CHAPTER 27: YEAR 6 BEGINS P5
~27.5~
*****
“This is Elysium.” She pointed to the far distance. “See the large pillar there? That’s a world pillar. Atop it lies one of the ten realms.” The pillar was so tall that they couldn’t see what lied above it.
“Okay, so how do I know this is not an illusion?”
Kye shook her head. “Check your status effects in the system menu. Swipe your hand horizontally in fr-”
“I know. I figured out that much already.” Theo looked at his system screen and saw a status buff he didn’t recognize. He tapped it and a window detailing it popped up.
Status: Illusion Immunity
Effect: User cannot be affected by illusions. Includes spell and skill-based illusions.
“So then, if that is true, then this is real...” Theo looked out at the open expanse of Elysium. “It’s quite a sight, I admit.”
“Theo, I believe her,” said the boy next to him.
“I do, too,” said the boy on his other side.
Theo sighed. “Alright. I can’t argue it.”
Kye smiled. “I’m glad y-”
“But,” he said, gesturing at the city below. “Why is the city empty?”
“Hmm?”
He shook his head. “I’ve always been able to sense mana well. I can tell how many people are in a location based on the individual mana signatures.”
“You can discern that?” Kye asked. “That’s quite the rare ability.”
“Yeah. I can sense thousands of mana signatures at a time at the academy and give a rough estimate of how many people there are. I can even count accurately up to a few hundred at a glance.” His eyes darted around at different points of the city. “But, not only do I see no people down there, or any kind of activity at all... I don’t sense any mana outside this tower, and no people other than the class.”
Kye’s eyes narrowed as he pointed everything out. She knew what question was coming, but didn’t want to answer it.
“Instructor Kye... this is your home, correct? This is the City of Athas, and you are Elysia Athas and King of Elysium.”
“That’s right.”
He continued looking around, trying to find even the faintest trace of life, but couldn’t. “Why does it seem like this place is dead? Where is everyone?”
Kye grimaced and looked away as she approached the edge. “There hasn’t been a single mortal soul in the greater Elysium since before I began transmigrating five trillion years ago. All the souls under my responsibility have been living in the many worlds above.” She pointed at the sky. “Far above lies an expanse of stars. Those stars are the many billions of worlds. Those worlds and the ten realms atop the world pillars have been serving as the new home of all my subjects since the war long ago.”
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*****
A group of four cloaked figures approached the front gate of the Church of Elysium Cathedral in Realm 7. The one in front had red bangs framing her face, of what could be seen under the hood. She removed her hood, revealing long, messy red hair.
“Welcome to the Church of Elysium. Please state your names and business.”
The girl nodded and answered, “I seek an audience with whoever will meet with us. We are travelers seeking temporary refuge. I am Alex Elrin, and I hail originally from the Elven nation of Erendell, but my home is a human city called Lilithania. My party members are Lita Lairen, Jaden Jairen, and Elasha vel Lelandil.”
“Understood. All are welcome in the church of Elysium. Please follow me. I will show you do the Chamber of Bishops. Someone there will sort you out.”
Alex nodded, and they followed the guard after exchanging a quick sigh of relief.”
Once inside, the guard escorted them to the chamber he mentioned and left them in the care of the bishops. Alex looked around and noticed one bishop was particularly well dressed, and he was talking to a black-haired catgirl wearing a typical school uniform.
We’ve been here a year and I haven’t seen anyone wearing a school uniform like that. Our schools back home had those. The schools I’ve seen here so far mainly wear robes.
“You said you are from Lilithania?” the bishop asked.
“Yes.”
“I’m afraid such a city does not exist. If you would rather keep your origins secret, the Church of Elysium will hold no ill will.”
“Oh, I see.”
“However, if-”
“Pardon me,” said the uniformed catgirl as she walked over. “Miss, did I hear you correct? You said ‘Lilithania’?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
The girl smiled and turned to the bishop. “Hey, I’ll take care of this group.”
“As you wish, Sword Saint.”
“Sword Saint?” Alex asked. “As in Sword Saint Luma Caliburn?”
Luma nodded. “That’s right. I know of your city. I’m afraid you’re a long way from home, Miss Elrin. Please come with me. I have a friend that may be interested in your story.”
“I see...” She glanced at her companions and received nods from them. “Very well.”
*****
After their trip to Athas, Kye returned the class to the academy and continued the lesson. With the test, her duel with Yami, and impromptu trip to Athas finished, she worked with each student to help them gain a better grasp of what they were missing and laid out how they would go about advancing throughout the year.
A few hours later and school was out for the day. As promised, Kye ran the after-school class on the system, then returned to the palace. Once there, she found a surprise visitor waiting in her residence enjoying tea with her mother and grandmother.
“Oh, hi.” She sat down and helped herself to a cup, gesturing at her loyal attendants to do the same, which they did without hesitation. The Venturi sisters loved tea. “What do I owe this visit to, Luma?”
“Do you remember a year... dumb question. Of course you remember. A year ago, you spoke of a dream about a small group from Realm 9 that was seemingly obliterated in a large magical attack. A redhead, blonde, and purple-haired girl, along with one light brown-haired boy, all in their twenties... judging from appearances.”
“Yes, that’s correct,” Kye said with a nod. “I take it this visit is either about them or someone else from Realm 9?”
“It’s about them.”
Kye’s eyes narrowed, and she listened intently.
“They’re here with me now.” Luma turned toward the door to the side hallway and raised her voice. “Miss Elrin, your party may enter.”
Kye turned her eyes to the same door and observed each as they entered.
That’s them, for sure.
Kye stood up to greet them, but they immediately dropped to one knee. “My Goddess, please forgive our rude behavior,” said the purple-haired elf. “We did not know whose home we so casually entered.”
*****
Revision: 2024-9-1