Part 1
When I met the queen of this land after the events of the Amber forest, I was amazed at how firm, beautiful, and intelligent she was, and she put my expectations of the people of this world to shame.
My whole being yearned for someone like that, and those wings of hers shone with pure lighting.
But we live in two different worlds as humans are like the sun and beasts are like the moon, one is light and the other is reflected light.
She gave me two options, one of which I could not turn down.
Through our conversation, I learned how the world works and from my first experience in that place, I learned about a war going on there and how this place will face the same fate.
Now I rule part of this forest though it's not all, I can cope with it.
My problem with the lizard is settled.
Sadly, I cannot have the little cat as she relocated, but the other creatures remain in my kingdom.
Ohh, feeling that bloodline of hers makes me wonder what kind of children we can have.
We wrestled some time ago alongside the other two executives, the bull and the lizard.
Speaking of the bull he's been spying on me lately but I don't take it to heart.
"You know I was an amateur."
He faced a tree in the distance talking to it.
On the tree was the face of the bull.
"Moo"
"Yes, I get that but why?"
"Moo"
"Again with this, we went over this and I did that because I'm not used to being ordered around."
"Moo"
"No, just because you have a master does not entitle you to make me the same."
"Moo"
"Okay, I'll meet her if that would put our past behind us to start anew."
The tree trunk he's been talking to rose from the ground taking the appearance of a bull with branch wings and hind legs made of plants.
Coming face to face with each other, since their relationship broke a year ago when Kerrakion was being raised to be another tamed monster by the bull.
But the lion cub was rebellious going as far as to slaughter all those he deemed a foe not caring about the island's rule.
In contrast, the bull saw his potential and wanted him to be a servant of the mistress.
He is a nature-loving being and believes that spilling blood is wrong.
So to him not liking the killing spree done by the lion was guaranteed his dislike of it and since he works with a bunch of killers by his mistress's orders he thought maybe she could educate him.
"Say, I haven't inquired your name, mind telling me?"
"Moo"
The bull and the lion king sat across each other.
No, to be exact the lion was leaning on his side while his arms were crossed and this is a pose they do normally when sleeping or just relaxing.
"Noted, not gonna ask again."
Day Fireflies flew from the bull circling his dark mane that was like the clouds.
"Moo"
It took him a while to reply as the fireflies reflected his eyes bringing back some memories.
"Speaking of that, during my evolution I saw some interesting visions."
"Moo"
"I'm not too familiar with that but yes and in those visions, it was about a titan of great strength commanding the earth to sprout forest like you but on large scales."
"Moo"
"How big you ask, well I'm not sure but he was humanoid and he was reaching the clouds holding a long staff in hand to command the earth."
"Moo"
"Yes, I talked to the queen, and from what she knows it's a being in the forbidden land."
In his meeting with the queen, they exchanged some information mostly about him being taught about geography and monsters.
The vision he saw is of the memories from the blue snowflake gem.
While these two beings were conversing many things were unfolding in the world and somehow some of it was connected to their conversation.
Was it the wishes of the world or does the world move in the wishes of its people?
But we can be sure that our actions reflect what the sands below us witness because a grain of sand tells the story of who walks on it first.
One sees what their mind wants and the reflection of others can't define their way of life. The color of our faces does not make us different and no matter what way we label others we are humans nothing more.
***
Part 2
What do you see in war?
The cycle of war never ended.
How come our hatred led us to this?
Is there some kind of force behind the action that destroys us, haunting us, or are the ignorant fools who lift the veil of truth into lies? We want to be frank about one thing: it is not us who started this war. They forced our hands. Of course not it has always been the other party at fault we fight to protect yet we don't defend no that is cowardly. We have to show the world our power and prestige. The land we own and want will be ours.
They can struggle but they will never escape our strength. The stench of war never leaves our nostrils. The mirror of war is the shadow of yesterday and have you considered that life is equal to a grain of sand today? Who? Who is it that taught us to kill? Answer before you wield a blade because no life leaves this world without a cause. We forge weapons of mass destruction and have you wondered the reason? Because it is certainly not to protect.
Wealth beyond human capacity. A continent of fortune. Some minerals reflect the sun's light. Gold that freezes the soul. An iron that descended from the heavens. Natural wealth. Food is in large quantities, they are bigger, healthier, and most certainly abundant. These people are our ancestors, they hold the keys to our future. But they are ignorant.
