Aurelian stepped back and examined his work once he was done, brushing off armoured hands and nodding in satisfaction.
In front of him lay a large slab of granite that Bahamut had helped him extract, and on its surface in what he intrinsically understood to be common was etched a simple message.
Here lies Bael’tharax, King of Dragons.
Here lies Tarixi Firesoul, Archmage of Elysea.
In life they were heroes, and friends to the meek.
In death they are examples of selfless honour.
May we never forget their most noble sacrifice.
“What do you think?” He asked Bahamut without looking at the dragon, who was himself perched beside Aurelian and resting on his belly. Ever since the increase in his size, Bahamut had been less inclined to stand or move as much, and when queried, the large dragon had simply answered that he simply felt more comfortable sitting still.
Aurelian however had his own theory; the size increase had brought with it a kind of clumsiness that Bahamut disparaged. The dragon was not, he suspected, fully used to his new and sudden near-tripling in size. At the scale now of a moderate sized elephant, the dragon was a truly formidable and awe-inspiring sight when compared to the large dog frame he’d had as a hatchling.
He was still smaller than one of Bael’tharax’s massive claws, but large compared to Aurelian.
It is appropriate. Bahamut said after several long moments of silent contemplation. Somewhat primitive, but not in a manner that infers disrespect. I approve, Aurelian.
“Cool.” Aurelian said with a pat on the dragon’s head, and a scratch between his forward-facing horns that drew a delighted growl of pleasure from the massive reptile.
“Now we just need to wait for Zylara and Karsys to arrive and we can get out of here.”
Why not simply go intercept them?
“The waygate.” Aurelian said with a glance at Bahamut. “The eggs are just sitting here, bud. We need to make sure we have a fast way to get back to them, and I don’t plan on leaving them unguarded either.”
What is your intention?
Aurelian nodded to the Simulacrum Generator. “I’m going to use both of our mana pools to charge that up and hope that the Animus Engine keeps it going afterward. Tarixi implied it would. I’m hoping that a small legion of armoured knights and mages will be enough security until we get back.”
A thoughtful use of the technology. What is your plan if the generator fails to maintain the Simulacrums?
“Hopefully we can check in on the eggs at least once a day. Bael’tharax didn’t say anything about how often we could use the Waygate, so once we figure that out, we can plan from there.”
You have given this a lot of thought.
Aurelian turned to Bahamut and grinned. “Well yeah. Those eggs are all future dragons, bud. You think I don’t want them on our side? My plan is to go to Sanctuary, see what I can do about making it safe for the eggs, and then find riders to bond with them ASAP.”
ASAP?
“As Soon As Possible.” He explained.
Hm. I like this ASAP.
“It’s useful,” Aurelian agreed while turning to walk toward the Simulacrum Generator. “Now come on, let’s supercharge this thing with mana while we wait. I authorised Karsys and Zylara to access the armoury a while ago, but they could still be ages away. We should infuse as much magic into this thing as possible.”
Why are the necessary measures always so dull?
“Because while Isekai doesn’t like to tell you about how much time you have to sit around waiting, it is nonetheless a large part of actual reality.” Aurelian answered wryly.
Are you ever going to elucidate on this ‘Isekai’ you keep referencing? Bahamut questioned while lifting himself up and, true to Aurelian’s private theory, very carefully manoeuvring himself over toward the Simulacrum Generator. The awkward lack of surety in the dragon’s gait was a perfect demonstration of the body discomfort Aurelian had postulated. They’d need to work him through that quickly, he reasoned, before it became less funny and more of a liability.
“We’ve got time, I suppose. I’ll start with the core concepts and then we can talk about some of my favourite stories.”
That sounds agreeable.
“Yeah? Just wait until you hear about Unbound.”
What is that?
“A masterpiece.” Aurelian said, before launching into an explanation of Isekai.
As Aurelian had expected, it lasted hours.
* * * * *
Aurelian looked over the small cadre of ten Simulacrums he’d created at the highest level — 74 and the peak of Specialist — the generator had allowed: five armoured knights, three more lightly armoured spellcasters, and two spellblades designed around the idea of quick-moving melee spellcasters. It had been a tricky thing to decide how to create them, as well as figuring out the exact limitations in both dimension and density.
