III.
It was already too late when Jerome arrived at the great center plaza. The royal plaza situated exactly at the center point of Vanadheim, where the king's Vanadium Castle stood tall. But upon his late arrival, many vanadian soldiers lay dead, with rebels who met the same fate. It was a massive battlefield of burning structures, craters all over the place and the crowd going wild from extreme panic and disorder. It was erupting of many spells thrown in all directions, causing many innocents to get caught in a crossfire between the invading rebel army, and the vanadian forces. Luckily enough, a decent number of wizards managed and held their ground as they accompany their vanadian brethren, by putting up a fair fight against the rebel magic users. But, it was futile as they were obviously outnumbered by the sheer rebel forces coming out from all angles, direction from within the nation itself! The invading forces came from inside broken houses, from the sewer entrances and from their disoriented crowd! They are wearing a very familiar motif, the ones similar from whom the two captains captured. The ones who are in jail right now, the vigilantes “Blue Doves!”
“BOTH THE BLUE DOVES AND REBEL ARMY?! TORRAR…WHAT HAPPENED?!” Jerome panicked of how they escaped, or are they even the same people who are supposed to be caged?
And what of his wizard in charge, Torrar Shackle'spark! He knew for a fact that she will not go down easily, especially when the dungeon complex is filled with elite guards, highly trained for their sole purpose! Yet somehow this vast amount of rebels is simply ridiculous.
Both vanadian knights and wizards held their ground, maintaining security throughout the whole plaza. With the ground sewers already opened, used by the Blue Dove Vigilantes, a rebel ally group. They were hiding under Vanadheim! And because both Jerome and Garlandth gotten the information as of recently as a hearsay, and both captains thought that the information was probably to lure them into a trap! With this chaos ensuing, one messenger quickly reported back to Jerome, explaining that even when the arcane alarms went off earlier, both royal defenders and Outliers numbering 3-6 were nowhere to be seen. And because the vanadium castle was untreated and unmanned, the king was assassinated earlier! It was a domino of events, one after another. The king finally died, the people on a massive stampede, and their so called defenders are nowhere to be seen!
“DAMN IT ALL!! WHERE THE HELL ARE THE KINGS DEFENDERS AND THE OUTLIERS?! DAMN IT ALL” Jerome screamed in frustration, wanting more to understand the situation in spite of chaos.
Deeply from the earlier assault to which Garlandth fought and managed alone with their already few forces present. According to the messenger. The sewers was trapped with heavy explosives, and many people died of arcane explosion, directly under the kings hall! The black smoke raised upwards towards the dark of the night, seen by the whole kingdoms towers! A bloody mess it was, as both flesh and residual arcane magic splattered the whole place. Garlandth however, was bleeding from a deep slash wound around the back of his nape. Jerome stumbled upon seeing his wounded friend. He quickly rushed to tend to his wounds.
“By the resounding grip of resonance, tie those who not cling of such skin, penetrate with precision and resolution upon the wound. Incantation Number 1: Arcane Wound Bind!” He screamed with panic, while caressing the bloodied head of his friend.
They were both in the middle of a large crater. Many broken and burning buildings only add to the already grim scenery while the once grand hall was burning from within now its charred castle walls. Many piles of civilians, rebels and royal guards color and fill the shallow craters of the magnificent vanadian streets. The very grim scenery that added deathly splendor to the once most secured nation of Kindraire. Now finally being stripped of its wealth by its own people and enemies.
“Ghk! I-its bad…very bad Jerome! Many civilians got killed, from royalty down to the innocent, I-I don't know if some of important royal families got away to safety! They mus--” He panted, puking blood all over Jerome.
“STOP TALKING DAMN IT! THE SPELL IS NOT YET—“ Jerome said.
“It’s okay…the wound from my vital point isn’t deep enough to kill the likes of me! Ghhk--! But you must know of the identity of our enemies, I saw some a them, Draconians…” Garlandth calmly revealed, panting from all the exhaustion of battle.
“WHAT?!”
“Just before I got here, they were already killing people left and right! THE KING IS DEAD JEROME!! DRACONIANS...THEY ARE PROBABLY WORKING TOGETHER WITH THIS REBEL ARMY!” He revealed, a very grim and dark news that washed all over Jerome that made his entirety tremble.
“BUT HOW? WE COULD HAVE SENSED THEIR APPROAC—“
“Have you heard of the 13 Serpents? The offspring’s said to be sons and daughters of Varagor 'The Brutal' of Vrepia. An infamous group rumored to be responsible of the southern genocide! Just like us Outliers, they are not of this world! Their magic is indeed of arcane structure and system, but they can conceal it! They are here for their half-brother, MAXINUS!” Garlandth revealed.
