Darkness, everything was completely black.
In the centre of the area, sat a youth down on the ground. His eyes were closed and he patiently waited.
“How’s everything going now?”
Shin pouted as he asked once again.
He had pressured Ker’Vrak to let the Guardians possess his body, but he has been waiting for quite a while now.
Suddenly near Shin’s body, two lights emerged from nothing.
One of them was grey.
And the other was red.
Within those lights, two human bodies appeared.
The body which started to appear inside of the grey light was a male in his late 20s. He was wearing a black robe; his hair was grey as his eyes. The only thing which was weird was that he was smiling bitterly as he watched Shin sitting on the ground.
For the body which appeared in the red light; was a female in her early 20s. She was tall and wearing a red dress which showcased her thin body, her hair was blood red, it was long and reached down to her waist. Her red eyes were shining brightly as she watched Shin with a large smile on her face.
Within moments the two appeared, the woman rushed forward towards Shin, she picked him up and started rubbing her cheeks against his.
“Hey, little punk! Have you been missing me?”
Her voice was lively when she spoke, she giggled as she continued rubbing his cheeks.
Shin who suddenly was lifted up and ‘abused’, started throwing his arms everywhere.
“W-What, put me down.”
Shin started to stutter as he was speaking.
The man clad in black rolled his eyes and spoke in a casual manner.
“Don’t call our master a ‘punk’, and it seems like our master doesn’t like you ‘attacking’ him like that.”
He narrowed his eyes as he glared at the woman, clearly indicating that she should back off.
The woman shrugged, not minding what the man said at all. She carefully let Shin on the ground again.
“Hehe, Shin, it’s my first time seeing you face to face, isn’t it exciting!?”
The woman spoke in a loud voice as she held both of Shin’s hands.
Shin was at first nervous, but he quickly understood that in this place, no one else than himself and his own guardians could be in. And the voice he heard, it was something he had heard before, a long time ago.
A tear ran down Shin’s face as he opened his eyes. Yet, he couldn’t see anything at all.
“M-Mekina?”
Shin testingly questioned with an anxious tone.
The woman in red – Mekina, her smile drooped slightly when she saw Shin’s empty eyes.
“Of course! Hehe, don’t tell me that you punk have forgotten me this quickly?”
But, even so, she would never let Shin know that she was depressed.
“Mekina!”
Shin jumped towards Mekina with his arms wide open.
“Hehe…”
Mekina laughed weakly as she held Shin and started stroking his hair.
The man watched the scene as a weak smile appeared on his face.
“I didn’t think that the reputed ‘Goddess of Phoenix’ would act like a child, haha…”
He couldn’t help but mock as he watched them.
“Humph!”
“Who do you think you are, ‘old man’!”
Mekina spoke in a cold tone as she glared at the man.
The man’s mouth twitched when he heard her calling him ‘old man’.
“Old man, what is a phoenix?”
Shin raised his head and asked when he heard him mocking Mekina.
As Mekina raised her chest and a proud smile appeared on her face, she was about to speak everything about her race.
But, sadly she was a step too late…
“Master, phoenixes are just simply large birds.”
Old man – Ker’Vrak had a smug smile as he glared at Mekina.
“W-What did you just say, you old crawling insect!”
Mekina was fuming in anger, she raised her right hand and was about to attack Ker’Vrak.
“Don’t fight you two!”
Shin hugged Mekina tightly when he could sense something bad would happen.
“Mekina, let’s not listen to Old man, please tell me about phoenixes.”
Shin tried to appease Mekina the best he could, he disliked seeing the people close to him fight.
Mekina glared deeply at Ker’Vrak with frost-like eyes before turning her head back towards Shin. The moment she saw his worried expression, him hugging her and hearing him trying to appease her anger, her eyes which was frost-like started to melt and became warm.
“Hehe. Shin, why are you so cute? It makes me want to eat you up!”
Mekina licked her lips as she stared at Shin.
“Eating me up? What does that mean?”
Shin asked as he looked upward towards Mekina. His face which was confused started to frown and turned pale as he thought of something.
“Do you need to eat my body for your survival? Please eat me if I can save you!”
Shin said seriously as his face was making expressions of worry.
“Cough, cough.”
