Iacus and Donovan were headed to an adventure spire, one that was a surprising job for both of them.

"For us to be in an adventure spire. It seems that the Lord has high hopes for us." Donovan said.

"To think he'd send his Counselor and his Guardian to an adventure spire." Iacus and Donovan were wearing their armors and their helmets. Standing before the spire, queuing up with the other Venerators.

"Aren't you one of the Familiars that Joshua guys has?" A Union officer asked, showing the details.

"Yes. We are."

"You can skip ahead of the line."

"No, we should queue up properly. We can't accept special treatment." Iacus said, while Donovan kept a look at his sword breaker dagger. The 5th Bellwitch's changed a lot of their equipment. Donovan was a lot more demonic while Iacus had a more noble reminescent to a paladin. His mantle was an ashen gray, to match his Lord of Thorns. They waited for them to enter.

There was a castle by the pier, the pearl white castles, the residents who were a mixed of humans and non-human races. Orcs helping to carry the heavy carts and heavy items. The elves were coordinating the streets with the path, the human guards mixed with trolls, goblins and beastkin? That was a sight to see.

"Iacus... Wasn't this..."

"Yes, this was my home... Lunaria. The slave collars are gone. It seems that the young prince I served was able to finally be a powerful figure. This was prior my years as the Wise of Darkness." Iacus said, as they both walked on ahead. Where Iacus could see a statue. One of him this was when his helmet did not have the dragon's motif, and when he was merely known as Iacus the Wise. In front of it, was a plaque.

> Dedicated to Iacus the Wise, the man who served his three kings. The 9th King of Lunaria, where he stopped a war between 5 nations. The 10th King of Lunaria, where he served as advisor in diplomacy and as a warrior on the battlefield and the 11th King, the 3rd Prince of Lunaria. King Maximillian Creed, who was the one who fought against the tyrannical rule of the dictator who usurped the throne. Iacus the Wise gave his life for the 11th King as he died on the battlefield with his blade piercing the heart of the dictator that was the 10th King's Brother, and uncle to the 11th King.

>

> For his sacrifice, he will forever be remembered as Iacus the Wise. For his compassion that helped shaped the King Maximilian into the man who would value equality above all and the first King to decide that it was time for the King to merely be the people's shield and not to rule without hearing their voices. Where people are able to speak to him and to tell King Maximillian Creed, of their woes.

"I always thought you were just a guy who didn't fight that much." Donovan said with a chuckle by the end of the sentence. Iacus looked around to see the knights, there wore mantles to their shoulders particularly the sword hand. Some had both, which meant they were ambidextrous. Demons, angels and nephilim were present. Though what Iacus noticed as eye catching were the knights who were clad in armor similar to that of his statue. Their mantles were white, with the logo of the dragon of Lunaria.

This place, the castle in its glory. It made Iacus reminisce a lot more than before. His final words to Maximilian?

"My king. You will be the last one I serve... And I may not be able to see you at your best, but... You will make a fine king, one day." Those words echoed in his ears as Donovan kept an eye for the area.

"They look a lot like you before Bellwitch made the changes to your armor."

"I suppose, perhaps the King has some thoughts about the past. Perhaps he wanted to keep the dragon close to his chest." Iacus grinned beneath his mask, proud to see the changes in his home. Though his loyalty was to the Lord of Thorns, his first love will always be his home in Lunaria.

"Why don't we take a look around? It seems like the quest here is regarding a war between Lunaria and the Empire of Drusken. What's so interesting about Drusken?"

"An empire that wishes to conquer the world. I believed that they had been suppressed by the 10th King... I don't even know who is the king right now... Perhaps we should present ourselves to the King." Donovan nodded as they headed to the castle gates, where they were welcomed in with greeting smiles. Venerators were meeting with the King's soldiers to continue their journey but when Iacus appeared before the officer in charge. A paladin, which Iacus recognized. She was a woman who was in Iacus's care when she was a child. He protected her, becoming her adopted father. Yet, here she was. Wearing the same armor as he did in the past, her helmet had the blue plume sticking out from the back of her helmet.

"Lady Aurelia." The woman turned to Iacus, where she took notice of the mantle.

"Ah, you must be one of the Adventurers. Sorry I do not have much work for you right now. It seems you were a little too late for that. Though I do have the mission to work as the King's bodyguard for his procession later. Though you have to beat me in a duel to qualify." Aurelia said as she readied her shield and lance.

"Are you okay with that?" Donovan nodded as he readied his shield and readied his blade.

"I won't be going easy on her. If I do that, she could actually injure me." Donovan said as they headed to the training grounds. Where the knights and squires who were practicing instantly stopped. Giving way to Lady Aurelia, Donovan and Iacus.

"Thank you, Donovan." Donovan nodded as Iacus turned his attention to the knights with his old armor designs. The Drakes of Lunaria, with the mantles that have the Lunarian Crest of the dragon. When the fight began, Donovan and Lady Aurelia crashed into each other. Donovan diverted her lance to the side with the shield. Swinging his long sword, Aurelia redirected Donovan's strike to the side with the shield. Pushing the shield to hit Donovan's chest, where she could see him skidding only a few inches back.