Jerome already in a stressful panic, tried to run away and go back to the dungeon complex. Fearing that the draconians might free the angry prisoners within their territory!
“Fool, it is already too late, these rebel scum might have had help from within Vanadheim! Our mission was literally for nothing damn it Jerome!…" Garlandth pleaded while pushing his friend towards the vanadium hall where the throne is.
"There must traitors within our forces-- NO, MAYBE WITHIN THE OUTLIERS THEMSELVES!" Jerome angrily concluded.
"Get our king's crown, Jerome! even if this nation is doomed to this downfall, as long as we have 'that' then we have a chance to fight back and avenge our many fallen brethren, especially for King Odovacar!!" Garlandth pleaded, as he pushed Jerome more to leave and get something important out from the castle.
The throne room was no any better than the bloody entrance. All the way from the shattered silver double gate, and towards the throne where their king sits. From its inside was more a mess with broken glasses and torn royal fabrics, many rebels loot the place of valuables items that are belonging to their countries' royalty. The space was all torn apart, with blasted walls and its rooftop with missing chunks. The red carpet burning from arcane magic with the already shredded pieces of expensive cloth hanging from the ceiling. Jerome looked further near the throne, where the cold lifeless body of King Odovacar lay dead, missing both his eyes, as if gouged out. His majesty’s crown bent and broken off the floor, dropping its iconic and single gem from the things slot. A dark violet gem, said to have aided the king, when he first fought off the draconians of Kindraire. When he was still a youthful Outlier, the very first of his kind to appear on this world three millenniums ago. Jerome quickly grabbed the thing and ran away towards the exit, from there he saw the whole area surrounded by many enemies, an invading army nearing eight-hundred strong, bearing both the Blue Doves and army of raggedy rebels.
Stubborn Garlandth currently being tended by two healers, slowly stood up with a still bloody mouth. Staring back at the encircling invading army. Jerome finally went outside the king’s hall to stand side by side with his so called brother in arms.
“Damn, the king is dead, and our few forces here is getting thinner by the second! I guess this is it…BUT THERE IS NO WAY THAT I WILL GO OUT WITHOUT A FIGHT!!” Garlandth angrily shouted at the massive army, surrounding the vanadium castle where the group of Jerome stand tall, just like a rat on a doomed corner, nowhere to run but fight!
“Hmmf! Go release it brother! It has been ages since I saw that ultimate of yours!” Jerome encouraged, quickly signaling all their few troops to take cover and guard their ears with arcane protection.
“ELYSIUM.” Garlandth simply uttered, as the dark night slowly turned into a grainy filter of gold.
The clouded night parted, showing beams of light that shower over the royal town plaza until the very last edges of Vanadheim. Lighting the whole kingdom as a whole. From there on, countless magic circles appeared, hovering throughout the whole region, foretelling that something is about to appear.
“GABRIEL’S HORN!” He bellowed after.
The filter spread far and wide, engulfing the entirety of Vanadheim. What finally appeared from the ends of the magic circles are massive golden trumpets, encircling both the invading army and the trapped vanadian forces. While the fight goes on, somewhere deep at the south-west region, near at the dungeon cellars. Both Maxinus and Torrar are running towards a secret temporary hideout, to meetup and confront Conrad about the recent explosion. They were making progress through the chaotic crowd, dodging many guards on their way when the golden filter of Garlandth’s ultimate finally reached on the markets. It is hard to notice, and seemed instantaneous when that horrifying arcane aura touched their own!
“What in the blazes is this aura?! It makes me shiver and fearful, it is already hard running through the crowd…” Maxinus anxiously said while glancing towards the now bright sky
Both panting as they switched on another alleyway, avoiding an army of soldiers rushing towards the central royal plaza, where the ensuing battle goes on.
“It’s his Elysium no doubt! It is Captain Garlandth’s ultimate…the final form of an arcane release!” Torrar said, panting also from all the running.
To her immediate horror, finally sensing the flicker and rise of some unknown magic circles hovering near the town plaza. The golden trumpets were nearly large as a small house, and long like an adult dragon. Those things gather particles of arcane magic from the surrounding atmosphere, sucking from the outside and into the very rims.
“Listen closely Maxinus, from here on guard your ears with an arcane protection. I’m not quite sure about the powers of his Elysium, but just to be on the good side. We might as well guard ours from those trumpets!” She warned.
And from there on, they charged full ahead against the currents of danger.
