“Izanami, usually you don't visit me alone, is everything ok?” Myra was floating around, using her fairy-like wings to move through the air easily. She had an interested look on her face as she floated over towards a nearby chair, waving her index finger to cause not only her chair but two others to move back for her guests. She then moved over and sat down on one with her hands on her lap. She looked incredibly adorable and very child-like.
“This is, uhh...a very, very important matter,” Izanami spoke again. She wasn’t sure what to say as Avrin was meant to handle it. “Very important? Oh? And is it the reason this stranger is here?” Myra glanced over curiously towards Avrin, unaware of who he was.
“He must be one of your kind since I can’t detect any mana from him,” she spoke again with even more curiosity. “It would be bad if Syrana came and saw me” Avrin said, “let’s talk somewhere more private.”
Myra blinked and tilted her head. “Eh? What do you mean, why would Syrana be angry if she saw you? Hey, just who are y-!” Avrin’s Divine Sense engulfed the three of them as he Divine Stepped them to the tower peak of the Spectral city.
“You! Huh…?” Myra finished her sentence and quickly glanced around with confusion. She saw the dark themed room with dark matter lights. Myra was stunned, but she had experienced teleportation before and quickly came to her senses. Her first reaction was that something bad had happened judging by the layout. She quickly began to prepare a spell. When she focused in front of her she noticed Izanami and then the stranger beside her. She saw how Avrin’s human form began to change. It was as if ash was peeling away from his skin as he reverted to his Spectral form.
“A...Avrin!! It’s you?!!” Myra was shocked, but Avrin appearing didn’t make her lower her guard. She quickly began to recount a spell but because Seleria lacked mana she had to take from her own weakened reserves.
Avrin felt his decision was a good idea. If she tried this in the settlement it would have attracted attention. “Calm down, I’m not here to harm or fight you Myra, I just want to talk.” Avrin tried to speak in a tone that had no threatening or hidden agenda behind it. Myra, though, seemed to back away on her little legs as she glanced around as if to look for a place to escape.
“Miss Myra, it’s as he says. Please just hear him out, it’s for the benefit of your people!” Izanami spoke, hoping to give more reason for her to relax.
“Why should I trust you, Avrin? This is all your fault. And you, Izanami...I never expected you were a traitor!” Myra’s eyes began to water.
“Stubborn!” Izanami frowned and glanced at Avrin, wondering what he would do. “This was my fault, how about somewhere more familiar to you.” Avrin engulfed the three of them again before they were Divine Stepped back to the southern continent. This time, they were in the sylph forest.
Half the forest was in ruins, with broken dead branches as well as areas of ash and battle. It looked to be ripped apart in several sections. Avrin, though, had taken her to the Sylph capital that was mostly destroyed, with many things charred or broken. Of course, one who had visited the place before would still recognize it, as it still held a majestic splendor.
Myra felt her body shudder again as she backed up before glancing around. After a few moments, she realized where she was. “This place....Avrin..” she glanced at him carefully. “What are you plotting!” Myra carefully held a staff of Unique quality that had been found on an expedition for resources and supplies.
“Myra, I speak the truth, I don’t intend to harm you. If I did, do you think you would all be living? That I would let Syrana go after meeting her?” Myra didn’t let up. She held a hidden caution and hatred for Avrin.
“Why should I trust you, you transported me to that strange place and now back here! Why not just speak it where we met. If you’re telling the truth, why are you going to such lengths to hide our talk.” Myra’s point was quite valid, and Avrin had a just as valid answer.
“Syrana does not want to see me. I did not want her to notice us if anything happened. I want to keep to her word until she does want to meet me again. That being said, it does not mean that I should just watch you all suffer. I never intended any of this to happen, I want to help all of you, I want to fix things and change Seleria back to its original state.”
Myra pressed her lips together as her eyes shook somewhat, not very convinced. “Avrin, how can I trust you! Syrana and I knew you would be a catalyst for destruction and now look. In the case that it isn’t your fault, you are still the cause of this all. I was told how you freed Azrael, he was the one that freed Orochi, and then after the dragons attacked Seleria changed thanks to you, and now mana is incredibly scarce that we can’t even cast most mid-level spells without expending our total internal stockpile.”
“I’m not going to beg you to trust me or force you to, I have my own morals and standards. That being said, Myra, me and my people have no intention to remain on Seleria for our entire lives. The question is, are you satisfied with us leaving without restoring the planet?”
