EPISODE 125: [SEVEN HEROES]
— Edryan Queendom, Year 7291. Season Color Fading.
The first was the [Iron-Blooded Queen] —Queen Titiana Edryani, who rose in challenge as the country was torn asunder. With her gleaming white spear in hand, she challenged her mad brothers in their fight for the throne as it tore Edryan apart.
The second was [Magi of Theory] —Margret Musa, amongst the first to join our Queen, the Magi continuously provided support with her wide variety of spells.
The third was [The Queen’s Guard] —Liana Drumian, the first follower of Her Highness, she has been the sharp blade that cuts through all who dare stand within the range of the Queen’s reach.
The fourth was [Red Flame] —Akeem Oni, the physically strongest, there is no shield, no barrier that can stand in his way—there is no attack he cannot withstand, unleashed… his flames seal all magic.
The fifth was [Daughter of Life] —Marna Gamal, not yet the famed high priestess who leads the Church of Madris in the worship of our Goddess—the 1st Daughter of Madris gave her all to keep her companions alive.
The sixth was [Harvester of the Wildwood] —Vivian Consus, the man who fed the armies of Her Highness and kept Edrya afloat. He is the oldest, but his fields of wheat eradicate hunger and destroy famine.
The seventh was [Heart of Magic] —Camilla Romus, THE— war mage. She is the exemplar of raw magical firepower none can compete with. Understand, to be on the same battlefield as her is like challenging Death herself.
— Excerpt from the Origins of Edryan Heroes: Tale of Seven.
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Footsteps echoed on a black-and-white, chessboard-marbled floor. In the distance was a table, around it were two dozen cushioned chairs that followed the pattern displayed on the floor. Most of the chairs were filled, and rich, unworried laughter flowed through the hall as food and beverages were continuously served.
A grand feast was just beginning, but not a bite had been eaten yet.
A young man, standing about 193 centimeters tall, walked toward the ongoing party. He was broad-shouldered but held a lean, athletic, track-star build. Long black hair began at his roots before fading to white toward the tips of his hair. Confident red-gold eyes stared at the gathering of the most powerful beings in the country of Edryan. He was dressed in simple garments. A black and white tunic that complimented his hair. Adorn on his body were several precious jewels, including a fancy bracelet and rings of various grades.
Seven Heroes… and their children sat, the only one missing was him.
A chair, one that was black waited for him and eyes turned to watch him as he entered, the participants rising as their queen did.
Lawruthian Edryani surveyed the room as he approached. A frown momentarily appeared on his face that vanished shortly as the members of the gathering rose. Once he arrived, he was greeted by each of the families. His eyes lit up at the return of Liana Drumian. It was unexpected for her to be here as he heard of her securing Starglow Valley. It seems she must have arrived in the capital just today.
Power, Wealth, Prestige, was in the room…
…And, with the [Chosen of Madris] now seated, the royal staff served the food. Each family was dressed in expensive fabrics and small chatter was exchanged between the familiar faces.
“Let us pray and give thanks to our Goddess for the life She has given us,” the Queen said, turning to her son expectantly.
Lawruthian smiled, a bright, brilliant thing that showed off his pearly whites. He put both fists together, fore-knuckles and thumb tips touching in this symbol of the Goddess. Around him, those seated at the circular table did the same. Although the table did not possess a ‘head,’ it was meant to place the participants on an equal basis. It was clear who the members referred to as their bodies shifted to face the Queen and her only son.
“We give thanks,” the [Chosen] began once the chatter died down and the members prepared themselves.
“For She is the one who fought to protect us. We give thanks…,” he paused, as it was tradition.
“ For She is the one who ascended to guide us, ” the many voices responded.
“We give thanks… for She is the one who blesses our mines with endless wealth.”
“We give thanks,” he paused again and gazed around. An intrigued expression was on his face as he watched the members pray. Some had their eyes closed and their heads down. Others were like him, their heads up but serious expressions on their faces as they offered thanks. The [Chosen of Madris] didn’t exactly seem interested in their actions. Instead, for those who paid attention to him, his eyes seemed to wander slightly above their heads—as if he were able to see an immaterial object they were not privy to.
“ For She is the one whose coins we trade, whose food we eat. ”
“We give thanks… for She is the source of our knowledge. We give thanks…”
“ For She is the magic we cast and the stories we tell. ”
Lawruthian looked around, his gaze traveled upward again with an intrigued expression. “It appears our Goddess has swiftly accepted our prayers. In fact…,” before he could finish, divine light shone upon the room and many eyes took on a blank look—as if they were reading a screen none others could see.
