’t you forgetting something... concubine!”
Eldin: “Pardon me, Queen Naj’Rak. Let me rephrase the question.
How does it feel to be Our King’s second wife?”
As per Queen Adi’Je’s instructions, I have been keeping Commander Eldin Vest, Our King’s new concubine in check and have been keeping an eye on her. We were currently sitting inside her tent drinking some hot drink brewed from Gale Cherries. It is a popular delicacy of the Galeform Clan. One of the Galeform Councillors, Nerues R. Galeform gifted both us these drinks.
I took a deep breath along with a little sip from the tasty drink.
Me: “How does it feel? Well... have you ever loved someone Eldin?”
Eldin: “No, I have not.”
I look towards her with a smile and replied.
Me: “Then, what do you crave for most?”
Eldin: “Power... Not in terms of physical strength, but one of standing.”
Me: “Is that the reason, you accepted Our King’s offer?”
She nods her head and replies.
Eldin: “Partly yes.”
She continues to gaze upon me, thinking whether to say anything more about it or not. It takes her a few minutes to continue.
Eldin: “I belong to Vestores Clan.”
Me: “The one in the south-west quadrant!”
Eldin: “Yes.”
Me: “Then I was right about you. I have heard about your clan. Your Clan has an interesting tradition.”
She lets out a small smile and replies.
Eldin: “Then you have heard of them.”
Me: “I forgot the name of the tradition. What was it again?”
Eldin: “Survivor Cascade.”
Me: “Yes!! Survivor Cascade... That was it.”
Eldin: “A test of courage and power.”
Me: “What happens in it? I have only heard some bits and pieces about it.”
Eldin: “It is a test... taken by all Vests and their non-Vestores suitors. A test of courage and power.
The Vestors Clan members take this test in a waterfall near within our land, named Vestors Cascade. It happens on the last day of every year.”
Me: “And what do Vestors Clan members do there?”
Eldin: “That... I cannot tell you, Queen Naj’Rak. It is a Clan secret.”
Me: “Then, have you taken it yet?”
Eldin: “No. I was waiting for the right moment.”
Me: “Ahhh! Now I get it. You need Our King to help you pass this Clan test of yours. Am I right?”
Eldin: “Yes, Queen Naj’Rak.”
Me: “Then why did you try to kill him, Eldin?”
Her head drops while she was tracing the edge of her cup with her index finger of her right hand.
Eldin: “I-I-I didn’t know what to do. I felt so... so much anger building inside me when he kept on rejecting me again and again. And the reason he cited was so insulting. What am I? A fool! Does he take me for a fool! I was not born yesterday. I am a Commander in the Zoit Army!!
Then he offered this-this position to me. I have to scrape the bottom to move up the ladder! I-I felt like I wanted to tear him apart. So, I poisoned him.
But... How did he survive? That was one of the deadliest poison out there. How did he just... survive? Is he...”
Me: “The reason he gave you is true. He didn’t lie to you.”
Eldin: “What!! How did that happen?”
Me: “I don’t know. It happened before I came into his life.”
Eldin: “But Queen Naj’Rak, you still haven’t told me how does it feel to be Our King’s second wife?”
Me: “You wouldn’t understand, Commander Eldin.
Not, at least now.”
************* End of POV**************
Me: “Here you go little Wei, hot hot soothing drink for you.”
Wei: “How many times have I told you NOT to call me little, Deiti?”
Me: “What! Aren’t you short compared to me?”
Wei kept looking at me. We were currently occupying a table in the Canteen Tent of the Zoit Army. The place was quite buzzing as almost all the soldiers have started relaxing after our successful attempt of taking back the Galeform City. And by ‘OUR’ I mean Le’On and group of psychotic Clan members and me with my little friend here, Wei.
I handed her a cup of Dew Squash. It is a drink made from squishing the juice from a fruit named Dew Squash and boiling it with water. It is great refreshment and the official Zoit Army energy drink. It is best when drank hot just how I like my women.
She kept looking at me, finding a suitable retort for the question. I sat down opposite to her and with a smile I said.
Me: “It would be wise to drink it rather than waste your time coming up with an apt retort.”
Wei: “I-I wasn’t trying to think up of a retort.”
Me: “No... You were thinking of how you would make me happy in bed.” I gave her a small wink at the end of my sentence.
She took her cup and started to take small sips from it while averting her eyes. Did I just see a hint of blush there?
