EPISODE 123: ‘VICTORIOUS’ RETURN

— Edryan Queendom, Year: 7291. Season: Color Fading.

Alexandria Indrian marched in formation with the rest of the Imperius Army. She held her head up high as the capital’s wall appeared before them. The roads were clear and aligned with flower petals of all types. Surrounded on all sides was a carriage the army guarded jealously—within was a minor teleportation formation. A helmet hid her face, protecting her expression from being seen by the masses.

The army entered the first walls of Edrya to resounding cheers. Large runic platforms sat upon the ground, which the army quickly marched upon. Seconds later, these platforms rose, levitating, as they began to float forward. The few thousand men and women of the Imperius Army stayed in formation, but the past month hadn’t been easy on them. Not on Alexandria, not on Ameri, who marched with her shock troops in the back.

The platforms moved swiftly, although the first wall held many people, some new to Edrya as they moved for new opportunities, the main show wouldn’t start until they entered the third wall.

Alexandria's figure radiated confidence, and the polished equipment on her person made the short woman appear like an armored black knight. Behind her on her left and right were her two lieutenants, who appeared much like her. From there, at the head of each squad was their commander and adjacent.

Eyes shined as the public watched the Imperius Army pass them. Just three days ago, they welcomed back the Imperius Academy students who managed to finish their tasks and return to school before the year’s end. Children ran as fast as they could as the floating platforms passed them, stars in their eyes while following the moving platform. Alexandria turned her head to gaze at the crowd, it brought a small smile to her face at the sight of their free and excited expressions. A chuckle even formed as she watched two kids in wooden armor battling one another with sticks. Their outfits were carved as small imitations of the Imperius Army’s standard wear. Her thoughts were anything but pleasant.

‘We’re no victors…,’ she thought. ‘We’re no victors.’

Alexandria felt like doing nearly anything other than a celebration. On their agenda was a march through a set path in the city. From there, it was expected for the prince to give a small speech to celebrate his quelling of the ‘trouble’ in Starglow Valley before they were addressed by the Queen. That… was what Alexandria feared, and it was shared by Ameri, although the older woman kept her composure far better. Regardless, Alexandria was able to notice the tension in Ameri’s body the closer they arrived to Edrya.

It was only as they were arriving at the third gate that the measures for the prince’s double were to be activated. So Alexandria found herself surprised as she felt the presence of spatial fluctuations earlier than expected within the carriage.

She partially turned in shock when she felt a powerful, familiar aura sweep out. It wasn’t just her, but the entire Imperius Army who trembled.

You have come under the buff of {Resolve} and {Unity}.

You have entered the aura of the [Chosen of Madris], all attributes are increased by 30%.

This time, she fully turned toward the carriage behind her. Alexandria’s eyes were wide as it wasn’t just her but the entire army who turned toward the carriage. The onlooking crowd gazed on curiously as the army turned. As they did so, the door of the carriage opened.

Alexandria acted quickly, and transmitted a message to the entire army.

“Imperius Army…! Kneel for your Prince!”

A single unified crunch was heard as armored knees hit the platform at once and every helmet worn was removed. The crowd, not in the range of the aura, but understanding from the context clues, turned feral.

It was not expected for the [Chosen of Madris] to show himself by the first wall, and now that he had, the commoners present were naturally ecstatic. The door fully opened and mist drafted to the ground as a fancied boot stepped out. It was quickly followed by a second and an impressively dressed, highly decorated figure emerged.

Alexandria’s strawberry-blonde hair waved in the wind as her eyes of a similar coloration shined. There was only one thing on her mind as she gazed in part wonder, part incredulousness at the young man who emerged.

‘How?’

“Rise, my army… for it is you who we celebrate.”

The voice of the prince was transmitted into the ears of all three thousand members of the Imperius Army. They rose as one, as they felt a force pull them to their feet.

Lawruthian walked down slowly, his eyes bright as he gazed at the youthful faces of his army. Many of the soldiers gazed at him in wonder, but as he walked toward the front, Lawruthian stopped to shake the hands of his soldiers—giving each a word or two of encouragement.

“You’ve done well, and the Imperius Army will go far with you fighting in it.”

“You are strong, and in time will become stronger. Follow me and I will lead you to glory!”

“Today is not a celebration for me, but for you! Hold your head high, your citizens are cheering not for me, but for you. ”

This and many similar things of this nature were said to his soldiers as he made his way to the front. Once he arrived, he was greeted by Alexandria in a standard Edryan salute. It was similar to the symbol of the Goddess, except only one fist was placed over the right breast in a salute.

