Devil Fist

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Prologue

Aeternum. A planet that hosts life. One brimming with energy, with lush greenery and sapphire seas.

How this world came to be is unknown, lost to time. But there are theories. There existed a singularity long ago, one being that split into two. A being of light: Solis, and one of darkness: Moros.

Solis, the light so harsh that it burned, and Moros, the darkness that swallowed everything whole. Antithetical in every way and yet, two sides of the same coin. Creation and destruction, an endless cycle that reshaped the universe over and over again.

Until both beings grew tired of fighting. Exhausted of their powers, they created a battlefield for themselves. To pit their powers against each other, indirectly. Solis birthed the Caeli, and Moros the Infernals.

War raged on for aeons, until victory was achieved by the divine forces of Solis. The god created a gift for the Caeli. A race to protect and call their own. Humanity. Beings not blessed with innate power, yet had the ability to populate Aeternum with numbers.

The planet, once simply a barren battleground, erupted with life. Humanity, along with the many other beings the war had spawned, took over the planet in droves. It was peaceful.

Yet nothing is everlasting.

Solis and Moros were two sides of the same coin. Due to not inheriting Solis’ divine powers, humanity represented both sides.

Moros, whose form was destroyed and trapped in the very core of the planet, began to feed. Feed on humanity’s negativity. Feed on any negative thought, emotion and impulse.

The dark god continued spawning Infernals. Even if Moros couldn’t act, the Infernals would do his bidding. They would slowly take over the planet, and erode their god’s prison.

Humanity was a battery. A battery to feed the Infernals, as they only grew stronger and stronger, obliterating civilization after civilization.

Solis’ divine Caeli could only do so much. They were beings that were finite in number. Finite in power.

But humanity wasn’t content with being used by the Infernals. They were not simply batteries. They were fighters. And they weren’t going down so easily.

Chapter 1

Sunlight filtered through the sapphire blue curtains of Alexander’s room. He groaned as he shifted under the covers of his bed. Why did it have to be morning so soon? Regardless, he couldn’t afford to be late. Today was the day, after all. Kicking off his blanket, he stumbled through his morning routine, getting dressed for the day ahead. Today was the day he could finally do what he’d always wanted.

He was going to become a soldier of Puritas.

His parents weren’t home. Figures, they were probably getting everything ready for the Divinator Ceremony. It astonished him how hard they worked, even though they’d retired. Ever since he was a kid, all he’d wanted to do was be like them. Be as graceful as his mother. As hard-working and inspiring as his father. So he’d made up his mind early on. He wanted to be just like them. Live up to their example.

Leaping out of the window after getting dressed, Alexander flipped himself off the rim and onto the roof of his house. He stretched.

Ardencroft was a beautiful, quaint town. He’d spent his entire life here, after all, so he knew everyone who lived here personally by this point. Over the horizon however, a red tinge was visible. No matter how beautiful their town was, there was always that looming sense of dread. They were one of the last few bastions left that were untainted by Infernal influence. Which is why he wanted to become a soldier. He wanted to fight on the frontlines and protect people from those demons.

He never really understood why they existed. Or how they came to be. All he’d be told since he was a kid is that Infernals would come out of nowhere and completely take over cities and towns. Civilizations fell, humanity regressed from what it once used to be, and the skies began to develop a red tint. Now, across the entire planet, only a few countries and towns remained. All living in suspense. Their peace wouldn’t last for long.

But Puritas existed to keep that peace. The organisation took the fight to the Infernals. And he was going to as well. To keep his home safe.

“You’re up early.”

Alexander whirled around, only to see his childhood friend: Liam Dray. The blond stood on a rooftop adjacent to him. They were childhood friends, so it was only natural they had the same mannerisms.

“Yeah, yeah. No need to rub it in. I was just about to get going.” Alexander smirked. “Race you there.”

Liam grinned. “Oh you’re on.”

Thus began their race to the main amphitheatre. Running across Ardencroft’s bustling rooftop was a hobby of theirs, as they dodged and weaved through the bustling town. Alex jumped off one roof, grabbing onto the railing of the balcony and using it as leverage to swing onto the next house.

The two sprinted across the tiles, causing a nuisance to the poor people living inside as they yelled at them from their balconies.

“Damn brat! I just got those tiles fixed!”

“Sorry Mr. Lucien! We’re late!” Liam yelled back.

“Heh. Old geezer always has something to complain about.” Alexander snickered.

“And who was the one who destroyed his roof the last time?”

“...Listen, I slipped okay?”

The two snickered as they leapt off the rooftops and down to the ground, rolling to reduce the strain as they got back into a sprint.

“Say what you will Corwin, but I’ve always been faster than you!” Liam yelled.

“Maybe you were like, four years ago!” Alex bit back.

As they ran towards their destination, they were joined by another friend of theirs: Ethan Hale.

“Ethan!”

The burly brunet looked at them with disdain. “You two are so stupid. Who the hell risks getting injured on the day of the Divinator ceremony?”

“C’mon.” Alexander grinned. “Always good to warm up!”

“Stop being all cocky. You’re already getting all this ceremony on your damn birthday. As if your parents couldn’t be any more obvious.” Ethan grunted.

“Hey man. That’s not cool. Alex works just as hard as the rest of us.” Liam interjected.

“As hard as you maybe. I work the hardest!” Ethan yelled.

“Then prove it musclehead! Outrun us!” Alex smiled.

Hale rolled his eyes, but nodded. The three raced to the large building, each one taking the lead at different points, until they finally reached the front door. They each panted and wiped the sweat off their brows.

“Who… Who was first?” Liam asked.

Ethan looked at the two, then pointed to himself. “Me, obviously.”

Alexander glared at him incredulously. “Huh?! No way! It was me!”

“I don’t know guys, I’m pretty sure I was ahead of the two of you at the end there.”

“As if!”

The three bickered amongst each other.

“Oh yeah, well… Sofia, what do you think?” Liam asked a girl who had walked up to them.

“S-Sofia!” Alexander blushed as he looked at her. He’d known her for a long time, and had feelings for her, which was common knowledge to everyone except her.

The black haired girl paled as the three looked at her for answers. “I dunno! Why’re you guys crying about it anyway? Not like it matters.”

Ethan scoffed. “‘Course it matters. It was a test of skill.”

“Then you don’t need a test. I’m the most skilled out of the lot of you.” Sofia smirked.

“Why you-!”

“Anyway~” she crossed her arms. “You guys are late. The ceremony starts in like, half an hour.”

As more and more people from their town filled in, Alexander couldn’t help but glance back at the crowd over and over again.

“Stressed?”

He turned to face Sofia, who noticed his jitters.

“A bit,” he managed. “Feels like I should be out there fighting, rather than having a whole song and dance made about it.”

She rolled her eyes. “You won’t be able to do anything without a Divinator. Plus, this is the first time we’re seeing a Caelus in person! I’ve heard tales about them, and they all sound so cool!”

“They’re just angels. I’d like ‘em more if they actually fought alongside us.”

“You know how it is! Infernals and Caeli are both the antithesis of each other. If they came along with humans, they’d be at far more risk of getting adversely affected by the Infernal magic.”

“Yeah, yeah. I paid attention in class.” Alexander crossed his arms.

“Who do you think will get the coolest Divinator?” Liam asked.

“Such things don’t matter.” Ethan noted. “This isn’t some game. This is life or death. We’re going to be sent to the battlefield to fight for our lives.”

“Tch. Buzzkill.”

“Well… My parents are alive. They came back from the battlefield, and retired to live a happy life. If they can do it, I can do the same.” Alex explained.

“Overconfident as ever.” Ethan scoffed.

“Already thinking about retirement huh?” Liam smirked. “Who would you wanna settle down with?”

Liam’s eyes wandered towards Sofia, with Alexander blushing and shutting him down. “W-We’ll see when it comes to that!”

Sofia blinked, confused as to what was going on. She then changed the topic. “Do you think your sister will be here? It’s been ages since I saw Erika.”

Alexander’s expression darkened. “As if. Last time I saw her I was what? Ten years ago? I know one thing, once I make it into Puritas, I’m not going to be as much of a deadbeat as she is.”

“Maybe she’s just busy.” Liam proposed.

“Too busy to meet her parents? Too busy to spare a single day and visit her little brother?”

“She’s doing something far more important.” Ethan said. “Quit whining.”

“Her brother’s joining Puritas. She could at least show up for that.” he muttered.

The event officially began however, as Alexander’s parents made it out on stage.

“Wow, Elena looks so pretty!” Sofia exclaimed. “Your mom’s so amazing Alex!”

“Did your dad work out or something? I swear he wasn’t this jacked.” Liam asked.

“You should’ve seen him trying to get back in shape. It was hilarious!” Alex snickered.

Joining Elena and Marcus Corwin on stage were two others. Right off the bat, they were clearly not human. Their bodies were almost too perfect, blue lines etched across their skin as if they were made, not born. Attached to their back were two sets of wings, made not out of feathers, but of a white, glowing energy.

This same energy permeated throughout their musculature, their eyes glowing a resplendent blue. They looked almost like a next stage in humanity’s evolution. Both wore bright white robes, though one left his right side free, his robe only covering half his body. This same one had shaggy white hair, and had a bit of an arrogant smirk on his face. His blue eyes scanned the audience. Alexander could sense no hostility from him, just a sense of confidence. It seemed like he could take on anything. It both comforted and scared him.

The other seemed far less personable, with a distant gaze plastered at something unseen. They had long hair and a porcelain-like face.

“Greetings, everyone who joined us today! We know we’re on borrowed time here, considering all of you have lives to return to, but we are gathered here today to celebrate the next generation of Puritas!” Elena spoke, addressing the audience.

Marcus continued. “When my wife and I retired from the organisation, the goal was always to cultivate the strongest fighters to join the ranks. The sole reason for Ardencroft’s existence is not only to act as a safe haven from the Infernals, but a breeding ground for the strongest soldiers humanity has known!”

“And, to that extent, please welcome the Caeli who will be supervising the ceremony, and imbuing the Divinators with the power to kill those damned Infernals!”

The audience clapped as the two angelic beings responded to the reception.

“Now, now. No need to clap for us, the real ones to celebrate are the fresh meat!” one of the Caelus said.

The other three looked at him awkwardly. He paused.

“Is… Is that inappropriate to say? I thought that was a normal human phrase?”

Marcus cleared his throat “Well, no but… Don’t phrase it like that Michael.”

The other Caelus bowed. “Pleased to meet all of you. We are Caeli, beings created by the Divine One to aid humanity in their war against the Infernals. I am one known as Hadraniel. And this is the Divine General: Michael.”

Michael laughed off the wording. “No need to get all official. I’m just here to join my good friend Marcus in the bestowing of Divinators to our children!!”

“We’re eighteen. No longer are we kids to coddle.” Ethan interrupted. All eyes immediately turned to him, as Michael laughed.

“Oh boy. Some of you have bite!”

As murmurs spread across the hall, Elena quickly got everyone’s attention again. “Moving on to the ceremony itself, each recruit will be brought up on stage and granted their Divinator, signifying their official induction into Puritas. The organisation has existed since time immemorial, so please applaud every promising young one ready to make a difference in humanity’s fight for survival!”

