CHAPTER 4 -REUNION II-

Grace Hiller

‘Ugh’, upon hearing the reports of Luna, the monarchs kept arguing about Alter more than the basilisk. My anger leaked from my suppressed aura, that the monarchs shut their mouths and looked at me with a scared face.

“Your majesties, If I could be upfront about this report that the Espion Luna sent, the general Alter does not wish to go against this continent's monarchs.” I said trying to reason with these so-called ‘Monarchs’.

“How can you be so sure about this Hiller, he could be planning something, even his own disciples don’t know where he was for six years!” said Mubreal, the dwarven king, “He probably came to start his malicious plan to take over the four kingdoms.” Added Mabalyn, the dwarven queen.

The elven king Vamir stood up from this chair. “Hear yourself Mubreal, you sound like a child. Why would Alter want to take over the continent?”

The elven queen Sylvar continued after her husband, “I agree with Vamir here, why would Alter benefit from taking over the continent?” It seems that the monarchs have understood a sample of Alter’s Power and role here in this continent.

Knocking came from the entrance to the meeting room, “You may come in.” said Saria the demi-human queen. The doors were opened by the guards outside of the meeting room, it was the eight Espions. As they came in they bowed to the majesties in the room including me. “That 's enough, you may commence your report.”

Juliette stepped forward. “Your majesties, it seems that there was no evidence that the portal that the basilisk used was not in the dungeon. But somewhere else.” Then how did the basilisk get to the dungeon without being detected by the Espion? I’m not getting the answers I want but more questions, “Then answer me this Espion, how did the basilisk get to the dungeon without it being detected by you.” King Cain said with authority in his voice.

Luna was startled by the sudden question but answered, “That is something not even I know about your majesty.” The Laswell’s and the StoneHearts were discussing something that left the Bamfords and the Oskar out. ‘They must be planning something behind our backs. I should tell Alter about this and see what he does next.’

Suddenly the discussion was cut short by the Bamfords and the Oskars. “Grace, can you bring Alter Violet here?” My eyes widened at the sudden request. “Your majesties, if you liked, the Espion Phoenix can bring him since she knows where he is.” I responded while Looking at Luna. Even though Juliette was the one wanting to go get Alter, I had no choice since Luna can use mana detection at a higher level.

“I would like to ask the general himself about what he encountered in the past 6 years and yesterday’s encounter.” A smile appeared on Vamir’s face when he said that. “As you wish your majesty.” I gave them a bow before leaving the room with Luna, “Well go find and bring the general here before they run impatient.”

“Of course but that will require me using my ring phase to get there faster.” Said the Espion, “Fine but make sure to take this.” I handed her a scroll. “This should help you in the Ifesia Academy, Good Luck Espion.”

CHARLOTTE BAMFORD

The scene of Alter being in the dungeon played in my mind over and over again. But one question appeared every time the scene looped, ‘How’. How did he know we were there, I would understand if it were military mages but a first year student? Something is up. I need to find out why, but that is second to what I have to find out.

Pushing the event from yesterday to the back of my mind. I stared at the badge that I got from the person who saved me during the war. Remembering that he made me a promise after the war but I haven’t gotten any information about him after the war.

I told my father and mother about this boy who was the same age as me that had saved me from the basilisk that tried to kidnap me. I told them how he rescued me. A seven year old killed 20 basilisk by himself. My parents asked me for his features so that they can look for him and thank him for what he did and so I proceeded to tell them.

He had long purple hair, golden eyes that shined in the darkness, his skin was pale. His clothes was a black military attire, not something that a normal soldier had but a high ranking one like a general. Six years have passed since then, “Where are you now?” I said to myself looking outside the dorm window.

As I kept thinking where this mysterious savior could be, a mana signature came to the direction of the academy and fast that made me stop thinking about the savior. I grabbed my rapier and started to head outside. Before I knew, there was someone that had beaten me to it, It was Alter Violet.

