Originally uploaded Aug 7, 2023
Arthur Pov
Gusts of wind blew my hair back. Sylvie flew high above the capital with me riding on her back, almost touching the ceiling with her large wings. The citizen below were already in a state of panic, they didn't need a dragon flying above them to add to it.
Sylvie's dark scales aided her in blending into the dark shadows of the large cavern. She was far larger than she was originally. Her large ebony horns stabbed downwards like a pair of sword. Every beat of her large wings sent powerful gales of wind.
I peered over the side the see the scene below us. Several streams of terrified people and soldiers flooded out from the multiple tunnel entrances. Some of the guards were struggling to maintain order, while others had dropped their weapons and were running for their lives.
A torrent of fire spilled out from one of them. Presumably Lucas, the flames torched the people it touch as large Djinn warriors clad in armor black as the void marched out. Despite being the lowest ranks among Neoth's available forces they were still more than enough in dealing with these mages.
Sylvie began to circle around the main castle. And within the main spiral I could sense multiple mana signatures. None of them were really notable, except for one I recognized. Sylvie sensing my intentions changed into her human form. A flash of golden light and mana and a girl appearing to be around the age of 7 or 8 popped into existence. She placed her arms out as she channeled her own mana to slowly descend onto the castle.
But unable to decelerate fast enough she landed on the roof of the structure with a loud thud as she stumbled hard and landed on her belly.
'Lol.' Regis said telepathically as the aether platform I conjured beneath my feet touched my down gently like an elevator.
"I'm still not used to this human body alright?" Sylvie hastily said as she dusted off her clothes. A simple black dress that looked like it was made from her scales.
Ignoring both of my companions I activated Realmheart, the elements of the world were laid bare to me. The abundance of earth-type mana flooded my vision as I focused in on one singular signature.
'So, we just gonna bust in?' Regis chimed in again.
'No, we don't need to make a mess. Just cutting the serpents head will allow the rest of the pieces to fall into place.' I answered as I gestured for Sylvie to hold my hand. Her small hands wrapped around mine. A pang of pain reverberated in my heart as her small stature and appearance reminded me of my sister. I wondered if I'll every be able to see her again and how she will look at me. From her perspective I had abandoned my family.
Casting those thoughts aside the aetheric pathways carried all of us into the castle. Appearing in a flash of purple lightning we were placed in a dark corridor. The only light sources were the torches of fire that hung from the walls.
"Love the dark dungeon aesthetic they are going with." Sylvie retorted as we made our way through the long hallway.
"Yeah it was a lot more lively when this was our only safe bastion." Regis said. Perhaps it was the Alacryan influence. Or the political turmoil the dwarfs were in with their king dead. The castle was fairly empty. I could hear distant shuffles of people ahead but other than that it was eerie.
We made our way towards the mana signature, located near the top of the central tower. There should have been ample security but there was no one in sight. I know that the situation outside was hectic but I didn't think they would abandon their main castle undefended. Was it confidence or ignorance. Having the backing of Agrona would boost any normal lesser's confidence but to this degree?
Soon enough we were at the door of a royal suite. If I recall correctly this room was for any visitors of high status, like a rich noble or other members of the council. The doors were inlaid with beautiful gold. Typical noble decor. I reached for the doorknob and turned it. It was smooth, like a freshly oiled machine.
The door gently opened as Regis settled back into my core and Sylvie was close behind me. Aether answered my call as it wrapped my body in a thick shield. There was no reason to be not cautious myself.
As the door swung open I was met by just one person. Her pearlescent silver hair glittered from the light of the fireplace. Her white skin was that of a porcelin doll. The whiteness of her skin seemed to only exaggerate her dark eyes and the pair of large horns that grew from her forehead that bent upwards like that of an Impala's.
She emitted a slight aura, but the little that could be felt was powerful. A unwavering source of power but also intelligence. She was here far earlier than I would have guessed. I had originally predicted Darv being an easy place to start my plans with the Lances being occcupied with dealing with Jagrette. From the sources I could gather that female Retainer has taken over a sizable chunk of area near Etisin beach.
Scythe Seris Vritra of Sehz-Clar. If she was here that would mean her lapdog of a Retainer was nearby. While I had hoped that Agrona didn't make such a move so early I had to work with what I got.
