In the mysterious realm of slumber, a surreal tapestry unfolded within Serana’s mind. A celestial dance played out, where a metallic vessel, majestic in color and abhorrent in size and shape. Adorned with shimmering lights amidst the sea beyond the cosmic stars, embellished the dark universe with blissful lights and stars. Gracefully hovered amidst the void. She found herself adrift in an otherworldly expanse, surrounded by the silent whispers of distant stars.
As her eyes wandered through the weightless emptiness, she found herself in an ethereal form. Her body floated between the void as if free of all sense of physical laws. Uttered and uncontrol, she surrendered to the dream as she was greeted by the hum of unseen engines propelling the ethereal spacecraft forward.
She studies the vessel and notes how it was made purely of metal. What's more shocking, she noticed that the ship harbored some kind of architectural designs of gothic, cathedral-like designs. They have intricate spires, arches, and flying buttresses, giving them a distinct gothic aesthetic. This design philosophy reflects the many religious and feudalistic nature of the republic and no exception the white legion.
It's the shape of a colossal, dwarfing many other flying crafts that the white legion confounded. Disrespecting their technological revolution to a mere woeful state compared to this holy machine.
They are also adorned with ornate detailing, including human statues, gargoyles, and other embellishments. These decorations serve both a practical purpose (such as housing auspex arrays) and surely a symbolic one which she remains ignorant of.
It was heavily armed with an array of weapons, including lance batteries, macro cannons, and torpedo tubes. These weapons are designed to engage enemy vessels at various ranges, making them formidable in space combat.
The vessel engulfed the space with features of glowing engines, emitting fiery or radiant light. These engines are a visual representation of the ship's power and speed, propelling them through the void of space. Coursing through the opposed space as it had its wings to guide and drive. Weightless as a bird yet hefty as a god. Moreover, at different ends, She viewed the machine as some sort of deity. But she knew the truth. Or at least, believes in her way.
The hull seemed to absorb the radiance of celestial bodies, creating a mesmerizing display of colors that defied earthly descriptions. She watched in horror and amazement, yet perplexed, moved through the dream like a curious spectator, uncertain of the significance of the celestial journey unfolding before them.
The landscape shifted, morphing into abstract panoramas of celestial wonders. Planets with hues beyond imagination loomed on the Serana’s horizon, their gravitational forces gently tugging at the dreamer's sense of reality. A profound sense of awe and wonder enveloped her as if she were a mere witness to the cosmic spectacle rather than an active participant.
Time in this enigmatic dreamscape flowed like a river with no discernible banks, carrying the dreamer through a tapestry of interstellar scenes that blurred the lines between fantasy and subconscious fragments. Serana, unable to grasp the true nature of their celestial odyssey, moved through the dream with a sense of wonder and mystery, leaving the dream's true purpose shrouded in the ambiguity of the sleeping mind.
The vessel flew before her eyes at unnoticeable speed, yet she knows space holds no boundaries no laws that her world would function.
In Serana’s nocturnal voyage, a colossal vessel materialized, a celestial colossus suspended in the cosmic tapestry. Its silhouette, grand and imposing, bore an otherworldly fusion of elegance and intimidation. Angular protrusions adorned its form, creating a labyrinth of shadows and light that danced across its intricate surface.
Arcane symbols and mysterious patterns embellished its hull, hinting at a narrative etched in forgotten lore. The vessel’s proportions, seemingly boundless yet contained within Serana’s subconscious, created a sense of scale that defied earthly comprehension.
As the dream unfolded, she navigated through the ethereal corridors of the void, discovering other colossal basins of alien machinery. Suspended between the corridor of the endless sea of space.
Serana’s dreams were always of particular aura of curiosity. Though she had been dreaming many, she never witnessed something as profound as this.
She became conflicted with questions that she knew too well she would not get her answers to. She could only hope and dream for that scenery.
Until she saw it.