Long ago a tribe of the coastal region who excelled in mining and building sought a new dream. They said we are blessed with everything. Let us open this to the world and share. Yes, nothing is free but with trading, we benefit both ways although we don't need it. Show them we are not savages who go to war and hate. We love that a new clan branched from us; they are most surely not cursed. There are no different races.
In the face of business, millions were helped. The poor got jobs, they were even living with the giants. No fear. And all ethnicities are sharing a cup of drink. But peace and truth are always corrupted. Which side started the corruption because their nature is the same? They both say it was the other side. Now they are not so friendly but business continues and it is about wealth and nothing more. Our goals in life deter from which is right we can see him/her succeed and therefore throw the dirt on them. What do they control and what is your life worth? Say our lives can't be measured and your schemes are nothing but fool's dreams because you do not define success.
***
One year ago in 1839 the Sun, The sky stood dark as large vessels sailed to the land of barbarians, the biggest of these vessels was the sea whale giant.
Thousands of soldiers board this ship.
It was built to transport the carcasses of large monsters.
It was as if death was roaming the ocean as they sailed the sea while it was dark in the sky and the water was still.
When they were 5 miles closer to their destination the vessels halted.
A man in a red and white military uniform looked over the dozens of soldiers in formation waiting for his orders.
"Men, the time has come." His back was towards them as he spoke looking into the distance where the land was.
"I was honored when given the role to command an army and destroy our enemies who stand in the empire's way."
"My question to you is what holds you back?"
"Show me the spirit the fatherland gave you."
"You are the suicide squad."
"A weapon forged to die for their mission."
"Die in honor… in grace… and willingly."
The soldier's faces brightened.
"Sir, yes sir." All roared in acknowledgment.
With round bags on their backs, 200 soldiers in hooded uniforms leaped off the ship into the sea.
They swam to land like seals hunting for prey.
Specks of dust-like starlight trailed behind a man riding a flying unicorn with twin heads in the dark sky.
Arriving near the harbor, what greeted the imperial vice admiral was shocking.
A metallic ship on the city's entrances was blocking the way like a gate and a wall behind it.
Since when have they built this?
Two giants stood menacingly where the metallic ship was, looking above them one of them spoke. "It seems that you are unaware of it."
"What?" Vice-admiral Akira was perplexed.
"We had a tip that you were coming for us."
He looked around but could not see past the walls.
"So, the barbarians who call themselves giants are cowards."
"What you little bastard." One of the giants said he was younger compared to the other one.
"Calm yourself, boy." The older giant glared at the man riding a twin-headed unicorn floating above the water.
Stolen story; please report.
"Why don't you come down to greet us."
"Oh, no I'm not here to fight the fire giant."
"Then, what?" He spoke with a hoarse voice.
"Ahm, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Vice-admiral Akira, and by the orders of the great council, I'm here to declare war on behalf of the empire… Bulka tribe for crimes against the empire and humanity. Surrender yourselves or be dealt with by our military force."
Boom
A large force came down pushing winds and all things around him.
Al-Karony, chief head of the Bulka tribe, got mad and his fury would soon burn.
"Wow, wow hehe people might think we accused you of false accusations so let me clear it up for you."
"By the following orders, I will present you with the crime you did against the empire…"
"Rrraaargh, I need to hear nothing from your filthy mouth, boy when that army comes make sure none of them breathe a single air and come near the walls."
"Yes, father."
With that, he left not even looking back.
He has left everything in the hands of his proud druid warrior.
The young barbarian smiled viciously while holding a sheep-head ax.
Behind him in the dark were red eyes belonging to ferocious beasts.
"Oh, my aren't we in a pickle in front of me is the barbarian prince of the Bulka's who is known to command an army of hundred beasts."
***
Present time in the year 1840 of the Sun.
Piles of corpses lie everywhere in a city proud of its dignity in buildings reduced to dust and stones.
Blood ran through the lands as rivers ran from ocean to land.
Gold and minerals were eaten or stolen by beasts, trenches all over the majestic city that was going to the future, and toxic gas destroying the land's environment, the land Bulka Mores became uninhabitable for generations to come.
