In the shadows, spies and informants relayed the information to their superiors in the Nightblade settlement, setting plans into motion. They plotted and strategized, unsure of the exact nature of these chosen cadets, but unwilling to underestimate their newfound influence.
The whispers of Sigmund's death reverberated through the camp, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the cadets' journey. Same like any other cadets, Yuria and Karanzo were also in a state of uproar upon hearing the news of Sigmund Luminar's death.
Some felt a sense of loss, mourning the fall of a respected leader, while others saw it as an opportunity for change and upheaval. They once united under Sigmund's guidance, now faced a fractured path, and because of that, the Nightblade sought to continue his legacy, carrying the torch of his ideals and principles.
The two Nightblade representatives, Raidou, the Master Shinobi clad in all-black attire, and Isolde, a noble assassin, explained the chronology of events leading up to the war over the runes, their voices carrying beyond the settlement.
Their message primarily aimed to belittle other factions rather than elevate their own greatness. They informed everyone about the reasons why the Demolitionists were nothing more than a gathering of terrorists. In essence, the old order of Malazen, which once shared a unified vision and mission, had been corrupted by defectors, leading to its division.
"Ragnar Grom is a deceitful murderer! Do not follow the Demolitionists, for they will only lead you astray! Do not let those firearms blind your path as cadets of the academy! Join Nightblade for the future of Malazen!" declared Raidou and Isolde.
The stage was set for a battle of ideologies, a clash that would determine the future of the Malazen. The cadets were left pondering the nature of the Holmgang between the leaders of the two factions.
"Isn't the Holmgang supposed to be a fair one-on-one duel?" one cadet questioned.
"Yeah, if Grom managed to defeat the prince using a gun, it doesn't mean he cheated, right?" another cadet chimed in.
Isolde, triggered by the cadets' words, promptly refuted their assumptions. "Ragnar Grom didn't defeat him with a gun! He used the forbidden technique of the dragon's roar! In ancient times, duels of honor strictly prohibited the use of magic, especially the screams used to slay dragons!"
Raidou added, "Indeed! That scoundrel seized the opportunity to cheat! If the fight were limited to physical attacks alone, Grom knows he wouldn't stand a chance!"
The cadets began exchanging hushed whispers among themselves, expressing their disdain for the faction before them. If things continued as they were, it seemed that Nightblade would be the first to be eliminated. This meant that the balance of power in Malazen currently rested at fifty percent, with the Demolitionists holding a significant portion. The fate of Malazen was now in the hands of the latest generation, as they fought for their own interests in an attempt to alter the course of events.
Isolde's voice rose above the clamor, "We cannot let Sigmund's death be in vain," she declared, rallying those who shared her conviction. "We must honor his memory by standing together, united against the forces that seek to dismantle everything he fought for."
Raidou, with a hardened gaze and clenched fists, echoed his sentiment. "Sigmund believed in us, in our potential to bring about change. We cannot falter now. We must rise above the chaos and become the saviors he saw in us."
Yuria raised her hand, seeking clarification from Isolde. "If Prince Sigmund is no longer with us, who is currently in charge of Nightblade?"
"Nightblade is temporarily led by his fiancée, Pershiva Eloise. However, following the prince's death, Malazen's situation has grown even more chaotic, and we are in need of reinforcements. I implore all of you to join Nightblade and help restore the peace and stability that Malazen so desperately needs," Isolde explained earnestly.
Yuria recalled Hyoh's advice about staying focused on the final exam and not allowing the outside world to distract her. Ever since Sigmund Luminar's death, Malazen's landscape had changed drastically, with the Demolitionists gaining control over the Blaze Desert and Drought Desert. The Plague Desert was hardly an ideal place to reside, and now, Nightblade's only remaining territory lay within the Mist Desert.
"I apologize," Karanzo spoke up. "While I understand the current state of Nightblade, I have no intention of joining the faction."
"Why? You're Karanzo from Shinra, right?" Isolde inquired.
