“Coup d'état”

The followers and guards of Irma Zchnidth, quickly pulled their former captains bloodied body out towards the open, after her planned assassination. They were paid to keep their mouths shut, and even promised by Conrad with many positions concerning the aftermath of this rebellion. However, just with Irma being a pawn in this game called “Politics.” It was only then they realized their foolishness until Susan Quietblade beheaded all of them. The other minor leaders laughed at the pathetic display of ignorance and betrayal. Especially from the Blue Doves and Its leader Delron des Armas. A vigilante group whose formerly close-tied with Irma and her regime. It was not a surprise for Delron, as to him Irma was just a grumpy old nun who’s only a thorn in their sides. She indeed managed the clumsy rebel army, yet still ignorant of how the world or Kindraire really works.

“Fine work as always, Susan. The king’s death would have been longer or delayed if it weren’t for your help…” Conrad smiled, eyeing the approaching assassin.

Now removing her black hooded cloak, her entire body equipped with many types of blades, locked in with straps of nylon, her body covered with stealthy attire from top to bottom, she looked out of place from this archaic world, yet her ways seemed fitting as a killer.

“Awkward to be honest, to have to kill the one leader you fought for and served. But of course! I have my own agenda to comply, and your goal will make that happen…” She smirked, pointing a dangerously colored dagger at him.

“So what of the current situation back there at the plaza? Are both fools already exhausted from all their fighting? Especially Jerome, the stubborn fool hasn’t yet showed his Elysium! It is a crucial signal to wear him even more.” Edna intruded to which made Susan scowl at her, while Conrad glanced at their heated staredown.

“Conrad here knows, and it’s only a matter of time till Jerome releases his ultimate out of his desperation! That is…if your plans worked later on. An Outlier will always know best of another Outlier!” Susan replied staring at her as if to mock, smiling as she poured a cup of coffee for herself.”

The tent was all too quiet after the altercation between Irma and Susan. Conrad bid the other leaders, especially the minor ones except for Delron to leave and prepare their departure, their whole appearance and play will be finally shown at the plaza! Irma Zchnidth, to think that her death was planned way ahead and her not even doubting her trust. Sadly, playing her part was comical and ironic to the four wicked individuals inside that tent. Delron himself was the one to suggest her death, he knew that the ignorant nun has no part to play but become a burden on their plan of a coup! A dead weight only waiting to be removed! But, each and every one of them knew that it’s only a matter of time before someone reveal their own agenda, knowing full well that they have their own biases concerning the outcome of this coup and rebellion. And surprisingly enough, the two dwarves and Nina did showed up, to which they quickly saw the dead body from outside being burned. They quickly forced their way through the tent, only to be blocked by two guards from the inside. Conrad prompting them to have rights of entrance.

“CONRAD! YOU WILL STOOP SO LOW AS TO KILL HER, A COMRADE IN ARMS?! WHO ONLY WANTS THE GOOD FOR VANADHEIM AND JUSTICE FOR ITS OPPRESSED PEOPLE?!” Nina slammed at the table.

While both Banduck and Welit grunted and scowled at them with pure annoyance and hatred. The three companions expected for both Edna and Conrad of their approval, considering that the dwarf brother’s and Nina were certified officers who’s the main voice of their guild, Exile. And that disapproval was the alliance with Draconians and worse an unbelievable assassination within a meeting! Forming such connections with beastly creatures will not only doom Vanadheim or any other kingdom, but of Kindraire as a whole!

“FOOLS! WHO GAVE YOU THREE THE RIGHT TO BARGE IN—“ Edna shouted back.

Susan at the meantime still sipping with her coffee, not wanting to partake in bickering. After all, she observe before making a move, ay any assassin should.

“YER THE FOOL, SELFISH WENCH! AS YER FELLOW GUILDMATES…EVERYONE THERE HAS A RIGHT OF SAY! HAVE YER BEEN BLINDED SO OF CHARMING WORDS COMING OUT FROM A DRACONIAN?!” Welit replied, eyeing the mystic and especially Conrad.

“Me brother is right! Have yer forgotten that we dwarves and me girl Nina experienced that ourselves! Allying and trusting serpentine words will not—“ Banduck tried to say.

“Then what?! Do you want the people to suffer more by the hands of this cruel hierarchy? Or do you want change?” Conrad slammed also.

“Oh?! And if your plans are successful, the people now will suffer within the clutches of draconians! A brutal king may die, but another will replace! This rebellion was planned to break such cycle! Have you already forgotten, Conrad? To order a hit against a nun…are you still YOU?” Nina followed, supporting the two brothers.

