Chapter 6
The overwhelming sense of dread and sorrow permeated throughout the people of Riverfork, who could only watch as their beloved town had been reduced to burned rubble and ruins. All that remained were the remnants of the temple and a handful of partially charred structures in the far-off distance. But that was not all. Only after the smoke had cleared, the last fire had been extinguished, and the final victim had been identified did the devastation in Riverfork become painfully clear. Riverfork, as it was, ceased to exist.
"Papa! Papa! Wake up! Please!"
Avnas looked at the tiny girl, who had ears like a cat and a fluffy tail. The girl was weeping as she stood over her beloved father's lifeless, cold body, desperately trying to wake him up, but that would never happen.
"Hush, sweetie, everything is going to be alright," the mother whispered gently, caressing her daughter's back, trying to ease the pain. Avnas recognised her. It was the cat lady who gave her directions to reach the temple when she arrived at Riverfork. Miri, if she recalled correctly.
Avnas observed a deep and endless anguish etched on Miri's face. The events of a single afternoon had robbed Miri of everything—her beloved husband, her home, and even one of her limbs. Yet, Miri maintained a resilient facade. Miri had no choice. She could not afford to crumble in the presence of her child. She couldn't break, not there; maybe, once her daughter was asleep, she would allow her heart to burst in anguish. But now. Miri had to think about her daughter first. That was important.
Avnas chose to avert her gaze, as she was uncomfortable with the emotions she was feeling. She experienced a mixture of revulsion towards the tears of the weak, amusement at a large number of casualties, and apathy towards the suffering of others. Avnas had a nasty smirk, but soon, she realised what she was doing.
It's not right. Avnas thought, trying to adjust her own feelings, pushing that demon inside her down.
When Avnas killed those demons, it made her feel justified and vindictive, like she was doing something "good" for everyone. Perhaps she viewed their actions as evil. So, killing them was only a natural reaction. But the truth was that Avnas felt nothing of the sort. Those demons were weak, and Avnas's inner demon hated weakness. Those demons killing everyone in the town gave Avnas a perfect opportunity to test her abilities and get something in return.
Avnas didn't save the people out of kindness. Instead, she did it to benefit from them. They were merely a tool for her to achieve her goals. Avnas recognised that this behaviour wasn't due to her demon nature but rather to her human instinct for self-preservation. She felt that the only way to survive was to always be one step ahead of others, compete, and let others fail while she succeeded. A corporate life, that's all Avnas knew, and now that she was facing the moral dilemmas head-on, being there in the middle of it all. It made her realise that her inner demon was not a foreign concept pushed on her by her new life.
It was not a new game mechanic twisting her thoughts or behaviours to make her feel like someone evil wanted to take control of her life. That thing Avnas called "the inner demon" was her all along. Her apathy was nothing new. It has always been there. Her desire to eliminate all weaknesses stemmed from her own faults and fragility. That amusement she felt came from the relief of not being the target of those who abused her. It made her feel sick—a wretched feeling of hoping someone else had to endure the hands of her boss instead of her because of how afraid she was of him.
Avnas thought she wanted to be honest, righteous, and strong. After all, it was easier to think like that and pretend the environment and not her were broken. Maybe people were born good. Perhaps their surroundings shaped them to be something else. Avnas wasn't sure. But she knew for certain that she was not the person she thought she was.
Yet, she wanted to change. To what exactly? Avnas had to find out for herself.
"I just have an epiphany about myself. I wonder if this world has therapists," Avnas mumbled to herself as she watched the big and strange Zeppelin above her. Now that she focused on what was happening and not her existential crisis. Avnas couldn't help but wonder just how, in a world where cat people, demons, and magic existed, a Zeppelin would be the one thing that shocked her the most.
"First time seeing one?"
Avnas looked at her side and saw Sister Helena approaching her. The sister looked weary and tired, sore and bruised. But it was clear that her mind worries were on the citizens of Riverfork and not her. Still, Avnas noticed a tiny little being sleeping in Sister Helena's embrace.
A fairy? Avnas thought, expanding the list of races she has met so far.
"It's hard not to stare," Avnas replied while still looking at the sky, earning a chuckle from Sister Helena.
"It's one of the Holy Kingdom's aerocrusible," Sister Helena stated as both women watched a sort of platform lowering itself without any cable needed down to the ground. A formidable group of soldiers, all adorned in gleaming white armour with accents of gold, approached Commander Markus with haste. The Commander had some harsh words to say to them. That much was clear. Still, Avnas focused on the so-called aerocrusible in the sky.
