Arthur POV

The air within the dungeon was musty and stale. At least within the entrance there were thick layers of moss as vines dangled from the ceiling. The Alacryans had clearly not used the entrance to transport goods. It made me wonder just how many more of these abandoned outposts or dungeons had they repurposed for their own needs.

Realmheart burned warm on my back as I pulled in most of the available wind type mana to muffle our footsteps and smell. Working together in tandem with King’s Gambit I was able to conceal our tracks for now. I wasn’t quite sure how it would hold up against the increased perception of a Scythe or Retainer.

I was leading our group from the ground with Sylvie by my side. As one of the custodians marched alongside me while the other brought up the rear. Quite the stubborn bunch I would say, they always refused to leave my side. Insisting that at least one of their ranks was near me. I had only brought half of their ranks, and they seemed to be in clear communication with their brothers that stayed behind within the Relictombs. I wasn’t quite sure if they were guarding me or keeping a close eye on me, perhaps it was a mixture of both.

Eventually the interior of the dungeon stooped downwards, the ground was at least even and free from any real obstacle. This was an outpost used by the Adventurer’s Guild after all. So we made it down to its lower depths with little to no problems.

It was only when we reached what seemed to be a more well maintained part of the underground cave system that we reached our first little problem. If it weren’t for Realmheart I wouldn’t have noticed. I put out my arm to stop the rest of my group as I stared forward.

Kaspian only looked at me with a puzzled look. But that puzzlement soon turned to understanding as he turned his vision and his senses to what laid directly ahead of us.

It was subtle, and especially in such darkness it could be misidentified as a spider’s web. An intricate array of overlapping wires made of some sort of metal blocked our way. With Realmherat fully active I could see the earth and wind type mana that hung tightly onto them.

I wasn’t quite sure if they were some sort of offensive spell or just something to alert the caster of an intruder, but I wasn’t going to find out. I tapped into Godstep again, letting the Godrune warm my skin as the pathways of aether were made clear to me.

My mind probed and manipulated the Godrune as the aether spread out from my core and around our little battlegroup. I could feel my mind whirling as I calculated each individual’s location but it was bearable. With a mental snap the Godrune engaged fully as we all disappeared and reappeared in a flash of aetheric lightning. We all appeared deeper within the dungeon. With many of the soldiers either looking nauseous or confused. But soon enough we were moving.

There were similar traps after that, but as I used Godstep with multiple people more and more I could feel myself growing more comfortable casting it and I could feel myself becoming faster with it. I do suppose this is good practice for me. While my understanding of each Godrune I possessed seemed to have been carried over as well being deepened by the Emperor’s gift, they seemed much like muscles. The more you used them the more they developed.

We eventually reached what seems to be the main central hub of this place. It was bustling with people. Soldiers, merchants, and what appeared to be normal citizens alike. They all were in a hurry, some of them carrying large carriages or crates filled with various resources.

I could hear some of our own soldiers gasp in shock. To imagine that so many Alacryans were living just under our noises.

“They were all here and we didn’t even know?” I could Kaspian’s voice through the noise. I wondered if I should reveal that this amount was already very reduced, with me having spent a great deal of my years taking out most of the Alacryan camps within Dicathen. And we still don’t fully know of the full operations that Agrona was conducting.

At the far end of the room was the large warp gate. The base of it was carved from bone-white stone as the arch was constructed from a singular piece of blackstone. The runes inscribed upon its hard surface told me of its ancient Djinn construction.

The portal flashed on and off as soldiers and transport which seemed to be carrying large cages filled with something to and from this outpost. Through Realmheart I could sense the numerous mana signatures as they all glowed like fireflies. So it would seem this is one of their breeding pens for those mana beasts.

‘Old habits die hard for Agrona eh?’ Regis joked from within my core.

While I don’t necessarily want to say that these creatures were fully innocent, you do have to feel bad for them here. Being used for what pretty much amounted to cannon fodder. But it was never in an asura’s best interest to ponder the ethics of dealing with beings they deemed lesser. Although I suppose I was growing more and more alike to both Kezess and Agrona, deeming certain sacrifices necessary or inconsequential compared to the scale of my final goal. It was another reason why I disliked using King’s Gambit so often as well.

But there was something else that drew everyone else’s attention. At the other end of the room stood two large figures. Each with large onyx horns that sprouted from their heads and reached up into the sky like tree branches.