He paused before her, returning the salute and dismissing hers. Then, surprisingly, Lawruthian reached forward and embraced Alexandria in a tight hug.

“It must not have been easy on you—but keep your chin up, they are watching. You’ve done well. ”

His words were simple, and things she already knew, but they were what she needed to hear the most right now. The afterevents of Starglow Valley and the disappearance of the Prince could have spelled doom for not only her but her family. Alexandria truly didn’t know what she was marching her men into upon their return to Edrya, and a living, breathing , prince returned to them was far from her expectations.

Together, they turned back to the crowd as Lawruthian began to wave. It was imperceptible to most, but Alexandria’s back straightened ever so slightly.

----------------------------------------

The sun was late in the sky, a reddish-orange with tints of purple lit the horizon over the capital of the Edryan Queendom. The city seemed filled to the seams, its population rose by nearly a million since the expansion created by the Crowned Prince. This wasn’t counting the large influx that came because of the upcoming summit. A celebration that would be held long into the night was underway as a true sky shined overhead.

I sank into the comforter in my study—tiredness from the day's events had me both physically and mentally exhausted. It was a long day, and an even longer week was ahead. I hadn’t expected any different upon my return to Edrya in truth.

I can’t get tired. My people needed me always.

In an hour, I would be meeting with my generals and a few others. In two days was the start of the summit, and my plate was packed with events and things I needed to address three weeks ago before my disappearance.

‎ “Status,” I called softly.

Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani – Level 44

HP: 900/900 (+600)

SP: 885/885 (+720)

MP: 1050/1050 (+720)

Base Atk: 155 (+145)

Base Def: 85 (+99)

HP Regen: 88/Hour (+50)

SP Regen: 87/Hour (+60)

MP Regen: 103/Hour (+60)

Bloodline:

‎ [+]

Race:

‎ Magi-Human

Main Class:

[Imperius Golemlord] — 30

Perks:

Codex of Earth

Power: 310 (+290)

2nd Class:

[Holy Prince of Edryan] — 14

Core Skills: [+]

Vitality: 300 (+200)

3rd Class: [LOCKED]

Racial Skills: [+]

Endurance: 295 (+240)

Faith: Goddess Madris

Status Effects: [+]

Mind: 350 (+240)

Faction:

‎ Imperius

Equipped:

Silken Prince Garments

Self: 210 (+250)

Faction Benefits:

Skills: [+]

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Intent: 220 (+240)

Achievements: [+]

Active Quest: [+]

Magic Affinity: Primary Ten — 10%

Attribute Points: 0

My plate was fully stocked. I had several pressing matters to take care of. These were things I’d meant to do as soon as I returned from the valley weeks ago. My eyes locked onto the Faction and Faction Benefits section of my status sheet. This would be first on the agenda but not today as I still held various meetings later on. A large tome was gently placed on the desk before me.

I thought back to the events that occurred as I departed the Hall of Attributes. The gift given to me by Alidra was this large tome and in it contained… well, I truly didn’t know, I hadn’t opened it yet. It wasn’t that I wasn’t curious, I only held more pressing matters since my return to Edrya. I glanced at my left hand, where three [Echo] marks sat comfortably.

Would you like to activate Carno Edryani’s inheritance?

Yes.

No.

Before our departure, Alidra told us the method of transferring the marks. I held a near certain feeling that once I pressed yes, I’d set off a chain of events I didn’t know if I was prepared for. I pulled up one of my two quests.

Chain Quest: [Born To Be King] (System Generated)

Quest Details:

The Demigoddess Kubrat has left you with cryptic words that lead to a startling ancient history of the Elrunian Realm. Find clues as to who the previous [Chosen of Madris] were.

Rewards:

Titled: Born To Be King

Failure:

Destruction of the Elrunian Realm.

‎ WARNING: A time limit of fifty years is in place for this quest.

To some, [Knowledge Breaker] was a curse—a calamity cast upon the Genesis Realm that destroyed much of its knowledge and order. His destruction of a majority of the places of learning in the world couldn’t be for no reason, this, I was certain of.

In fact, I was certain I’d already put the clues I needed together to understand this second [Chosen of Madris]. If what he did was why I believed… then soon I would be an end to adventure.

The final thing I needed to take care of… my mother had a sister. My grandfather sired four children… not three. Before I could continue down this line of thought, there was a knock at my door.

“Enter.”

“Your Highness, it is time for your meeting with the generals of your army.”