The demon dragon. a dragon of immense size, presenting a majestic and powerful figure. with a long serpentine body, large wings, and sharp claws. The dragon is often adorned with scales that can range in color from deep blues and black to metallic hues. prominent horns on its head, giving it a regal and intimidating look wings are expansive and powerful, allowing it to soar through the skies and space.
Not many know of this dragon, but the Infinity Order knows well of this one. For some reason, it harbored a deep connection to the dreamer memeroies.
Bahamut, the a monster that lies deep below, underpinning the support structure that holds up the earth.
Right after that, Serena woke up.
She found herself covered in sweat and heat. And strayed in her thoughts as she covered her face.
“What the actual fuck..... Dammit!”
Serana has been on an enduring quest as she strived to answer the universe's greatest mystery and questions. Regarding the dragons, the old gods, the cataclysmic war. And no exception, the Red Emperor.
It has been her long-life goal ever since she was a child. Her reason and curiosity doubled ever since she became gifted with the Infinity Slayer blood and guided by her master. However, she remains unworthy and powerless to both her strength and determination to her cause.
She went back to bed, lamenting her failure as she stared at the roof of the icy cavern.
She could only ask herself what happened in that dream.
What were those ships? And how did they function, and where were they amidst the dark void? And why Bahamut was there....
Questions that relativity shouldn't be answered in such an era. Regardless, she remained determined to find the answer.
She looked at her clock. On a drawer shelf as she lit the lamp on. She noticed the time.
“Fucking hell....” She sighed out of annoyance. “Master is going to be pissed now....”
She stretched herself for a moment as she gathered herself. As she muttered.
“One step at a time....one step at a time.”
----------------------------------------
The Wanderers, a group of scientists from multiple experimental fields, vary from biologist to physicist. Alchemist, Geologist, and Mechanic. all dedicated to discovering the wonders of the universe and its foundation. Using scientific methodology and analysis to answer difficult questions. In addition, finding dangerous and curious artifacts and collecting them for safekeeping.
Though they are poorly understood by the republic, they are highly respected by other nations. Such as the Kazu Negru islands, and the High Lord Acadamy of magic and weapons. The Golden Kingdome and no exceptions, the White Legion.
Their origin traces back to the White Legion scientists who hit the retirement age and left their work early. Eventually, setting their paths on one that deviated to war and selfish greed. It's believed the scientists chose to leave the White Legion on their own demand and agenda due to the White Legion's reclusive and ruthless nature and behavior in the war. Knowing well that their path is anything but salvation. Therefore, they decided to leave their homelands and seek a more peaceful option. Using science other than killing.
Eventually, the order was later officialized five centuries ago. On the eastern rise, a border between the Un-herald Spire and the Snow lands. Deep inside an ancient temple devoted to the Second Water Maiden; Aquiris.
A temple buried deep inside the mountain. The ceiling, towering high above, sparkled with icicles that hung like delicate chandeliers, casting a soft and ethereal glow. In addition, stagged on the basalt temple walls the many majestic inventions that the White Legion soon would inspire. Aside from the candles and torches hung on the walls. There were these electric heaters (Radiators) that maintained the temple temperatures at a suitable level. Enough to keep the ice frozen but not to melt. One of many great inventions the white Legion brought forth. Also, there were these Neon Lights hung on the walls that served as decorations for the children in the temple. Sort of, a convivial invention.
Pipelines, used for the construction to convey gas, oil, or water and similar infrastructure inventions of the White Legion carried through the hallways of the temple, maintained the core temperature of this ancient temple.
The ambient lights would reveal a labyrinthine path, winding its way through the heart of the mountain, with frozen pillars standing like sentinels on either side. Each step echoed through the icy chambers, creating a melodic symphony that reverberated in the silent embrace of the temple.
As Serana ventured deeper, the echos of the great machine grew louder, replacing the once hollow temple with voices of the future and the floor beneath her boots became a mosaic of frost-covered stones. Occasionally, a gentle gust of wind would sweep through, causing the crystals clinging to the walls to tinkle like delicate wind chimes. The atmosphere resonated with a profound sense of serenity as if the very essence of the mountain had been crystallized in this sacred place.