“Ha-haaa, the Goddess is watching indeed—to provide us strength is our fortune,” Akeem Oni said. His laugh was boisterous, and he thumped his son on the back.
“Let us eat—the effects of the blessing will only convert the food consumed into attributes for only so long,” Marna piped up and turned to the Queen expectantly. She and her youngest daughter sat the closest to the Queen’s left, and the older woman chose to sit her daughter right next to the [Chosen]. A wide smile was on her face, and she pulled back her golden-red sleeves and readied herself to eat.
The Queen turned to her only son, waiting expectantly. Lawruthian smiled before he reached out to his plate and consumed a large bite. At once, the chatter resumed and the food began its consumption.
The heads of each family ate ravenously, and the maids were barely putting down one plate before another was requested. “It’s been too long since I’ve felt my attributes move, thank the Goddess for Her blessing, and, thank you, Prince Lawruthian,” Vivian Consus said. The heavyset man’s eyes lit as an entire cow was presented.
Lawruthian’s eyes went wide as he watched the display of the [Seven Heroes], even his mother ate far quicker than normal, although she still managed to keep her composure, if barely.
“So, then you must be a demigod as well,” Lawruthian mentioned offhandedly.
The comment didn’t escape the attention of the members eating ravenously. The queen frowned at the comment of her only son, but it disappeared shortly. As Mariam said two days ago… the cat was already out of the bag.
“There are only three demigods in Edryan—at least out of the Great Six Families. This has been our most kept secret, but it is time for Edryan to enter a new age… A Golden Age,” the Queen said, directly quoting her child at the end.
This brought Lawruthian’s full attention, as he slowed in his consumption of the food. The [Seven Heroes] did not. The blessing cast on them directly by the Goddess was far too vital. It was clear at least the Lavish was watching the events unfold.
Status Effect: Divine Blessing — Enhancement
Name:
{Flaunt of Wealth}
Description:
You have prayed—She of Lavish has answered.
Function:
Through consumption, randomly increase one of the Six Greater Attributes as you eat. The more you eat, the more points are gained.
“I have revealed myself as the Demigoddess of Love,” the Queen stated, before nodding at those sitting around their table.
“I have obtained the Domain of Spell-Crafting,” a voice spoke from the other side of the table.
Lawruthian looked toward Margret Musa, but there was no surprise on his face. Instead, he seemed to have already anticipated this, but there was some curiosity about the nature of her domain.
“And I have obtained the Domain of Battle-Magic,” a second voice said, as if not to be outdone by the first.
Lawruthian looked surprised as the voice of Camilla Romus spoke up. In fact, around the table, including her children, the faces of the Little Greats held a range of mixed expressions. Most reflected the look of the Crowned Prince.
“Well, if we’re all revealing ourselves—revealing our (True Body)—then just show the Prince,” Akeem stated, before abruptly standing. A moment later, the already large man expanded until his head neared the ceiling. “I, and the rest of us, never managed to walk the path of Godhood, but we have Prestige.”
Margret chortled, her magenta eyes bright. Next to her, Amaya held stars in her eyes as she watched her elder sister. Margret rose from her seat, but instead of simply growing bigger as Akeem did, the woman added a flourish and a hint of magic. A black and white wand traced through the air as she spun, releasing (Mage Lights) in the air. When she finished her spin, she too was a much larger version of herself.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
One by one, with a twist of their own, the heads of their respective families entered their greater form. Until all that was left was Queen Titiana. The Queen looked around, sighed at the expectant gazes, before she too began to transform.
Once finished, she was nearly thrice the size she once was. Seven powerful auras interacted within the room, causing the lights to dim as the magic turned erratic.
Lawruthian watched it all, his face relaxed, but his eyes swept around the room, looking from figure to figure. His fingers tapped the table in a rhythmic pattern.
Tap.
…
Tap.
…
Tap.
…
Tap.
…
Red-gold eyes narrowed. “I’m certain the information regarding Queen Mother will be decimated through the wider world shortly—its whispers are already being announced through Edrya as we speak. I propose, tomorrow at the beginning of our summit, you adopt these…,” He paused searching. “ …greater —(True Body) forms of yours, and we announce to Edryan how our [Heroes] have done what was deemed impossible. It is far too late in the game for them to try to assassinate you, and I don’t believe they will try it in a short timeframe—you all will leave Edryan shortly anyway. Instead, we should use this opportunity to spread your names even further and incorporate those who’ve achieved demigod-hood into the church,” Lawruthian stated, standing himself.
