Ezekiel worked in conjunction with Riley, creating a windshield that kept the Mages on Celia’s back from flying off. Shaping the barriers that he made from his Void Panes was difficult, but the forces that he was dealing with weren’t so powerful as to break or require their upkeep. This meant he was able to keep the group safe for the entirety of the trip.
“Is there anything you can tell us about the Scholars we are about to meet?” Welt asked after a few minutes of flying. Given their speed and the distance involved, it was likely that they would arrive at the city of Gates within a half an hour. Though, Celia would be exhausted, and it was possible that Riley would need to supplement the Spirit’s mana with her own.
“... For the most part, the Scholars I’m friends with will be happy to help us. George and Fiana are old friends from the Archipelago. They’ll probably lend what help they can without any expectation of a reward.” Ezekiel explained as he reminded himself of the friends he had separated from in Gates. “Marc might be more reluctant. I’m fairly certain he was only interested in pursuing Fiana. While Cinder might still be an apprentice. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if she wasn’t.”
Welt and Evelyn looked a bit worried and frowned in thought. While they were hopeful prior to their departure, what they were hearing now was a different story. Ezekiel could understand their concern, as nothing he had said so far was very helpful, considering the situation.
“The one that would really be helpful is Grand Scholar Kris. She’s an Obscure Mage who used to be a Mythic Hunter.” Evelyn let out a gasp, while Welt just swallowed the spit he nearly choked up.
“Kris Meryl! The Lady of Blackthorns! That Kris?” Welt’s eye’s grew even wider as Evelyn made her exclamation.
Ezekiel raised an eyebrow, assuming that that was the nickname that Grand Scholar Kris had acquired during her time as a Hunter.
“I think so. I’ve never heard of any of her nicknames before, but I don’t think there’s ever been more than one Obscure Mythic Hunter before, besides that one Spirit in the history books I read at Sanafalls.” It had been a passing interest at the time. One that Ezekiel had delved into during his free time to learn more about the Archipelago.
Finding out that there were several lost islands that had, apparently, come under the protection and control of Mythic Spirits had been surprising. He had hoped to visit it, when he had learned about it, but had given up on that when he found out that the maps to said islands were lost during the Age of Despair.
Ezekiel’s words stunned the older Legendaries. While Riley didn’t look nearly as surprised.
Though, Ezekiel figured that that was because she had lived in Gates for a few months when they had first come up from Tarquessa the previous year. With that in mind, Riley likely had a better idea of what Kris was likely to do when they arrived.
“Any thoughts?” Ezekiel turned to Riley. “I’m assuming that, since you were the last one there, the Grand Scholar would’ve said a few things before you made your way to Tollren.”
Riley remained silent, though she did close her eyes in thought.
“Nothing specific stands out. But... I think she was making progress with those theories you gave her.” Riley looked lost in thought as she focused on what she could remember. “I was recovering at that time. My soul was being treated nearly daily by Life Mages and others who had some form or healer training. Mostly Glacial Mages, for their soothing mana properties.”
Ezekiel nodded in understanding. Knowing that there was a limit to how much he, George, and Marc, could’ve helped at that time. However, the fact that Kris was still so invested in his theories for Legendary breakthrough was a surprise.
It was a topic that also drew Evelyn and Welt’s attention, as they finished processing the fact that they were going to meet one of their heroes.
“You’ve discovered the secret to Legendary breakthroughs?” Welt exclaimed in shock.
Ezekiel didn’t understand why this was coming as a surprise to the man. Since he knew that Narrik and Rena had both used his methods to break through.
But when he thought about it, Ezekiel realized that he hadn’t provided the means of solitary breakthrough. He had only supplied the different elemental ‘Understandings’ he knew from his past life’s scientific knowledge.
Given the Spirits were more in tune with their respective elements, it made sense to him that their Spirits achieved their ‘Understanding’ more quickly, and in the process, allowed their Hunters to use them as a hand hold to pull themselves up. Piggybacking on the ‘Understanding’ of their Spirit, like the normal means of breaking through.
As such, it was likely that the tribes he had shared his knowledge with didn’t know that, so long as a Mage’s soul was strong enough, they would be able to ingrain the understanding necessary for reaching Tier four, without a Spirit.
