(……….)
Jörmungandr remained silent as he felt his connection with Zanis disappear.
He leaned back in his chair in his domain.
He looked at his current appearance in the mirror.
He had dark green hair, golden eyes, pale skin, and the symbol of snake eating its own tail on his forehead.
Jörmungandr honestly hated this appearance. That's because every time he takes this appearance his children end up dead.
“Sigh. I guess I'll need to get going.”
He left his domain and started walking down an enormous hall.
After walking for a bit he spotted someone walking down the hall in a joyous mood.
“Oh, Boros. You're in your Jörmungandr mode. If Loki was here he would be skipping in joy.”
Said Tiamat.
“You look like you're in a good mood today, Tia. That can't be good.”
Tiamat started grinning.
“You might haven't heard yet, since you were busy, but I found him. After over 10,000 years searching I finally found him!”
“Him?”
“My Proxy! He's only a kid right now, but he'll become an unstoppable force in the future!”
“Proxy? I thought you had no interest in the war anymore. Isn't that why you've never chosen a Proxy before?”
“I still don't have any interest in it. This stupid war wasn't meant to have an end in the first place. You all just want prove your strength.”
“Then why did you choose a Proxy all of a sudden?”
In response to his question, Tiamat showed a beautiful smile.
Jörmungandr knew that she had no intention of telling him, so he sighed and started to walk away.
“Well, good for you. I have to go and make a contract with my new Proxy.”
“Oh? Zanis died? I see, so that's why took you this form.”
“This was mostly because of your kingdom, you know. I'm starting to wonder if you have a grudge against me or something.”
“Ah. Now that I think about it, you were there a few years back. And I did sense something demonic looming around the kingdom. But Rouge’s wife took care of it so I didn't really pay it that much attention.”
Even though she said that, Jörmungandr was certain that she already knew everything that happened.
“I see.”
But he didn't say anything because she would never admit.
“Then I'm going Tia.”
His body was covered by a light and disappeared.
Tiamat was left behind smiling.
“Zanis's death is a bit unfortunate.”
She started walking down the hall.
“I wanted Miko to be the one to defeat him in the future. Oh, well.”
She also disappeared into a light.
Royal Palace, Dragna Kingdom.
“How is he?”
Rouge and Marcel stood over Celina, who just finished healing the heavily wounded Karim.
“All his wounds have been healed, but there seems to be some form of mental trauma that's preventing him from regaining consciousness.”
Celina answered.
“In other words, he was scared shitless into a coma? Leave him be then. He'll wake up eventually.”
Said Rouge.
He then turned to Marcel.
“Give me your crown.”
“Father?”
“I told you didn't I? If this all gets out of hand, I'll strip you of your title.”
“I remember but…”
“We lost nearly half a million soldiers, the Flamehearts hates us, your son is in a coma, and there's a possibility that they'll be a war between us and the Zebul Empire. After all, two Scriptures died after I separated the continent from the rest of the world.”
He pointed at Marcel.
“This wouldn't have happened if you didn't press for marriage between the two clans.”
Marcel grimaced and hand Rouge the crown.
“You have three days to fake your death.”
“?!”
Shock covered Marcel's face. Rouge continued.
“This is a good opportunity to fool our enemies into thinking that we've exhausted all of our strength; and draw them out so that we can silently get rid of them.”
“What do you mean, Father?”
“You don't get it? I'm planning on using the country as a bait to lure out reckless and stupid enemies that can be a threat in the future. We’ll make them believe that we've weakened and crush them. This will also put the smarter ones on guard, because they'll know that this is a ploy, but since they don't know if we're hiding some kind of trump card they'll become paranoid and will delay longer than they normal would to attack a weakening country. This will especially be true when they see the reckless idiots disappearing from the face of the earth without any explanation. They'll believe that some of our roaming members came back secretly, but they won't know which ones. So they can't just attack without investigating, which will take years to do. Since we have so many people scattered worldwide.”
There's also the chance that Nero was forced to take action and defend the kingdom. Rouge didn't want to admit it, but Nero's name was enough to scare off most people. There's not many people who would pick a fight with him.