Alexander tapped his foot as they talked about other, unimportant things. He was ready to bounce out of his chair, feeling like electricity was surging through his veins. Clearly he wasn’t the only one too. He could see Ethan flexing his hands, seemingly ready to have his name called and get all the glory.

Liam flashed him a grin, clearly excited, if not a little trepidatious. Sofia was clutching her dress, out of nervousness or excitement he wasn’t sure. The other few people who’d assembled all had similar reactions, each excited to serve.

He put an arm on Sofia’s shoulder. “Getting nervous?”

It was a leap of faith, most definitely. He prayed she couldn’t see him blushing.

“...A little. I’ve never been in front of so many people like this before…”

“Relax. It’s not like you’ll be up there talking.”

“God, I sure hope not.” she paled. “Still, this is the next step in our lives huh? Everything’s gonna change from here.”

Alex went quiet. “...Maybe. But I hope some things stay the same.”

“Without further ado, we’ll call everyone forward one by one. Receive your Divinator from Hadraniel, and follow his instructions carefully!” Marcus announced. “First up: Liam Dray!”

The blond jumped out of his chair, bursting with energy. “First up is me!”

He ran up onto the stage, as Hadraniel’s body began to glow. Opening his palm, he created a sphere of light, a glowing ball of incandescent white that floated ethereally. “Take it.”

Liam looked up at the angelic being. “Like… Just grab it?”

Hadraniel nodded.

As Liam put his hand on the sphere, it suddenly leapt towards his hand, latching onto it and getting absorbed. His body began to glow the same brilliant white.

“Agh! W-What the-!”

“Calm yourself.” Hadraniel spoke. Quietly and calmly, he explained the process to Liam. “Divinators are a Puritas soldier’s only weapon against Infernals. They bond to a human’s soul, taking in its special shapes and contours, almost like a mould. Reveal your true self to its power, and it shall respond in kind. Breathe. And be still.”

Liam did as he was asked, as the light began to lessen. Then, his hand began to glow, blue runes etching themselves onto his arm. “T-This burns a little!”

“It shall, but only for a moment.”

As the process stopped, Liam doubled over, panting. He stared at his arm. Blue lines ran across it in a special type of pattern. It was similar to the ones Alexander’s parents had, but not exactly.

“That,” Hadraniel stepped closed, holding Liam’s hand up. “Is your Divinator.”

“Whoa…”

“To summon it, you merely need to call on its power. Either mentally, or out loud. Whichever you’re most comfortable with.”

Liam looked at his palm, his brow furrowed with concentration. Then, in a flash, a weapon appeared in his hand. A dagger. “Whoa!”

He played with his new weapon, which had a white and gold colour. Its handle was made to fit his hand perfectly, the blade curved in an odd, yet aesthetically pleasing way. Blue magic flowed through the creases along its design.

The audience clapped at this, as Liam hit poses with his weapon. “Amazing…” he gawked at it some more.

“A dagger.” Michael placed a hand on his chin. “Not a bad weapon. Not bad at all.”

More and more people were called up on stage one by one, with the same process being repeated.

“Sofia Ardell.”

“Good luck.” Alex patted her on the back as she went up on stage. She skittishly looked around as Hadraniel offered her a Divinator. She grabbed the orb of light, the magic runes engraving themselves on her arm. She summoned her weapon: a crossbow.

“A nice weapon. Good ranged option.” Michael said. “Pretty sure Elena has a bow too right?”

Alex’s mother smiled. Manifesting her Divinator, a longbow, she compared it to Sofia’s. “Bows are very unique. But, don’t assume you’re solely a ranged fighter just because you have a bow, alright? Divinators can be used in any way you so choose. So don’t hesitate to smack things around with it.” Elena winked.

Sofia looked at her weapon in awe, then nodded.

“Next up.” Marcus scanned the audience. “Ethan Hale!”

Ethan grumbled as he got up. “Took ‘em long enough.”

He glared at Alex. “And of course they saved the ‘best’ for last.”

“Just shut up and go up there already.” Alex rolled his eyes.

Ethan sauntered over to Hadraniel, swiftly grabbing his Divinator and watching as the runes were engraved on his arm. He summoned his weapon, which took the form of two sickles. He grinned as he looked over them. The audience all cheered as he hefted his new Divinator.

“Sickles! How cool!” Michael exclaimed. “Quite rare too! Only the most promising soldiers get this kind of weapon.”

Ethan grinned. “I knew I was destined for greatness.”

As Alexander walked up to the stage and waited for his name to be called however, Hadraniel stopped his parents with a hand. “Something is off.”

The group talked quietly. Due to Alexander being close, he could pick up on their conversation.

Michael tilted his head. “Hmm… Shouldn’t be a huge deal. Wanna go investigate?”

“You stay here. Provide the remaining ones their Divinator.” Hadraniel said. “I shall go locate the source of the disturbance.”

Marcus looked at the two of them. “What’s wrong?”

“Infernal activity.” Michael explained.

Elena and Marcus paled as they heard this. “But that’s impossible! Ardencroft has been Infernal free for aeons.”

“It’s nothing. I’ll deal with it post-haste. Knowing this place’s history, there are likely only a few grunts.” Hadraniel headed off-stage and flew off.

Michael sighed. “Just… let’s finish this quickly.”

Marcus cleared his throat. “Last, but certainly not least. Our very own son: Alexander Corwin!”

The audience applauded as Alexander walked up to them. He took in the praise, a wide grin plastered across his face. Though, a part of his mind was still thinking about their discussion. He looked at his parents.

“What’s going on? Infernals? Here?” he muttered.

“Don’t worry. It’ll work out.” Elena assured. “Let’s just focus on the ceremony right now.”

Michael concentrated, creating a small sphere of light. “One minute. Bear with me. I don’t usually do this kind of thing.”

The energy snapped and crackled, the ball of light unstable as it fizzled.

“Is it… supposed to look like that?”

His father put a hand on his shoulder. “Alex. It’s been a dream of mine, to see my children walk in our family’s footsteps. I felt the same way when your sister left… And I feel the same way now. I’m immensely proud of you. Both of us are.”

“Speaking of sis. Did she even…”

Marcus sighed. “I’m sorry son. We did extend an invite but there was no response.”

“In any case. I’m sure she’ll be just as proud of you as us.” Elena smiled warmly. “You can meet her once you move over to the Citadel.”

Alexander laughed to himself. “Yeah.”

“Alright kiddo.” Michael held out his hand. “It should be safe to take now.”

Alexander grabbed the ball of light, and immediately regretted doing so. He clenched his teeth as the magic sparked upon contact with his skin, almost like lightning coursing through him. His arm burned, like his skin was splitting asunder.

“Agh! Gh!” He grabbed his arm.

“Calm down! You got this!” Michael grabbed him. “Take deep breaths!”

The feeling in his body spread, as he stumbled on the stage. He had to bare his soul to this energy. Give it all of him. Only then would the pain stop.

His breath slowed down as the light dissipated. Engraved on his right arm were marks akin to bolts of lightning. It was over. He closed his eyes, visualising the drawing of his weapon, and his arm suddenly felt heavier as a stunned silence overtook the audience.

In his hand was a perfectly shaped greatsword, gleaming silver as blue mist spilled from the guard. The hilt was a brilliant blue, with golden, lightning like patterns engraved on it. But the most noticeable trait was the crackling red trails of fabric billowing from the pommel.

“...A sword?”

Michael gasped. “You got one. A sword!”

His parents hugged him in happiness.

“W-Wait what does that mean?”

Michael grinned. “Swords are exceedingly rare. It is said that those who receive a sword, have the highest potential. You might just be a tide-turner in this war, boy.”

One by one, the bystanders in the audience clapped, as Alex’s pride swelled along with the sound of applause.

“Alex, I can’t believe it! My own son, a sword bearer!” his father blubbered.

As the audience all cheered however, one voice rang out. “You can’t be serious! Are you kidding me?!”

Alex turned to look at the source of the noise, who was Ethan, glaring at him.

“Every time. Every damn time. It’s always about you. Never about anyone else.” Ethan spat.

Alexander’s parents let go of him as they turned to face Ethan.

“Now please, Hale. We aren’t trying to-!”

“Shut up! Both of you! Today wasn’t about any of us. It wasn’t about the ‘next generation’. It was just about your stupid son!”

“Ethan! Enough!” Alex stepped forward. “You think I had a choice in which weapon I got?”

“Oh yeah. Of course. The universe ‘chose’ you huh? You’re the ‘chosen one’ who’s going to save all of us, is that right?” Ethan yelled angrily.

“Ethan what are you doing?” Liam got up to stop him. “Can’t you just be happy for him?”

“You’re just jealous that your spotlight was stolen.” Sofia joined in.

“Me? Jealous? It’s not just about me. It’s about you two as well. Do you think anyone will care about us once we join Puritas? Huh? Are we anyone of importance?” Ethan asked furiously. “This man’s been born lucky, he’s lived his entire life lucky, and now, he’s been lucky again with the Divinator he’s been given.”

“It’s not luck, I-”

“Oh I’m sure you worked real hard Corwin. I’m sure you think you got here through the miracle of hard work. But the truth is, even if you were a stupid, talentless hack, you’d be here regardless. ‘Cuz your mum and pop are national heroes, so you might as well be one too!”

“Ethan Hale. Quiet!” Elena spoke. “We are not stupid enough to send our son to die just because he’s our child. I, in good faith, would not even think of doing any of this with him had he not been prepared for it.”

“She’s right.” Alex steps up. “And plus, so what if I’m the chosen one? So what if I got a sword? Not all of us can be successful. All I hear is excuses upon excuses Ethan! Maybe my parents are partial to me, because I actually have talent!”

“There it is. There’s your true colours. Just ‘cuz you were born into a special bloodline. Just because you grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth. You think you’re better than all of us!” Ethan screamed. “You were probably too busy living in fantasy land, too busy drowning in that delusion of yours. Do you know how much Ardencroft is struggling? Do you know that we’re the only civilization left on this side of the planet? The world is ending, yet all you care about is your own personal scorecard!”

“Of course I know all that! I want to protect my home!”

“Then stop acting like you’re above all of this!” Ethan argued. “The truth is Alexander, you’re a damn nepo baby. And I’ve hated you, all this time!”

The ground shook. Violently. A feeling of dread overtook the hearts of everyone present in the building.

The wall of the building exploded, as Hadraniel was sent flying through. A massive, red spear pinned the Caelus to a wall, his entire torso impaled by its sharp end, blue blood bursting from the gaping hole.

“Hadraniel!” Michael shouted.

Sheer pandemonium ensued as every human there began to scream and scatter. But this was only the beginning. As they tried to run out, numerous waves of monsters charged in, leaping onto the unsuspecting civilians and tearing them apart.

Their blood red skin, horns and orange runes spreading across their body made it clear who they were. Infernals.

Marcus and Elena summoned their Divinators, Elena firing her bow at the monsters as Marcus charged in with a huge warhammer.

“All of you! Run! Get help!” Michael yelled as he grabbed Hadraniel’s corpse and flew off.

Alexander paled as he saw the chaos ensue in front of him. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. He always wanted to fight but… Not like this. All he saw was senseless violence. People being ripped to shreds while still alive. His parents did their best but… They couldn’t save everyone.

This was hell. Was this war?

“Alex!”

He turned to the sound of the voice.

“ALEXANDER!” Liam screamed. “We need to run!”