“Yes. I guess I didn’t include that in the books I gave you regarding my observations of elemental effects and aspects.” Ezekiel looked at Welt, who was much more interested in what was being said. “To keep things simple, so long as a human’s soul has crossed the threshold of Tier four, it is possible for them to gain the ‘Understanding’ necessary for breaking through. But, unlike with Spirits, who can do this subconsciously, a Mage needs to actively comprehend their ‘Understanding’.”
“And since Mages have never bothered to ‘Understand’ their elements beyond the basic spells and constructs, they never consolidated their ‘Understanding’ or simply relied on their Spirits innate advancement.” Welt seemed lost in thought.
Ezekiel realized that the man’s position as his tribe's leading healer, the closest thing they had to a Scholar, was well earned.
Allowing the man to think, and come to his own conclusions, Ezekiel faced forward once more.
Given how well Welt was taking the information regarding his Theories, he hoped that Kris and the other Scholars he had left behind in Gates were making their own progress.
“... Ezekiel.” Evelyn’s voice cut through his thoughts. “I just remembered; the Empire still wants us due to their deal with the Kindled Clan. How are we going to get into the city?”
Ezekiel had already thought about this, and wasn’t too worried, but he knew that his mother’s concern was warranted. Luckily, he already had a plan made based on the last time he had been here.
“The city will have wanted posters for us, but the Church of Ten will not be advocating them.” Ezekiel explained as he remembered the different times he’d been in the Cathedrals in the past. “Gates in particular won’t, because of Kris, and the things I’ve done for her, and what she needs from me.”
Evelyn still looked worried but would trust Ezekiel’s judgment for now.
“The Church is not subservient to the Empire, after all. It is a worldwide faction that is not reliant on any one other faction.” Ezekiel smirked as he thought of the conflict between the Church and the cult.
If only he could get the Church’s support against the Empire, then everything would be perfect.
“Besides,” Ezekiel continued, “we’re not going to be speaking to any guards, or even setting foot anywhere in the city besides the Cathedral.”
Evelyn and Riley just looked confused, while Welt continued to ponder over Ezekiel’s revelation.
All while Ezekiel just smiled. Happy that his advancement to Legendary would allow him to go through with what he had planned.
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“This is not what I had expected when you said you had a plan!” Riley whispered as she stepped out of Evelyn’s shadow.
The group had touched down well outside of the city’s walls and had made their closer via Evelyn’s shadow travel. Only for Ezekiel to explain that they were going to simply be ‘Jumping’ into the city. With their mana combined, doing so should be easy enough for Shine and Ezekiel.
It was also the only means they had of bypassing the sensory and defensive formations that were engraved onto the walls. Not even his mother’s shadows would be able to cross the boundary of the walls without tripping an alarm.
Fortunately, Void Magic still didn’t have any formations designed to stop it yet. Though, a Cavern Mage might still sense their feet depending on where they landed. But Ezekiel knew where he’d be ‘Jumping’ to. So, that shouldn’t be an issue at this time.
Garbed in their Spirit Armor, and masked as well, to conceal themselves, Ezekiel just smirked at his girlfriend. The rest were also covered in cloaks that would hide their armor.
Welt felt that his was unnecessary, but it was best that his presence was concealed, just in case word did get out that they were there. His place with them would make him a target later on, after all.
Even more of one that he was already.
“Alright, everyone, gather close. I’ll need to focus and will do my best to keep things safe. But this will be very disorientating.” Holding his arms outward, Ezekiel waited for the others to touch him.
Firmly gripping his arms, the others readied themselves. Riley and Evelyn were cautious, as were their Spirits, but weren’t too scared.
Welt, on the other hand, was very different, and was grasping Ezekiel like his life depended on it. If it wasn’t for his enhanced physique, Ezekiel might’ve flinched back or grimaced at the feeling.
“Deep breath.” Everyone inhaled.
The next thing they knew, landed in the middle of a cobblestone alleyway. Completely cut off from the main roads, and unseen by everyone but the rats that scurried away upon their arrival.