“Tssk! I will not have you anymore. Susan, take them out! I will not let anyone trample and throw away all our efforts for naught! I do remember! But to be successful is to also sacrifice something whole!” Conrad ordered, which she quickly complied.

She pulled a magical cord of strings and ordered two wizards to accompany her of taking out the two dwarves and Nina.

“I am utterly disappointed…Conrad and Edna! You are better than that!” Nina finally shouted, being pushed out from the tent. “You of all people here in Vanadheim…do you actually think that THEY will spare your lives…” her voice trailing away as the assassin locked their hands and took them inside a portable iron jail.

“Hmf! The dwarf brothers and Nina…to have the guts to disagree with our plans, they will be a small yet frustrating hindrance.” Edna claimed.

“Hah! I could’ve killed them this morning, I saw them riding their merchant’s carriage earlier at the town’s road!” Susan revealed.

“And I will not have them be a problem for my vigilantes either!” Delron followed, now eyeing Conrad. “Not when the curtains of battle is about to end.”

“Not small nor big, but their presence will push our progress! They will be a catalyst for the ‘newcomer’ to reveal his potential, we might as well enjoy the whole ordeal!” Conrad smirked, anticipating the faces of the three pupils, especially of Lucius, who is another key player in this pathetic war of politics and death.

“Lucius Vigo of Italy huh…were going to find out sooner if he will side with us, or will he become a threat on this new built nation.” Susan said, finishing a sip.

“To think that you are this confident from your so called ‘help.’ I am not one to back down, and certainly not to assume. But what those fools suggesting might ring a bell of truth! It is already easy for us to defeat the king and his lineage of corrupt royalty, and now that even his so called Outlier’s are even working with us! It is no doubt that we don’t need the help from such serpents!” Edna started.

Conrad slowly stood up while his head down low.

“I ask you, great mystic Edna Laurel. Have you ever read about a mystical book called the Passage of Realities?” he now looks at her. “It is said within those pages that such prophesy of a great battle. A war between men and beast, darkness versus light, a battle centered on the fates of this world! In which says ‘The forces of good and evil will finally end it all in one great battle. A battle that will determine the fate of two worlds. Deus the Almighty, ordered the first world to be separated from one another. The first half being based in reality, yet ignorant of Magic. And the other stuck in the past, yet abundant with Magic. Once the separated shall become one, and the world will know its proper truth and origin!’ The passage talks about two forces, that the good being ‘Outliers’ and its evil being ‘Draconians.’ Both forces must collide for the whole truth to show! Both Kindraire and Earthren, the two halves shall once again become one! And upon becoming one world, it is a reality with NO MAGIC!” Conrad revealed as he watched Edna slowly standing up to squint at his words.

“ha—HAHAHAHA! You expect me to believe any of your words? You are but a child when it comes before my knowledge as a Mystic! The Passage of Realities is yet to be uncovered! A book with no physical evidence does not constitute proper order and truth! Especially coming from a spoiled Outlier like you!” She daringly pointed. “Who do you think you’re fooling here, child?” She laughed endlessly from the foolishness of their conversation.

“You might be thinking of how I got such information, or gotten to such ridiculous conclusions without proper knowledge like yours. However, I am indeed an Outlier, an individual who previously lived and died at Earthren. Is it not weird that for some reason that the likes of my kin died, yet opened their eyes here in Kindraire, as if being resurrected for some imminent reason?” It’s now his turn to laugh. “A calling from within us so called ‘Vessels of Deus.’ We inherit his will, and from him we are grunted such unique powers that even topples over Arcana!”

“Ridiculous! Fool and ignorant! I know all of this even before you gotten yourself on this world! I was already a renowned mystic of arcana in the young days of Odovacar Faux. Do not imply that I am the wrong here!” Edna fumed.

“Yet the truth it is.” He smirked. “Deus as we know it from the mythology of Kindraire. Was originally a ‘deity’ or god said to have divided reality into two separate worlds. Coincidentally, he is also worshipped and known at Earthren, bearing a different name called ‘Almighty.’ But none of that isn’t important, but what comes after the merging of Earthren and Kindraire. A one true world, running both ends of time. Death and Life! With no concept of magic. A world so hollow and without purpose! And the reason for this separation is to prevent ‘Demonic Entities’ to fully conquer the one true world. And so ‘He separated reality itself, to give humanity a chance to fight back, dead warriors of renown shall be once again fight in another war, at another world,’ and that is the great hint from those passage. We wake up bearing that knowledge ingrained in us Outliers!”

