Fires burned brightly in the night as a number of Hunters fled from the scene of a small village brought low by a clumsy Flame Spell. The group was not the cause of the fire, but they would ultimately take the blame as their enemies fled in response to the devastation they had wrought.
Clad in black uniforms, fully covered from head to toe, the Hunters fled into the forest. An area still untouched by most of humanity. Though still under its command.
Animals fled as the Hunters’ bonded Spirits carried most of them through the trees without issue. Per their standard procedures, none were left behind to be identified.
“This was an utter catastrophe.” The leader of this group, a peak Tier three Hunter, with a red chinchilla on his shoulder, muttered under his breath as he rode atop a large brown boar. “In the future, we’ll need to ensure that no battles take place within the confines of a civilized area.”
Seated in front of their leader, Shari nodded in agreement, but kept silent, as she knew that her leader didn’t want to converse. He just wanted to vent, and she was simply available since they were riding her Spirit, Bonnie, to safety.
“Will we be able to reach the rendezvous in time?”
Shari nodded, but urged Bonnie to move faster, just in case. The other Spirits, seeing this occur, increased their speed as well.
Their departure had been delayed when they had attempted to stop most of the fires from spreading. It had turned into a wasted effort when members of the Cult of Light, as well as the local village overseer who joined them, had encouraged the spread so that they could more easily get away.
Currently, this group of rebels was running toward one of the larger rivers running through the Empire. A wide meandering waterway that had split through much of the southwest area of the region. Originated from the western-most side of the Fjorya, and just barely went into the Morathi Alliance before flowing into the sea.
For the most part, this area hadn’t been directly settled by the Empire. The number of Spirits in the region was almost as much as that of the wilderness outside the Empire. Most of the differences came from the fact that humans could come and go so long as a tribute was prepared for the Spirits that lorded over the smaller territories in the area.
However, any attempts to settle within a certain proximity of the river and surrounding forest were met with an exceptionally large resistance from the few Legendary Spirits that ruled here. Alongside their hordes of lower Tier Spirit followers.
A soft hoot flowed through the area. One of the Spirit Rulers called for its tribute.
As one, each of the Hunters pulled a mana crystal from their Void Pouches. Granted to them by their primary benefactor, they dropped the stones on the ground as they continued to run.
Silent and swift, a formless gray figure cut through the area. Picking up the stones the moment they fell. Only a brief puff of wind occurred as evidence of the Legendary Spirit’s movement.
From there it only took a few minutes before the group reached the river. Upon seeing the smaller group ahead of them on the riverbank, each one a Glacial Hunters, the fleeing Hunters relaxed, just a bit, in relief. They were now home free.
The Glacial Hunters next to the river moved in tandem to freeze the river, creating a bridge that would allow their Spirits to carry everyone across the hundred-meter-wide river.
They were halfway across before a light fell from the sky.
“Dammit! How did they catch up so fast? And why aren’t the Rulers pushing back!?” the leader of the rebels cried out in shock as the ice beneath their feet shook.
The light that had struck the bridge had hit the base where it was connected to the land behind them. Heat and force made the anchor point break, and the bridge was now drifting down the river with over three dozen Hunters stuck on top of it.
For a moment, a few moved to either fly away, or enter the water, but the second they stepped toward the edge, a rapid fire of light beam forced them back. Trying to run would be suicide.
Worse yet, more light was raining down, boxing the group closer and closer as the Legendary figure flying above them chipped away at the edges. Shrinking the platform more and more.
“They’re playing with us... They must’ve paid an even bigger tribute to one of the Spirit Rulers to the north. I guess the Cultists in that village had a Com-Slate that we didn’t manage to destroy.” Shari’s words were met with an angry growl from her leader.
His angry red eyes glowed in the darkness of the night, reflecting the Radiant beams that rained down beside them. Flashes of light continued to chip away at their platform.
“Bastards! What’s the point in this when they could just strike us down in one hit?”
The rebels knew that it was a Legendary Hunter that was attacking them. Though they couldn’t distinguish their figure from the contrast of light in the dark night sky. Their Radiant magic was obscuring their appearance.