Scythe Dragoth and his new Retainer Echeron, I didn’t expect to see them here of all places. After having his last Retainer so quietly dealt with the little present I sent their Dominion would most certainly feel the pressure from the others. Perhaps their Sovereign saw this war effort as a chance to win over some favor with Agrona to keep the other Sovereigns off his back. While Agrona enjoyed entertainment I’m sure even he wouldn’t stoke the fire of war between his own Dominions.

I originally had plans on dealing with all of the Scythes all at once, but with such an opportunity practically handed to me I wondered if I should just get rid of Dragoth here and now.

Even from this distance I could feel their oppressive aura of death and decay as they stood by like statues overlooking their people work. I was actually surprised that none of the men tried to run or fell into shock, it would seem that Agrona has done his due diligence and amped up his Scythes and Retainers. Most likely as a response to me, oh I wish I could have seen his face when I send these two with their tails in between their legs.

‘I call dibs on the Scythe.’ Regis announced as I could feel him itching to get out there and face his old master. I didn’t want to prod but from the emotions that were coming off of Regis I would hazard to guess that Uto didn’t have the healthiest relationship with his Scythe.

‘Then how do you propose we approach this?’ Sylvie chimed in as she gestured to the group of soldiers behind us. She was right, if it were only the three of us then thinking wasn’t necessary. With a flick of my wrist I could disable that warp gate and go on from there. The three of us could keep the Scythe and Retainer occupied while the Custodians guard the other soldiers, that seemed like the best method. And a good way of showcasing my abilities to these me, hopefully removing any doubts about my strength at least.

‘You think just showing your meathead level strength will be enough to win over the Bladeheart fella?’ Regis asked.

‘Small steps, Regis. Small steps.’ I replied as I could feel my core thrum with aetheric power. Regis also swelled within me, I could feel this wispy form preparing to manifest.

Turning to look at Sylvie and addressing everyone within my unit I issued a small comment.

+Let’s clean house.+

Echeron POV

Being reduced to staying at such an establishment was a disgrace of Vechor. The air was musty and stale as I stood at attention next to my Scythe. I had only recently taken up the empty position of Dragoth’s retainer, and it wasn’t quite what I would have imagined.

While the positions of Scythes and Retainers are chosen by combat during the Victoriad perhaps Dragoth and Sovereign Kiro felt threatened by the other Dominions. Indeed Dragoth’s previous retainer was the only casualty among the higher ranks of this war.

While the High Sovereign didn’t encourage open warfare among the Dominions during this whole war I’m sure he would turn a blind eye to be rid of a possible weak Dominion. That was the High Sovereign I always knew, probing, testing each of his Dominions. Pitting them against each other either through competitions like the Victoriad or through more violent means.

Scythe Dragoth, perhaps with the exception of Scythe Cadell, was one of the more feared Scythes in Alacrya. Some of that was due to his physical appearance. Standing side by side with him now he still towered for me. His bulky frame with that wicked look on his face, it made sense why he was so feared and respected.

But as of now Dragoth and Sovereign Kiro have to tread lightly, less they be discarded or worse. This was probably the reason why we were here in the first place overlooking operations here within the Beast Glades. Many of our own camps here were already ransacked or destroyed, leaving no survivors. So it at least made sense why they would send a Scythe to oversee things.

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And with having more things to prove then any of other Dominions Dragoth stepped up first representing his Sovereign. It still filled me with trepidation that we had to watch our own backs during such times. Nevertheless this was a good opportunity for me to prove myself to my Scythe master.

We stood, overlooking the warp gate flash on and off as large carriages holding supplies and personnel were pouring out from it. Many of them carried crates of food or large cages filled with some of the High Sovereign’s more exotic experiments. Further down those hallways were breeding pens we were using to produce these mana beasts we were herding towards the wall. Although they have all been ineffective for now, we knew we could eventually break through if we kept the pressure up.

My eyes slowly peered to the side towards my Scythe. His arms were crossed as a look of boredom dominated his bearded face. I could feel the frustration and anger coming off of him like the heat of an open fire.

It was as if he was saying that this was a complete waste of his time. Overlooking these insects as they worked.

At the very least however these insects seemed to be moving faster now as we were both here. They all knew one small mistake and that could be the end of their entire blood. As for myself I was still itching for my first proper fight as a retainer.

When I was chosen to be Scythe Dragoth’s retainer I was taken directly to Central Dominion and before the High Sovereign. And by the Vritra’s horns he was more majestic in person. He exuded power, but not like the Scythes or even the other Sovereigns.

There was a calm confident aura around him as he projected his strength. Like the steady beams of the warm sun. He had taken me down deeper within his keep and bestowed me with great gifts of spellforms that still seemed to burn warm as I thought of them.