“So you think your kin, the Outliers is the prophesized savior of this world? Dead warriors plucked by Deus from Earthren to go save reality itself.” She squinted hard with one eye.

“Yes, and by ‘Demonic Entities.’ They are pretty much tied with ‘Dragons’ or serpentine creatures from the abyss. The Draconians is our archenemies! They are the darkness to our light, the death to our life, and the one destined to conquer! We called a truce for them to not make any moves, promising in ours also! We must prevent the re-emerging of both worlds, for magic is supreme!”

“Your ilk, Outliers, who uses ‘Deus Machination’ instead of regular Arcana. The gift to be able in manifesting divine magic of some ‘archangel’ or minor deity…HAHAHA! What folly you lot! Trembling from a false prophesy! Whether both Outliers and Draconians end up killing one another. I could not give a damn! For neither will affect reality, as reality is already one and truth! We feel, hear, and see! To think that I am helping a grumbling mad man, and a group of ignorant fools such as the Outliers. Believing a nonsensical story! What gain will you have?” Edna asked curiously, hiding her building frustration.

“What we’ll gain is of no concern with Kindraire and its common people! If both worlds collide and become one, that reality will not have any magic, and our powers will all cease to exist!” Susan intervened in their serious conversation, only adding fuel to the already raging fire of debate.

“Tssk! You think that just because you came from Earthren, that being an anomaly here in Kindraire makes your kin that special? It’s okay for the likes of us COMMON people to just obey your plans? Pathetic! I’ve had enough of this discussion, I’m leaving you two…despicable!” In a fit of rage, mocked by the two Outliers.

“This meeting is now officially adjourned, Lady Edna Laurel. If you can’t even lend me your ear before giving in to your anger and intelligence then we might as well prepare ourselves before the plaza.” Conrad ignored as he walked and passed behind her.

“Tssk! Arrogant and ignorant child…” She stormed out from the tent.

The chilly morning light hiding the many events that happened.

“HAHAHAH! Now that’s a reaction to be expected.” Susan laughed as she peaked outside to see Edna walking towards a portal, a passage through their headquarters.

“Do you think Susan…that she’ll become another problem?” Conrad suddenly asked, while packing his equipment’s, ordering a guard to go outside and relay his message on the still waiting captains and troops.

“Depends…if she still wants her ambition more than ours.”

“Whatever the case, I want you to keep an eye on her closely. Anne is probably pissed off all day waiting on our arrival at the center plaza! The time has finally come to reveal our might towards vanadian scum!” He announced, in which she nodded with a smirk.

“And the time for our serpentine friends to appear…” Susan said as she smirked at Delron. He gave a disgusted look of disapproval

They both went out at the same time, facing both major and minor rebel factions, all knowing that the disapproving Irma Zchnidth has been taken care off. They went in many lines of confident march towards the now ravaged plaza.

…

Edna Laurel came out from the earlier portal. Now greeted by wizards and a fellow captain named Roidan Still’edge, an officer in charge of the security of their guild. The three friends talking to Lucius was cut off by the sudden presence approach of the Mystic. Her focus solely on Lucius. To which Lucius quickly followed her gaze. Was quite sure that her voice was seemed familiar from when he was by the care of Nina that night. They were talking about something…something about an opposition against a “rebellion.”

“Greetings milady…” Lucius awkwardly bowed.

“Good day to you…Outlier.” She replied, contemplating if she can use the ignorant fellow against the two arrogant Outliers. Both Conrad and Susan who made her day miserable. Trapping her with her own ignorance of their origins.

“If I tell him now of the incoming fate of his newfound friends. The friends who saved his very life, the ones who fed and sheltered him that night…Lucius Vigo, you have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into! The three will not return today nor tomorrow! Their fates have been met with treason against this stupid guild…No! With those so called Outliers! Arrogant, ignorant and manipulative leaders!”

Torrar eyed her with suspicion and disapproval of her appearance. Maxinus playing the mind games simply nodded towards their mystic, and with Meda showing a fake smile, reading the whole room. They all knew what was up, except for Lucius…

“Lady Edna…good morning. Mind we ask of the status of Lady Nina and the dwarf brothers?” She asked, but was ignored as Edna directly faces Lucius instead with an approach.

“Lucius Vigo of Italy was it?” caressing her chin. “Listen here boy…Nina and both the dwarf brothers are met with an urgent matter. Treason! They are caged, and for some reasons unknown our so called leader won’t admit anything that set him off.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“What?!” Meda the first one to question.

