Originally uploaded Jul 18, 2023

Arthur Pov

Regis seemed to have settled for now. He didn't try to let it show but expending so much of his energy right after reawakening was tiring for him. Regis curled up in my core and fell into a slumber as he sipped on my own aether reserves.

I was thankful to Regis. He was there when I was at my lowest. To be honest I doubt I would have survived if it weren't for him. His goofy personality also gave much needed levity in serious situations. Though, I expected him to be more critical of my personality this time around.

He was right. I was becoming more and more like Grey with every passing day. Hardening my heart to be the unwavering and emotionless king I once was. It wasn't because I wanted to. The Grey part of my soul was something I never wanted to deal with again but it was a useful tool. This was war, not just against the asuras, but fate itself. I can't hold myself, or anybody else back due to my petty feelings. If it means I can achieve my goal than I will gladly throw away my future.

My footsteps echoed in the empty underground halls. I contemplated on what to do next. This underground cave system was originally a small dungeon, located deep within the Beast Glades that I have fashioned into my base of operations. Various spellsforms lined the stone walls, acting as defensive wards and countermeasures in case of any attackers.

"Hey Arthur, where have you been?" A familiar voice rang out. Turning around I saw the same old friendly face of my best friend. His hair was a bit disheveled and long, but his dorky looking glasses and stern attitude reassured me.

"You know me, always training." I replied as he gave me a friendly high five. Despite Elijah momentarily awakening his Vritra blood, it seems that whatever mind altering spell Agrona had placed on Nico originally had yet to be undone. And while he had temporary bouts of madness and head pains he seemed stable enough for me to use.

"I know you have your own reasons but don't kill yourself will ya." He said jokingly as he patted me on the back. Yes, when Nico does break free from his binds it will be me that he first sees. It won't take him anytime to piece together my true identity. But without Agrona's mind manipulation I hope I can reason with him in the future.

While Agrona used Nico as a hammer, an unstable and overly angry Scythe. Nico's greatest assets was his mind. While Elijah also possessed a fraction of Nico's engineering might having deeper knowledge of the technology of old Earth will be no doubt helpful. Maybe I could convince Neoth to use his soul magic to deal with Nico.

After the sudden greeting Elijah excused himself. While he did show fatigue he was trying his hardest to keep up with my training regime I had given him. He was an adventurer after all. He knew the importance of being on one's toes in serious combat. And he fully knew the magnitude of the war and our importance in it.

While I could tell he sometimes doubted me and my true goal and identity he seems to trust me as his friend for now. He was something I should work on when I have the time. As we parted ways I continued my way to the stair that lead me down deeper into my stronghold.

'Perhaps I should check in on Lucas.' I thought in my mind. I had tasked Cynthia with slapping some sense into that boy. Giving her a modified aether orb to do so. Turns out dying in excruciating ways multiple times is a really good way to change someone's mind.

Or perhaps I should see how Sylvie's doing. I had given her both of Uto's horns as well as his core. So I expected her training to take longer than it did before but it already has been close to a full year. I could sense her physic presence still, but I could tell she was focused on the task at hand.

Deciding on what to do I made my way down a flight of stairs. While I couldn't conjure or generate mana myself, with Realmheart I could easily manipulate the abundant earth-type mana that surrounded me. The large cavernous hallways were dimly lit by torches that hung on the walls. As I approached Sylvie's living quarters, located deep within the dungeon base. I could feel the strong mana and aether signature as I got closer. I had warned Cynthia to not delve into the deeper levels for this reason. Once Sylvie breaks free from the seal her birth-mother placed on her I am sure Agrona will take it as opportunity to speak to me.

He must have some interest in me I bet. I have not only been a thorn in his side in Dicathen but I have also fought Cadell to a standstill and killed one of his Retainers. There are only a few beings in Dicathen who could accomplish such things. But I would also be happy to just have my bond back. I have been training her with basic mana and aether techniques but her gaining her full strength will make it easier for both of us. And as she naturally matures I will be able to full convey my memories of the past.

I was now at the door. A overwhelming feeling of dread emanated from the other side. I didn't need to use my runes to tell. She has awoken, and he was here.

