Judgment, a thing we all fear after our death,
What will it be? Paradise or judgment landing us in the pits of hell,
The end of our lives, we anxiously hold our breath.
Steller is a being who hates to be called all-knowing,
It says, "I'm not a god but a being of knowledge, not all."
Yet some humans claim the titles of gods, their end to meet
With the nomad's tale, for a creation of God cannot defeat
Its creator, as the question about the unliftable rock is not logical,
Some humans make it laughable, their claims fantastical.
The Aftermath And Judgement
The war had come to an end. Steller, a being whose strength was still unknown, had been stopped by Ramon, and the Nebu soldiers were taken in to serve either as slaves or prisoners of war.
These were the numbers:
The Royal Army started with 12,000 soldiers and was down to 7,450. The Royal Nebu, who began with 9,000 soldiers, were now left with only 3,000, with over 500 critically injured.
The remains of the three beasts were taken in for research to discover how they were created and to find ways to combat them more effectively in the future.
Henu Safir and his squad were placed in charge of protecting the citizens from further attacks by other organizations who might use the recent battle as an opportunity to strike. General Setka took care of the citizens within the city, helping with the people and the economy, while Commander Menes was protecting the inner palace for Queen Nefetari. Speaking of her, Queen Nefetari announced a ceremony to honor the soldiers who made significant achievements, scheduled to take place in two days. It had been three days since the war started, and Jack still hadn't woken up.
Inside Jack's room, the window was open, and the cold breeze made the red curtains swing. The sky was a gradient of dark and light blue, the sun had set, and Ramon sat on his chair next to the injured Jack, who had bandages wrapped around his hands and chest.
Kasib, sitting on the floor, was trying his hardest to read a book, his concentration low and frustration high as he squinted to understand the words.
Kamil was also sitting on the ground, sleeping with his back against the wall, while Khonsu stood with one leg against the wall and his arms crossed, looking at the window.
"Aahh," a light ache was heard as Jack moved around in his bed.
Slowly waking up from his sleep, the whole group hurriedly gathered around him. Soon, Khonsu opened the door and called out, "He is awake!" From outside, Seraphina, Menes, Noya, and Yune walked in.
They all surrounded Jack as he looked around, confused.
Seraphina slapped Jack on his head, "You're so reckless. Do you not know when to quit? I had to take care of your wounds for the past two days," she admonished, though with a hint of care.
Ramon rushed in for a hug and cried, "Oh, finally you're awake. It took a lot to defend you. I was so worried."
Jack, smiling, asked, "What happened with the war?"
Yune responded, "You really don’t remember?"
Scratching his head, Jack replied, "No, all I remember is a knife piercing through my stomach after Khafra killed me."
Shocked by his own words, Jack frantically searched for the wound marks near his stomach, taking off the bandages.
Seraphina screamed, "What are you doing, you idiot?"
However, as the bandages came off, the whole room fell silent in shock.
Jack whispered in disbelief, "My wounds have disappeared."
Menes, piecing things together, offered his opinion, "It has to be that being, Steller's doing."
Jack nodded, "Steller, yeah, I heard that thing's name. It was like a dream in a different world, like a domain separate from our own."
Kamil interjected, "I think I might know what's happening."
The whole group looked at him. "I think Steller is a being we know little about. However, when the commanders were fighting it, I noticed something interesting. No matter what, it never died. I think because Steller was taking over Jack, some of its powers and properties may have healed him. Steller either has super healing abilities or immortality," Kamil explained with worry.
Kasib's eyes widened.
"Wait, I do remember some things. Steller was fighting the commanders. I don't know what happened after," Jack admitted with concern.
Menes placed his hand on Jack's shoulder. "Jack, listen to me carefully now. You were fighting us, and we couldn’t fully defeat you. I was going to end it, but Ramon intervened and protected you."
Jack recalled, "Yeah, I remember now. Thanks, Ramon."
Menes continued, "After that, you came back to consciousness. Due to those actions, Queen Nefetari has commanded us to take you in as a prisoner because of your uncertain power, which could be a threat to Thebes. However, this will be decided after she speaks to you. General Setka and the rest of us have gotten permission to keep you in your room until you were healed. Tomorrow is the day when her judgment will be passed onto you at the award ceremony."