As the smoke of fire rose high up into the clouds a flame giant lay on the ground half dead over him was a knight of metallic holding a sword next to his throat.
"Huff, Adulate to her she has foreseen my death."
"Wow, I can't believe you destroyed half of your land in this fight, what a monster." Vice-admiral Akira descended after having watched the fight to its conclusion.
"Fire giant, where is it?"
Breathing heavily Al-Karony did not even look at him staring at the metal knight on his chest.
"I guess maybe you did not hear but where is the scepter?"
"Huff, as if… what do you guys think of yourselves?" His eyes gleamed with one last attempt to fight while he panted on the verge of death.
"Death by your hands or by me I can say it's a win."
When the metal knight sensed the approaching death, he swung his sword into the ever-growing giant.
"Cough cough... hahaha this is the end for you." Blood swept the ground, the giant grew bigger, the emotionless metal knight struck without mercy instinctively, and the man proud to die for the empire screamed in fear for the first time.
"Ahh, you crazy bastard, if you wanna die, do it yourself, don't drag us along."
A wave of intent swept through the world before the giant's body could burst, knocking him out.
"Huh, what is this?"
"My consciousness is leaving… no I can't let this happen, I must… I must."
As drowsiness took over him he struggled hard to not fall.
This would shame him, falling in battle when in fact he doesn't know what's happening to him.
A disgrace like this is not allowed in his rank.
Doom
While he was struggling to not fall the earth shook making him fall.
Doom… Doom…
In consecutive like an earthquake, the ground was splitting.
The air around him felt unpleasant.
Waves of intent were radiating in the destroyed city even the soldiers who were at the harbor and in the ships felt the intent.
This intent was the presence of death.
When you are alone in the woods at night and there is no moon.
When a deadly beast glares at you.
You feel it.
Sense it.
Hear it.
And it creeps into your soul making you crawl down into a ball.
But, you still feel it, sensing the eeriness of horror you hear the sound of a wolf, of crickets of everything that moves in the darkness of shadow makes you turn in fear expecting it to be your last.
Alone in your bed, the presence of the unknown creeps up on you.
You cover yourself with a blanket hiding every part of you.
Asking when will the sun rise.
Every turn on your bed you feel it behind you, next to you, moving and approaching closer and closer.
When the cold metallic blade touches your skin making you bleed.
Death is watching and your body disobeys.
Am I a fool to be afraid?
Humanity never liked the unknown.
When the weapon we make for defense is against us our hearts beat to the drum.
Our brain cells jump in every direction but cannot escape the dome of the skull.
The intent of strong.
The one that makes you lower yourself.
The intent of a king.
If you have no ambition then fall.
When you are part of a horde run.
The will that surpasses all.
True Kings can exude three stages of intentions by combining aura with their will.
It starts with the conqueror's aura, which causes those who are weaker mentally and physically to either faint or die depending on the user's will.
By infusing their aura with any beast, they can create a being similar to an evolved monster called an aura beast.
Lastly, the user can sense and determine the strength of life forms through life sense.
That is the intent wave.
Conquers Aura.
Like a lamb to the slaughter, their legs gave up falling one by one.
Resistance was futile.
When the predator catches your throat you cannot move, the same as when a weapon is to your neck.
When the dark knight rode to the city all fell unconscious.
Not being able to endure his presence.
The death pale entered the city looking in every direction.
Behind it strode a huge metal coffin.
As Pale pulled the coffin the scythe of its rider reached high making clear that death came.
Due to the dark cloak, the rider's face was hidden from the sun.
They say when a monster who can level cities looks into his eyes they die on the spot.
A man who stands at the pinnacle of humanity.
Conqueror of blades.
Ruler of no land.
The target of all that pursue the path of swords.
Death Rider.
On his back is the scythe that dyes the night red.
And as he rode his trusty friend Pale that was pulling a long chain attached to a 13 meters metallic coffin.
It has never been opened and inside it is empty.
As he approached the place where the battle took place, he looked at the man with red hair and long scars on his cheeks and the standing knight.
"Death… they say can't be outrun… hiccup… Because all will test death… hiccup… and I will have a test."
"Hiccup… say junk I sense every living being within a 2.3 million kilometers radius yet I cannot sense anything from you… hiccup… what are you?"
The metallic knight stared at the person clad in black and then turned to the man in charge of him.