I opened to door. The air was filled with visible dark motes of decay-type mana. The room was similar to how I left it. Simple furniture with a lamp by the bed. Nothing to overly extravagant. Simple living quarters I had created to accommodate my bond.

Sylvie was standing there. Well, her body was. The pale blonde hair and gold eyes. Very much like mine. Or was my features like hers? But from the way she stood and demeanor, I could tell it wasn't my beloved bond.

Sylvie's head turned to face me. And a devious smile that didn't match her bloomed on her face as we made eye contact, sending a chill down my spine. I swiftly closed the door behind me as the runes that were etched onto its hard stone surface automatically activated. Creating a bubble of air that soundproofed the entire room.

"Ah, ah. Testing. Can you hear me?" Sylvie cleared her throat.

I motioned to the small table and pair of chairs. Telling him to take seat. Agrona closely observed me as he made an awkward attempt to sit comfortable on the chair. Sylvie bright yellow eyes that resembled mine were now replaced with two blood crimson moons that seemed to stare directly into my soul.

I had already expected him. But I couldn't let him know that. I had to play dumb for the time being.

"Who are you?" I asked as I took a seat of my own.

"Agrona" He spoke, twisting my bond's face and mouth to speak his words.

"Sylvie is save I presume?" I asked, trying to feign ignorance.

"Sylvie hmmm." He mused for a couple seconds before continuing. "Yes, this is just a harmless spell I embedded onto her while she was still an egg. Your bond is simply sleeping."

Even without Realmheart I could feel it. The mana and aether swirling around my bond as Agrona worked his spell. I wondered if I could somehow dismantle it, it might take some time but it would be doable. But I didn't need him to know that.

"I am guessing you didn't do this for a simple talk over some tea?" I asked as I straightened my back. Making sure to hide my aether signature as much as I can. This was Agrona we are talking about, giving him any more direct information about me won't do me any good.

"Straight to the point I see." Agrona leaned back in his chair as he stared at small lamp that was hanging from the ceiling for a moment before he leaned closer to me.

"You have grown quiet the reputation if I do say so myself Grey. Or should I call you Arthur now?"

"What you call me does not concern me." I answered his question as I watched him.

"Not only weeding out my forces on Dicathen but also going against the council itself. What are you planning Grey?" He asked as he stared deeply into my eyes. No doubt trying to use his physic might to glean any of my surface thoughts.

"I have no reasons to inform you." I coldly spoke. And Agrona leaned back as his efforts to invade my mind failed. Dealing with his mindfuckery before had prepared my mental defenses.

"You are a lot colder than I had imagined Arthur. I thought you would have turned a new leaf in life." He asked as he rested his face on his palms. He was constantly changing his seating position, as if he couldn't find a comfortable position to sit still in.

"The opposite goes for you, so called High Sovereign of Alacrya. You are more sociable than those old coots say." I answered, trying to change to subject.

Agrona raised his eyebrows at my statement. "Did you think I was some insane tyrant who wants nothing but world domination?"

I simply shook my head in response. "I've learned you asuras like to hide a side that nobody sees."

"Ah, seems you have experience with my kind." He said with a sense of wonder and curiosity in his voice.

"Well you aren't exactly wrong about that. But at least we are more consistent than you lessers who change standards of ethics and social rules quicker than I can get used to them. It is tiring trying to keep up a dignified and cultured face." He waved his hands in disapproval of us lessers.

"I'd rather tinker away in my Domain than deal with them." He said with slight disgust blended in his voice. As if us lessers were just an afterthought that were a chore to deal with.

I maintained my stone-like face, my expression unchanging as he continued his little rant. It was nothing I haven't heard before but I still allowed him to continue. To allow him to believe he was in control.

"What have the asuras of Ephetous even tell your people?" Agrona asked, preparing for disappointment.

"Enough." I curtly replied. I wasn't going to give him anything to work with.

"Tight lipped I see." Agrona sighed as he slumped in his chair.

"Get to your point." I said, slightly raising my voice.

"You know. Speaking like that to me in Alacrya would kill your entire bloodline." He mused as a creepy smile crept up on his face.

"I never intended to try to sway you with this. Your actions but till now speak to your resolve. I am talking to you because I want you to remove yourself from the war." Agrona leaned back in his chair.

