17th of August, 2027
Austin and Rina were sitting in a press conference, while Sisse was covering their eyes with an umbrella as the flashes from the cameras of the 47 news channels there were blinding.
"Before everyone here starts asking questions, I want to announce something real quick." Austin spoke as he put his hands on the table, showing the ring on the camera.
"I, Austin Ashiwal Garharia and Rina Demia, are engaged now."
At Austin's declaration, the room felt silent as both of the reporters present and the cameramen alike, had their jaws dropped as Rina pulled up her hand to show the ring in her hand.
The reporters were startled as this wasn't even remotely close to what they were expecting. They were here for answers, about the weird things that took place in the capital city yesterday, interrupting the Melobranch Detectives Banquet.
"I understand that you all are shocked by this since this was supposed to be a questionnaire, but I would like you all to keep in mind, the fact that Rina Demia is my fiancee. You can ask your questions one by one as per the allotted orders and two questions per new branch." Austin commanded the reporters, keeping it straight forward. Both he and Rina were well versed on how to control the media but they only needed them to be calm and civil.
The first reporter quickly stood up from the bench and posed a question to Rina. "Miss Rina, we have had reports from the Void Villages that the Worshippers of Rudandon are worshipping you like the second coming of their god, what would you like to say to them and to us, regarding this new gained status of yours?"
"Well, I would like those worshippers to keep their thoughts to themselves. People are allowed to express their religion and faith freely but it shouldn't disturb the lives of the everyday people. I am also aware that some of those worshippers are considered criminals, we will take appropriate action for that." Rina replied with a calm look, her eyes were still hidden behind the umbrella that Sisse was holding up.
"My next question is to Your Highness, there were sightings of you floating in the air while clashing with what some people speculated to be 'your maid'. What would you like to say to those accusations?" The reporters asked, quickly noting everything he heard from Rina and Austin.
"I would like to say, that I have previously been said to be blessed by Noganonozue, The Outer Entity of Regression. It's that blessing." Austin answered short and crisp.
And then the second reporter stood up, asking questions about the relationship between Rina and Austin.
The third reporter proceeded to ask about the sudden nature of the revelation of their engagement and if it tied up with all the things that happened yesterday.
All of the 47 reporters asked unique yet interesting questions, and they seemed satisfied with the answers they have. But these questions were only beating around the bush.
Who cared if Austin and Rina had awakened as Apostles of the Outer Gods? They didn't see or understand the truth.
Though a few reporters did ask about Techonia's situation of being completely isolated from the rest of the world, Rina and Austin could only reply with 'beat around the bush' answers. They could not reveal the identity of the Mechanical God to them.
And thus, the questionnaire ended. But before leaving, all of the reporters congratulated Austin on his 30th birthday and the engagement with Rina.
..........
In Austin's Private Room, Melobranch Hotel
Abel, Eluya, and Iliana were sitting on one couch, while Rina and Austin were sitting on the other couch facing them.
The 'atmosphere was stressed' would be an understatement.
Iliana was barely able to register that fact that she was in the same room with the future king and queen of Garharia. Rina was staring at Eluya, as If she had recognised her from somewhere.
All of this, while Abel and Austin stared at each other.
"Let's deal with the minor things first.. Miss Iliana, why are you shivering?" Austin asked Iliana. An icebreaker to break the silence and start the exchange somewhere.
"Oh! Uh.. I.. I just didn't expect my colleagues to be acquainted with the future king and queen of Garharia." Iliana said calmly, constantly screaming inside as she couldn't even believe that she was talking to the Crown Prince Austin.
"Yes, while we are at it. Let's hear these two as well." Abel said calmly, looking at the ongoing stare contest between Rina and Eluya with a confused look.
"Austin.. Do you know who that woman is? Does she ring a bell?" Rina said, breaking the silence between her and Eluya.
"No.. I don't. Should I?" Austin asked calmly, as he didn't really understand the point of Rina's question.
"Well, this woman.. Eluya or should I say Elaira, is a key figure in Elven History. She single-handedly stopped a war between Elves and Vampires by just three letters, mind you. She is practically a living legend.." Rina spoke with a heavy emphasis on the fact that Eluya was a legend.
This took Austin and Iliana, by surprise. Both of whom were unaware of any such historical event.