“Well, that wasn’t so bad.” Ezekiel straightened up, stretching his back before looking at his group. “Alright, let’s--”
“Hurk!” Before they could move, Welt threw himself at a wall. Bracing himself with his hands, he emptied his stomach onto the ground.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
With a grimace, Ezekiel looked at Riley and his mom. Both looked pale and sickly. Obviously uncomfortable as they both bent at the waist. Not as sick as Welt, as neither of them puked, but still uncomfortable.
Spreading out his senses, Ezekiel saw that Reya and Celia were stumbling around. Trying to regain their balance as they dealt with their issues from the ‘Jump’.
No one was around, however, and even thought it was still light out, it was clear that no-one used this alley for anything. It was just a place for the nearby buildings to store trash and for rain to drain into the sewers without flooding the streets.
“We’ll take a minute. The Cathedral isn’t far from here. So, we should be able to get there quickly.” Ezekiel moved over to Welt and rubbed the elderly man’s back.
A part of him wondered why the ‘Jump’ was so bad this time. Was it the distance? The enchantments on the wall? Perhaps the number of people, or Welt’s age, was playing a factor. Maybe even the fact that Welt wasn’t bonded to a Spirit.
These thoughts and more passed through Ezekiel’s mind. But he didn’t linger on them, as he and Shine kept an eye out for any approaching people.
Finally, it seemed like the group had recovered enough to move.
Heading out from the alley, the quartet looked like a simple group of merchants making their way through the city. Be it for business, or pleasure, their presence didn’t draw any strange looks from any of the residents.
Though Ezekiel did pick up the pace when he noticed a Spirit following after them.
“Let’s move faster. I want to get this done fast.” Ezekiel used telekinesis and Void Panes to alter the sound of his voice, just enough to throw off any who might be looking for him.
The others noticed this and hurried up. Knowing that Ezekiel wouldn’t have taken such a measure without a good reason.
As they reached the final road before the gates of the Church, Ezekiel grabbed a token from his Void Pouch. At the same time, Reya merged with a shadow they had passed under, and was keeping a lookout. Something that Ezekiel was grateful for.
When he and his family had left Tollren, they had made sure to take all their belongings with them. Including the letters that he had received from his Scholar friends here in Gates.
They weren’t anything special and wouldn’t do anything to grant him access any faster than any others, but they would act as proof when he asked one of the Cathedral guards to alert Fiana or the others inside.
Stopping in front of the gate, Ezekiel spoke briefly with the guard, and did as he intended. Another guard sent a message via a series of patterns on a Com-Slate. Something that Ezekiel saw was only somewhat more advanced than the ones he’d seen the Church using before. But not as good as the ones from the cult.
‘We’ll have to fix that at some point.’ Ezekiel mentally noted. Shine just sent back a feeling of reassurance and support.
Before anyone could arrive, however, Ezekiel and Evelyn both twitched beneath their cloaks and shared a look. The had both sensed the approach of a group garbed in armor. It seemed like their appearance wasn’t as concealed as they had expected.
“Zeke!” A female voice called out from inside the Cathedral grounds. “Well, I can’t say I expected to see you again so soon. What with what happened to your family. Now, come on in. I think Grand Scholar Kris wants to speak with you.”
Turning back to the gates of the Cathedral, Ezekiel saw a familiar girl with brown hair approaching while waving. It was Cinder, who had apparently made some progress in the past year and a bit. Since, Ezekiel could sense that she was at least a little bit stronger than before. Though, not quite Tier three just yet.
“Cinder! Good to see you. I’m happy to hear that the Grand Scholar wants to speak with me. That works well with the reasons I am here.” Ezekiel and his party crossed the threshold into the Cathedral, going past the gates and getting out of sight quickly.
At the same time, Ezekiel could tell that the group that was seemingly tailing them had broken off. Diverting their course to another direction.
He couldn’t tell if that was their original purpose, or a change in plans when he and his party entered the Cathedral. Either way, he would be keeping an eye out when they left.
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While Ezekiel and the others were making their way inside of the Cathedral, things were turning into an open conflict as the cult forces clashed with the residents of the Fjorya.