There's also the possibility that the other three Dragna branches returned to protect their homeland.
There's also the possibility that Nero and Rouge team up.
Either way, the possibilities could be endless but they can't be ignored.
Marcel put on an understanding expression and nodded.
“But wouldn't this put a bigger burden on Dario?”
“I don't think that'll be a problem. After Karim's defeat, he seems eager to prove himself.”
Meanwhile, the newly enthroned King Dario was inside his room with Marco Saevio.
“Looks like you're going to become king faster than expected. Although it's unfortunate what had to happen for you to get the throne.”
Said Marco who stood in front of Dario, who was laying on his bed.
Dario didn't respond.
The images of the hellish war he witnessed were running through his mind.
The countless persons who were squashed, the countless persons who were eaten, the countless persons being burned to death, countless agonizing screams.
What stood out the most out of all these memories, was the scene of his brother being crushed to death; and him killing Lisa Flameheart.
Dario doesn't believe that he'll ever forget any of those memories.
“Marco, my brother is in a coma.”
“I heard.”
“I need to make it up to him.”
Dario sat up and spoke with a determined expression.
“I need to create the best kingdom ever before he wakes up. I'll do anything no matter the cost.”
“Then we’ll have to prevent Darius from finding out who killed his sister. Because if he finds out all hell will break lose.”
“That would be a problem.”
“Oh, here.”
Marco took something from out of his pocket and threw it to Dario.
“Necklace Of Bael?!”
Dario stared in shock as he looked at the necklace that was partially responsible for hell he’s seen.
“How did you get it?”
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
“I didn't. A hawk dropped it at my feet a while ago.”
“Hawk?”
Marco nodded.
“It was probably Nero.”
At this time at the Flameheart Clan.
*Boom!*
“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”
“Master, calm down!”
*BOOM!*
“KARIMMMM!”
“Somebody help! The Second Elder is trying to go to the palace again!”
“What?! We already have our hands full with the Clan Master!”
*BOOM!*
“T-The First Elder is forcibly restraining the Second Elder again! Waaaaaa! They're fighting for real!”
“I just received a message that the Master’s children are also rampaging in their homes!”
“Shit! Curse that Secundus Branch! Send Jeffrey! Even though he was finally able to find his way back to our dimension, he's the only one free right now! The other Elders are too busy restraining the master!”
*Boom!*
“The Fifth Elder was taken out! He lost a leg!”
“Damn you, Dragna Clan!”
At the eastern end of the kingdom, Nori City. Darius was drinking while staring at the sky.
“Lisa….”
Compared to the rest of the Flameheart Clan, he seemed a bit more composed. But that was only on the surface.
“Hey, are you the bastard from the capital that's been causing a lot of trouble around here lately.
He lazily looked at the man who looked like a typical thug standing before him.
“Get lost, I'm not in the mood.”
“Hah?! Like I care about-”
“[Snippet].”
A small laser fried the man's eyeballs.
“Ahhhhhhh!”
He screamed and held his eyes. His men hurriedly attended to him.
Darius stood up lazily, and stared at them without much expression.
“I changed my mind. There's a woman I need to see, otherwise I might go crazy. So let's hurry this up.”
He displayed a bloodthirsty smile on his face and spoke.
“Come at me, all of you. Come and get slaughtered.”
Back at the Ouroboros’ world.
Jörmungandr appeared at the village entrance, and changed back to his Ouroboros persona.
He was now a Proxy-less Higher Being, which means that he can't leave the Summit of the Gods unless he was searching for a Proxy.
However, Higher Being were able to enter their domains anytime they pleased. This world was created by solely Ouroboros, so it was considered his domain.
He entered the village and was greeted with a feeling of depression and despair.
When everyone saw him there wasn't a hint of the usually excitement and happiness. It was obvious that the news of Lisa's death had spread here.
“Father!”
He suddenly saw Owen running towards with a small emerald haired child, with emerald eyes.
This was the almost two years old Luka.