Jack's face appeared emotionless. "I see, Commander. I understand," he murmured. He looked at his hand. "This thing, I’m still not sure what it is and what its motives are."
Seraphina grabbed Jack's hand and assured him, "Don’t worry, everything will be fine."
Kamil expanded on Seraphina's words. "Let's hope that's the case because it won't just be us making the decision; the real verdict will come from the nobles. Alphonse and Khonsu spoke to your father, Seraphina. He will vote to keep Jack safe and reduce any punishment, but he did mention that the nobles aren't fond of Jack since he's a foreigner, and they hate uncertainty."
Menes continued, "The ceremony is held by the nobles. Even my father despised them. Don't worry, we will figure something out to get you back, Jack. Just remember, we are all family here. We've all gone through hardships, and we will do something to get you back. Place your trust in us."
Ramon expressed his feelings, "Jack, the little time we've spent together has meant a lot to all of us, and I don't want to lose anyone else. Welcome home, Jack."
Kamil joked, "Hey Ramon, are you willing to hit the books to defend Jack's case?"
Ramon, scratching his head, replied, "Do I really have to? I don't like books."
The whole room filled with laughter.
Kamil then pointed out to Kasib, "Jack, Kasib's been reading the book of law to find something to get you out of trouble."
Kasib, embarrassed, responded, "Hey, hey, I was just reading because I was bored, alright? It's nothing to do with Jack's case."
Noya slapped Kasib's back jokingly and said, "Of course it isn't. You're clearly lying through your teeth, man," he laughed.
Soon, the group's laughter faded as Jack spoke to himself, "Thanks, everyone."
The sun rose high, its heat reflecting off the white marble tiles. All the soldiers were adorned in decorative kilts with intricate designs in hues of blue, purple, and other colors. They bore no weapons, their faces beaming with smiles. The ceremony hall, with its two floors, housed the nobles seated upstairs, while Queen Nefetari sat on her golden throne adorned with figures of past pharaohs in the center.
The thick metal doors swung open, allowing the soldiers to enter, lined up neatly on the red carpet with a gap in the middle. At the front, a man with scrolls on the table next to him, dressed in a white garment, awaited them.
The man picked up a scroll and announced, "Alphonse Aurelia, for your bravery and strategic aid to the army, you are promoted from recruit to Soldier Rank 1. Additionally, you receive 10 Gold Coins." Alphonse walked forward, bowed to the queen, took his scroll, and returned.
"Khonsu, your strength and support were crucial. Your rank remains the same, but you are awarded 15 Gold Coins." Khonsu approached, collected his scroll, bowed, and retreated amidst cheers from the nobles.
"Yune, as Royal Guard Captain, your strength and backup support were exemplary. You also assisted in slaying a beast. Your rank remains unchanged, with 15 Gold Coins as your reward." Yune accepted his scroll, bowed deeply to the queen, and departed, greeted by cheers.
The man then picked up another scroll. "Kamil, your steadfast protection saved many lives. For this, you are promoted from Soldier Rank 2 to Soldier Elite Rank 3. Additionally, Queen Nefetari awards you 25 Gold Coins." Kamil walked proudly to receive his scroll, bowed, and made his way back, acknowledged by the assembled nobles.
"Ramon, your bravery and skill in battle were evident. You eliminated a high-ranking enemy officer and helped slay a dangerous beast. Your rank advances from Soldier Rank 2 to Captain Rank 1, with an award of 30 Gold Coins." As Ramon approached, the nobles looked on with mixed expressions, their faces betraying their biases against him as an orphan.
The man continued, "Kasib, you've become a symbol of bravery and morale. Your exemplary conduct and victory over a beast elevate you from Soldier Rank 2 to Captain Rank 1. You are also awarded 35 Gold Coins." Kasib received his scroll and returned amidst the nobles' reserved reactions.
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The ceremony proceeded, with more soldiers recognized and promoted, until the last four scrolls were reached.
"Henu Safir, please step forward." Henu walked to the queen, bowed, and listened as the man spoke. "Your crucial arrival altered the course of the war. Your defense of the walls and assistance in battling an unknown entity were pivotal. Your rank remains unchanged, but you are rewarded with 200 Gold Coins." Henu accepted his scroll and moved aside.