Still it made me question if the High Sovereign was that powerful and intelligent as to freely bestow new magic to people then how was this war dragging along for so long? Was it perhaps some ploy to trick the tyrant asuras of Ephetous into thinking Alcraya was far weaker than it truly was?

No, it would be pointless of me to try to fathom the inner workers of someone such as the High Sovereign.

My thoughts were disturbed as I felt a chill run down my spine as I could have sworn I could feel the eyes of something on me. It felt too similar to the feeling that a helpless prey gets as the predator closes in. Not knowing where the threat was but knowing it was fast approaching.

Just then in a flash of purple lightning a man appeared in between me and Scythe Dragoth. He wore a simple collared white shirt and black pants. His skin pale white as his golden eyes seemed to see through all. Yet the stranger thing was that I felt no mana signature from this lesser. Some kind of trick or special relic? Nevertheless he was clearly no Alacryan.

And before all hell broke loose the strange little man uttered a simple greeting.

“Hello gentleman.”

Kasipan Bladeheart POV

In a flash of purple lightning Grey who was just standing in front of all of us appeared in between the two horned Alacryans. From their physical description I could put together that they were either Scythes or Retainers. Most likely that bigger looking man was the Scythe judging from the air he gave off. And Grey has just gone in like it was nothing, all alone.

My body moved on its own as I pushed mana into my limbs to carry me forward when a strong hand stopped me in my tracks. Looking upwards I saw one of the Custodians looking down at me with his head shaking slightly.

“Hello gentleman.” Grey’s words were quiet but were carried all over the large cavernous central area. With his words the world seemed to slow down as all the Alacryans stopped what they were doing to look up at the strange intruder.

The Scythe moved first. His large hands covered in dark almost black mana shot towards Grey. I shot a quick glance at the Custodian who was merely watching. I thought their whole purpose was protecting Grey, so why are they doing nothing? They seemed to merely watch as their king was being attacked.

But it would seem I have misjudged Grey’s strength. Or perhaps I have misjudged the Scythe’s. Even before the Scythe’s massive hands came close a dark mass burst from Grey’s body. The dark mass quickly gained form, turning into the shadow wolf made of flames as it sunk its sharp teeth directly into the Scythe’s throat.

The Retainer struck next. From his hands erupted a hurricane of dark fire. I could feel the dread from merely looking at the flames yet Grey seemed not bothered as he disappeared in a flash of purple lightning again as a deafening roar shook the underground cave.

From the darkness of the deeper tunnels Grey’s dragon companion lunged forward. Its teeth bared and claws at the ready, the dragon and the Retainer clashed as the soldiers among the Alacryan ranks quickly ran to grab their weapons and assume battle formations.

+Dicathens, attack!+ Grey’s voice could be heard in our minds and we complied as a streak of white fire was unleashed from his hand and struck the warp gate. The gate imploded into hundreds of smaller pieces as the portal fizzled away and died. With the concealment spell still active we got into our own positions. The augmenters in front as the conjurers supported them from the back, with the two Custodians bringing up the front and the rear.

On we went, the enemy Alacrayns were in disarray as from their perspective invisible forces were slowly cutting through their ranks. Eventually they gave up and began firing and hacking in random directions. Some of us were hit, but we came here prepared for death. But we were making steady progress as the Alacryan numbers began to dwindle.

But the real fight was being done by Grey. With each of his and his companion’s strikes the very earth shook. So much so that I feared that the underground cave may actually collapse.

The Scythe fired volleys of dark obsidian spikes, some of which struck the walls with such strength that they cracked the cave walls, sending splinters across its hard rock surface. Grey was a flurry of attacks, with a sword in each of his hands he blocked and parried every single attack as he continued to push back the Scythe.

With annoyance the Scythe with his free hand wretched the shadow wolf from his throat that was bright red with blood. But the wolf only turned around and bit down hard on the Scythe arm. The Scythe grimaced with pain but had no time to rest as Grey continued his assault.

Another deafening roar echoed through the caves as I turned my attention back to the dragon. With a loud impact sound the dragon planted its forelimb onto the Retainer’s chest as the sound of bones snapping cut through all the violence like a knife. The Retainer yelled with pain, but even that sound was cut short as the dragon’s massive jaws wrapped around the Retainer’s neck. The yells became screams and soon just turned into the sounds of the Retainer choking on his own blood before all of the sound was cut short as the dragon ripped off the Retainer’s head clean off. With a huff the dragon tossed it to the remained Alacryan soldiers who stared at the tumbling head in silence before it came to rest.