Pools of frozen water reflected the soft radiance, creating mirrors of ice that distorted the world around them. The occasional glint of minerals embedded in the walls added subtle hints of color to the predominantly blue and silver palette. Anyone could feel the weight of the ancient ice pressing in from all sides as if the temple itself held the secrets of eons within its frozen embrace.
Carvings of mythical creatures and frozen flora adorned the walls, their details preserved in the unyielding ice. The air within this sanctum seemed charged with a mystical energy, barely carrying what's left of the whispers of a bygone era.
Meddling between the temple hallways and its many rooms, scientists and future ones were buzzing themselves with their work and research. In addition, giving lectures to the young endeavors.
As noted before, ever since the formation of this order. The scientists of the order found a way to develop and maintain their secrecy by specifically inviting figures from all across the Land’s Beyond. In addition, adopting orphans and welcoming them into the temple like their home. Creating this one large yet narrow school of knowledge. However, the children are allowed to chase off their dreams whatever it may be. Regardless of their desire to be analysts or even an adventurer. However, many cases are the former and the least are the latter. Though, they can be both like how Serena is.
As she continued their journey, the path ascended, leading to the nave corridor of the temple cathedral.
The nave, with its towering columns and high-vaulted ceilings, creates a mesmerizing display of frozen splendor. Sunlight, filtered through the stained-glass windows, casts an ethereal glow that dances upon the icy surfaces, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that seem to be suspended in the frost. The intricate details of the sculpted reliefs and ornate carvings are preserved in a delicate layer of frost, giving the cathedral an otherworldly and almost magical appearance.
The pews, once filled with worshippers, are now covered in a thin layer of frost, and the silence within the frozen space is almost palpable if it weren't for the researchers bickering in their work. The altar, adorned with frozen candles and religious artifacts, stands as a testament to the spiritual history encapsulated within the cathedral.
The temple windows were calligraphy of the ancient time. Foretelling a long-loss legend of the Cold Maiden and her predecessors. All now melted and shattered, as if the time of the Gods came to an end and long live the future where we are praised as the children of the Omnissiah as the White Legion would phrase.
In this frozen cathedral, time seems to have come to a standstill, and the beauty of the architecture and religious artifacts is preserved in a breathtaking tableau of ice and stillness. It's a place where history, art, and nature converge, creating a scene that is both eerie and awe-inspiring.
Serena couldn't help but marvel at the beauty and solemnity of the icy sanctuary hidden within the heart of the mountain. But at the same time, feel guilty about wrecking such testaments and replacing them.
Such an invention did bring froth a more comfortable and effortless to our routine. Understanding and manipulation of technology in creating, repairing, and enhancing advanced machinery, making them a formidable force in technological warfare. But it can't be denied such inventions brought forth a dark future where these war engines can turn the tide of battle and overwhelm opponents with their sheer firepower.
This highlights the transformative and destructive power of science and technology, urging reflection on the consequences of humanity's actions and the ethical dimensions of scientific advancements.
The Republic has a good reason to fear the White Legion and its philosophical evolution. For it might further destroy what they honed in the last years. Or worse, ending it for good.
“Big Sister!” An enthusiastic girl called Serana’s was distracted for a moment and began to hold her hand.
“Siri!” Serena was brought back to reality. Smiling barely back at her. “Hey?! Care to tell me why you are pulling me?”
“We need your help! Markus and Sam are going to make a mistake!” Siri said worryingly as she pulled Serena’s hand.
“Oh boy...... again...” Serena sighed in annoyance. “I am coming...”
Siri led Serena behind one of the church’s pillars where Markus and Sam were discussing and theorizing about a radiator that suddenly stopped working.
The radiator was attached to the pillar with wires buried inside the ice that spanned between other radiators in the building back to the source.