Both the defending vanadian forces and invading army stared up above the now bright shiny sky, not with awe but with immense terror on their faces. With his still healing wounds. Garlandth managed to maintain his ultimate despite his heaving breath, a toll he must experience to overcome such numbers of adversaries!
“I MIGHT AS WELL JOIN THE PARTY!” Jerome shouted as he starts to ran towards the encircling enemies, now completely re-grouping to a thousand army strong, against two Outliers and their mere eighty strong!
“CRY! TAXIARCHIS!” Jerome bellowed, as what appeared on his right hand is a two handed heavy sword, sporting a wavy long blade like a flame. A solid dark red Flamberge!
“HEED MY VOICE YOU FOOLS! WITH YOUR DREADED FATE LIES AHEAD FOR REBELLING ON OUR BELOVED KINGDOM! YOU SHALL ALL LOSE YOUR HEADS!!” Garlandth shouted as he slowly looked towards the sky filled with his arcane weapons, Trumpets of Armageddon.
“AND WITH YOUR FOOLISH REBELLION. MEET YOUR DEATHS BY OUR KINGS REVENGE!!” Jerome followed, nearing at the opposing army with tremendous speed.
“AND WITH THIS LAST PRAYER. YOUR FATES HAS BEEN SEALED!!!” They both shouted in unison with their troops cheering and joining the battle, a great boost of morale.
The trumpets of the bright sky thunderously bellowed with extreme shockwaves of energy. Faster than the ears can hear that shattered the brains of those rebels without proper protection. And with Jerome’s crying sword, he unleashed so much fury as if the earths cracked open, a blade of flames sheer and burn through massive numbers of victims. With that, pandemonium has finally appeared in the once secured Vanadheim!
…
“What in the nine hells is going on, Captain Conrad!? You promised the group that it will be a very smooth assassination!” Maxinus thought to himself, while running side by side with Torrar. Still feeling the tremors of a nearby battle.
They planned on confronting Conrad near the north-west of the vanadium castle, where some of his cohorts lay low, as they watch and instruct the blue doves encircling the two Outliers. For some reasons unknown, both Maxinus and Torrar expected the Darweaver captain to confront his former colleagues or join in with their rebel’s troops to somehow assist them. But instead they found him staring at a blueprint, a plan unbeknownst to both of the friends. And when Maxinus and Torrar finally got near him. The captain quickly dispersed the said blueprint, canceling its arcane command.
“BASTARD! You promised to not hurt any civillians! What will they think of us now that we appear to them as more than mindless beasts?!” Torrar asked slamming on the round table in front of seated Conrad. “Heck! Even if the rebellion is successful, would you think that our image is any better that the previous?!”
“Shut your mouth and listen, girl...” Conrad calmly said while crossing his arms, not glancing at the both of them.
The captain is wearing a solid black trench coat, with matching boots and gloves. On top of his head is a wide flat top hat, designed with rusty chains that bear a badge of what seems a symbol of a torn skull to where a shadow is gripping.
“And what were you looking? Are you hiding something from us captain Darkweaver? Aren’t we your allies here?!” Maxinus followed with an obvious scowl.
“There is nothing to hide but excitement, for the time has finally approached for us to de-throne the measly king of Vanadheim. Know this both of you…there is no such thing as a quiet or smooth rebellion, for there is no fruition without ripe bloodshe—“
Torrar slapped Conrad that agitated the guards beside the inner tent. Instead of an angry response from their captain, Conrad instead laughed calmly while slowly standing up from his chair. And from that tense atmosphere, he finally looked at the two companions, his very own pupils!
“Is this what I deserve for mentoring the likes of you? If I didn’t show a new plan, then it isn’t important that you must partake on! What’s more important is after the ordeal… ” Conrad said.
“Yes…after you betrayed our trust, even as promising to not involve the innocent lives of Vanadheim!” Torrar shouted back.
“Girl…do not utter the word ‘betrayal’ without knowing who you truly are! Remember, you grew up with ties of mercenary work, your sole purpose of studying in Vanadium von Academia is to serve Exile! Your origin and one true home! Last time I check the moment you left the dungeon cellar is when you finally BETRAYED your captain! It is pathetic and disgusting to hear from an individual who worked for the Outliers for two years while being a rebel rat! Do not test my patience girl…” Conrad bluntly pointed out, now sitting down once again to recall the strategies he planned before the two came in. In which shortly after, some members entered, high ranking leaders from all rebel groups of Vanadheim.