Agrona paused for a second, expecting me to object. When I did no such thing he continued.

If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

"Thus far. I have been playing very conservatively. Refraining from unnecessary death since they have a higher purpose for me. But it won't continue this way."

I interrupted him. "So in order for me to protect myself and my family in the future you are telling me I should trade away Dicathen for my own safety."

"Exactly." Agrona said, pleasantly surprise at my supposed deduction skills.

I stood up from my chair as I approached the Basilisk. My full strength now unleashed, the air in the room grew heavy as the flames were blown out. A faint nimbus of purple flames surrounded my body as the floodgates of rage were ripped open. I leaned in close to him, stared into his red eyes.

Realmheart glowed warm on my skin as I saw the motes of mana and aether that held his spell together. Elementary and crude compared to the Djinn spellcraft he was trying to replicate. I reached out with my mind as I grabbed at it. The mana reeled at my touch as the aether buckled into shape.

I could feel my body grow light as I appeared within Agrona's chambers, deep within his fortress in Alacrya. I could see him, his long dark hair and large elk like horns. His pretty face showing signs of confusion and rage. I saw him, and he saw me. We were face to face. The aether somehow bridging the gap between us as it transported me to Central Dominion.

Before he could do anything I struck forward, grabbed the Vritra's throat. The thick layer of protective mana burned at my touch. I stared directly into his snake-like eyes. No tricks or any spells to shield either of us.

A torrent of decay type mana swirled from him like a raging storm, protective spellforms light up the room. Burning away at my clothes and skin, eating away at the aether that rushed to protect me. But I didn't care. The aether and mana clashed, while aether itself was stronger and more resilient than mana. The sheer amount and concentration of mana was overwhelming. I knew that if I were to continue this any further my body would be destroyed.

But all I needed to do was to send a message.

I stared into his eyes. Rage burned deep within me. I held the man who was the catalyst to all of this. The one who ripped me out of my old world and brought me here. The man who reincarnated three beings to further his own selfish agendas.

I could have easily killed him now. I may perish with him in the process but it could have been worth it. To end this war before it even started. I thought back to my last life. All the suffereing and death this one man had caused. I could stop it before they came to furition.

I imagined destruction burning away at his insides, the purple flames clawing at him as it devoured him. Removing any disgusting trace of Agrona from this world.

But I quickly reeled my anger back in. No, now wasn't the time for that. The aether gave my voice a touch of divinity as I spoke.

"I refuse. I shall play out this war till the end."

With that I released the painful strain of holding of the spell together as my vision stretched and shifted. Transporting me back into my body, back to Dicathen.

I gasped for breath as I collapsed onto the hard stone floor. My skin stun as black mana burned away at me. Aether was already rushing to heal my wound but the pain was still there.

I didn't exactly understand what I had done. Somehow transporting a portion of myself or casting a projection to Alacrya. Which should have been nearly impossible with Agrona's heavily defended fortress. I could have sworn my body never left Dicathen but the wound burned fresh. And I had touched Agrona. And he saw me. How was this possible? Was this some advanced form of Godstep? Or some other Spatium related spell I had somehow used?

In a fit of rage I acted upon instinct and impulse but I never imagined it would lead to this. Agrona will no doubt have suspicions about my abilities. Doing something even the dragons of the Indrath clan couldn't. My actions may have been a terrible move to play. Alerting him that he wasn't completely safe within his domain. And that I was something to be concerned about.

He will no doubt play this war more seriously. I turned my head to see my bond, peacefully asleep on the chair. Completely obliviously to what had just transpired.

I needed to grow my forces quick. Perhaps I'll need to force Neoth to bring out his forces out of the Relictombs. Having drawn the attention of Agrona and directly threatening him won't lead to anything good. Dealing with Dicathen, Ephetous, and Alacrya all by myself won't be easy. I'll have to hurry.

I walked over to my sleeping bond as I gently scooped her up in my arms. With a mental nudge I awoke Regis.

'Huh, wah. What did I miss?' he asked clearly drowsy.

'Sylvie is back. And we have things to do.' I said back as I made my way to the door.

Regis quickly skimmed through my mind as he groaned. A mix of excitement and annoyance.

