March 30th, year 024 Angels Descent
The class were told yesterday their lesson was cancelled as Alex was indisposed due to the summons, and they would have to assemble at the school gates the following morning, making sure to pack a few changes of clothes, including their best suit.
Still trying to figure out how to respond to their last lesson before spring break, they decided to grumble discontentedly. Worst of all, though, was being told the Dark Lady Crozonia herself was summoning them. Knowing they had little option, they obeyed, packed all needed, and made their way to the gates.
Walking down the path to the front gate, as they had done many times, they found a small crowd standing around it. Approaching the crowd, they could hear voices mumbling all manner of things.
“I’ve never seen Lord Sloth outside of his lessons?”
“Are they finally arresting Professor Alex?” this ponderance got the class into high gear as they shuffled their way through the crowd to come to an open area near the gate itself.
There stood Sloth looking none too pleased to be standing there; at his feet were Alison, who was holding the hem of his robe and Freki, who was trying her best to cheer her up. Following Sloth’s gaze, the class could see Alex standing there, doing his best not to fall over as he was wrapped from his feet to his shoulders in chains.
“Where are your students, you foolish boy?” Sloth asked, focusing a scowl on Alex.
“I don’t know. They were told to come here?” Alex replied, trying his best not to wriggle too much, only to fail and begin to tip forwards. Luckily Elissa was there to catch him before he could fall flat on his face.
“Are these chains really necessary? I wasn’t even involved!!” Yuu protested, hopping from behind Alex, bound in chains herself.
“Yes, from what her highness is aware of, you two have a tendency to break free and cause mischief. I had Samson ensure you two would be here early and ready to greet your escort,” Sloth replied with a scoff.
“Why isn’t aunty Lissy in chains then?” Alison asked, gazing up at the stern old man whose features softened significantly as he glanced down at the girl.
“Elissa isn’t as big a troublemaker as those two are, and even if she were, she’d break free of any chains. I don’t want to waste good funds after bad.” Sloth explained, patting Alison’s head.
“Thanks for explaining, gramps!!” Alison replied with a beaming smile.
“My Lord Sloth, we apologise for the delay. This crowd stopped our ease of approach,” Maxwell said as he stepped up to the overlord of the entire region they were living in.
“Young Greyback, yes?” Maxwell nodded while Sloth’s gaze bore into the crowd of gawkers.
“Very well, I shan’t penalise you lot for those fools.”
“They are coming!!” a voice shouted from the top of the gatehouse.
“I wonder who they sent?” Sloth muttered as everyone looked at the gatehouse itself. Arriving at the gate was a tall near, skeletal man using a spear as a walking stick.
“Crap… it’s him…” Sloth groaned as he stepped forwards to welcome the man.
“Lord Mera-Sae, it is a pleasure as always,” Sloth greeted with a forced smile.
“Victor…” Mera-Sae replied with a simple nod. “You prepared the ones I am to escort?” Sloth nodded and gestured to the restrained pair and the students.
“May I ask what delayed you? You were meant to be here an hour ago. I have research to see to!”
“I had to make a stop to pick up a prisoner from your jail who has also received a summons,” Mera-Sae replied.
“Who is that, then?” Sloth began before a look of realisation dawned on him. “You mean she’s in there?” Mera-Sae nodded.
“Well good riddance!!!” He shouted at the carriage with a cage over the tarp.
“SAY THAT TO MY FACE, YOU OLD KIDNAPPER!!!!” A voice shouted defiantly back. A metallic clink began to approach the pair. Turning to its source, they saw Alex hopping towards them.
“Sorry, but I would like to opt for a different carriage,” Alex near pleaded.
“Prisoners don’t decide which cart you go in, now come along,” not waiting for any response, Mera-Sae grabbed Alex by the scuff of his chains and dragged him to the violently shaking cart. Opening the back gate, he roughly threw Alex in and closed the door.
“Ok, that was that one done, next is Bjorns, daughter,” Mera-Sae said, approaching Yuu, who was doing her best to wriggle free.
“I wouldn’t bother; they are Boa-Chains. They will retighten anything you loosen,” Mera-Sae explained as he picked Yuu up like a piece of luggage and threw her in the cart before slamming the door shut again.
“Do you wish to ride in the VIP carriage, princess?” Mera-Sae asked.
“Oh no, I shall be with my friends and fiance,” Elissa answered, approaching the cart and hopping in.
“I understand there were some student witnesses also called?” Mera-Sae asked, looking at the crowd that quickly retreated under his gaze.
“Yes, they are here,” Sloth answered, gesturing to the class.
“Normal carriage or cage carriage?” Mera-Sae bluntly asked, clearly feeling like this entire job was a chore.
“Cage carriage sounds fun,” Tasha offered. The class could barely contain a groan at the chore it would be to keep her away from Elissa.
“Suppose we must join her,” Daisy said as the rest of the class nodded and clambered into the cage carriage. Settling into their seats, the carriage stood still for a few minutes before rocking as it set off.
“So baby bro, how is the pup treating you?” Mimi asked, beginning the conversation.
“Oh, she is adorable, the best gift you could’ve gotten. Thank you,” Alex replied with a smile and a nod. “Alison just adores her.”
“My baby girl loves the doggy?” Mimi said, beaming. “Is she still… you know…”
“Yes, she is still well-behaved,” Alex answered.
“Oh, thank gods. I worried she would be like us,” Mimi said with a relieved sigh.
“I’m sorry, sir, but who is this?” Daisy asked.
“Surely context clues would make that clear?” Mimi asked, raising one brow in amusement.
“She more is asking me to introduce you. It’s a noble thing,” Alex explained.