“Sorry about that…”
Mekina apologised as she tried looking away.
“There’s no need for me to ‘eat you’ yet, let’s have that talk when you grow older, alright?”
“Hehe, now I will tell you about phoenixes.”
“Since ancient times, there were races which were strong enough to demolish the whole world. They were many and constantly fighting.”
“The Phoenix race was one of them, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes…”
As Shin was speaking with Mekina and Ker’Vrak.
Hath was sitting on a chair with his eyes closed.
In the bedroom of Aria and Shin, were Kali, Aria and Hath sitting. While on the bed, Shin was laid down as he was sleeping.
“Now, confirm that you really are Michael’s father.”
Aria spoke in a cold tone, she didn’t let her eyes off Hath the entire time.
“Heh, I don’t know how much Michael has spoken of our background to you.”
Hath opened his eyes as he glanced at Aria. Hath flipped his hand and showed a coin which had an engraving of a single sword with dragons on the background.
“Do you know about this?”
Hath asked as he asked Aria.
Kali looked at the coin and was confused as she hadn’t seen anything like it before.
Meanwhile, Aria’s eyes widened before she raised her finger and another item appeared.
It was a round object which fit in her hands perfectly. It was purple, but it had the same engravings as on the coin, but a lot more detailed.
Hath narrowed his eyes slightly before he spoke again.
“I gave Michael that before he left. Sigh… how long as it been?”
The object vanished, Aria stared at Hath once again.
“Now, tell me why you wanted to take Shin away.”
Aria’s voice turned more serious as her eyes turned cold.
Hath glanced at Shin while speaking.
“You should know Shin is special, not only that he has Divine Powers of Death, but in other ways too.”
Hath stopped speaking as he looked at Aria.
“I was late 10 years ago, because of that, Michael died and my grandchild was nowhere to be found. When I felt his power once again not long ago, I rushed out. I didn’t know if those around him was an enemy or friend, besides, those 'hunters' will arrive sooner than later.”
Hmm… Late 10 years ago? Seems like he should also know something about Shin, humph!
Aria glared coldly at Hath.
“Why were you late 10 years ago?”
“Why is Shin so special?”
“Who are those 'hunters' and what do they want?”
“Answer me these questions!”
Aria spoke in a firm manner.
Hath sighed once again as he closed his eyes.
“I was not on this continent 10 years ago, by the time I arrived back here, everything had ended, Michael was dead and you; his wife and your child were nowhere to be found by me at that time.”
Hath stopped for a couple of seconds before continuing once again.
“The other two questions of yours can be answered together.”
Hath opened his eyes and faced towards the window, staring at the sun in the distance with a dazed expression.
“There was a prophecy millions of years ago, at that time there was a seer named Keria, she said; “there will come a time when the ‘Child of God’ will descend on Kerika. ‘Child of God’ will in time be the saviour of the world and protect us from harm”. Because of this prophecy was spread back then, there came to be two organizations.”
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“One who will protect that child with their lives, because they believe in the prophecy, hoping that the child will be their saviour.”
“And the other one, they didn’t believe in the prophecy and even thought that the ‘Child of God’ will be the one who will destroy the world, they are the ‘hunters’ who have been looking for the ‘Child of God’ and will do anything to kill that child!”
Hath glanced back at Kali and Aria, seeing their dazed expressions, he continued.
“Shin is the ‘Child of God’ when he was born, the light of the 12 Guardians vanished. When I noticed that, I tried to rush back, but there were ‘hunters’ blocking my path, trying to delay me.”
Hath started to emit an aura filled with bloodthirst and wrath as he thought of what happened back then.
“The ‘hunters’ have killed everyone besides me, I’m the only one left. I will not let them succeed!”
Hath’s eyes were filled with willpower as he promised himself.
In a faraway place.
In an underground castle, there were thousands upon thousands in a hall, kneeling respectfully. They were all wearing the same clothing; a red robe.
There was only one person standing, that person was standing in front of all these people.
“Hear me out, everyone.”
The person was wearing the same type of robe but was also wearing a hood. The voice which was sounded out was neither a male’s nor a female’s voice.
“There have been reports that the ‘Child of God’ is alive.”
The person glanced at all the people in the hall.
“I order every one of you to spread out in the whole continent, find the ‘Child of God’ and bring that child here.”