While it resembles a Zeppelin, there were clear distinctions, like how big it was and how it looked to be made out of steel. Avnas saw how, on the tip of the aerocrusible, a sort of opening allowed the escape of steam, making Avnas wonder if they used coal to power such an airship.
"It's quite big," Avnas mumbled. "It must transport a lot of people there."
"Around three hundred and fifty people in total," Sister Helena replied. "And this one is used to simply transport supplies. They are the bigger ones, patrolling the Holy Kingdom frontiers and the Hellfront. The Grand Arthiel, the Holy Kingdom's pride and joy, can transport over three thousand people. It's almost a small citadel in the sky."
Avnas was now quite shocked to hear those numbers. "That's quite a lot of people in one place, especially inside a flying balloon."
Sister Helena chuckled. "Yeah, that's true. And I don't envy them. It gets crowded up there. The sound of the engines can be heard across the entire ship. The bathrooms always stink, and there is no privacy at all."
"Ah, personal experience talking," Avnas joked as Sister Helena smiled at her.
"Yeah," Sister Helena replied, not forgetting her time in what she called flying dungeons.
For a moment, they both fell silent. The only sound coming from the distance was the voice of Commander Markus. He sounded displeased, and it was clear he was not happy with the Holy Kingdom's tardiness.
"What's going to happen now?" Avnas asked. "About this town and the people?"
Sister Helena sighed deeply, realising that she would have already been smoking if Ami hadn't been in her arms. "What do you think will happen?" Sister Helena asked for her back. "Riverfork is gone. Nothing will ever be the same, even if they rebuild it."
Avnas slowly nodded, noticing the bitterness in Sister Helena's voice. Avnas's eyes scanned the area as she took in the full extent of the destruction that lay before her. The damage went beyond the buildings; it deeply affected the people who called this place home for years or even decades, who knew each street, each building, and each family now lost to the fire and horrible necromancy magic. It may be something that Avnas could relate to. She could finally feel some sort of connection to the people she saved. Avnas was an infant when war forced her family to flee their home country, so she understood that the people of Riverfork would have to start somewhere else, leaving behind everything they knew to find peace far away.
This place will only bring them pain. Suffering. A never-ending nightmare of guilt.
"There used to be a thousand people living here," Sister Helena's voice was suddenly filled with sadness. "Now, less than two hundred are left. Entire families were wiped out. The town is gone, and I doubt it will come back. I can't say what will happen. But one thing is certain: This will escalate things at the Hellfront."
Avnas then wondered what that meant exactly. "In what way?" She asked.
"The Kingdom of Aplacia will want blood after the news of what happened here spreads out. This is the first time demons have attacked so deep in the continent in more than two hundred years," Sister Helena slowly and gently moved Ami away from her embrace, holding her in one arm. Before trying to look for a cigarette. "Can you be a dear and help me, will you? Light me the cigarette."
Avnas muttered about disliking smokers but fell silent when met with Sister Helena's glare.
"Ah, thank you, my dear," Sister Helena took a deep drag from her cigarette, exhaling with satisfaction. Avnas recoiled from the pungent smoke. "Now, what was I saying? Oh yeah, well, there is going to be an altercation soon. No doubt a new offensive will be planned, and more lives will be lost in a confrontation that would last months at best."
"Aren't confrontations at the Hellfront usual?" Avnas mumbled, covering her nose from the cigarette smoke.
"Define confrontations. It's mostly an eternal stalemate," Sister Helena whispered, looking at the aerocrusible above them. "It's trench warfare. Sometimes, we push and capture a new fortress and trenches. But then they would do the same. Hence and repeat, for hundreds of years."
Avnas then frowned deeply about a specific detail. "Wait. Is the Holy Kingdom in charge of the Hellfront? Do they have allies?"
"Technically speaking, this is a war for humanity, for all of us. Unfortunately, we tend to forget that humans have a shorter lifespan compared to other races, and while the reason behind the war is documented in books. It only tells a heroic tale of the lesser race standing up against the evil demons, fighting against all odds. However, as time passes by, we tend to forget what started it all. They are bedtime stories at best or tavern songs at worst. They don't care anymore, we don't care anymore. As a result, we are now fighting a war that nobody cares about—how it started or how it could end. It has become a knee-jerk reaction; we see demons and attack them merely because they attack us and nothing else."
Sister Helena mumbled, simply staring at the Holy Knights. They were young in her eyes and looked quite unsure of themselves behind that valiant armour of theirs.
"For how long can we do this? I have no idea."