??
Horror.
Stunted in fear as he was, he stood up looking at the man reflected in the rider's dark eyes.
"What do you want?"
The rider raised his hands like someone surrendering but no one saw it that way.
The metal knight who had no emotions put up his guard positioning his long sword in front of him.
"Hey, I'm not doing anything."
"Or, did I interrupt something I shouldn't have?."
Vice-admiral Akira wasn't having any of that.
"There is nothing to worry about the junk called me or rather the sword."
"I don't get you." Akira backed off a few steps signaling the metal knight to have a go at the rider.
"Hiccup… you see I made a promise with someone and it seems that the sword you're carrying belongs to that… hiccup… person."
"Ohh, oh I see, metal knight attack…"
Before he could even finish the metallic knight launched himself at the rider with his long sword.
With a swing, he released enormous sword energy that could split 27 meters deep into the earth.
"What an up-star, even your aura is the same as his."
Like nothing, he deflected the sword's energy with his arm sending it back to its owner.
Bam the impact was 2x then when it was first launched pushing the metal knight back.
Jumping off from the horse he did a dance move removing his cloak.
He was wearing worn-out black armor and his face was pale like a vampire, his looks were that of a young man in his twenties with pitch-black eyes and hair.
"Pale, bring me out a sword suitable for this."
"Neigh." Pale refused.
"What do mean no, just bring any sword out."
"Neigh." Again Pale refused.
"Whatever I can do without any weapon."
Akira was full of shock and surprise.
Was the legendary sword hunter the ruler of no lands such a young dude?
"Who are you?"
Although he was unsure he had to know otherwise the consequences would be severe.
Pointing at himself the rider was puzzled.
"Oh, you mean how I look nothing like the rumors eh… hiccup… don't worry it's all me, the one and only."
"By the way, the uniform you're wearing suggests you're a high military officer of the empire. What's your rank?"
"I'm Vice-admiral Akira and soon to be commander of the empire's navy vessels."
Though he tried to speak straightforwardly without a hint of nervousness it was apparent that he could not hide his true self.
And the rider saw all of it.
"My, my indeed killing you would be appetizing but you're not ready yet."
His pitch-black eyes shone with a dark aura.
As soon as the vice-admiral felt the rider's glare he knew it was over.
They always said seeing his eyes warrants death.
This is a known fact the rider's eyes see what the person is, nothing is hidden from them.
"However that junk of metal seems to radiate the aura of someone I know."
The metallic knight he sent away got up from the rubbles of the destroyed houses.
Although lifeless the knight was dangerous no ordinary man could face him even the vice-admiral who was commanding him.
The metal knight swung and cut the air while coming at the rider and the slashes of his sword energy were breaking the sound barrier.
As it approached the rider the sword's energy was slowing down at least it seemed like that from the perspective of Akira.
Like a feather being swayed in the wind the rider moved only one step at a time dodging it with dance moves.
The metal knight came closer swinging down his long broadsword.
Every swing the knight made was fast even the vice-admiral was having difficulties tracking the knight's movements.
The only thing out of place was that nothing came close to hitting the rider; it was like a novice person fighting against a sword master.
"You bore me."
"No Sword Style Gust Cutter"
With his hand, he swung horizontally, slicing the metallic knight into many pieces as even the core inside him broke.
And like a broken glass, the knight fell.
What ended him was no sword but a hand used as a sword.
The rider went to pick up the broad sword which was two times his size.
"Hmm, the residue aura of this sword indeed belongs to him." Holding the sword with one hand was so light but to others, it would be very heavy.
Due to its two handles and heavy construction, it's a sword meant for bulky people.
"Say, Akira, where did this sword come from… hiccup."
The prototype golem soldier should have put up more of a fight but since it was only a prototype it was understandable. Akira thought.
"I do not know all I do is carry orders and even if I knew you wouldn't hear anything from me."
"Hiccup… hiccup… I guess that's okay."
He had no idea why the rider didn't go for his life but that wouldn't stop him from retreating as they already won the war.
He walked to where his two-headed unicorn was, the mount is not only a partner in battle it's more than that.
Picking it up he carried it on his shoulder going to where his soldiers were completely ignoring the unconscious giant.
Pale neighed in displeasure.
"Hey, come on I can't just go and kill everyone, it's too bothersome… hiccup… besides something feels off about all this."
