As Valicar recounted the night's events, Altheack's face displayed a mix of disbelief and disgust. She had known Valicar for years and understood their "quirks" and troubles, but she couldn't fathom resorting to necromancy, even under such dire circumstances.
"Val, I know you've been through a lot, but using necromancy is not the answer," Altheack said firmly, upholding the teachings of more moral mages. "Necromancy is considered the ultimate sin in most of the world, and for good reason. Even if there are two people or two hundred, within your cracked head, it can't justify delving into such dangerous and forbidden magic."
Mike chimed in with his usual straightforward manner, "Believe us or not, Alth, it's the truth, and we ain't bullshitting you."
Sophia looked at their friend, "I understand your concern, but this curse is unlike anything you can imagine, and we are running out of time. We are slowly being driven insane by the experience," Sophia admitted for the first time, clarity hitting her. The nightmares had only gotten worse over the years, along with her disassociation from their violent past. The school had been a nice break from all the bloodshed. She would miss the artificial climate and the foods fresh from all around the world, along with the peace, no matter how temporary it may have been.
"Speak for yourself," Mike chimed in, laughing at the suggestion. Earning a knowing look from Altheack, she was used to her friend's strange ways by now.
Altheack's expression softened slightly, her concern evident in her eyes. "Val, I know you're struggling, but there must be another way. We'll figure this out together, as we always have."
"Well have to figure it out later." Mike cut in once again, Realizing that this conversation had to be postponed for a safer time, Sophia nodded, "You're right. The school is in chaos, and we just looted the Archmage's office. We need to find a safe place to plan our next steps and a city with a magical message array to talk to Easton."
With no time to spare, Sophia used her scrying spell to assess the situation. They were now in a winter forest, a stark contrast to the tropical jungle they had been in earlier. The chaos and devastation at the school were evident. Healers rushed to save those they could, while bodies lay scattered, and a few remaining templars continued to fight.
Amongst the chaos, they noticed the Archmage, surprisingly a wolf kin, being tended to by professors and older students alike, but he was in no shape to fight.
As they left the school grounds, they encountered an ally they had made during their time at Helm Hold. Valicar quickly conveyed that the deals they had made still stood, and they were gathering support for a war against the Pillars and the empire. They arranged to meet any willing allies in two years at the southern islands near Averox Pond, a small sea to the south of the empire. With that complete, they left by air flying over the frozen forest.
Flying high in the sky on Altheack's owl bear form for only an hour, the climate quickly changed. They spotted a nearby city—a massive town with a medieval style but with something incredible. The townspeople were beast kin, and their houses were built to resemble their natural habitats, a clear result of magic at work. Altheack recognized the place immediately.
"We must be in the Beast Kingdom on the eastern continent," she said, aware of the significance but not delving into the details.
"You're from the eastern continent, right?" Sophia inquired, knowing that Altheack's homeland was a sensitive subject for the half-elf.
"Unfortunately, yes. I've been to this kingdom once with my father before being thrown out as a bastard," Altheack admitted, opening up about her past for the first time.
"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, but any information about this area could be helpful," Mike offered, A rare sign of sympathy only Altheack and Sophia could bring out in him.
"It's fine. You've told me your truth, whether you're mad or not. My father is the King of Aldria, the last human kingdom that's free of the church's control. He was once the prince of Aldria but fell in love with an elvish woman from Lavias, the same kingdom House Wildwood is part of. Orion is a distant cousin, and my house is related to his, albeit distantly," Altheack explained, revealing her royal lineage and connections to the continent.
As Valicar and Altheack soared over the Beast Kingdom, they marveled at the incredible sight below. The city resembled a living, breathing zoo, with each home designed to resemble a different environment, blending in perfectly with the natural landscape. It was a testament to the harmonious relationship between the beast kin and their surroundings. "The Arch mage must of taken us to his homeland." Altheack Added.
They passed over the various districts, each distinct and unique in its own way. The jungle area was a lush and vibrant paradise filled with bird men who soared through the canopy with ease. The air was filled with the songs of exotic birds, and the green foliage stretched as far as the eye could see.
In the water district, they spotted fish men gracefully gliding through the crystal-clear waters. The district was like an underwater wonderland, with colorful corals and aquatic life dotting the landscape.
The ice district was a winter wonderland, covered in a glistening layer of snow and ice. Winter creatures like polar bears and arctic foxes roamed freely, their fur adapting to the chilly climate. The beast kin here had adapted to the cold, with some sporting elegant ice-based magic.
The desert area was a vast expanse of golden sands, where lizard men moved with agility and grace. The heat was intense, but the lizard kin seemed at home, using their mastery over the elements to thrive in this harsh environment.
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In the heart of the city, they saw the fusion of all four environments, a melting pot of diversity and coexistence. The district was a bustling center of trade and cultural exchange. The rolling plains surrounding the city acted as a buffer zone, maintaining harmony between the different districts.
Though the Beast Kingdom appeared to be a paradise, Valicar couldn't help but sense an undercurrent of tension. The Pillars' tyranny and the threat of the Human Empire weighed on their minds, even in this secluded sanctuary.
As they landed at the impressive castle that overlooked the city, Valicar couldn't help but be in awe of the grandeur before them. The guards immediately greeted them with calls in the beast's tongue, a language Valicar didn't understand. However, Altheack, in her humanoid form, fluently translated for them.
"They want to know if we had something to do with the flash in the direction of the school," Altheack explained. "I filled them in on the news, but they don't believe me. Apparently, we are detained until their scouts can confirm it. But if it's true, we will be able to talk to someone important."