Karanzo walked away, replying, "We still have Instructor Kenneth's exam to focus on. I don't want to be a sacrificial lamb when I need to concentrate on my exams."
Yuria chimed in, following Karanzo's lead. "He's right. At the moment, I can't commit myself because I'm uncertain if I'll even survive the next test."
"Wait! If it's exams you're worried about, I can help! I'm your senior, you know!" Isolde offered eagerly.
"Leave them be, Isolde," Raidou intervened, causing Isolde to fall silent in resignation. "It's true, the new cadets are rude and ignorant. They've been programmed that way since childhood."
*
In the Occultist settlement, curious cadets gathered in front of a tent guarded by two faction representatives: Zel the Fire-Lock and Eda the Spellbinder. Most Occultists wore long red robes adorned with a sun symbol. Eda captivated the cadets with her mesmerizing display of Pyrokinesis—a skill in fire manipulation. Flames danced in her palm, forming intricate patterns with every movement of her hands.
The fire they wielded originated from the wellspring of magical energy within them. It provided immunity and purged internal viruses. Their headquarters, Anor Cardhon, lay in the northeastern tip of the Plague Desert. Even without serums, their bodies saturated with magical energy shielded them from radiation. However, the constant use of Mana slowly eroded their reserves, making it perilous to face Malazen's harsh climate if they ran out.
"Listen up, all of you!" Eda called out. "We, the Children of Anor, will teach you the art of fire for free! Basic Pyromancy is not just about intelligence—it requires skill and finesse like that of a Conjurer. If you're still unsure, we'll guide you!"
Zel followed up, emphasizing their conditions. "But remember, this comes with a price. You must adhere to our teachings and traditions. Praise the sun, the bringer of blessings!" As Zel spoke, the intense rays of the sun casting a warm golden glow over the camp, but temporarily blinded the cadets.
"Ouch! My eyes! The sun is blinding!" grumbled the cadets, wincing at the brightness.
"Is this what they're all about? A misguided cult!" one cadet muttered.
"Damn sun... I'm getting out of here!" another exclaimed, seeking relief from the scorching heat.
Eda was provoked by their words and promptly refuted them, saying, "No, my friends! We're not mocking you! This is a natural gift, and we're here to share it with all of you. Even if you feel powerless, you can still be blessed with the power of fire and become a Pyromancer!"
Leif, Zain's friend (both stubborn), questioned with skepticism, "Powerless? Become a Pyromancer?"
"Yes! Don't feel discouraged if you currently lack strength. We're here to guide you and help you harness the power of fire," Eda reassured them.
Leif snarled, "So, you think we're weak and you're making fun of us?"
"No, no, no! That's not what I meant. I'm saying that everyone has the potential to rise from the bottom and achieve greatness. We're here to support you on that journey," Eda clarified.
The longer Eda spoke, the atmosphere grew increasingly toxic and chaotic. The cadets jeered and conspired to insult the Occultist faction. In truth, they didn't require anything from the factions, nor did they seek their assistance. They were simply bored after a long journey and sought some entertainment before departing, taking the faction as a source of amusement.
"What else can they teach us besides fire techniques? Telekinesis?" the thought provoked laughter among the cadets.
It appeared that the Occultist faction received the most scorn and ridicule from the cadets. Unable to tolerate the insults and overwhelmed by the commotion, a female voice echoed through the air, pricking their ears. "Don't play with fire, children, or the fire will burn you all..."
"Hah! Whose voice is that?!" they exclaimed, puzzled by the mysterious warning.
The cadets stuttered and looked around, sensing something amiss, but unable to locate the source of the woman's voice. Her words echoed in their ears without a clear direction. A dimensional portal materialized beside Eda and Zel, revealing a confident Occultist woman with a beautiful face and flowing blonde hair. She fearlessly presented herself before the bullies, captivating the cadets with her charm. The sight of her physique and beauty melted their hearts as if witnessing the descent of a celestial being into the Runeverse.