“Spread out in every part of this continent!”
The person roared out in a loud voice.
One after another everyone in the hall vanished, their eyes were filled with hatred.
The Kingdom of Alizad
“So, let me make this clear. There was a stupid prophecy and now all of you are bothering Shin, is that right?”
Kali snickered as she plainly said so, she slightly furrowed her brows as she stared at Hath.
“Shin is the one who was spoken of in the prophecy, he will be our saviour.”
Hath said in a calm voice.
“Don’t bullshit me!”
Kali raised her voice.
“What right do you have to make Shin an object of your own belief!?”
“Tell me right now, what do you know of Shin?”
Kali’s voice was filled with irritation and her eyes were full of hatred.
“Where were you when Shin was suffering?”
Kali squinted her eyes as she glared at Hath.
“I will tell you this, in a month’s time, my strength will recover. At that time, either you or those morons you spoke of, I will slaughter all of you. Besides, hihi, do you think any of you are strong enough to defeat Shin? You should know it yourself, Shin has his Guardians. Hihi, surely I won’t let it come to that because I will be by his side, no matter what!”
As Kali was speaking, her facial expression showcased determination, her voice was filled with pride and an aura of willpower emitted from her.
“Hehe…”
Aria laughed weakly as she glanced at Kali for a second before looking at Hath.
“For once, I have to say that Kali’s right. Who do you think you are, treating my son’s life as nothing!”
“Even if you, or they or anyone that stands in his path, I will decapitate all of you!”
Aria’s voice was cold as she glared at Hath.
“You’re his grandfather? Don’t make me laugh! You have no right to be his family! Do you know what Shin has been through!?”
“Years of loneliness!”
“Years of pain!”
“No one of us has the right to stay by his side after what we have caused him! But, I will do my best and earn the right to be with him!”
Hath was dumbfounded as he was verbally attacked by Kali and Aria.
The three was silently sitting there, Kali and Aria were staring coldly at Hath while he was in a daze.
The room was silent until a weak voice from the bed sounded out.
“Don’t fight.”
Hath, Aria and Kali swiftly turned their head towards the bed, seeing Shin sitting there as a weak smile was on his face.
“Shin, are you alright?”
Aria hastily appeared in front of Shin as she held his hands.
Shin nodded.
“I’m fine.”
Shin smiled as he continued speaking.
“I had fun, I met with Mekina for the first time today!”
“Mekina?”
Kali also appeared near Shin.
“Is she one of your Guardians too?”
Kali asked she was very curious about his guardians.
Shin glanced towards where he heard Kali’s voice and nodded.
“Yes, she is also one of my Guardians.”
“If I got things right, she is a big bird called Phoenix.”
Shin said while not sure what he was speaking about.
“Something about being reborn in the ashes.”
“Huh?”
Kali was shocked as she stared at Shin without knowing what to say.
A Phoenix!?
Wait, it can’t be… Mekina, where have I heard this name before?
“One of your Guardians is an ancient phoenix, that’s amazing.”
Kali was speaking in admiration as her eyes were shining brightly.
“Well, no need to care about that. As long as you are safe Shin, there’s nothing else to worry about.”
Aria shook her head, for her, nothing else was more important than Shin.
“But I think she might be sick, I’m not sure.”
Shin spoke in a confused tone.
“Why do you think so, Shin?”
Both Aria and Kali asked at the same time.
Shin tilted his head while saying.
“She said that she wanted to eat me up. Do phoenixes eat people to live?”
Kali’s eyes turned golden, her fist was clenching roughly, a little more and her nails would be digging into her skin.
“Hehe…”
Aria’s soft but horror-filled voice sounded out from her lips, she wasn’t smiling, her eyes were also cold.
“Shin, you are right, that girl Mekina is mentally ill. It’s best if you don’t bother with her any longer, or else I will have to teach her a lesson!”
“Why is no one telling me anything?”
Shin pouted as they didn’t answer his question.
Kali rolled her eyes, she then grabbed Shin’s right hand.
“Hihi, you don’t have to think about it anymore.”
“Well, there are other things that need to be done. Shin, there is one more person in this room.”
Shin raised his head and opened his eyes.