Seeing this, Rina sighed before she began speaking again. "I can understand that the Empire of Garharia doesn't have good relations with Vampires but you can't miss out on history. She stopped a war, one that could've led to destruction to at least half of the continent."
"I wonder if I can fight her.. I am the Apostle of Rudandon now.." Rina said calmly, continuing to stare at Eluya, who didn't bulge.
"If I might say something, Miss Rina.. If you fight Eluya at your current strength, you will lose." Abel declared calmly, earning a laugh from Rina.
"And why do you think that Mr. Abel?" Rina asked with a taunting laugh. "She's just the High Priest of Justifia. In technicality, my position as an apostle is higher ranked than her."
"Well, that might be true.. But you are just at the flower stage.. Maybe if you were a Tree, you'd have a chance. Maybe.. I'd still be unsure of your survival." Abel's words took Rina by surprise. Not only did he have knowledge about the various stages of the Seed of Doom, he also knew what stage she was on.
"And why would that be?" Rina asked, curious as to what makes him so sure about Eluya's victory.
"It's simple really.. Given the correct circumstances, Eluya can kill a God by herself, you can't." Abel said calmly, sending shivers down Rina's spine.
If what Abel said was true then Eluya wasn't a normal High Priest by any means.
"And what about you, Mr. Abel? I can see that your physical strength is much, much lower to Miss Eluya's. Could I beat you in a 1v1?" Rina asked, since she couldn't see anything too outstanding about Abel. To her heightened senses after reaching the flower stage, Abel looked significantly weaker.
And to this, Eluya chuckled, breaking the silence. "You are too ambitious. Even if most of the Vampires, including the Numbered Ones, Abel would still win. You don't hold a candle." Eluya said, proud to declare that she was much weaker than Abel in fight, despite having significant advantages in physical strength and having the long range advantage due to her Divine Blood Art being long range while Abel's was short range.
"Anyways, thank you for recognising me from back then. It's been almost three centuries since I did that.. Besides Abel, only Farina was able to deduce that I was the one behind that incident. It makes you the third one person overall." Eluya complimented Rina, which took her by surprise.
"T-thank you.. And you both have a lot of confidence in each other. Are you two married or something?" Rina asked, blushing a little as she seemed to have recognised how close they were.
"Well, not yet. I would've married this man almost a century ago if he wasn't so adamant on pushing it forward and now we have her. She's included in this relationship too." Eluya said, pointing at Iliana, who hid her face while blushing.
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"That aside, Rina, May I ask why are you so adamant on fighting them?" Austin asked, as there has been a significant change in Rina's personality ever since she awakened.
"Oh, It's just an itch in my brain. I want to see if they are really as worthy of your respect as you say. But it seems my concern is not required." Rina replied with a smile before she looked at Eluya.
"Miss Eluya, I hope you don't mind telling me more about the Numbered ones. Despite the Republic of Hurlan having good relations with the Covenants, we have never heard of the 'Numbered' ones and it seems you will be the key factor." Rina spoke with a hint of respect for Eluya and Eluya reciprocated it, nodding at the request to entertain it later.
"Small talks aside, Congratulations to both of you on successfully revealing your engagement to the world. I wish you two a happy married life that lasts until eternity." Abel wished from the bottom of his heart, his smile evident to his honest well wishes for them.
"Now we should discuss Techonia and the so-called Mechanical God." Abel said as he cracked his knuckles.
"You mentioned that the Mechanical God has taken over Techonia.. And as far as we are concerned, he has taken over 10th and most likely, he is the one who has captured 7th." Abel said, biting down on his tongue.
"Yes, Osma was also captured but she seems to be completely oblivious to what she has done. She can't return to duty until we are completely sure that she is out of the control of the Mechanical God." Rina said calmly, her gaze fell on Austin.
"Abel.. Do you know what the Mechanical God is.." Austin asked, feeling uneasy at Abel's reaction. His worry for his fellow numbered was obvious but his anger was something above that.
"Yes.. Do any of you know about 'Evil Gods'?" Abel asked the four of them sitting there.
..........
Outskirts of Void Village,
"Omega, are you okay?" Beta asked Omega as the seven of them were transporting the criminals among the worshippers of Rudandon, who surprisingly turned themselves in after the little questionnaire by Rina.
"Yes.. But everything is getting too complicated." Omega said with a sigh as everything was happening within any problem but at the same time, the situation was getting more and more complicated.