Avrin felt a little irritated as he truly wanted to help, but he was being blamed as if he had purposely done this, so he had given Myra a choice. Myra blinked and her small body trembled a little. She thought carefully. “-Is he really able to restore the planet? But if what he said is true, even the slightest bit of truth, then when he and his people leave we will continue an era of hardship and suffering...-”
Avrin and Izanami remained silent as Myra thought. Suddenly the ground trembled and a tempest of wind blew away ash and tore apart charred trees while those few trees that hadn’t been burnt by dragon flame during the previous attack were uprooted and blown away.
A shocking roar sounded out as a large shadow shot up into the air, its wings spreading as it hovered mid flight and glanced down towards Myra. A dragon that had forced the Sylphs to move had awoken after sensing Myra’s mana. “You damned little mortals!! How dare you return here, this is our home now. Begone!!”
Myra was wide eyed with fright as she looked at the dragon, then at Avrin with worry. Izanami was also quite afraid, yet her eyes narrowed as she formed a dark matter sword in one of her hands.
“No need to worry, continue to think of your choice Myra.” Avrin carelessly spoke out before he turned to look at the dragon. He raised his right hand towards it and as his Divine Sense covered it he activated his Phantom Pulse.
The dragon looked at Avrin pointing his hand towards it. The first thing it thought was “-Hahaha, this mortal shit is going to fight me?...huh?!-” with its last thought, its body shook before it felt heavy and in a near instant it came crashing down like a meteor dropping out of the sky, smashing into the ground and causing the earth to shake again. A small crater was formed as its injured body twitched and bled.
Izanami was stunned at what had happened. She never expected Avrin to be powerful to the point of dispatching a dragon by simply raising a hand. Myra was more so surprised, but she wasn’t sure what had happened. She saw Avrin raise his hand and then the dragon suddenly shoot towards the ground.
“Avrin...” she quietly spoke with shock and awe. Avrin lowered his hand and turned back to look at her. “I don’t like to owe people anything. You and Syrana were right about me, but I never did any of this intentionally. There is something I wanted to show Syrana but I never got a chance. So I will share it with you instead.”
In front of Avrin, dark matter particles began to seep from his body. He began to form a pill-sized orb, which while small, still took quite a toll on him. This orb was a Sphere of Knowledge, and although it summarized the events of Seleria, who the gods were, what they were doing, the issue with Azrael, who Orphelium was and that the universe was boundless and that everyone here on Seleria was simply "farm subjects" to birth Enigma ability users.
To create an orb that someone of dark matter could use was simple for Avrin, but to make one someone of mana could use was very hard for him. At this stage, he knew little about it, but barely enough to make this work. When the pill-sized orb was ready, Avrin’s face was sweating. “Swallow this orb. In it is a recollection of memories that will explain the whole situation to you. It’s very tiring for me to make this, so I hope you will at least trust me just enough for that. If I wanted to kill you or the rest it would be done with a simple flick of the wrist, that should be enough evidence to show you that I do not want to harm anyone without reason.”
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Avrin looked at Myra who cautiously took the orb that floated towards her and examined it, even going as far as to sniff it once then look at Avrin. “You leave me no choice. What if I refuse?”
Avrin’s expression didn’t change much but he replied. “If you refuse then I’ll send you back and you can forget you ever met me. Me and my people have no intention to stay here. We plan to go back to a place where we truly belong, and not steal another’s home. As for that place, you will know if you ingest the orb.”
Myra gave a complicated look before letting out a sigh. In the end, she knew she was between a rock and a hard place. She was worried his offer would be dangerous, but she was also worried that if she declined then she knew over the years Seleria wouldn’t recover and that there would most likely be dangerous problems with the people, possibly even sickness.
Opening her little mouth she popped the orb into it and swallowed. The moment it entered her throat and into her stomach the orb melted and transformed into a carefully controlled dark matter substance that was very, very strange. The mana of Myra’s body touched the dark matter but the moment it did the dark matter shook before changing until its properties were identical to mana. Of course, the dark matter still kept its form. It was absorbed into Myra’s body.
Myra’s eyes widened. A flood of memories and images surged into her mind, showing her many, many events, from Azrael to Orochi and from Orochi to the gods of Seleria and who they were and what they wanted, and then to Orphelium and Avrin’s battle, and then his actions to save Seleria.
Later that day, Syrana made her way around for a late check up to see how things were doing. She walked in a dignified manner but didn’t have a trace of arrogance or pride. On her face was an expressionless look. When one looked at her they would wonder what was on her mind.
Making her way over to the second building, she casually turned the metal handle and opened the door.