But this also wasn't bad. While I didn't know when she turned traitor to her sovereign rebellions aren't built in just a few days. This early interaction could aid her accelerate her own purposes. And having her weave chaos and doubt in Alacrya would draw some attention away from me to give me more time.
Wearing a simple black battledress Seris sat with her legs crossed next to the small fireplace. The flames reflected off her black eyes as we made eye contact. If it weren't for the unsightly horns atop her head she would have been a true beauty. A untouchable woman.
'You got that right.' Regis rang in my mind. Before I could tell him to shut his maw the Scythe began to speak. Not raising her voice, but the room seemed to fall silent as she opened her mouth.
"You have played your cards well Arthur Leywin. Soon the dwarven capital will be in your hands."
I drew closer, Sylvie stayed close. Hiding herself from the Vritra behind me. It wasn't very effective but it was the motive that counted. Seris obviously was aware of my bond but she elected to focus on me for the time being.
"You know me?" I asked trying to feign my ignorance of the Scythe. I released a fraction of my own will as the air in the room grew heavy. Seris' eyes widened for a split second in reaction but she continued.
"You have drawn the attention of the High Sovereign. It is best you refrain from doing so in the future." she said, as if she could control my actions. Her aura manifested itself as a dark mist of decay mana arts.
"And what if I refuse?" I asked as I pushed against her strength with my own. The aether mana clashed in an invisible battle. Seris was taken aback for a moment before she found her composure again.
"Then you would be a bigger fool than I have given you credit for. You are biting off more than you can chew." She threatened. Advising me to keep a low profile. But it was too late for that now. I doubt she knows the full scope of the history between me and that damned basilisk. He already knows too much about me, a Scythe like her being here only have more credence to that fact.
But even with all of my own actions Agrona won't step down from his fortress just yet. He is still waiting for Kezess to make his own move to expose himself and Ephetous. Until then I had to make up for lost time. And a mere Scythe would change my plans.
My forced more of my own power behind my will. Just enough to overpower hers. The aether ripped through the Scythe's mana as it clawed at her. Seris eyes widened for a moment as she tried to keep her cold stature. A flash of mana and a large black greatsword swung down at me. Wrapped in a mist of decay magic it sped towards me with considerable speed.
It would have made purchase, and I would have allowed it. It had no hopes of even scratching me. But the large claws of my bond caught the greatsword. The floor creaked and cracked as all the nearby furniture were pushed aside by my bond's vast body.
"And the loyal Retainer returns to his master." I taunted as Retainer Cylrit withdrew and positioned himself in between me and his Scythe master. He looked back and forth from his Scythe back to me.
Seris and my eyes locked, she was still cautious and warning me. She still sees a use for me it seems, despite my machinations speeding past hers. I will serve a purpose for her and she will serve a purpose for me. And she knew fighting me here would be pointless. And I was in no mood in cooperate with her yet.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
The Alacryan Scythe closed her eyes for a moment in a gesture of understanding. She elegantly rose from her chair, in well rehearsed and fluid movements.
"For both of ours' sake, grow stronger." She said as a done of clear mana encapsulated both her and her Retainer. And in a flash of light they were gone.
I stared at the residual mana that fluttered in the mana from their teleportation artifact. As Sylvie returned to her humanoid form once more. You stared back at me with large gold eyes that matched mine.
"What?" I asked my bond as we turned to leave.
"Nothing." Sylvie said but I could feel the apprehension seeping from her mind. I tried reassuring her, as I pulled her closer to me. She was still young despite being mentally more mature than most at her age. It was going to be hard no matter what.
'How about we deal with those dwarf bastards.' Regis called out to both of us as he jumped out of my core. His purple flames created long shadows outlined by amethyst as he moved.
"Lead the way." I sarcastically gestured my furry companion to take charge. And in exaggerated movements he began to march ahead of us. Making his way up the stair to the main council meeting chamber.
***
In a bolt of purple lightning I appeared with Sylvie by my side in the dwarf's council chamber. It was a overly decorated room, full of works of art made from various precious gemstones and gold. They were dwarves after all, they love all things stone and rock.
"Who are you!?" One of the dwarf nobles sat up from his chair in shock, knocking it onto the floor while pointing an accusing finger at me.
The other elders and nobles all took a step back, their pitiful mana flared up in response to my sudden appearance.