It wasn’t until a few minutes later, when the platform was nearly gone, and the Glacial Hunters and their Spirits were working to their limits to keep everyone from falling into the river, that they understood what the Cultist’s plan was.
The magic they used had also begun to grab the attention of the Spirits in the water. Numerous Tier three and below Spirits circled the floating iceberg. Rapidly frothing water indicated a shift in territory. A different Spirit Ruler was closing in on them.
“Death by proxy. I’ll bet the Cult promised our lives as tribute if they could get free passage.” Shari was surprisingly calm, given the current circumstances surrounding herself and her allies.
“I don’t suppose you know how we might get out of here? Given how you’re behaving, I assume you have a trick up your sleeve,” the leader of the rebels tried to sound calm, but there was an obvious tension in his voice.
“Do you remember what my fiancé and his brother’s element is?” Shari asked as she narrowed her gaze at the water. Off in the distance, a number of large bubbles popped in succession. Barely noticeable in the darkness of the night, but they brought a smile to her face.
“This won’t be pleasant, but you need to let the glacier break.”
The assembled Hunters stared at Shari in shock. Then the first blow struck their icy platform.
A crack formed in the middle as the Glacial Hunters tried to hold their lifeline together. But Shari wasn’t worried, even as another blow struck the ice. This one knocked most of the group on their backs.
Above them, a bird cry sounded, and a flash of light flew into the distance. The Legendary Hunter that was toying with them had fled. Aware that it was no longer welcome in this territory.
A third attack finally shattered the ice they were standing on. The rebels all fell into the frigid water, with only the Glacial Hunters able to freely breathe as they formed bubbles around their head.
Countless aquatic figures swarmed around them, but a deep and rumbling roar sent them swimming away in a panicked flurry. A massive maw ascended from the depths, moving in a circle and devouring the rebels as they flailed about in the water.
Attempts were made to defend themselves, but nothing worked as they were consumed by a beast they couldn’t even see.
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Far to the east of the burning village where the rebels had suffered losses and were forced to flee, massive fish covered in seaweed flopped onto the banks of the river. In the distance, past a dense stretch of forest, smokestacks rose into the air, indicating a town close by.
Next to the fish Spirit itself, was a building with a water wheel attached. Along with several pillars covered in Runes, gently glowing in the dim morning light.
‘Plop!’
A sudden gush of water flooded the bank as a large group of Hunters and Spirits were expelled from the Spirit’s mouth. Soaking wet and utterly disheveled, they looked around in confusion, not understanding what had happened to them.
“Thank you, Akland, for your support.” Shari wheezed out her appreciation as she struggled to stand up. Beside her was Noren Morse, her fiancé, who was helping her to her feet.
“Indeed. Your aid is greatly appreciated, though costly in its own right.” Noren glanced at his now empty Void Pouch, which had been filled with the mana crystals needed to ensure that they made their getaway safely.
Akland, who was still laying on the edge of the river, nodded once before flopping into the air. He shrank down to a much more manageable size, and rapidly disappeared upstream, returning to the Fjorya for the time being.
Meanwhile, the assembled rebels finally regained their bearings, and had turned to Shari and Noren. Their faces filled with confusion and shock.
“How? I thought we were getting no support from the Legends on our side for this.” Their leader questioned as he stood in front of Shari. “I was specifically informed that there would be no support, since there was a need to keep up appearances for most of our higher Tiers. That’s why this group was composed of those that have already been declared missing or dead.”
Shari looked down at her feet, somewhat guilty, but ultimately unrepentant at her deception.
“You weren’t deceived, if that’s what you’re worried about,” her words somewhat calmed the others down. “I had simply informed my fiancé of what was going on, and he used his brother’s contacts to reach out to some allies that are, unfortunately, forced to keep out of the conflict at this time.”
She pointedly looked to the southeast, where a large mountain range was stretching into the horizon. The snowy peaks were visible, even as far away as they were. Beside her, Noren couldn’t help but chuckle and scratch his head in embarrassment. Happy that his paranoia and worry had panned out, but also aware of what it looked like to others.
The leader, knowing the circumstances behind Noren and Shari’s positions with the rebels, immediately understood what she was alluding to. Though he had to restrain his disbelief, as he also knew the circumstances that the Fjorya was dealing with.