"Lady Margaretha!" Eda gasped.
"Priestess, you didn't need to come all the way here! We can handle it," Zel exclaimed.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
The captivating woman met their words with a cold gaze. "You two want them to trample upon our faction's pride? If Nisha were to find out, you might be the ones trampled upon. So, keep quiet and let me handle this."
Zel and Eda shuddered in fear at the mention of 'Nisha.' Lady Margaretha elegantly approached the cadets, capturing their attention with each graceful step she took. Her presence commanded respect and silenced their chatter. Taking advantage of the moment, she introduced herself, "I am Margaretha Briseis, the Priestess of the Sun! As the tactician of the Occultist faction, it is my role to bestow the gift of fire upon those in need. How many of you come from lands beyond this continent?"
Almost every cadet raised their hand. Lady Margaretha let out a sigh, recognizing their jesting and desire for attention. With a composed demeanor, the Priestess had no intention of forcing them to join her faction. She understood that their beliefs needed to stem from their own curiosity and conviction. Thus, she preferred to guide them gradually, allowing them to make their own choices after uncovering the truth.
"I understand that some of you hail from distant lands. Even though you have spent several years in the Dawnstrike Fortress, it is my duty to acquaint you with the history of Malazen."
Margaret cast a spell, causing her wand to float in the air and emit a brilliant glow. With closed eyes, she danced gracefully, accompanied by a mesmerizing morganite aura that pulsated in rhythm with nature's heartbeat. Sensing the turbulent emotions within the Runeverse, the Priestess sought to calm its anger toward the new cadets. A fragrant aroma permeated her every elegant movement, captivating all who watched. As her dance flowed like water, Margaret transitioned seamlessly into a melodious song that filled everyone with excitement.
"Such smooth movements! What a beautiful dance!" exclaimed one cadet.
"And such a melodious voice! She is truly graceful!" added another.
"Praise the sun! I love this faction!" cheered a third.
The factions that had been full of reproach and insults just moments ago now overflowed with praise and cheers. Cadets from the Demolitionist and Nightblade factions rushed toward the Occultist settlement, jostling to get closer to Lady Margaret. Charmed by her enchanting singing voice and hypnotic dance moves, they were drawn to her allure. The traditional dance performance on stage attracted a growing audience, with nearly all cadets, especially the males, captivated by her presence.
"Where is that beautiful woman? Where?" Zain asked in a daze as he ran toward the source of the enchanting sound.
In a deserted Demolitionist settlement, Giltianos felt dismayed seeing people easily leaving his tent, hoping they understood that blindly following the majority was not always right, despite the irony of his faction's larger size. He no longer held high expectations, knowing they would likely regret their choice and eventually return to a stronger faction.
Giltianos tried to calm his annoyance by approaching his partner, Mesaac, and grumbled, "That woman did it again! If this continues, the new cadets will be blinded by false light!"
Mesaac, however, simply sat quietly and responded, "It doesn't matter. Soon, they will learn the true nature of that woman and her followers when they discover the true terror of Grom."
Likewise, in the Nightblade settlement, where there were no visitors, Isolde expressed her annoyance, muttering, "That woman may be beautiful, but she's as cunning as a snake! I hope she tells the truth about Malazen without manipulation!"
"Relax," Raidou replied, leaning back casually. "If the story goes astray, there will surely be a cadet from Malazen to confirm it. That woman wouldn't be so reckless."
With a graceful wave of her wand, Margaret began her enchanting display. A soft glow emanated from the tip of the wand, casting a warm aura over the settlement. The cadets watched in awe as the air shimmered, revealing scenes from the past.
As if on an invisible screen, the images materialized before their eyes, projected into the air like a grand show. The cadets gasped in wonder as they saw the ancient city of the Elven Era, it's majestic buildings and bustling streets vividly brought to life. They marveled at the architecture, the intricacy of the designs, and the energy that once permeated those hallowed streets.
