Universe -The Star Rings
Ring - 4th
Reality - Mortal Plane
Solar system - Origin
World - Vaustaris
Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)
Main Continent Western edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Oakheart Valley Village
ARIES POV
Today had been a rollercoaster of emotional upheaval. From near death in the forest to fear of loss of my village, pure excitement at meeting an Arg'pheyso to glee from learning magic, then came yet again fear and finally horror. To crown it was anger and loss.
The last battle was very climatic. Watching the hated red ones fall, cut down by our Yotk gave us a bit of satisfaction. Yet at the end of the night, we realized how that changed nothing. Our dead remained dead.
We mourned.
Then the sky lit up, burning with a bright flame.
That was when he appeared; Arg'pheyso. His gaze vacant, emotions, non-present. My mind jumbled as I wondered why, why he wouldn't feel for us. I remembered his sadness and joy in the Verdant veil forest. How each emotion of his could lead one to either joy or tears.
That was when we noticed he was glowing, his body wreathed with the same flame we'd seen in the sky. The next series of events would boggle my mind to no end.
From nothing came ten entities. Each was so beautiful and so well formed that they felt like cheats of creation.
Two stood, spotting the limbs, torso, and head of a normal being. Beings of pure golden light, each of their forms shimmered with divine energy. They had little to no facial expressions, their features embodying purity and serenity. Behind them were wings that looked nothing like ours. Made of fires that burned with a golden brightness.
The next two beings that appeared had braided white hair cascading down their back and the sides of their faces; contrasting against their black skin. Unlike the first two they both had facial expressions, not that it mattered as they gazed around coldly, their eyes emitting a pure white light, reflecting their fury and determination. Their wings were a radiant flame of red.
The third set of beings were muscular with bands of golden steel adorning their arms, thighs, and legs. They wore a single circlet around their forehead. White flaming wings hung from their backs.
The fourth set of two were huge with black horns unlike any we'd seen. Massive black wings that looked more like ours but bigger hung from their backs.
The final ones to appear were the weirdest of all. They possessed no wings and looked nothing close to the others in features, instead spotted circular bands of rings on their palms, chest, back, and even under their heels. Their single eye creeped me out and their lean, pale white form gave me shivers.
These were the beings that walked among us. In their palms appeared tongues of fire, fire which they placed on a corpse's chest and burned the corpse. At first, we moved to stop them but a look from the large ones halted our steps.
Five of them, one from each of the different kinds flew off in the direction of Misvale. It wasn't until the dead began to wake and rise with gasps that we understood what the Arg'pheyso had done. Or at least we believed we understood.
Oakheart Valley Village wept and cried joyfully with us as we received those who had been brought back. All the while Ozai smiled.
"Arg'pheyso. Arg'tre(We thank you)". Blackfeather and a contingent of elders knelt at his feet. The god seemed peeved by this followed by shock crossing his face. He seemed to stare off into nothing for a moment then shake his head with a laugh.
"Faith Essence eh". He muttered.
His Argannen rose wide, his arms following. In a loud voice that shook the entire air he spoke. "Vaustaris is under my protection and so are you. Many of you have shown valor and courage. Most handicapped and underacting and battling even without an edge". He faced both palms in our direction and a wave of golden energy washed over us.
"A new age has come. The age of gods and Arg'pheyson. My siblings walk the mortal planes. Their desire to learn and to guide bringing them to various races. The Ser'Tuk'Itan watches over all. As long as we remain, know you need not fear. For while I won't uproot your problems, while I won't disrupt the cycle of life and death, I will be here to guard you on your paths. Come war and come peace. You will have Ozai To protect you". His last words brought with it a pulse of that now familiar energy.
From the gasps and the cries, the spaced-out gazes of my people, I knew he had granted them what we had. I expected to feel jealousy and sadness that we weren't special but I didn't.
'I guess we are different from Aerondir'.
Arg'pheyso walked up to us. Skyhorn and I shared a glance.
"Your paths and classes are powerful ones. Learn and grow well. You both are the spear and shield, the watchers and guardians of your people now.".
"Arg'pheyso. Forgive me, but our people are spread to all parts of this isles. They too deserve and would appreciate your guidance". Skyhorn tipped his head forward arms folded across his chest in the Argonne show of respect.
A hand patted his shoulder. "Maybe so. But it will remain their choice to follow me or not". His right Argannen moved upfront and from it, he plucked a feather.
"This will remain here. A reminder of what your people went through. Of your strength and your courage, your love for them, and your desire to avenge them. These are the people I choose now to protect and guide". He spoke his voice loud enough to be heard by all.