“That must’ve cost a lot...” he trailed off, trying to calculate the over price they had paid.
“It was worth it, though, and if things hadn’t gone wrong, then it wouldn’t have cost us anything.” Shari’s words made the others slump in defeat. All of them were reminded of how badly the mission had gone.
Before anything else could be said, a rustling from the trees near the edge of the land surrounding the water wheelhouse drew the group’s attention. They all fell into defensive positions, ready to fight if needed.
Upon seeing who was coming into the clearing, they allowed themselves to relax, as it was their primary backer.
“Exalt Narok!” the assembled rebels spoke in unison and bowed to the Mythical Hunter that was leading them. The Tier five Snake Spirit around his neck glanced in their direction and nodded in approval.
“It’s good you survived. What’s this I hear about problems with the mission?”
Shari, Noren, and the mission leader quickly explained what had happened. Hearing what Noren had done, the Exalt couldn’t help but frown.
“While I am grateful that your actions ensured the survival of this team, you need to know that the private use of such funds shows a level of favoritism that could potentially seed conflict among those that are allied with us. Especially those that are against the hoarding of wealth amongst nobles.”
Noren hung his head low at the gentle reprimand and reminder. While there were some nobles that had allied with the rebels and their fight against the Cult of Light and the nobles allied with them, most of their forces were Hunters from Guilds and those that didn’t have access to the same wealth as he had.
There had been more than a few voices that had demanded the allied nobles hand over all of their wealth for the rebel’s use. Completely disregarding the fact that most of that wealth was necessary to keep their cover among the higher circles in the Empire’s political society.
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“I will keep that in mind. Thank you for the reminder.”
The Exalt’s nodded in approval.
“Do so. Now, the rest of you, return to the town. I’m sure you know where to go before spreading out back to your homes. Cautiously, of course.” The group made noises of approval and began setting off. “Not you three.”
Shari, Noren, and the group leader were held back. Much to their confusion.
“You’re not in trouble, but things have happened that you need to be aware of. Things regarding the rebel’s situation, and your two families.” Exalt Narok gazed at Shari and Noren as he spoke.
The four Hunters stood around in silence as the others left. Though, there were a number of them that looked back in confusion and concern.
Seeing that everybody that didn’t need to be there was gone, Narok stomped on the ground and a silencing enchantment was engraved into the earth and empowered at the same time.
“Now that we won’t be overheard, I have some bad news regarding the capital.” Seeing that he had the three Hunter’s attention, Narok nodded in approval. “The Cult of Light has managed to successfully implement several reforms with the Emperor. Basically, this means that I, and the other Exalts, will be returning to the capital full time for the foreseeable future. To ensure the safety of the Imperial subjects, aka the royal court’s noble families.”
Shari and Noren grimaced at the news, while the group leader let out a curse and spat on the ground at the mention of the royal court. But the Exalt wasn’t done just yet.
“Shari, Noren, your families have been officially declared as criminals and fabricated evidence implicating a connection to the rebel groups was planted and used against you in court.”
“Eh?”
“What!?”
Noren and Shari’s outbursts were to be expected, and even the group leader looked at them in shock and pity.
“Fortunately, Noren’s family managed to get out of the capital in time, thanks to the contingencies they put in place, and since your sister is a member of the Church of Ten, the Emperor has no means of getting to her. So, she’s saved and sound in Tollren. Though I think she’s put in a transfer request.”
Noren couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief, and nearly slumped to the ground at the news. But focused when he realized that the Exalt hadn’t mentioned anything about Shari’s family.
“Shari... your family escaped as well, but there was a cost. They weren’t able to get out of the Empire. Since the Emperor has officially declared that the borders are to be closed. Worse yet, they were only able to escape due to the intervention of several other allied families. Needless to say, much of our support has been lost, and Harkem has been turned into a refugee city. The Emperor has tried to declare the whole region to be under the control of the rebels and have us take action against them. But Exalts do not move at the whimsy of those beneath them. Especially against the Church of Ten.”
A weight settled on the shoulders of the lower Tiered Hunters, and they couldn’t help but swallow nervously as the anger and hatred in the Exalt’s voice was easily discernible.