Commander Markus approached Avnas and Sister Helena, looking like he had finally released some steam. Sister Helena found herself amused at his expression.
"Eat some recruits for breakfast, Markus?" Sister Helena teased.
"They are reservists. They did not predict a demonic attack here," Commander Markus replied, his voice filled with disappointment. Still, it was hard to say if it was because of the Holy Knight's tardiness or his own failures as a commander.
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Nevertheless, Commander Markus knew he couldn't wait to find out. "I must go back to Arthiel City. And report to the Sacred Council and her Holiness. We need to retaliate now."
Commander Markus looked at Avnas with suspicion despite her saving them. However, she could heal Hellfire wounds and take on three powerful Demon Knights. Whatever she was or wherever she came from, the woman with white hair was on their side.
"Miss Avnas, what you have done today will forever change things. It may not look like it, but you helped people today. You saved them."
Avnas felt a mix of emotions as Commander Markus spoke. The survivors of Riverfork turned their attention to her with grateful expressions. While Avnas appreciated their gratitude, she found the attention quite challenging to deal with. As a result, she simply nodded stiffly in response to the commander's words.
"Uh—yes, of course. It's nothing," Avnas replied, stuttering slightly.
"Also, Miss—no, excuse me, Lady Avnas, these news will spread among people," Commander Markus said. At the same time, Avnas was thankful to be referred to as a lady. It does make her feel quite elegant if she could be honest with herself. Yet, she wondered what Commander Markus meant.
"What do you mean?" Avnas asked.
"I will not take credit for something I didn't do. The Holy Kingdom's forces failed. That much is clear. You took on three Demon Knights, saved as many citizens of Riverfork as you could, and healed Hellfire wounds. That's not something a normal human can do. In fact, I can't think of any race that could achieve this without difficulty. Yet you did."
Avnas could sense a certain tone of inquiry in the voice of the Commander of the Holy Knights. It was the same tone that Sister Helena had used before. The way they spoke made it evident that they knew Avnas was not a human but something different.
"You're not human, one of us," Commander Markus declared, making Avnas frown at him. There was no point in lying, but she wasn't about to expose herself as a demon. Not while she could avoid having to fight with humans who clearly hated demons. It would truly be a mess since, just like Sister Helena stated before. Humanity has a knee-jerk reaction when dealing with demons.
"I see," Avnas mumbled back. "Would that be a problem now?" She asked them back with a snappy tone of voice. Commander Markus seemed to want to ask more, but Sister Helena stopped him.
"Stop it, Markus; it's unwelcome of us to behave like this," Sister Helena sighed. "I'm sorry. Tensions are high now. Still, whatever you are, you helped us. That's enough for me."
Commander Markus glared at Avnas before sighing deeply. "You're right. You fought demons. At least we know you're not one of them."
Avnas nervously nodded. "Y-yeah."
"Bring me an Echo stone, Lt. Albertha! I must report back to the Aplacia forces, who will want to know more about what happened," Commander Markus yelled loudly, making Avnas glance at the Holy Knight quickly strolling to them. She had short, dark hair that fell in soft waves around her face, and her skin was a warm, tanned brown. She was quite the tall woman, too, yet the woman seemed nervous, her eyes darting around as she tentatively made her way towards him.
"Sir!" Lt. Albertha handed Commander Markus a small blue crystal pulsing with a faint blue light.
What is that thing? Avnas thought, confused and intrigued, about the strange little object in Commander Markus's hand.
"Here, Commander Markus of the Holy Knights. Number six-eight-nine," Commander Markus spoke to the crystal. For a moment, Avnas debated if something was wrong with the man. But soon, a voice was heard coming out of the crystal, shocking Avnas entirely.
"I receive you loud and clear, Commander Markus. Captain Lloyd of the Kingdom of Aplacia."
Avnas stood there, her jaw hanging open in a comical expression of surprise. She never expected to see such things in this world—flying ships, magic, cat girls, and now long-distance communication in the form of a crystal.
I can't even comprehend what is happening anymore. Avnas mumbled in her thoughts as she listened to Commander Markus's conversation with the Aplacia Kingdom's captain. The captain reacted strangely when he heard how she killed the demon invaders, almost like he couldn't believe it. The reaction was understandable in her eyes, yet Avnas couldn't help but wonder just how unusual or powerful she was in their eyes. So far, she has heard how in terms of magic and mana. Humanity was, technically speaking, the weakest of all races.
To the point that Tier Five magic was considered the pinnacle of power for them. So, when they saw Avnas using magic above that tier, curing Hellfire wounds that they deemed impossible in the blink of an eye and defeating three demon knights, the nemesis of humanity, without suffering a scratch. It was all hard to believe.