“Oh… Ohhhhhh!!! That explained why all those people kept asking Peter that…”
“Class, this here is my older sister, the newly anointed Brigadier General Amelia Sanguin.”
“Sanguin as in one of the true, noble clans of vampires?!!” Daisy exclaimed.
“Yeah, Peter is my hubby. Though in documents, I’m still identified as Philipdaughter. The clans won’t recognise the marriage until I accept the bite.”
“Philipsdaughter?” Kline repeated, confused.
“Peasant thing. My family name on official documents is still Phillipson. Philip was my father's name.”
“Weird… but I guess I can get it,” Kline said as he pondered the answer.
“Far more straightforward than the vampire noble clans reusing every language's word for blood like it’s some great secret,” Alex added sardonically.
“About that, Daisy, I’ve been wondering some things about vampires. As you are from a vampire clan, perhaps you could answer for me,” Bea asked as she rocked back and forth with the carriages swaying.
“Oh, cool which clan are you in?” Mimi asked.
“Klister,” Daisy answered.
“Oh, the scholar clan?” Daisy just nodded.
“Sure, Bea; what are your questions?”
“Well, like in legends, Vampires don’t do too well against sunlight,” Bea began. “But you can walk in sunlight just fine.”
“Well, I haven’t been turned yet. But no, Vampires can get sunburnt more easily, but outside that, no real weakness to sunlight.”
“What about religious symbols?” Kline asked.
“I personally don’t mind them. Worship how you want. My family are of a similar mind.”
“No, I mean the stories where they will burn you?”
“Oh, that… No religious stuff doesn’t affect us anymore than it’ll affect you. It is more likely a reaction to the material it was made of than the symbol itself. Silver isn’t great for our kind,” Daisy explained.
“So you guys have bad reactions to garlic?”
“Pfftt!!” Mimi burst out laughing. “Peter can’t get enough garlic. He told me a vampire diplomat was severely allergic, and the rumours just spread after he died to it.”
“What about a stake through the heart?” Maxwell asked.
“What about it?” Daisy asked.
“Will it kill a vampire?”
“Maxwell, I think a stake through the heart would kill most people. That one isn’t a vampire exclusive,” Alex interjected with his own answer.
“So what can we expect then? I imagine we will spend a few weeks travelling to Hades Seat,” Maxwell asked, changing the subject to avoid attention on his question.
“Oh no, a few hours outside town, we will get to a teleport gate and whoosh to the one outside the capital.”
“Why is it outside the city?” Maxwell asked.
“Bit of a dumb question,” Mimi replied. “What if an army got ahold of the gates with a key to whatever city? You’d have an army suddenly appear behind the defences. All teleport gates are kept outside defences for that very reason,” Mimi explained.
“Surprised they sent Mera-Sae, though,” Yuu added.
“I’ve studied some of the structure of her Ladyships court as I’m a bit of a fangirl for her. Nowhere near Tasha’s level,” Daisy said, gesturing to Tasha, who wasn’t paying too much attention to the conversation. “But Lord Mera-Sae wasn’t mentioned in the records I read,” Daisy added.
“That’s simple; they did that because there are only two reasons he will ever show up. He is the chief enforcer of edicts and summons. You see him; you either screwed up royally or caught the Dark Lady's attention. Both aren’t great,” Alex explained.
“Also, he has a nasty habit during wartime,” Elissa said, leaning around Alex to look at the class.
“What might that be, ma’am?” Tasha asked. After her question, though, the entire carriage went deathly silent. Wriggling a bit, a flash escaped behind the links of the chains, binding Alex as he freed his arms.
“One moment, Tasha come over here,” Alex said. Obeying his request, she came closer and let him hold a hand against her forehead.
“No fever… Tasha, are you ok?” Tasha looked confused at Alex’s question.
“Yes, why wouldn’t I be?”
“It’s just you referred to Elissa as Ma’am. That is… an odd way for you.”
“Well, she is your fiance, but I barely know her, so using her name would be a breach of etiquette, especially as she is a princess from my homeland.” Alex and the entire class stared at Tasha in shock.
“Tasha, how do you feel about Elissa?” Daisy asked.
“She is a nice lady,” Tasha replied, looking even more confused.
“You don’t want to steal her from me?”
“Heavens, no sir? Who in their right mind would try to facilitate such a heinous act?”
“Oh, gods, maybe she’s been replaced?” Bea muttered.
“She did seem quiet this week,” Daisy added.
“I didn’t know she could say a four-syllable word,” Maxwell said, looking at the elf confused.
“Enough of this!!” Elissa barked, stopping the enquiry into Tasha. “She surely is just learning from whatever eros she has committed.”
“Yes… gift horses and all..” Alex replied unsurely.
“To answer your question, Tasha, Lord Mera-Sae goes around battlefields and spears the wounded soldiers of both sides with that spear he carries.”
“Gods… So, does he enjoy it?” Tasha asked in a hushed tone.
“No, he doesn’t,” Mimi answered, shaking her head. “They are the ones beyond saving. People who, if left alone, would die in agony.”
“You ever heard of a mercy killing?” Alex asked. The class just nodded.
“Well, it comes from his name. It was mistranslated, but his actions have been mentioned since the days before even the first dark lord. His name became synonymous with granting peace.” The class paled at the prospect of being escorted by the man famed for mercy killing.
“He’s also a formidable warrior in his own right,” Mimi said, trying to lighten the mood. “I’m yet to defeat him; it’s why I didn’t bother resisting,” Mimi said, smiling with pride as if being arrested was a thing to be proud of.
“Enough chatter. We are at the gate!” Mera-Sae said as he opened the carriage's gate and looked in at its inhabitants. “You! How did you get out of your bonds?” Mera-Sae asked, looking exasperated at Alex.