"With this, all who wish to can turn to me. And they will bask in my light".
He let go of his feather and it fluttered upwards. Rolling through the air it silently glided through the wind and came to settle right where the clash had been the hottest.
The blood dried up, and the corpses of red ones faded. The feather shook and from its stem sprouted a staff. Rising high enough till it towered over the village. A notification came to me and everyone else there the moment it stopped increasing.
**Feather of Arg'pheyso's Guidance - Celestial Feathered Spear**
- **Type:** Divine Artifact
- **Owner:** Incarnate of Ozai, God of the Cosmos-
-**Originally a humble feather plucked from the wing of the divine being Arg'pheyso, this artifact has been transformed into a towering spear, a symbol of protection and guidance. It serves as a reminder of the strength, courage, and love of those who seek vengeance and justice.
**Effects -
- Divine Protection: The Celestial Spear emanates a protective aura that shields the Zephyr Outpost Territory from harm and darkness.
- Guiding Light:** The spear emits a radiant glow, illuminating the path of righteousness and banishing darkness from the surroundings.
- Divine Empowerment: When invoked, the spear bestows divine blessings upon those who ask it and need it, granting them increased strength, courage, and resolve.
- **Abilities:**
- **Divine Empowerment: Argonnen Arg'baln, Arg'marn, Arg'rarn and others under Ozai's protection can invoke a cosmic version of their current weapon or attack or even simply use the cosmic energy or divine powers to empower themselves and their allies, granting them increased strength, resilience, and courage or their weapons increased durability and increased lethality. (Temporary)
- **Feathered Guardian: The spear's feathered head serves as a vigilant guardian, watching over the village and alerting its inhabitants to impending danger.
- **Protector: The spear can create or summon lesser angels of the Gemini caste to protect the Zephyr Outpost Territory. These angels are permanent summons and last for as long as they do not stray far from the spear or are not destroyed. (Can only summon 5)
- **Quests:**
- **Main Quest - Zephyr Expansion: Draw the other territories of the Zephyr Isles under Ozai's Celestial spear.
- **Side Quest - Seek Guidance - Use the spear's divine connection to Ozai to keep in touch and seek clarity and knowledge when needed. (This is a permanent and unchanging side quest)
- **Special Abilities:**
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
- **Spear of Justice:** The Celestial Spear can be wielded as a powerful weapon, capable of striking down evil and bringing forth justice for the righteous. It invokes a clone or copy of the God of the Cosmos to do battle for his people. (Can only be used once in every 50 Aeus. Will last for a total of 7 Twin Suns and must be charged with the faith and prayers of his people)
"I speak for all Argonne of Zephyr Outpost Territory when I say this Arg'pheyso. We thank you". It was the youngest Aego of the Oakheart Valley village. Either he had been brought to speed by our Aego or just knew from the notifications.
Ozai smiled in his direction about to speak when a loud rumble shook the world. All eyes went up as we saw something impossible. Hanging there in the skies was a large round body, something that was similar to the suns but vastly different. It glowed and rippled with a strange light.
Light that illuminated the world in a dim glow.
'What just happened?'. The only answer to our questions was the Arg'pheyso smile.
He turned to speak then froze his eyes twitching. With a grumble, he vanished. Just like that, his angels vanished as well. Simultaneously a screeching and piercing sound came from above us.
We all looked up.
'This is a conflict of Argonnes. The one you call Aerondam has arrived. Put him in his place'. I heard his voice in my ear making me spin around.
'Ozai'.
'Acting to help in this matter would bear consequences. I can help with this instead '.
*[Welcome to the Akashic Records Mortal 5483]*
**Arg'pheyso Quest: Confronting the Aerondam -
- The arrival of Aerondir, a formidable mortal of the Zephyr Isles who had found me unlocked the secrets to power while keeping his kin blinded. As an agent of greed and selfishness, Aerondam seeks to stay ahead of the curve making him the most powerful of all Argonne. Confront him for his actions.
**Objective:
- Option 1: Kill Aerondir - Engage in a fierce battle with Aerondir and vanquish him for his act of greed which has left many of the Argonne weak and near defenseless. (This will increase the chances of drawing the entire continent to Ozai)
- Option 2: Defeat and Capture Aerondir - Subdue Aerondam through combat and restrain him, imprisoning him for judgment by the Aegon of the Zephyr Isles. (This will increase the chances of drawing the entire continent to Ozai)
- Option 3: Defeat and Banish Aerondir - Overcome Aerondir in combat and banish him from the Zephyr Isles. This would keep you from being a kin killer but open you to further future problems. ,
**Rewards:
- Option 1: +5000 Total Exp,
- Option 2: +4000 Total Exp, Favor with Ozai, Increased Influence In Zephyr Isles
- Option 3: +3000 Total Exp, Favor with Ozai, Increased Influence in Zephyr Isles, Future Problems.