“Y-Yeah-!”

The four ran out from another exit, only to be faced with the grim reality: Ardencroft was doomed. The red sky was here. And that signalled the end.

“N-no!” Sofia covered her mouth. “The red sky… They’ve fully taken over.”

“What about the barrier?” Ethan looked around. “Surely they couldn’t have broken through…”

“That barrier wouldn’t have been broken without… Sufficient force. But how? Ardencroft has been hidden for centuries! How did they find us?” Sofia exclaimed tearfully.

Liam fell to his knees. “What… What do we do? They asked us to get help but… How?”

“There’s an alarm to call for Puritas, right? In the main tower!” Alexander pointed. “We need to get there!”

A massive explosion of red flame enveloped the tower, destroying it in a brilliant explosion.

No one was coming.

“Mortals. Sinners!” a voice boomed from the sky, as a single being looked upon the entire town. “Prepare for your day of reckoning! How safe you must have felt, sitting in your little haven!”

Noticing them, he crashed in front of them, and all four were immediately paralyzed in their places. Not due to anything the Infernal had done. No. It was the simple fact that they were looking a primordial being in the eyes.

This Infernal was different. He was humanoid. Blood red armour covered his muscular body, with equally red hair framing his manic visage. His eyes glowed with murderous intent, a grin stretching across the scarlet mask that was his face. It looked almost pasted on, like his skin didn’t quite fit right with his face, so it needed to be stretched and stitched where needed. Sharp teeth filled his maw far past any human’s jaw would end, and five horns jutted from his head, almost resembling a crown.

“What’s wrong? You’re soldiers aren’t you?” He asked. His voice had an edge to it. There was an air of sophistication, but it felt mocking. Like this thing was playing with them. He beckoned them to fight. “C’mon. Bring out your weapons. At least die fighting.”

Alexander’s throat felt dry. Like someone was choking him. He couldn’t speak. He could barely even move.

“W-W…We aren’t soldiers.” Liam managed. “We’re just… New recruits.”

“New recruits? I don’t understand. You have Divinators don’t you?” the Infernal tilted his head.

Tears streamed down Liam’s face. “We don’t know h-how to use them.”

“Draw your weapon.”

“But-”

“Draw it.”

Liam manifested his dagger. “We mean no harm… Just have mercy!”

The demonic being looked at the weapon and snorted. “That’s it? Pfft!” He laughed, doubling over as he seemed to find this genuinely amusing.

“Well human. You are at least more daring than your friends.” He put his arm around Liam. “Why are they all so still? Why don’t you ask them?”

“Guys…” Liam looked helplessly at them.

“They look shy. C’mon. Tell them. I like them. I’ll keep them around as jesters. You’re a funny guy, aren’t you?” The Infernal shook Liam around a little.

Liam only nodded. And then in the blink of an eye…

His head was gone.

Blood splattered on the floor, as his lifeless body fell down.

“Heh. That was funny.” The Infernal laughed.

“...Liam?” Alexander looked at his friend’s body. This wasn’t real. This couldn’t be real, right? It was all a dream. That’s it. A nightmare. He just had to wake up.

“Oh. Now this one talked.” The Infernal knelt down in front of Alex. “What was that? Was your buddy called Liam?”

Alexander met this thing’s eyes. Hollow. Despite them glowing, there was nothing behind them. No humanity. Nothing. As if he was staring into the abyss.

“I… Am Vexor.” He put his hand on his chest. “The manifestation of hatred. And I smelled that delicious aroma here. Was it one of you? It still emanates from one of you. Which one? Tell me! C’mon. Don’t hide it from me.”

Alexander cradled Liam’s body in his arms. “I…I’m sorry…”

Vexor rolled his eyes. “On with it now. Wah, wah. My friends are dead. I-!”

An arrow lodged itself in his neck. He looked at Sofia, who’s hands shook as she held her crossbow.

“Now, girl. That was ballsy.”

Before he could do much more, a huge blast of light enveloped him. “Agh! Dammit!”

Vexor groaned as his skin steamed. Michael landed in front of them. He regarded Liam’s corpse, and sighed despondently.

“I… I should’ve been here sooner. You three. Please. Run. Don’t look back. You must live.”

The three took off. As fast as they could, as their town burned down around them. Buildings crumbled as numerous Infernals took notice. They did their best to avoid them, even taking out a few. But they were gripped by fear.

“It’ll be okay. It’ll be okay.” Alexander muttered to himself. “You can do this. You’ve trained for this.”

“Alex… What do we do?” Sofia looked at him. She needed some solace. Some comfort. Something he couldn’t give her.

“Just run. There’s nothing else we can do.”

Just as they made it to the outskirts however, what looked like a meteor of blue and red crashed down near them. As the smoke cleared, Vexor stood over Michael.

“This is the Divine General? How many times will we do this? You Caeli keep trying again and again to stop us. To slow our takeover of this planet. But we’re already one step closer, and your numbers dwindle further and further. Give up. Your god will not save you. But ours… As the days pass, he comes closer to awakening. Closer to granting us a world of our own!” Vexor cackled, and his face took on a more serious tone.

“How pathetic. Half of my forces were wiped out by you, and yet… You are the reason we are here. It is entirely your fault.” Vexor noticed them as they tried to sneak away. “Well… You and… Them.”

He leapt at Alexander, but he was pushed out of the way by Ethan, who swung his sickles at the Infernal. Vexor leapt over them and landed a small distance away.

“You two! Run!” He yelled.

“Ethan! What are you doing?!”

A small sigh escaped Ethan’s lips. “I’m sorry, Alex. If I didn’t blow up at you… Maybe we’d all be enjoying drinks together right now. Run. I don’t deserve a place by your side.”

Vexor leapt at Ethan, who tried to fight him off, but was quickly disarmed and grabbed by the neck. He looked at the two pleadingly. “Go! Now!”

“ETHAN!”

Sofia grabbed his arm and the two ran again, as Alexander heard more blasts behind him. They were coming. Ethan wasn’t going to hold them back for long. But the two tripped over themselves and fell to the ground.

“What are we doing?!” Alexander hit the ground in frustration. “We’re running away while everyone dies? Without helping?”

Sofia didn’t say anything.

“I…I say all those things about wanting to fight. About wanting to represent my family. But… I’m terrified. I don’t want to fight anymore. Not if it’s like this.” Alexander trembled. “And yet… People have died to save me. I need to do something. Anything.”

“You want to fight back?” Sofia asked.

“What separates us from them? Why should we live, while they don’t?” Alexander asked her. “I’m not leaving them. I’m not ditching my home.”

Sofia smiled. “You’re so stubborn.”

“I am. And I’ll die stubborn too.”

Vexor landed in front of them. “You stopped running? I wanted to keep playing.”

Alexander drew his blade, Sofia hefted her crossbow. He charged at Vexor, who easily caught the blade with his hands. Alex ducked as Sofia fired a volley of arrows at Vexor, but he caught them in his free hand.

Using this as a distraction, Alexander swung his sword low, trying to cut the Infernal’s legs, but he flipped over him and lunged for Sofia. This was stopped mid leap by Marcus, who slammed the demon with his hammer.

“Agh!” Vexor crashed into a tree.

“Dad?!” Alex gasped.

“Son. Why are you still here? You can’t take him on!” Marcus said. “Your mom and I will handle him. You go!”

“No! I’m not running! I’m not leaving you!”

The older man sighed. “Stubborn brat. Just like your old man.”

Vexor got to his feet, but was shot full of holes by Elena, who stood perched on top of a run down building. “He’s down, kill him!”

Marcus and Alex leapt at him with their weapons, but like a red blur, he avoided their attacks. He swung down his fist at Alex, but Marcus protected his son with the handle of his hammer. Smacking the Infernal in the face with it, he went for another swing, but wasn’t so lucky.

Vexor jumped back and belched a gout of pure fire, but an arrow struck the ground in front of the men and generated a bright blue barrier.

“Now, Sofia!” Elena yelled.

The younger woman fired more crossbow bolts into Vexor’s back, impaling him as he hunched forward. His hammer crackling with blue energy, Marcus slammed it into Vexor, the Infernal crumpling into the ground as a large crater formed.

“Now! Kill him!”

Alex jumped at Vexor with his sword. He’d pay. He’d pay for killing Liam. For killing Ethan. For destroying his town. He hated him. For everything he’d done, he was going to-!

His confidence faltered as he noticed a wild smile plastered across Vexor’s face. With ease, escaped his pinned predicament under Marcus’ hammer, and punched a hole through his gut. Grabbing Alexander’s sword, he flung him into the building Elena was standing atop, the entire structure collapsing.

Alexander coughed as he came to. He saw his mother, blood trickling down the side of her face.

“Thank god. You’re alive.”

“Mom?”

She coughed, clutching her side, which also bled. “Listen. It’s only the two of us now. And I can’t, in good conscience, let you fight anymore.”

He looked around. They were inside the broken building. It was only a matter of time before Vexor found them.

“N-No… You can’t!”

“I know. Marcus and Sofia… I don’t think they made it.” Elena managed, her voice stricken with grief. “But… I’m a parent. And it’s our job to ensure the best for our children. No matter what.”

“Mom… No…”

“If you manage to escape. Please… Find Erika. Don’t push her away. She’s… She loves you. She loves us. She’ll blame herself. And I want you to be there for her.”

“Dammit! No!” Alexander tried to get up, but his leg buckled. It was broken.

Vexor’s muffled voice could be heard from the other side. “Mortals?! Weren’t there four of you? I can only find two! Come on out!”

Elena took a deep breath. “I love you, Alex.”

His mother jumped out of the debris, firing numerous volleys at Vexor, who merely laughed with glee. Alexander crawled out behind her, willing himself to get up. He had to get up. He had to…

His father’s body lay a small distance away, a hole through his abdomen. Sofia lay unmoving, her body limp, lying against a building. Blood pooled from her head. She wasn’t breathing.

Run. He had to run. He tried to hobble away, but a shockwave floored him. Vexor stood over his mother, his armour dripping with blood. He’d lost her too.

“Now, we’re down to one.” Vexor smirked. “Do you hate me, mortal? Do you despise me for doing this to you? Good. Feed me more. Give me all of it.”

Alex stood up, leaning on his sword. “What… What ARE YOU!?”

His question was not answered, as another figure appeared in front of them. Michael. Again.

“For all your big talk… You keep running from me, damned cockroach.” Michael spat.

Vexor frowned. “You always ruin my fun.”

He manifested a blood red sword. He looked at it. “Just a sword huh? It’s not enough. You need more hate in your body boy. Make me stronger.”

“Alexander.” Michael spoke. “Pay no heed to the poison that spews from his mouth. You’re safe now. Stay there.”

Alexander watched as the two fought, Michael firing beams of light as Vexor lunged at him, like a wild animal. Numerous circular runes formed from Michael’s fingertips, blue light flying from them like bolts of lightning. His body lit up with the designs, with Vexor’s body doing the same. Only difference was that one was blue, the other orange.

He wasn’t going to just stay put. He needed to help. He had to kill him. Not just because he wanted it to. But because it was necessary.

Vexor cut through another bolt, with Michael pointing at the ground, a large circle forming beneath Vexor’s feet. Then, a column of light erupted from the ground, encircling Vexor in divine magic. The Infernal wailed as his skin burned, staggering out of the attack. Michael charged up another beam, but Vexor blocked it with his sword.