“I did stuff and got free,” Alex answered.
“I can see why Victor has so much trouble with you. You are the spitting image of the way he was when he was young.”
“Gods, so I will end up like Sloth?”
“We can only hope not. One is more than enough. Now out of the carriage, these gates can only take so much at a time.”
Hopping down from the carriage, the class looked around. Expecting to find a great fortress or temple, what they saw was an old farmhouse and a barn.
“It looks like an old farmhouse?” Bea observed as she scrambled to Gunter’s shoulder.
“Well, that should be for obvious reasons,” Yuu replied, being carried by Mera-Sae.
“I understand, Big Chief,” Gunter said with a nod. “You build a big fortress or strong building, people will wonder what is being defended. Make it look like everywhere else armies will not know to look here,” Gunter suggested, to which Alex nodded as he was being dragged backwards in Mera-Sae’s other hand.
“Right on the mark. People will wonder why a big stone building was built but not why one of a hundred farmhouses with barns was built. Hide a tree in a forest, kids.”
“Enough talk,” Mera-Sae barked as he threw Alex and Yuu into the barn and returned to the carriage to retrieve Mimi.
“So, do we just step into the barn?” Daisy asked.
“No prisoners first; they need to be restrained. You go through before them guards will jump you,” Mera-Sae answered with a shake of his head as he dragged Mimi, now closely followed by Elissa.
“Wait for the big flash, then wait a further five minutes, then the next group can go through,” Mera-Sae explained as half a dozen guards entered the barn. A bright flash escaped from the crack in the barn door, indicating the teleportation had occurred.
“I recommend laying on the floor if it's your first time. You will get severe motion sickness otherwise,” Mera-Sae warned as he gestured to the doorway for them to step in.
Following his direction, the class entered the barn and found a raised stone floor with a complex magical array carved into it. Watching the array is constantly shifted and changed its design.
“A system to prevent theft?” Maxwell suggested as the class all stared at the array.
“No more questions; lie down if you intend to; the moment I step onto the array, it shall teleport,” Mera-Sae warned as he stood at the edge of the raised floor.
Taking him up on his offer, most of the class obeyed and lay flat on the ground, with only Tasha and Maxwell standing up.
“You wish to remain on your feet?” Mera-Sae asked.
“Yes, this is not my first time teleporting, but it is the first time without a blindfold,” Maxwell answered. Mera-Sae nodded and turned his gaze to Tasha.
“I am curious as to the effects of the motion sickness. It should be an interesting experience and could help my research,” Mera-Sae nodded at Tasha while the rest of the class gawked at her.
“Seriously, who are you?” Bea asked just as Mera-Sae stepped onto the raised floor.
The light of the teleportation array enveloped the entire class and Mera-Sae. They could all at once feel the world's rotation and hear their blood flow through their veins. If asked, they would best describe it as if every sense merged into one and then was stirred in a pot.
As quick as it began, the light faded, and they found themselves standing in the same place. Every tool on the barn wall was right where it had been moments ago. Looking around, the few classmates capable of comprehension couldn’t see Alex, Elissa or anyone else.
“Did it fa-” Tasha began before rushing to the door, her hands held against her mouth.
“Take a moment to catch your wits and step out when you are ready,” Mera-Sae said as he stepped out of the barn.
“I-it doesn’t look like we moved, though,” Gunter groaned as he stumbled in his attempt to stand up.
“I’m just going to wait for the world to stop spinning,” Bea said, refusing to sit up.
“Come on, guys, it passes as quickly as it starts,” Maxwell said, already on his feet.
“Maxwell… why did I have to take a carriage to the academy while you took the teleportation gate?” Kline asked
“I honestly don’t know. I have asked my father multiple times, and all he’s said was ‘convince me’. My attempts have always failed, and I was sworn not to reveal it,” Maxwell answered as he knelt down and offered a hand to help Kline up.
“But did it work?” Bea asked, rolling onto her front and trying to stand while her legs shook like a newborn fowl.
“Well, the sensation was right, but I’ve always been blindfolded when I was taken through. So couldn’t say.”
“Blindfolded?” Daisy repeated.
“Yeah, keep the location secret except to those trusted and bound by soul contracts,” Maxwell explained with a nod.
“But what if we took the passenger cart then? Wouldn’t we know the way?”
“They’d have likely blindfolded us or tied a tarp over it like the cage carriage had.”
“Shall we go outside then? Fresh air might help you guys?” Maxwell suggested offering his shoulder for Daisy and Kline to lean on while Bea took her usual spot on Gunter’s shoulders.
Staggering outside like a group of drunks on a weekend evening out, they froze at the sight that greeted them. There before them was a sprawling set of hills covered in vibrant red flowers. They had left a region of flat plains covered in wheat crops.
“Wow…” Daisy muttered as she staggered free of Maxwell’s shoulder and looked around. Her revelry was crushed at the sight that greeted her out of the periphery of her sight.
There in full body restraints splayed in a star shape were Alex, Yuu and Mimi. Along the bonds were countless runes, and there were holes in the manacles that were clearly for impaling bolts.
“Hey, kids,” Alex said, waving only his hand. “You still woozy? The guards here got sucky sweets that can help.”
A guard at this prompt approached the children. He was cloaked head to toe in black robes with metal strips covering his heart. Looking under his hood, a pair of bloodshot crimson eyes stared back.
“Lemon… or Strawberry?” a voice rasped out as a gnarled hand of only bones reached out.
“A wraith…” was all Daisy could mutter as she retreated from the grasp.
“STAY AWAY FROM HER!!!” Kline roared as he ran forwards and placed himself between the wraith and Daisy.
“Lemon or Strawberry?” the raspy voice asked, turning to Kline.