A tall Oldman bearing many scars on his old wrinkled face, wearing a fine deep blue coat while walking with a cane. And finally a lady wearing what it seemed are nun clothes, bearing a symbol of a white cross from their local cathedral. This lady said to be one of the supporters of this rebellion. They both entered the captain’s tent with confidence and aura as if they have a big role to partake. Hearing what her captain reminded made Torrar blushed in frustration and sadness. Her reaction was not of anger towards Conrad and his blunt response, but of the hard truth so obvious throughout her life. Seeing his companion’s ordeal, Maxinus gently patted the crying girls back, to which she sobbed quickly. After all, between the three young friends that are Maxinus, Meda and Torrar. She was the youngest member of Exile, graduating the local academia in just 16 years of age and quickly serving Jerome the 2nd Outlier of Vanadheim. That was two years ago until this very moment of planned rebellion. He trusted her! And Torrar knows that the deed has been made of deceiving her former captain, solely for the betterment of society and its people.
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The last one who entered is Edna Laurel. The second in command of Exile. With “Deep Mystic,” as her title, an individual who supervises other fellow captains, and to which ways how their mercenary operations work. She once was a professor working at the prestigious Vanadium von Academia. In cahoots with Torrar as one of her students. They both attended and worked as their guilds spy or informer. Edna’s loyalty is not of this country, she could care less about the fate of this doomed nation. For she knew what is about to happen after the elimination of both Garlandth, and especially Jerome! Edna the only one who knew of the numbers true meaning and purpose. To her, the Outliers do not mean a solid standing nor their true rank of power. But instead a placeholder to be feared by the people. It is true indeed that Jerome is under the rank of Garlandth who is at the top of their list, when in reality that the former is much stronger, older and well experienced than the other Outliers, making him the strongest warrior of Vanadheim. With this knowledge that caused all the rebel leaders to put their focus on Vanadheim’s one true threat from its freedom, “The Patron Vessel of Archangel Michael” Jerome Bucklesweat!
She sat at the opposite angle of Conrad at the round table. The two Exile leaders faced the many leaders of different rebel factions, especially the old scarred man and the silent nun. Excluding the two friends, there were 13 important leaders within this secret meeting, dangerously beside the still ongoing battlefield.
“We have the right of say in this meeting! You all must listen, before excluding us! Just for what…the reasons that we are just pawns?!” Torrar frustratingly announced, which all gotten the attentions of the leaders.
Edna simply signaled the two guards to force the two young fools outside of the tent. She clapped her hands, quickly facing Conrad and the rebel officials.
“Well it seems that our sweet girl from way back the academy is a powerful force to be reckoned with! How was your last parting with Captain Jerome, you should have said your farewell no?” Edna asked, neither seriously or jokingly, making the mood of the place in a weird atmosphere of sublimities.
Torrar winced and bit her lower lip from her reply. “How could she?! Wasn’t she my teacher? Is she not also a secret enemy of this nation through the many years she had served the academia by disguising herself the same?!” she thought.
She quickly pulled Maxinus away from the round table, as if trying to leave the scene.
“Oh and by the way! Because of your attitude and unnecessary questioning, even prior the earlier weeks that we planned this moment and said the possibilities…I hereby conduct a guild arrest for the two of you! Go back to the headquarters and think of your actions!” Edna finally announced, dismissing the two youth.
“But you didn’t tell us anything before this phantom assault, that there will be innocent casualties. And you promised that you will evacuate the civilians before killing Odovacar?!” Maxinus groaned from her order.
“Foolish boy! Who do you think you are? Have you forgotten your sole mission by going as far as you can from Vanadheim? You are a big bait for those two Outliers! And luckily for you, having a chance of glancing one last time on your mother’s homeland…without this group you are nothing but a lonely hybrid.” Edna revealed.
“DO NOT EVER SPEAK I'LL OF MY MOTHER…” Maxinus dangerously stepped forward.
His arcane aura suddenly went up, that caused the whole tent to vibrate.
“Maxinus…” Torrar eyed her tall friend still clinging to his torn cloak.
“ENOUGH OF THIS YOU THREE! We have a meeting to do Edna! Both of you, begone before your transgressions reach its limits!” Conrad angrily announced.
“Tssk!” Maxinus groaned, still eyeing the two officials dangerously as they both stepped away from the tent.
“Great leaders of our rebellion! The time has finally come, a ripe moment of celebration for the foolish kings death! Odovacar Faux is no more but an empty throne!” Conrad announced.
They all cheered and clapped from the news. Still not knowing who killed the king!