Now was his chance.

Alex hobbled, and leapt at Vexor’s back with his good leg.

“Ghk!” Vexor looked down at his chest, a sword erupting from it. “You… Brat!”

“Shoot him Michael! Take me down too!” Alexander yelled at the Caelus.

“NO!” Vexor grabbed the sword, as it began to crack and splinter with his grip. The Infernal’s crimson blood poured down Alex’s left arm, as Michael hesitated.

“DO IT!” Alex yelled.

Michael sighed. “Sorry kid.”

He put his arm up, a circular seal forming in front of his hand, before a blast of light enveloped both of them. Alex closed his eyes. It was over.

And yet…

It wasn’t. Immense pain covered every inch of his body, as he heard the splintering of his Divinator. But… The pain began to change. His body felt numb. But his arms…

His arms screamed. Every inch of them felt like they were on fire, like he’d dipped them in the sun. His nerves felt like they were going to explode. It was a searing, unending pain. Was this what death felt like?

Was he even dead?

No. His eyes were just closed. It was just quiet. Eerily quiet.

His eyes fluttered open. No one was moving. Vexor’s burnt, broken body sat in front of him, but the Infernal didn’t move. Neither did Michael. His ears picked up no sound. The surroundings were dull. He screamed. Screamed to the heavens for doing this to him. For leaving him alive. Tears streamed down his face. He felt raw. Hollow. Like nothing mattered anymore. The pain in his arms didn’t end. Was this punishment? No.

Something was there with him. He wasn’t alone. His body twitched as he felt a presence. Turning to the right, he saw it.

A figure, clad in black. Its cloak stretched down and covered its entire body, trailing behind it. It almost felt like it walked out of someone’s shadow, it had the same translucent consistency as one. Yet, if he focused on it, the creature became opaque.

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It had long arms. Too long, almost comical. They seemed to be wrapped around its own body, the tendrils sitting around its frame. Clawed hands flexed as it held them in front of Sofia’s body. He couldn’t see its head, only that it was hooded. It was trying to do something to Sofia.

“...No. Stop.” He muttered. The creature stopped, then straightened. It turned slightly, to regard him.

“Whatever you are… Don’t touch her! Please…” He grimaced, his arms feeling like they were going to fall off. “AGH!”

“Fvb jhu zll tl?”

It spoke. But what had it just said?

“What?”

“Uv vul ohz lcly... Doha hyl fvb?”

Alexander panted, and then closed his eyes, trying to move his arms up. The muscles burned, and it felt like an eternity, but he gazed upon them. They weren’t burning. They seemed… Normal?

The lightning runes still existed on his right arm, but they were wilder now. Almost more… Unstable. But the bigger surprise was his left. It also had runes. They weren’t blue, they were orange.

“What is..” He tried to speak, but his whole body felt like it was burning now. “Happening to me?”

“Pa zlltz fvb kv uva buklyzahuk tl fla. Fvby hytz hyl aolf rlf. H ofiypk…”

Alexander looked at the creature, but it suddenly disappeared from his view. It reappeared, and it was now in front of him.

“Wlyohwz P dpss zovd fvb.”

It knelt down in front of him, and a single eye opened in the abyss that was its face. He looked into it…

Images flashed into his mind. Sounds, smells, sights… Everything, all at once. He saw things he did not, and could not understand. What was all this? Who were these beings? Was that… His planet?

He saw demonic and angelic entities fighting, their shapes constantly changing and evolving, yet never once being discernable. He heard roars and voices, all in a language foreign to him. He saw a void that at once seemed to contain something, but at the same time was empty.

He clutched his temples as even the pain in his arms felt numb. More and more information ploughed its way into his mind, memories that weren’t his own flowing into his brain unbidden. Yet he understood nothing. But then… he began to see what looked like humans.

“You’ve got it from here, Corwin.”

A black haired boy with blue eyes, smiling at him. He seemed injured, blood running down his face. Did he just say his last name?

“I’m sorry, Alex. I had to…”

A brunette with amber eyes, also bloodied, stood close to him, staring into his eyes. She wore scuffed white armour, a gaping hole in her chest. She was crying. Why was she crying?

“Alex! Take my hand!”

Erika? She’d changed since he last saw her but… She had the same blue eyes as him. His sister… He didn’t remember this. When was this?

“ALEX!”

“H mhpsbyl. Uv thaaly. Spcl dlss, Hslehukly Jvydpu. Zv P thf vujl hnhpu zwlhr av fvb.”

He awoke with a jolt, letting out a yell as he rose up. He was on a bed. His arms felt heavy, and as he looked at them, he noticed they were in some sort of covering. Like a shackle. His body no longer hurt. But he felt different.

His body was heavier. He felt stronger, but at the same time more fragile. Like if he made any movement, his bones would shatter.

Was he healing, or had he just gotten used to it? He wasn’t sure.

“You’re awake.”

Michael. He’d survived.

“Alexander Corwin. You are an anomaly. A threat to the natural order of things. Something that should not exist.” The Caelus spoke. “You must be exterminated.”

Alex’s eyes widened.

“...Is what I would say. If the higher-ups had their way with you. But no, Alexander Corwin. You are an asset. An important one. One we cannot let slip through our hands.” Michael grinned.

“Welcome to Puritas.”

Chapter 2

Michael paused as he noticed Alexander’s expression wasn’t exactly as upbeat as he expected. “You don’t seem too happy about it.”

“...”

The Caelus laughed to himself.”No. I suppose not.” He took on a more serious tone. “I’m not going to sugarcoat it, because I’m sure you already witnessed everything that happened first hand. Ardencroft has fallen, Infernals have taken over it entirely. The only survivors are you and I.”

Alexander nodded. He wanted to scream and cry more. Everything he’d ever known and loved in his life, gone. Just in a day. His shoulders shuddered, tears falling down his face. He smirked slightly. This was a joke. Life was playing a joke on him. That’s it. That was the only explanation.

“Vexor escaped after our reinforcements arrived.” Michael admitted. “You are currently in the Citadel, in a secret ward of our infirmary.”

“...”

He was barely even listening to Michael. His breath quickened as he laughed softly to himself. Tears continued to stream down his cheeks.

“...Why didn’t you do it?” he asked, finally speaking. “Why didn’t you kill me?”

Michael tilted his head. “Kill you? Why would I-”

“WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME ALIVE DAMMIT!?” he screamed, sobbing hysterically. “Just end my suffering now. I don’t want to do this anymore. I don’t deserve to be here.”

Alexander winced as he twitched his left arm, the fiery runes plastered across it glowing a vibrant orange. Eerily similar to the ones the Infernals had.

Michael blinked. “I know what you went through was harrowing. But, it’s either sink or swim here.”

“...Then I’ll drown.”

“What’s wrong? Wasn’t your only goal in life to join Puritas?”

“When I had people to make proud. When I had a legacy to prove. Now it’s all gone.” Alexander muttered. “Mom and dad will never know if their son lived, much less if he made it here. I wanted to fight Infernals with my friends but… They’re all dead. They’re all dead because I couldn’t save them!” his voice quivered.

“No one expected you to save them.”

“THEN WHY?” he yelled. “Why did they all give their lives for me? Why am I worth more than they are? Because I got some stupid sword?! Is that it? Does that make me worth more than the other hopefuls?”

Michael sat on a chair next to the bed. “Kid. I’ve been alive for millennia. I’ve seen babies grow up to be legends, only to die all the same. Not just humans either. We Caeli used to number in the thousands. Now? Only a handful. And Hadraniel’s death cut our numbers down further.”

The angelic being focused on the floor, seemingly trying to not dwell over the loss too much.

“All that’s to say, death is something you get used to in this profession. And, as messed up as it is to say, you were basically born into it.” Michael explained. “Besides. What else will you do? There’s nowhere left to go.”

He was right. It wasn’t like he had a home to go back to. Not like he had friends or family waiting for him. He was alone.

“Exactly. There’s nowhere left to go. I’m nothing. Nobody. I don’t deserve to be here. My parents were better than me. My friends did more than me. Liam stood up for us when no one else would. Ethan fought that monster off to protect us. Sofia…She believed in me. She fought to the bitter end. I didn’t do anything except burden them all.” he cried. “I-”

Michael put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it.

“Listen kid. Do you hear yourself right now?” he spoke, his voice unwavering and cold. “Are you seriously telling me you’re throwing it all away? All those people that died, are you going to disrespect their memory?”

“… What?”

“Are you going to disrespect your parents’ memory?! Your friends? Everyone who died in Ardencroft? Do you dare to tell me that, as the sole survivor, you’re going to do nothing?!” Michael yelled, his blue eyes burning with rage.

“What can I do?”

“FIGHT!” the Caelus yelled. “Fight for those you lost. Avenge them. Use that hatred burning inside you, and temper it into a powerful weapon. You’ve got nothing left to lose, kid. So at the very least, take some of the damn Infernals down with you before you go.”

Alexander went quiet. He did have hatred. As much as he hated himself, he hated that damn Infernal too. Not just Vexor. No. He hated the whole lot of those demons.

“Why… Do you fight?” Alex weakly asked the angelic being in front of him.

“Because I don’t have a choice in the matter. We were created by our god for the sole purpose of fighting back against the Infernal threat. Humans have freedom. You have the free will to live your life how you wish, die as you wish. It is an experience I can only envy, but it is my job to preserve that free will.” Michael said.

“Everyone at Puritas is here for that reason. To let the common man live their life to the fullest. I understand that you perhaps couldn’t live how you wanted, but you have the opportunity to make sure that what happened to you, never happens to anyone ever again.”

Alexander looked at his cuffed arms. He did have nothing else to live for. If nothing else, he had to avenge his family and friends’ memories. He had to kill Vexor.

“I know you want revenge on that bastard Infernal too.” Michael smirked at him, a darkness dancing throughout the sea of purity that were his eyes. “Well, you’ll have to get in line for that.”

“...”

Alex grunted as he kicked off his covers. Seemed he was dressed in a simple white shirt and shorts. Made sense, the nice shirt and trousers he’d chosen to wear were reduced to tatters, along with the rest of his wardrobe and possessions. He grunted as he shakily got to his feet. His body felt lighter, almost brimming with some kind of energy. His leg had healed too, somehow. It didn’t even feel sprained, much less broken like it did before.

“What’s… Wrong with me?”

“It seems, somehow, Infernal magic has melded with your body. As to why…” he went quiet. “I don’t know. But, as it stands, you are now a hybrid consisting of Caelus, Infernal, and Human genetic makeup.”

The newly dubbed ‘hybrid’ looked at his arms. His right glowed blue, it no longer hurt, but something was different about it. His left arm was glowing orange.

A lot of theories swirled through his mind over how this could’ve happened. He remembered his Divinator shattering in the fight with Vexor, seconds before he was enveloped by Michael’s blast. Did that have something to do with it? Perhaps… In that explosion, both Vexor’s and Michael’s energies had somehow plastered themselves onto him.

“A lot of people think you are some sort of abomination. A mistake.” Michael further explained. “But I’m not so sure. Besides, I refuse to let Marcus’ boy be treated in such a way. Your father and I go way back. Though… I guess people would find it hard to believe you’re his son.”

“What do you mean?”