“What are you asking about?!!!” Kline demanded.
“What flavour sweets you dorks want,” Yuu explained as she stuck out her tongue, showing a red-coloured sweet. “They really help overcome some of the motion sickness from the teleport.”
“Nigel here was kind enough to bring some. You can just politely turn them down,” Alex added, sticking outs a yellow-coloured sweet of his own.
“Nigel?” Gunter repeated, standing next to Kline.
“Yeah, it’s his name. A nice fellow, from what I can tell. Usually, they really tighten the bonds to be mean. Nigel here was nice enough not to do that.”
“Thaaat…iiissss rules,” Nigel rasped as he glanced back at Alex and nodded, acknowledging his compliment.
“I’ll have lemon, please,” a pale Tasha said as she approached the wraith. Nodding his head, Nigel reached into a pouch that looked like it was used to store souls and took out a small paper-wrapped sweet.
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“Eeeenjooooyyy…”
“Sweeettttsss?” Nigel asked, turning to the rest of the class.
“I’m fine, thank you,” Daisy said, politely rejecting the offer.
“Please do say iifff you chaannge mind,” Nigel said with a nod. In the end, only Bea, Tasha and Kline took the sweets offered. With the students all there, they just had to wait for their luggage to arrive and then they could set off. Heading to a new covered carriage, the class shuffled in while the restrained adults were locked into their own carriage.
“You kids ever been to Hades Seat?” Elissa asked. They all shook their heads to indicate no.
“Nice place, if spikes and black stone is your thing. Personally, I’d prefer a splash of more colour, just not the bloody kind.”
“Heh, heh, heh, good one, ma’am,” Tasha said as she sucked away at her sweet.
“Do you know what we can expect?” Daisy asked.
“Hard to say. It depends on what mood the Dark Lady is in. She is a bit of… well, she’s a bit eccentric. Then again, according to Sloth, everyone who has sat on the ebony throne has been a bit mad.”
“How did she claim the throne? I’ve read lots about her, but that's a bit of a void in the documents,” Daisy asked eagerly, leaning forwards. As she did, the carriage shook and began to rumble as it started to make tis way to the capital.
“Same way as any other Dark Lord. She got all the marks and sat upon the throne,” Elissa answered as if it were obvious.
“I know that… it’s just she kind of just shows up out of nowhere.”
“Well… from what she’s told Yuu, she kind of did,” Elissa explained.
“Big Chief knows her?”
“Both she and Alex have met her. Part of the rules to become Sloth’s apprentice. It is why they are chained up.”
“What could they have possibly done?” Bea asked.
“From what I know, Yuu enchanted all the display suits of armour to act as makeshift golems and made a triumph parade for her arrival.” The class all stared, mouths hanging agape at this.
“Apparently, she found it all amusing and congratulated Yuu on the most entertaining visit she’d had in decades.”
“I hesitate to ask, but what did Professor Alex do?” Maxwell asked.
“Oh well, Sloth learnt his lesson and accompanied his apprentice this time. When he arrived in the throne room, he followed noble etiquette like a pro.”
“I feel like there is a but coming,” Tasha said, eager to hear how it went.
“Well, Alex has always lost his filter when it comes to speaking with really high-ranked people. So well…”
“What did he do?” Maxwell pressed.
“He insulted the entire royal guard saying their defences were incompetent and the Dark Lady was open to assassination with its current set-up.”
“He… he wouldn’t. Even he isn’t that crazy!” Bea near shouted, shocked at this statement.
“Oh, he did. My father was there and witnessed it himself. Alex provoked them and said he could prove he could attack the Dark Lady multiple times without the royal guard being able to stop him.”
“What happened?” Daisy asked, wondering how bad the whipping for insolence was.
“Lady Crozonia accepted his bet. Terms were agreed upon; if he proved his point, he would become a court mage. If he couldn’t, he would be made into a plaything for Crozonia.”
“Considering he isn’t a court mage, he lost?” Maxwell observed.
“Hmm… well, let me tell you how it happened.”
—-------------------------------------------------------------------
January 5th, Angels Descent 016
Alex had arrived at Hades Citadel, the main fortress of the capital. There stood next to him was his new master Lord Sloth. Despite Alex insisting he would be fine Sloth told him to shut up and obey him.
With little reason to do otherwise, Alex followed his lead. Samson Sloth’s butler had spent sleepless nights getting Alex upto scratch with noble etiquette, and he could perform it to textbook efficiency. Quite literally, he had just memorised the textbook and just followed it instead of following Samson's lessons.
Walking through the halls of the palatial estate, Alex couldn’t help but stare at the walls covered in portrait after portrait. Artwork that would be the envy of any royal stood here as if it was a given. Every so often, the pair would pass a doorway where all manner of courtiers were busy about their day. But without fail, Alex could see they all paused to stare at him.
Arriving at a pair of towering doors that had carvings of all manner of images. From the macabre to the divine. What caught his attention the most was they seemed so well carved they were almost like life itself had been captured and frozen in the door.
“NOW ARRIVING SINFUL LORD SLOTH AND YOUNG MASTER ALEXANDER!!” A voice declared from the other side of the door. The doors slowly swung open at his announcement, revealing the throne room. On either side of a marked path in the marble floor was a throng of nobles from all regions. No doubt, come to stare at Sloth’s pet human.
“Follow the etiquette and do as instructed.,” Sloth hissed into his ear.
“Approach!!” a man in such finery Alex could only focus on containing his scowl. That robe’s value alone could’ve fed him and his sister for a year.
Steeping forwards alongside Sloth, Alex kept pace only to stop at the first line for the squares of marble that marked the floor design. Sloth continued a few steps before turning to look at his new apprentice, concern colouring his face. Alex could see Sloth was worried he had frozen.