“And with the still fierce battle for reclaiming the grand royal hall. Garlandth foolishly released his Elysium! Not knowing that his trumpet of judgement will be the very signal of their downfall!”
With the still raging ultimate of the Outlier. The battle might conclude in the next day, revealing many fates connected or intertwined.
“I am very sorry about that, Maxinus…I shouldn’t have questioned him, and now Edna bad mouthed your mom like its nothing.” She looked down, not glancing at her friend, who is now smiling, showing small draconian fangs, as he pat the side of her wizard hat.
“It is okay my dear friend, someday I promise…I’ll reign over the mercenary group and topple over their own mistakes!” The half draconian joked, while both of them walked through a portable portal that directly connects towards their secret hideout, deep under the old rugged inn where Lucius in still sleeping.
Many hours passed from that point, and that morning is finally up throughout Vanadheim and its chaotic status. The hooded stranger finally made its move from within, opening a dark reddish portal, in which two hooded strangers came out. The three walked in unison as they stride towards the center plaza. At the very heart of battle.
…
It is finally morning when Nina, Welit and Banduck left for an important meeting. Lucius gathered his thoughts, about his new found friends, especially the scenario his into. The three left him some proper attire before meeting the said guild. A fit dark long sleeved shirt, usually wore by farmers. A traveler’s boot, dark slim pants and finally a leather chest piece with many straps and light chainmail that protects the upper arm. Wearing it all finally made him realize his missing armor piece and equipment’s.
“Maybe they took it as my payment perhaps? They were traders after all…whatever.” He foolishly smiled to himself, still thanking the two brothers.
Jumping around and stretching his body. He joyously felt a pleasant vigor, as if his wellbeing is bathed in deep energy of some sort. The morning has just started, to he followed a quick prayer to start his day. A day to finally ask questions and feel the new world his in.
“Lord our god, king of the universe. I am humbled by your blessings, for the air we breath, for the food we eat and the chance to start this day, thank you for keeping me alive…”
Yet still in temporary peace. Lucius knew that he will never escape the thoughts and memories of his dead comrades. He remembered vividly how clear his dream last night, of how it haunt him, planting accusations as if what happened at that battle was his only fault, and that he should be ashamed of it! But, he stood up from his kneel, and fought his way mentally even if it hurts. Not knowing the house, he stumbled quite a lot into random corridors, and opened many doors revealing only empty dusty rooms. He remembered to look for a basement, said to lead at the very entrance of Exile. He walked deep beneath the wooden floor and down into dark nothingness, until he finally set foot inside an empty room without anything but a single figure, a golem!
“This giant statue…resembles that of clay statues from back home.” He said to himself, as he looks at the golem.
He walked forward in front of the golem, a very gigantic figure of 8ft tall! Lucius simply inhaled before uttering the words…
“Bearded Gnome.” He said towards the inanimate thing. Until it crumbles into dust and showed a small portal behind.
“What?!” He shook his head from this outrageous phenomena. “So this is magic, it is real!”
Lucius looked from all around him, and decided to crawl into the swirling violet portal. It was a weird travel of sensation and random flickering vibrations. For this man is not of Kindraire, and surely this is his first personal contact with Magic.
As with the whole Vanadheim nation, the Exile is also at high alert. Both Maxinus and Torrar returned this morning, greeted by their elven archer friend named Meda. One of their companions. The three were considered the youth of their guild. And treated each other like siblings. That is until Torrar stepped away to study at Vanadium von Academia. Conrad Darkweave, the ex-outlier and former 3rd rank, was pretty much their father figure and mentor, while Edna Laurel took part of catering Torrar’s success in the academy until she served Jerome Bucklesweat. The whole charade of the little wizard girl finally ended that night, to which caused her so much burden to think, shame and guilt.
“What in the nine blazes happened last night?!” Meda asked the two weary friends, obviously distressed from all what’s happening within the kingdom.
The elven archer is wearing a tactical attire the contours her slim and tall figure. With its design showing classic elements of an archer like green scaly leaves that mimics a scaled armor, and color that allows for one to camouflage easily with nature herself. On the back of her sling straps are magical quiver that automatically produces, never running out of magical arrows. With Meda's matching mithrel long-bow, lastly a moss green colored cloak, her alluring elven features hidden with a hood.
“They kicked us out of the planned general meeting last night…” Maxinus simply said, collapsing on a nearby haystack.
“The night was rough and unpleasant…I will talk to you later, after I gather my thoughts…” Torrar said in a sad tone.