Michael wordlessly pointed to a large mirror affixed to a wall next to Alexander. The hybrid looked at his reflection and…

Who was he looking at?

His once ashen black hair had turned into a brilliant white. It had gotten longer as well, splayed out awkwardly as it framed his face. Speaking of, his face had gotten slightly sharper, as if all the excess fat had been trimmed away. He was muscular before, but now his arms brimmed with power. Even trapped in the glowing blue braces, he could feel his increased muscle mass. From what he could see of his legs, they’d gotten more muscular too.

But the most captivating aspect of his body were his eyes. Before, they used to be a bright shade of ocean blue, but now? They shone an iridescent orange, the same colour as the runes on his left hand.

“You’ve changed a lot. So I’d say this is not only a metaphorical rebirth for you, but an actual one.”

“This body… How did this happen?”

“If I were to guess?” Michael crossed his arms. *The Infernal and Caelus magic forced your body to evolve to handle the energy. In a way, you grew stronger just to handle your own power.”

As Alex looked at himself, Michael got off his chair. “Come on. I’m already backing you, but we have to run you by the Queen too.”

“The Queen… of the CItadel? You mean Queen Lumina?” Alex looked at him in surprise.

“Indeed. Seems like you’ve done your research. But Alex, you’re serious about this, aren’t you? Being half-hearted will only lead you to an early grave.”

“...If I’m going to die, I might as well make a spectacle out of it.”

The two headed out of Alex’s room. The rest of the infirmary consisted of long hallways, each filled with rooms upon rooms. He saw numerous signs, which seemed to split the place based on the severity of injury. The place had a barren look to it, feeling entirely impersonal and lifeless.

This was an infirmary, not a hospital. People came here to rest and recover, nothing more. It was strikingly different from what he was used to, the white hallways lit up by a soft blue light, seemingly some form of magic. A few people gave Alexander odd looks, but he kept his head low, as a lot of them bowed in reverence of the Divine General.

As they exited the infirmary, Alexander's jaw dropped. As opposed to his home of Ardencroft: a rustic and quaint village with a hint of modernity here and there, this place was entirely different. The infirmary he just walked out of was a large yet unremarkable cuboid of a building, forged out of a white marble, with a bright red roof.

Mountains peppered the borders of the city, as if this place was guarded by them, their silver, snowy peaks surrounding them. The Citadel seemed built into a mountain range, the sun being out still not enough to counter the chilly weather. The infirmary was at one corner, behind it only a huge wall, while in front of it were numerous, clustered houses.

Michael rubbed his chin. “Nice place right? This entire city is under Caeli influence, it’s where we live, and where we’re the strongest. So much so that we’ve created a barrier around this place to keep Infernals out, though we’ve made exceptions for you.”

“It’s grandiose. I… never expected it to look this beautiful.”

“You haven’t seen the least of it.”

Without another word, Alex took off, performing a running jump onto one of the building’s windows. Flipping upwards, he grabbed a ledge with his right hand, and began to scale the white marble one handed. He didn’t know why he was doing this. It just felt… Right. It felt familiar. A part of his old life that he couldn’t quite let go of. His love for climbing, his love for running. It let him feel… free.

“Heh. Knew he was going to do that.” Michael muttered.

Alex leapt from one ledge to the next, his body’s newfound power empowering him to climb with ease, even with both his arms in braces that weighed him down.

He leapt off the ledge onto an adjacent wall, flipping off of it with a powerful jump, cracking the marble. He landed on a balcony, grimacing slightly at the damage. He quickly jumped up, grabbing the edge of the roof and rolling onto it.

The view from up there was even more bedazzling than from the ground. He saw an entire cavalcade of buildings stretching across the entire city. The area he was in had lots of white buildings, with an especially elegant mansion of silver and blue to his right, with a dome at the top and numerous columns spread around it.

The rest of the city consisted of numerous stone-grey buildings, but just like the section he was in, other extremes of the city seemed to have their own colour schemes. He could see a part of the city that felt a lot more akin to his home, numerous brown old-fashioned buildings with a quant mansion sitting at the edge of a small hill.

There was another blue mansion, nestled amid meticulously manicured gardens and tranquil ponds, a majestic structure adorned with intricate carvings and adorned with vibrant hues. Its azure façade rose elegantly, reflecting the sky's cerulean expanse. It had an oddly shaped roof, stretching down and curling up at each corner.

But what caught his eye the most was the main palace. Nestled in the far north, was a sprawling castle, made out of a mix of silver with numerous hints of gold dancing across its smooth surface. It seemed like it was one with the mountain, almost being embedded into it as its numerous squires pierced the sky. This was where the Queen lived, it seemed.

Michael flew up behind him. “You should be careful, you know? Jumping around in those shackles isn’t the best strategy.”

“Take them off then.”

Michael shook his head. “No can do. You’ll have to ask Indra for that. He handles all these things. He’s the one who made these shackles. One of my subordinates.”

“Where is he?”

“Lucky for you, he’s probably at the palace as well. We’re late too. As much as I’d enjoy letting you leap around like an ape, we cannot tarry further.”

Putting a hand on Alex’s shoulder, they were enveloped in a blue light, before appearing at the foot of the enormous palace. It looked far bigger from up close, with Alexander unable to even see it fully. He stumbled.

“What… Did you just do?”

“Hm? Oh. Right. I told you didn’t I? This is where we’re the strongest. The congregation of Caeli magic is so strong here, that we can travel across the city in seconds. Think of it as teleportation.”

They walked in through an inner sanctum of the city, which had its own conglomeration of abodes, also featuring an ebony mansion situated at the East.

“Does your kind live here?”

“We don’t ‘live’ anywhere specifically.” Michael explained. “The Citadel as a whole is our home. But we often meet at the very top of the palace. We rest there often too.”

As they made it into the actual castle, entering a huge door as they were enveloped by warmth. Michael quickly grabbed a cloak off a hanger, and gave it to Alex.

“Best not to walk around in such plain garb. The cloak will hide most of you at least.” Michael explained as Alexander quickly put on the baggy black garb.

The hall was huge and grandiose, dripping with elegance as numerous paintings and engravings covered the walls. The roof was a huge mural of Caeli all with their arms outstretched, and the centrepiece was a large blue eye.

The courtroom was most definitely a sight to behold, with intricacies Alexander didn’t notice until he focused on certain aspects. The queen sat on her throne, a huge golden seat befitting a ruler. She seemed not much older than him, with long, well kept blonde hair and ash-grey eyes. Her dress was a brilliant white, with silver highlights. It covered her top half, with sleeves going down to her fingers, and waist down it spread out into a wide gown. Her feet were encased in white heels.

“Your Highness.” Michael bowed. Alexander bowed with him. The Caelus gestured at the hybrid. “Alexander Corwin.”

Queen Lumina quietly regarded them. Her face showed very little emotion, with Alex unable to tell if she liked or disliked him. She waved off two men beside her, each wearing bronze armour.

The younger one wore bronze armour with gold pauldrons and gauntlets. His eyes were a similar colour, with reddish-brown hair. His armour had a sash tied around the waist, with numerous metal plates that went from his sides around his back hanging from his hips. He regarded Alexander with a smirk.

The older man next to him looked similar to him, with an older face, pure bronze armour and a light beard. He exuded an aura of power, just a mere look from him made Alex’s fight-or-flight response trigger.

“You two are dismissed.” Lumina spoke. Her voice was deeper than Alex had expected, holding an air of authority. The two men nodded. But as they walked away, the older man glared at Alex.

“So. You are the poisoned one hm?” he spoke, with a gruff voice, as if he’d been gargling sand.

“Poisoned?”

“I can see it in your eyes boy. How a human managed to survive Infernal influence is beyond me.” The man spoke. “The entire concept of a human possessing Infernal magic is insanity. Which is why you are far too dangerous a being to be left alive.”

“Now, now Henry.” Michael crossed his arms. “I thought we discussed this.”

The man whose name seemed to be Henry, merely furrowed his eyebrows. “We discussed it. I do not remember arriving at a conclusion.”

“Henry Relictus. Enough.” the Queen spoke. “You do not decide the fate of the hybrid. I do.”

“Then I shall see to it that you make the correct decision.” Henry crossed his arms. “Aethul, you are dismissed.”

The younger man looked at Alexander. “Poisoned one huh? You look fun.” he smirked.

“What?”

“I’ll be seeing you bud. Let’s make some magic together when we next meet.” Aethul left, with a small wave.

Henry scoffed. “That boy. No sense of decorum.”

“Well, he is your nephew Henry.” A voice cut in. Two people who Alex hadn’t even noticed entered his vision from the left.

One was a Caelus, similar to Michael. They seemed a lot bulkier than Michael, their robe discarded for a shirtless look, though their lower half was covered by an intricate loincloth, though it was ankle-length. He wore what appeared to be baggy white pants underneath as well.

The other was a human, and his mere appearance made him seem almost godlike. He wasn’t overbearing like Henry Relictus was, this man’s aura was more… refined. He had long blonde hair, a similar shade to Queen Lumina’s, though his eyes shone a brilliant blue. His skin had a bit of tan to it, and he wore beautiful black and gold armour. He looked like a hero, like everything Alexander had wanted to be at some point. He was the one that had just spoken.

“Is that so Edmund? You want to show me how to raise a child?” Henry spat.

Edmund laughed. “That’s the cheek I expect from you. See? You and Aethul aren’t so different after all.”

“How’re those cuffs treating ya kid?” The other Caelus asked Alex, his voice a deep rumble.

“You’re Indra, huh?” Alex looked at the muscular Caelus.

“Indeed. Weaponsmaster of the Caeli, and the one in charge of Divinator training. The cuffs currently tied around your hands are to prevent you from summoning your Divinator, or use any sort of Infernal magic.” Indra smirked.

The Queen cleared her throat, silencing everyone. “Alexander Corwin, was it? I imagine you already know, but for formality's sake, I am Queen Ada Elizabeth Lumina II: Ruler of The Citadel, and by extension, Head of Puritas.”

Alex nodded, keeping his head bowed.

“The Divine General tells me you were the son of two accomplished Puritas members, and the brother of one current soldier. Strictly speaking, based on your family lineage, we have little reason to suspect you.” Lumina spoke. “I am sorry for your loss.”

Alexander nodded, but the Queen had little to no actual expression on her face. It felt like she was just saying it because she had to.

“If you don’t mean it, don’t bother pitying me.” Alexander spat.

Just like that, the mood in the room immediately soured. He could feel the angry gaze of everyone burrowing into him, but he didn’t care. He had nothing to lose anymore.

Ada rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. I have enough emotionally broken wrecks coming in here on a regular basis. You cannot expect me to sympathise with all of you.”

“If he truly has suffered so much, then let’s end him here and now.” Henry Relictus growled.

“We’re not.* Michael stopped forward.

Alexander met Henry’s eyes. “Believe me. Out of everyone in this room, I’m the one who wants me dead the most. But there’s one other thing too. Out of everyone in this room, I’m also the one who wants every Infernal dead the most.”

“You presume too much, child.” Henry crossed his arms. “Words only go so far.”

“I have nothing but words to use right now. I know it’s hard to believe in me. I barely do either. But if you can’t believe in me, believe in my parents. Believe in everyone who died to save me. I know you people likely had friends in Ardencroft. I know more than anyone how much you wished someone else was here instead of me.”