"Next, Menes, your leadership and valor were indispensable. You safeguarded countless lives and protected the inner palace. Your rank remains the same, but you receive 300 Gold Coins and additional pay for the year." Menes smiled modestly, acknowledging the whispers among Kamil and Ramon about his fortune.
"Lastly, General Setka, for your exceptional service during and after the conflict, you are awarded 400 Coins and double pay. Your dedication to our people is unparalleled." Setka accepted his scroll with a bow to the queen, returning to stand beside her.
Kamil and Kasib exchanged comments once more. "Double the pay, damn," they murmured, observing Setka's honored position beside Queen Nefetari.
All eyes were on the final scroll as the man in white robes picked it up, his voice echoing through the hall, "May the person to whom this scroll belongs be brought in."
The heavy doors swung open again, and light streamed in, illuminating Jack as he walked in, bound by metal shackles like a prisoner. He wore his usual brown coat over his kilt clothing. The two soldiers escorting him brought him before the man and Queen Nefetari, then bowed down.
In their minds, everyone silently hoped, "I hope it goes well for you, Jack."
Just as the man was about to speak, Nefetari interrupted, "State your name again," she commanded.
After a few seconds of silence, Jack spoke, "My name is JACK STERLING."
She followed up, "Where are you from?"
Alfonse looked on with a stoic expression, while Kamil and Ramon began to sweat nervously.
"I'm a nomad. I don't know," Jack replied.
Nefetari sat up straight, her expression shifting as if she had seen a ghost. "So, you have brought a friend with you?" she asked.
Jack looked up at her, confused. "No, I am alone," he replied.
The man in white opened the scroll and read aloud, "Jack Sterling, you showed bravery during the battle, managing to kill a high-ranking commander of the opposing army. However, in the midst of the battle, you transformed into a being so strong that even our mightiest warriors struggled against you. You managed to regain control, but due to the uncertainty of this being's power, you will be placed on trial to decide your future with Thebes, its army, and its people."
The nobles whispered among themselves, their conversations buzzing.
One noble remarked, "He killed a commander of the enemy, didn't he?"
Another responded, "Yes, but he also harmed our own people. I heard he uses some sort of black magic to create things. That fortress on wheels is his creation."
"I think he should be executed. The unknown is dangerous," a noble stood up and shouted.
The nobles cheered him on.
However, from the crowd, another noble stood and called out, "His power is something we can harness!"
The crowd quieted down as the noble continued. "I, from the Aurelia family, suggest to Her Majesty that this man's power is something we can use," said Bell Aurelia, the father of Alfonse and Seraphina.
Queen Nefetari stood up and addressed Bell, "Explain your suggestion."
Bell walked to the front of the second floor and spread out his arms, "His power is something we can use. If we can control and harness it, it’s a weapon. With all our great commanders and generals, we couldn’t even kill him. Imagine if he or the being was actually fighting back—it would be untouchable. So, here is my proposal: use Jack Sterling as a weapon and a tool for our army's might," he declared.
Another noble stood up and shouted, "He is a nomad. We classify him as lower class. Let's harness his power and get rid of him—that's a better way."
The other nobles cheered this idea of killing Jack and taking his power.
Jack, defiant, replied to the noble, "I don’t have a physical Chronotex which you can harness my power is within me."
The noble pondered for a moment, his hand thoughtfully on his chin. "May I suggest something?" he requested, turning to Queen Nefetari.
"Yes, go ahead," she replied.
"As far as I have heard, this being, after being disintegrated by our General Setka, still came back to life. If we cut it up and find the Chronotex within, it will surely heal itself. All we need is the power, then we can give it to someone more deserving—perhaps someone of noble class."
Kamil, seething with anger, whispered to Ramon, "These bastards are just scared that someone of lower class has such power."
Nefetari, with a cold command, ordered the soldiers who brought Jack in, "Cut him up and find this power."
Menes, Setka, and Henu exchanged worried glances. Henu stood up and intervened, "Queen Nefetari, I don’t think this is necessary. It’s torture."
"Shut up, Henu," she snapped.
In his head, Henu cursed her angrily, "This witch."