The assembled tribes had gathered all of their fighters and weren’t letting up as they pushed back against the cult. No ground was given as the terrain was torn up from a multitude of elemental attacks. The sky flashed with different lights and bursts of flame. Ice rained down on the fighters below, and new forests grew and died at an astonishing rate.
The chaos was even greater than the events that had taken place in Harkem a year ago. The only difference being that it was a much less organized defense. With multiple fighting groups getting in each other's way.
The different tribes didn’t know how each other fought, so it was difficult to coordinate. Had they been given any additional time, they might have been able to organize themselves more efficiently.
The cult was having a similar issue, however, since they were working with a number of Guilds that hadn’t worked together for the most part. There was also a caution ingrained in the Guild members that wasn’t there for most of the cultists.
The lack of fervent faith in the so-called Radiant Lord meant that they didn’t want to simply throw their lives away in their attempts to win.
Needless to say, there were a number of close calls when it came to the leaders of the respective sides of the conflict.
“Guild Leader! Send your men to support the left side now!” One Legendary cultist screamed at a man that was nearby.
“If we do that, then the center will fall! Where are your men! Why aren’t they fighting on that side?” The man replied.
“Our forces charged forward! These animals cannot be allowed to live! If you’re not going to fight with us, then why are you here?” The cultist ducked beneath a swing from a Hunter with no distinguishing garments besides her Spirit Armor.
An ice blue ax split the air, before flying off and creating a crater in the earth as the cultist knocked it out of the attacking tribes woman's hand. A kick to the face followed, and the woman was sent flying backward. Only to be caught by her ally.
“If you think that that’s enough then you’re wrong!” the Glacier Hunter screamed before charging back into the fight. “Leave out mountains or perish before your false Ancient!”
“You dare--!” the cultist tried to scream but was cut off as another Hunter struck him from the side. A spear had been thrown, and he hadn’t been focusing on his surroundings.
As reeled from the blow, the two Hunters from before reached him, just in time to break off as a Guild Leader let out an explosion of Lightning that filled the immediate area. It somewhat shocked the cultist but didn’t do anything overly debilitating.
Scenes like this were commonplace in this battle, with smaller conflicts happening below, where the Adepts and lower Tier Hunters and Mages were fighting for their lives, while also avoiding the effects of the Legendaries fighting above.
“Burn!” a large, muscular, half naked man screamed as steam wafted off his torso. “Burn and ask the Ancients for forgiveness after death!”
In contrast to the man’s large physique, a small red mouse was perched in his hair, spewing fire at anybody that got too close to him. More than a few unfortunate Apprentices and Tier one Mages had already melted under his fire.
“Get back here you dolt!” A bright green tree branch wrapped around the man’s waist and pulled him back toward Fjorya’s fighting line. Right as a series of lightning bolts, each enough to kill him, struck the earth in rapid succession.
“Hahaha! Thank you small one!” The tribal Flame Hunter said as he climbed to his feet and patted a small man wearing a green clock made out of glowing leaves on the shoulder.
“Pay attention! There’s more coming! Can you even fight anymore?” The smaller man’s questions were well warranted, as the Flame Hunter had been charging forward and clearing enemy lines for a while now. Using spells that weren’t exactly weak.
A wall of roots and branches spread out and blocked a barrage of icicles.
“Now that you mention it, perhaps we should pull back for now.” The larger man threw the smaller one over his shoulder and ran back towards one of the fortified structures nearby.
All the while the smaller man called out complaints about how the other man’s tribe had no sense of decorum or respect for boundaries. Though he made no attempt to break free, knowing he was being brought to safety.
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Not far away from the major battles occurring between the two small armies, a conversation regarding the battle was taking place.
“This is not going as I had thought it would. The heathens are far less pathetic than we were led to believe.” A man garbed in golden armor stated as he watched the battle from the rear lines.
He was one of the Legendary cultists that was more or less in charge of the cult’s forces. Next to him was the Legendary Tempest Hunter who had spoken out against the cult’s tactics not long ago.
The Glacial cultist that the Guild Leader had been arguing with was nowhere to be seen. He had gone out to battle the Fjorya’s Hunters some time ago, but the two that remained had lost sight of him not long after the fight had begun.