It was obvious that the Emperor’s orders were explicitly against the code that the Exalts were bound to follow, as the Emperor should have been able to order them to take some sort of action. Yet, neither Shari nor Noren were willing to question it, as it meant that their families were safe. For now.
“Given this change of events, you two will be headed to Harkem, where your families and the other allies will work to try and get out to the northeast. Moving around the Desolate Lands, with the help of some anti-imperial forces that share similar sentiments to us. Even if we are not officially allied.”
For a moment, Shari and Noren didn’t seem to comprehend the orders they were being given.
“Milord, you can’t be serious!”
“That’s ridiculous! We can’t just abandon the fight!”
The two were prepared to argue as to why they should be allowed to stay. But the Exalt was having none of it.
“Enough!” The earth shook from the might of Narok’s voice. “Deliberately demanding the deaths of our allies is not what we are trying to encourage. Make no mistake either, keeping you and the other nobles allied to our cause within the boundaries of the Empire is a death sentence.”
Shari and Noren took a moment to regain their bearings, and once they did Narok continued.
“The Emperor can’t force me and the other Exalts to kill civilians or mobilize us against imperial cities and other official towns and villages. But the Cult has no such restrictions. Nor do the ‘mercenaries’ that the Emperor has hired.”
Awareness dawned on the three Hunters at the Exalt’s explanation. Usually, Guilds were not to be brought into political conflicts. But given the fact that the Empire had so many Guilds founded by nobles, it was obvious that many of the Guilds would change to being Mercenary Companies to get around the restrictions of the Guild.
If an official Guild broke the oaths that were required for their creation, the Prime Guild and Church of Ten would have permission to take action against them. This was something that the Empire’s past Emperor’s had agreed to when the Guilds and Church had used their own resources to set up the original borders of the Desolate Lands, and provided the lessons needed to ensure that more powerful Mages became citizens.
“But... What can we do to help when we’re not even here?” Shari sounded heartbroken as she spoke, and Noren pulled her into a hug to give her what comfort he could.
“Train, rise to higher Tiers, and return with additional forces. Once the Empire falls to the Cult of Light, which it seems is inevitable, Quintessa and the other factions of the world will be able to move. The Cult is not officially recognized outside of Tarquessa, after all.” Narok gave a predatory smile as he said this. “At the same time, you’ll be able to get assistance from your friend, the Void Hunter. I hear he’s making waves on that side of the world. Even figured out how to make more Void Spirits.”
The Exalt’s final words drew vicious smiles from Shari and Noren as well. Though, the group leader from before just looked confused.
“That sounds more like a plan I can support. When do we leave?” Noren asked.
“Now. Transport has been arranged to get you through the areas with Spirits overseeing them. You’ll need to avoid the normal towns and other places with imperial overseers. They’ve all been replaced with Inquisitors by the order of the Emperor.”
Noren and Shari nodded in understanding.
“Good. Here.” Exalt Narok handed the two a set of folders pertaining to their travel instructions. He also handed a set of instructions to the group leader, who thanked him before setting off.
“Once again, I am sorry for this.” Narok then donned his Spirit Armor, before disappearing into the sky. His flight speed was too fast for Shari or Noren to follow.
Exchanging glances with one another, the two remaining Hunters set out as well.
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A week later, walking through the corridors of the Imperial Palace, two Hunters, of the Tempest and Cavern elements, garbed in the colors of the imperial court quietly discussed the ongoing issues they were forced to deal with. In particular, the ones that were ongoing in the east.
“Do we have anything left in Quintessa?” Erkan asked his companion as he double checked the privacy Artifact he had on his wrist. “Given the apparent purge of our people I would assume no, but a man can dream.”
Next to him, the gray-haired man snorted.
“Indeed, a man can dream. He may even find his dreams coming true.”
Erkan turned to Typhos with a hopeful gleam in his eyes. Even if it was only one or two members, anything was better than nothing at this point.
“Several safehouses in the wilderness bordering Quintessa, as well as the forests and uncivilized areas within their borders survived. It will take some time to get agents back into the cities, and Lana’s position was lost, in full. But she hasn’t been driven out.”