When she entered, she saw Myra sitting down on a small stool, glancing outside a window looking at the sky with her face hidden from sight. Syrana was taken aback somewhat, as she had only seen Myra like this once and that was when many Sylphs were killed during the dragon attack and they were forced to move.
“Myra, what’s wrong? Did something happen!?” Syrana was quite worried and she spoke out while approaching. “We will be sending people to go rebuild a settlement back at the forest.” she turned to look at Syrana, revealing a complicated expression, one that had been given an answer and was now taking it in.
“The forest? That’s impossible Myra, the dragons there ha-” Myra cut Syrana off and spoke out. “Have already been taken care of. Avrin has handled them and will send us help to rebuild there.”
Syrana’s brows furrowed somewhat. “Avrin?! What the hell is he thinking? Damnit, I knew he was up to something. I should have said not to have anything to do with us instead of just me.”
Myra glanced at Syrana and then opened up her hand to reveal the same pill-like orb she ingested. “After I ate this, it shared Avrin’s memories with me about all the events that have taken place. Once you eat it you will understand just what has happened. I can’t completely trust him myself after eating this but...I know enough to understand he isn’t doing this intentionally and he does want to help.”
Syrana looked at the pill strangely. “How could you eat something he’s given you.” she moved her hand, slapping the pill out of Myra’s palm, letting it roll on the ground into a corner. Myra looked with surprise. “Syrana!” she called out.
Syrana frowned and then stormed off, slamming the door behind her. Myra wasn’t sure what to think of this. Avrin couldn’t really be blamed for all this, as it was simply a series of events that were unintentional. In truth, it seemed like, in the end, Orphelium was going to arrive regardless of what would happen. The dragon situation was Azrael’s fault, but even then it seemed like Zephiron was to be blamed for setting it all off.
Within an empty clearing, a young man with shoulder-length hair was seated cross-legged with his eyes shut. He seemed incredibly focused on meditation, with a somewhat pale face with golden hair as well as attire that represented the White Dragon clan. This boy was clearly a member, but also a Spectral.
“-Hmm?-” the boy’s ears twitched slightly before he opened his eyes, revealing piercing purple pupils, a cold, dagger-like look that seemed as if he had killed many times. “Who’s there?! Show yourself!!” he called out before jumping up into a stance with his hands clenched as two dark matter daggers began to form pointed behind him ready to pounce on any enemy.
“Is this how you greet your elder sister, Amias?” Izanami casually stepped out of the shadows caused by the thick tree line. She glanced curiously at the young Spectral that was, in fact, Amias.
She gave a reminiscent look as she eyed him.
“Izanami? What are you doing here...” Amias’ brows twitched slightly. He was far from the young boy several years ago. His change in becoming a Spectral was truly a rebirth, he had seen it as a chance to make something of himself that would be great and meaningful.
“I would love to say I’ve come to visit you on my own accord, but I know how dangerous you can be and how much you enjoy trying to outdo others. I’ve come to bring a guest.”
Amias tilted his head slightly, giving an indifferent glance. He had never really been close to Izanami or Ayame, they had always been busy with their own things and had only ever met often everyday during dinner if one wasn’t training. Otherwise they wouldn’t bother with each other.
“I don’t want to see any guests. Please don’t waste my time, I’m busy.” he gave a slight sigh before dispersing the dark matter daggers. He turned around, but the moment he did he felt a chill run down his spine. A figure was behind him the entire time and he hadn’t even noticed. He looked at the figure, that looked back at him with no real expression.
“Not bad, to reach the mid Expert level without even knowing how to improve your particles, you really are somewhat of a genius.” this figure was, of course, Avrin. He complimented the young man.
“You! You’re Avrin!” Amias was stunned. He had met Avrin several years ago and felt he was incredibly strong and mysterious, then during the rebirth, he finally understood a bit more about how powerful Avrin was. To change an entire planet, this was something only a god could do. It made him quiver and immediately accept the conversion, hoping to obtain some of that greatness.
Amias had then realized he was actually complimented by Avrin. He had never had that happen before when he was trying to befriend him. Eventually, he had felt Avrin was treating him as bothersome and simply didn’t want to annoy him any longer, hoping it would help. But the current situation was quite odd.
“I never expected to hear that you were quite talented as a Spectral, it seems my mistake was overlooking your talent. That being said, you still have a long way to go. Truth be told, your grandfather asked me to come take you with me to teach you.”
Amias blinked and listened before he forced a smile and stepped back. “A favor for my grandfather, huh. Well, I’m not interested. I’ll be teaching myself, I don’t need any handouts.” of course, that wasn’t to say because of how Avrin treated him back then. He hadn’t developed any anger towards it. He stepped passed Avrin with the intention to continue his meditation.