The guards, with chains and restraints in hand, began to close in on them, causing Sophia to panic as memories of their past captivity resurfaced. Altheack, however, remained calm and started talking to the men. After a few exchanges, the guards surprisingly backed off, putting away their restraints and even lowering their weapons and spells.
"What the hell did you tell them?" Mike asked, the tension leaving his body as he relaxed, ready to defend himself and his sister if needed.
"I just mentioned who my dad was," Altheack replied with a sly smile. "I might have left out the bastard part, but it doesn't matter to their culture as much, so we should be okay for now."
Sophia raised an eyebrow, curious about Altheack's plan. "For now?" she asked, seeking further clarification.
"Yup, for now," Altheack confirmed, her confidence evident.
The guards, now seemingly less hostile, guided them into the castle. Inside, they were greeted by a blend of architectural styles that reflected the diverse cultures of the beast kin, a display of predators and prey alike in every form of art.
As they walked through the castle's hallways, Altheack continued to converse with the guards, explaining their mission and seeking an audience with someone of importance. Word of their presence and Altheack's lineage spread quickly, and soon, they were led to a majestic chamber where a regal figure awaited.
The figure, a majestic polar bear in humanoid form, exuded an aura of power that was palpable to Sophia's senses. His presence commanded respect, and it was evident that he possessed significant magical ability to match his commanding physical form. As they entered the chamber, he regarded them with a piercing gaze, his eyes seemingly able to see into their very souls.
Altheack stepped forward, introducing her friends to the imposing figure. "This is King Arcturus, the ruler of the Beast Kingdom," she said with a hint of pride in her voice at recognizing the man.
Sophia, bowed respectfully, acknowledging the King's status and power. The King inclined his head slightly in response, acknowledging the gesture of respect.
"Hello, Your Majesty," Valicar began, their voice respectful but unwavering. "I am Valicar Norail, and I am on a quest to reunite the alliances of old, to gather their strength and storm the empire, freeing the kingdom of Kelvidion from the Pillars' tyranny. Our house may resume power, but it will be a debt we gladly owe, for if Helm Hold is no longer safe, is anywhere truly secure?"
Altheack skillfully translated Valicar's words, enhanced by Sophia's diplomatic skills that had grown over the years. King Arcturus listened attentively, his piercing gaze unwavering. The weight of their quest and the importance of uniting the alliances were not lost on him. The Beast Kingdom had long maintained its independence from the enemy states, and they had their own reasons to be cautious about the Pillars' influence.
The King considered their plea for a moment before responding in the beast tongue, which Altheack promptly translated. "Your quest is noble, and the freedom of Kelvidion is a cause we understand and support. Helm Hold's fall will send ripples through the lands, and with Archmage Alaric Spellweaver in a coma it is indeed a time of great uncertainty. The alliances of old must unite to stand against the Pillars, and we shall stand with you," the King affirmed. "If you can prove your reputation to be true... Even we have heard of you, the winner of two magical games in only three years," he added with a sinister smile. "You must fight me in single combat to prove you are someone worth following."
In the courtyard, Valicar faced King Arcturus, and the air crackled with tension. The King lunged forward, swinging his massive mace low at the short mage. With a combination of Mike's agility and magical buffs from Sophia, Valicar leaped over the swing gracefully, narrowly avoiding the devastating strike.
Meanwhile, Mike summoned two swords to his hands, his desire to face the beast on his own evident. Sophia followed Mike's hand signs, imbuing Valicar with her usual strength, speed, and fortification buffs. This infusion of power allowed Valicar's body to keep up with the surge of magical strength flooding through them.
Mike's blades clashed against the King's monstrous hide, but to their surprise, the swords shattered upon impact. "Fuck, I hate to say it, but I don't think ice is gonna work. Can we try fire since he's an ice type?" Mike quipped, finding a playful connection with Sophia through a shared love for a certain game involving pocket monsters.
Sophia saw an opportunity and suggested, "I could use the knock-off, Blue Dawn."
Knowing it would consume a monstrous amount of mana, Mike confidently replied, "Do it, and I'll make sure not to kill him."
Sophia chanted the incantation, "Binloval Geroxy Mertimora," and a blue, flaming sword formed in her hand. The magical sword radiated intense heat, and Mike knew he had his weapon.
In response, the King summoned a blizzard to conceal his movements, but Mike didn't flinch. With a mighty swing of his sword, a blue wave of flame erupted, dispelling the blizzard and clashing with the King's attack.
The King and Mike engaged in a fierce duel, their weapons clashing with a brilliant display of power and skill. Mike's sword was a perfect counter to the King's icy attacks, and with each strike, the King's confidence seemed to waver.
As the Valicar and the King locked blades, Mike's sword began to melt away the King's ice mace. With a final surge of strength, Mike's blade cut through the mace, leaving the King momentarily defenseless with the flaming sword stopping inches from his neck.
"HAHAHA!" The King roared with genuine amusement at the twins' battle with him, His laughter a universal language. He respected their strength and skill, acknowledging them as worthy opponents as he ended the dual.
Breathing heavily, Mike stepped back, and the King grinned in satisfaction. "You've proven your mettle, Valicar twin blade of fire and ice," the King said with a knowing look. "I shall stand with you in your quest to unite the alliances and face the Pillars," Altheack translated, still in awe of the battle.
The courtyard erupted in cheers as the twins, with Sophia and Mike's combined efforts, earned the respect and alliance of the powerful Beast Kingdom. The fate of Kelvidion and the future of the alliances now rested on their shoulders as they continued their journey to liberate their homeland from the Pillars' grasp.