The look Skyhorn gave me showed he received the same quest. Both of us nodded and spread out our Argannen just as the Aerondam appeared. Like an arrow, he descended right for us at a speed that made me uncomfortable. 'He's fast". The Argonne that most if not all the Zephyr Isles hated and disliked paused midair floating and looking around. The curiosity and confusion in his eyes were visible.
Everyone else gasped at his presence but none said a word. Surprisingly Talon, Seraphina, and one other Arg'mar. Sirocco was his name if I remember correctly, joined us. With the beats of our Argannen, we were soon hovering right in front of Aerondir.
"What does the Aerondam of the Zephyr Isles require here?". Skyhorn spat. I looked at him with wide eyes. He shrugged.
"No one's ever called it to his face. Best he knows what his people think of him. Aerondir, the Aerondam, the selfish bastard of the Isles". With each word, Skyhoen drew closer.
Aerondir said not a peep. While the rest of us hovered around and surrounded him. Somehow I seemed to be the only one who could think properly here. 'This fight won't be so easy '. Only Skyhorn and I were blessed. The rest while now possessing the Akashic Records didn't have a single experience or level. I was sitting at level 2, quarter way to 3 and I was certain. Skyhorn was even higher.
The rest of them, with all their skills, were less powerful than I or even Skyhorn. Skilled maybe but it didn't matter. I'd seen firsthand what power said to skill.
'Shit'.
The Aerondam calmly looked us over before finally speaking. "All of you...". His eyes roved us all over one by one. "...have unlocked the Akashic". His gaze settled on me then moved slowly to Skyhorn.
"But you two. You two". His Argannen flapped softly taking him higher so he was looking down on us. I didn't like it. "You two are coming with me".
"Yeah. Not happening". Seraphina spoke and just as quickly she flapped rushing at him.
The moment before she struck his lips moved. So slow and so smooth that it barely reached me. But it did. His words rattled me. The confidence, the pride, and the lack of care in them.
"This will be messy".
I moved I wasn't the only one. Skyhorn moved. In the air though he wasn't as fast as me. No one was as fast as me. Especially with a level and my divine resilience. I cleared the space between me and him in a moment.
His eyes moved to me, then back to the Argn whose Yotk came at him. He ducked smoothly, so smoothly it was bound to be a sin how he moved. His Argannen showed its power and he spun midair and landed a very powerful kick to her chest.
Blood.
Seraphina was thrown back midair with blood trailing in her wake. I arrived wide-eyed and swung as well. He ducked but not as smoothly. Yet it was so well done. His wings batted me to the side and then a kick rammed into my abdomen. I was thrown back as Skyhorn shot past.
I hit the ground back first and for a moment I felt fear. My Argannen simply bent and then snapped back together. My eyes turned to Seraphina coughing on the ground. Above Talon looked worried torn between checking on her and fighting the Aerondam.
I chose for him as my Argannen stretched up the tips pointing Skyward. They glowed brightly and the strings of energy formed in my palm. The balls shot out and straight to Seraphina.
Looking up Talon nodded and flew at Aerondam. It was clear now why Skyhorn hadn't been thrown back. He was fighting both Skyhorn and Blackfeather. Even Aego Galeshot kept distracting him with arrows.
'You must put him down. The people must see this win as one by the hands of your people. I will do the rest.
'Why. Why must it be ours?'.
'Aiding you in vanquishing a foe of your origin would create a perception of total and complete incompetence and weakness amongst your people. If you can't stand on your own even with the blessing of an Arg'pheyso. Will you ever be able to stand? Your people were born with an innate pride. One shown in your very way of speech. You must help them keep that pride'.
I looked around. I could see it in their eyes, the people's very desire to win and yet their fear.
'Then why don't we make it all out wins?'. I could sense the curiosity spike.
'You taught me how to use my Abstract. Teach them. Please '.
'You ask for a divine favor again? Those come with a prize'.
'You saved me when we knew no gods. You granted me and my friend these blessings. Blessings that helped our people. You brought those dead back to life. I do not dare decide or think what and which is easy and difficult even for an Arg'pheyso. But I know I am grateful. So please grant me this one request.