Seven large pairs of eyes gazed at him with mixed levels of interest. Vivian Consus stroked his chin as he held a slight smile, his grimoire orbiting him. “Are you not curious about what it means to Prestige or become a Demigod? Do you have no questions to ask,” he voiced, curious at Lawruthian’s thoughts.
Lawruthian looked at the large man as he voiced his questions. His thoughts formulating plans at the revelation of power. As long as these people supported him, he doubted there would be much opposition to the new system he proposed Edryan to rule under.
“Should I be,” he began. “When, in due time, such a route will naturally appear before me.”
The crescent eyes of Vivian widened slightly, and brightened at Lawruthian’s response. A wide smile presented itself on the Queen’s face, and Akeem Oni thumped his chest as Camilla Romus eyes narrowed.
“Well said… well said!”
“ There is one thing I am curious about… ,” Lawruthian said slowly. His face took on a murderous expression as he voiced his next words. “ Do you hold the Power to kill a dragon? ”
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The room held a stunned silence, the only ones seemingly unaffected by my question were the royal staff, who continued their work of removing food and presenting others. Over a dozen food buffs were already active on me as I ate and more were coming, but the interest in consumption waned at my words.
“Lawruthian,” my mother said. I turned to face her, the fierce expression still present on my face.
My mother seemed taken aback by my expression as she paused not immediately speaking. There used to be a voice in my head, one who constantly offered her opinion on the way I should handle things.
That voice was gone… and I wanted her back.
Since my mother didn’t continue, I did. “Many of you may or may not know what happened during Starglow Valley. If you do not… in my hubris, I challenge a force underprepared—I believed in the paltry strength I held at the time,” as I talked I began to pace back and forth, my hands behind my back. “I lost an arm and much more as the consequences of those actions.”
I turned my attention from the heads of the Six Great families and to their children. “I realized the error in my ways from that mistake, as I was thrust into the Mountain of Final Hope with none but Madria by my side. Of Edryan’s great families—Great Houses, I rejected the invitation of many of your gifts, believing I could cultivate something better through my own efforts. I’d forgotten what it meant to have companions, to have people you can trust. I am not my mother whom the heads of the six families own allegiance to. I am Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani—and… I apologize, ” I said, my eyes first on Amaya.
“When I should have looked to those who are the Edryani’s closest allies, I looked elsewhere—not out of malice or shame, but because I saw the greatness of my mother and wanted to replicate and, succeed, those expectations placed upon my shoulders. Instead, I should have realized my mother paved a path for me, but on a strong foundation without it being necessary for me to carve my way blindly—once again, I apologize,” as I said this, I looked to Ade Oni.
“Instead of taking the time to understand my peers, their goals, and how as their leader, I could help them achieve success… I disregarded them—not out of malice but a simple lack of communication. A failure on my part. So, once again,” I turned to the twins, directly staring at Selene before nodding at Helios. “…I apologize.”
My impromptu speech continued to a variety of displayed emotions. Amaya, with her bubbly, curious self, met my gaze. We hadn’t spoken since I left after offering Madria the position of [Hero]. My public apology was partly meant for her, but later I hoped to meet with her privately. She met my gaze and gave me a small smile and nod, showing that at least she publicly accepted my apology.
Ade Oni was different as his red eyes met my own. Within his eyes were hints of blue that appeared like embers from a campfire. His gaze was hard, but he nodded to me. We hadn’t seen eye to eye due to my actions as a child and the events further cementing them. However, after our battle, we’d come to a small understanding of one another, but the rift between us was never fully closed.
That wasn’t enough for me.
I looked at Madria, and a small smile was exchanged between us. I made a promise, mostly to myself, to do better. To be a better—friend, ally, and more to these people.
I kept my promises.
One by one, I turned to the members of the Little Greats before issuing an apology—and each was met with a different reaction.
“My journey away from Edrya and the protections she offered wasn’t easy, Madria can attest to this… after all—I, we, met the first [Chosen of Madris]—at least a fragment of who she used to be.”
If I believed the room was silent before, now even the staff paused. My mother quickly glanced around before waving her hand—a pink wave traversed the room, and an intense feeling of love suddenly overcame me as it passed.
I looked at my mother and took a step in her direction before my mind cleared and my Intent reinforced itself around me. The staff at once turned to my mother, adoration in their eyes.