But no, he would be a well-behaved boy in this situation. Resting his hands flat across his chest Alex knelt down at the line and lowered his head. This caused a stir amongst the nobles present that confused Alex more than anything.
“Why do you kneel?” the well dressed man asked.
“I am following etiquette, sir,” Alex replied with a blase smile.
“There is no such etiquette. I have read the tomes of those rules thoroughly. As Vizier, it is my job to ensure such processes are followed,” the man explained.
“Then I must suggest you read the book once more, my lord,” Alex said in his friendliest tone. Rather than a friendly reply of ‘Oh, I will’. He heard shocked gasps.
“You dare speak back?!” one of the nobles shouted.
“Only to answer,” Alex replied, trying his best not to sound exasperated with these clearly empty-headed morons. Glancing up at Sloth, he could see the man was firmly holding his hand against his face in shame.
“Sir, if I may. Page three hundred and eighteen, paragraph four. ‘The demarcations of the floor's design in the throne room mark where those of station must kneel. I am at the commoner line as I hold no title nor station. With all due respect, am I mistaken in how I interpreted the rules?”
The Vizier raised a single eyebrow as he looked at Alex, then turned his gaze to Sloth before exhaling a deep sigh.
“You are not mistaken… that is indeed the correct interpretation. Though those rules have long since fallen out of use,” the Vizier admitted.
“May I be permitted to approach then?” the Vizier nodded to Alex’s request. Rising back to his feet, Alex briskly caught up to Sloth before the pair continued down the path to the throne.
“I really should have Samson break your knuckles for that one. But even I’m not sure he would,” Sloth hissed as they neared the closest position to the throne reserved for Sinful Lords.
“Kneel!” the Vizier commanded, and all in the throne room obeyed.
“All salute her greatness Dark Lady Crozonia!!” at the Vizier's announcement, a side door opened, and in strode a woman of unmatched beauty. Everything about her was perfect. No flaw could be found nor divined. This was exactly what was so unnerving about her.
Mortals all have flaws. They all have little bits wrong. To be so without defects in of itself had become a flaw. Looking up at her, Alex spotted a slight smile as she looked down at him from the raised platform before she rested on the throne.
“So Victor, you bring me a new hopeful apprentice?”
“Yes, my lady,” Sloth replied, keeping his head low.
“Come now, grandpa, you can look upon me; we are family,” Crozonia said with a smile as Sloth raised his head to look at her.
“Not by blood, my lady,” Sloth clarified.
“No, but is it not written that the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb? You took my father in as your first-ever apprentice, and he became like a son. So you must be like a grandfather.”
“I cannot deny that, my lady.”
“Wait, so she is Lord Apophis’ daughter? I thought inheriting the seats of sins and Dark Lord through hereditary means was a big no-no?” Alex whispered.
“Well observed young one!” Crozonia said with a weary smile.
“Indeed, we of the Dark Continent rebuff inheriting positions. Even the Greyback clan must maintain a level of proficiency; otherwise, I shall confiscate the seat from them. I, however, claimed this throne through my own skill,” Crozonia said, releasing a crushing wave of potent soul pressure that pressed nearly everyone in the hall flat on the ground.
“Fascinating. I thank you, my lady, for answering this poor dumb peasant's ignorant question,” Alex replied, nonplussed by the aura crushing everyone around him.
“It is you who is fascinating. Tell me, what race are you?”
“Human, my lady.”
“Really?” Crozonia asked, all majesty in her voice vanishing for a moment as surprise took over.
“Yes, my lady. You may have heard of my sister Amelia Philipsdaughter,” Alex answered.
“Ah yes… jury is still out whether she is human as well… regardless, how about you work for me and not this doddering grandpa?” Crozonia offered.
“With respect, I must decline. Sloth is the one who interests me most,” Alex replied, keeping his gaze locked with Crozonias.
“Very well, I approve of your apprenticeship,” Crozonia declared as she lifted her overwhelming aura from the room, allowing a wave of relieved sighs.
“My lady… may I be permitted a rude question?”
“Of course, you may; I shall make it clear to all listening that he shall not be punished for any statement,” Alex smirked at that decree.
“Very well… it’s just your royal guard are… rather pathetic. If I may be so bold, you are very much open to attack. I would be able to strike at you right now.”
“YOU DARE THREATEN THE LADY??!” A heavily armoured knight roared as he stepped up to Alex and readied his spear.
“Remember her Majesty's words,” Alex said, looking up at the knight with a smug grin.
“Tch… a simple reprieve. My Lady, allow me to end this cur!!”
“I don’t think so… this sounds as interesting as when Yuu arrived. Very well prove your point to me,” Crozonia said, leaning back in her throne.
“My lady?” the Vizier asked, shocked.
“Indeed, try and bring harm to me while my guards look on helplessly. Do so, and I shall make you my court mage. Fail to do so, and you shall become my pet. Do you accept the terms?” Alex just nodded.
“Should I give a sporting chance to your men and start from the throne room entrance?” Alex asked, gesturing to the doorway.
“Pfft!! HAHAHAHAHA!!! You make me laugh, Alexander. Very well, we shall give my guard a fair go of it.”
“But my lady, we-” the guard captain's protests were cut off.
“Begin when you are ready. Kill me as if you mean it, human!” Crozonia said with a wild-eyed grin. Returning to the doorway, Alex shook his hands and feet to loosen up.
“Keep your guard up. He is the sibling of the blurred death!” the Captain roared as a dozen guards all placed themselves between Alex and Crozonia.
With a nod, Alex began his assault. Or at least that is what he believed it was. It looked like he was skipping through the throne room to everyone else.
“TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY!!” One of the guards roared as he swung at Alex with the butt of his spear, only for Alex to fall back and pivot on his heels to spin around the guard and continue skipping behind him.
“GOLGOTHA, VANAHYM, CRENTOS!!” Alex chanted, summoning a sand wall defence spell. The guards in front of him were confused as this was a defence spell used to dispel the heat of a fire attack. What use would it have against melee weapons?
They got their answers quickly as the sand wall cleaved through their spear poles like a diamond-edged saw and left them headless. As they were momentarily stunned, Alex happily skipped past them, spinning and twirling around any of their attempts at strikes.
“VERITA, COLGIASH, FLAMETES, HRUNGAR!!” Alex stuck his fist into the ground and split the stone of the floor, igniting and melting it, creating a stream of hot liquid rock dividing the guards apart, leaving a clear shot at Crozonia.
“PLUTOS, HELISTAN, COLGIU-” Alex stopped his chant as he felt the colt mithril of the guard captain's spear against his neck. Raising his hands in surrender, Alex gave up.
“Victory is ours!!” the Captain roared in triumph.
“So it seems I have a new court mage then,” Crozonia said, killing the jubilation of her guards.
“My Lady, we won?!!” the captain protested.
“Varion, would you kindly tell the guard captain what is in the back of this nice chair?” Crozonia asked.
“Roughly half a dozen magical lances, my lady,” the Vizier answered.
“You were so focused on his show you failed to notice he was whisper-chanting between his loud showy spells. He has struck me multiple times while you were occupied with him.”
“But my lady, that is cheating!!”
“But he succeeded. My life can be lost to cheats. We can bemoan all we want, but he has bested you. So Alexander, when can you start?”
“Never; I am happy becoming Sloth’s apprentice,” Alex replied to the increasingly shocked crowd.
“When you have become a master mage, then?”
“That will still be never, my Lady. I hold a similar opinion to Sloth.”
““That a mage will only ever be practising magic as it is never truly mastering it,”” both Crozonia and Alex said at the same time.
“Yes, my father held the same opinion. Very well, at the very least, plug the whole in my defences you have highlighted to the world.”
—-----------------------------------------------------------------
“He really tried to kill her?!” Daisy exclaimed in shock as the story finished.
“Oh yes. He and Mimi are firmly in her books of fun people. From what my father has said she likes people who will challenge her. It’s why she keeps that Vizier around. He will stop her antics.”
“Well, it should be less of an issue. I heard she was wounded by a hero a few years back,” Maxwell said.
“About that…” Elissa’s gaze went distant as she pondered whether to tell this story to them. Thankfully fate saved her as the sounds of Hades’ Seat city gate approached.
“Some other time, kids, we’re almost there.”
The carriage halted outside the city gates briefly before they heard the guards wave them through. Continuing through what they assumed were bustling city streets, the class wondered what sights were passing outside.
“You think we could go sightseeing?” Tasha asked.
“No, we are here to see her majesty. We aren’t here for a holiday,” Maxwell said, shooting a glare at Tasha.
“I obviously meant after we met the Dark Lady and performed whatever we are here to do,” Tasha shot back with her own glare as she crossed her arms defiantly.
“How am I meant to know that’s what you meant?!”
“It should be obvious? Only an idiot would think we could sightsee before meeting the Dark Lady,” Tasha replied, refusing even to acknowledge Maxwell, who was still confused at how Tasha had suddenly gained an IQ above double digits.
Before their argument could devolve any further, though, the carriage came to a halt. Unsure of how to proceed, the class decided it would be best just to sit and wait for orders. They didn’t have to wait long before a voice they recognised called out to them.
“You kids coming out?” Hearing the clack of the gate, they all hopped out, finding themselves in the courtyard of a palace that had a number of black obsidian towers connected to it.
“Where are we, sir?” Bea looked at their surroundings from her perch on Gunter’s shoulders.
“Hades Seat,” Alex replied.
“I know we are in the capital; I meant, where in the capital?”
“Same answer, the palace's name is also the city's name.”
“It’s… by the gods; it’s stunning…” Daisy muttered as she walked around, taking in the scene around them. As the rest of the class did this, only Maxwell remained unphased as he was focused on Alex.
“Sir, why aren’t you restrained anymore?” the Class all snapped their attention back to Alex and only now did it dawn on them; he was just standing there with no chains or restraints. Looking passed him, they could also see Mimi and Yuu free of their restraints in an animated discussion.
“Well, that was just to make sure I actually got here… now… well, let's just say now I am inside the city walls, there is no escaping this,” Alex explained, giving a half smile as he gazed up at the palace.
“Crozonia will see me now whether I run or not.”
“Yes, she is already aware of your arrival; she is especially curious as to the children you have with you?” A voice asked; looking to the source, the class saw a man standing in the doorway wearing almost sickeningly fine clothing.
“Nice to see you, Varion,” Alex said with a nod of his head.
“Shame, I can’t say the same; you lot bring out the worst in her,” Varion grumbled as he looked down at the group assembled in front of him.
“Follow, we have prepared an ante-chamber for you to change into finer clothing,” Varion declared as he spun on his heel and began walking into the palace.
Hastily following behind the exhausted-looking man, the class and the ‘adults’ kept pace, walking through the palace halls. The palace itself was beyond a work of art. The hallway they were currently walking through had an entire row of crystal clear glass windows that let the natural light of the day shine through onto polished gilded-mirrors.
“The hall of eight-hundred and six mirrors,” Alex offered as the class all looked around.
“Why such an odd number?” Daisy asked.
“Used to be a thousand, but Dark Lord Braxis got drunk one night and picked a fight with his reflection,” Yuu explained.
