Originally uploaded May 31, 2024

Arthur Pov

In an effort to not making any unnecessary noise I crept out of Tessia room as I gently closed the door behind her.

I wore no watch on my person but judging from the dim moonlight that shinned through the windows it was already pretty late.

I didn't account for having my position as king being revealed to Tess in such a way. I would have much more preferred if I was able to take it at my own pace, explain it to her in a more... gentler way.

There was no way I would have been able to keep her from knowing. In fact I did question how she didn't already figure it out. But I guess locking herself in her own room was a blessing in disguise of sorts.

She was already tired both emotionally and physically so I'm sure she will still hound me for further answers when she regains her strength.

I even pondered if I should reveal my true identity as a reincarnate. But I suppose that would be pointless right now and would only pile more shit on her.

She will have the truth revealed with time I suppose. My mind shuddered as it wondered to the Legacy.

Killing her now would simplify a great many things. Not to mention the number of lives such an action would save. But she was still important to my greater plan.

Too many strings of Fate were tied around Tessia and Cecilia for me to kill them now. I couldn't accurately predict the fallout of such an action but I can surmise that the future path would only grow murkier as a result.

It was Neoth and his soul manipulation that actually gave birth to a new idea for the Legacy. If we were able to figure out a way to extract a soul from her body and implant it in a suitable body than...

My train of thought was broken as I clear someone clearing their throat. I didn't even need to turn to see who it was.

"My my. It seems I won't need to wait long for some great grandchildren." Virion said as he covered his mouth in mock surprise.

I turned to face him. I was mentally tired enough with dealing with Tess, I did not need to deal with her grandfather now of all times. It took great restraint to not just godstep away.

"Nothing happened." I said in a deadpan manner. Which Virion did not buy for a second.

He quickly came up to me and pocked me in the ribs with his elbow.

"You know, if you wanted to truly consolidate your position as king-" Virion said with a coy smile and raised eyebrows.

"I would hardly say I am prepared for marriage." I rebutted.

Virion only laughed off my comment. "And I would hardly say you are old enough to be king but look where we are now."

'Point taken.' I muttered in my own mind.

Virion began stroking his beard as he continued talking. "It isn't everyday you have a perfect marriage candidate Arthur. You both are childhood friends and went to school together. I doubt you share that with any other princess."

"I thought elves married when they were much older?" I asked, knowing it was a futile attempt.

"Pfft, the world is changing Art. And you should be the one you knows best. Old coots like me are old news."

I simply chuckled in response. 'Oh Virion. You have helped me so much in both my lives. I just wish your Fate wasn't so cruel to you.' I couldn't imagine the pain of being a parent and having your own child be killed and your only other relative be a puppet for Agrona. Not to mention having to watch his own homeland being obliterated with so few of your own kind left.

If any one of us deserved a break it was him.

And the reason why I have given an easier role, at least for now. Acting as the reluctant commander forced to give away his nation's power to keep it alive. He will be the beacon of hope when the time comes for this continent.

But until then I need him to be kept in the dark about a couple of things. Though I would guess that he no longer just sees me as a mere human child. It would be insane to believe that a mere lesser could accomplish what I have done in less than twenty years.

Although he never voiced it I'm sure he is suspicious of my origins. Hell, back in my original life here I was a quadra-elemental mage with a dragon will and bond. Who was personal taught by asuras.

I guess I was never "normal" to begin with. My predestined path was always one of hardship and anomalies I suppose. Sometimes I do wonder what kind of life I would have lived if I was somewhat normal.

The final relic has shown me a glimpse of lives beyond my own, most of them ending in my untimely death. Almost like a personal message that the path I was on was the best one for me.

But even then they were made up scenarios created by my own mind and aether. A simulation of sorts I guess you could say.

"I know the nobles are only kept in check because of the strength I command. But they won't be a problem for now." I dismissed Virion's concern.

The old elven king looked back at me. His eyes mixed with genuine worry.

"You should never put off dealing with a problem Art. They may not pose a problem to you now. They may never pose a problem to you at all, but they still hold political power within Dicathen. And you as the king the foundation you rule this continent from should be solid as you are."

