Lass and Yuno had made their way deeper inside Kaci and were now narrowly hiding close to the Shadowers' campsite, scouting for any information they could find. They didn't need to wait long before Yuno was reintroduced and Lass was introduced to their new threat. Much like Enmities, these large, black and fierce monsters, these ones possessed what seemed to be a decaying bodies, partially melted as if they lacked the sheer molecular strength to keep their skin together. Their eyes were caved in and two hollow holes were carved inside them, exposing both what looked to be a brain and a red flash that acted as their eyes. They didn't look to have a mouth, which made it all the more terrifying when looking at them communicating with each other, once they approached the gates. For what looked to be the unfinished product of Enmities, melting and giving in, and all their exposed shortcomings, their intelligence spoke of far greater heights than that of what someone would say other versions. The campsite consisted of electrically-run lights, powered by what appeared to be Obsulyte, evenly spread around a spiralling, downward hole. The pinpoint accuracy of the lights even spread made it all the worse, completely betraying that these monsters were not only capable of understanding and using tools, but had far greater achievements given their bodily differences and non-solid limbs compared to Enmities.
"Damn. That's a lot of them. How the hell did they manage to grow such an army without anyone noticing? Not even Reingard authorities.", Lass whispered.
"This...you bastards. What you see down there are my people. Most of them at least...", Yuno whispered in sorrow.
The Shadowers started bringing forth a bunch of chained-up prisoners, most of them Yuno's kin. Amongst them, like a sore thumb, stuck out Ikarisa and Anya. Their mouths shut, it was as if they tried to be inconspicuous and blend in, trying to at least by time, by fooling the monsters into thinking of them as another batch of lost souls.
"There's Risa and Anya. Come on, let's go.", Lass stood up, ready for battle.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!", Yuno dragged Lass back down, "You want to fight a freaking army out the get-go like this?! Not to mention these aren't Enmities. You can be a god and still have trouble with these things, they are practically Obsulyte batteries. The more they get charged, the worse it gets. Believe me...I tried to do it that way. No way you can fight them as is, especially since you're very much unable to control your abilities. Come on, we can't go in yet."
"What do you mean 'we can't go yet'? I thought you said we needed to rush for it!"
"I did, but I miscalculated. Look at that rock up there. That's the Shadowers moon calendar. It's 2 days away from the full moon. Shadowers will most likely hold back their transformations for 2 days as the full moon enhances them, especially since they have the goddess in their hands. They will for sure want to make the most of her. We have time to properly prepare for this.", Yuno said.
"Piss off. I'm going in.", Lass angrily whispered.
"No. Just listen to me. The rituals of the Shadowers will not take half as much effect now, as they will during the full moon. They also have Ikarisa on their hands and they know for a fact who she actually is. It's not that hard to tell apart those levels of powers. They won't touch her until that happens. But if you go in now, you won't be able to take on everyone before they alert their entire camp, and put literally everybody, including your friends, in danger. Believe me, I've seen it with my own two eyes...they'll use anything they find important to the enemy as either a bargaining tool, hostage or...that."
"Pieces of shit...fine. What do you propose we do? We fall back, then what?", Lass calmed himself down.
"The only thing I hoped I wouldn't have to give away so fast. Follow me, let's fall back.", Yuno sighed.
"Damn...I swear if I place my hope in you and something happens. You better hope you're right about this."
With that, they rushed out of the area and Yuno pulled Lass back to the original place where the Gate was supposed to sleep. He brought him to what looked to be an old, beaten-down temple by the side of a sunlit, wide area. The temple seemed to have a giant stone diagonally crashing on top of it, but upon closer inspection, it appeared as if it acted like an actual asset, rather than an accident towards it. The temple seemed to be perfectly maintained, as clean markings on its outer wooden walls and pillars showed the same symbols it did back at the elders' house. The grassy area at the front had a small wooden platform placed in the middle of it, the platform itself having an abundance of markings and drawings along a spiralling circular formation. A nearby stream of water ran under a small, basic wooden bridge, separating the grassy area from the temple inside. As more rays of sunlight lit the area to showcase small wildlife, squirrels and birds frolicking in the area, Lass briefly paused at the peaceful sight, almost as if the area brought him relief him from all stresses.
Yuno looked at Lass, "Clears your mind, doesn't it? The elder runs millennia back in his lifespan. He came from a really faraway place, further than the untouchable Solar Sea, way below Victoria. He built this temple after he fled his homeland because of giant monsters, reflecting upon his culture but adding an 'Insinian twist' as he called it. His need to do this came after Naga, the mother of all dragons and a Trail Blazer came to him with the sword, Gate Of Eternity, also called Excelsior, to protect it. I don't know if I was fortunate or not, but my full name is Yuno Ragna. And Ragna's have been taking care of the temple as a living space and the Gate when it was available to us."
"Available to you? As in, someone took it before?"