He’d settled for a height of around eight feet, for the knights, seven for the spellblades, and six for the spellcasters. He wanted the casters to be the most nimble to stay at range, the knights to be able to confront any monsters or unexpectedly powerful visitors, and the spellblades to be able to find a good balance between both.
“I guess that’ll have to do.” He said with a glance at Bahamut, who was staring at the constructs with bright golden eyes.
It will suffice. They barely do more than vaguely obscure the eggs, but I suppose it will be enough.
“I definitely wanted more, but the ten-Simulacrum limit is a little frustrating in that regard.”
We will make do with what we have. Bahamut agreed. The cave itself is largely protection enough.
“I don’t want to trust that fully, but it’ll do for now.” Aurelian said with a nod. “Now we just need to wait for—”
They’re approaching, Aurelian.
Aurelian turned to the dragon and noticed his head was turned to look behind them, toward where Karsys and Zylara had vanished hours ago. A quick shift of his body and Aurelian grinned abruptly at the sight of their new companions emerging with a massive satchel on each of their backs, and what appeared to be new weapons and familiar-looking silver platemail as well.
“Aurelian! Where is Bael’tharax? And, by the Mantle, Bahamut is huge!” Karsys exclaimed.
“Welcome back.” Aurelian said warmly and without initially answering his question. “I was a bit worried you’d see the armoury and be unable to resist looting the whole thing.”
Karsys laughed at his words and shook his head. “You jest, Aurelian. The whole thing? The vault is enormous. It would take us days just to catalogue everything.”
“And longer to load even a tenth of it in any major capacity.” Zylara agreed when the two came to a halt nearby. “But you never answered our question, where did Bael’tharax—?”
“The last leviathan has passed on.” Aurelian said with a slight catch in his throat, though Dragon’s Resolve helped it remain only a slight catch. “As has Tarixi. We… we are alone, now.”
“Clearly not entirely alone.” Zylara said with a canny eye for the looming Simulacrums nearby. “What is that behind th—?”
“Do not ask anything more.” Aurelian cut in firmly. “Not a word. I can’t take the risk that you two might be MK-Ultra’d somehow when we get back to Sanctuary, and I’d rather you both have plausible deniability.”
“Aurelian, what—?”
“Please, Karsys. Just trust me. It’s best if you don't know yet.”
Both human and elf peered at him, then at each other, and finally back to him.
They nodded, albeit with clear dissatisfaction.
“I know it’s frustrating, and it isn’t a matter of trust, but like I said… I can’t take the risk you two aren’t going to be exposed to some sort of tell-all truth serum.”
“Ah, is that what ‘MK-Ultra’ is?” Karsys enquired.
“It’s… yeah, sure.” Aurelian said with a shake of his head and dismissive wave of his hand. He didn’t have the time or energy to really explain the nuances. “Let’s go with that. Meanwhile… let’s see what you picked up, huh?”
Both glanced at each other again but seemed to accept it as what he assumed would be ‘Nephilim weirdness’ in their minds. Instead of pressing the matter they both swung down their satchels, and then proudly demonstrated their weapons and armour.
“Go ahead.” Zylara said proudly. “Use Ana—Revelate. We’re eager for you to see.”
Amused despite the tension a moment prior, Aurelian complied and checked their new gear starting with Zylara.
Revelate!
Name: Elysean Auxiliary’s Crest
Type: Elysean Recurve Runebow
Quality: Epic
Tier: Aspirant
Requirement: Reclaimer’s Blessing (Pending)
Description: This runebow has been forged from manawood. In lieu of a string, this runebow generates arrows of the elemental affinity of its wielder, and fires them with speed based on the potency of the wielder’s mana and strength, with accuracy dependent on the wielder’s dexterity. Imbued with the Elysean mastery of runic choirs, and gifted with preternatural durability and flexibility; this weapon will regenerate even from being shattered so long as its wielder lives.
Effects: This bow can never be lost or stolen, and may be summoned back to the wielder’s hand at the cost of 50 mana over the course of ten heartbeats.