'What the fuck did you do this time?' He said as he jumped out of my body. Taking the form of a large wolf.

"Maybe I should have woken you up sooner to burn Agrona with destruction." I jokingly commented with a light chuckle.

"I can't believe you are joking over this. Do you know what this could lead to? You just possibly showed him one of your most important trump cards." He complained as he trotted next to me.

"Hey Regis, remind me what happened to the dwarves?" I asked, ignoring his complaints.

"What are you talking abou-"

"Answer the question." I say more sternly.

Regis mentally mumbled insults as he spoke. "Their leaders are dead and the nobles are busy pinning blame onto each other while Agrona's forces are weaseling their way in."

A slight smile grew on my face. "The asuras also seemed to have launched their failed assassination attempt, based on Agrona reaching out to me now."

"Huh, somethings don't change huh." Regis said with mock surprise.

"You know what that means?" I asked, looking at my companion expectantly.

"That the asuras are no longer-" The realization dawned on his lupine face. This failed attempt on their part was what we were waiting for. Agrona forcing the asuras to withdraw from Dicathen will give me more freedom to move around in the open. Kezess will no doubt hear of my actions from informants and spies, but he won't be able to take any immediate direct action for now.

"How about we give our dwarve friends a little visit." I asked coyly and a slight smile grew on Regis' face as he pieced together my plan.

"Oh yeah, it's all coming together."

Aldir Pov

Both Windsom and I silently marched across the bridge to Castle Indrath. The unknowable sense of dread and death told us both that the invisible sentries were watching our every movement.

The great Castle built upon a mountain loomed over us. Once the massive body of the living mountain that was Geolus. Now acting as the royal castle of Ephetous.

We both were slightly wounded from our failed attempt at Agrona's life. It was a gamble but the prize was immense. While we had predicted that the Vritra clan had taken countermeasures in case of the direct asura attack, we could have never have expected the sheer level of their preparations.

The scenery in Ephetous was always beautiful. A large sea Leviathan sailed across the sky in the distance. It long and large snake-like body casting loops within the heavens as it swam in the air. Each of its scale of a rich ultramarine blue, that seemed to appear like the vast ocean itself.

I watched as the great creature gracefully made its way across the horizon. But Windsom paid it no mind. The young dragon was busy rearranging his uniform. The usual midnight blue military uniform that denoted his position as a servant of the Indrath clan. It was a bit amusing to see the usual calm dragon like this. But he had good reason to be nervous.

While we had already sent the report of our failure to Lord Indrath, this was the first time we will be meeting face to face with the lord of asuras since that incident. In fact, Lord Indrath has already withdrawn all of his major forces within Dicathen. Only leaving a few select agents to act as his eyes and ears.

No doubt Agrona bringing in the treaty in his favor. Without active aid from Ephetous I feared for Dicathen's future. The dwarves were still politically unstable, a large portion of their race was already in favor of siding with the Alacryans. And the two of their Lances were still under heavy watch.

The future our their continent would all lay on Virion's shoulders. And while he was a lesser that commanded respect I wondered how he would take it. The other members of the council were passable at best. Virion was the only one with true experience of waging a war, and even then he was fighting against other lessers. Agrona was feared, even among the higher echelons of the asuras. My only hope was that he would hold out long enough for us to devise a different course of action.

"Calm yourself Windsom." I spoke, taking a peek at the nervous Indrath clan envoy. He stared back at me, his stary eyes showing a hint of fear. It wasn't a common sight to see a dragon so fearful.

"We have only done as our Lord instructed." I tried to comfort the young asura.

"Are you saying our failure is Lord Indrath's fault." He say, twisting my words.

"Don't misunderstand me. We have carried out our duties to the best of our abilities. Our failure is nobody's but our own." We arrived at the large gates of the castle. Their were no visible guards. But they were always there, forever vigilant and always watching. They allowed us through as we entered the cavernous hallways of the mountain castle.

We passed through the large archways the stretched up high into air. Each wall had beautiful works of art carved into them. Portraying various historic events of Ephetous and past portraits of notable Indrath clan members.

At the end of the corridor were two guards. Appearing silently from the shadows they bowed in respect as we approached. One female and one male. Both powerful dragons I had trained previously. They were only armed with short daggers that hung from their waists, not that they needed anything else.