He squinted from her claims. Because he got word that the three will arrive safely next morning, a mention of an important meeting that they needed to attend. Yet it seemed that the three got themselves in trouble.

“I don’t want to talk as if I’m a part of their personal matters or even accepted by this guild, however…Is it possible to talk with your leader regarding their alleged treason? Maybe we can talk things out.” Lucius said with a serious and confident face.

“Yes it is possible. I, Edna Laurel, the Deep Mystic of Exile will grant you permission with Conrad Darkweave our founder, in one condition…Accompany us with our mission promi—“

Torrar scowled from her teacher’s offer, and went in front of Lucius as if to protect him from further nonsense.

“Lady Edna…we have no right to force him into our own troubles! Both Welit and Banduck only wanted for Lucius to get a feel for this world by making contact with our guild. Not in a massive crossfire!” Torrar said.

“Huh? A crossfire…” He wondered.

“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” Edna scowled back. “Instead of bickering here, how about all of you prepare for battle…tell him the truth about our conquest, about our true identities and the mess ongoing in this kingdom! We have been deceived by Conrad Darkweave! The fool has gone mad! Even as forming an alliance with DRACONIANS!” She finally revealed, heard by the many minor officers, the companions and especially Roidan who’s also been ignorant.

“IMPOSSIBLE! SO THAT WAS THE OUTSIDE HELP HE WAS MENTIONI—“ Roidan blurted but was quickly cut off.

“Believe me or not, I don’t give a damn if the likes of you get caught in another foolish crossfire! I’ll save my own…and as for you Torrar! If you, ‘Companions of Exile’ really have the guts to change this rotten kingdom. Then heed my words and take action! Its either we defeat Conrad and his Outliers with the help of both Jerome and Garlandth, if they are still alive that is!”

She starts to walk off, glancing back at Lucius as if a dare or plead of an expression.

“And as for you, Lucius…you’ve awoken to this terrible world of both wonders, magic and many troubles up ahead! What’ll of the decision of you, is not of our business. However, I suggest you pick a path most suitable from a former knight! Move, choose and act, or we’ll die here like dogs!” She warned, storming away to gather her valuable and most important things.

He then suddenly stepped forward.

“My choosing? Decision? Obviously…it is the friends, No! Family that I have met and took care of me. The allies of those who cared, shall also be cared by me…I promise that with honor, Lady Edna of Exile.” He simply smiled.

They were all mesmerized by his reply and confidence from that daring question from their mystic. To think that this newcomer, can exceed their expectation by simply demanding a meetup with their leader, and even making conversation with their grumpy Mystic, as if they knew each other was amazing from the three friends.

“Damn that fool! I had a hunch that he was up to something wicked…and what’s worse is even if we confronted him earlier or force him to open up, he’ll only defeat us considering that he’s a former Outlier!” Maxinus greeted his teeth, stomping a foot in frustration.

“Tssk! Getting help from outside kingdoms I understand, but having both Draconians and Outliers…is a different kind of threat! We don’t even have a fifty percent chance of winning this.” Meda looked away.

“This is my fault…I could’ve cancelled all operations, and even form a secret counter force against the now powerful rebels. If only I knew what his TRUE motives were.” Roidan said, solemn voice.

“Even if we knew in advance, we didn’t have a choice but to comply! I admit, we were all careless and eagerly took part without proper question! He is backed by the majority of the rebel supporters, we had no chance in the first place but to do our part...” Torrar looked down, her eyes forming yet another tear.

“I will fight.” Lucius spook once again.

“Huh! What can you even do? I understand with saving Lady Nina and the brother’s but talking with Conrad is out of the question! We were sent early here because of his suggestion. Being an Outlier will not get you anywhere if you haven’t even have a proper grasp of your powers from within…” she looked up to meet his gaze.

“But if we just stand here blaming ourselves, contemplating such decisions…then we will go nowhere indeed. We might as well die trying! At least we tried and did our best to show resistance. I am not talking as a warrior, and I don’t want anyone to be a hero, but…with your kingdom threatened by foreign enemies, one thing is certain. Its people! Whether slave or royalty, whether rich or poor, everyone’s lives are at stake! Think about the women, children, elderly and the weak. If this guild is that great to stand tall through the years it been founded. Does it even have the standard to save the next person in need, does your guild offer nothing other than this lifestyle?” He quickly presented the drunkards, the gamblers and many of hedonistic in origin. “I have no right to judge for I’m not a member, nor should I say this mean words as if I were there when your folks are being hunted by vanadian officials. However, to uphold and have dignity in saving lives, even we considered them not of our own…isn’t that great?” Lucius asked. A daring question that caught the ears of many. With some amazed by his speech and other’s annoyed by his judgement, considering that he’s only a guest.