“Tssk! Okay then, I’ll wait for both of your responses later…for now rest and eat, the whole guild is at high alert! Whether you like it or not, we’ll be needing help and information on what happened last night, we need updates from both your missions.” Meda kicked a nearby bucket, and leaved the two on their rest.
They both nodded and quickly let their weariness took over, not wanting anymore disturbance on the already hectic complex. Lucius finally descended on the underground floor, hitting old dungeon tiles. A corridor lit by glowing embers of blue flame lined the walls towards a single iron bound door, filled with many weird inscriptions of unknown letter, arcane runes! He slowly walked towards the door, and from there a sudden deafening voice called.
“WHO’S THE ONE THAT DARE STOOD IN FRONT OF EXILE? STATE YOUR NAME AND ALLIANCE, LEST YOU FACE YOUR DOOM!” The loud voice called, coming from the flickering marks.
“Uh…Bearded Gnome?” Lucius slyly asked, punching the air because the dwarf brothers had not told him of this part of security.
The door summoned two gigantic hands made of translucent magic that quickly grabbed Lucius into yet another portal. He was immediately surrounded by mercenary soldiers with spears, muskets, flintlock pistols and magical staff wielding wizards, all are dangerously pointing at him.
“Who the hell are you?! Answer quickly or we’ll kill you, intruder…” One of them said, wearing a fine beret hat that seemed only specific to a mercenary captain.
“L-Lucius!” he quickly said, raising both his hands, palms open.
The captain wide eyed, slowly lifted his hands away from the man’s neck and quickly bowed for an apology.
“So…you’re the one huh? Lucius Vigo of Italy! Nina already told us of your name but not of your appearance, for that again I am deeply sorry. My name is Roidan Stille’edge, one of this guilds vice captains in charge of our headquarters security.” He offered a hand.
“No its okay, after all I am literally new and know nothing of this world…magic was it? Heck I can’t still believe what I’ve witnessed throughout this strange house!” Lucius simple laughed and shook hands with the captain.
Roidan scratched his head from this weird conversation, this man doesn’t know anything?
“Just where the hell did you get this man, Nina…” Roidan thought to himself.
Him being one of the well experienced captains, slightly noticed the unusual amount of this stranger’s aura. A familiar yet unconvincing presence. Its true meaning hidden by Lucius and his ignorance of this magical world.
“Ah! It seems that this compound is very busy? If I am on everyone’s way then I must leave…” Lucius tried to turn around.
“It is okay Lucius, the whole guild is indeed on high alert. Regarding the meeting…I assume that the brothers and Nina told you already?” The captain asked.
“Yes, both Welit and Banduck mentioned an important meeting where Nina is also needed…other than that, they encouraged me to go down here and meet new people.” Lucius smiled, and stepped quite in front to look everywhere.
“Suit yourself my brother, and if you have any questions, I am here as a guide…” Roidan offered.
The whole underground dungeon is a massive and wide expanse of space within under the strange establishment. Its cobblestone ended on a part now made of fine dark planks of wood tiles. And at the center is the area of many chairs and tables where mercenaries talked, drink beer and socialized to a day to day basis. Looking further in, Lucius noticed many surrounding shops of deadly bladed weapons, and weird wooden staffs emanating a glow shown to the naked eye. From there on, he felt excitement, for he expects to meet good people of the same mind as his. Not noticing from his sudden emotions, Lucius is unaware of his arcane aura leaking out, engulfing the part of this compound.
The sleeping Torrar opened her eyes the moment Lucius aura spread, alerting those who have a level or capacity to sense such great prowess, including both Meda and captain Roidan. She quickly took off and leave the still napping Maxinus on a nearby haystack, shortly arriving at the pub center, at the middle Lucius is currently talking to mercenaries with interests and questions. With some offering him beer and jokingly pointing to his raggedy attire. Torrar approached both Meda and Roidan eyeing Lucius from afar the center pub.
“What is the meaning of this…” Torrar simply uttered, slipping through the conversation.
“That man over there was the one who the Deepstone brother’s rescued. Both Nina and Edna told me about his said potential…and to be this powerful, it is indeed that he’s an Outlier...” Roidan said, still staring at their weird guest.
“Impossible…but it is said in the history books that it has been a millennia after the last Outlier came from Earthren. Originally, there were 8 Outliers including King Odovacar who was said to be the first who came. And now the last one who is Susan Quietblade the 6th Outlier in rank.” Torrar explained. “To be this sudden and unannounced…”
“Who knows…heck all Outliers are unannounced! They either died or got mistakenly lost inside a portal from their previous life! But whether that man is an Outlier or a simple stranger, it’s still a fact that we must stay cautious in this troubled times, he might be a vanadian spy!” Meda blurted, grinding her teeth.