ALTER VIOLET

What's this aura coming towards the academy? It’s an Espion’s aura but I couldn't put my finger on who it could be. Welp gotta go outside myself to verify who it is but it seems that someone has caught on to it too. I headed outside to the main gate and stood there until an aura appeared from behind me, it was the elf princess. quite surprising that she caught it before any other student here, she might be a green ring to sense an aura that far.

It seems like it ain’t time to be amused by her talent because the aura got closer and closer. I heard the footsteps of the elf princess get closer too until she was next to me with her weapon unsheathed. Does she really think that she could take an Espion head on?

“Charlotte, I suggest you sheath your weapon.” still looking to the direction of the aura.

“Do you know what or who that is?” she said, in a confused voice. “No, but I know they are not hostile… for now” I said honestly. The elf princess looked at me confused at my words, but followed my advice. As it was a cue the aura landed in front of the main gate which made a huge cloud dust that alarmed the school teachers.

I raised my aura to match the mysterious aura, the elf princess started to breath hard and she gripped her chest. “Can you handle it for a little longer?” I was concerned for the princess since she was still not used to being around a strong aura. She nodded while gasping for air.

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I turned to where the dust cloud was ‘now then shall I start?’, “Who–” Before I could finish a voice came from the cloud dust. “As expected from you, you really have not lost your touch, general.”

I felt a gaze on my right, it was Charlotte. ‘Damn my cover is fully blown now.’ turning my face a little so that the princess could hear. “Cover yourself with mana.” And without waiting for a response I started to raise my aura. “You can still raise your aura? It seems like I am no match for you.” The mysterious Espion activated a spell to clear the dust.

“Dammit once again I have fallen for your trap, Luna.” I said, shaking my head and lowering my aura. On the other hand Charlotte looked surprised but she was quick to let go of the reaction, ‘truly a princess’ I thought to myself. “Now what does the almighty phoenix want with a simple commoner with me?” Teasing the Espion which then backfired on me, “Well for a simple commoner you really do fit the title of ‘Ancient Walker’, general.”

After our ‘little meeting’ was done, The Espion reached for something in her dimension device. Then a scroll was being drawn out and then she opened the scroll. “Alter Violet, you are needed in the monarch council for your testament for what happened in the dungeon and we need your help for the upcoming battles and strategies coming in the future.” Luna closed the scroll.

It seems like the monarchs think I'm a threat again, but if so they probably want me to answer their questions of where I have been these past years. After making a decision, I answered. “For the first thing that is being demanded of me I will cooperate but as for the second I'm going to respond when I'm there.” I answered seriously, of course Charlotte was quiet during this time, but Luna looked at her and asked her. “Princess Charlotte, Your father and mother said it’s okay for you to come with us to the monarch council.” bowing down with respect.

“M-my parents said that?” It seems like the princess is shocked that her parents let her go. Charlotte stayed quiet for a couple of seconds but then responded, “Okay then I will go to the monarch's council and find out what’s going on not only with you but with Alter too.” Welp at least she made up her mind on something.

I let out a sigh and started to stretch, “Well then shall we be in our way?” Manipulating the mana from the air, trying to use wind magic to levitate myself like I did before when I went to the dungeon. A mana pulse surged from behind me, I turned to see that Lune used her Ring phase ‘Phoenix’ without using her ‘ring phase’, she’s gotten the hang of it. She might even surpass me which might be for the best since I won’t be here for long.

While flying in my head I heard Luna’s voice, “We should be getting close, general.” Telepathy, interesting. My mind kept being flooded with questions about Luna’s abilities. We got to the monarch’s council, from above it looked awesome like the castles from the fantasy movies. “General follow me.” Said the Espion.

I followed her to an almost Helipad but in an open terrain for mages that know the flight mechanics. Charlotte looked like she was sick, “I suppose you are not used to flying are you?” I asked. “I have no much experience when it comes to flight magic.” She said while trying to compose herself mentaly before we went into the council room. Upon entering the room a sudden pressure could be felt but it did not affect me but the elf princess. “Are you okay princess.” Said one of the Espions concerned. Charlotte put her hand up and quickly regained her composure, then she proceeded to nod.