"It's rightful owner, some millennia ago as well. Ever since Cecilia returned the sword to us those millennia ago, after the only person who could actively use it died, it remained stationary here. Being able to be 'used' refers to its full potential. Aside from that, we basically used it as a battery to create some sort of EMP around the area, to warn off monsters like these Shadowers that appeared as soon as it was taken. Normally we would easily fend off against them, but...I didn't tell anyone anything."
"EMP? Millennia ago?"
"Look, that's the way I describe it, ok? I recently found out that the guy I was connected with is you, and we were born together, mind you. Same age and everything. Check the inside of the temple and your internet service. I live here, I'm not a caveman."
Lass pulled out his phone and got a full signal and amazing mobile data service, "Holy shit, checks out. You have better internet than I do back home, what the hell?"
"And as such, I know exactly how the world works, thank you. In any case, tutorial aside, for now, that's how things were."
"You said something about not saying anything?"
"Yeah...I'm a goddamn idiot. When the sword was stolen, I tried every single thing I could to make something else work the same way, I even fainted as I was trying to compensate with my own powers. I didn't want to make a fool out of how much faith everyone around me put in and my family to uphold this task. This is how temples and shrines normally go as the elder told me. It's like a family business, the task appointed to a single household to uphold the temple and the duties with it, like back at his home. And I didn't want to fail them. But I did. And because I did, I...I killed them. I killed every single person captured by the Shadowers, because of some bullshit resemblance to pride. Even Lili, I...I failed her. The only one who would look after me, even in the aftermath. All because of these monsters.", Yuno angrily remarked.
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"So, what the hell is the actual deal with these guys? Do they seek you out or something?", Lass asked.
"As we've unfortunately witnessed, the Shadowers are after creatures with high amounts of Obsulyte, especially us included. Their whole vision is based on seeing what type of aura, Obsulyte emits from others. Thankfully, because I had you by my side, your demonic aura and Obsulyte covered me, and they must have thought one of their kind had captured me."
"There he goes with the demon talk again.", he mumbled, "So what you're basically telling me is that I'm a...Shadower?"
"Hah. You wish.", Mellistar echoed, "The job would be too easy then."
"Why are you even here? You are usually never this active.", Lass angrily replied.
"This damn forest and its tricks...whatever. Keep on the show.", Mellistar faded away.
"That's a definite no, but you do have the same aura as a Shadower which comes from a demon-like energy. At least...on paper. I can't put my finger on it, but it's one of two ways. Either they see you as kin or they see you as something they know, but fear, hence why they'd rather leave you alone. Assaulting them, however, might make them run at you like a death ball regardless. But seriously, I'm not kidding about the demon part. Sandaco, if I recall correctly, is home to a very interesting group of demi-humans, that resembled actual demons with their tails and everything. 'Demon powers' refers to how absolutely scared everyone was because of their massive power level compared to average Obsulyte users. Hence why I'm calling it that. But, such cases in humans, normal or Obsulyte user ones, usually come when they embrace the darkness, whether it'd be immense hatred against something or vengeance against someone. Even so, that's a rare case. Much like your friend Rafgo, whose body literally gave in like a Shadower, when he became that monster in the arena.", Yuno answered Lass.
"Wait what the hell? You know Rafgo?"
"No, but, you do. Remember what I said about talking to a voice? I'm supposed to be your Guardian, meaning that we share some things, usually memories, pain and the sort."
"So wait, you know everything about me? You knew me from the very beginning of my life?"
"No, not really. I just established my soul-bound bond with you by being close to you, only now that is. A Guardian is only connected with their Child and is only born when the Child does. Also, I have, and want, to keep you alive, because we share the same fate. In other words, you die, I die and vise versa. And before you ask, here's the quote: 'For all that shine beyond here, may the Children of the stars never disappear.'. That's where the title comes from. Unlike the Guardian title, that's as vague as a title can get. Don't ask me what it means, because I still, simply, don't know."
"Delightful. Until death does us both.", he sarcastically said, "And what is this place exactly? Some sort of temple or something where you were supposed to train and safeguard-", he once again got Excelsior taken away from him by Yuno, "Could you not do that?"
"No, can't do. I will be holding on to this for now...you train with the other one. The real one."
"What other one? No swords are lying around."
"You seriously don't know? Man the ancient writings and stuff are useless. Lift your hand up. Close your eyes. Now I want you to focus as you did in the arena. Think of a powerful weapon. Feel yourself. Try to imagine the power, what it is and how it flows through your veins. When you think you got it clench you first. Really, this is basic stuff."
"Am I sure you're not messing with me? With all this mystical shit?"
"Your world is plagued by monsters, you saw god, a dragon ten times your size and also, quite literally, dead people's souls. Pretty sure that this will be the most uneventful thing for you up until now.
Lass followed his instructions precisely and when did open his eyes again, he was holding an enormous sword. It looked durable as it looked heavy and sturdy.