A sigh of relief came from Erkan, along with a sudden slouch as the man lost most of the tension he’d been suffering for the past few weeks. Ever since Endaria had failed to take out the Anathema, he’d been dealing with the fall out of the political consequences of Quintessa suffering attacks from fellow followers. Needless to say, relations between the Willowbrush Empire and Quintessa had soured.
“Those damned false prophets continue to encourage their heretical beliefs. Worse yet, they refuse to accept the grace of nobility into their government. How can they allow commoners, of all things, to take positions of oversight?”
Typhos sighed as Erkan began yet another rant about the benefits of nobility and the power of bloodlines as proof of political might and rights. The Gray Light of Radiance didn’t really care, but also knew better than to bring the topic up with him, else he would be shouted at once more.
“Regardless!” Typhos cut Erkan’s rant short. “There is additional news, beyond that of Endaria’s temper tantrum.”
The Orange Light of Radiance fell quiet.
“It seems like the Anathema has most likely perished.” Typhos smiled serenely as Erkan broke out into a manic grin. “We just received word, only three of the Hunters returned from the Ancient Legacy that was revealed. Though, our agent that was involved didn’t manage to see it with his own eyes. He was able to confirm that the Anathema refused to leave the Legacy when given the chance. So, it is going to face yet another challenge. One that they will not be escaping from.”
“Are we certain of this? If there isn’t a body, then how can we confirm it?” Erkan felt guilty for questioning their agents but knew full well that things were never that easy when it came to the Anathema. “Which agent confirmed this?”
“It was the Cavern Hunter whose brother we converted. He, himself, was not an actual follower, but he knew his brother would suffer for his failure. It was just a shame he still refused to join us properly, even after we helped him escape the heretic Radiant and forsaken Mage that were with him.” Typhos referred to the Radiant and Obscure Hunters that had also escaped the Legacy. “Given we couldn’t allow such a loose end to potentially return to the Prime Guild after his brother was captured, we had to extract his memories from the Legacy. He did not survive.”
“Tsk! Serves him right. Refusing to concede to his better’s wishes,” Erkan growled out.
Before he could say anymore, the sound of stomping steel clad feet echoed from down the hallway. The two Lights of Radiance stepped to the side and took a knee. From around the corner, a contingent of guards clad in highly enchanted armor came into few.
As did the Emperor, who was safely secured behind the twenty or so figures that were surrounding him. He and his guards came to a stop in front of the two Lights.
“Erkan, Typhos. I was looking for you both.” The Emperor didn’t bother with formalities as he addressed the two more powerful beings. “Have either of you heard the news yet?”
Typhos and Erkan glanced at each other out of the corner of their eyes, their heads still bowed as they shook them in unison. The Emperor smirked in glee.
“Ha! I didn’t expect you to. Given that the information came from my Inquisitors.”
Erkan and Typhos mentally sighed but didn’t say anything.
“Regardless, it seems like our deal with the Kindled Clan is coming to fruition. Apparently, they have a daughter that they were willing to sell in exchange for the right to fight for us. It won’t be more than a couple of months before Harkem falls, and with it, those damned rebels!”
Typhos and Erkan’s eyes widened. This was not a plan that they had discussed with the Emperor previously. What girl was he talking about?
Bowing his head lower, Erkan silently asked for permission to speak. The Emperor waved his hand, letting out a small spark of mana to indicate that Erkan could proceed. Raising his head, the Cavern Hunter did so.
“Might I ask, what deal, and what woman do you speak of? I mean no offense, but for me to be lacking this information means that proper accommodations will be difficult to meet.”
A glimmer of gold appeared in the Emperor’s eyes for half a moment. Caught by none but Erkan, who was looking at the Emperor’s face. Erkan gulped, as he could tell that the Emperor had been abusing the resources that the Cult of Light had provided him in exchange for political power.
While helpful in rising through the Steps and Tiers, if overused, the drugs and materials they provided could also diminish one's thought processes. Much like the zealous madness that affected those that tried to refuse their Lord’s blessing, only to ultimately fail, their minds cracking under the strain.