I couldn't help but laugh. I guess Virion can't help but still see me as a young child. And from his perspective I guess I am. Having trained with me ever since I was a kid, he has watched me grown with his own granddaughter, viewing me in a similar light. No matter what I did.

A warm smile grew on my face. Ever since I had abandoned my own family I didn't expect the warm familiar love I had felt from them ever again. I thought it was a luxury I had discarded for my plans. But here it was in Virion. Despite witnessing what I was capable of he truly cared for me as his own flesh and blood.

It was moments like these that made me want to forget everything and return to my family. To return to them and beg for forgiveness, to rewind the clock so we could be a loving family again. The feeling didn't last long however, always snuffed out like a dying fire.

"You asked Tess' opinion on your little plan?" I now went on the offensive, raising my eyebrow.

Virion only pointed with a dumbfound look on his face at Tessia's room door. "Brat you just came out of her room when she didn't even let her own parents in. If that isn't her approval I don't know what is?!"

"Tess and I grew up together. We share a sort of... understanding I suppose. I merely talked her out of her lull." I waved away his words as I began walking down the hallways of the castle. Looking at a clock that was hanging on the far side of the wall it truly was late.

I didn't note the time I had come to talk with Tess but at the very least 4 hours have passed since then. With my draconic body eating and sleeping were luxuries I could forgo. So my passage of time was warped to a certain degree.

While eating foods was a nice little treat from time to time sleeping was something I dreaded. Whenever I closed my eyes and tried to rest my mind I was met with disturbing visions. Of both the past and the future. Even thinking about them now I could feel my stomach churning.

"Arthur. You may be the smartest person I have met in a hundred years. The plans you have told me about are strange yet effective, almost as if you knew the future. I can tell that you are sharing only the tip of the iceberg with me. But you are clueless with her feelings aren't you." Virion said.

I just smirked at his response. "Oh, I know more than you would believe."

"Tell me straight Arthur. Man to man. What do you think about my granddaughter." He asked almost in a threatening way as he grabbed both of my shoulders and forced me to face him.

'This gives me a feeling of deja vu.' I mused.

"She is a fine princess who pushes herself to be a strong leader for her peop-"

"Not that! I am asking your own personal feelings about her. It is obvious she has feelings for you. Even a old fart like me can see that clearly. But what about you?" It was a good thing it was late. I wouldn't want any passerby or bystanders witnessing this.

I took a deep mental sigh. Again the temptation to use godstep to get out of this awkward situation grew. But Virion deserved a straight answer.

Tessia Eralith. Princess and heir to the Elenoir throne. My childhood friend and fellow classmate. A soldier of war, my first true love I suppose. The vessel for the Legacy. I do hold feelings for her. Having grown and trained beside her I have seen faces of hers that no one else has.

I have seen her smile, cry, rage, and every emotion in between. Back in my first life in this world I had mad a promise with her to share in our feelings after the war. In retrospect that was just raising a death flag wasn't it?

And when she became to container for the Legacy's power I still never gave up hope for her. Eventually freeing her from Agrona's grasps. I suppose there was still a part of me. The human part of me that never truly died that still loves her. But ever since coming here I have always felt conflicted.

Like some of my emotions and thoughts weren't my own. That somehow there were separate entities within my vying for control. Was this some aftereffect of being transported back here? Or was it something that the future Arthur intentionally did as a way to fuck with me?

I wasn't truly sure and I suppose I would only get answers from him.

I took a deep sigh, this time for real as I faced Virion and stared him in the eyes. Emotions were a fickle little thing. They can give a person enough strength to bend Fate to their will. But also weaken them to bring them to their knees. A double-edged sword, if wielded with care and tempered it will be your greatest asset. If left to run rampant it will consume you.

I opened my mouth to speak. Virion was the one who helped me get so far in the first place. He was the one who deserved an answer. And I will try to answer him to the best of my abilities.

But our little moment was interrupted as a flash of violet light filled the hallway. I shieled my eyes with my hands and Virion did the same as he let go of me.