“Okay! That's it!” Markus said angrily “I am going to kick it!”
“How about you two relax for a moment, will you?” Serena held Markus down with his shoulder.
“Big Sister!” Both Markus and Sam said in fear.
“I wasn't going to hit or anything!”
“Nah ah! You were! I just saw you.” Siri proposed to them.
“You snitcher!” Sam called her out.
“Will you three shut up for a second!” Serana said angrily in a quiet tone. “Tryna piss off the other researchers, aren't we?”
“Sorry....”
The Three apologized and remained obedient.
“It's fine......” Serena sighed once more and sat down as she examined the radiator. “Why don't you start telling me what happened?”
“The Radiator stopped working!” Sam explained.
“I can see....” Serana said sarcastically.
“And we tried to turn it on and off again! It didn't work.” Markus said annoyingly.
“Hmmmm......” Serena nodded.
“My best guess is there is something wrong inside the radiator!” Sam deduced with a smug face.
“And kicking the radiator would fix the problem how exactly?” Serena asked.
“Ahhhhh...... shaking the inside?” Markus said stupidly.
“You would shake it alright....”
“Maybe the wires?” Siri asked.
“There is no way!”
“If it were, we would have seen it!”
Markus and Sam fought back against Siri's theory.
“We didn't check properly!”
“And you are right!” Serena pulled the Radiator main wire that was attached to the frozen wall. “Look at that three of you.”
“Ohhhhhhh......”
Siri began to mock the two by making funny faces. The three were once again about to bicker.
“Alright enough you all. Let me teach you how to fix this.”
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“Yes!” Siri said excitedly.
“We have the bag!” Sam said as he dragged with difficulty a bag filled with equipment.
“Can you pull the plier?” Serena asked.
“Got it!” Markus grabbed the Plier after searching for a while. They gave it to Serana.
“Alright you three, get close.” Serena extended the wire and began to explain. “As you can see, the wire at this part of twisted and notched. I assume it is out of old age or external factors. Regardless, it's no biggie. Simply find the size of the wire that matches your piler. Then cut it on both ends of the twisted wire. That way, we separate the bad wires from the good ones. It's better we push the Plier with your thumb instead of pulling. Like this when we want to strip the wire.
“Awesome!” The Three gasped in amazement.
“Then for the two normal ones, we need to attach them. We are going to strip the inside of the wire using a scissor.” Serena looked back at them while waiting.
“OH! SICCSORS!” Sam quickly pulled the scissors from the bag and gave it to Serana.”
“Thank you.” Serena eventually stripped the wire insulation. “Now, we need to attach these two with any tape.”
“I knew it!” Siri gave a boastful look. The two were filled with jealousy.
“Thank you, and finally. We are finally going to twist the bare ends together, folding them in half.”
“Can i tape them?!” Siri asked excitedly.
“Sure, thing kiddo.”
Together Siri and Serana taped the wires joyfully.
“And we are done....”
“Yayy!” The kids celebrated with joy as the radiator began to mediate the source of energy once more.
“Make sure you warn the engineer about this. This tape is a momentary solution. It doesn't fix the problem.”
“You got it!”
“And one last thing,” Serana said tiredly.
The kids knew very well what she was about to say.
“Common is the common!” They all said in annoyance.
“Thank you...” Serena smiled.
“Yet highly common for Serana to disappoint.” Suddenly, an old and cunning voice emerged from Serana’s back.
Serena sensed a large figure behind her back. Noticing it very late. Turned back only to find her Master. Octavia Ophelia, The Steel incarnate. And the sixth rank of the ancient order, the Infinity Slayer.
“Master......” Serana said annoyingly.
Octavia according to history is said to be one of the most powerful figures in Land’s Beyond. Intelligent and proficient in inventions. She is a very tall old woman speculated to age more than ten centuries and stand over two meters in height However, signs of her Senescence are finally catching up to her as she has fair skin, short wavy gray hair with a bang that covers her right eye. Her left one is red velvet, Infinity Slayer signature.