Avrin moved his hand, placing it on his shoulder “Hold on just a second.” the moment Avrin’s hand touched Amias’ shoulder, Amias’ eyes turned gold and on reflex his body spun like a mini hurricane, kicking his right leg up towards Avrin’s neck.
Izanami was surprised and somewhat giddy at this, as she wanted to see what would happen. “At the very least it’s good to see another free thinking Spectral that doesn’t treat me like some god.”
Avrin spoke as the kick landed on his neck. It caused the wind to scatter somewhat, but Avrin did not budge; it was as if the kick had not phased him. “It’s really a shame you can be so much more powerful but your progress will be so slow. As I said, I came to do a favor for your grandfather, but after seeing how you have progressed as well as your current speed I would have taken you in regardless of him asking me or not. What’s more amazing is you’re not even a pure-blooded Spectral. Do you really want to waste your talent?”
Amias glanced with surprise before dashing back and making some space between him and Avrin. He entered a combat stance while looking at Avrin as if he were a monster. “I don’t need handouts, and I don’t need your help. No, especially because it’s you!!” he spoke in a loud tone. His words seemed to trigger something, as the daggers reformed in his hand. He dashed towards Avrin while swinging the daggers, causing purple lines to form in the air as he slashed towards Avrin.
“Everyone seems to like me a bit too much or hate me...” he frowned before raising his finger. As Amias barraged him with well aimed and timed slashes, Avrin’s right arm and hand blurred as his finger perfectly blocked each attack whether it was from the front, sides or the back.
“Hate you? You’re the one who hates me. What are you talking about!” Amias grew madder as a frenzied look appeared on his face. His speed began to pick up and he grew faster and faster.
Avrin’s brows furrowed with curiosity and amazement. “-How is he getting faster?-” Avrin managed to keep up with his pace, but when glancing at Amias he felt a familiar yet strange feeling of dark matter. “I don’t hate you. Or maybe you’re referring to the time where you tried to befriend me. I admit I did treat you coldly. I won’t deny I did wrong. But you have to know I was in no position to have anyone close to me.”
“Shut up with your excuse...” Amias’ lips curled into a crazed smile as his eyes darkened. His skin began to emit a faint orange mist as he had gotten even faster, his daggers slashing about like typhoons.
Izanami was shocked and stunned. She had never seen Amias like this and she couldn’t even see his movements clearly. Avrin, of course, matched his speed. Avrin seemed to be focusing on Amias carefully. “-This little guy actually managed to figure out Frenzied matter? What a monster...-” Avrin was a little envious of Amias’ ability to figure out the Frenzied matter, but he also knew just how angry one had to be to obtain it. He felt guilty because he also knew he was the reason. He wondered just how long it had lingered in Amias’ mind. “Fine,” Avrin spoke as he no longer blocked. It was then that Amias gave a quick stab towards Avrin’s chest, the blade slashing in several inches as Avrin had purposely weakened his body’s durability with his mastery over his own particles.
“I know I wronged you. I wronged many people on this planet, but how do you expect to get over it if you don’t let me make up for things. I’m offering you a way to improve yourself. I don’t plan to give you handouts, I won’t accept those into my race who think it is a free ticket to luxury without at least putting some effort in.“
Seeing his blade enter Avrin, the orange glow around Amias trembled before dissipating. This was because Avrin’s actions to let him stab him as well as his words had finally gotten to him. Amias pulled the dark matter dagger out of Avrin’s chest and watched as the wound healed in seconds.
“I don’t know...” he spoke. If it had been the old him he would have taken him up in an instant, but things still couldn’t be fixed so easily, he wanted time to think about it. “I understand, take your time. I will be returning to Seleria every now and then so you have plenty of time.”
Amias blinked as he heard something of interest. He raised his head and spoke. “Returning to Seleria? What do you mean by that?” Avrin gave a slight grin and shrugged. “Did you really think Seleria is the only planet that is inhabited? There are billions upon billions of planets with life, and that is only a drop in an ocean. I plan to increase my own strength and my race’s strength so one day we can proudly travel without fear of being attacked. Finding many interesting things and improving our strength, one day there may be even another god born within our race beside me.”
Avrin hadn’t hesitated a moment to take advantage of Amias’ curiosity. He could see the same interest in the boy's eyes as when he had first met him. Amias looked surprised and began to daydream a little about what he could accomplish. “I accept!!” he quickly spoke up.