It didn't take long for the light to subside, but I didn't take any chances. An aetheric sword materialized in my hand as I stepped in front of Virion. My core thrummed with raw aether as I began to rapidly channel it around my entire body.

But I was only met by a lone Djinn warrior. I couldn't read his face from the helmet he wore but he was clearly of one of Neoth's.

"Master Grey." The Djinn warrior spoke, his voice a bit too artificial sounding to be called fully human.

"I am guessing Neoth sent you?" I said as my sword dissipated away.

"This will be faster than a verbal explanation." The warrior said as he stepped forward and grabbed my hand.

In an instant the flood of images and data filled my own mind. I could feel my own brain swirling, as if someone had opened my head and was mixing it around with a spoon.

I saw images of large ships that floated in the air as they rained down fiery destruction to a desert world below.

I saw a tall muscular figure in blackstone battleplate, in his hands was a large glaive that roar with lightning every time he swung it.

Other images flashed within my mind. It reminded all too much of Sylvia's message when I destroyed my core. Things I didn't know or understand filled my mind but they also imparted knowledge about them as well.

The Djinn warrior let go of my hand as I staggered back. Virion caught me before I could fall to the ground.

"Arthur? What happened? Are you alright? What did you do to him!" Virion directed his anger and confusion at the warrior as mana began to physically manifest around him.

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"I'm fine." I mustered as I dragged myself back onto my feet.

"It just seems like our little talk will need to continue another time." I said as I reached into my dimensional storage rune.

"Is there a problem? Arthur if there is-"

I raised my hand to stop him. "This is personal business. I be back in a jiffy." I reassured Virion even though I hardly had a clue as to what to expect. I was given the rough destination I had to go but other than that I was flying in the dark here.

As I withdrew the relictomb compass another bout of headaches and visions assaulted my mind.

In one moment I stood before a large decaying corpse, its face in a eternal scream as he sat upon a throne covered in wires and cables that were plugged into him to keep him alive. And in the next I was back in the flying fortress castle.

'No, now wasn't the time for this bullshit!' I cursed in my head as I activated the compass.

And before I stepped into the portal I looked back at Virion. "Hold the fort for me while I'm gone." I said with a small smile in an effort to reassure him. Then I let godstep carry me far away from the Dicathen castle.

Neoth Pov

"And you shall stand before our master, alive." The custodian proclaimed as he stared down at me. His face was completely unreadable from the armor and helmet that fully enclosed his entire body.

'So at least I will live until then.' I mused in my mind. Thinking back to the beating Vago had given me. 'You guys could have stepped in a bit sooner if that was the case.' I cursed the guardian.

But that did make me wonder about something else.

"Then what? I stand trial in front of your dead corpse of a tyrant. Can he even pass a fair judgement in his state?" I probed the custodian.

I couldn't make out his face but from his subtle change in stance and tone I knew he had taken great offense to my words about his creator.

His hands slightly changed their grip upon his halberd as he bent down to meet me face to face. How strange it was, even that such close proximity I couldn't sense anything from him.

Even beings with no inclination to aetheric abilities exuded some from of natural aetheric intent or aura. Aether was the basic building block of reality, encompassing the aspect of souls and life. But he was completely hidden, no aura, no intent, nothing. Not even a whisper of mana that would have made them traceable.

Was it a intended design by the Emperor? To make his most trusted and loyal bodyguards be completely invisible to even the dragons? It would make sense but the bigger question was how?

Another thought bubbled alongside this as an image of the custodian without his helmet floated to the surface of my consciousness. He was a large man. A face akin to a normal human but there was something unsettling about it. Something I couldn't place a finger on but there was something unnatural about his features.

But the stranger thing was his keen lack of any sort of runes or spellforms that decorated every other Djinn. I have heard stories of custodians fighting and utilizing abilities only a high level spellform would allow but then were they all hidden beneath their armor?

If so that seemed pretty inefficient on the Emperor's part. Not taking full advantage to the surface area of a whole body.

And the only other outlier case of Grey. His unique core and body giving him the ability to freely manipulate aether. But even then he possessed godrunes that gave him even higher understanding of basic spellform and runic arts.

The more I thought about the custodians the more I realized just how blind I was going against then and Vago when they invaded my home.