“One hundred and ninety-four times?”
“Lord Braxis was an incompetent man,” Varion explained. “Powerful but incompetent. In battle, he was untouchable; even in death, his flesh was unmarked. But when it came to matters of state, he left it to the council of sinful lords and my predecessor.”
“Predecessor?” Tasha repeated.
“Yes, I am the Grand Vizier,” Varion explained.
“O-oh gods, my lord forgive me for being so rude,” Maxwell hastily said in a panic.
“Worry not, I chose not to inform you; etiquette becomes tiresome sometimes,” Varion reassured, waving his hand to dismiss Maxwell’s apology.
“So, what mood is she in today?” Alex asked.
“Playful,” was Varion’s one-word answer.
“Gods…” Mimi muttered in surprise as she paused in thought. “I am going to have to fight her with all I got then,” she finally declared, hitting her fist into her hand.
“We are here; enter and await for us to call you,” Varion ordered, making sure to give a teacher’s style scowl at Alex, Yuu and Mimi. Closing the door of the room behind them, the class heard the click as it was locked.
“Ok, get in your best clothes, guys,” Alex said as he gestured to two more doors as he walked into the one on the left.
“Come on, ladies, I’ll help,” Elissa said as she stepped into the one on the right.
It took all of half an hour for them all to get fully ready; in their finest clothing, the boys all stood to attention while the girls came out in a medley of suits and dresses. They looked very much like they were on their way to a spring ball.
“Why are they wearing men's clothing?” Daisy grumbled.
“Daisy, it is just clothing; second, Mimi, Elissa, and Yuu can expect to need freedom of movement; you and Tasha, however, have no such need.”
“Very well, sir, I still feel I would’ve preferred to have a suit for ease of movement. The man who invented the corset should be shot for this crime against female clothing.”
“Oh, he was,” Yuu answered. “Right in the face… by Lady Crozonia.” A knock at the door alerted them to Varion’s arrival.
“Are you ready? The Lady will see you now,” Varion declared as the clack of the door being unlocked sounded out.
Stepping out of the room and lining up, Varion took a step back to examine them. He would adjust a tie or bow every so often, but eventually everyone was up to his standard.
“You three will forever be the sort that has the clothes wearing them, so I shan’t bother,” he said, giving a disappointed look at Alex, Mimi and Yuu.
“Follow and await the chamberlain to call you,” Varion said as he led the way. Following through the palace halls once more, they came to the gallery of Sins. The hallway where every sinful lord to have served has a portrait.
“Chief, is your portrait here?” Gunter asked as he looked them over.
“Oh yes, I’m closer to the throne room as I am still a recent addition.”
“W-will they run out of room for portraits?” Kline stuttered as the nerves of the situation began seizing him.
“No, it’s a rolling roster, see,” Alex said, gesturing to Sloth’s portrait.
“Third time we’ve passed it, this hall doesn’t even have the sinful lords from when Lord Hades ruled,” Alex explained.
“Each new Dark Lord has a new set of portraits added, so having multiple of the same person isn’t impossible,” Varion added.
“What about the likenesses of the forgotten Sinful Lords?” Bea asked.
“Contained in the tombs of the Dark Lords they served. Every sinful lord… no matter how brief,” Varion glanced at Alex as he said this. “Has a statue added to the tomb. Eventually, when they are killed, the Dark Lord will be buried in the tomb with a statue of every sin who served while they ruled.”
“Can only imagine how cramped the tombs can sometimes get,” Alex muttered.
“Enough chatter, we are here,” Varion declared as they came to a pair of doors with carvings that looked like the artist had frozen living beings in their work. Tapping his sceptre against the door, Varion paused.
“NOW ARRIVING, THE SUMMONED BEINGS KNOWN AS ALEXANDER GUNTHERIAN, YUUKIKO IRONFORGE, ELISSA IRONWOOD, AMELIA SANGUI AND GUESTS!!” A loud voice shouted as the doors swung open, revealing an empty throne room.
Walking into the throne room, the group proceeded behind Varion before he stopped at the large tile that had a warped gash in it. Looking at the scar in the stonework, the class couldn’t help but stare at Alex.
“Kneel here, and she will enter,” Varion declared as he went up the steps and stood beside the throne.
“NOW ARRIVING HER MOST AUGUST MAJESTY THE DARK LADY CROZONIA!!” The Chamberlain declared. Out a side door stepped Crozonia in a comfortable-looking soft dress. All at once, the entire throne room was filled with a crushing aura that would flatten anyone unprepared.
The Class feeling this paled as they could feel the sheer weight the power held. It is only thanks to Alex’s soul exercises that they could maintain their composure and remain kneeling, refusing to shame themselves and fall flat. As quick as it began, it vanished, and a friendly voice devoid of majesty spoke up.
“Hey, guys, long time no see.”
“You may look up,” Varion said, giving an exhausted sigh.
Looking up at the Lady sat on the throne, the class could only say one thing. Those were the eyes of a predator, like a cat looking to play with its prey. She gave a playful smirk as she looked down at them, only to hold a hand to her mouth.
“Pffft!!! What are you wearing?” Crozonia asked. Confused, the class looked at their clothes only to see nothing out of the ordinary. Glancing at their teachers, they saw the source of her amusement.
“Crap knew we forgot something,” Alex muttered as he grimaced.
Looking at Alex, Yuu and Elissa, all three were dressed in very colourful clown costumes with the pale-white makeup and bright red nose to match.
“When I heard you acted like clowns, I took it to be a metaphor,” Crozonia said around barely concealed laughter.
“So… HA… you answered… HA HA… my summons,” Crozonia said before making her lips a thin line trying her best not to break down in tears.