I made a deal with Al-Karony's daughter to intervene and prevent him from dying.
Now that it's over I'll take the empire's prize and make sure they don't get the item, bloody… hiccup… bastards.
An item that can sprout green in a barren land or even the desert.
And even a sword that absorbs flames, it must be how they took down the giant fire.
***
Part 3
Somewhere in the empire at the strategic headquarters, the council started their meeting.
The council is the strategic department of the empire's military; they are below the marshal commander in chief of the military.
Holding the authority to oversee wars and appoint vice admiral candidates.
There are a total of nine council members.
The director of the research department-responsible for researching weapons and technology.
Albert Sanders
The heads of the intelligence and judiciary-responsible for military officials only, with no civilians involved.
Makina Yuriko and Miles Rainbow
The ministers of finances.
Em-Cartman and Heart Nanne
The minister of discipline and morals.
Mina Armstrong
The chief minister of foreign affairs.
Luke Locker
The minister of the health institute and education.
June Lane and Sikorsky Savan
The assembly was composed of people who would view each other as rivals for resources most of the time but when the war summit comes they are comrades.
They were seated at a round table discussing the gains and losses of the war.
Yuriko, head of intelligence, spoke summarizing the events that took place after the war.
"We have seen to the destruction of the Bulka's thoroughly and as the minister of finance said we've gained a total of 80% of the wealth they amass for two decades but unfortunately we could not gain a hold of the objective of this war…
Due to the appearance of a certain person and I think there needs to be no further action given that we lost a total of 25,084 soldiers in this war."
She was adamant about how she addressed the topic, not even giving an eye to the man who seemed furious.
"So, we're to let that bastard take the item." One of the councilors retorted.
"Stop you're yapping unless we send a fleet with an admiral which we can't by the way we can do nothing about it." Said the head of discipline and morals, as she was seeing what the damnable gearhead director wanted.
"Never mind about that, what of the murder of Walter?" An old man with glasses said while his eyes were bloodshot.
"Hey, hey minister." Suddenly everyone in the room became uneasy.
"Old man Cart if you have a death wish do not include us. That topic is better off not mentioned."
"Yep, we all agree." Everyone nodded, not speaking any further.
The empire's strategic counsel is a group of high military officials who hold the role of war affairs together.
They are a bunch of schemers who don't play by the book and when it comes to war they'll use any means to win.
This time round they used suiciders, a special group that is trained for the task.
And the reason the Bulka's lost was because of that and it was their idea to send in the new weapon the empire is making to test against the fire giant.
Golems, with the use of a monster core as the power and a refined body made from many different materials as its body is designed for combat.
They are lifeless machines made for war, they have no emotion and fear obeying orders without question.
Also in some other parts of the world dark forces were on the move gathering power and amassing their numbers in the shadows.
Among them was the serpent hole, the worst of humans in the world as they aren't considered humans at all.
Their spies have been placed in all corners of the world's nations since they rose to prominence striking when weakness is shown.
A year ago they tried to assassinate the empire's princess and failed dearly and now they have their eyes set on the Amazons.
It has been reported that some of the strongest Amazons are absent, so they are eager to take them out while they are at their weakest.
But that was not all as the events of the war were spread across the world shocking many as the results were more devastating this time than before.
A year ago before the war began there were many merchants, nobles, and high-ranking people from nations in the Sun continent.
These people came to participate in the wedding but after it was canceled due to the appearance of a monster they went back to their nations while they were on their way they heard the empire's vessels were coming to invade the Balruf continent.
And thanks to the scholars who have a company that sells newspapers in the Sun continent put half of the world's attention on the war waiting to see the results.
Thus the news was heartbreaking because they saw the real face of the empire.
The news cover read.
WORLD SHOCKING AS THE EMPIRE DESTROYED BULKA MORES
The mighty fire giant was taken down by a golem a newly created machine weapon that has no life. They used poison and bombers to destroy the land completely leaving nothing behind. Today that land cannot support any life and won't be in the coming future. Thankfully the ruler of no lands made an end to the one-year war.
ANOTHER PIECE OF NEWS
THE KINGDOM OF MOON HAS BEEN ALSO DESTROYED ITS PERPETRATORS ARE UNKNOWN
End of Chapter 10