She is also one of the most unique mages foretold in history. Unlike the other, her power stems in a form called metal bending. Able to control and mold metal in all forms. From the tinniest nail to the largest Warhammer creation of the Titian under her command. By harnessing her Mana, she can reshape such metal in every way possible and simply use her mind to direct them anywhere she wants. Making her one of the most powerful Infinity Slayers in the order, Sixth rank. And no question. The oldest of the entire order to exist and remain sane.
Her powers are unexplained, many assume it's a form of power originating from the void itself. No mage or scholar was ever able to understand her mysterious powers. And to show the sheer strength she possesses in her entire body. Her limbs are completely prosthetically made of steel and she controls every part of it, including her armor.
Octavia wore a unique kind of armor. Not any kind that was familiar with the Infinity Order. The ones imbued such legendary and majestic medieval armor made out of rare ebony ingots and dragon scales. Rather, she wore a more futuristic set that lacked any remarks. As if she simply wore clothes that were harnessed with the most unknown material to exist. But from the design, it's leather reinforced with sheets of steel molded to fit her physique with a dark leather cloak that concealed her armor from front and back. It is assumed though Made of pure dragon Skin. Perhaps, the only memento from her older days.
She also wore a razor-edged hat that seemed to be inspired by Japanese Jingasa. The hat, under Ophelia's guidance and control, is usually utilized to instill fatal and amputating blows, mainly in decapitation. Ophelia powers appears to have absolute control over the hat as she is able to throw it whilst it moves in circular directions instead of straight ahead. Her supernatural properties, such that no matter how far she throws it or where it will end up, the hat will always materialize back on her head like an instant boomerang. She appears to also have some degree of teleportation as well.
Other than that, nobody can say it looks like any armor that this world knows of. A plate of armor that concealed almost every part of her body, giving each limb a bulkier sense like the Titans to the point she was no longer called a human but rather machine.
As Serena stepped in front of her master. The children retreated in terror and behind the pillar.
Ophelia is well known among the Wanderer's orders as cold, often cruel, cynical, and apathetic towards others. And children are no exception. She is a vital asset to order growth and survival of the order. She is extremely disliked simply because of her personality. Often interpreted as sadistic and evil. However, this goes far beyond simply malicious intent.
As Serena would say; “she has a unique way to teach children rather than spoiling them to growth.”
“I was wondering why you were so late, figured you had another of your ridiculous dreams but here you are.... playing with children...” Ophelia said sarcastically with a hint of disappointment.
“I just wanted to fix this broken radiator...” Serana said apathetically.
“Really now?! Well, now I just feel bad for these kids! They have to come crawling back to you whenever something is broken.”
“That's not it!” Serena began to fight back. “Its not their fa-”
“I don't give a shit little one,” Ophelia said carelessly. “It's neither your problem to fix. You can't just spoon-feed every weakly bastard here!”
Ophelia turned her towards the kids as her pitch black and lusterless eyer gazed into them, giving her a rather unsettling and disturbing gaze.
“No wonder the future is doomed with such pathetic begins.”
“That's enough!” Serena finally snapped as she stepped in front her master. “You are here for me! I am the one who delayed our class so let's get into it..”
“Big sister! Wai-”
“GO!” Serana looked back at the children. “Leave! Now!”
The children simply nodded and ran away from the monster.
“Oh hero my hero....” Ophelia chuckled. “Aren't you getting too daring sweetheart? Just a few years ago you were as weak as those republican dogs. But it seems you my blood is finally kicking your juice?”
Indeed, Serana was also an Infinity Slayer. But unlike her Master who was a full Infinity Slayer. Serana was half infused with Infinity Slayer to harness her gift, metal bending, like her master. To better control her power. Granting her similar attributes the Infinity Slayer possesses, only a little.
“Very well... Since you asked for it. “Ophelia smiled sadistically. “I have found a very delicate way to punish you my pupil...”