“Who do you think you are?” Meda suddenly questioned him with annoyance. “Our guild does not serve the public! We are called ‘Exiles’ not because we are unique or different from those vanadian folks! We did not separate ourselves willingly, they the ones who pushed us first! The folks you see here are former knights, servants, guards and maidens who once served Vanadheim and its king! We did not want this lifestyle, and I dare you to compare for there’s isn’t any better choice! You want us to play hero and get ourselves killed?” Meda asked Lucius with a growl and narrow stare.

“But he is right.” Now Maxinus is the one to join in. “We can hide all we want for many decades but…is that truly our purpose? To hit and run against those who exiled us? If you thin k about it, this guild, is running only of spite. And what saddens me, is that we could have TRULY made a difference, instead, we stoop as letting Conrad the leader by making malicious move. I can only hope that his suggestion is still applicable…” Maxinus glanced at Lucius.

“Damn you’re not listening! Our guild was established because of the status quo! We are exiled for our pasts! Many individuals here have their own dark story to tell, especially harboring hatred for such stupid hierarchy! How dare you suggest we play hero and help those royal buffoons?” She scowled at him with an index finger.

“It has been so long indeed, Meda…” Torrar said. “I, also is tired of all this charade of rebellion and making a difference. It seemed as if we truly wasted our efforts for such unnecessary action, in turn that led to this destruction. We, all of us are to blame! I for one hid within the shadows of this loyal vanadian wizard, manipulating and leaking information from Jerome, my former captain commander. No one is to blame but ourselves! If we can only put moral conscience above our own agenda, then this could have not happen. Let us not act pure and innocent by opposing those who do not agree with the plead of poor. Both Lucius and Maxinus are correct with their logic I say! Let us unite once more and take another chance against Conrad…” Torrar simply smiled at her, hiding her own mistakes.

“Tssk! Okay, okay damn it all! And how would this fella here can possibly contribute?” She slightly elbowed Lucius. “Heck! He doesn’t not know anything, and worse he probably denies it even!” She quickly laughed at him.

“Well…It is true that I had a hard time grasping the moment, especially the idea of ‘Magic.’ But something has to be done, let’s do this!”

“There are two ways for Lucius to unlock his powers. First being discovering it by himself through decades of arcane training. However, it is obvious that option is out of the question. Now the other…is by penetrating his arcane core with a ‘Forbidden Incantation,’ a spell within the number of 100s.” She revealed.

“So what does exactly this ‘Forbidden Incantation’ will do upon contact with his arcane core! Can you do a spell in the 100s, my friend?” Maxinus asked with concern.

“Sadly…at my current level, I can only manage through the 90s. We need a more potent arcana for us to introduce this world’s magic to his ‘Divine Machination.”

“Divine Machination?” Lucius scratched his head.

“Lucius! Come with me please…I know someone who can help you in unlocking your powers!” Torrar announced.

He nodded with a smile, the four companions leave Roidan. In which the captain informed all the guild member’s about the dreaded situation the kingdom has fallen to, an incoming enemy far wicked than the people themselves. Worst against their founder’s selfish agenda.

They approached a large triangular tent, colored in a royal dark violet and designed with many gold runic patterns. The personal space of Madam Edna Laurel. The place said to be where she performs her many mystical powers, to grant those who want to know their potential, and even help them grasp it!

“I have been waiting.” She eyed the companions while gathering her personal belongings. Prompting them to sit on the large animal skin. “I don’t have much time to talk, but I know why the four of you came to seek my power.” Edna glanced back at the four.

“Is it true Lady Edna, that you have a magic to unlock my powers?” Lucius asked, as they all sat in a semi circle, surrounding the mystic.

“I wouldn’t say ‘unlock,’ but more like to awaken…that is if you are willing.”

“I don’t get it…so does that mean all the Outlier’s of Kindraire has or have went in a similar process?” Maxinus asked.

“Throughout the history of out worldly individuals. Once an Outlier wakes up on Kindraire, he or she already possess such potential…it only depends how and when that individual will make a move, grasping those power from within. However, what I’m about to do is not to unlock his powers, but to somehow awaken it! Merely a guidance, which he still must seek for himself to grow!” She closed her eyes and put both her palms on top of Lucius forehead. “In the end, whether his arcana awakens is up to his will.”