Margaret spoke, "Before the existence of the Great Dawn Empire, two sky dragon tribes had long inhabited the land. The Isil Tribe, also known as the Moon Elves, and the Anor Tribe, the Sun Elves. Like Yin and Yang, they perpetually clashed, their leaders bestowed with the Great Runes by the Runeverse within their respective temples. Sun Mou, the chieftain of the Anor tribe, possessed the Sun Rune, while Ken Arou, the Isil tribe's leader, held the Moon Rune. Generation after generation, the two tribes waged ceaseless battles.
“During the first world war between the One King and the Elfones, battling against the Demon King Demigra, Kaliyuga, one of Demigra's generals, mounted on the black dragon Kalameth, set out on an expedition to Malazen with his demonic army. Confronted by the imminent arrival of a supremely powerful enemy, the Anor and Isil tribes joined forces and formed an alliance to face the threat together. However, Kaliyuga's force proved overwhelmingly superior to their combined strength, and within many years, they surrendered their Great Rune and submitted to Kaliyuga, becoming the forerunners to the rulers of Malazen.”
The images shifted seamlessly, showcasing the natural wonders of the Great Dawn Empire. Rolling hills, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes unfurled before their eyes. The cadets felt a deep connection to the land, appreciating the harmony between nature and the people who dwelled within its embrace.
“The formidable Dawnguard Wall underwent a transformation and became the vast empire known as the Great Dawn Empire. Alongside this, the Dawnstrike Fortress was established to bolster its military forces. The Scepter, adorned with the three Great Runes—Earth, Moon, and Sun—symbolized Kaliyuga's dominion. Despite their efforts, the One King's power resided on a completely different level.”
Margaret's wand wove tales of valor and heroism, displaying the legendary battles that shaped the history of Malazen. The cadets witnessed the sacrifices made by their ancestors, understanding the price that was paid for their freedom and prosperity.
“The first era of war concluded with a victory for the One King Astoriamus, whom Emperor Kaliyuga believed to have been bestowed with immortality, protection, guidance, and unparalleled mastery by the Divines. Kaliyuga pledged his loyalty and committed to serving Astoriamus as the ruler of the entire Runeverse.”
The scene continued, depicting the cultural and intellectual achievements of the empire. The cadets were enthralled by the vibrant artwork, the profound philosophical teachings, and the groundbreaking discoveries that propelled Malazen to greatness.
“Centuries passed, and during Emperor Kaliyuga's zenith, a fire spirit visited Chief Sun Mou at the Anor Cardhon temple. It forewarned him that unless they sought aid from the sun and offered it reverence, a catastrophic disaster would befall Malazen two thousand years hence.
“However, Kaliyuga disregarded the warning as absurd and foolish. To him, it was nothing more than nonsensical ramblings, for he would not be present in this world for the next two millennia. Frustrated by Sun Mou's persistent admonitions, Kaliyuga banished him and his tribe from the kingdom. Meanwhile, the bond between the Emperor and Ken Arou and his tribe grew stronger.”
As the show progressed, the cadets were immersed in stories of legendary figures—kings and queens, paladins and assassins, heroes and heroines. They saw the transformative power of their ancestors' actions, the indomitable spirit that propelled Malazen forward through the ages.
“Two thousand years have elapsed, and the royal bloodline has transitioned to the Sigmund clan. The unexpected emergence of Chthonian creatures from the depths of the earth has vindicated Sun Mou's warnings. For over a millennium, from the time of the first Sigmund to Sigmund Arda, the clan has endeavored to fend off Chthonian invasions, but their efforts have always been in vain.
“Malazen's territories have suffered widespread devastation, and nothing has been able to repel the onslaught of the creatures except assistance from the sun. To ensure the peace of Malazen, the solar prophecy's warnings must never be disregarded, for opposing them will result in a fiery fate. Thus, the Sun Tribe of the Occultists has faithfully preserved and upheld its traditions throughout the ages.”