No wonder the commander and that crazy sister knew I was not human.
Avnas thought but was still unsure whether her name being known in the kingdom was good or bad, though she figured that travelling would allow her to learn more about the world.
It'd be good for me to lay low and enjoy the benefits of having saved this town. After all, this world is quite strange. I must learn more. I don't want more surprises.
Avnas nodded to herself.
"Excuse me!"
Avnas turned around and saw the group of people she recognised: the two adventurers she revived and the girl she healed from the Hellfire burns. However, the boy with the staff and the blue-haired girl stood before her, staring at her, unmoving and silent for a short while, making Avnas quite nervous.
"Uh, yes?" Avnas was perplexed as to what the girl with blue hair and the dark-haired boy wanted from her. Their resolute expressions made it clear that they were determined to ask for something. However, what that something was remained a mystery to Avnas.
"Please! Make us stronger!" Both exclaimed loudly as Avnas simply stared at them.
"Uh?" That was all Avnas could say at the moment.
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As the group settled down in a secluded spot, Avnas mulled over the strange request made by the two individuals. They were desperate to learn the secret to becoming powerful, but Avnas doubted she could teach them that. She couldn't say that; they just need money and no social life to achieve it.
"Alright, please start again," Avnas sighed deeply. "From the start, yes?"
"My name is Elian Aquilae. I am from Liberia City," Elian, the young woman with strikingly vivid blue hair that cascaded down her back and piercing deep blue eyes, humbly bowed before Avnas as if paying homage to a powerful deity. "I am a Hero Tier two, rank Liberator."
"My name is—" the boy stopped before briefly glancing at Lynas and the other girl, Elian. He took a deep breath before continuing. "My name is Alexander Bizantinne of Angram."
Lynas was taken aback by the revelation that her companion, whom she had assumed at first to be just another rich imperial boy who was in a sort of rebel phase, was actually a High Noble, a member of the Five families of the Angram Empire with close ties to the Imperial family.
Just what is he doing playing Adventurer? Lynas thought, pondering what else Alex was hiding.
Yet, Elian, for her part, couldn't help but look at Alex with disdain, disgust, and anger.
"You're not only an imperial dog but a Bizantinne?" Elian sneered, earning a scowl from Alex.
"Yes, would that be a problem for you, Liberian rat?" Alex hissed back.
Avnas was unsure of what caused the sudden animosity between Alex and Elian. But she was intrigued by it. Not in a malicious way, to pit them against each other, but more of her wanting to learn about the history of the world.
However, she was unsure of how to proceed. In her time playing Antherion, Avnas was a solitary player and had no friends. She lacked social skills and did not know how to interact with other people. It was a sad thing to admit, but it was the truth. Yet, there was a golden opportunity lying before her. True, Avnas was uncertain whether she could teach others Antherion's magic, but she could certainly learn from them.
Avnas could experiment with both worlds' magic. Even see if they could also learn how to cast some of Antherion's spells. There was a lot she could gain from having them near her. A win-win situation for her.
I checked my stats after the battle with those demons. I am gaining experience here, too. And since I can no longer see a limit in my level. It means I can surpass level 180. Interesting. There is a lot I wish to try out. But I don't know how to teach. Avnas thought as she noticed Elian and Alex glaring at each other while Lynas was simply looking at the scene before her with an amused look on her face.
"Ah! I never get tired of watching Alberam rivalry," Lynas teased before Avnas coughed loudly enough for both Elian and Alex to immediately stop their bickering and pay full attention to her.
"So!" Avnas clapped her hands. "You wish to become stronger?"
"Yes!" Elian and Alex stated this at the same time.
"Like! Are you sure?!" Avnas mumbled, getting quite uncomfortable watching them kneel before her. Both nodded rapidly.
"Well, why exactly?" Avnas asked first, wanting to know their reasoning.
Elian was the first one to speak. "You have healed me from wounds that could never be healed. It requires Tier Nine magic, which I have never heard of anyone using except for the Heralds of the Gods. I heard what the Commander of the Holy Knight said. I know you're not human. But! Still, I wish to learn from you!"
Avnas frowned, hearing about those Heralds of the Gods again. What were they? Powerful entities? Raid bosses? Or something else? It didn't seem like they were humans. Nevertheless, Avnas wanted to find out.
"I—!" Elian fell to her knees before Avnas, bowing her head to kiss the white-haired woman's feet. An action that took Avnas by surprise. "I want to become strong no matter what. I'll give you anything you want—my body, my soul—but I need to be strong!"