A blue light emits from her hand, to which its particles slowly gathered towards Lucius. It slowly turned gold until it was no more than the glowing aura of the host.

“GATHERING STORMS OF POTENTIAL! HEED MY CALL LIKE THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE! LET KINDRAIRE GATHER A SPECK OF MAGIC, TO AWAKEN THIS BEING! A CALL FOR GUIDANCE! INCANTATION NUMBER 100: ARCANA MAGIA POTENZIAL!” She called and ordered.

From Lucius and his weirdly lighted outlines. The aura started to flicker and brighten, as dark violet rays of energy combines with his now white lines of aura. It went for a whole minute until it slowly died down, ending the full incantation. He opened his eyes, now finally feeling his own magic! “What is this feeling…energy, coursing through my veins! I feel it like strings from within, I can control it like a tangible thing!”

He stood up to look at his body still, controlling and able to show his white aura.

“The fool finally did it!” Meda smirked.

“I hope with this…we at least have a chance of evacuating the civilians. Roidan will accompany the still loyal exiles onto our side. While our job is to rescue Nina and the dwarf brothers from the plaza.” Maxinus hoped as he stare at Lucius and his determined look.

“What do you feel now, Lucius?” Torrar asked

“I feel no different than earlier, when you casted off my throbbing pain, Torrar.” He smiled warmly. “But for some reason…I’m full of resolve, as if I can really save them, No! I will save them!”

The three companions smiled, hoping that he can keep promises. And that they did the right thing in trusting Lucius, their only hope in saving Banduck, Welit and Nina from the clutches of danger.

“We have no more time! Let us get out, re-group with the others and confront Conrad!” Edna announced.

They all went out, facing the nearly four hundred strong forces of what remained under Roidan’s command. All agreed to help and oppose their founder. “Conrad Darkweave will pay for his foolishness! A treason so great that allying himself with draconians shall label him as Kindraire’s enemy! A treason so demented that makes him the betrayer of all humanity!” Roidan shouted at the gathered army, led by leaders comprising each squadron. A mix of fear, anger, excitement and disappointment from the news. The members ranging from ex-knights, warrior classes, thieves, assassins and wizards who formerly served the academy, agreed in unison for they felt ignorant, fooled, left-out and manipulated by the very founder they trusted.

“All hands, spears, swords, staffs and arrows! All are ready to rescue! All hands are ready to confront the traitorous captain commander!” They all shouted in unison, shaking the entire underground complex.

…

It took them the whole night just to hold and fend off the invading army. With no rest nor sleep, they somehow managed with the help of both accompanying captains. Captain Jerome, led their offensive while using his first arcane release called “Taxiarchis.” Upon releasing, his claymore transformed into a hellish Flamberge. To which its wavy blade blasted through sheer numbers within melee range. Captain Garlandth however, released his ultimate, Elysium earlier before their defense. Titled as “Gabriel’s Horn,” his ultimate parted the clouds, brightening the dim night, and finally blasted the ears of countless foes who’s foolish enough to listen from the thundering booms of his dreaded trumpets. It was almost a win from their side, with vanadian defenders losing two-fourth of what still remained at their side. With the difference now being that the enemy piled even more the already bloody stone floor. However, even with the support of the formidable duo. They struggled still as more the invading army poured like rats from their kingdom’s sewers. Eventually their suspicions of the jail being freed by the rebels has been confirmed!

They kept pouring, coming out from the rubles of the already broken city.

“Hah…hah! It’s no use darn it!” Garlandth huffed. “Even my strongest attack couldn’t obliterate this pouring numbers…it’s as if we are destined to die!”

“Tssk! something isn’t right here Garlandth…the other Outliers, the royal defenders and the main vanadian army! THEY should have been here earlier with help, but they are still nowhere to be seen!” Jerome gasped from exhaustion.

With his first arcane release. He was dodging, running, cleaving and killing all night without stop until the dead bodies formed a natural red wall. A hundred may die, but another hundred will appear and replace the invading rebels. All night till morning they cling to the hope that ‘help’ will arrive with the army. However, morning indeed came only for the sun to rose up and highlight their grotesque surroundings. To their immediate surprise, Anne Marrionette the 3rd Outlier came with a familiar army. The walking dead bodies of the vanadian army! Her arcane magic specializing in ‘Puppetry!’ controlled by magical strings of arcane veins, running across their bloodied bodies. Their eyes glow red, now joining the many ranks of the invading army, the enemy!