Roidan only nodded from their remarks about the man, who’s joyously conversing with their folk. The two friends approached leaving him behind to watch. The first to speak being the elf archer.
“Hey, you there! State your name and affiliation!” Meda asked in a very serious tone, still not believing the implication about his prowess.
Lucius, still ignorant of his power and its magical core values. He himself was surprised of the creatures of this world, especially when he first noticed the dwarf brothers, confirming their identity via explanation. How will he react of an elven woman, so much taller than him and with an elongated ear to match?
“Huh?” He curiously turned around to see Meda, staring at him and scanning from head to toe.
“Don’t huh me, answer quickly or I’ll beat the sh—“ Meda tried to say until Torrar pinched her elbow.
“I am very sorry for my friend here who’s morning is not of pleasant mood! My name is Torrar Shackle’spark, one of the wizards of this guild. And beside me here is named Meda Silv’spoon, our only elven archer here in Exile.” Torrar bowed with an easy smile.
“It is nice to meet the both of you! My name is Lucius Vigo of Italy, a former captain class crusader…” He eyed the both, not understanding any of their attire. From the heavy robed girl wearing a long baggy pointed hat, and a slim lady towering above him, hiding her face with a hooded green cloak.
“Wizards? Elven archer? What?” he anxiously thought.
“Am I correct to assume that lady Nina wanted for you to visit our guild?” Torrar asked, trying to further analyze the aura fluctuations of Lucius.
“Yes, both Welit and Banduck even encouraged me to join in, if I decide that is...” He simply smirked, hiding his confusion.
“So what do you think of the place, knight?” Meda lifted her hood, revealing her blonde long hair, and what gotten the attention of Lucius is her unusually elongated ears.
“What?!” Lucius asked surprisingly as he stared at the elven lady.
“Hmm, it seems that madam Edna is correct, another Outlier! Otherworldly individuals who passed on from Earthren and into Kindraire! It is not mistaken. His arcane aura is abnormally fluctuating based on emotions rather than pure experience, one of the key factors of being an Outlier. Not only that, the fact that he was formerly a warrior from his previous life, one common trait from all Outliers.” Torrar thought, hiding her conclusion.
“Hah! So that does it, you are not of this world, Lucius! And as any other Outlier known to Kindraire, it is a tough call for the likes of your kin to choose a side, what is it?” Meda crossed her arms, a smirk building from her face.
From all the sudden new information being dumped on him. Lucius rubbed his forehead once again.
“Are you okay sir Lucius?” Torrar asked, now slowly walking towards him.
“Yes…it’s just that this morning after I woke up, this same sensation of throbbing starts…” He said.
Torrar smiled, and bid him to lower his head as she caress his forehead with both her palms. A mix of cool temperature begins as Lucius starts to calm down.
“Those tarnished or tainted, with lost thoughts and hope. Burnish! And shine away now that is dim! Incantation Number 2: Arcana Magi Replenias!” Torrar said.
And from there, his throbbing pain from all his anxiousness disappeared. As if it did not happen in the first place. Lucius was like a newborn phoenix soaring from the air, his once dim mind became like a light of nature.
“Ah! The pain is gone…I feel good haha!” He simple laughed.
“What I did is a basic magic incantation called ‘Arcane Magic Replenish.’ A magic that replenishes the targets old arcane magic, replenishing both aura and prowess.” Torrar explained still eyeing Lucius.
He squinted from the explanation, still puzzled about the concept of magic.
“Well…whatever the case is, I have to admit that everything till now I thought to myself as a one big dream! It turns out I was only running from the fear of this reality. But thank you for that, Torrar. Magic was it?…” Lucius simply smiled.
“Looks like the fool can’t get over of his fate eh?” Meda quietly nudged and whispered to Torrar.
Torrar quickly scowled at Meda, in which she laughed at the little wizard. Maxinus finally woke up and walked towards the center point pub, seeing the three, especially Lucius.
“Oh it’s Maxinus! What were you thinking… the whole guild is at high alert, and the whole Vanadheim is at disarray! And here you are sleeping like a princess.” Meda jokingly said at Maxinus.
“Cut me some slack…I did my part of the mission, as a BAIT. While you spend the whole two weeks here rotting like an old mushy mushroom!” Maxinus replied.
“Oh? As if you were so mighty and elite that you have to brag about that! Young boy!” She smirked and pointed at Maxinus.
With their intense stare down, was stopped by a sudden question from their guest.
