Meanwhile…..

Back at the Capitol building there was a sense of awe every time you saw it. Designed like a medieval castle it felt like you were travelling to the past. Surrounded by a circle array with 12 floors separated by 12 staircases, it was at the heart of the city. From the centre of the building spreads a waterway to twelve directions going down all twelve floors that flows along each stair case. With the waterway going down to twelve different floors at each floor, flowers were in full bloom with the constant withering of beautiful flower petals from the top of the floor to the bottom. Reaching all the way down they fall to twelve fountains with statues in the middle of each fountain representing the knights of the round. Sir Bors, Gawain, Geraint, Bedivere, Lamorak, Agravain, Kay, Ector, Tristan, Galahad, Lancelot and finally Arthur. Each represents the twelve families of the order. The foundation of the Diviners.

Despite showing the ancient history of its origin, this castle was the epicentre of power and technology. All people are free to roam around the area. Be warned as anyone who tries to enter the top floor near the castle must be authorised. For anyone who takes a step too close will be killed on the spot. This place is the sign that shows power and kindness for those who choose it.

For the longest time, Diviners have been living in hiding. Keeping their powers hidden from the world to protect themselves even with so much power. With the ability to create and use the powers of light within their bodies, they were unlike many humans. Powers that could destroy anyone as though they were ants. Whether they create a blast of energy or a large shield, no modern weapon could stand up against them. In fact the Diviners can use the light energy to create weapons as well and be stronger. All the weapons the humans made, the diviners would always make it stronger. Along with the power to create they also have the power of protection making them invulnerable to almost any that the humans could use at their disposal. With such a power there was nothing the humans could do.

However they had a weakness to them like all others that come with power. A price. For this incredible power there are its limits. Thus why it was only till recently did they ever reveal themselves to the world. With one fell swoop they were able to take over a mighty country and be its rulers. Diviners became not only the strongest beings, but possessed the strongest country. With resource rich lands and an ocean barrier protecting them from other forces, they were given everything they could ever want. Something that many other forces wish to acquire.

Inside the grand castle was a blend of long halls, extravagant carpets, and banners of the twelve families. Mixed with the old style are the modern security all around the building that couldn’t be seen by the naked eye. The moment you walk inside, you are already being tracked to make sure not even a bug can hide their movement. Throughout the building, you could feel that there were hidden secrets wherever you went. For Leonardo and Joseph they are entering one such room. Doing facial and light energy recognition they entered the room. Only those who have the gift of light may enter as the only ones who are allowed even in the castle are diviners. And though there was a lack of guards in this room. There was no need as there was no way anyone would be foolish enough to attack this place. The throne room.

Arriving upon the room, there were the 12 robe men who were on their knees praying in a circle. With the one man at the far end being the only one looking in the center as he prays in front of a golden sword.

“I Joseph of Ector and Leonardo of Lancelot pay respects to Arthur and the eleven ministers.” Joseph, followed by Leonardo bowed on their knees while having their left hand covering their forehead while waiting for Arthur to respond. Arthur was the name all diviners called him while the name Apostle is used by non diviners. The name Arthur is the leader of the twelve, also the one who rules over the eleven other families. Being the leader, Arthur carries a lot of responsibilities, one of which to perform ceremonies like today. While the Avalonians were partying during ceremonies, the head diviners would hold a ritual and pray to the light. Something the head of the other eleven families would also do in hopes of continued success. Interfering with a ceremony was forbidden so Leonardo and Joseph said what they had to then wait till the time was right. They remained this way for 5 more hours as the time finally reached midnight. Knowing that the ceremony was over all of them stood up with their prayer being finished .

“Thank you everyone for coming today. You all may leave as we will continue with the country's affairs later.” Standing in the middle, Arthur then commanded the eleven to give their farewell.

“May the light of thought be your sword and shield!!!”

“Let the light of heart be your guide and soul!!” Immediately the eleven leaders of each family left. One of them looked at Leonardo in concern but dared not say anything as there was time and place for everything. This left Arthur with Leonardo and Joseph who were still on their knees. He then gracefully let both of them up. “Rise I would like for you all to tell me what happened?” There was no hint of dissatisfaction but one of being merciful from Arthur's voice. Looking at him, he looked younger than Joseph, but just from his bright expression alone you could tell in terms of intelligence and wisdom, he far outstrips him.

“Yes today at five thirty, we had an assailant that was able to shoot General Lee from five miles away. Right now Dr. Fausto is performing the surgery to save his life. We had sent the other cleansers to capture the assailant. However….” Leonardo said but he froze to stop his report as he didn’t know if he should explain it. While travelling here they were alarmed when they found out Menace escaped. Not only that, he defeated a squad of Cleanser in the process. It was beyond what they expected. Especially for Joseph who trained all of them. Shamefully Joseph had to explain further..

“Most were defeated and unconscious at the time of the report.” Bowing, they lowered themselves as they were ashamed of embarrassing the order. This was Joseph's recently made corps. And to have it be tarnished so soon was disgraceful.