Henry’s eyebrow twitched.

“Yet… You can’t change reality. No matter how much you want to. I’m the last survivor of Ardencroft. And… No matter how much it hurts me, I’ll fight to avenge their memory.”

The courtroom fell silent. It was almost suffocating. Until someone clapped.

“Well said, Alexander Corwin.” Edmund smiled. “I agree, Alexander. You were not brought here by chance. No, you were brought here by fate. Ever since you were born, you were destined to come here, for better or for worse. Which is why, Queen Lumina, I personally advocate for Alexander Corwin’s life, and his induction into Puritas.”

The Queen’s eyes widened, as did Henry’s and Michael’s.

“I refuse to let one with so much potential die so easily.”

“You cannot be serious Edmund! This thing is a threat to our safety! To everyone’s safety!” Henry got in Edmund’s face. “We need to dispose of him post-haste.”

“And give up a promising young talent? Give up the possibility of a soldier who has abilities otherwise unheard of?” Edmund retorted. “As Queen Lumina said, what reason do we have to believe that this boy holds any ill will?”

“That’s not all! Those Infernal runes means they could be communicating with him! That they could show up here through him at any point. Hell, what if he just blows up and kills us all?!” Henry exclaims. “We have no idea what we’re dealing with.”

Michael interjected. “He’s not entirely covered with Infernal magic. And… I know that nothing will come of the magic on his body. Nothing that will allow him to communicate with them anyway.”

“What makes you so sure?” Queen Lumina asked.

“I have experienced such things in the past. Not to the level of Corwin, though. Regardless, the most the Infernal runes on his body will lead to is an increased likelihood of drawing Infernals to him, which is impossible under our barrier regardless.” Michael explained.

Lumina nodded, then contemplated quietly. “Alright then. I just want to prove one thing. Is he combat capable?”

“He was back at Ardencroft.” Indra spoke. “Or at least, that is what I heard.”

The Queen narrowed her eyes. “That was before the ‘incident’. Indra, take off his shackles.”

Indra blanched. “Your Highness, are you sure?”

“Indeed I am. I have two of our strongest soldiers with me, as well as two Caeli. I feel quite secure.” Lumina smiled slightly.

Indra lumbered over to Alexander, grabbing his hands and unlocking the shackles. They disintegrated into blue energy, as the hybrid flexed his fingers. Strange. His left arm no longer hurt at all. Was it because the Caelus shackles were now gone?

“Now. Summon your Divinator.” The Queen requested.

Alex closed his eyes, reaching into himself to try and summon the sword. Just like Hadraniel said. Unsheathe the sword.

There was no sword.

Instead, his hand crackled and popped, the runes on his arm glowing. A searing pain started in his arm, before going up to his chest, as if he was clawing at his own heart.

“Gh! Urgh!” He grabbed his chest and fell to his knees.

“What’s wrong?” Michael asked.

“I… can’t summon it!”

“Stop, stop!” The Divine General steadied him. Alex’s breathing slowed down again, as he collected himself.

“Hmph. It matters not whether he’s a threat or not. He can’t even be sent out to the battlefield like this.” Queen Lumina sighed.

“No…! I can fight!” Alexander clenched his fist, which began to crackle and spark again. But this time, he wasn’t even trying to summon his Divinator.

“Calm down Alexander!” Michael called out to him.

“RRAGH!” he slammed his fist into the ground, letting out a massive shockwave. The blast of wind shocked everyone present in the room, Michael was even pushed back slightly by it. Alexander raised his fist from the floor, revealing a small crater.

“...There’s your combat potential.” Michael smirked.

“You damaged my palace.” Lumina coldly noted. “But… I suppose this is good enough.”

“What about his other arm?” Henry gestured to Alexander’s left side.

Alexander flexed his left arm, the orange runes plastered on it glowing the same way. “I can feel the energy coursing through it. But rest assured, the only things I’ll be using this fist on will be Infernals.”

“Then that’s settled.” Edmund sighed. “Right?”

The Queen nodded. “He’s permitted to take part in the Selection Tournament. We shall see how it goes from there.”

Alex tilted his head. “The Selection Tournament?”

“Your parents never told you?” Henry scoffed as he sulked off.

“How unfortunate. The Selection Tournament will decide where you really end up here. And for your sake Corwin, you better perform well. We cannot have a trump card that is not even strong enough to get into a Faction.” Queen Lumina explained.

His eyes widened. Factions… Each were a group of fighters all united under the banner of a Faction Leader. His parents did not get into one, it was that difficult. No wonder they never told him about this.

Edmund stepped up. “I’ll be looking forward to seeing you out there. You’d better impress me.”

The tall blond man also walked out along with Henry. Alexander looked at his hands then looked back up at them.

“Factions… Relictus is a leading faction, isn’t it?”

“Yep.” Indra crossed his arms. “But forget that, if Edmund’s taken interest in you, then things are getting real.”

“Why?”

Michael smiled. “Edmund’s a humble fellow, he doesn’t go around boasting but… You wanna know what his last name is?”

“What is it?”

“Alexander. The man who just endorsed you is Edmund Noctis, the strongest soldier in all of Puritas.”

Chapter 3

Alexander sat in the room assigned to him. It was entirely empty. A small, cramped space with only a small bed and a window. It was lacking in anything one could call a home. No belongings, no furniture, no decorations.

No family.

He shook his head. Now was not the time to mourn. That time had long passed. He had to get his head in the game and fight. It was what they would’ve wanted.

The previous morning’s events came back to him. Edmund Noctis himself… He thought that he’d heard the first name before, but knowing the full name led to memories rushing back to him. How his parents would always talk about the new soldier making waves, having saved numerous settlements time and time again from the Infernals. The man who, at the young age of only 26, had the highest recorded kill count of any soldier in Puritas.

That Edmund Noctis was interested in his potential. He had to prove it.

Four days of waiting went by like a breeze, as Alexander grew accustomed to his stronger body. He began to train in barehanded combat, it was something he was always familiar with, but never did he think that this would be his weapon of choice. Fighting without a weapon was basically a death sentence in Puritas, it meant you had nothing between you and the Infernals trying to tear your heads off.

He wasn’t entirely defenceless. It’s just that his weapon was him.

Life at the Citadel felt cold. No one knew him, and no one tried to get to know him. While he trained in public, people would ignore him. Shy away from him and whisper in hushes.

It hurt.

He was once the star of the show. Someone who’d brighten up the room just by walking in, someone everybody knew and loved. He’d gotten used to the adulation. Yet, now he was the opposite. He was someone whose presence changed the atmosphere. Someone who people feared.

News spread fast about the “Poisoned One”. That he was some sort of cursed man to be feared. As much as he wanted to approach people, to put on a kind face like he used to and get to know them better…

He couldn’t. He was scared. Scared of losing more people. He couldn’t get close to anyone. Never again.

The day of the Selection Tournament came. A message was sent via letter to his windowsill, and, seeing as he had nothing better to do, left to the venue, wearing the clothes he’d been given, a simple vest and pants.

The venue itself was a special location. While the Citadel was magnificent, the location of the tournament was not in the main city. Instead, the directions called for him to go around the huge palace, behind which was a daunting cliffside.

Yet, this wasn’t as much of a barrier to entry as he’d thought. The cliff was hollow. People gathered in droves around him, all going to the same location. As he ventured further into the cliff, it opened up into a sprawling cave.

The space was absolutely enormous, enough to fit the entire main castle into it twice over. But it was not the cavern itself that caught his eye, it was what filled it. From his vantage point, he saw an enormous dome. It was a coliseum.

It glowed faintly, as if forged by the gods themselves, rippling with an otherworldly splendour that made it stand out from the dreary cave it was in. Groups of people filled up the space ahead of him, all gathering towards the entrance. He followed, though he noticed the people near him glancing at him uncomfortably and trying to stay away.

They entered the huge dome, and in front of them was a massive hall with a stage. The contestants all congregated together as Michael walked up to address the crowd. Alexander looked at the surroundings. The hall didn’t even seem to be a bit as big as the entire coliseum, he was inside only a fraction of the building yet it dwarfed any hall he’d ever stood in.

The walls were very similar to those from the infirmary, made of the same material along with the magical blue lights. He heard people murmur and whisper about numerous topics, many of which all melded together. However, the chattering all stopped once Michael spoke.

“Alright you lot!” he boomed, his voice projecting across the entire room. “We are gathered here today to see a fresh new batch of talent showcase their skills and prove to Puritas who they really are! To decide who gets chosen by a faction and truly makes a difference! I want warriors that will bring us one step closer to saving our planet, and free us from the yoke of oppression from those Infernals!”

The crowd cheered loudly.

“Now, the Selection Tournament will be split into two stages. The first stage will be a team exercise. You shall be split into two teams at random, and should work together to capture important locations of the other team, while simultaneously protecting yours. Understood?”

A hand went up. Alexander’s eyes narrowed as it seemed to be a woman with glasses and long, raven-black hair. What was most peculiar about her however, was that she was in a wheelchair. What was she doing here? Was she a participant?

“Will we be allowed to use our Divinators for this? And if so, how do we avoid using lethal force to stop other contestants?” she asked.

Michael nodded. Clearly he had no problem with this girl. “Good question. Each team will receive armour. This armour, created by our resident weapons master Indra, will protect them from all lethal attacks, but the forcefield it generates will eventually erode. If your armour is disabled, you shall be disqualified. You can each use your Divinator, but once your opponent’s armour is disabled, any further attacks on them shall disqualify you as well.”

“How do we capture these ‘locations’?” asked another person.

“Simple. Each important location, or ‘checkpoint’, shall have a core. Destroy this core, and the checkpoint is yours. Any more questions?”

He saw a solitary hand go up.

“Ah yes, that brunette over there.” Michael pointed to her.

“Can we quit wasting time? Let us go do this thing already. I don’t want to spend my entire day here.”

A lull fell over the audience. Alexander’s eyebrow twitched. Was this girl for real?

Michael laughed, his lips curling into a smirk. “Fine, I’ll say nothing more. Now, I’ll split you into teams.”

He snapped his hand, and the ground began to crackle. A giant seal revealed itself on the floor, and suddenly, Alexander was somewhere else. He was in a different room. He’d been teleported.

Around him were many other confused folk. Michael had said he could transmute himself to different places in seconds, but he didn’t know this extended to people he wasn’t even in contact with.

This place was an armoury, chock full of different sets of armour for different people, each of varying sizes. They were all red, signifying his team colour. A few people recognized him, each backing away, as he noticed a few shooting annoyed looks at the girl who’d just spoken up.

“Tch. Just cuz she’s a noble, she thinks she’s all that.”

“She probably thinks the whole world revolves around her.”

Alex rolled his eyes. These were sentiments he’d heard before about himself, after all. Still, that didn’t mean he wasn’t a tad peeved off with the session being cut short, especially because Michael seemed to immediately fold to her demands.

“Hm? What else did you even need to get out of him? I came here for the tournament, not a lecture.” the woman lazily explained.

“Same!” Another voice sounded out.

Alexander turned to look at the person who just spoke, and realised who it was. The same young man who he’d met in the palace. What was his name… Aethul?

“I’m itching for a good fight, so let’s drop the formalities!”

More muttering was heard at his words.

“Another noble?”