“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS MARIA!?” Jerome angrily shouted towards her, his expression telling both terror and confusion.

“What in the blazes…why would they join with them--” Garlandth wondered, with both eyes and mouth wide open to see his supposed ally joining the ranks of their enemies.

Suddenly a quick booming sound came from a nearby tower. Both vanadian wizards and knights were terrified upon looking to the direction the attack went to. Garlandth, his head split open by a magical bullet! His headless body slowly dropped on the hard stone stairs as if a lifeless form.

“CAPTAIN GARLANDTH! BASTARDS! WHERE ARE TH—“ a wizard shouted, only for him to come next.

“What…” Jerome muttered, glancing back at the commotion.

Slumping on the ground, his grip on his flamberge loosened from sudden grievance. “WHO DID THIS?”

Anne Marrionette stepped forward to greet the captain as if it were a normal moment for him. Her expression only shows emptiness towards the carnage.

“Morning…Captain Jerome. Look, I’ll be blunt and short. Even if—“ Maria dodged a quick blade thrust from Jerome, his every step accompanied by flames bursting from every swing.

She quickly ordered the controlled corpses to attack, surrounding him in all directions. Overall, the invading army now merged with Anne Marrionette and her undead puppets. A thousand strong surrounding the helpless group. The remaining vanadian knights and wizards whose loyalty are still with Garlandth tried to help the bloodied gasping Jerome, an act of revenge for their fallen captain. But he simply waved them away with urgency in his voice.

“STAY BACK! RUN AND GATHER YOUR LOVED ONE’S! ESCAPE THIS HELL HOLE BEFORE ALL IS TOO LATE!!” he shouted.

The loyal forces tried so hard not to leave, in fear of being labeled as cowards. But seeing Captain Jerome with his stern look made them not disobey his order.

“ELYSIUM!” He screamed with venom while staring at his traitorous fellow.

The burning flamberge raged even more. Its red flames became blueish in color, same goes of the emitting aura of Jerome. And from his back formed wings that is also blue flames. With an armor so translucent with flowing white energies. Yet proved tangible from the many attacks by the surrounding enemies. But it was nothing from Jerome’s sheer hatred towards the rebels, especially towards the traitorous Outlier that is Anne Marrionette.

“MICHAEL’S WRATH!” He simply uttered. His head now covered with blueish flame of a helmet

“It seems that hatred finally woke the fires from within you…is it, captain?” she mocked with a smirk.

“ELYSIUM!” It’s now her turn to released her second state.

The burning surroundings of the plaza instantly died down. A round dome of tangible red strings of arcane flow formed around them, trapping the whole region, especially Jerome Bucklesweat inside within!

“PUPILLA OF TORMENT!” she said, after the giant dome completed its entrapment.

Jerome in his Elysium form tried to attack its translucent walls of energy. But it was nothing as many strings tried to skewer and poke as he dodged the things.

“My Elysium, and its strings of torment allows me to control anything that it makes contact to whether it’s alive or not!” She said as another one poke near his neck.

The many numbers of tentacle like energies tried so hard to our maneuver Jerome, and even as trapping him again from within. But it was nothing from just the one swipe of his raging flamberge. The strings melted like butter from just his short vicinity, and from his slashing attacks that teared numbers, burning the flowing wall! The many burning attacks clearly hurt its host, as Anne Marionette now heaves her breath while controlling the dome.

She dodged and ducked, avoiding the fiery fires of Jerome. Thanks to her status as a 3rd Outlier of Vanadheim, it seemed fair to survive against his Elysium. But to compare the two, was like comparing earth to heaven! It was only a matter of time before she gets in trouble as the flames slowly but surely coming strong. It was almost a direct hit from the raging flamberge of Jerome, only to be intercepted by a shadowy blade of Conrad Darkweave! Two Outlier’s against one, inside the slowly but surely collapsing dome of energy.

From the back of the invading army, a big portal formed, which step out Susan Quietblade, Delron des Armas a major rebel leader. And finally Demerron Xalxis the 5th Outlier. With the only one missing Outlier being Ryuzen Ironfist the 4th. The traitorous Ryuzen was said to flee from Zweigorath, the western continent of Kindraire. And now supposedly on his way towards his homeland to the east, Ayaxias. They all surround collapsing dome. The unknown hooded guests finally arrived, joining the enemy group looking at the shading barriers. Another hooded figure arrived jumping from a nearby tower to flank the other two.

“Enough! Let me handle my old rival, Anne Marionnette! We have an unfinished battle we promised long ago!” Conrad suddenly said, pointing at her.