“Yes, My Lady,” they all chorused.
“Why is Amelia the only one, not a clown?”
“She hasn’t been involved in our blood contract experiments.”
“Blood Contract Experiments?... HA…” Crozonia repeated.
“Intresting… pffft…”
“My Lady, maybe you should just let it out. No one will believe a group of teenagers if they say you lack the appropriate majesty.” Like a dam had just broken, Crozonia doubled over in a fit of unrestrained laughter. Every so often, she smacked the floor, creating cracks that spread out to the walls.
“Oh, Gods… ha ah aha ah ahahaha” this laughter lasted a few minutes before she was just left wheezing.
“Thank you…” Crozonia said as she wiped a tear from her eye. “With everything going on, I haven’t had a good laugh in a long time.”
“Ahem… my lady, should we return to the matter at hand?” Varion asked, practically pleading.
“Yes… heh… yes, we should,” Crozonia said as she slapped her cheeks, forcing her expression to go neutral.
“So I’m sure you know why I called you here?” the group's adults nodded.
“Yes, I understand you; Amelia destroyed a considerable amount of property on a drunken bender?”
“Yes, my lady,” Mimi said, lowering her head.
“Such an egregious act… so selfish. Why did you not invite me?!”
“My Lady?” Mimi said, looking up.
“I did send an invite. I assumed you turned it down?”
“You did?” Crozonia said, slowly turning her gaze to Varion.
“I imagine it was when you cast the animate body spell on yourself to get through a mountain of paperwork while you slept,” Varion offered.
“Then that one is my fault. I shan’t punish you for not inviting me as you seem to have done so. So only destruction of property. For your crime, you will pay for all repairs and will be sent to the military academy in the Octogram. I understand they found a crazy refugee from the holy continent with chronological powers.”
“Time Magic?!” Alex exclaimed.
“Send her my way!!”
“No, you do not get to have fun,” Crozonia said, shooting down Alex’s hopeful request.
“Then there is you, Alexander,” Crozonia said as she stood over him, letting her gaze bore into his very soul. “One moment, sorry,” Crozonia said as she stepped away and leaned against the wall, her shoulders shaking in what was obviously a fresh bout of laughter. A minute of this passed before she returned recomposed.
“Apologies. You, Young Alexander, have killed a High Noble. Yes, he was no better than trash, but we have the three-generation rule for a reason.”
“Three-Generation rule?” Tasha repeated, confused.
“Oh, your little kiddies don’t know it? And what has he been teaching you?”
“Military grade magics and various techniques under imperial seal as you know,” Maxwell hastily answered from well-drilled lessons of answer higher ranked nobility without hesitation.
“Military?” Crozonia repeated, looking intrigued. “Well anyways, let ole aunty Crozonia grace you with a lesson. There are two Three-Generation rules. One for the Holy Continent,” Crozonia paused to spit into a prepared pot at the utterance of their nation's long-time self-declared rival. “And one for us. Now, Alexander, dear Alexander, be a teacher and teach the differences.” Nodding his understanding, Alex began his explanation.
“On the Holy Continent, they rarely raise commoners to noble ranks. The three-generation rule is that it takes three generations within nobility for the stink of common to leave your blood.” Crozonia nodded approvingly at his explanation.
“The Dark Continent, though, has more of an inverse. It only takes three generations for a bloodline to lose its nobility. Noble families who don’t keep up to scratch are stripped of titles. It is why Noble families like yours, Maxwell, will say they are a generation noble.”
“Why is that, sir?” Bea asked.
“Because the longer the line of generation, the more capable the bloodline is. It is especially why the Greybacks are so strict.”
“Except with that one you killed,” Crozonia added, poking Alex in the ribs.
“So while he may have been a failure, he was two generations away from being an acceptable death and even then, you’d need my permission.”
“But, My Lady, he was in combat with Professor Alex!!” Daisy protested, quickly paling under Crozonia’s gaze.
“I know what happened. Celes challenged him to a fight, and before it could begin, Elissa here smashed through and knocked his leg off.”
“Exactly, he would’ve bled out anyways!” Bea added.
“He would’ve. I won't contest that. Then the punishment would’ve been on Elissa here,” Crozonia turned her predatory gaze to the Elf Princess. “Oh, how I would’ve loved her as a plaything. Regardless Alexander knew this, didn’t you?”
“Yes, my Lady.”
“You killed him with your necromancy to take the blame onto yourself.” Alex just weakly nodded.
“Truly, your love is something for story books. Regardless I must set an example. Your punishment is to be my court clown-HAH mage from now on.” Crozonia declared, momentarily breaking.
“I refuse!” Alex said before she could even show a grin at her punishment.
“You can’t refuse a punishment!!” Varion roared.
“Very well then… I shall make it far worse than that.”
“If you must.”
“You will be Lord Defender of the Western Arm. With the storm that's brewing, I can’t have powerful combatants sitting around doing little. Before you refuse, this will only be in times of war. You may return to teaching between invasions.”
“I…” Alex began before trailing off. “I will accept.”
“Atta boy. Oh, also, Grampa Sloth has been nagging me lately, so You and Little Yuu here will also serve as co-regents over Sloth's domain. He has been whiney about his research being interrupted with actually ruling his domain.”
“I have made my rulings. I shall call on you again later to explain your blood contract experiments. They seem… entertaining…” With that, Crozonia left the throne room out the door she entered, leaving the group nearly alone. As she stepped out of the room, Alex, Yuu and Elissa’s clothing warped back into normal noble clothing perfect for meeting the head of state.
“Now go; a servant will show you out. I understand Sloth’s Capital residence has been prepared. You will have two days before the teleport gate will be available for your use on your journey home. NOW BEGONE!!”