I glanced at the clock and the sky. The reddish-orange light of the fading sun was long gone. Instead, darkness overtook it as a clear sky showed the constellations representing the Goddess over Edryan. Through my grand window, the capital city sparkled in the darkness. A celebration of victory for the return of their prince, their [Chosen of Madris], was well underway. The truth was known to few, and that secret was one that would be taken to the grave by most. The night was young and time was wasting.

I stood and left my chambers, ready to face my generals in a more private setting.

***

I paused before I entered the dining room. It’d been a while since I last saw General Alexandria and General Ameri—both of whom could have gotten in a lot of trouble due to my disappearance. Not only them but, Tobi and the rest of my guards—hell, the entire Imperius Army could have been executed for ‘losing’ me. Although it was my direct actions that caused me to become lost, it was their responsibility to die for me. It was their responsibility to uphold the oath they took when first pledging their loyalty. Now, I knew that oath was said through Intent as a magical geas to bind them. Although I doubt they consciously knew what they were doing when they spoke.

I took a deep breath and entered.

“It’s about tiiiiiiimmmme, you entered,” a voice without much pitch said.

“I missed you too Lily,” I responded while rolling my eyes, before I said in a serious tone. “It’s good to see you again. I expect you’ll be updating me on your mission.”

“ Hmmmmmph, maybe after you deal with these two,” Lily responded.

It was good to see her face once again, but I didn’t miss her… particular way of speaking. Every time she spoke, Lily held weight on a single word—making it drag out each time. I turned to survey the room.

Both Alexandria and Ameri were on their feet as I entered but a simple wave from me returned them to their seats.

“You’ve changed,” Alexandria said the moment I joined them.

“I had to,” I responded. “How is everything on your end?”

“Hmph, besides you almost getting us killed, nothing much happened outside the surrender of the valley,” Ameri’s husky voice sarcastically said. The tall and muscular woman sat back on the couch, her arms spread eagle as she spoke. I was glad to see that they hadn’t grown shy in addressing me. In fact, Ameri seemed more comfortable.

“Well, don’t hesitate to update me on what happened after I was… displaced.”

This time it was Alexandria who spoke. Since I entered, she’d been silently watching me. I didn’t know what she saw, but she nodded as she spoke.

“You’re stronger, both physically and mentally. Well, the events after your… displacement are simple. Thraag surrendered, and so did the valley.”

My eyebrows scrunched as I looked at Alexandria confused. “I’m sure if they fought, the valley would have held the advantage… they could have retreated to the city even and held out for months.”

“You’ve changed, but you still don’t understand what it means for Edryan’s to war… and what you represent it seems,” Ameri commented.

“Our battle was a simple power play, but Thraag underestimated our capabilities and the protections surrounding you. You have far too much momentum as the [Chosen of Madris] for Thraag or the Council of Elders of Starglow Valley to ever truly oppose you. The monarchy, specifically the Queen, is at an all-time height in power and prestige. Yet, if they could show that they could not easily be cowed…,” Alexandria picked up.

“…then they would have held a stronger negotiating position when things were truly brought to the table,” Ameri finished. “They expected to send you running and the Queen to come knocking. They would have immediately begun the negotiations but with a strong front as they already damaged your reputation.”

Throughout their talking, the frown on my face only increased. I’d partially thought of this myself, but I believe it was more along the lines of getting me to bend the knee. Initially, I wasn’t wrong, but perhaps I overanalyzed both our positions.

“So what of the valley itself? Its knowledge and inhabitants? What happened to Thraag and the Council of Elders?”

I held plans for the valley and its centuries of knowledge regarding the Space Affinity. Most of the mages in Edryan who held such affinities were locked into contracts that belonged to Starglow Valley. The same valley that was now technically in my hands.

“Thraag has been arrested and should be in the dungeons below. Unless the Queen…,” Alexandria said hesitantly.

As we were talking, Lily took out a doll that looked awfully familiar. It held a head full of ebony-gradient hair with two red-gold buttons for eyes—while its coloration was strikingly similar to my own. I gazed at her, and she looked up, smiled, waved, before going back to her fiddling. Alexandria looked over at Lily, seeing me distracted for a moment.

“Don’t worry, that one is a charm doll meant for protection and warding off evil spirits. As I was saying… Thraag was arrested, and most of the Council of Elders is under house arrest in the valley itself. Royal Captain Liana is overseeing their arrest and ensuring none flee until your orders.”

“What do you think I should do with the valley?”