Special Effects: The arrows fired by this bow pierce through any target of Aspirant tier or lower.
Name: Legio Initiate’s Platemail
Type: Armour
Quality: Rare
Tier: Aspirant
Requirement: Aspirant Tier Strength (25), Reclaimer’s Blessing (Pending)
Description: This set of platemail is standardised for all Legios of the Elysean Empire. It has been enchanted to fit the body of whomever wears it, so long as they have appropriate permissions to do so, and to repair itself from anything less than total destruction. Maximum repair time: 72 hours.
Special Effects: This armour will mimic the thematic appearance of its wearer’s Runeweapon.
“Not a bad upgrade, Zylara.” Aurelian said with a smile for the elven archer. “I see you decided to mimic my drip.”
“Your what?” She asked with a confused look.
“...my armour.” Aurelian said while his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Drip is a nuanced term referring to fashionable or really stylish attire, it—nevermind. Forget I said—”
“Drip.” Zylara said as if testing the word. “Hmm. I think I like it. It is not unlike the saying ‘dripping with charisma’, I think.”
“I agree.” Karsys said with a grin. “Drip! I like it.” He gave Aurelian a thumbs up, a gesture he’d taught them both. “I approve of your drip, Aurelian.”
My scales are the best drip in the Realms. Bahamut declared proudly in his mind.
Aurelian wanted to cut out his own tongue.
“Anyway…” He said while trying desperately to veer away from the topic, “let’s have a look at what you scored, Karsys.”
Revelate!
Name: Elysean Auxiliary’s Crest
Type: Elysean Flanged Runemace
Quality: Epic
Tier: Aspirant
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
Requirement: Reclaimer’s Blessing (Pending)
Description: This runemace has been forged from aetherian steel and built to synergise with a runeshield in synergy. Upon proper synergy, both weapons will count as a single crest. Imbued with the Elysean mastery of runic choirs, and gifted with preternatural durability; this weapon will regenerate even from being shattered so long as its wielder lives.
Effects: This runemace can never be lost or stolen, and may be summoned back to the wielder’s hand at the cost of 50 mana over the course of ten heartbeats.
Special Effects: Blows from this runemace will passively draw the ire of anyone struck by it whose willpower score is lower than the charisma score of its wielder.
Name: Elysean Auxiliary’s Crest
Type: Elysean Runeshield
Quality: Epic
Tier: Aspirant
Requirement: Reclaimer’s Blessing (Pending)
Description: This runeshield has been forged from aetherian steel and built to synergise with a main-handed weapon in synergy. Upon proper synergy, both weapons will count as a single crest. Imbued with the Elysean mastery of runic choirs, and gifted with preternatural durability; this weapon will regenerate even from being shattered so long as its wielder lives.
Effects: This runeshield can never be lost or stolen, and may be summoned back to the wielder’s hand at the cost of 50 mana over the course of ten heartbeats.
Special Effects: Any blows against this shield by people or objects at Aspirant tier or lower will have their kinetic force redirected back at them.
Name: Legio Decurion’s Platemail
Type: Armour
Quality: Rare
Tier: Specialist
Requirement: Specialist Tier Strength (50), Reclaimer’s Blessing (Pending)
Description: This set of platemail is standardised for all Legios of the Elysean Empire. It has been enchanted to fit the body of whomever wears it, so long as they have appropriate permissions to do so, and to repair itself from anything less than total destruction. Maximum repair time: 72 hours.
Special Effects: This armour will mimic the thematic appearance of its wearer’s Runeweapon.
“Well damn.” Aurelian said with a low whistle. “You two upgraded pretty solidly, didn’t you?”
“We did.” Zylara confirmed. “Though the problem of the blessing remains. We can’t actually use the weapons, we’ve found, and they won’t accept a bond with us either. They appear to be magically sealed to the Authority of the rightful ruler of Elysea. To the Reclaimer.”
“To you.” Karsys said with a wry smile. “Without your permission, we can’t use anything Elysean, apparently. Even the armour feels… off somehow. As if it’s resisting us.”