The soldiers drew their knives and made Jack lay down on the floor. Jack complied, lying on the cold, white marble tiles. "I guess this is the end if you don’t show up," he muttered to himself.
The soldiers cut open Jack’s clothing, revealing his chest. As the blade hovered near his heart, ready to stab, a light emerged from his chest. Jack’s eyes widened in recognition.
"You remembered me. I am here," Steller’s voice echoed.
A brilliant light enveloped Jack, and he slowly stood up, transforming into Steller. His body now adorned with armor that shimmered like the night sky, dotted with stars.
Nefetari, in shock and disbelief, whispered, "It’s you."
The soldiers stood in awe, while the nobles broke into a cold sweat.
"Hey, Queen, listen up," Steller spoke, his tone defiant and unapologetic. "If any of you here try to hurt or kill him, you will have to go through me. Understood? And good luck trying to kill me. His power cannot be taken by any of you. He is me, and I am him. I need him for something. He’s mine until that task is finished."
The noble who had suggested taking Jack’s power began to back away, fear etched across his face.
Steller, in a flash, teleported behind the noble. Yune, shocked, could only think, "This aura—it’s giving me goosebumps. How did it teleport this fast? Wait, it didn’t teleport; it just flew there."
As the noble turned to flee, he collided with Steller, stumbling back to the railings of the second floor. The soldiers and everyone else in the hall watched, stunned, as the scene unfolded.
Steller’s presence loomed large, his eyes locking onto each noble with an intensity that silenced their whispers. "Understand this," he declared, his voice resonating with power. "Jack’s power is not yours to take. Cross me, and you’ll find out just how unforgiving I can be."
The hall was silent, the weight of Steller’s words sinking into the hearts of all present.
Steller placed its right hand on the noble, and a radiant light emanated from it. In a second, it withdrew and laughed, "You're pathetic, you noble."
"What do you mean? Get away from me, you devil!" the nobleman cried out.
"I know everything. Who is Koil?" Steller's eyes gleamed with menace. The nobleman's eyes widened, and his heart dropped. He muttered, "How do you know him?"
"Isn't he the person you have on a payroll to kidnap children and young girls from the poor areas of Thebes, so that you can do unforgivable things to them?" Steller's voice was laced with anger. "You bastard, you deserve death."
The nobleman, desperate, shouted, "You are lying! There is no such thing. You can't read my mind."
"In your back garden, near the statue of the fox, you buried her yesterday so no one would find out that you killed her, didn't you?"
The nobleman cried. "How... how do you know this? No one is supposed to know this. I loved her, but she liked another man. I gave her a chance to be one of my mistresses, but she denied me. So, I kidnapped her and took her," he confessed with an evil, insane smile. "It was a fun night. She couldn't do anything; she couldn't speak. I made her mute."
"That's it!" Steller roared with pure rage. "You nobles are all the same. I've had enough." Steller once again approached the noble, grabbing his face. A light shone, and then Steller threw him down from the second floor, landing in front of Queen Nefetari.
Floating down slowly, Steller commanded, "You, the nobleman who possesses the Chronotex of Speech, I command you to give me this power."
The nobleman, now on his elbows on the floor, screamed, "You can't take this from me!" He took out his Chronotex from his pocket and shouted, "MUTE!"
He then smiled and laughed, "That should shut you up for good."
Steller let out an evil grin, the edges of its smile reaching its ears. It spoke only one word, "MUTE."
The nobleman's eyes widened in shock. He tried to speak, but nothing came out. He pulled at his tongue, but he couldn't utter a single word, not even a hum. His breath quickened.
"Did this thing just take the noble's power?" Menes thought, his eyes widening.
"No way... he took it from him," stuttered Kamil, as Ramon looked at Steller in awe.
"Now, feel what she felt," Steller said with a smile. "I possess the power to take and give the Chronotex from anyone and anything."
Mr. Bell shouted to Steller, "You being, you're called Steller, right?"
Steller floated up and looked down at Mr. Bell. "You're the noble who tried to save him, huh? I'll make an exception for you," it said.
"If Jack is saved, released, and allowed to be a soldier in our army alongside his comrades and allies, will you aid us?" Mr. Bell proposed.