Avnas was stunned, even slightly intimidated by the words of Elian. The intensity, the rage inside her, and the utter determination to do whatever it takes to achieve her goal truly made Avnas feel quite intrigued about the girl.
"You want to become stronger, I know. But why? You haven't told me yet," Avnas replied, slowly allowing her eyes to peer into Elian's soul.
"There is someone I must kill!" Elian glared at Avnas with such intensity that she looked like a demon, which made Avnas frown with mild curiosity.
"Alright, I understand. Stand up," Avnas said, and Elian quickly obeyed. "I don't know how. But I'll try to give you what you wish. You say you will give me anything, even your soul. Are you sure of that? You just say my power is equal to this world's Heralds and that you know I am not a human. So, be careful about what you give in exchange because you can never take it back. You don't know me or what I am. Are you still sure of this?"
"Yes!" Elian replied quickly, her eyes not faltering. This girl had her mind made up already.
Avnas, for her part, couldn't help but feel a sudden rush of authority, power, and excitement as if she were served the most delicious food on a silver plate. Avnas wanted the girl, everything she was, only for herself. Avnas, at first, wasn't sure of why she felt that. Then she recalled something from the lore she wrote about her character. Avnas, as the Demon Empress and holder of the titles of [Demogorgon's Heir and Blood] and [Asmodeous's Chosen]. She rose from the rest of the demons and celestial beings and became a separate entity. According to Avnas's lore, she was capable of offering deals, contracts, and even granting wishes in exchange for eternal servitude. She had the power to fulfil any wish as long as it did not affect her in any negative way. Even granting immortality or godhood if they wished. Of course, that was all part of Avnas's edgy lore, which she wrote back when she started playing Antherion.
It never occurred to her that all she wrote—that amount of pages describing her character—would play a role in the future. And there was a lot she wrote there. Still, Avnas felt something—a pull to bring them to her grasp, like a predator hunting its prey.
"Do you swear it?" Avnas's voice felt like honey in Elian's ears—sultry and gentle. Almost engulfing Elian in the promise she could ask for anything.
"I—" Elian stopped momentarily, sensing something strange in the air. It was almost as if her senses were screaming not to say anything. But another part of her pushed her to obey the woman before her. That nothing else mattered but Avnas. Elian shook her head. She had no time to think or to doubt. Elian had to do whatever she could, no matter what, to achieve her goal. "I swear it! As long as you live, I am yours!"
Avnas smiled as she raised her hand. A ring was there. "Kiss it, and I shall give you the strength to fulfil your goals."
Elian obediently lowered her head and pressed her lips against the ornate ring on Avnas's hand. As she did, a faint glimmer of magic emerged, barely visible to the naked eye. Avnas watched expectantly, waiting for some kind of reaction. She half-anticipated a burst of energy, a shower of glittering sparks, or a grand display of mystical power. But to her surprise, nothing happened. The air remained still, the sky silent, and the world unchanged.
Uh, well, I don't remember writing about what happens when a contract is done. Avnas thought as Elian suddenly felt something rushing through her body—a warm feeling before it vanished. Something did happen, but she wasn't sure of what.
"Now," Avnas said, turning her gaze to Alex. "You say you wanted to be strong too. Why?"
Alex was more upfront about what he wanted. He had a clear goal in mind, an objective. "I want to save my mother and sister from slavery. Nothing matters as long as I achieve what I want."
Now, that's quite a scary face. Avnas thought, watching nervously at Alex's stoic and cold expression. But honestly, that was a goal she could understand and even admire. A selfless crusade to save the ones he cared about.
"And you understand what it entails?" Avnas asked now, peering her eyes into Alex.
"I will do whatever it takes, even if it means giving you my soul, as long as I have the power to save them."
Avnas raised her hand once again, and Alex followed in Elian's footsteps by kissing it too. Soon after, a spark of magic—barely visible—occurred, and Alex could feel his body reacting to something foreign, slowly engulfing him. Soon, it was over. Alex, just like Elian, didn't feel abnormal. But that was yet to be seen.
"Stay with me, and you will reach beyond human limits."
Avnas smiled as Alex and Elian unknowingly changed the course of their lives forever, not only theirs but all humanity. Alex and Elian won't be the only ones giving it all in order to achieve a goal. Avnas also didn't know she had just begun to create her inner circle—a group of people who would change her as well.
Maybe if Avnas accepted her inner demon, it wouldn't strip away her humanity but instead help her find it.