Aurelian roamed his eyes over the plate and noted, with a more detailed inspection, that it did indeed seem slightly off on their bodies. Disproportionated, and seemingly dull in a way his own never had been. It looked… dormant was the word he wanted. Like something critical or essential was missing from it.
“I’m not entirely sure how to give you my blessing.” Aurelian said with a frown. “I could try just giving you permission verbally, but I don’t know if—”
“We had a different idea.” Zylara said while looking at Karsys, who nodded back in encouragement. She turned to face Aurelian afterward. “You freed us from chains we didn’t know we had, and we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are both the Reclaimer and the Second Calamity, Aurelian. Would it be right to assume you have also now been properly informed what the true Mantle oath is?”
“Actually, no.” Aurelian said with a shake of his head. “The oath itself is apparently pretty arbitrary. The Mantle itself is an actual ability.” Both Karsys and Zylara blinked in shock at his words.
“An ability?” Karsys asked in disbelief.
“Can you explain further?” Zylara pressed.
Aurelian nodded and reached out to idly stroke Bahamut’s head while he let himself think. He didn’t want to give too much away. It had seemingly been kept a secret even during the height of the Empire, and there had to be a reason. “It’s sort of like a wide-reaching unification ability. The oath is just a sort of ancillary part of the actual ability; a way for people to engage it. The Mantle itself is a means through which those enveloped by it can fight as one. It combines their awareness, instincts, and battle cognition into a sort of synergistic whole from how I understand it.”
“That makes sense.” Karsys said with a nod after Aurelian finished. “We were always taught that the Mantle was a unifying force for Elysea, but we never realised it was a literal one. It was always assumed to be more of a symbolic thing.”
Ignorance enforced by the gods, most likely. Bahamut commented idly.
Aurelian didn’t echo his words, and the dragon seemed content to keep them private.
“If that is indeed the case,” Zylara said with a look from Karsys back to Aurelian, “then I want to be part of it. The Mantle was—is the heart of Elysea. It’s what our forebears lived by. Fought for. Lived and died for. It’s what I want to stand for, too.”
“And I.” Karsys agreed solemnly.
Aurelian looked between them and frowned while Dragon’s Resolve keyed up to smooth the mild build of anxiety in his gut at the gravity of their words. “I haven’t even come up with an oath or anything yet, it isn’t—”
“Aurelian,” Zylara interrupted firmly, “you are the Reclaimer. More than that, we’ve both learned you are a very earnest and sincere man.” She drew a breath and then continued on. “I… apologise for being rude,” she said with a look as if saying the words was a little difficult, “but frankly I think we’re beyond fretting about things like this.”
She stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder while looking up into his eyes. Her own was exceptionally blue. “You can always tidy up or prettify the oath later, but I think you should just focus on what feels right and proper. You’re the rider of a dragon king—” she nodded to Bahamut when she said it “—and the chosen heir of Lucius Tollarius himself. Where you lead, we’ll follow. I have faith that you already know where you want to go, and what sort of nation you want to build.”
The elf is correct. Bahamut proclaimed matter-of-factly. I can feel your doubts, Aurelian, but you must push past them. You know what the oath must be. You have put thought into this already, and at length. A dragon must trust their instincts.
I’m not a dragon, Bahamut. Aurelian objected despite his resistance crumbling.
You know what Bael’tharax said. Bahamut responded with firm finality. You are as much a dragon as you are a man, with our bond.
“I may not be as eloquent as Zylara,” Karsys said and drew Aurelian’s eyes to him, “nor as prone to her… charmingly mercurial mood changes.” He continued with a wry smile despite Zylara’s sharp look at his words. “But I have rarely seen her as excited as after we learned who you were, Aurelian. She was almost buzzing with energy.”
Zylara scoffed at his words, though Aurelian noticed her pale cheeks had coloured somewhat.
Karsys smiled at him encouragingly while he continued. “I consider myself a relatively capable judge of character, and I find myself in agreement with Zylara. You are the right person for this role, and know better than anyone what the Mantle should be and stand for. It doesn’t need to be overly elaborate. We’ve had enough of that. It should just be honest, and say what you want it to say.”