"When your soliders are fighting and dying outside you guys sit around here huh." I said, more to myself than them.
"Guards!" Another dwarf yelled out. The gold chains around his neck jingled as he shouted.
"There is no use calling for them." I coldly replied as I tossed the head I was carry onto their table. The decapitated body part rolled for a bit before coming to rest. The face frozen in shock with his mouth wide open in an eternal scream.
A gasp of horror silenced the room as they all stared at me with disbelief and fear. Their mana seemed to die down as the room fell silent.
A dwarf, this one much larger in the stomach area fell to his knees with tears in his eyes.
"Oh great asura, you have come to liberate us from the Vritra's grasps." He pleaded. Mocking regret and sorrow. Perhaps I really was an asura for these people. My appearance was that of a Indrath dragon after all. The alien-like power of aether could be seen as a higher form of mana arts the asuras use as well.
I suppressed those thoughts. While the thought of becoming the very things I detested disgusted me now wasn't the time for that.
'You must give this guy credit. He is decent in acting and he was very quick on the uptake.' Regis semi-complimented and semi-mocked the groveling dwarf. The other nobles in the room looked unsure of what to do. Should they feign ignorance or plead for forgiveness from conspiring with Alacrya and betraying their continent.
I further scanned the room until I laid my eyes on one particular individual. Killing him now would be messy so I noted him down. The rest I could care less about.
A devilish thought popped into my mind. These traitors didn't deserve the quick release of death, but I couldn't be bothered to waste any more time with them.
I forced aether into my voice, making it deep and fill the room in a loud bellow.
"Fear not dwarves. You shall all be forgiven." I started and the kneeling dwarf lifted his head and looked at me with his tearful eyes in hope. The other dwarves seemed to take a collective sigh as tension left the room.
But I wasn't going to forgive them in exchange for nothing. They have already turned-coat from their own continent. Having them around would only be an liability, I needed allies I could trust. Not some cowards who would sell me out at the first opportunity.
"You shall be forgiven. In death." I finished. And before the dwarves could even react to my words the sword at my side roared to life. Its blade ignited into a blinding white light. As it cleaved the head of the dwarf at my feet clean off.
The rest of them didn't even have the chance to do anything. Regis jumped from my core and sunk his teeth into the throat of another noble. Her screams turned into a gargle as she drowned in her own blood. Several arrows and blades made of pure mana flew at unbelievable speeds and plunged deep into the hearts of the dwarves who were trying to run.
I was just a flurry of blades as I cut through the dwarves and their meager attempts at defense or retaliation. It didn't take long before only one remained. He laid up against the far side wall. Covered in blood that wasn't his. He looked at us with disbelief and anguish.
He tried to form words but his lips trembled in fear as I approached closer. The sword in my hand hummed with power. Calling out for more blood, for more slaughter.
I planted my foot on Rahdeas' chest, pinning him to the ground. As I stared in dead in the eyes.
"Congratulations Rahdeas. You get to live today." I announced, my aura drastically increased the pressure in the room as he struggled to breath. Or maybe it was because I was holding him down with my foot.
"What do you want demon?" He croaked out as he tried to escape from under my hold. But my legs might as well have been a marble pillar for all he knew.
"I am merely returning a favor." I replied. He was the one who has taken care of Elijah after all. And I didn't want to guess how he would react if I killed his foster father. Maybe that would be the trigger to awaken Nico's dormant memories.
Before I could continue the door of the meeting room swung gently opened. I turned to see who it was, but before I could see he yelled out for me. His voice strained by rage.
"Grey!" Elijah yelled, the mana emanating off of him like a putrid fire. The two Djinn warriors next to him fell to their knees and bowed to me. But Elijah paid them no mind. He was solely focused on me.
Dark flames danced around him as he stomped his way towards me. He never took his eyes off of me for a second. Such familiar eyes, filled with hatred and rage.
"What have you done?" Elijah said accusingly as he gestured to the blood covered council chamber. Mangled corpses of the nobles and elders were strewn about the place in a grizzly sight.
I calmed myself. As I placed the cold mask of indifference, the mask I had long discarded when I was reborn as Arthur Leywin. The mask of King Grey.
"I have done what was necessary." I calmly said to my childhood friend of both lives.