Me: “Oh Come on!! You know you want to... Little Wei wants to be exploited to the fullest. Don’t you, little Wei?”
Wei: “Do not call me little.”
Me: “So!! You want to be exploited huh!! He he he he... You naughty little beast.”
Wei: “I wasn’t thinking of anything of that sort.”
Me: “Then what was your naughty mind thinking about?”
Wei: “Aby.”
I put my cup down and lean closer to her. I grab her left hand, which was resting on the table and asked.
Me: “Do you want to talk about it? You do know I am here for you, don’t you?”
She gave a slight nod and replied.
Wei: “I-I know.”
Me: “Then share it with me. Whatever’s troubling you, share it with me.”
She looks up and right at me.After a few minutes, she spoke.
Wei: “I just remembered something. It was an incident that happened way back, back when I had just arrived at her house after the massacre of my Clan.
I-I was still so shaken at that point. I saw my brothers die and didn’t even see my parents during the incident. I was trapped in this- this bubble where I could see darkness and only darkness.
We had a good relationship before that, but I felt disarrayed and I lost my way some days. I couldn’t connect neither my aunt nor uncle. I used to sit alone, watching the scenery outside and kept remembering Keltor and Delel’s faces when I last saw them. Their sorrow, pain... everything came to me day after day, night after night.”
She stops and takes a long sip from her drink. Then after taking a long, deep breath, she continues.
Wei: “One day, I was sitting in front of a window, thinking about the events over and over. Suddenly, I was being dragged away from the window. I turned my head around and found Aby dragging me to someplace while holding my left arm. Now, even back then she had a mean grip.
********** Wei’s POV*******
Me: “Where are you taking me, Aby?”
I asked my cousin who at that moment was dragging me outside by grabbing my left hand. She turned back and with a smile on her face, she replied.
Aby: “Where else! To the playground, silly.”
Me: “Bu-but...”
She abruptly halted and asked me.
Aby: “But what?”
Me: “I don’t want to...”
Aby: “You don’t want to play... right?”
I gave her a slight nod as a response.
Aby: “I don’t like this Wei, who is always sad. I want to see the Wei, who always ran around in the meadows and brought beautiful flowers for me whenever I visited. I want the happy Wei back. So, I decided we will do something fun and show you what you are missing while you are being sad.”
I look down, towards the well made path and replied.
Me: “I don’t want to. I-I cannot be happy without Delel or Keltor.”
She puts her right hand over my head and pats it.
Aby: “Wei you are forgetting something. They were my brothers too. I am also sad, but I cannot watch you, the sister they cared about so so much, spend your days thinking about the past.
What were their last words to you?”
Me: “They-they wanted to me to live and be happy,to be strong and fearsome.”
Aby: “And what are you doing now?”
I didn’t have any reply, then... what really was I doing all this time. Thinking about the event again and again as if... as if I forget that even, I might forget them... my parents... my brothers.
Me: “I-I fear that if I don’t think about that night, then I might forget them.”
She smiled and kept on patting the top of my head.
Aby: “Silly girl, they will always be with you. In your heart and your mind. You know something Wei; I asked mother the same thing one day. Will Wei forget them if she wants to be happy?
Do you want to know what she told me?”
I gave a light nod to her question and said.
Me: “Ye-yes.”
I felt as if my voice was getting choked. I feared that I couldn’t speak anymore.
Aby: “She said, whatever you do from now on... whatever you achieve... whatever you become will be a reflection upon them and their sacrifice for you. You are their future, the one they loved the most. They will always be watching you, showering their love over you, keep you company when you are alone. You... Wei... is their legacy in this world.
So act like one.
Now, what do you say Wei, shall we go play?”
I am sorry Delel, Keltor... I forgot what you said to me. Thank you my brothers and sleep well. Please keep your loving eyes upon your sister. I promise you, I will be strong for your sake, for our parent’s sake... for my sake.
Thank you Aby... for making me understand.
Me: “Yes... let’s go.”
**************** End of Wei POV***********
Wei: “After thinking about that incident, I remembered something.
Whatever you do from now on... whatever you achieve... whatever you become will be a reflection upon her and her sacrifice for us. We are her future, the ones she loved the most. She will always be watching us, showering her love on us, keep us company when we are alone. We are her legacy in this world.”
Me: “It is finally good to see you make peace with her death... even though I didn’t know her that much, but it is true that you are part of her legacy.”
Wei: “Yes, now I just hope Le’On understands it too.”