“Who’s there? Is it Peutoa or Laura?”
Shin was smiling.
Peutoa doesn’t speak a lot, does that mean it is Peutoa?
Kali shook her head as her voice turned slightly colder.
“No, Shin. That person is the one who attacked us.”
The room was suddenly enveloped in a dark aura, black flames appeared in Shin’s empty eyes.
Not even a second later, the black flames died out, Shin’s face turned pale.
“Shin! Don’t worry, he won’t attack us, at least not for now.”
Aria hurriedly spoke as she saw Shin’s skin turning pale.
“Who are you? And what do you want with me?”
Shin asked weakly as he leaned back.
“My name is Hath Kagatsu, and I’m your grandfather.”
Hath introduced himself calmly, but he didn’t know what to do after sensing Shin’s hatred towards himself.
Shin’s expression didn’t change at all.
“Mekina told me that you called yourself my grandfather.”
“But, neither does my Guardians nor do I accept you. You have done nothing for me, why should I care?”
His voice was soft and calm but held an unimaginable force in it.
“I know a little that there are and will come for my life, I do not understand why, but that does not matter.”
As Shin was speaking, his widely opened eyes shined in thirteen different colours, representing each of his Guardians.
“I know that mother, Kali, Peutoa and Laura will protect me. If it comes to the point where it’s difficult, I and my Guardians will rise and defeat those in our paths!”
Hath Kagatsu stood there without moving, his lips and eyebrows were shivering slightly.
“Sigh…”
Hath sighed before nodding. He looked at Shin once more before turning around towards the window, Hath vanished and appeared several kilometres above the ground.
He glanced down towards the castle, softly mumbling to himself.
“I will protect the ‘Child of God’ no matter what.”
“Shin, how are you holding up?”
Kali stroked Shin’s cheek as she gazed at him warmly.
“I’m fine, there’s nothing wrong.”
Shin shook his head while looking downwards.
“Shin, don’t think about it any longer. No matter who tries to harm you, we will protect you.”
Aria said while pinching Shin’s cheeks softly.
She pecked a kiss on his forehead.
“Hmm… you said that you met one of your Guardians for the first time, what was that about?”
Aria asked what she was confused about earlier.
“Besides Old man which I can usually hear, it was rarer to hear the others. I have talked with all my Guardians, but not as much as Old man. And today, Old man and Mekina managed to manifest themselves, they said something like they grow stronger as I grow too, they will be able to use more power in time.”
As Shin was speaking about his Guardians to Kali and Aria.
The Guardians were speaking to each other too.
In the dark world inside of Shin, there stood thirteen statues, shining brightly in different colours.
“Well, now that’s Shin’s situation now. Some small fries will start showing up and bother him, humph!”
The statue which was shining red – Mekina’s voice sounded out.
“Heeh… There are people who want to hurt my Liege?”
Within the golden light, another voice sounded out.
“Kira, at this moment we can’t do much besides showing up in crucial times.”
The statue which was shining grey – Ker’Vrak spoke casually.
“Master’s body is currently still developing, he is still in the realm of Mortals. In a few days, he might overcome and breakthrough to a Cultivation Warrior. But, we won’t be able to do much until he becomes a cultivator in the Divinity realm.”
“I understand. But, if those ants want to hurt my Liege, don’t stop me at that time, I will crush them!”
Kira said without any emotions, Kira didn’t mind if millions died, as long as Shin was fine.
“Hehehehe, Shin was so cute!”
Mekina laughed foolishly as she spoke loudly.
The statue which was shining blue asked in a curious tone.
“Is it true, Mekina?”
“Murutha, do you think I’m lying? I bet you won’t be able to hold yourself back and eat him, humph! I better protect him from you!”
Mekina spoke grumpily as she stared at Murutha.
Ker’Vrak spoke out in a calm voice.
“Who agrees that Mekina shouldn’t meet Master? I’m afraid that Mekina really would ‘eat him up’ without any warning…”
“I agree!”
“Sounds like Mekina, I also agree.”
“Mekina, don’t do anything against my Liege!”
The sound of the statues spoke out one after another.
The only who didn’t speak was a statue which was shining weakly and no voice came out, it was a newly made statue. It looked like a young girl without any expression, the light which was shining from it was light-yellow.