“What are you going to do? Cast me into a pit of lava till I survive?!”
“Oh...... we will see.... depends on how you answer the training.”
----------------------------------------
Amidst the pristine edge of the eastern rise, Serana and her Master stroll between the mountains’ pass along the many narrow, snow-covered paths hugging the side of the towering, cold mountain. The air was crisp and thin, carrying the scent of pine and the distant promise of adventure and wonder.
Clad in a cloak of deep indigo, Serana's every step left a fleeting imprint on the untouched snow, creating a rhythmic dance with the mountain's icy breath. Frost-kissed trees, their branches weighed down by the burden of winter, adorned the landscape like sentinels standing guard against the whims of nature.
The mountainside path meandered through a landscape of jagged rocks and frozen streams, its surface cracked and textured by the freeze-thaw cycle. Her boots crunched softly with each step, the only sound breaking the profound silence that enveloped the frosty panorama.
Overhead, the sky unfolded like a vast canvas, painted with hues of lavender and steel gray as the day surrendered to the encroaching night. Snowflakes, glistening like tiny diamonds, descended lazily from the heavens, weaving a delicate tapestry in the air. And on the borders of the mountain’s edge, the vast expanse of the frozen empire loomed to the east.
There, perched upon the craggy heights of a formidable mountain, stood the haunting silhouette of an ancient gothic castle, its spires reaching defiantly toward the frost-laden heavens. Veiled in an otherworldly mist, the fortress emerged from the wintry landscape like a relic of a bygone era, a sentinel guarding untold secrets.
The White Legion Capital was barely visible from where she stood.
The castle's towering, ebony walls, adorned with intricate gargoyles and twisted vines, seemed to absorb the pale glow of the moon, casting an eerie luminescence upon the snow-covered slopes. Turrets spiraled upwards, crowned with pointed spires that pierced the sky, their sharp edges cutting through the frigid air.
As they continued their journey, a chill wind whispered secrets through the mountain's craggy peaks, carrying tales of ancient legends and untold mysteries. The distant call of a majestic creature echoed through the valleys, adding an ethereal melody to the sublime symphony of the cold mountain's solitude.
Between their walks, her master would stop and mine some condensed blue moon. An illustrious and valuable kind of crystal ore that is believed to be remnant pieces shattered of the Un herald spire. A mountain of pure and radiant violet crystal that is said to have emerged from the void. Summoned by none other than the Red Emperor during the early days of the war. And crashing down on the forces of the holy empire of Alya. And destroying many settlements and innocents along the way.
The spire stands now as a testament of the emperor's will and power. A momentum of history and a gold mine of treasure and fame. Ergo, the crystal.
Unlike the Dragon crystal. These stones aren't understood much, it is believed they possess the power of the void itself it. And from here the potential can vary to many degrees. Going as far as to forge weapons, armor, buildings. To fuels of energy and power, an apparatus of revolution and discovery. Among which, Master Ophaleia research on.
Nuclear power is enough to destroy an entire civilization in a second. This was evident in how radioactive this material can be. Therefore, such material had to be treated with care. But interestingly, such material is susceptible to the environment it inhabits. Such as the harsh cold of the snow, the crystal marries from light blue to white as pure ice. Thus, giving it some potential sense to be used as an elemental stone same as the dragons' crystals. However, this hasn't been understood till this day. Something Master Ophaleia tends to know.
Despite the harshness of the environment, a quiet determination emanated from Serana, her eyes fixed on the horizon where the mountain's summit loomed like a fortress cloaked in perpetual winter. Each step etched a saga of resilience against the harsh elements, and with every breath, the air tasted of adventure and the promise of uncharted realms beyond the next ridge.
“You are quite...” Ophelia commented. Breaking the silence.
“Just admiring the view....” Serana replied.
“Thats a lie....” Ophelia got back on her feet after salvaging some crystal and hid it behind her back. “You are distracted, and not about obviously what happened earlier....”