“With him on our team we’re going to win this with ease!”

“He’s apparently one of the most promising contestants this year!”

The girl walked up to Aethul. “Hey, can you be the one leading this team? I really cannot be bothered.”

Aethul beamed. “‘Course! Alright men and women of the red team! We have one plan, and one plan alone! Have fun!”

Dead silence.

“On second thought, I really will have to step up huh?” the girl sighed.

“I’m kidding!” Aethul laughed. “Regardless, playing defence won’t get us anywhere. Our strategy should be an unrelenting offence, so fast that the other team won’t even have the time to react.”

“What if a few sneak past our front-lines?”

Aethul rubbed his chin. “Well, I suppose we can’t have nobody playing defence. Perhaps we should assign a few people to protect each of our checkpoints. As for how we’ll decide, how many people do not want to fight on the front-lines?”

A whole slew of hands went up, surprising Aethul.

“Wait… Really? So many of you? C’mon!”

Someone shakily spoke. “D-did you see who was on the other team? I saw the younger brother of Edmund Noctis on that side! No way I’d stand a chance against him!”

“Ha, you’re right! Jae Noctis is on the other team! How exciting!” Aethul pumped his fist. “Makes me even more amped to get this done! Who’s with me?!”

No one raised their hand.

No one except… Alexander.

“Oh? You… Ah! You’re the Poisoned One!”

The entire room seemed to collectively recoil at this sudden revelation.

“Must you reveal that out loud…” Alex muttered.

“Right, what was your name again? Alexander… Corvus?”

“Corwin.”

“Yes, that!” Aethul exclaimed. “You’re definitely a weird looking one! But, you look super strong! I can’t wait to fight you!”

“We’re on the same team…” the brunette chimed in. The rest of the room all got ready, putting on the armour and discussing strategies. The crowd skittishly distanced themselves from him.

Now getting a closer look at the brunette, Alexander suddenly felt a pang of… familiarity? How? He didn’t know this woman at all.

She had medium-length brown hair tied into a high ponytail, along with droopy eyes that were a deep shade of amber. Two bangs framed her face, as she inspected him with a small smirk on face. She was quite a bit shorter than him, with an athletic and curvy build.

He knew her from somewhere… But where?

“I have heard about you, I think. My mom kept talking about a ‘special’ participant. Someone that I had to look out for.” she spoke. “I’m Flora, by the way. Flora Candentia.”

“Cute name.” Aethul remarked.

“I’m sure it was when my mom thought of it.” she rolled her eyes. “Now it’s just awkward. I mean, who’s going to take a girl named ‘Flora’ seriously?”

“Well, your last name is still pretty scary to most Infernals. Daughter of the second strongest faction? Talk about impressive. Oh, I’m Aethul, by the way.” He put his hand up as he looked at Alex. “Aethul Relictus. I imagine my uncle gave you a hard time back at the palace. Don’t worry about that, that’s just how he shows love.”

“Both of you are nobles huh?” Alex remarked. “Why’re you even here to begin with? Can’t you just get a free pass to join your own Faction? I’ve heard both the Candentia and the Relictus factions are part of the top four.”

“I wish it were that easy.” Flora sighed.

“I don’t. There’s no fun in coasting on your family name.” Aethul shrugged. “Besides, Corwin right? You must be related to Erika Corwin then.”

He scoffed. “Yeah. Not that I know her. The last time I met her was when I was eight years old. What? Is she in some special Faction?”

“I guess you could say that. I dunno which one she’s in though. I just hear my uncle throwing her name around from time to time.”

“I heard Ardencroft was destroyed. You’re from there aren’t you?” Flora asked.

“Yeah. I was there. Saw it fall in front of my eyes. I couldn’t do anything to stop it.” He recounted his experience as he put the armour on. “Those damn Infernals razed it all to the ground in front of me.”

Aethul put his hand on his shoulder. “All of us have been wronged by those demons in one way or another. So we’re all going to fight back.”

“Fight back? Seems no one here wants to fight at all.” Alex remarked.

Once everyone was prepared, Aethul addressed the crowd again.

“So… Seems everyone’s a bit scared to go out and fight. I personally don’t get it. I mean, what’s not to love in fighting, right?”

The crowd murmured amongst themselves, not at all enthused by his words.

Aethul sighed. “Look-”

“Why are you all even here then?” Alexander interjected. “Why even bother to show up when you can’t be asked to fight even during a training match?”

“You don’t know how good Jae Noctis is! We-”

“I don’t. And I don’t care! I’ve seen worse. I’ve fought worse. And I’ve probably felt worse than whatever he could do to me.” Alex exclaimed. “This is only the first step. If you can’t even do this much, then you might as well go home.”

“Big words coming from a half-Infernal!” one man yelled.

“Yeah, who’s to say you won’t just turn around and kill us?” asked another.

Alex gritted his teeth. This was bound to happen. Yet he didn’t have any sort of comeback.

“Enough.” Aethul mediated. “He didn’t become like this by choice. At least that’s what I heard. He’s just like the rest of us, except he was cursed.”

“Yeah. Cursed with demon powers! Why is he even here?!”

“Look. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the Divine General allowing it. Would you really question his judgement?” Alexander explained. “I may be cursed. I may have these orange runes on my body. But if I can help it, the only things I’m killing with these fists will be Infernals.”

Flora chimed in. “You all talk big for losers who can’t even be bothered to take the first step.”

The crowd jeered and complained, but Flora silenced them, sighing softly. “I really do have to do all the hard work…”

“It’s like this. Do you all want to get into a faction?” she asked the crowd, receiving affirmation. “Good. Then you people need to understand that we aren’t here to hold your hand. If you want to make it to the upper echelon of Puritas, you’ll have to outdo not only the Blue Team, but us as well.” she smirked.

Aethul and Alex looked at her in surprise. “What?”

“It’s simple. The Blue Team will be a coordinated unit. They’ll have clearly defined roles and a rigid plan. But us? We’ll do it our way. There will be no plan. Instead of it being team vs team, it’ll be you vs everyone.” Flora explained. “Do you want to make it big as the one to destroy all the checkpoints of the other team? Aim for that. Do you want to find and defeat the best? You’re welcome to try. Do you want to be the one holding off the enemy forces as our last vanguard? Be my guest.”

Aethul nodded. “Not a bad plan. Allows for adaptability and could really throw a wrench into the opponents’ framework.”

“How would that help us win?” Alex asked. “We’d be fighting over ourselves while the other team would be in perfect harmony.”

“You’re thinking about this the wrong way.” Flora pointed out. “You see, defeating a perfectly formed team with amazing synergy is difficult. But you know what’s harder? Defeating one person, that person being the most selfish, ego-driven fighter on the battlefield. If each of us act on only our impulses, then no half-baked ideals can get in our way.”

“You’re awfully cunning Flora. Though, I expected nothing less given how scary your mom is.” Aethul grinned. “Now, who’s ready to go out there and win?!”

Almost immediately, the crowd began to gain a lot more energy, a lot of them nodding and agreeing, hyping themselves up.

“But… It is true that the other team has a lot of powerful fighters…” Flora muttered.

“All that bravado and you’re still nervous?” Alex asked.

“Easier to say something than actually go out there and do it.” Flora sighed.

“Got a lot of people expecting big things out of you huh?” Corwin nodded. “I get that.”

Flora looked up to him, smiling slightly. “Oh, you have no idea. Still, I am glad I’m not the odds on favourite. Pretty much everyone in the know says that Jae Noctis is a shoo-in for the winner of the tournament.”

Alex looked at her, clenching his fists. “If none of you want to take him on, I will.”

“Heh. You’re fun.” Aethul smiled. “But… I want in on this too. We’ll make it a bet. Whoever defeats Jae in combat has to buy the other drinks after this is all over.”

“Drinks huh…” Alex’s mind drifted back to the tavern in Ardencroft. The memories of him and his friends having drinks drifted through his mind. How Liam would always get tipsy on the first sip, how Ethan would hide his drunkenness…

Those were simpler times. The memories once tinged with nostalgia were now tinged with melancholy.

“...You’re on.”

Eventually, the gates to the front opened, as their battlefield was revealed.

An enormous townscape sat before them, completely barren of life. The sky was illuminated by a bright light, but he could tell this was only an imitation of the sun; they were still very much standing inside the amphitheatre.

The townscape was filled with concrete houses, each worn down with time as ivy crept up their walls, weaving through broken doorways and cracked windows. The soft, warm light of the fake sun gave the place an appearance of a village frozen in time; stuck forever at dawn.

He could see remnants of previous battles here and there. Collapsed buildings, broken pathways as well as rubble scattered about oddly. Clearly the Caeli didn’t do the best of jobs on the upkeep.

Numerous red beacons spiralled into the sky around him. Those must have been his ‘checkpoints’. And in the distance, blue lights could also be seen. The enemy’s beacons. He looked around him, the numerous members of the red team gathered behind him as Flora and Aethul stood ahead.

The silence was broken as a loud horn finally sounded across the deserted arena.

It was sink or swim now.

Chapter 4

The fighters all waited in dead silence as they took in their surroundings. This was Alexander’s second time being in active combat, but this time was different. This felt… less intimidating. Less life-or-death. In essence, he had the leg up here.

He’d experienced war. No one else had.

Michael floated up above the field. Alexander couldn’t clearly make out his expression, but based on his movements he was very much enjoying this.

“Alright, the combatants are set! Both teams, those glowing lights are checkpoints! Checkpoints of your own colour are yours to protect, and checkpoints of the opposite colour are to be destroyed! Remember, you may fight, but attempting to take others’ life is strictly forbidden! Now… BEGIN!”

In an adrenaline fueled rush, the red team immediately scattered forwards in droves, their formation akin to a flock of rampaging beasts than one with any grace or skill.

As Alexander ran, he noticed how ahead he was getting from the rest of the pack. His new body had its advantages.

As he ran further inland, he noticed swathes of blue-armoured fighters, all marching in an arrow-like formation. Clearly they had some kind of plan.

“It’s the poisoned one!”

“We knew he’d lead the charge! Get him!”

The warriors spearheading the blue team’s formation all charged at Alex, expecting him to attack head on. However, he knew better than that.

One of the enemies swung a massive club at him, only for him to use his athletic acumen to leap off the club and into the air. His right arm pulsed with blue power as he cocked it midair and slammed it into the middle of the blue team’s army.

In a brilliant blast, the entire formation was disrupted, people going flying into the air as they yelled and screamed.

He had no interest in going to destroy the checkpoints. He’d volunteered to take on Jae Noctis, and as such he had to be out in the open to attract attention.

Random soldiers all charged at him, but he was able to use his heightened abilities to dispatch them. Alexander was no rookie. He’d learned how to fight barehanded since childhood, in preparation for using a weapon. Never did he think that his weapon of choice would be his hands.

He used the enemy’s numbers against them, shoving other blue team members into each other’s way as he dodged and weaved through their attacks, landing swift strikes to all of them.

As well as he was doing, he felt his hands ache as he made contact with their sturdy armour. He had to actively hold himself back from using the Infernal power in his left arm, landing weaker strikes with it so as to not seriously injure anyone.

He couldn’t do this forever, and the second doubt crept into his mind…

He suddenly found himself flat on his back, staring up at the sky.

“There you are, you vermin.”