“How?! It was only us from within…the shadows!” She wondered glancing at the abnormally placed shadow on the ground.

The dome was lit by the energies, and to think that he managed to pull one off in spite of the strong light!

From that moment, Conrad was engulfed by his own shadowy aura that gripped his whole body from head to toe. Protruding on his head are a set of black horns, and from his arms replaced by monstrous skin of dark scale of spikes. With his feet showing the same. While his eyes ooze a hint of violet aura flickering.

“YOU DARE CHALLENGE ME, A VESSEL OF ARCHANGEL MICHAEL?!” Jerome pushed through the dying tentacles of energy.

They both clashed, angry flames against the calm shadows of Conrad. He was once the 3rd Outlier of Vanadheim, bearing the moniker “Shadow of Samael.” However, through the years of his own service for king Odovacar Faux. He concluded that their king is hiding an important knowledge, an event that might change the fate of Kindraire. The hidden truth of their origin, of why they got here in the first place. And the appearance of Draconians bearing a semblance of Demons, enemies of Deus!

“You may have kicked me out from the elites…but you will not beat me again, Jerome Bucklesweat!” he dodged a flaming slash from Jerome’s flamberge.

“AND YOU SHALL BEAR THE FRUITS OF ALL THE TRANSGRESSIONS OF REBELLION!” Jerome called forth his sword, piercing a forward trust as a beam of searing flames shoot out to reach his opponent.

Just before it landed, Conrad was already behind him, thanks to his “Shadow Step.” A faster concept of “Dash Step” that he personally invented for himself as he exploited his shadowy elements. From all throughout. It was all calculated, one misstep or attack might cause the other to trip in his own death. Both using their machination to its fullest capacity and potential. It was no doubt that Jerome had the upper hand of battle. For their numbers of being an Outlier did not matter on their true prowess. Garlandth Fonthurman was indeed listed as the 1st, while Jerome Bucklesweat is the 2nd. It didn’t matter as Jerome was the oldest of the current six Outliers. He had the maturity, experience, a blessing from Deus that made him bear his highest grade of machination, to be able to bear the power “Archangel Michael the wrath of God.” It is said in the mythology of Kindraire that if Gabriel was the messenger, Michael was the sword of Deus, his protector and supreme general. It was witnessed before that when Conrad Darkweave left the vanadian elites. That his power was quite similar of Jerome’s, that being “Samael the Morningstar.” A pretty ironic machination that shows the opposite of his gift, the concept of shadows!

The two archenemies went for nearly five minutes of exchanging blows and magic. Surprisingly enough, Jerome is now the struggling fighter, even in a heap of anger for his friend’s death.

“Hellish Entrapment!” Jerome shouted.

What followed was a compact cage made of raging flames, spewing from the ground, encircling Conrad. But it was only his clone made of shadow! The real one appeared from behind, stabbing Jerome on his back. They went again for a minute, though it was no use, as Jerome’s Elysium and hatred cannot hold the unrelenting attacks of Conrad!

“Shadow Prison Grip!” Conrad shouted as yet again entered in a shadow step, dodging many spears of fire.

The lingering shadows from the environment brought forth many dark arms that clawed and held Jerome in place. Jerome now spread from hands and feet, slumping his chest forward, obviously tired from the many battle’s he has gone through, his hatred and goal of vengeance was not enough. His angelic form slowly undoes with his flames calmly grew smaller by the second. Conrad walked towards him, with a confident smirk as he in turn slowly formed a solid shadow of a sword. It was too late and pathetic for Jerome, as he only accepted his dreaded fate. His kingdom in burning shambles, now controlled by the former Outliers, his former brethren! All the rebels took the plaza and claim it as the first sign of their victorious rebellion. Finally, Anne Marionette slowly undoes her Elysium dome, revealing the grim scene as Conrad’s shadow sword plunged deep inside the chest of Jerome.

“It was a good battle…Jerome Bucklesweat. Yet still, you fought on the wrong side!” the shadow sword straight to Jerome’s heart.

“Yes indeed, vessel of shadows…to think that you’d defeat me only in your first release…” Jerome smiled, dark blood spewing from his lips as his grip on the sword limps slowly towards the ground.

It was finally over. The strongest Outlier of Vanadheim, the strongest vessel of Deus has finally succumbed to his death. Yet for just a mere moment. Jerome saw the headless body of Garlandth, his only one true friend.

“Curse you Conrad…my death will do nothing, and you shall reap what you’ve always wanted. But, with my death…I believe a spark may start.”