“Sharp as the snow always you are....”
“Well, you are my favorite test subject.... how can i waste such potential?”
“Eh......” Serana grinned in annoyance as she followed her Master.
Serana's long-lost desire was to learn the secrets of the world, mainly its unexplained mysteries regarding the ancient World and its association with the Red Emperor. And to motivate her desire, all that was needed was the Blood of the Infinity Slayer.
Given Master Ophelia interest in her power as a metal Bender. More as a successor of her teachings. She took pity on the child and decided to take her under her wings, as more of a puppet to suit her needs. Mainly her research. However, to this day. Serana was never able to deduce her genuine selfish desire. Certainly not her research but rather something else.
She suffered so much after the Fall of The Infinity Order. In return, she lost her limbs altogether. Rendering her incapable of even living like any other. Regardless, she lived on. Adapted her skills and discover into this form all in pursuit of her goal. Never straining away from her sanity.
“Another dream?” Ophelia asked.
“Yes......” Serana sighed. “I think you want to hear it.”
“Impress me...”
“In this dream. I saw a vessel made of pure metal floating in the ocean of the cosmos itself. Stars and planets hung like it was some decoration. And it wasn't just one, but hundreds of them coursing along the same axis. The ship looked anything but familiar, in a way it resembled the White Legion architecture but I can't deny it was alien in origin. And finally, at the end. I saw Bahamut again... I can't tell whether these vassals were directing their attention to Bahamut on purpose. But the whole dream just spout nonsense into my ears....”
Meanwhile, Ophaleia simply listened and gathered material around the vicinity.
“Are you even listening?!”
“Of course, your voice is as terrible as the raven...” Ophelia chuckled.
“So??!” Serana asked in fury.
“I don't know... figure out yourself....” Ophelia spoke calmly. “All I wanted was to remove the distraction out of your head. Not what's inside your dull heart.”
“Ehhhhh....” Serana sighed out of annoyance. “You know something... otherwise you wouldn't have been allowed to continue.”
Ophelia turned around and looked back to Serana as she simply shrugged.
“Does it matter?”
“Wh-what?”
“Every scrap of information Nous grants us through his memories. But what makes you so sure it's his memories and not some other Infinity Slayer from either this world or another....”
“Ah......” Serana was caught amidst her speech.
“You said yourself. The whole dream seemed nonsense to you. But then again, to others, it might make sense in every way. Just centuries ago, we never believed electricity could power a ship. But just a while back you repaired the radiator.”
“What's your point?!” Serana grew irradiated.
“You already have your answer...”
“What?!”
“It's no mere coincidence you dreamed that......” Ophaleia looks back to Serana. “Dreams are often the gateway to other dismissions of realm and possibility.”
Serena's frustration transformed into curiosity, her eyes narrowing in contemplation. Ophaleia continued, her words weaving a mysterious tapestry.
"Visions such as these are threads in the vast fabric of existence, Serana My dear, are not merely dreaming but glimpsing into the intricacies of the cosmic weave. The vessel you saw, made of pure metal, sailing through the cosmic seas—what if it's a manifestation of something beyond our comprehension? A glimpse into the interstellar tapestry of possibilities."
Serana's anger simmered down as the weight of Ophelia's words settled in. The notion that her dreams were more than mere fantasies began to sink in.
"You speak in riddles," Serana said, her voice softer now, more contemplative.
"Because the truth often reveals itself through layers, much like the shifting sands in the hourglass of fate," Ophelia replied cryptically.
Serana leaned against a nearby console, her mind racing to make sense of it all. "Bahamut, the alien-like vessels, the nonsensical whispers—what do they signify?"
Ophelia stepped closer, her eyes glinting with hidden knowledge.
"Bahamut is a symbol, an ancient force transcending the boundaries of our reality. Those vessels, perhaps glimpses of civilizations beyond our comprehension. And the whispers, Serana, they might be the echoes of a cosmic language, a code waiting to be deciphered."