When Owen reached Ouroboros he looked around with an anxious face.
“Father, where's the clan leader? Where's Zanis?”
“……..”
Ouroboros didn't say anything and slowly took Luka into his arms.
He then placed her on the ground and stooped in front of her. He then spoke slowly to her.
“Luka, do you love your parents?”
Luka nodded happily.
“I love them.”
“Me too. They were my precious son and daughter.”
Ouroboros gently rubbed Luka's head.
“But unfortunately, we won't be able to see them again.”
Owen and everyone else's body jolted when they heard that. There some who immediately broke down and started crying.
“Does that make you sad, Luka?”
Whether she realized her parents’ fate or was affected the people crying around her, Luka nodded with tears flowing down her cheeks.
“Me too. I'm incredibly sad. I'm not sad that they died, everyone has to die someday.”
He wiped away Luka's tears with his fingers and smiled sadly.
“I'm that they won't be able to see their daughter grow into a beautiful woman, who will stun the world with her outstanding abilities.”
He then stood up and looked down at her.
“Listen, Luka. Your parents fought and died to protect you, their precious daughter. Their deaths were in no way shameful, so you can hold your head high knowing that you had awesome parents.”
He waved his hand and a black cube and mask appeared in his hand.
“These were Zanis and Lisa's favorite items. It went with them everywhere they went.”
He gave Luka the cube and mask.
“Take them, I'm sure they'll come in handy in the future.”
Luka took the items while still crying.
Ouroboros then faced the others.
“As you've all heard Zanis and Lisa died fighting the combined forces of the Dragna clan, Flameheart Clan, and former Black Scripture of the Zebul Empire, Zach Zebul. However, none of you are to think of taking revenge.”
“Why, Father?!”
Someone shouted.
“I'll be blunt. None of you are capable of fighting against the Dragna Kingdom and the Zebul Empire. You'll just die a pointless death. However…”
He then turned back to Luka.
“If you choose to revenge your parents, I won't stop you. I'll try my best to persuade you otherwise but I won't use force to stop. Your father told me make you my Proxy, and I agreed. You possess more of my blood than anyone else left on this earth. Because of that, your mental and magical abilities will develop at an abnormal rate. If you were to become my proxy in addition those abilities will skyrocket you'll become a true monster in everyone's eyes. So you’re the idle candidate to carry my will.”
Luka looked up at Ouroboros as he continued.
“Of course, being my Proxy means that you'll enter a world of endless wars, and I'll understand if you don't want to do it. In fact I prefer you not to-”
“I'll do it!”
Luka interrupted Ouroboros’ speech. She spoke with a determined expression.
“I'll leave and avenge my parents and then I'll make you the Supreme Being, Grandfather!”
Ouroboros was taken aback by what Luka said. Earlier today he confirmed that Luka's mentally abilities were on the same level as a 10 year, she just needed more information and experience to act like one. So she had a clear idea of what she was saying. But that was what surprised him.
This child should have an idea what kind of life she's asking for but still choose it.
It pained his heart, but Ouroboros couldn't deny her. If he did, he would deny Zanis's final wish.
The best he could do was to watch over her and prevent her from experiencing the same life as her father.
“Fine. But I have four conditions.”
Luka nodded.
“First don't call me Grandfather. A Proxy and his Chief God are practically parent and child. So address me as such. Zanis used to do it when he was younger too.”
“Yes, Father!”
“……..”
Having someone who just lost their parents call him father felt more awkward than Ouroboros expected. He thought he might as well adopt her while he's at it.
“Second, you are to refer yourself as Lisa Flameheart. Zebul may be your father's name but it was name bestowed on him by Zara. It will cause problems for you to use it. You might even get killed for it.”
“…Yes.”
Luka looked hesitant towards discarding her father's name, but she still agreed.
“Thirdly, you are to stay as far away as possible from the Zebul Empire until I saw otherwise. Even though the Dragna Kingdom have some powerful people, not even them would be certain to win as them.”
Luka nodded.