Luna went to stand next to Juliette and the other Espions, as me and the elf princess went forward and stood in front of the council monarch’s. I could tell that two of their majesties did think I’m still a threat to the kingdoms but I decided to Ignore it. Vamir, the elf king, started to talk. “Ge-... Alter Violet let me welcome you on behalf of the council members.” I bowed to give them respect for what they have been working on as hard as royalty. “I am truly honored your majesties.”

Vamir gave me a nod, “Now to business, do you know why I have brought you here, yes?” said Mubreal the dwarf king in a tone that irritated me more than anything but I couldn’t let that be my expression in front of the monarch’s.

I responded with a serious tone. “Yes, I was informed by the Espion Phoenix when she arrived.” Facing the dwarf, in the corner of my eye I could see Sylvar motion with her hand for Charlotte to come to her. “Then you may start your report about the dungeon,” said Cain.

I started to talk about how I heard about the event of the dungeon. Of course I decided to leave out the fact that I talked to Grace and how she told me about the important matters. As I was ending my report I felt crazy gazes coming from the monarchs, especially from Cain and Mubreal.

When I finished my report there was complete silence in the room that I could hear the Espion’s breathing perfectly. “Well that ends the first request, now let us start the second request that we have for you. Alter Violet, will you be a general again but not for one kingdom but for the whole four kingdoms?” Vamir’s voice filled the whole room with a surprise that even the Espion’s were shocked by the sudden request that was not in the scroll.

‘Damn this has caught me off guard’ I thought to myself. “May I ask why your majesties have given this request towards me and not one of the Espions?” Mabalyn’s voice was filled with anger upon hearing my words. “YOU SHOULD BE GRATEFUL THAT WE ARE EVEN GIVING YOU YOUR OLD ROLE BACK, YOU UNGRATEFUL KID!” I raised my aura to half of its potential that even the Espions were on their knees and the monarch’s were gasping for air.

“Kid? Did you even participate in the war at all, your majesty?” Giving her a blood lustful gazed. You should be grateful that you even have a kingdom to rule dwarf.” I sensed mana being pulled from the air. Turning around I saw the Espions covering their bodies with mana, but it was still too much for the mana that it didn’t change anything.

“Can’t answer dwarf? Did the cat get your tongue?” Mabalyn’s expression dropped when I kept walking towards her. Surprisingly one of the dwarf Espion was strong enough to withstand my aura. “That’s enough kid.” Activating his earth magic making an armor and a sword.

“Stay down Espion, you don’t stand a chance against me.” I narrowed my eyebrows down to meet his eyes. “And who are you to give me threats?” Said the dwarven Espion with confidence. I heard Luna’s voice from behind me, “Ukhac, he was the leader for the Espions during the war. Code name Ancient Walker.” It seemed like Luna could resist my aura even at 50 percent, interesting.

Without any warning I used my Abeyance ability to appear behind Ukhac. Cutting his arm like butter with my bare hand. “Aghhh, How did you get behind me?” Said the dwarven Espion. “I simply used my ability.” I said as Ukhac fell to his knees. I think It’s time to end this. Letting out a sigh I released my aura.

Everyone in the room regained their breathing. “W-what y-you” the dwarven king was gasping for air while talking, “What you did was treason against the four kingdoms.” I turned my back to Mubreal and walked towards Ukhac. “What I just did was a way to show you that my power is going to be needed in the future.” I started to chant in my head a healing spell.

Putting a hand over Ukhac’s wounded arm, the healing spell regrew Ukhac’s lost limb in a matter of seconds. The Espion looked at me with a shocked expression and asked me a simple question, “Why.” I looked at the dwarf and gave him a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “Because you are going to be my subordinate from now on and I'm going to rely on you in the future.”

Amina’s voice reached an excited tone. “So that means you're going to accept our request?”

I looked at Luna’s and Juliette’s eyes that sparkled like stars during the night. “Yes, I will but under certain conditions.” I said in a relaxing tone, trying to get everyone to not think of what I just did.

Hopefully everything turns out to be false and not reality, war is not something I want people to go through again.