Steller looked at Nefetari. "Let me get things straight. I have a goal I hope to accomplish. However, if I must do some side quests to keep my host safe, I wouldn't mind. In return, I would like his freedom, as his well-being is also my concern."
Nefetari gave it some thought. Menes aided by saying, "Queen Nefetari, the boy is very helpful. He has created many things: a way to keep records of criminals with their fingerprints and a vehicle that moves on the command of a human, 30 times faster than a horse and able to pull more weight than 10 horses combined. His loss would be a great setback to our technological advancements."
Suddenly, a knock was heard at the door, and a soldier walked in with a scroll. "A letter has arrived! A letter has arrived!" he shouted.
Nefetari questioned, "Who is it from?"
The soldier replied, "It's from Pharaoh Taharqa of the Nubia kingdom."
The scroll was handed to the man in white, who opened it and began to read out loud.
The man in white continued reading the scroll, “Dear Queen Nefetari, I hope you are looking good as always.” Nefetari made a grossed-out face but said nothing.
The man resumed, "I have heard about a friend of ours being in trouble. His inventions were brought up somewhere. As per our agreement, both kingdoms will extend support to each other's armies. This encompasses joint training exercises, collaborative operations, and even the exchange of military equipment such as swords and arrows. Together, we will explore the development of even more potent weaponry. I think we deserve a slice of the cake. I would request kindly that our friend Jack Sterling be kept and released as he could be a crucial aspect of both our armies. Goodbye, I hope to see your beautiful face soon." (CH.44)
Nefetari uttered, “That Pharaoh, who does he think he is, ending a letter like this?”
General Setka stepped up, bent down to his knees, placed his sword in front of him, and spoke, “My queen, please consider our suggestions as well.”
Nefetari took a deep breath. “Fine, he can be free, but in return, I need some sort of collateral.”
Mr. Bell shouted, “I’ll place all my wealth as collateral!”
The nobles gasped. “Is he really going to?” they whispered in shock.
Mr. Bell explained, “My daughter and my son both are good friends with this man. He has a pure heart. I believe in people like that.”
Steller floated down to eye level with Mr. Bell and whispered in his ear, “Thanks, man. And yeah, he has a thing for your daughter.”
Mr. Bell started to blush and whispered back, “Really?”
Steller replied, “Yes, really.”
Nefetari, out of tiredness, gave her final judgment, “Due to our strong ties with the Nubia kingdom and requests from some of our greatest soldiers, and by a noble who is willing to give his whole wealth as collateral if anything goes wrong, I leave the decision to my soldiers present in the room.”
The nobles gasped again while the soldiers felt honored and a bit scared. One spoke up, “Queen Nefetari, why us?”
She replied, slouching back in her chair, “You are the ones who will be with him. Make the decision. You are the ones who fought in the war and protected us, after all.”
Henu Safir looked at her and thought, “The witch is probably tired and her brain isn’t working; that’s why she’s letting the soldiers make the choice.”
One of the soldiers broke down and cried, “The girl that the noble took was supposed to be my bride.”
Ramon and Kamil rushed to the soldier and patted his back.
“He took her... he took her from me. We are from the poorer area of Thebes. She was supposed to marry me,” he cried as he spoke.
The soldiers began to step forward one by one to give their opinions.
“I vote for him to be allowed back.”
“He helped us carry our heavy stuff in the car.”
“He helped me build a crossbow.”
“He helped my family by giving us some money.”
The soldiers all cheered for Jack.
Nefetari lifted her hand, and the chants stopped. She gave her final command, “Due to the overwhelming votes, this boy is allowed back, of course with all the conditions mentioned before. As for this nobleman, he is the reason why the nobles lost their vote today.”
On the second floor, the other nobles looked down on the noble who lay on the floor.
Nefetari continued, “He will be tried for what he did, and evidence will be gathered. I request that, as Jack is back with us, he helps us use that finger thing...” Nefetari looked at Menes and asked, “What is it called?”
Menes replied, “A fingerprint.”
“Yes, a fingerprint, to find out more and build evidence on this not-so-noble nobleman. This ceremony ends here.” Nefetari quickly walked off behind the chair to an exit behind her.
After a moment of silence, everyone screamed with joy except the nobles. Soldiers cheered, clapping each other on the back, and a sense of relief and triumph filled the hall.