“Umm…I don’t want to offend anyone, but may ask what happened to your left arm?” Lucius asked, staring at the draconian features of Maxinus, a very rare and anomaly sight within Kindraire.
“No its okay…my name is Maxinus, a draconian hybrid. And as for my missing arm...let's just say that I got 'punished' for it. You are?.” He extended a hand.
“Lucius Vigo of Italy, former crusader captain.” He obliged. "Draconian?"
“Yeah, let’s just call you Lucius for now…” Maxinus smiled, and approached Torrar for an explanation of this guest.
“I know what you’re thinking ‘Who in the nine blazes is this guy?’ well…would you believe me if I tell you that he’s the newest Outlier?” Torrar cleared.
“What?! How are you even sure, and how is that even possible since it has been a millennia since!” He whispered.
“Madam Edna confirmed, even lady Nina felt it. I for one felt it and concluded! His arcane aura is through the roof, and a deep well of massive prowess, rivalling that of the current Outliers. You being both half a human and draconian. You are gifted with immense strength, dense physical traits, adaptability to compensate for your lack of arcane observation!” She whispered back.
“Whatever the case is, we must keep an eye on him. Whether he’s a new arrival on this world or not, there is a big chance of him working for Varagor!” He suggested, still eyeing Lucius.
She nodded on the possible outcome, but maintained a calm and optimistic mindset. That this man named Lucius might be different from the others.
…
At long last, both Edna and Conrad representing their guild “Exile.” A man named Delron des Armas, the vigilante leader of the “Blue Doves.” And finally a nun named Irma Zchnidth, one of the captains representing the Vanadheim rebel army. All three major groups and minor resistance groups, openly opposed the kingdoms rotten hierarchy, now united by one goal, the greatest coup in the history of all Kindraire!
“Are we to assume that this outside help from another nation is of trusted loyalty?” Irma asked.
“We will get to that point shortly…” Conrad replied, not glancing at her.
“And what do you propose we do? Share our plans for this country? Just so you know Conrad Darkweaver…we are of disadvantage remind you, if we let our guard down after we dispose of the vanadian royalty. What says that this so called ‘help’ will keep its promise of alliance, and not of secret betrayal?” Irma asked another question, concerning the future security of a nation without nobility.
Edna glanced at Conrad, to which she noticed Delron also glancing back at her. They both nod to each other. Followed by their followers, and suddenly Irma’s guards turned against her from all angles, with pointed weapons and magic.
“W-What’s the meaning of this?!” Irma in panic looked around on her own followers, pointing at her with wicked blades.
“Conrad formed an alliance, a truce perhaps…with ‘The 13 Serpents’ of Vrepia.” Delron simply revealed, not amused one bit of this awkward scene.
“WHAT?! YOU WOULD ALL SACRIFICE THE PEOPLE’S TRUST WITH THIS OUTRIGHT MONSTROSITY OF A DECISION! YOU’D LET THOSE DEMONS RULE OVER US, YOU FOOLS!!” Irma screamed as she quickly pulled an enchanted knife from her boot.
Standing up and waving the magical blade. Irma found herself trapped in the middle.
“BY THE FLOWING CADENCE OF TIME! PIERCE AND PULL THROUGH OUT OF THIS SPACE! REMOVE SUCH OBSTACLES IN WHICH WAY IS YET BOUND! INCANTATION NUMBER 51: SPACE DISPLA—“As she was about to finish a big spell, she didn’t realize that the same blade would poke out of her own body, her left lung collapsed from its magical properties.
What slowly appeared behind her is a hooded individual wearing all black. It appeared out of nowhere as if a part of thin air, slowly the right arm formed and revealed to be locking Irma’s neck in place, chocking her solid. And the left hand still on the bloody nun’s weapon, pushing it more slowly.
“W-who’re—“ Irma slowly uttered as she looked at the face of her attacker. With a mouth bursting both vile and blood, dropping on the hard dirt, death by asphyxiation.
Standing still like death incarnate within a flock of sheep. The assassin slowly pulled away the hood, revealing a pale woman whose hair is red, and her right eye missing or closed with a mark of deep scar running towards her lips.
“Is the plaza ready…Miss Susan Quietblade?” Conrad asked the Outlier.
“Anne Marionette is already on her position as we speak…Traitorous Conrad Darkweave.” She replied, holding the dead nun’s magical blade, claiming it now as her own.
After hearing what he said, Edna just gulped and sit slowly, joining the many. And finally Conrad revealed the big blueprint, containing many details about their massive rebellion, mentioning many details about the Outliers and Draconians, “The 13 Serpents.”