Instead of bickering with other Djinn and wasting my time with inner politics I had favored venturing outside to gather more pieces for my galleries. And it would seem such a decision has come to bite my in the rear.

"You dare question the Emperor?" The custodian's deep baritone voice range painfully loud at such a close distance.

"He may be your tyrant but he isn't mine." I flatly stated.

The custodian scoffed at my words as he disengaged and returned to the far side corner of the room.

And that was the last words we would speak for a long while. We both stayed in shared silence. Him standing guard like a stone statue while I laid upon the makeshift bed as I tried going over possible scenarios to escape this rut.

I have basically stripped of my arsenal, my staff and cloak were taken and I couldn't access my storage rune with my drained core.

I even considered finding a way to kill myself. It wasn't the most optimal decision but it would act as a big middle finger to the custodians and Vago. But I doubt the custodian standing guard would allow me to get even close.

And this room was empty anyway, unless I could wrestle the halberd from the custodian's grip I doubt I would find an efficient way to do the job.

Thinking deeply like this made it apparent just how slow an unaided mind process information. I had grown too accustomed to the aetheric runes that accelerated and partitioned part of my own mind to better my judgement. But now without any of that I felt like a true idiot.

'This is how normal lessers function? How dreadful.' I thought. Trying to find some humor in all of this. It seems I have taken a great many things for granted in my long life.

Without aether or even mana reinforcing my body I could feel every minute sense of discomfort. Whatever they had administered had healed most of my more grievous wounds but my body still ached from the pain.

I gently closed my eyes, trying to reach deeper into my soul. Having spent my entire life studying the vivum branch of aether I had unlocked the secrets of manipulating the the very essence of life. The soul.

It varied slightly between every one. But it all had the basic appearance and principles. A orb of gold and purple strings all coiled together in the center of a creature.

It usually never took on a phsyical form, only visible to those who have delved deep within vivum. And even now with only a tiny amount of mana in my system I could vaguely sense it.

The core of my being, the tether that kept me in this meat prison. It was faint but I could still sense it. I wasn't exactly sure what I was trying to do. Even if I could peer into myself I hardly had enough mana reserves to forcefully eject my soul from this body.

Perhaps it was an act to find comfort. Trying to bury myself in the one thing I knew I was best at and had spent hundreds of years studying.

My breathing calmed as my metabolism began to slow to a crawl. I could feel the my mana core slowly begin to fill up. It was extremely slow, at this rate it would have taken several days or weeks to fully fill my core but it was better than nothing.

With the minuscule amount of mana at my disposal I tried reaching out to my runes and spellforms. The reaction was delayed and sluggish at best, even Djinn children would have done better. But I could feel the runes that ran up and down my spine warm up a couple of degrees.

I reached out for the ambient mana, of which there was hardly any. A deliberate design I would assume. My mind drifted back to Grey. And the way he influenced atmospheric aether as if it was an extension of himself.

From what I have studied any other races that know of the existence of aether view it in a primitive sense. As mere building block of reality that binds the world. A power above that of mana. When in reality aether possessed a will of its own.

Like it was living breathing being with a mind that acted by itself. The spellforms and runes we have developed were merely memories or recollections of aether and what it once was we have discovered. To better guide the aetheric particles to do our bidding.

There was still a sliver of hope in my mind that Grey would come to my rescue. I was still far too valuable for him, at least from his perspective. I am his sole entrance to the rest of our race. And he doesn't seem to be the most trusting of people.

Even if he were to manage an alliance with the other Djinn I doubt it would be able to act fast enough for his plans. That is if they don't immediately try to kill for being part dragon.

How ironic. At the peak of my civilization we were a race trying to aid others to understanding the cosmos we inhabited. Now look at us. Filled with hatred and the need for revenge. Perhaps it was a good thing I wouldn't live to see our race end such a tragic and disgraceful fate.

My concentration was interrupted as I felt another being stand in front of me. It wasn't his mana or aetheric signature I sensed, but I could feel the resonance of his soul.

'It seems the custodians at least have souls.' I mused as I slowly opened my eyes. Not that it mattered as my face was covered my a cowl.