The Drakes began to take notice of the fight, now paying more attention to Donovan's movements. They began paying attention was focusing on the powers and lethality of Donovan's blade and swordsmanship. There was more to it, trying to decipher his swordsmanship style and even the eratic combat movements. The way Donovan took the attack without any breaks or hesitation, even as they watched how Donovan began to counter Aurelia, her strength was there but she lacked Donovan's experience. Donovan was able to overwhelm her, dropping his shield as he focused on swinging his long sword to keep Aurelia's shield up. A quick piercing strike to the shoulder, grazing Donovan's armor, as he pushed the lance aside and headbutted Aurelia to the wall.

"Lady Aurelia!" She stood back on her feet.

"Not a lot of adventurers have been able to put a land on me. I will allow you two to work with us as part of the King's bodyguard detail." The words out of their lady had caused people to be surprised, the others were murmuring and some began to glare at Iacus and Donovan in silent protest. For outsiders to protect their king, it would not be proper protocol.

"Lady Aurelia... May I, one of the Draken test the other swordsman?"

"Go ahead." The Draken leaped over with her whip. To most, a whip would not be useful as a weapon, but this particular whip was more like a vine of thorns. It was originally a blade, but the Draken was ready for the hunt.

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"Begin!" Aurelia shouted, where they watched as the whip began to spin all around Iacus.

"That should be the end of it. This swordsman might not be so special after all." One of the Draken mumbled, only to turn to the leading Draken who shook his head.

"That is why you're far too green. There's something about him. Liana has already lost the fight." The whip went after Iacus who deflected it with his mere finger tips. The gauntlets sharpened fang like gloves were enough for Iacus to use as a defense. He countered each attack by the second, no matter how fast the whip moved. Slithering and trying to splice through Iacus's defense, it was for naught. He pushed the whips out of their way, and then went in for the strike. Stopping his fingers by Draken Liana's neck.

"A few more battles with experts and you will be a fine warrior." Iacus said to the Draken as he bowed to her, where the Draken froze in place.

"It is fine Liana. The Draken are the strongest, but we are not said to be invincible. Even if you had your demonic origins." The Draken Leader said, where she turned and shook her head to the other Draken.

"But to lose in such a way, it is humiliating!" She grumbled, her frustration was simple. The Drakens of Lunaria were infamous for their powers and resilience. For a Draken to be in such a state was unheard off, and from the looks of things. Not a lot of fighters have faced the Draken and was well.

"Come, we shall head to the King for his speech. With the war against Drusken we've gotten a bit too desperate for our liking. Now we have to resort to call upon adventurers such as yourselves to fight." Aurelia said, leading them through the castle corridors.

"So I take it you hail from earth like the other adventurers?"

"Yes." Iacus and Donovan answered, where Donovan was careful to not say a word about Iacus's identity. Only when it was truly needed.

"I see... What about your names?"

"D and I." Iacus turned to Donovan, Iacus was glaring at Donovan because of how dumb the names were but Donovan did not seem to be bothered by it.

"I suppose you have your reasons for such names. The king will be giving his speech and the announcement of his marriage to Princess Alria Merlo." Aurelia continued to lead them on, as knights and those in the castle greeted her by her title. Lady Aurelia, the title Lady referred to the fact that Aurelia is a noble of the Kingdom.

"Merlo... Is that not a Drusken surname?"

"Yes, it is a Drusken surname. She is the 7th princess who betrayed her empire when they began attacking countries with intention to conquer them. She has been supporting us with whatever means she can but we are the only country and refuge from Drusken of the Western Continent. The others are slowly being encroached. We also have credible information that Druksen will make an attempt for the King's life." Aurelia informed as the trio entered the throne room.

Iacus watched how the memories of the past flood into this throne. The throne where the Lunarian King sits to reign over the kingdom, the banners of the houses by the pillars. Then seeing the lone figure that was practicing with a sword. Iacus could fondly remember fencing with Prince Maximilian with one hand and a blindfold. Even then, the prince could not land a hit on him. It was a funny game of questionnaire as they held wooden swords. Where if the young prince was able to answer the question, then he would get a swing to strike Iacus. Vice versa. As Iacus watched the figure turn, he could see the face.

Prince Maximilian was now a King, and had the stature that was slender compared to his predecessor. His blade was a single edged saber and seeing the now King shouldering it with a smile. Iacus last saw the Prince when the prince was a teenager. A clean and tidy haircut.

"You seem to be bored out of your mind, your majesty."

"Come on,Aurelia. I can't call the Drakens to spar with me and I have to keep using magic to spar . So of course I'd be bored out of my mind. Anyway, is it time?"

"Yes, your majesty. It is time but.. How far did you get?"

"Only 5 hits but that was when I whittled him down. Master Iacus was just too strong back then. He was the one that stopped Drusken from their crazy power hungry nature in the past. Though the diplomacy tactic and intimidation won't work this time around." Maximilian said with a sigh, sheathing his blade as the sweat faded off his body without much issue, then followed by a sphere of water filled with herbs that began to float to Maximilian's body. bathing him and his clothes in it, then snapping his fingers as the water scrubbed his body and clothes free of dirt and smell. Leaving behind a smell of herbs with a high note of mint.

