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Chapter XVIII

It was Hanali, caressing his hair.

‘Wha-What is going on here? H-Hanali?’

‘Oh, you’re back!’ She clumsily took off her hands which

made his body fall back to the floor, she was embarrassed.

‘Ouch.’

‘Sorry, sorry!’

‘How am I back here? Where is Han?! I thought I was stuck

in that boring dimension forever!’

‘Boring dimension? Oh, Olana, you mean?’

‘So Han was right after all!’

‘Who?’

‘Nevermind... Anyway, I am absolutely thrilled to see you

again!’ He smiled and laughed.

‘M-Me too...’

He got on his feet and stepped closer to give her a hug.

‘Hanali?! What happened to your hand and leg? Who did

this to you?!’ His jaw dropped from shock.

‘Oh... I... I did...’

‘What? What do you mean?’

‘Well... Vaonie went furious from your genocide against

their worshippers, especially since you ended up losing in the

end, forcing them to look for a new replacement for Lodus. I

offered my right arm and leg as sacrifice and punishment and

they agreed to let it slide as a personal favor.’

‘What?! What... You did that for me? I am so sorry. I am

so, so sorry! How could I have been such a fool? I dragged you

right into my shit and even hurt you in the end. Please forgive

me. I beg you. I never intended for you to take the blame!’ He

frowned, a few tears dropped from his eyes.

‘It is alright. Plus, you can see I have already found an alter-

native!’ She laughed.

In the place of her right arm and leg stood prosthetics. Not

regular ones though. They were perfectly shaped like the original limbs they were designed to replace. Also, they were glowing in

purple, a bit transparent, with a texture that resembled a star-lit

night sky, cosmic-galaxy style. It was made of pure Talismirit,

inheriting the color of Hanali’s position on the ‘Cosmic-Purity

Scale’..

‘I-I see... Wait! This means... I get a second chance to kill

him! That bastard, where is he?!’

‘Where is who?’

‘The vampire that was here...’

‘Oh, him? I killed him.’

‘What? What the hell did you do that for?!’

‘I-I thought you would be happy! That I ended your thirst

for revenge by killing someone you couldn’t manage to defeat!’

She frowned, disappointed and confused.

‘That’s not how it works, Hanali!’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Never mind, forget it...’

‘Come on, tell me.’

‘You wouldn’t understand so there is no point.’

‘Why are you so rude to me all of a sudden? I brought you

back and that’s how you repay me?’

‘It’s... It’s just that now I can never feel as though I’ve actu-

ally avenged my parents. You did. I will never get the chance to

come full circle... This thirst for revenge will just linger in my

mind for all eternity!’

‘I-I didn’t know it worked like that. I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t! Please don’t! You’ve done so much for me already. I

am the one who should apologize. I am sorry. For my treatment

of you. For my inability to express my gratitude. I apologize.

Can we go please? This place makes me feel uncomfortable.’

‘It’s okay. Yes, let’s head out.’

‘Wait, during the fight I saw some kind of book peeking out

of his pocket. I’m curious to read it.’

‘Alright.’

Alduin approached the body of his uncle and began searching

his corpse. He failed to find anything and made a confused face.

Suddenly he noticed it was simply lying on the ground, begging

to be unraveled. It was a journal, probably Ley’s. It read:

‘...

4th of Inoren, 348

I have heard some terrible news today... Terrible truly... Today

during my morning walk in the village, I encountered Juvel,

the town-crier. I usually just either completely ignore him or

toss him a few coins to make him shut up. But today... Today

was different. He refused to take my coin stating he had an

announcement to make, one of dire significance. I was curious

so I decided to listen to it, what harm could it befall me?

Boy how wrong I was! Sure, I am glad I heard it... But...

Blessed are the ignorant! That’s all I have got to say. The fucker’s

announcement was about yet another great tragedy delivered

by the oh-so-kind Rivalya. This time he took Neylas 0x20 to

0x34... For you it may be rather irrelevant information. But...

For me... Those are grave news. The man I loved told me he was

heading for Neyla 0x33, to seek out some adventures that I had

no time to address at the time. The first and last man that I have

ever bore feelings for. Yes, if you’ve read my previous journal

entries then you may have already figured it out. It is Han...

After travelling with him for such a long while, I started seeing

him quite differently.

Homosexuality being shamed in my culture, I could not

have possibly asked for his hand in marriage. Sure, meaningless

sex with men was very discouraged but not shunned. Families

require both a mother and a father after all... And sure I don’t

even like idea of raising children. So maybe I was just too scared

to try? I always only thought of fucking around and never staying

in place.