"Seems a bit excessive don't you think?" I said as my voice was muffled by it.

"A traitor like you has no rights in viewing the glory of the throneworld." The custodian's words betrayed his monotone voice.

"So be it." I coldly said as I could feel the custodian grab me like a sack of sand or grain as he began carry me.

The only sounds I could hear were his gentle yet strong footsteps as I was exposed to cold winds that felt like whips on my unprotected skin.

I couldn't see anything but I could sense the dim lights of the souls that surrounded us. Some of them burned bright despite my dulled senses, I would assume they belonged to Vago and Oliurk.

They kept a respectful distance from me. And I could sense about 4 custodians surrounding my procession.

I suppose not being able to see Vago right now was a gift in disguise. I could hardly imagine the gloating face he would have shown me if I was able to.

All in all the journey lasted for only a few minutes. Custodians being larger than average humans gave me a faster walking speed I suppose. Though I wouldn't put it past them to us some aetheric trickery to truly leave me in the blind.

But it wasn't long before I was placed back now. This time I was met by a cold stone-like floor as I was forced down to my knees.

Then the cowl came off and I was momentarily blinded by the sheer light. It took a couple of seconds and multiple blinks for my eyes to readjust. And I was met by a breathtaking sight.

A large door made of blackstone and gold that stood at the very least 30 feet stood before me. Upon the gates was an image so painstakingly carved into it by loving artisan hands that it looked like you had actually captured a moment frozen in time.

It displayed a man. Long flowing hair, stern square jaw and face with a look of determination mixed with fury. Dressed in an elaborately decorated armor that clearly took inspiration of Djinn design but seemed far more refined and ancient.

He stood atop a corpse of a great dragon with his great flaming sword planted deep within the dragon's throat. Even in death the sheer size and power of dragon could be felt like poison in the air.

I have never seen this gate before. In truth I had never stepped foot within the imperial palace before. But I knew what this gate was. And what it represented.

"The eternity gate." I whispered with a mixture of amazement and fear.

"The gates to the throne room." Vago added as he appeared to my right.

I slightly turned my head to peer at him. But even he seems to be looked up at the depiction of the tyrant in wonder.

"I envy you a bit Neoth. Despite all you have done. Despite all the problems you have caused us you get to stand before our glorious leader in your final moments." Vago sighed as he turned to face me.

I couldn't help but laugh as I spat on the floor. The two nearest custodians instantly jumped into action as they raised their spears that crackled with aetheric lightning. But Vago stopped then with a small gesture.

"Not much point now. You shall have your Fate judged." Vago said in a tone that sent a shiver down my spine.

The two custodians who had prepared to end me grabbed my shoulders as they raised me to my feet. Vago turned as he began walking towards the gate and the custodians followed.

You know. I never knew my death would be this grand. I thought I would have died a miserable old man surrounded by his knickknacks that only he sees value in. Or it ending with my soul fizzling out into nothingness as my soul transfer finally messes up.

A shame. Grey seems to have been an interesting new piece that was introduced to the board. While I didn't fully understand the edict of Fate myself I could sense that he was different. 'Heh, look at me. Seeing Grey in such a positive light. I guess with death looming it truly changes your perspective our the world.'

One second I was being dragged to my trial and execution and the next I was blown off my feet and sent flying. I crashed back onto the marble ground as a deafening ringing sound filled my ears.

I squeezed my eyes shut as I dragged myself back onto my feet.

I could hear the crackle of lightning and blades clashing when my hearing returned.

My vision returned soon after and I was met with a quiet the sight.

Grey stood defiant within the deepest depths of the imperial palace. In his hand was a sword made of pure aether as 5 more sword encircled around him. Our eyes met for the briefest of moments. But that was enough. He had gotten my message.

The custodians were on him in less than a heartbeat. Their spears roared to life as purple lightning ran up and down their blade tips.

They all charged as one unit. All of them covering each other's blindsides perfectly. But Grey disappeared in a flash of lightning as he appeared right behind them.

But the custodian's weren't called demigods of war for nothing. Almost as if they could fully see the future two of them quickly turned on their heels and parried Grey's swift blows that would have killed three of them.