As the two women delved deeper into the enigma of Serana's dreams, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The dim light seemed to dance with ethereal energy, casting intricate patterns on the very snowy mountains. As they walked, they came to notice an ancient Titanic sword trusted into the heart mountain. Buried as a relic of the past.
Such a blade is to be believed to be a memento of the greater Titain in times long past. Before the time of the Republic and even the Maidens came to exist. Forged under cosmic power, these blades were once wielded by none other than the Ancient Nephilim who waged a genocidal war against all gods and dragons alike. At least, that's what Ophelia believes. Republic would just believe that's a demon relic. To the White Legion, a weapon of massive destruction. To the Golden Kingdome, a gold mine.
"Much like this mysterious Sword. Embrace the unknown, Serana. Our destinies are intertwined with the cosmic dance, and your dreams are but a dance of shadows cast by the stars. The answers you seek may lie in the spaces between dreams and reality."
To learn the secrets of the universe, Serana must tamper with the void itself. Such questions aren't going to be answered on a thin sheet of paper lying in the corridors of the ancient world.
She must seek such a world of her own. Even if it meant tampering with the space of time and void.
“Let's start with this specimen....” Ophelia chuckled as hurled over a snow cliff.
----------------------------------------
“What.... the hell!”
Beyond the cliff were Serana and her master. Nested on a snow field was a large runic bear that was resting in silence.
As Serana’s gaze fixated on the towering and imposing runic bear. It looked double the size of a grown version. Enveloped in a thick shroud of white fur, the bear-like champion exuded an aura of raw power. His colossal form dominated a portion of the landscape, muscles rippling beneath the fur as if each step carried the weight of the mountain itself. Glowing blue eyes, intense and untamed, pierced through the chaos of battle, conveying a pearl of ancient wisdom and primal fierceness.
Serana couldn't help but feel a shiver down her spine, a mix of fear and fascination. This creature embodied the untamed fury of a storm, and the air seemed to hum with the power that emanated from him. The very ground trembled beneath its massive paws, leaving an indelible impression of a force of nature brought to life on the battlefield.
“Do you have any idea what that is?” Ophelia broke the silence.
“A primeval beast. Frostborn....” Serana answered.
“What do you know about them?”
“If I have to cut it short, they are the Maiden’s pet. The Primal Beasts, also known as primordial monsters, were created by Maidens as one of their first creations. They were created for the sole purpose of maintaining all of nature on earth and wildlife. But during the cataclysmic war. They were blessed by the Maidens to fight alongside them. For the fire Maiden, those were the Phoenix. For the wind and storm, those were the serpentine dragons or wind dragons? For the earth, the Badger mole and Armadillos. And finally, the water Maiden. The Frostborn runic bear.”
“And Jörmungandr. For the Air Maiden, mention a species next time at least like the Divine Dragon. Also, it's not specific to one race. They are a mixture of each species. But what you said is indeed the most dominant one.” Ophelia continued. “Pets.... even the animals were enslaved. How ironic...”
“Don't tell....” Serana looked back at her master. “You want me to kill that thing alone?!”
“Oh no no no....” Ophelia chuckled.
For a moment, Serana took a sigh of relief but quickly tensed as she felt her back grabbed by her Master.
“WAIT WAIT! HEY HEY!”
“I just want you to grab its heart and bring it back to me in one peace!” Ophelia spoke joyfully as she proceeded to throw Serana into the arena where the bear was sleeping.
“Mother fucker!” Serana cursed as she landed on the pile of snow, body forward.
Suddenly, the earth around began to shake as the bear rose from his slumber in fury and frustration. Turning his gaze towards Serana who was still on her knees in admiration.
The beast roared as its echoes trembled the snow around him. Pushing Serana further back.
“Wel.... looks like I have no choice.” Suddenly, Serena's finger snapped as waves of blades danced around her and spiraled like a protective layer. “Shit.... I am going to die tonight......”