“Fourth, under no circumstances are you to allow your desire for revenge to consume you. If for any reason I see you lose control I'll forcibly restrain you and bring you back here.”
“Are we going somewhere, Father?”
Hearing Luka’s question, Tiamat’s words played in Ouroboros’ mind.
“After over 10,000 years searching I finally found him! My Proxy!”
He's known Tiamat for over 20,000 years. She's a woman who's always wearing a mask, so it's hard to tell what she's really thinking. However, anyone could tell that she was genuinely excited when she was talking about her Proxy. There's not much that can truly excite that woman.
The last time she was so excited was with Augustus.
‘Could it be…?’
Ouroboros suddenly his head and cast away the ludicrous thought.
He then turned back to Luka.
“We're going to your mother's birthplace. I have a feeling you'll develop the best there.”
Later that day, Ouroboros sat in Zanis and Lisa's house.
He was holding a sleeping Luka in his arms.
Her hair was now mostly black, only the ends were emerald.
Earlier, he formed an official contract with Luka.
A golden scroll appeared in his hand. When he opened it, it had the Ouroboros insignia as well as all of his names on it.
The scroll left Ouroboros’ hand and floated in front of Luka.
She let a drop of her blood fall the scroll and Ouroboros did the same. The scroll then split, turned into light and flew into the two of them.
Luka's hair suddenly darken and her eyes turned red. The infinity symbol appeared in her eyes. Her mind suddenly became clearer and sharper.
She immediately knew that she had become a Proxy.
“Father.”
Owen suddenly appeared and bowed before Ouroboros.
“I'm deeply sorry for what to Zanis and Lisa. If I was a little stronger then…!”
There was frustration written all over his face. Anyone could see how much he regretted what happened.
“Owen, a word of advice. It never ends pretty when someone of your level starts to recklessly seek power. Don't overdo it or it will be the end of you.”
“…..I understand.”
Owen grimaced for a bit, and spoke again.
“When are you planning to leave?”
“Around a few years from now. Once she has the strength to fight [B Class] level fighters we’ll leave. I have a feeling if we wait too long I'll regret it.”
He wanted to return to the Dragna Kingdom and put Luka up against Tiamat’s Proxy. He believed that it would benefit Luka to fight another Dragon Proxy in the same age group.
Gaining a rival is always the best way to grow.
He also wanted to keep Tiamat under check.
‘The last time she was left unchecked for so long, an army of monsters descended on the Mermen and almost destroyed their entire race. Although though, she created them it was still a dangerous situation. I've gotta figure out what she's planning now.’
Ouroboros turned his full attention towards nurturing Luka. He thought her magic, social skills, etiquette, what is expected of a leader, stratagem, and countless other things.
Thanks to her naturally gifted body and mind being influenced by the infinity traits of Ouroboros, she easily absorbed everything thought to her and became the monster of a child she was today.
“All of those events happened without most people in the kingdom knowing.”
Ouroboros finally finished recalling the events that happened in the kingdom not too long ago.
And the result was utter shock from everyone there.
“S-Something as big as that happened in the kingdom without alerting anyone's attention?”
Said Ana.
It was also the first time that the members of Fate have heard about the events surrounding Luka's family. It was also the first Luka has ever heard it in such detail as well.
“Flamehearts, Dragna, Zebul Empire, and [Tyrants]. All these powerhouses clashed because of a couple. My father never told me any of this.”
Said Sasha.
She heard the name Lisa Flameheart before, but that's it. She only knew her by name. But after hearing her story, she couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
Not only her, but Luka who lost such great parents at such a young age.
Ouroboros then turned to Miko who looked like he was still digesting all the information he received.
“You must be wondering why I told you that story.”
Miko looked back at Ouroboros and responded.
“I can't say I'm not curious.”
Ouroboros nodded.
“Before I tell you the reason why I reveal Luka's past to you, let me ask you something.”
“What?”
"During your fight with Luka, you declared that the person you wanted to kill the most was yourself. What did you mean by that?"