“ You’ll keep this a secret for me, yes? ”
“Of course, my Queen,” a multitude of voices chorused back, hearts in their eyes. The rest of the [Seven Heroes] shielded their siblings and children from the magical effect.
“ Good, you may leave and return to other duties. ”
I looked around in shock—aligned on the walls were guards who easily fell under the sway of my mother’s magic. These men and women were all high levelers, but as my mother spoke, they too, simply fell under the effect of Love.
Once the royal staff filed out, my mother returned her attention to me. “You may continue now.”
“We met the first [Chosen of Madris] in a place called the Hall of Attributes—we met Alidra Edryani, and I’ve received an inheritance of sorts from both her and the second [Chosen of Madris].”
“So it’s true,” Camilla whispered… “… there truly was a previous [Chosen]—then perhaps the rumors of the Soul attribute,” she began. Her voice abruptly halted as many figures in the room turned to her with curious expressions, and she returned to herself. “My apologies, continue.”
I kept a calm expression, but internally, there was a burning curiosity to ask Camilla what she knew about the Soul Attribute. I put it to the side, as I continued with my plan. Think twice, execute it once.
Some habits just never die. Not even when you do.
“It was in this Hall of Attributes I came to understand how to manipulate the Six Great Attributes, perhaps not in their entirety, but far greater than any Edryan. Perhaps even greater than our [Heroes]. Alas, I can expand more on that later. The important piece of information is that the Mountain of Final Hope holds vast riches that can ensure your safety when traveling to Mt. Redcoomshi—and what is vital… the dragon that guards its wealth is in the weakest state it’s ever been. ”
I was ready to display the notification that showed [A Ballard of Red and Blue] to reinforce my statement on the treasures but…
“Explain,” my mother immediately said—beating most of the other heroes who opened their mouths to speak.
“I’m sure many of you know the history of the continent—but focus on one incident. Do you remember the Lost Era? When the history of Edryan is vague and things aren’t fully explained—occurring nearly two thousand years ago.”
“How could any of us forget, for those who’ve traveled outside Edryan—we know it to be one of the reasons the various races dislike us, but the truth of the matter is lost even to them,” Margret stated. She’d crossed her arms and was impatiently tapping her finger against her bicep.
“That was the doing of the second [Chosen of Madris]—Carno Edryani. In his conquest he nearly achieved the very goal, I too, will set out for. He nearly conquered the entire realm.”
Sharp intakes of air were heard, and Adam apples bobbed up and down as many swallowed. I continued, my momentum far too great to stop. “During his conquest, he burnt nearly every place of learning on the continent. He burned as much recorded knowledge as possible, even those present within Edrya. It was only at the steps of the Temple of the Sun, did he meet defeat. His actions…”
‘…I believe, as this was only still just a theory to me—were a direct attack against Rasheed and his Aspect of Knowledge,’ these words went unsaid.
“…were meant as a way to weaken the Aspect of Knowledge, who in his grief has fallen to Madness.”
I closely watched Akeem Oni as I stated this last piece of information, but the large man didn’t react in the slightest. I didn’t forget his House possessed a [Touch of Madness]. One that they used to provide levels to all of Imperius Academy. Now, I wondered if that was truly out of the kindness of their heart or for another reason.
“How can we verify this information,” Vivian asked.
Marna frowned, and her large body turned toward him. “Do you doubt the words of our [Chosen]?”
“Of course not, only what he is proposing is to slay [End of Adventure]. I’ve seen over a dozen adventurer parties set off with the goal to slay him, only to never return.”
“How many of them possessed Demigods and Prestige classes,” I asked.
“None, mainly they were in the range of the mid-two hundreds—unless they hid themselves.”
“It would be impossible for them to enter through Laguu without detection. My family still holds relics that can bypass (True Body) and other forms that hide the power of those past level three hundred. We still have records of the last two hundred years and only one has entered and left since,” Akeem stated.
“We, too, have similar devices,” Margret stated. “If any came from the sea or air, then we would have detected them. As long as they enter through any major city by a great family—then someone would have detected it.”
Other members began to speak and voices were raised as the seven heroes discussed things. Right before it could become too rowdy, my mother raised a hand, quieting her (Party) members.
“How can you be certain that the creature is truly in a vulnerable state?”
The Queen gazed at me calmly, her expression unknown to me.
“Simple… he is the Aspect of the one thing Carno Edryani dedicated his reign to destroying…”
“ Knowledge, ” she finished grimly, a cold look in her eyes.