Alexander rose to his feet. He didn’t even register what happened. Did something hit him?

He looked up to the source of the voice. It was from an incredibly tall and muscle bound dark-skinned man. He had piercing black eyes that exuded hatred. His hair was cut completely short, and his face was clean shaven. Just off looks, he looked respectable enough, but there was no mistaking the rage in his eyes.

He despised Alexander.

“...Who are you?” Alex put his fists up.

“I refuse to share my name with someone as disgusting as you.” he spoke in a loud, booming voice. “You may refer to me as your executioner. Nothing more.”

“Tch. I don’t even know you.”

“Ah, but I know you, Alexander Corwin. The man who should’ve died with his people, yet was unnaturally brought back from the brink with demonic magic.” the man spoke.

Just as the man finished his sentence, Alexander already leaped at him with a punch. He wasn’t going to let him jabber about how his life should’ve gone.

However, the man manifested his Divinator: A hulking mace. With a slow, measured swing, he slammed it into Alexander’s gut, sending him flying backwards.

“Agh!”

Hefting the weapon over his shoulder, the man laughed. “On second thought, perhaps I shall tell you my name. If only so you can tell your compatriots in hell the name of the man who slew you. My name is Osric Atol.”

He raised the mace above his head, only to be tackled by Aethul, the two tumbling away. Behind him, more members of the red team ran into the crowd, manifesting their own weapons and fighting the blue team.

“Sorry Alex, but I’m taking him down.” Aethul smugly exclaimed as he got to his feet. Osric followed, furious as he hefted his mace.

“Begone Relictus! This demon is mine to kill!”

“Killing isn’t permitted here.” Aethul faced the large man. “But don’t worry, you can take all that anger out on me.”

His hands crackled with blue lightning as a sheathed sword manifested in them. His Divinator. He was a sword-wielder, just like Alexander used to be. And that meant that he was incredibly powerful.

Aethul placed the sword at his hip, getting into a battle stance as he clutched the hilt. This sword was not the same as the one Alex briefly wielded. It was slimmer, with a longer blade. Based on the shape of the sheath, it seemed to curve slightly.

“Aethul…” Alex got to his feet. “Screw off. He’s mine.”

Aethul grinned. “You’ll have to stop me first!”

“I’ll take both of you blackguards on!” Osric yelled.

“Bring it!” Alex tried to run ahead, only to fall right on his face as Aethul tripped him. “Agh! You-!”

The auburn-haired swordsman charged at the dark-skinned warrior, as he slammed his mace down where Aethul was, only for him to side step and land a powerful kick to Osric’s chest.

Alexander also joined in, slamming Osric with a right hook as he staggered backwards. Before he could follow up, he was shoved aside by Aethul, trying to land his own attack.

Except this time, Corwin wasn’t going to let his rival get him twice. Grabbing the back of Aethul’s armour, he jerked him back, using the momentum to launch himself forward into a knee to Osric’s face.

“GAH!” Osric staggered backwards, clutching his face. Aethul stumbled after being thrown off-kilter, smiling as he did so.

“Not bad.” Aethul adjusted his armour. “Guess we’re both even.”

“Hyah!” Osric slammed his mace to the ground, forcing both to scatter. More blue team members attacked from all directions, a knife-wielder jumping onto Aethul’s back as a chain user pinned Alex’s arms to his sides.

Alexander used his body’s momentum to slam the chain wielder into Osric, as Aethul dumped the would-be assassin onto the ground, hitting them on the head with the pommel of his Divinator.

More red team members engaged the well put-together blue team formation, distorting it further and further. Meanwhile, their main opponent rose to his feet.

Aethul went low, but Osric was ready for him. He leapt into the air towards Alexander, who jumped up to meet him. However, where the white-haired brawler expected a slow swing of the mace, he instead got smacked in the face with the other end of the weapon, as blood escaped his nose.

He fell down, as Osric lumbered over to him and hefted his mace above his head. Aethul smacked the brute with his sheathed blade, causing him to double over. Alex got to his feet, hitting Osric with a right uppercut, as Aethul swept his legs out and sent him crashing.

“Gah! Bastard!” Osric boomed. “Is this all some game to you?!”

“It is if you’re making it this easy.” Aethul teased.

“I see how it is. You’re blind. All of you on the red team are blind! Blind to the demon who stands before you!” He yelled as he got to his feet.

“Enough!” Alexander shut Osric up. “I’m tired of this nonsense. I’m no demon. I’m still human, and will always fight for humanity. You want to eradicate the infernals? So do I!”

“Oh, you misunderstand Corwin.” Osric shook his head. “In this world, there exist those who are virtuous, and those who sin. Your mere existence is a sin!”

“I don’t care what you think! You might have lost your family to Infernals too. We all did, that’s why we’re here. Even though I have these markings, they still killed my parents and destroyed my village in front of me!” Alex yelled. “I have no loyalty to them, nor could I ever even think of joining them.”

“Corwin.” Osric sighed. “You fail to grasp my meaning.”

“...What?”

“If you were truly virtuous, you would’ve killed yourself along with your family. Yet you cling to life, and dishonour their memory. You-!”

Alexander silenced him by grabbing his face with his hand and shoving it down onto the floor. He wasn’t thinking. He wasn’t feeling.

In a blind rage, he pummelled Osric over and over again, the man barely able to get a block up to defend himself.

What would he know?

What would anyone know?!

He saw his family and friends die in front of him. One by one. Just like that. And he was there. He could have stopped it. If only he was stronger, he could have saved at least one of them!

But no. They were all gone. And now… Now he’s being told he should’ve died with them?

“YOU THINK I DIDN’T WANT THAT?! You think I’m happy to be alive while everyone I once knew is dead?!” He screamed as he landed punch after punch on a mortified Osric. He could hear Aethul yelling at him to stop, others ceasing their fights as they watched on.

Alexander felt rage. Immense rage. His left hand buzzed. Like it was finally listening to him.

“RRRAGH!”

He was pulled off Osric before he could hit him again.

“Stop!” Aethul yelled, grabbing his arms from behind. However, blinded by rage, Alex flipped him over his head.

“No! He’s MINE!”

Alexander roared, his body glowing a bright mix of blue and orange, his eyes glowing murderously. Enemies jumped at him, as he burst through him in a savage display of power, blazing towards Osric.

“D-Demon!” Osric hefted his mace.

However, he was stopped last minute, as he felt steel press against his neck.

“Alexander Corwin.” Aethul spoke, his voice colder than ice. “Don’t take a single step. You’re going to kill him at this rate.”

Aethul had drawn his sword for the first time. And he’d had to use it on Alex.

His senses came back to him as the tingling in his body dulled. What… Just happened?

He’d just lost control. And he might’ve seriously injured Osric if it wasn’t for Aethul.

“...I… I’m sorry.” he looked at Aethul, who cocked his head.

“What for?” his expression switched from serious to casual in a second. “We all lose control every now and then. Word of advice? Don’t let what people say get to you. Cheap tactics like that are what the Infernals love to use on us.”

Alexander clutched his head. What was he doing?! If he let himself lose control this easily, he wasn’t even going to make it out of the tournament, much less anywhere near his goal.

“You… You don’t deserve to be here! You deserve to be put down like a dog!” Osric yelled.

“You don’t decide that.” Alexander glared at him. “If they want to put me down, they will. But right now… I need to prove that I’m better than this. Better than you.”

Just as the fight was about to resume, one of the red beacons suddenly vanished, with a loud gong sounding to signal this.

All the members of the red team gasped at this.

“...Already?!” Aethul grimaced.

The blue team all smiled and jeered.

“It’s Jae Noctis!”

“He succeeded after all!”

“One down, four to go!”

The momentarily lull immediately gave way to red team members either scattering or continuing their onslaught, using the blue team’s hubris to their advantage.

Alex and Aethul turned to face Osric, only to find that he’d disappeared. He’d run away.

Aethul scoffed. “How disappointing. Still… I guess I’ll have to put my fun aside and focus on winning.”

“We need to stop them from getting any more red beacons.”

“No. We need to get blue ones. Destroy the blue cores faster than they can destroy the red ones.” Aethul pondered. “If they have Jae on offence, they’ll be weak on defence. Sure, Jae Noctis might be strong, but he’s only one man.”

“As opposed to two?” Alex sardonically asked.

“You’ll be surprised at the difference that’d make.” he brandished his sword. “Now, let’s split up. You take the one on the east, and I’ll handle the one on the west.”

“Fine.” Alexander nodded. “And… Thanks for stopping me, back there. I… Shouldn’t have fallen for that.”

“Thanking me will get you nowhere.* Aethul put his finger on his temple. “You need to hone your mind. Besides, I’d be lying if I wasn’t eager to duke it out with you. Maybe another time.”

Aethul grinned and ran off through the crowd, as Alexander ran the opposite way. As he made his way through the battlefield, he noticed the sheer carnage both teams had wrought. Numerous stragglers of both teams fought desperately, trying to one-up each other so they could have a defeat under their belt.

Speaking of, the defeated fighters sat on the floor, unconsolable as a blue bubble surrounded them, clearly preventing them from contributing anymore. So this is what happened when the armour reached its limit.

He escaped a few more members of the blue team on his way, before reaching the blue beacon. It was in a forest, the dense foliage obscuring most of the light from passing through. As he made his way to the glowing blue light however, he heard rustling in the leaves.

A man with a small axe leapt at him from the underbrush, as he braced for impact. Obviously this place was going to be crawling with people hiding in the shadows to take out unsuspecting members of his team.

However, the man was smacked upside the head with a staff, falling unconscious as his armour deactivated, rendering him disqualified.

“Oh. There you are.” Flora looked at him with a half smile, hefting her bo-staff over her shoulder.

“You’re here too… I’m surprised you haven’t gotten to the beacon yet.”

“Well, it’s a pain walking through all of these plants. Not to mention the cowards jumping at you at every opportunity.”

“We don’t have time to waste. They’ve already destroyed one of our checkpoints.”

Flora’s eyes widened slightly, before sighing. “I should’ve expected that. You seem… tense. You could’ve taken out that chucklehead with the axe. Why did you hesitate?”

Alexander looked at his hands. “I… It’s nothing. I’m fine.”

Flora’s eyes narrowed. “What is your Divinator anyway? I didn’t see you bring it out.”

Alex paused. “I don’t have one. Or at least… Not anymore. My fists are my weapons.”

She gave out a small chuckle, before looking at him, realising he wasn’t joking. “...You’re serious?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

She shrugged. “You’re at a pretty big disadvantage then. Not having any range will do you in.”

“I’ll manage.” He walked ahead into a clearing…

…Only to be blasted in the face with a sudden burst of blue light.

“Gah!” he fell backwards. Flora immediately pulled him back into cover, looking at the source of the shot.

“Case in point…” she bit her thumb.

“What… Just happened?” he managed. His armour had allowed him to survive that shot, but a few more and he was done for. “Who was that?”

“A real pain is who it was.” Flora’s eyes narrowed at a small glint from a tree in the far distance.

“The shot came from that far away?” He followed her line of sight.

“Indeed. They’re onto us now Corwin. If we make even a single wrong move… We’re done for.”

A bead of sweat rolled down Alex’s face. “...So now what?”

Flora smirked. “I have an idea.”

“Is it a good idea?”

“No. Not in the slightest…”