My greatest regret was not having the courage to test my

luck. To figure out whether the feeling is mutual... I am just so

depressed... I feel so pathetic... Ask anyone about “Ley Faëli”

and they’ll probably tell you that he is the most straightforward,

interesting and blunt character they have ever met! So why, oh

why, couldn’t I just tell him? Now it is too late... Too late for

love. Too late for me to find it... Too late for it to happen again.

For love to arrive at the greatest womanizer’s doorstep, hahaha!

Maybe I should just stick with one night stands. Women are

easier to acquire anyways, all you need is status and knowing

how to talk to them. And coin, coin works well in that regard (as

with all regards to be honest).

Oh who am I kidding? I loved you Han... More than you

could have ever imagined...

...

1st of Jien, 350

I have decided to take matters into my own hands. Part of my

new year’s resolution I guess... My quest - to find a way to get

Han back. I refuse to give up. A man of my prestige and glory

cannot give up this easily. I shall devote my life to mastering

every single aspect of magic that I know of. This will take some

time, but so be it! Mark my words, I. WILL. GET. HAN. BACK.

...

12th of Mitoren, 2 MDW

I have finally mastered the last spell known to me, “Refraction”.

It is an illusion typed spell I had learned during one of my travels

with my beloved Han, God rest his soul. It makes light go right

through you while getting utterly bent in the process. In short,

it makes me invisible. There is nothing more for me practice.

My skill in conjuration is greatly lacking. Apparently ignorance

isn’t bliss anymore...

...

14th of Mitoren, 2 MDW

I decided to set on a quest, heading for the nearest altar of The

Order. I shall ask them for further knowledge. Wish me good

fortune. I will set sail at dawn tomorrow. I wonder what they

have in store for me? I heard it was established by my ancestor.

Does that mean they would have higher motivation to help Elves?

...

15th of Mitoren, 2 MDW

I began my journey today. The waters are difficult yet man-

ageable. I hope to arrive swiftly. This is supposed to be a few

days-long trip, approximately nine. I decided to sail alone this

time, my crew shan’t bear witness to my desperation. I will see

to this matter myself. I am heading for a region named “Kon-

tarah”. It supposed to be occupied by humans and Wood Elves

inhabiting the forests.

Peculiar people those are. Cannibalistic. More barbaric

than we are. They live on trees and possess ancient knowledge

of nature magic, one of the most interesting ones I know of.

They can bend plants to their will. Not via telekinesis however!

No, they simply give orders to the trees to grow and move in a

certain direction.

It is like they have a special connection with them, or a proxy

of sorts. An envoy. I lived with a tribe of them a few years back,

in the land of Brasid. The ones in Kontarah are told to be even

wilder though. Time will tell!

...

17th of Mitoren, 2 MDW

Today my ship went through an incredible storm! I survived it

somehow but I know not why. It did not only rain. There were

typhoons in the water, a whole lot of them! I barely managed

to avoid them all! I had to steer my ship back and forth. Facing

to the right and then immediately to the left. At some point I

had to avoid such a large cyclone that required me to change my course almost entirely! I guess my arrival will be delayed by

a day or two... Oh and regarding my ship if you were growing

curious...

It was utterly shattered by an enormous tiger octopus I

stumbled upon while evading the dangers of the sea! Such a

marvelous creature that was! It had the height of two houses

and the width of five! Furry as hell too! I guess it got its name by

the fact its fur resembled that of a tiger (yet colored in ugly gray).

Its eyes were glowing in green. Was I frightened you ask? Yep!

Very much so! It took one of my legs but I managed to scare it

away with sound magic. Fear not! I recovered my leg by simple

restoration magic. All is well with me.

...

21st of Mitoren, 2 MDW

I got back in course somehow. Navigation magic allowed me

to skip right back into the trail I had planned when I set out.

Maybe this will shorten my trip? Who knows?

...

22nd of Mitoren, 2 MDW

I witnessed the sight of a rather gorgeous creature today! A

dolphin, but not a regular one. One with three tails. It also had

a unicorn’s horn and it spoke my language too! I hereby name it

‘Uniphin’! Catchy, right? Anyways, it told me of a better route to

reach my destination even quicker! I will probably arrive in two

days time! Give or take!

...

24th of Mitoren, 2 MDW

It is almost nighttime but I feel I must update you regarding

something quite exciting. I see land! Finally! Tomorrow I will

arrive for sure. Once I do, I will purchase myself a steed from

one of the stables’ and start riding north. One last trip of a day

or two.

...

25th of Mitoren, 2 MDW

I am here? Kontarah awaits! I got myself a beautiful black horse.

I was told it’s quite quick on its feet, we’ll see about that. Worst

case I’ll improve its velocity with gravity magic. I have high

hopes for this one!

...