Aurelian looked between his three companions with a heavy sense of duty firming within his soul. He could feel the weight of the Mantle even then, bearing down upon him like a leaden cloak around his shoulders. It was not an uncomfortable weight, but it was one he would never again be free of. He knew that. It was part of why he was so determined not to screw it up.
I can’t just sit here procrastinating on it either, though.
True that it had only been hours since he’d been given the title, and perhaps it would have been better to wait and consider and give proper weight to the decision — but time was against them. A host of corrupted blightmen, undead soldiers, and twisted blightbeast horrors was encroaching even then toward Sanctuary. They were already past due to leave, and every moment they hesitated was one they could ill afford.
He also couldn’t wade into the Desolation — which sounded like magical Chernobyl from what he’d been told — without his only two allies other than Bahamut crippled by a lack of properly functioning equipment. Maybe he could figure out how to give the blessing without the Mantle, but then he didn’t even want to. Even with the three of them, the Mantle would be an invaluable advantage.
He could be stubborn and stupid both, but not that much.
Besides he had to admit he did know what he wanted, even if the words weren’t as eloquent as some might expect.
“Alright.” He said finally after parsing through his thoughts in the intervening seconds. “I’ll have to figure out how to tie the oath to the Mantle, but you’re right. I do know what I want it to be, though it might not be as eloquent as what you’ve already had. I’m no orator. Not yet, at least.”
“I’d prefer any oath over the twisted one we’ve been swearing.” Zylara said firmly. “Anything is better than that slavery.”
“Seconded.” Karsys agreed.
“Give me a minute to test my skill out, then.” Aurelian said while already stepping a little away and spinning up Oathforger with a mental stroke of will. The skill burned to life in his mind, and he blinked when a System prompt entered his vision.
Synergy detected between Skill and Title.
Intent registered and parsed.
Would you like to forge an oath for the Mantle?
Y / N
Aurelian grinned despite himself. Sometimes the System was incredibly no-nonsense and helpful. It wasn’t always the case, but when it was it made his life infinitely easier. He selected ‘YES’ without hesitation and a simple prompt replaced the first.
Specify Oath wording when ready.
He took a moment to think and focused on what he’d already decided: the oath would need to be one that exemplified protection of free will, guaranteed choice, and was pragmatic in its approach to threats. He’d considered the idea of birthing it through a form of democracy, and then firmly dismissed it. He could worry about creating the framework for a proper form of representative governance after he dethroned the gods. There was no merit in blurring the lines of efficiency with the corrupt and selfish desires of individuals when he had a job to do.
It sounded disturbingly like Dictator or Tyrant logic even to his own mind, but it also made sense, and that was the most important factor in his choice. He’d seen too many situations where people — real and fictional — had attempted some sort of noble and idealistic democratic formation only to be stymied and bled out of their ability to make progress by the greedy ambitions of one or two power hungry idiots, or traitors protected by ‘due process’.
Aurelian was fighting a war against beings that could subsume free will.
For the moment, the only decision making that could be trusted was his own.
He was aware of the precariousness of that situation, but there was nothing else for it. He could hardly guarantee freedom from divine influence, even with Calamity’s Blade. Severing a tether did not mean ending faith, and he’d already had the sick and troubling realisation that before long he’d be forced to execute people working against the betterment of the Realms.
Bloodless liberation was a fucking fairy tale.
Dragon’s Resolve made itself known in that moment however, and with gratitude for the skill he refocused on his task: the oath.
Not letting himself overthink it, he projected his will to the waiting prompt.
A moment later, the prompt melted to show his requested oath.
I am a citizen of Elysea, and this is the Mantle I bear:
I will defend all peoples from enslavement, be it of mortal or divine origin.
I will resist the gods in all things, and deny even the mildest of their overtures.
I will protect the right to lawful self-determination for all who abide by the Mantle.
I will stand against discrimination on the basis of species, sect, or sex.
I will respect and protect the race of Dragons, as they in turn respect and protect me.
I will uphold the values of justice, honour, courage, valour, fidelity, and charity.
I will faithfully execute the tasks given to me in support of the true Elysean Empire.