“Why, the young daughter of the Kindled family’s recently returned son, of course.” The Emperor smiled indulgently. “She’s quite young, apparently, but that’s fine, there will be time for her to grow. She’s apparently off training to increase her Tier to become properly worthy of the position of Empress.”
Erkan and Typhos both froze in shock. There was only one son that had been returned to the Kindled family. He was rebellious, to say the least, and there was no way that his daughter would agree to this. But it seemed like the Kindled family was making moves that the Cult was unaware of.
“I see. Then may I congratulate you in advance, your majesty.” Erkan bowed again.
“Indeed. I hope that this one lasts longer than all the others that have been offered to me. It would be a shame if she, too, was a disappointment.” With those final words, the Emperor turned and walked away. His guards followed him in step as Typhos and Erkan remained kneeling until the Emperor was out of sight. Only several seconds after they stopped hearing the guards footsteps did they finally rise.
“Others?” Typhos asked, not having heard of any other women in the Emperor’s life. He decided not to mention the apparent side-effects that the Emperor was suffering from. So long as the man continued to aid the Followers of Radiance in their plans, Typhos didn’t care what happened to him.
“We nobles have removed the majority of the women in the Emperor’s life, even before I joined the Followers. To ensure that the right woman held the position of Empress.” Erkan replied once his privacy ward was up once more. “It has been difficult, since many of the nobles wish to marry into the Imperial family. The fact that the Emperor is nearing forty and has no heirs is also a point of contention. But the right bribes and deaths have kept things silent. Though, I don’t think this is entirely a bad thing.”
“How so? I thought we wanted to keep the Kindled family from getting too much power or influence.”
Erkan smirked, implying to Typhos that he was aware of something that the Gray Light was not.
“That might be the case, if not for the fact that half their elders recently swore loyalty to the Radiant Lord. As well as ensuring that their traitor was being ‘properly treated’ for his disobedience.” Erkan smiled at the thought of what was happening in the Kindled family. “After all, all who use our Lord Radiance will one day see the Light.”
“Hmm... Well, if that traitor is being brought back to the light, then it would explain why the Kindled family are so certain that his daughter will be brought back to become the Emperor’s wife.” Typhos didn’t sound entirely certain of the odds of success but wasn’t willing to dispute it at this time. “Then I guess we’ll just have to finish cleaning up those rebels. I still can’t believe that they managed to disrupt our plans for as long as they did.”
“Tsk! They only did so because they have all three Exalts backing them. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have lasted a week. Let alone the months they have so far.”
Typhos nodded in agreement before he fell silent.
Upon reaching a fork in the road, the two Lights of Radiance broke off to continue with their respective duties. Both were forming more and more plans to bring their Lord’s Light to this world.
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Far to the south, on a particular island in the middle of the ocean, a letter was being opened. It was a letter with the symbol of the Prime Guild emblazoned on it.
“Girls! Your brother sent us a letter!” Evelyn Luminance called out to her daughters, who were both training with their Spirits in the Sanafalls’ Cathedral’s courtyard.
They were being watched over by Grand Scholar Scarlet Reyness. The older Glacial Mage smiled at the sight of the two young ladies training. Memories of Ezekiel’s own training filled her mind, but she let the twins go to their mother upon hearing that they had received a letter.
“What’s it say? Did he manage to help make more Void Hunters?” Wendy asked.
“Of course he did. As if he would stop at just three.” Ellen stated.
The two had been shocked to find out that their brother had created an entire method for forming a bonded Spirit. But after getting an explanation, they figured that it was just their brother doing his thing.
Flipping the world upside down.
They waited for a few seconds for their mother to reply but grew worried when she didn’t say anything. Facing her directly, they saw that she had turned pale, and her hands were trembling. Even Reya looked worried, and hopped up to read what was on the letter.
The Obscure Spirit’s eye’s widened, and as Evelyn fell to the side in a dead faint, she let loose a frightening howl filled with pain and loss.
“Mother!” The twins screamed, moving to check on their mother in an instant.
The letter detailing their brother’s current status was left forgotten. But upon hearing the news that Ezekiel was assumed dead, the twins would understand their mother’s reaction.
Though they would not be able to do much about it. For a ship with a candle on its flag was sailing toward Sanafalls at great haste. One that did not bring happy tidings.