"Never knew being a 'Child' could be so...interesting. Did I really have the power to do so all this time?", Lass said in surprise.
"Nah, not really. You failed miserably, so while you weren't looking, I just placed the sword in your hand before you clenched your fist. Don't worry. You'll get it someday...I hope.", Yuno shrugged.
"Why do I have to have a 'Guardian' for myself? Whatever.", Lass averted his angry gaze from Yuno and started swinging around Excelsior, getting a feel for the massive sword.
"Hey, watch it!", Yuno swiftly blocked Lass's swing, "How do you even do that?! Excelsior was supposed to be a super heavy claymore of some sort! Did I misjudge its weight? How the hell are you handling it with one hand?", he stared in surprise.
"I don't feel like it's that heavy...more like a normal sword maybe? Kinda lighter."
"It's the first time I'm seeing the 'real deal' as well. Normally I'd just have this version of the Gate lying around, though it'll eventually give in now and join the actual thing, given how you were the only one able to use it with its actual, full potential."
"Are we sure you're not hyping it up and I'm living a hero fantasy?"
"Don't even...ok whatever!", Yuno facepalmed, "Let's start with the basics. What you're holding right now is Excelsior the 'legendary' sword that goes by many names. God's Grace, Hope of Light, Eternal Oath, and Gate Of Eternity to name a few. We will stick with Gate Of Eternity since all the other names are just random as hell. Gates, I don't know exactly their origin, are used by heavily powered Obsulyte users, so be grateful. This thing can literally kill anyone who doesn't live up to its standards, as it is basically a sword, beefed up version of...umm...", he struggled to find a comparison.
"A bomb?", Lass suggested.
"Yes, but at the scale of an intercontinental ballistic missile...times something like uncountable infinity."
"What?"
"This sword, in the right hands, much like with most other Gates, has mind-bending powers. Really. They are so dangerous that you can't even fathom it. Now I could be completely lying, because I'm talking out of a book, but I guess we will find out. Hopefully, if it isn't too late."
"Sounds solid and reasonable. Are we sure that these Gates are not out there in the wrong hands?"
"Oh, believe me, they are most definitely in the wrong hands. How we find them and conceal them is another problem."
"What about copycats? Surely, with this track record, someone must have tried their luck in making a new Gate. Dominating the world doesn't come without some form of fear enforcing."
"Honestly, there's one actual example of that. Muspell. I don't know much of anything about that thing, other than the fact that it was mentioned in my family's books. There was a group in the old days, much like the Trail Blazers, called the Abyss Hunters. It was a weird thing to talk about, as both groups saw nothing eye to eye, but actually had similar goals, which is stupid considering their rivalry. Unlike Excelsior, the leader of the Abyss Hunters created Muspell with her bare hands with the remains of what I think were the remains of actual gods, after their battle. Or at least how the story goes. That's because they, being born in this world, wanted to control their own fate, after witnessing all that the gods did during those miserable times. So far, even I haven't located the counterpart of Excelsior, which, if fallen into the wrong hands, is capable of causing death and chaos everywhere. Basically a one-for-one with Excelsior, but it trades the fact that it's weaker, to make it capable to be used by anyone, unlike a proper Gate. It is said that it should be at the deepest end of the Abyss, the closest point to Disilia, or simply, hell. No one has ever reached the depths and lived to tell the tale from there, and I'm pretty sure that the area has been wiped off the map by now."
"Thanks for the history lesson. But if you haven't realized, the situation most definitely doesn't demand it. Now, how should I go about this?", Lass said looking at the sword.
"Oh give me a break. Learn about the sword, and especially your powers, before trying to use it. It'll be better to get your bearings on it before wildly swinging it around. Do you even know how to fight with that thing? It's anything but a normal sword. I will cut you some slack, and say that your fighting skills are actually masterful, both in adaptability and quick decision-making, and each cut is precise. It would be fantastic, if you also knew how to use your Obsulyte well, making your basic skills almost useless, given that you can blow yourself up. ", Yuno folded his arms.
"A thing I do know is that it morphs and shifts according to the wish of its wielder."
What, how did you-oh right...the tournament. Man, I can't believe you almost died for that.", Yuno leered at Lass.
"I was able to use this thing even when it was broken, by filling in the blanks with concentrated Obsulyte, during my fight with Magi. It doesn't take much for me to put one and one together. So it was you talking to me back there?"
"Yeah, like I said. The voice you heard, aside from 'him', was me. Or at least a part of me that could get through. Something is blocking me from really finding out about all your memories and completely merging with you. Could it be something you have on you?", Yuno started to check Lass, "Perhaps a rock thing like Rafgos one. No, it's not...powers can't be either. Maybe that amulet-Gah! What the hell?!", Yuno got punched by Lass, being pushed away from his amulet.
"Do not ever touch that again.", Lass took a step back while taking hold of his amulet.