I still held a general idea of what I would do with the valley, specifically its mages, but what was the point in having advisors if I wasn’t going to use them? All three women weren’t just personal under me. They were my strongest supporters and allies. They were my sword and shield, and I’d undervalued and underappreciated them when I first received them. I don’t intend to do that again.

Ameri sat up at my words. She gave me a long searching look and I met her gaze without looking away. She must have found what she was looking for because the Oni smiled.

“Good, it truly wasn’t a mistake following you. Just don’t pull a stunt like that again or your mother may really take our heads,” Ameri began. “I say we immediately absorb a small portion of the forces of Starglow Valley into the Imperius Army. As you saw, well-trained [Spatial Mages] are a force to be reckoned with. The Imperius Army is still weak, although it possesses the potential to become an army like those underneath the [Gate Protectors].”

“I don’t want an army like those underneath them,” I said, shaking my head. “I want something that would cause even the men of those armies to pause before they strike at them.”

“You’d have to convert a great quarter of the men into [Legendary] bloodlines. I don’t believe even the crown can just upgrade three thousand men like that.”

“No, we can’t,” I said, agreeing. “But… there might be a way for them to gain extra strength, and… I want to start a super soldier program.”

My two generals looked at me confused. “Tell me, what do you know about the limits of the Prime System and her attributes? How much has truly been studied and learned about them?”

“Each Hoooouse has their own unique understanding of the attributes,” Lily suddenly spoke up. “If we managed to aaaaquiree these understandings, then the national power of Edryan may raise by a grade.”

“That’s impossible. Each House guards their knowledge with strict jealousy, and they have been known to take extreme measures in ensuring any leaks are… resolved permanently,” Ameri stated.

“I’ve learned… many things about the Six Great Attributes during my… displacement. Knowledge most of these families would kill for… I plan to reintroduce this knowledge at Imperius Academy, free to my students.”

The women looked at one another, each reaction different. Alexandria nodded her head in approval. Lily seemed indifferent, but I could detect the spark of curiosity in her eyes. Ameri shook her head, it was clear she didn’t approve.

“That knowledge will just be decimated to the rest of the Houses. I don’t fully disprove of it, but allow all soldiers of Imperius Army to become proficient in it first. No matter what, you must strengthen the core of our power base. There is one truth in Edryan— The Fist is Respected. ” Ameri said.

I nodded, I thoroughly agreed with the points Ameri was making. “Back to the topic at hand…, what do you think we should do with the valley Alexandria?”

The short woman stayed silent for several moments, and during her processing, a late dinner was served to us. It was only after we dug in that Alexandria spoke, unbecoming of her as we ate, but the very first thing I told these women was to be casual with me. I wanted friends, trustworthy allies who didn’t feel the need to step on eggshells around me… and it seems I received exactly that. It brought a strange warmth to my heart.

“It’s simple, we follow what Ameri said. We still have the force of healers from the Gamal family who will be joining us soon. We desperately need to expand the Imperius Army,” Alexandria began. I opened my mouth to interject, but she held up a hand to stop me.

“I know what you want to say. I understand that you wish the Imperius Army to represent the best of Edryan—to be a purebred fighting force that few can challenge, but I don’t believe even you Lawruthian, our [Chosen], have the resources to fund this. So, I propose this… A and B. We establish two branches, one is composed of an elite fighting force. Perhaps these ‘super soldiers’ of yours can inhabit a portion of this force—as shock or specialized troops. This is our A squad. Our B squad is composed of more… mundane soldiers. A mix of uncommon and rare individuals who will make up the bulk of our forces, as most armies are composed of. It may not be your ideal army, but the Imperius Army must expand. Although I would love to command an elite fighting force consisting of nothing but [Legendary] we do not possess the time or resources. These next nine/ten years for your quest is enough for a small elite force composed of a few thousand troops—do not expect to conquer the Elrunian Continent with just this.”

I pursed my lips, but nodded. Alexandria was right, and her words were valid. I could still possess the elite army I dreamt of, but it was time to expand.

“You’re right,” I responded, sighing.

Alexandria smiled, “The Grand Summit will be a great opportunity to recruit. Hundreds of thousands are gathering in Edrya regardless of if they’re a noble or not. We,” she nodded toward Ameri. “…will make the necessary preparations and begin recruitment shortly.”

“Good, I trust your judgment in weeding out the wheat from the shaft. Now, let’s move on to new business. I want to centralize the Edryan government—and I plan to do it with this Grand Summit as all the Houses are present. ”