'Corps of Seven' was originally a successive alias of 'The Six Heroes', a legendary group of the past who hunted down the Demon Lords during the Great War. Corps of Seven is an elite group that was handpicked to be able to stand up against the Proxies.
But the 2nd Proxy of Obrax, which the corps killed was considered weak. If they had to fight someone on the same level as Abel, the existence of which was only to Gamma and Omega, they would most certainly die.
Even a possessed Arshawain was giving them problems, they all must have realised by now that they aren't as invincible as they once thought themselves to be.
Proxies are not the end.
All seven of them knew, but despite the fact that they weren't the strongest, they were still among the top 0.01% forces of this world.
"Beta, write a letter to the Supreme Judge asking for an audience with him and The Emperor. Say that it's from the seven of us." Omega ordered, sitting beside Arshawain in the truck.
...........
Residence of Fourth Progenitor, Northern Forests
"Oh, Lady Alice.. You are quite sweet." Rei spoke with a smile, caressing Alice's back while she had her arms wrapped around him.
"Well, who would've thought that the regressors cycle doesn't affect our bodies either.. We went on 17 dates, drank enough wine to fill up half of an oak barrel. AND how can I forget about all the adventures we had." Alice said with a smile, nuzzling her face against his chest.
"What do you say, Lord Rei? Is your doubt on our love gone?" Alice asked teasingly as she sat back up. To her, all the dates she had were enough of a proof but hearing him say it was still quite exhilarating.
"Yes.. I love you, Alice." Rei said with a smile before Alice cupped his cheeks, biting his bottom lip to taste a drop of his blood.
"I can never get down the high of hearing you say these magical words, Lord Rei. Though I advise you to speak those words very rarely, I don't want to get used to it. I wanna keep this feeling secure." Alice spoke, licking the drop of his blood.
"Anyways, it looks like the regressor has stopped dying. We should get up.. I'm expecting guests today." Alice spoke as she slowly stood up from the bed and the moment her feet touched the floor, her clothes climbed up her feet, covering her naked body in her exquisite dress almost immediately.
"That Blood Art is quite useful, isn't it?" Rei said with a chuckle as he got off the bed and surprisingly, his clothes did the same thing to him.
"Oh, Lord Rei. I applied that 'art' on you two.. We weren't only exchanging love all this time." Alice spoke as she ran her fingers from his forehead to his chin, before teasingly pulling away and walking out of the room.
'I will wash the sheets then.' Rei thought to himself as he picked up the sheets from the bed, but before he took it out to wash, he sniffed the sheets.
"Lord Rei! No unnecessary sniffing please!" Alice teasingly scolded Rei from the hallways.
"Don't foresee my acts, Lady Alice. It's a breach of privacy!" Rei replied with a blush before he quickly went to the bathroom to wash the sheets which had their smell all over it. His mind was wandering off when he was suddenly interrupted by Alice.
"Lord Rei! Please don't imagine me in strange scenarios!" Alice playfully shouted from the kitchen while Rei was washing the sheets. "And no pouting please, you are a grown man!"
Rei pouted anyways as he continued to wash the sheets while Alice cooked.
From the last 14,000 cycles which were equivalent to about 632 days worth of time, he had learned a lot about Alice and shared a lot of things with her too.
He knew that she was a better cook than him, more dominant and aggressive. Alice also had a knack for foresight, she didn't need to do any rituals to see into the future. Even for a deep foresight, the rituals she had to do are very trivial.
And at the same time, Alice came to know a lot about Rei. He was a good presenter, he was kind, passionate yet very firm. He had a knack for the Sword, and was a lot better than her at it. It hurt her pride to see someone better than her in Swordsmanship but she gave him credit for it.
Chronologically speaking, Rei was quite younger than her. While Alice was around the age of Primordials born during the Chaos Era, Rei didn't come into existence until about 2100 years ago.
'It's not like age matters after you are two thousand or more anyways.' Both Rei and Alice agreed to this fact. Since they didn't physically age a day after they turned 23 and chronological age doesn't make sense for True Ageless Immortals like them.
After a while, when Rei was done washing the sheets and clothes, he put them in a basket before walking out into the garden to let them dry in the sunlight.
Alice was there in the garden when 14 came to report his team's finding about the situation of Techonia and the disappearance of 7th.
"Lady 4th, 10th of the Numbered reporting the findings of the scout team deployed to Techonia last week. We have lost contact from the team, the last message from them was that the city was empty." 14 spoke, while he was on his knees.