Miko's eyes narrowed when he heard Ouroboros' question. He stayed silent for a while, before opening his mouth.
"Before that, let me ask you a question."
Miko leaned closer to Ouroboros as hostility poured from him. He looked like he was preparing himself to attack him depending on his response.
"How much do you know about me?"
"Less than Tiamat, but I know the basic info."
Miko glared at him for a while, and then leaned back into his chair.
"Then do you know what my final goal is?"
"Eliminating all the Higher Beings."
Ouroboros words shocked everyone beside Sasha and Tiamat.
That was because what he said was clearly insane.
In response to their surprise, Miko smiled.
"You're not wrong but you're not completely correct either."
"Meaning?"
"Killing all of you is only apart of my goal. My main goal is gaining sole authority over my destiny."
Ouroboros and everyone had the same confused expression, after hearing what Miko said.
Seeing that Miko began clarifying what he meant.
"Did you know? I didn't want to be born. In fact, I refused it with every thing I had."
He looked over at Tiamat who was drinking liquor and eating like the conversation had nothing to do with her.
"It was because of a selfish lizard's whim that I'm here now."
Tiamat paused with a frown and then carried on like she didn't care.
Miko sighed and continued.
"I want to destroy myself who is at the whim of selfish people like that. I want to become something that controls its own destiny to the fullest. And don't have to worry what the gods have planned for me next."
"....In short you want to become a God?"
Said Ouroboros.
Miko shook his head.
"I want to become my own entity. I want to be identified as just me, not a puppet of fate."
"Do you understand how insane you sound right now?"
"Is it impossible?"
"No, it's possible."
Ouroboros words once again shocked everyone. He just easily admitted that a crazy goal like Miko's was possible.
"However, that can only be achieved by the Supreme Being. In other words, the winner of the War For Supremacy."
"As long as it's possible I'll do it."
Ouroboros silently observed Miko for a while before speaking.
"Do you realize what it will take to Win the War For Supremacy?"
"Of course. I also know that to complete my goal, I'll need to kill countless people."
"That's an understatement. Your goal involves destroying the pillars of world. You'll never be able to live a good life. You'll be hated by countless people."
"I'm not an idiot. I already know what kind of future awaits me."
Miko lift up two fingers.
"One future is me dying in a ditch somewhere, after failing to free myself from fate. Another future is me becoming the most feared and most hated person in the world, with billions wishing for demise. In words, complete isolation."
"While knowing that, you'll still march on?"
"If I don't, there's no point in existing is there."
"There's always the opinion of living a fulfilling life and then settling down."
"Boring~. That kind of life is dull. If I wanted such a cliche life, I would've done it already."
Miko smiled boldly.
"What I seek is excitement and total liberation. Whether I suffer or not in the future, at least I can say I died trying to tackle what most people wouldn't dare to dream of. To me the sole purpose of my existence is to shake the world to its core, and enjoy the aftershocks."
Ouroboros stared at Miko with widen eyes. The alarms in his head was ringing.
'Even though I know a bit why he's like this, it's still too much. He's dangerous, really dangerous. If I make him live any longer, even though it's almost impossible, he might be able to kill us all.'
He thought. He didn't take long for him to make up his mind.
'Sorry, Tia. This might be breaking the rules, but I'll have to kill your Proxy.'
As he was about to move his hand forward.
"?!"
A great chill ran through his body. It was like he was inside a frozen lake.
He turned to his left and looked at the source of the chill.
"......."
He saw Tiamat staring at him so intently, that it feel like his soul was being drawn into her eyes.
Her eyes were saying a clear message.
"Touch him, and you, the girl, and everyone you’ve ever care about dies."
It was as simple as that.
This alone was enough to make him give up on erasing Miko. He instead decided to use a different method to stop his ambitions.
He was going to make Luka do it. She might can't do it now, but she'll definitely be able to in the future.
"Hmph."
Tiamat snorted as if she saw through him, and was telling him to try all he wants.
He could only smile bitterly in response.
“….I see. If that what you really want then I have nothing else to say pertaining that.”