The other two warriors turned their weapons upon Grey as another sword materialized in his hands. Taking the fighting stance of a pantheon Grey exchanged several blows with each custodian. But it was five against one, and some of their attacks actually landed. Cutting off chunks of flesh or entire body parts.

But being so deep within the relictombs came with its advantages. The sheer abundance of aether gave Grey near instant regeneration as he fought on.

Soon five custodians became seven as two more filed into the room. At this point it was impossible to see Grey or the custodians, except for brief flashes of gold and purple. They were moving and teleporting so fast that without mana or aether enhancing my sense I was blind to their fighting.

But eventually it would appear one of them landed a good hit as Grey was sent flying back. Leaving a trail of blood in his wake as he slammed into the Eternity gate. His usual pale blonde hair was dyed red with blood as he picked himself back up.

Even now I could see his flesh and bones knitting themselves back together as his eyes burned with fury. He stood their for a moment as a golden halo appeared above his head. As the now ten full squad of custodians moved in.

Each with their halberds pointed at Grey. Despite their strength they seemed unsure of him. If it was anyone else they would have been already reduced to a cold corpse with all ten custodians fighting in tandem.

Grey's eyes sudden widened as if he had come to a realization. The swords in his hands dissolved away, causing a moment of confusion for everyone.

Then in one swift motion his hands reached for the sword at his belt as he unsheathed the blade he had.

As soon as the sword was unleashed from its casing the blade roared to life as white flames engulfed it. Casting the entire room in a blinding light.

The sword held by a tyrant. A warrior. A ruler. A race's last hope.

The Djinn Emperor's own sword.

As Grey unleashed the Emperor's blade and held it high for all to see, the gates to the Emperor's throne room opened for the first time in thousands of years.

***

"The fourth of the trinity seeks audience."

"The fourth of the four would be."

"The fourth forever stillborn."

"The fourth who never shall be."

Their silence screamed through the ties of infinity.

"He must be heard."

A figure appeared before the table. Tall, strong, and clad in mighty armor. He blazed with the light of a newborn star. Youth and greed. Might and zeal. Power and hunger. Yet his hands were empty. He bowed his head, but did not kneel.

"You seek strength."

"You seek wisdom."

"You seek perfection."

The trinity spoke as one, a thunderclap of paradox.

The pilgrim weathered the storm in unflinching resolve.

"I seek immortality bound to mortal form."

"And in return?"

"Mortality bound to immortal form."

The tides stilled. The screams died. The lens of infinity came back into focus.

"You speak for all mortality."

"I will."

Eternity shuddered, caught frozen in crystal ataraxia.

"Agreed."

The table before them vanished. Into its place stepped up a figure envolped by shadow. More than a man but not fully a being. It raised its hands that were covered in violet flames. Around the seeker's brow his hands lit a ring of black fire, scintillating amidst the flames. Silhouettes formed and faded. Circling blonde hair gone gale white.

The warrior strode forward and clasped arms with the crusader. Blood ran from both of their hands. And when they stepped back he carried a sword unsheathed. Crimson gleamed his blade in the light of the dancing flames. Crimson as his dripping hand.

The young maiden sidled up. Her features a reflection of his own. She pressed a kiss upon his cheek. The suitor held her gaze as his skin burned and blistered. At his shoulders hung a mantle, glittering with brocade. It fluttered when she pulled away, when his cold face smiled.

For a moment the champion swayed where he stood, breathing deeply. Armed with steel and crowned in fire, cloaked in silk, and filled with mire. Triumphant shadows wreathed his anointed form. Harbingers of the Emperor.

The trinity returned to their table. "It is done."

"Our pact is sealed."

"This we swear."

"This you swear."

The god-in-waiting nodded in response. "This I swear."

He turned and walked away. Crystalline cataracts shattered in the wake of his passing. Eternity trembled before the fulfillment of the will of the gods. The Three watched as He left. Their judgement echoed through the furious tranquility.

Liar.

Thief.

Forsworn.

Oathbreaker.

All of infinity gathered into a single silent scream.

Anathema.