'This much help will be the last of its kind. Your people will need to push ahead on their own. And I will aid in the most impossible of tasks. My price will be asked of you when the time comes'.
The presence faded and I inhaled.
****
OZAI'S POV
Akasha really knew how to make a god frustrated. While I saw the sense in her advice it still was aggravating to watch the Argonne toy with them. It did shine more light on how weak a divine blessed would still be against a stronger and more experienced fighter.
This was their fight. But the favor opened up an avenue for something Akasha wanted. It was annoying to have mothers hovering over your affairs. Still a thought into what she wanted made sense.
Which was why I waded through the crowd of watching Argonnen, whispering into their ears from Argeo to Argalor, from Arg'mar to Arg'rar. I whispered to each the secrets of the abstract. As I spoke I commanded them to always share this wisdom to their kin and Argeon.
"Aerondam?!. You will stand down to be judged by the Aegon of Zephyr Outpost Territory and the Aegons of all the Isles". Aeris shouted while flying closer to the now-paused fighters. Aerondam seemed to enjoy toying with them.
The statement shocked many. Not the words themselves as it was true but the conviction in them.
"And how. Will a little pretentious Argo stop me*. His amusement evaporated fast and Aeris gulped visibly. Aerondir cracked his fists and smiled.
"Why don't you show me". His Argannen made one masterful flap, just one and I knew that if the villagers and the fighters didn't get to it soon enough I would have to step in. Mother agrees or not.
So I pushed at them. Encouraged. Above me, a beating of a lifetime went down.
'They didn't call him a bastard for no reason apparently'. He was ruthless. Showing no leniency. Skyhorn and the rest made attempts to halt, distract, or even take away his attention for a second but he showed all his desire to be set on beating the last drop out of Aeris.
Yotk flashed through the air and missed each time, Aeromdir kept weaving through his attacks and landing perfect blows to the young Argo. One perfect strike caught his back and sent the Argo plummeting.
Wind buffered him before he hit the ground.
"Interesting". Aerondir's eyes locked on Skyhorn. "A magnificent display of Zephyr". He drifted closer to the Argo. "Do it again".
"Here". Aeris call came from behind making him turn sharply. "How's this?".
Tempest Strike
The wind blasted him face first and back into Skyhorn who lurched at the Aerondan.
Zephyr Strike
The move pushed the bastard further backwards and to most surprise two attacks of wind struck. The first was a wind slash that hit Aerondan straight to the Argannen.
Zephyr Slash
He screeched but another and another came till he'd been struck five times. Aerondan tried to catch himself due to the pain his Argannen felt but another strike caught him point blank to the chest sending him crashing to the ground.
Gust Arrow
The surprise at Seraphina and Talon using wind attacks like that was lost as several wind blasts of different styles and effects caught the falling Aerondan. One even wrapped a whip of wind around his neck and dragged him to the ground.
Then a voice reached my hearing.
"Please take him down now".
It was clear that even if they had caught him by surprise Aerondir fell only because he had failed to gauge the capabilities of the people. He had not expected all to be awakened.
That meant if he moved now, they would lose. He was eight levels above the highest level hereafter.
'You have all done well'.
My words moved into the ears and minds of all fighting and present. Aerondir too must have heard it as his eyes widened and he looked up from his spot on the ground. He tried to move either to attack or sate his curiosity.
From his left and right appeared two Gemini Angels. Each grabbed an Arganne. Fight and terror rose in his heart as he saw these beings of featureless and divine energy. He trashed but only his body moved his Argannen held tightly in place.
Another bright light appeared and this time a Divina Angel spawned.
"No. Someone help me. Please anyone. Stop this. Don't!". Aerondir thrashed and begged. My Divina turned to me. Standing unseen amongst the crowd I nodded curtly. There was no keeping this one alive as his actions could not be underestimated.
The Divina turned back smoothly and sent a fist aiming for the Argonne's chest.
"Well, that was quite exciting to see". An amused and eager voice interrupted.
I turned with confusion to the side where I found a creature I had only seen once. Depicted majestically on the list of choices I had been given select from before my descent. It, He, it was a he, stood right next to me. His head turning slowly in my direction while his fingers moved. Dark chaotic energy tangled amongst them, similar to that holding my Divina's fist in place.
"Hello, brother". A smile I found both annoying and good on his avatar was sent my way. It didn't matter the face, the fierce smile, or the dashing grin borne. It didn't matter how innocent those four eyes twinkled. Only one brat had those twinkles in his eyes while thinking in an opposite range.
"Freyr".