Said Ouroboros, as he adjusted himself back into his seat.
“As for the reason I told you Luka's past, I wanted you to truly understand her, and work with her.”
“Father?!”
Luka stood up and shouted in shock. Ouroboros ignored her and continued.
“The fight between the two of you showed me that the two of you are equal in every way. That's extremely surprising considering that Luka is pretty much limitless. It reminds me of Nero and Nova. And to be honest, that scares me.”
Remembering the monsters who overturned his common sense, sent chills down his spine. He prefer not to repeat it a third time.
“So I decided that it would be more beneficial to Luka if she was you're ally instead of your enemy.”
“It's sounds like you're selling me your daughter.”
Luka glared at Miko, while he replied with a friendly(?) smile.
“I'm not selling her. It's a ceasefire and partnership proposal. That's what you were aiming for from the beginning right? Then they shouldn't be a problem.”
“Yes, there's a big problem! I don't want to team up with him! He tried to kill me!”
Luka shouted.
“You're the one who declared war. I just acted appropriately and defended myself.”
Miko shrugged.
“Then how about this? We both are aiming for the throne, but for different reasons. In actually you don't exactly need the throne for your revenge, I need it to keep my promise with Tiamat. So let's do this.”
The smile left Miko's face as he spoke.
“Help me take the throne, and I'll give you Dario.”
“What?”
“In order to take the throne, we'll need to take down both Dario and Marco. I'll take Marco and you take Dario. That way it should be easier for you to take revenge, since you won't have to worry about Marco intervening.”
“What about Rouge?”
“I've already thought of a way to keep him in check, so don't worry.”
Luka put on a pondering expression, and started to think.
‘This offer is tempting. Originally, I planned on making my comrades keep Marco busy while I deal with Dario, but having Gamiko do it seems more efficient. His talent is on a similar level as mine, so if I look at it from a long term perspective teaming up with him is extremely beneficial. And then there's his connection to the Primus Branch. If he gets there support he'll sure to become even stronger and will more likely be able to take the throne than me. So it would make sense to make use of him to achieve my revenge. However-’
“You can't trust me right?”
“?!”
Luka jumped back when she realized Miko was standing in front of with a devious smile.
“….Don't read my mind.”
“Well, its natural not to trust me. In fact if you did trust me all of a sudden, then I would lose all interest in you. Because that would mean you're not that smart.”
Miko walked back to his seat and stood beside it.
“You don't need to trust me. Just use me, and I'll use you. That's how society works. If you're still not convinced we can use that [Soul Promise] thing that Ouroboros mentioned.”
“Miko!”
Sasha got up and shouted.
“I was just joking. I'm not stupid enough to use something like that.”
“Me neither.”
Luka replied.
“Then is it a deal?”
“….Fine. I'll make use of you, Gamiko Dragna.”
Miko smiled.
“And I'll make use of you, Luka Flameheart.”
He turned to Ouroboros.
“I'll be making use of you too, Ouroboros.”
Ouroboros shrugged.
“I've survived 20,000 years of Tia. Do your worst.”
“Is that so?”
Miko then looked at Tiamat. She suddenly turned into light and disappeared, which surprised everyone.
“Then I'm going out for a bit. Luka, you guys can do what ever you want for the meantime.”
“Miko, where are you going? You just woke up.”
Sasha said with a worried tone.
“Just for a walk, I've been bedridden for so long after all.”
“…..I see. Then don't stay out too late.”
“Mikky, do you want me to come with you?”
“No. I'm fine. Keep my family company for me.”
“.....Okay.”
Miko said nothing more and left the house.
He walked down the street while he recited the information he got from Ouroboros.
“[God Personas], Rouge Dragna, the Zebul Empire, Midgard Serpent, Ouroboros Clan, Arsene, Black Scriptures.”
He smiled.
“I guess I still have a long way to go.”
(So you finally decided to make contact?)
“Yep.”
His smile grew crueler.
“It's time to contact Nero and Nova..”
Luka Arc End!!!
Gamiko Dragna Arc Start!!!!