I decided to delay my trip a bit because I met quite an interesting

woman in the harbor. Her name is Lul. She’s quite fierce and

her glowing eyes only add to my point. I will spend the night

with her and then we’ll see how she turns out.

...

Lul was excited to learn that I was a powerful mage. She told me

about her love for destruction magic and I promised to teach

her a bit. She also told me about her fascination of Vaonical

magic. About how only Vaonical races have the ability to wield

it without repercussions. I personally believe it is nothing but a

dwarf’s burp.

...

27th of Mitoren, 2 MDW

She tried to bite me! I knew something was off with this one.

During our morning practice I accidentally bumped into a thorny

branch and started bleeding. Her eyes glowed even stronger

and she just launched herself onto me, trying to suck me dry.

A Vaermiraiit probably... I have never come across these crea-

tures before, what an experience! I guess this is why she was so

fascinated with Vaonical magic...

I scared her off with ice magic but not before she gave me

the location of her cult. Surprisingly, they reside in Euphata,

my homeland! How curious... Anyways, I will begin riding for

The Order tomorrow morning. I’m getting closer, Han.

...

30th of Mitoren, 2 MDW

I reached the altar and was teleported to the grand headquarters

of this fascinating organization. Immediately I was graced by

the sight of a gigantic amount of scholars, students and profes-

sors. Mages, all of them. I think I will love my time here.

...

I decided to approach one of the professors and explained my

situation. I guess he was curious as he asked to test out my

knowledge and skill. I impressed him enough to get myself a

meeting with the high ranking officials of The Order. It is in two

days time. Wish me luck.

...

The women here are nothing I’ve seen before! Powerful, eager

and intelligent! I met this woman called Alessia, “Alessia Alteiri”.

She is absolutely stunning! She gave me a tour of the place and

then we sat out outside to converse. I like this one.

...

Don’t be angry with me Han, I beg of you. I haven’t seen your

face in decades and am not very good at ignoring my desires...

...

1st of Jien, 2 MDW

Alessia and I spent new years’ eve with each other in the villages

nearby. It was incredibly entertaining to see her dance. I will try

something tomorrow before setting out to meet the higher ups.

I wonder what she would think of my advances. We sat down

near a nearby lake and she told me all about her past.

The time she began studying magic. Her time as a slave.

Her story was hard to hear yet so very interesting. Her pretty

face doesn’t befit a slave though. She showed me a few of her

scars, even an incredibly large one on her back.

Who would dare to bruise such an attractive figure?

...

People here celebrate much differently than we do. Sure, they

drink a lot but none of them know of Yasa. I miss it terribly...

Its silky feel and aroma. Do you remember how much you told

me you hated it, Han? All it does now is remind me of you...

Sadly, Alessia also isn’t familiar with it. I must introduce it to

her. Despite the lack of Yasa I still managed to get completely

and utterly drunk. I had fun, truly.

For some reason she insisted to pay for my drinks. Is that a

hint? I mean, the amount of booze I am physically capable of con-

suming is quite a lot. She has paid more than eighty Samarices

for it! That is almost as much as two cows and three chickens in

most markets! I hope it’s a hint...

...

2nd of Jien, 2 MDW

Alessia rejected me today. I guess the tour and heartfelt con-

versations were nothing but friendly. Such a shame. Well, we

embraced and I went on my way to the meeting. I will try my

very best to convince them to teach me everything they know

about magic.

...

It went great! They were very impressed with me and my knowl-

edge! I guess my adventures have paid off as I am well versed

in all schools of magic. I even met my ancestor, Rui. He shook

my hand and called me “One of great potential”. I am to go

through each and every one of the schools and study everything

they have to offer from the leaders themselves! How exciting!

Oh and don’t worry about transportation... There are teleporta-

tion shrines in every academy so going back and forth would be

quick. I will begin with the school of “Provision”, which consists

of healing magic, enchanting and the writing of runes. Basically, ’giving’ away Olons to someone or something else (or yourself

of course).

...

4th of Jien, 2 MDW

Today I met with the head of the school of provision, Ms. Eliana

Vundrael. She is a High Elf and so we converse in elvish. I

have never met a High Elf before as they don’t allow foreigners

in their cities. High Elves’ elvish is quite similar to mine but

sounds more ’melodious’. She pronounced a few words weirdly

and used a bunch of idioms and phrases that I have never heard

of or ever used.

Nevertheless, we understand each other. She gave me a tour

of the school and showed me to my dormitories. Did I try to

flirt? Of course... I failed however as she is a married woman. I

shan’t try again for I need her assistance to in order to acquire

high knowledge in her craft. Maybe this will be the one that

could get him back?

...