"Necessary? You call this Necessary?!" He questioned in frustration, I could feel the mana radiating off of him like the heat of a large fire. His mana took on a much deeper, almost black color as it did so.
"They have sold the rest of their race to the Alacryans. They no longer serve a purpo-"
Elijah cut me off. "Purpose? They are still people. Why are you so unfazed by all of this?"
"Elijah." I tried to calm him down as I placed my hand on his shoulder. My friend only brushed it off as he stared down at Rahdeas. He stood there for a moment, taking in deep breaths.
"They may be traitors but you are not the judge of their lives." He finally said, still very much enraged.
"And who does? The council? The Greysunders were the ones who started communications with the Vritra. Not to mention the Glayders' involvement." I rebutted. If I were to emerge from the shadows and act freely I needed the people under me to see my true self. To see what I will do to achieve my goals, to see how far I will go. How far we must all go.
"Elijah." I said and he looked directly at me. Our eyes locked and I continued.
"We all serve an objective in this cosmic game of kings and pawns. This path we tread, this march of war and conquest is painted in the hues of sacrifice."
Elijah only continued to listen, perhaps he was truly listening or merely letting me said my piece. It mattered little. I only needed him to know of my plans.
"It is a daunting visage. This world our canvas, blood our paint, and victory our reward. What is an ocean of blood to peace. What is a thousand lives, a million lives to the countless that will thrive. Can a calm produce a pearl without enduring the grit? Can a phoenix rise without the embrace of flame. A bitter pill perhaps, but one we must swallow for a better future we must create."
Elijah shook his head is disapproval but did not interrupt me. I leaned in closer to make my point clear.
"Elijah, I dream of a realm where no false gods cast their long oppressive shadows. A world carved by human hands guided by human minds for the human soul. A garden tended not by divine beings but by the toil of humankind itself."
I turned to both Rahdeas and Elijah as I questioned them.
"Is it not a worthy cause? A noble end? An ambition that warrants the steep price? Do not flowers bloom brighter when fed by the ashes of the dead? Doesn't the grandeur of the end justify the means? To conquer the world. To write our own future to ensure every lesser's future and destiny. This is our duty, no matter how fraught or how blood soaked, or how steep the price may be."
I withdrew from the two. As I removed my foot from Rahdeas' chest. Elijah rushed towards him to aid him up as the old dwarf coughed blood.
"Perhaps one day you will understand. Or perhaps not. It matters little. You are mere pieces of my story, my destiny, my duty." As I finished Elijah turns towards me. His hands wrapped in dark flames.
'Maybe you should have been a bit more subtle.' Regis commented before Elijah rushed towards me. In his hands manifested a black sword of blood iron. The two Djinn warriors instantly jumped into action. Creating a wall of mana and aether between me and Elijah. His decay-type mana arts helplessly tried to eat away at the protective wall as I just stood there.
This wasn't how I wanted to go about things. Maybe if I was quicker I would have avoided this. But it can't be undone now. I reached out my hand towards the ground next to me. A circle collection of purple runes dimly glowed on the floor, growing brighter and brighter as I channeled my own aether into the spell.
With a pop Neoth appeared. Sporting his regular green cloak and staff. He looked annoyed but gave no word of his annoyance. With a wave of my hand several chains of aether slithered like living serpents and made their way around and bounded Elijah in place. He only stared back at me. A mix of rage, disappointment, and confusion.
'Elijah was never truly real.' I reassured myself. He was merely a false identity created by Agrona to grow close to me. To act as an anchor for the Legacy. And now was the time to show him the full truth.
"Grey!" Elijah screamed with a wild look in his eyes. One that I was all too familiar with.
I could only stare back at him with empathy. He was only ever a tool for Agrona. A means of controlling the Legacy. And in someways I have been treating him like a tool as well. Never telling him the reality of his existence or mine. I wonder how he will act when he learns of the past. Will he still resent me? Or will he understand that we have a bigger purpose now.
I turned to Neoth and gave him a stern nod. Being adept at soul manipulation he was my best shot at undoing any of Agrona's binds and spells he had placed on Nico. But dealing with souls, especially souls from different worlds were always a tricky business he says. I just hoped I would have someone I could fully be honest with. Someone who knows of my struggles in all of my many lives. A true friend.