It was 5th (Abel) that forced all of the Numbered to behave with Lady 4th a certain way. Though all of them were initially hesitant, they eventually did address Lady 4th while on one knee.
"You may raise your head, Orion of the Blue Constellation. Call back any remaining scout teams deployed near Techonia immediately and send a message to my disciple Ab and Elaira of the Crystal Moon. Tell them all to gather here." Alice commanded 14th.
"Yes, Lady 4th." Orion looked up and then his gaze fell on the man who was drying clothes in the garden.
"Uhh.. Lady 4th. There is a strange man in your garden. Permission to approach?" 14 asked calmly as the man seemed a bit off here. In his entire life, he hasn't seen anyone at Lady 4th's residence, except Abel and Eluya who were the only one who had the right to stay here.
"Permission denied. That man is Rei Magna. I am assuming that you must know something about that name." Lady 4th said with a calm look on her face.
By the time 14th remembered the name and the history behind it, Rei had put up the clothes to dry and walked up to Alice.
"Lady Alice, is this man the disciple you talked about?" Rei asked as he looked at the man, who looked at him dumbfounded and mesmerized.
"No, Lord Rei. He is not.. Though he is one of the Numbered ones, 14 is his codename." Alice spoke to Rei in a very calm and ladylike manner but when she looked at 14th to speak to him, her tone was commanding.
"14, greeting your elder is a common courtesy, is it not?"
"Apologies for my insolent behaviour. I humbly greet the 'Hero of the Scarlet Eyes'. I, Orion of the Blue Constellation, am at your service." 14 formally greeted while he was still on his knees.
"It seems I don't need an introduction here.. It's nice to meet you, Orion of the Blue Constellation." Rei said calmly as he noticed the sword around the waist of 14th.
"It seems you are a swordsman too. Well, in case you ever want to train, you can come to me." Rei said calmly, but his words weren't relieving 14 of any pressure as 14 felt like he was face to face with a god.
He was used to the sheer pressure of Lady 4th, who was usually very calm and didn't feel as threatening but Rei didn't have that control. Just being near him, was like being in the presence of a God.
"Lord Rei, you must learn to control the pressure you command on people around you. This one is very sensitive." Alice spoke to Rei, sighing before she looked at 14.
"How is the 'Questline of 81' proceeding, 14?" Lady 4th asked with a curious tone, while Rei took a few steps back, relieving 14th of the gargantuan presence he was emitting.
"It's been going along well thanks to your guidance, Lady 4th. I've recently completed the Quest 9." 14 said calmly when Lady 4th suddenly gave him a small piece of paper.
"You are moving at a decent pace, considering that those quests are supposed to be hard. Each one of them would require an entire Elite Squad, at the very least.. The quests will only get harder. Consult that piece of paper when you are clueless about what to do in a quest." Lady 4th said calmly before dismissing 14th with a wave of her hand.
14 thanked Lady 4th before he quickly left the residence.
"Lady Alice.. You don't look fine," Rei said calmly, then he caught Alice, who looked like she was about to fall. "Lady Alice! What happened?"
"It's strange. I can't foresee what's happening to the scout team sent inside Techonia. It means.." Alice bit her lips as she couldn't finish her words.
"They are either dead or we are dealing with something whose existence is on par with the Gods." Rei finished her words, his expression turned to concern as neither of those conditions were good.
..........
Techonia Research Centre,
"Aww! Is someone scared?" The Mechanical God, which had possessed 10th spoke to the chained vampire.
"You.. YOU!" The chained vampire lashed with anger but was held back by the pure Argentite Steel chains.
"Oh, 7th.. My precious senior, please calm do—.. wn." Before THEY could finish THEIR words, 7th spat on THEIR face.
"Where have you taken those scouts! I swear on the Roots, I will tear you into pieces the moment I get out of these chains." 7 spoke with sheer hatred in his voice aimed at the being possessing the body of 10th.
"And this is exactly why you won't get out of chains. My plans in Melobranch might have failed but I won't fail here, not in Techonia." THEY spoke before walking away from 7th.
"No matter how much you struggle, 5th will kill you. No matter what you are, he will.." 7's words stopped THEM, making THEM look back at him.
"We will see, but for now, everyone here is useless." THEY said before they left.
The Gears of the Research Centre were spinning.
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