I will adhere to the will of the Reclaimer in all matters related to the war against the gods.
I will live by this oath in every aspect of my life, within the best capability of my circumstances.
I freely and with full control of my choice give my solemn vow to abide by the binding of this oath.
Would you like to bind this oath now? You may change this oath once per 30 days.
WARNING: Changing the Oath will require all those who swore it previously to agree to its terms anew. Anyone who does not do so will no longer be bound by the Oath!
Do you wish to continue?
Y / N
Aurelian considered his stipulated words carefully.
They were… simpler than the poeticism of Solarius’ cleverly worded trap, but also covered every base he could reasonably think of. The part about adhering to his will had been one he’d agonised over, but in the end believed it necessary.
It was sufficiently narrow in that it would force obedience when it came to matters of the war, and yet would still allow room for defiance in other avenues such as civil matters. It was a fine line, really, given one could argue that everything had to do with the war… but he wasn’t going to be too generous, either.
If he wasn’t strong enough to take charge, he ran the very real risk of losing out of the gate. That was something he wouldn’t and couldn’t allow to happen. Bael’tharax and Tarixi had entrusted him with their hopes. Aurelian wasn’t going to let them down, nor the Elyseans that had given their all to summon him to the Realms. He owed them that much.
Lawful self-determination meant he could still enforce laws against murder and other heinous crimes, which he’d been careful to include. He didn’t want to give loopholes for psychopaths to exploit, after all.
The part about Dragons, well, that was just insurance.
Before he confirmed anything he sent the oath’s contents to Bahamut, and let the dragon peruse it. His companion only took a few moments to process it before returning his opinion.
Well forged. I approve. It is strong as a Monarch’s oath should be, but promises the freedom and prosperity the Mantle is intended to bring. This is a Dragon’s oath, Aurelian. I am proud of you.
He accepted the praise happily, and sent back gratitude across the bond.
Aurelian took a breath after that and, with one more moment of carefully considering the wording again, threw his doubts to the wind and mentally hit ‘YES’ on the prompt. The moment he did, he felt something tighten around his mind, body, spirit, core, and Soulforce and felt the weight of the Mantle both increase and become more bearable in equal measure. An odd and paradoxical eventuality, but one he could describe in no other way. It felt more real, and somehow more comfortable all at once.
Oathforger is now Level 2!
Aurelian turned toward Karsys and Zylara, and took a deep breath.
“Are you both ready?” He asked. “It’s a lot.”
“We are.” Zylara confirmed with a nod.
“Entirely so.” Karsys agreed.
Aurelian hesitated only to consider how to approach the oath. Should he just give it to them? That seemed… wrong, somehow. Yes he wanted them to treat him as a party member, but this wasn’t a party matter. It was more than any of them. He was the Reclaimer, and they were the people he’d been sent to liberate. To protect. To lead. A moment of thought led him back to Bahamut, and he posed the question to his bond.
How should I do this? He asked with as much gravity to the question as he could mentally muster.
The dragon’s reply was, in truth, exactly what he should have expected.
Like a King. Bahamut sent back decisively.
Aurelian couldn’t find a good reason to argue, and turned his gaze to Zylara and Karsys. He swallowed back his doubts, swallowed back his personal reservations and self-esteem issues, and focused solely on what he needed to be. What he needed to become. A guardian. A shepherd. A leader.
A ruler.
“Come forth,” Aurelian said while he tried to ignore the sound of his heart thundering in his chest, “and kneel before me, if you would become citizens of the newly reborn Elysean Empire.”
Both his companions exchanged a glance, and then — much to his relief and surprise both — turned back to him with wide and approving smiles. Well, Zylara’s was more of a smirk than a smile, but the meaning seemed to be the same; relief, approval, and excitement. Aurelian couldn’t help it at that point.
He smiled back.
Then they came forward to kneel and speak the words he gave to them with firm and unwavering voices.
There in the dark hollow where once a King of Dragons had resided and beneath the final grave of ancient Elysea, two children of its murdered people swore again the forgotten oaths.
After five thousand years, the Mantle was born anew.
And an Empire’s Reclamation had finally begun.