“Forgive us for our failures. Especially on this momentous day. We have embarrassed the name of the light and should be punished for our crimes.” Expecting hard punishment they had sweaty palms while waiting for Arthur’s decision.

“If you two die...then who will protect the city. Menace is still out there, so I need you two to help when he appears. He must be captured so we can show him the flaws of his betrayal to the order.” Thinking he was a rogue diviner, everyone wanted to find out who he was. As a diviner going against the order is a heavy sin they didn’t appreciate. However despite the need to urgently take care of this issue… Arthur wasn’t seemingly concerned about him at all. In fact, he seemed to view it as a minor problem. Which was strange given how much it has caused in the public's attention. In the same light he also showed that he trusted the two were strong enough to deal with this matter.

“Yes then we shall do our utmost to capture him for the order!!” Preparing to leave, Arthur then stopped the two as he seemed to have almost forgotten about it.

“Actually it has come to my attention that a few matters need to be addressed.”

“Sir…” Both were confused about something but then he activated something. Then at that time, the entire room was wrapped into a large bubble. The atmosphere turned tense as Arthur who was rather benevolent then turned more professional. As screens of several images appear with records and data showing all over the place. Despite his demeanour, he takes his job seriously, leaving no stone unturned.

“It has come to my attention that it seems as though many people of this country have been a little zealous. Wouldn't you say?" Arthur questioned which then fell on Joseph who was in charge of the security of the city. Although Commander Lee leads the city defenses for the Avalonians, Joseph is one leading the city defense for Diviners. That is the role of the family of Ector as they protect the major cities that are controlled by the diviners. Securing the most important cities, the family of Ector made sure that those cities are at peace from enemies outside and inside.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

“Yes before the accident, General Lee was going to send forces to help quell the disturbance. However….”

“That is what has me concerned. The fact that they would target him of all people. With him gone, it seems like we would have to rely on his vice commander.” Saying it both could hear Arthur's dissatisfaction as it meant he had taken a closer look at the situation. Revealing the vice commander, a dark-tanned figure who had scars on his face. Too much actually as he had many scars. But that wasn’t relevant.

“Is something the matter?” Joseph and Leonardo have seen the vice commander's resume and have noticed that this man is no more than a loyal man. He has fought just recently in the war with the magical kingdom and before that went to fight the Neo-Roman empire. Fighting in the front lines, the vice commander helped secure the many victories resulting in him receiving many honours that showed his devotion to the Avalonians and Diviners alike. Devotion that Arthur doesn’t care about.

“Despite his talents and endeavours, he is someone that I feel like is hiding too much. I question why Lee chose him as that kid is too suspicious. Now that he has his responsibility...I think it is time we send someone there.”

“Are you saying..?”

“Joseph you will be in charge of keeping an eye on him. This will be under the pretense of ensuring the safety of the city while the Commander recuperates.

“Upon your guidance, I will carry out the task.” Arthur then nodded in approval as he then recalled something that he felt he had to say. Though it was relevant to Joseph, Arthur just casually spoke it as if it was not serious.

“This will also be your last mission.” Which then surprised Joseph and Leonardo.

“Sir, have I lost your faith?” The last mission was actually a nice thing. That means a diviner has fulfilled their services and could retire in peace without the need to go back. With long lives like Diviners, such a blessing was nice to have as they could live a long life without worrying about money or time. And since they were in the higher class, they get to enjoy a life of luxury. However this wasn’t something a man who lived and breathed a soldier's life would enjoy. Especially for Joseph who had the greatest honour of protecting the capital city.

“No, actually I believe it's time to pull you out from the front lines. It seems that you have a little over a hundred years left?”

“Yes sir but…”

“The order has seen your resolve and would like you to be just a trainer from now on. You are no longer needed on the field. As we the eleven ministers and I have decided that you shall retire to guide the new diviners for the order.” Making sure he was clear with his order as he knew Joseph would argue back, and give him a compromise. Though Joseph wanted to say something, had to stop as he didn’t want to go against Arthur’s word.

“Then I shall follow your guidance.” Joseph reluctantly bowed. Even Leonardo was dissatisfied with such a decision. Joseph still has much in the tank and to see the master who trained him for these years to be given nothing more than a demotion was dishonourable.

“Now then Leonardo I have a special task for you….” This raised a question both Joseph and Leonardo had to ask. What was special?

Ten minutes later…..

Walking out of the room, Leonardo was very dissatisfied with the order. This was his master who had taught him for most of his life. Since childhood, Joseph has always taught him how to fight. He got to where he was because of him.

“Joseph let me ask my father. Maybe he can…” However Joseph stopped him.

“This a unanimous decision by all twelve of them. It is not strange for someone of my age to retire. I have fought for over three hundred and seventy years. There will be a time when I need to enjoy my life. At this point if I was to die in battle then who would teach the new diviners how to fight? How can I die knowing I could have taught many such as yourself.” Joseph reasoned as he was accepting his fate. Leonardo saw through that reason as he knew his master all too well.