The face still had the expression of pain and panic written all over which seemed to have drained all the fighting spirit from them as they turned to run.

“Chase them down!” I shouted as my own men charged. It wasn’t long before my men and the Custodians had all the Alacryan soldiers and people in chains. Well, it was more the Custodians doing the heavy lifting as we took care of any stragglers. Herding them back to the central hub we were met with a shocking sight. The Retainer still laid there dead, his head several hundred meters from the rest of his blood body.

As for the Scythe he was bound in large purple chains as he was kneeling before Grey. Grey turned to face us and for a split second I could have sworn he was wearing a different face to the one I had seen before. It was a blink and miss it moment but his usual casual and calm face was replaced by one that seemed impossibly cold and cruel. The face of an ancient killer that couldn’t be reasoned or bargained with. An unstoppable force of nature.

Grey approached me as his dragon and shadow wolf all stood behind him guarding the Scythe. I instinctively took a small step back as he drew close. Not even his clothes were wrinkled or dirtied. In fact he didn’t seem tired in the slightest, which only made me wonder just how strong he was.

“The Retainer is dead and the Scythe is subdued for now.” He announced for all to hear.

At the mention of himself the Scythe stirred. He raised his large clean shaven head up, one half of his face was a bloody mess as he was missing an eye. But his words still carried immense power and authority.

“You think this is over?! You believe the High Sovereign will-” Grey moved so fast that I couldn’t even track his movements as he delivered a gut punch to the Scythe. The Scythe grunted as he sank lower to his knees.

“How about your men Kaspian?” Grey asked. The sheer casualness as he dealt with the Scythe unsettled me. If he could take care of a Scythe and his Retainer without breaking a sweat then just what was his upper limit? Was he really some kind of asura who was sent to us to lead us out of this war?

Clearing my throat I made a quick stern reply. “Only four injured your majesty.”

Grey nodded at my words. “I shall have them taken care of by my emitters.” He said as he returned his attention back to the Scythe.

“Am I safe in assuming that you will allow me to do with this Scythe as I please?” He asked.

I was a bit dumbfounded by his question. He was the king after all so he was free to do as he wanted. But just what was he planning for this Scythe who I was starting to feel a bit sad for.

“I don’t see why not, your majesty. But what do you intend to do with him?” I asked as I approached Grey. And from up close you couldn’t help but feel a bit bad for this Scythe. From his physical appearance alone you could tell it was a formidable being. His two large horns were ringed like that of an old tree and branched out and upwards. But to be reduced to such a miserable state.

“I wish to send that High Sovereign a small little message alone with his Scythe and Retainer.” Grey said with a small smile on his face. I turned my head slightly to look at the dead Retainer’s body. Deep open wounds marred his skin and armor as blood continued to trickle out of him.

“Regis?” Grey called out as the ears of his wolf companion perked up.

He gestured to the Scythe as he spoke. “I shall give you the honors.” The wolf seemed to smile with glee as his form melted into shadows as he seeped into the Scythe’s body.

Almost instantly the Scythe had a reaction. His head shot up, with blood beginning to stream down from his eyes. Yet he still maintained eye contact with Grey as I could feel his destructive mana trying desperately to break free from its bindings.

“What have you done to me?” He demanded through gritted teeth.

Grey only looked back with mock pity. “Something you had a long time coming. Should have been a bit nicer to your last Retainer.”

Confusion washed over the Scythe’s monstrous features. “Uto? What about hi-” His words were cut short as they were replaced by his screams. His body began to convolvulus and spasm as he fell onto his stomach. His entire body was now covered in dark wisps of purple flames as it appeared to be burning him from the inside out.

Still through all of that he stared up towards Grey with a newborn hatred. Then his eyes glazed over as he seemed to talk to himself. Whether it was some effect of Grey’s wolf companion or him just going insane from the pain I didn’t know.

“Who are you? What are- what do you mean? Uto, no. Don’t-”

With a clean kick Grey knocked the Scythe’s massive body effortlessly onto his back as he placed a foot on his chest.

“Are you getting it now Dragoth?” He almost seemed to gloat as the Scythe’s body was slowly falling apart. “I did warn you guys that I will be coming after you didn’t I?”

The Scythe’s red eyes went wide in realization. But that didn’t last long as he resumed his screams of pain.

Grey leaned in close so that only the three of us could hear. And in a voice that I have never heard him use before that sent the overwhelming feeling of dread of death he spoke.

“You’ll only wish that you were dead.”