Tattered banners and faded tapestries fluttered in the wind, remnants of the empire's heraldry. Broken weapons and armor lay scattered, remnants of a futile struggle against the overwhelming Chthonians. And amongst the rubble, hushed whispers of those who had survived, their hearts heavy with grief and longing for the empire that was lost.
“On the brink of the Great Dawn Empire's ultimate destruction, Emperor Sigmund Arda is compelled to seek refuge in a concealed and forbidden location—the tombs of his predecessors, the Emperor Mausoleum. Within these hallowed chambers, he unseals Emperor Kaliyuga's tomb and reclaims the forbidden Kaliyuga Scepter. Assisted by the Children of Anor, who invoke a forbidden spell from the Scepter, the Great Dawn Empire is engulfed by the lands of Malazen.”
The once-vibrant and flourishing continent of Malazen lay in ruins, a grim testament to the cataclysmic event known as the Kaliyuga Explosion. The aftermath of the devastating blast transformed the once-proud civilization into a desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape. The average temperature was capable of incinerating all living beings.
Where bustling cities once stood, now only remnants of crumbled buildings and twisted metal remained. Skyscrapers, once symbols of human ingenuity, now stood as hollow skeletons, their broken windows reflecting a haunting emptiness. The streets, once teeming with life, were now overgrown with weeds and choked with debris.
“This is the sun's wrath for the failure to heed its warnings. In order to prevent a recurrence of such a calamity, the Children of Anor bear the responsibility of determining the fate of this ravaged continent. However, this particular era stands as perhaps the darkest period in Malazen's history. The incessant war between the three factions persists, with little regard for the lurking Chthonian menace from below. It is imperative for the new generation of cadets to grasp the significance of history, lest the same cycle befall them once more.”
As the final scenes played out, Margaret's wand conjured images of progress and hope. The cadets saw the transformative power of education, witnessing the establishment of the Academy of Assassins and the spread of knowledge throughout the Dawnstrike Fortress. They understood that they were part of a lineage of assassins, tasked with carrying the torch of wisdom into the future.
With a gentle wave of her wand, Margaret concluded the mesmerizing show. The images dissipated, leaving the cadets with a profound appreciation for their history and a sense of responsibility to honor their heritage. Margaret's wand, now at rest, held within it the memories and lessons of the past, ready to be called upon whenever the cadets sought guidance.
As the cadets departed, their minds buzzing with newfound knowledge, Margaret's voice lingered in their ears. "Remember, dear cadets, that history is not just a collection of dates and names. It is a living tapestry, woven with the stories of ordinary people who dared to shape their world. Embrace your role as stewards of this legacy, for the future of Malazen lies in your hands."
A group of cadets huddled together, their faces reflecting a mix of awe and fear. The destruction wrought by the Chthonian Invasion lay before them, a stark reminder of the perils they faced.
"If the story holds true, then the empire is to blame for all of this! We, the last generation, suffer because of them!"
"Even after twenty years in Malazen, I've only just realized it! That brief explanation was worth years in the academy!"
"Priestess! Why didn't the Children of Anor reveal the prophecy to the academy from the beginning?"
Margaret gently responded, "No, my child. The answer lies in futility. They will not aid in solving problems until they comprehend the significance of trust."
"But, Priestess, this only perpetuates divisions that will never unite. If this continues, the problems will remain unsolved."
“Tell them that, boy, not the Children of Anor... Now that you know the truth, choose your faction based on your heart's calling, don't be a baby crawling toward shiny things.”
"Wait! Can you all feel it? My blood is dancing! The war is coming!" Leif exclaimed.
The ground trembled, causing the cadets to frantically scan their surroundings. A bell tolled, and panic gripped the pier as people fled toward the settlements, recognizing the abnormality of the ocean. The third faction swiftly rushed forward, armed and ready to offer assistance. Meanwhile, the majority of the new generation of cadets remained indifferent, their focus still fixed on the vital mission awaiting them in Moriath.