Iacus was called master by the prince. Now that was something he had not heard in a long time, to be called a master. The two of them would call him master, yet Aurelia in her dying moments called Iacus as her father. Proud to see his daughter and the prince he served to grow up into fine individuals. Iacus and Donovan did not say a word as the King Maximilian merely waved to them and apologized for not making introductions because of the time constraint. Aurelia began to explain multiple details all at once. From the newly tabled policy, research on the current crop and commerce. Potential diplomatic ties with other countries to resist Drusken.

Iacus was grinning ear to ear at how far they've grown. They were talking about GDP, law, science and even discussing on matters of policies.

The two of them were like fire and ice, they could never be okay with each other. They didn't bicker but were mainly discussing on their action plans and what do they need to do.

Iacus followed the two from behind and they continued to speak without paying much attention to their surroundings. Iacus and Donovan had to make sure that the King and his trusted guard would not crash into objects. Even then they continued talking which Iacus could not help but be worried.

Now his student and his adopted daughter were so immersed by what they are speaking that they don't bother with their environment. It would be funny if the residents of the kingdom knew that the King and the King's bodyguard were close to tripping off the carpets and close to hitting head first to a wall. For the two of them had been too absorbed to settle their discussions as they arrived at the entrance where they both stopped in front of it.

"Presenting his majesty, King Maximilian Creed!" The doors opened as Maximilian was making his way to speak to the people that have gathered by the plaza. Where King Maximilian began to give his speech. Talking about the war with Drusken was inevitable and that they will do whatever it takes to occupy the other countries and Lunaria was no exception. Though King Maximilian has made his own preparations nothing will ready him for it. Though the people watched how the king readied his sword as a few figures clad in black suits appeared before them.

They wore masks of the hound, representing that they are the Drusken Empire's soldiers. Drawing their blades to strike King Maximilian, where he stopped them dead in their tracks. When other Venerators came to help, they were simply thrown aside by the magic of the Drusken Hounds.

"You will die here today, King Maximilian and we will take over Lunaria!" A woman raised her voice, floating as darkness blanketed her bodies.

"My lord!" Aurelia ran ahead to take the blow from the woman of darkness, the severity of the attack had shattered Aurelia's armor. The Drakens were fighting the other Hounds to keep them away from the civilians. Aurelia stood her ground with her lance and shield while Maximilian readied his blade, Donovan looked at Iacus.

"I'll handle the fodder, you go take care of that woman." Donovan said as he threw his shield at a Drusken Hound, watching as the helmet be crushed by the sheer force, while Donovan readied his sword breaker and long sword ready.

"You dare to face against us?! Die!" A Hound went for a piercing thrust to Donovan, who shattered the blade with the sword breaker and impaled the Hound's chest with his long sword. Another one went after Donovan from behind, pouncing with two daggers. Donovan reacted by turning back with an elbow striking the head of the Hound, followed by crushing the Hound's head with his foot.

Aurelia and Maximilian were holding their ground, trying to attack the woman of darkness.

"Do you truly think that you can beat one of the Forerunners? I am Forerunner 17, Gasura who shall be your end." Gasura spoke as she readied her elements to strike Maximilian and Aurelia, only to watch her magic be cancelled out by Iacus. He had thrown a few knives to break her magic chants, and Gasura merely chuckled.

"Do you truly think that you've won? You cannot hope to believe that you can protect them all can you? From all of us?" There were more Hounds, now surrounding the colosseum.

"Attack him!" Iacus snapped his fingers, and tthe Hounds were frozen in place. They couldn't move nor could they say a word.

"Wait for it... 3...2..1." Their bodies exploded from within as loud explosions were heard, the Hounds fell to the ground as their corpses began to bleed out. Iacus then walked closer to Gasura, who began to use her magic to form spears, javelins even creating beasts of darkness. The attacks went after Maximilian and Aurelia.

"Die!" The darkness stopped, as Iacus took his sweet time to stroll over to Gasura who was trying to cast spells but none of her magic was working properly.

"Wh..What!? Why can't I use my magic."

"Because it's afraid of me." Iacus said as he drew his rapier, then going after Gasura.

"Aren't you just a mercenary?! Why do you fight so much for this pathetic kingdom!? Wh-" Iacus swung the rapier at Gasura's hands where her fingers fell off. Screaming at the pain, falling to her knees. Where she felt a hand covering her head. The hand of Iacus where Gasura screamed again, only for her mind to be invaded by Iacus's magic. Turning her into nothing short of a living vegetable. He had extracted everything, all of their battle plans and magic. The magic that was cast by Gasura returned by Iacus's side where Iacus directed it at the remaining Hounds. Where they were sucked into the ground as their screams echoed the area.

"I might have to ask the Lord of Thorns assistance for this. I can't help but be angry at the sight." Iacus said as he took off his helmet, looking at Aurelia and Maximilian.

"Iacus?"