“It must be the others who feel like you are a thorn in their side. You are the creator of the gunfighting we use for the security team for this city. Not to mention you were the one who push us to the modern day in using guns and projectiles rather than swords. Arthur has…”

“Stop right now, we have a mission right now. I recall you have your orders as well. Now go and fulfill that order.” Stopping him as within the building, the walls literally have ears. Saying anything against Arthur means death.

“...As you wish….” Leonardo forgetting he was still in the building stopped all talks to not get in any more trouble. Realizing he had his own mission, he looked at the file he was handed. It was a picture of a lady with long violet hair. She had a rather dark aura about her, but with her narrow face, small nose, beautiful thin lashes and eyes she was somewhat attractive. “But why does she have to do with anything?”

“If I recall she used to be classmates with you back in the day when you went to Avalon High. I also recalled that you….”

“Yes yes let's forget about that. But why her? She has nothing to do with anything. No relations with any powerful individuals, no connection with any other country of sorts. Not only that, she has no relatives to note or for that matter.”

“Correct but there is one figure that she is connected to.” Joseph then opened the file. This then alarmed Leonardo who was understanding the severity. “Yes, for some reason despite the money and prestige, he still lives with her. It is rather strange. Isn’t it?”

“She is also going to the Avalon Hospital where God’s hand is working.”

“So you are thinking that she is…”

“Might be targeting him.”

“But I know her, she never would do such a thing.”

“However, a mission is a mission. Besides, if I recall your sister is at the hospital as well. It would be a good time to spend time with your sister. You haven't been bonding so much.” Joseph was saying as he was trying to help him out in this mission. It was also a true fact that ever since he worked as a cleanser he hasn’t spent a lot of time with her sister.

“I guess…..” Though he didn’t know how to deal with that at all as he himself has his situation that is quite special from the rest.

“We start our mission later this morning. Get some rest. You act as a guard for your sister when you are observing Karma. We will give reports and see if we can see any connections.”

“Okay but what about Menace? Shouldn’t we get him?”

“Right now he is in hiding. While we do these missions, we will prioritize him when he has been spotted.” Dropping the subject both of them then left the building as they both went their separate ways. “Remember that the order comes before any. “May the light of thought be your sword and shield.”

“Let the light of heart be your guide and soul.” Saying their orders mantra they departed to their respective task.

Back at the hospital, the operation was reaching its critical step. All the doctors and nurses were in awe of the situation as they were seeing the impossible. But it was no surprise as Fausto during the entire time was precise and accurate. Never making a single false move, he seems to know where everything is even without looking at the machines to help him. It was a spectacular sight as he was now in the final process of reviving Commander Lee.

“Connecting the brain to the spinal cord,” Fausto said as he was finishing the process. With the newest medical technology, he could reconnect the spinal cord with a repaired brain without damaging any nerves. Without saying anything he knew what the others would say.

“We have life!!!” Shouting out of the top of his lungs the operation was a resounding success. After a strenuous twelve hours, everyone could breathe a sigh of relief. Even those watching were amazed. All except Fausto who seemed to be rather exhausted. He then touched the man's pulse but no one noticed something dark went into Fausto. No one noticed but ‌it was seen by Karma who was also watching. She then rubbed her eyes as if she was seeing stuff only to think she must be tired for staying up all night.

“He's just so amazing. I wish he would choose me.” Livia said as she was shaking Karma.

“Yeah me too….” She wondered if she was imagining things because that was strange. Then someone interrupted them.

“Well, he's going to choose me of course.” Which then got everyone to look at her. She was a stunning yet rather fragile woman with gold and light blue hair. She with her diamond facial features and bright facial features make her rather pretty. Not to mention with her name, everyone knows her. Leonora of Lancelot

“Leonora calm down. Remember that each doctor can choose two and we have like….uhm a lot of people are here.” Karma then directed all the people who were also wanting to be picked as well. There was a competitive spirit as everyone immediately felt offended by her words. They all want to be Fausto’s students. But that didn’t seem to bother her at all.

“Don’t worry with my straight As and also expertise in this field, I for sure will make it.”

“Uhm yeah but don’t forget that us two had just the same grades as you.” Livia said.

“Yeah I know but I guarantee that I will get it.” Leonora said confidently. However, as she looked to find Fausto, he had already disappeared. “Hey where did he go??” The three then looked as well, but he wasn’t there. But then a doctor came to answer the question.

“Doctor Fausto is returning home for now. After all, it took a lot out of him.” They then realise the reason but then the question remains…..

“But how do we know who we are going to work under?”

“Don’t worry it will happen later today. Right now you ladies should rest. Today we showed you the possibilities you can reach if you work hard. So look forward to later today as we hope this will help inspire you to be better.”

“Yes ma’am!!” They then bowed before leaving the room. But Karma then looks to see the picture of Doctor Fausto. Especially on the side of his face. “Where have I seen him before?” She tried to recall but nothing came about. Leaving her to wonder before she went home.