"Elder Windsom, Lord Aldir." They both greeted us in unison.

We nodded our head in reply as they hastily pried open the large gates. Even with their great strength they struggled to heave open the door. And with a loud and deep thump the doors swung open. Revealing the royal hall. And staring directly at us was the king of Ephetous.

Kezess Indrath was already his clan's leader and king when I was born. And in my long life he hasn't changed a bit.

He sat upon his throne, wearing simply white robes made from only the best materials Ephetous had to offer. Not overly gaudy, but his presence was enough to bring any lesser being to their knees. His silvery hair and deep purple eyes that seemed to be always changing shades were set upon a youthful face. Lord Indrath was ancient. He was one of the longest serving monarchs in Ephetous history. Yet he looked no older than a lesser in their twenties.

"My Lord." Windsom and I both kneeled as we bowed our head. The rest of the hall was empty. I couldn't even sense the usual unnerving feeling of the invisible guards who were usually present. No, this was a private matter.

"Rise." His voice cut through the room like a knife. His aura was almost undetectable, but what I could sense was unimaginable power.

My Lord, I can expl-" Windsom began to speak, trying to explain our failings when Lord Indrath slightly raised his hand to silence him.

"I have already read your report. Further excuses are unnecessary." His voice rang out like liquid silver. He had his usual unbothered and slightly aloof expression. It was nearly impossible to read his emotions. But I was fully prepared to suffer the consequences of failing if need be.

"Seems Agrona's experiments indeed have beard fruit." He said almost to himself as he propped up his face with one of his arms, leaning back in his throne.

The great hall was silent for a few moments. Windsom and I didn't dare move or speak as Lord Indrath sat their for a moment. Time usually worked different for us. Having such long lifespans gave us more time to spare. Their were some records of court casings or legal discourse lasting decades or even centuries. Their was even a play based on an ancient war among the clans of Ephetous which when performed in its entirety lasted 15 years.

But Lord Indrath responded sooner than I expected.

"Seems Agrona will fulfill his new purpose, if that Grey is to be believed to be his creation." Lord Indrath spoke of Grey. While him being a test subject of the Virtra was the easiest answer some part of me believe he was an entirely different being. But that was just a gut feeling with no evidence. Having a being like Grey who was able to command aether directly and proficiently like the Djinn would be a very important piece indeed. If further studied the Indrath clan's understanding of reality could very well be shaken. If utilized full this war would be nothing in comparison.

And indeed, banishing Agrona from Ephetous was an way to cover up his discovers of the Djinn. But he has been given a new purpose for our Lord. Lord Indrath was old. And with such age came untold wisdom and experience. He did not plan in terms of battles or even entire wars. He planned on the scale of centuries. He believed Agrona's desperate research of the Djinn's culture, technology, and their Relictombs could be of use to the Indrath clan.

While the Djinn did not give their knowledge willingly. In reality they carried their knowledge to the grave. Lord Indrath believed a brilliant mind like Agrona when fueled by his hatred and desire for revenge could crack their code to aether.

"For own I'll have you both posted to new stations. Agrona has brought the treaty into play and further involvement of us asuras would only be detrimental." Lord Indrath announced.

"But my Lord. Can the lessers of Dicathen survive?" I questioned my master. While the people of Dicathen were lessers at the end of the day. I felt it was our duty as asuras to keep them from being turned to Agrona's subjects.

"They are still useful acting as stopgap for Agrona's forces. And that is something for only me to worry about Aldir." Lord Indrath dismissed my concerns.

While Agrona did posses far more soldiers than we had originally predicted the lord of the Indrath clan didn't seem concerned. Indeed, he has seem war among god-like beings before. And to him, Agrona was still a child to him. And even Agrona wouldn't be as foolish as to launch a full scale siege upon Ephetous, that would only lead to the collapse of our entire world.

He wanted to rule Ephetous himself, not burn it in flames.

It all just seemed we were all but pieces upon a game board. With Lord Indrath and Agrona playing their moves from their respective sides. I wanted to say more, but I knew my place as his soldier. I knew my duty to my king and my clan. But times were changing, I could just feel it. Something was amiss, and this war could ever well shake up the entire world as we know it.