“That’s not our fault. Not a single Guild, except the ones that are basically disbanded now, from all the dead members, told you that this battle would be easy.” The Tempest Guild Leader frowned as he watched the battle. “I remember several Guild Leaders telling you that there was a reason that we do not attack the Fjorya’s tribes. It wasn’t just because of the tribal Spirit guardians.”
“Hmm... perhaps... was it because of those strange Artifacts?” the cult leader asked. “I still think we should’ve tried to gain more of them.”
In the distance, one of the few common features between all the tribesmen fighting, each one had a glowing Artifact on their person. Ones that didn’t have any Runic markings for Enchantments.
“And I told you that it would be pointless. Only Legendary Spirits are known to make them. You have to capture one that could make them and get the secrets from them directly.” The Guild leader explained. “We’re just lucky that most of the guardian Spirits are still regrouping in the western mountains. If we were fighting all the remaining tribes, we probably wouldn’t be holding out as well as we are.”
“Hmph, just because your Guilds were unable to do their jobs in the western mountains, doesn’t mean that we won’t win this. We wiped out all the forces in the central mountains, after all.”
The Guild leader just took a deep breath and stayed silent. The cult had been far more overbearing since they had officially taken over Tarquessa. Though, he couldn’t deny their efforts, nor their power.
If not for the ongoing rebellion in Tarquessa, behind the scenes, of course, the cult would’ve been able to bring forth their full forces. Rather than leaving behind a large number to ensure that they didn’t lose their grip on any of the cities they currently controlled.
Their position might be on top for now, but it was still far from stable.
Stepping forward, the Tempest Hunter moved to enter the battle himself.
“And what do you think you’re doing? You were instructed to remain behind until the tides were in our favor, in order to mop up the remains.”
The Guild leader said nothing, and simply flew forward. Leaving a fuming cultist behind him, only for the man to calm down, and smirk maliciously as he simply turned around.
“Fine. Then I guess you’ll just have to risk getting caught in the blast.”
Before him, a box with the last remaining explosives laid open on a stone dais.
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On the opposite side of the battle, several cultists had managed to reach the rear line for the Fjorya’s forces. Through sheer determination, and total disregard for their lives, nearly a dozen Hunters at Tier’s two and three had begun attacking the elders that were watching over the battle.
“Die you wretched--”
The cultists didn’t get without fifty feet of the assembled elders, over half of which were Legendary Mages who had been Hunters and had fought alongside their tribes’ guardians.
“How long do you think we’ll be able to hold out for?” One of the white-haired men, this one with a streak of pale red in his hair, yanked the blade he had thrown, into the skull of one of the cultists, back into his hand. “We have yet to see them deploy their not-so-secret weapon yet.”
Grim looks seemed to be the theme as the rest of the elders retrieved their own weapons or recalled the mana that had been used to cast their spells or constructs.
“There have been no significant shifts in how the battle is going. So, it is unlikely that the cult will use their remaining weapons anytime soon. If they even have any.” Another elder, this time a woman with white and black hair, spoke out.
“They would’ve opened with that, if they still had those bombs.” A hunched over woman with barely visible golden strands in her white hair said.
“Not necessarily. Not if they wanted to have us all gathered together first.” another elder said.
“Guessing at this will get us nowhere for now. All we need to do is make sure that the battles are as spread out as possible. That will ensure that they can’t wipe us out in one blow.” Elder Rosen declared as the other elders turned to him. “We also have someone going to get help, so we just have to hold out until they return, which should be only a few hours from now. Besides, I am more worried about that.”
Elder Rosen turned from the battle and looked into the distance. A great storm was brewing, one that covered several mountains, but was distinctly contained within a circular boundary.
Invera was fighting something, and she hadn’t already won.
Before anyone could say anything, more cultists screamed as they got within striking range.
“My worries can wait. We need to finish these idiots and see how we can help. Hopefully, none of our Hunters are stupid enough to waste their mana needlessly.” Rosen returned his attention to the battle, kicking off and sliding along a frozen trail of ground as he cut down the charging cultists.
Seeing the change in his fighting style, the other elder realized that they were wasting mana with their constructs and withdrew their Artifacts and other weapons.
With disgruntled sighs, and complaints of being too old, the most experienced fighting in this conflict fought once more.