5th of Jien, 2 MDW

Today Eliana said that the following week will only contain an

long assessment of my current skill. I must impress her enough

to progress further. If I don’t, I will have to study alongside

the other students. I refuse to work alongside such rookies, or

worse yet - be taught by a rookie!

...

13th of Jien, 2 MDW

I forgot to write yesterday and for that I apologize. I was too busy

training with Eliana. She decided I had mastered the expert-tier

spells and must only learn about thirty more before I could con-

sider myself a master of the provision school. This will probably take a few centuries. In the meantime I will try to get acquainted

with the other experts in this school as friends are vital in an en-

vironment such as this. Who knows, maybe I’ll even get to sleep

with a bunch of them! Healer mages are insanely attractive!

...

6th of Ruyen, 249 MDW

Today I graduated from provision school with Eliana’s blessing.

There was a big ceremony and all that. It was quite fun. To-

morrow I will be heading to my next destination: the school of

’Alteration’. During my time in the academy I managed to make

quite a name for myself. “Ley Faëli” was well known by each and

every student, especially by the ladies...

I was considered an odd apple. Almost always drunk but also

very capable and wise. I adore having such reputation! Maybe I

shall take on a few disciples myself? Anyways... Personally the

spell I liked the most is called “Rehabilitation”. It allows one to

grow their limbs back entirely but it is quite costly in terms of

spare Olons. It is very handy to know nonetheless. In addition,

I learned how to enchant weapons with my spells, imagine the

possibilities! A sword that is enchanted with a target-healing

spell! So ridiculous that it might just be utterly glorious!

Sadly, this school didn’t offer me any piece of knowledge

that could help me get him back. I shan’t give up.

...

7th of Ruyen, 249 MDW

The head of the alteration school is named “Rodnar Keffes” and

is a giant. I had to travel to another planet to attend to this

academy. The one where Han and I first met... Such nostalgia...

Whilst the art of provision is about giving Olons, alteration

is about changing the structure and purpose of existing Olons.

This school includes conjuration, enhancement (of body and the like) and transmutation (alchemy for example). I am curi-

ous to know which unique master-tier spells this art has to offer.

...

18th of Naruyen, 346 MDW

I have got to say that the only thing I find interesting about this

school is conjuration, the art of using existing Olons to copy

the structure of another subject. Copying mortals, objects and

the like. It is all so interesting and so incredibly complicated!

Imagine how deeply in detail one must think while casting such

spells! How does one even copy such an utterly confusing struc-

ture, the one of a humanoid?

I told Rodnar about my lack of interest in the other sub-

schools and he referenced me to someone I have only ever heard

tall tales about. I shall be meeting him tomorrow! Maybe this

will be my gateway to getting him back? Maybe the only solution

would be a summon a copy of him?

...

19th of Naruyen, 346 MDW

I met the man! A peculiar bearded man named ‘Martin Segra’.

He was incredibly thin and wore long dark blue robes that cov-

ered his entire body. I am not very well versed in this art and so

I must be listening very carefully into everything he says.

...

7th of Luyaren, 367 MDW

Apparently conjuration works entirely different than I had imag-

ined it! Now everything makes sense! I was all so confused about

why it was placed under the alteration school... Now it all adds

up! Conjuration doesn’t actually summon anything! One uses

their own Olons and then change their structure and activa-

tions to replicate a specific subject. So for example if I were to desire to summon a sword, I would use some spare Olons and

copy the entire ’Olon code’ (how they called it) of a sword! Noth-

ing actually gets added, it all just gets changed into something

else.

...

28th of Yaruven, 380 MDW

Today I learned about the true nature of Olons. Apparently there

are several signs on an Olon that make up a “rune” of sorts. These

signs are named ‘activations’ and work in the way of “layers”.

The layers known to The Order are “Physical”, “Life”, “Spirit” and

“Mind”. All things in Vanthea have at least the physical layer.

Inanimate objects have strictly it. Beasts have their Olons both

physical activated and life activated. Conscious beasts have their

Olons both physical, life and mind activated. Lastly, mortals

have their Olons activated in all four. When a certain something

that possesses spirit activation dies, their Olons break apart and

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

multiply, leaving two “bodies”. One with only the physical acti-

vation - a corpse and one with the others - a ghost. Conscious

beasts’ ghosts remain in this realm whilst mortals’ ghosts are

transferred to other realms, or dimensions, The Order is not

quite sure yet.

If one lacks activation x for example, it cannot touch or

see anything that only possesses that specific activation. I had

absolutely no idea that it worked this way. The more well versed

one is at conjuration and magic in general the more accurate

and strong the summon is.

P.S: I have just heard about the disappearance of one of the

previous heads of alteration. A man named “Bo Jim”. A human.

It occurred many years ago, before I was even born. I wonder

where he is now... I heard a rumor that someone kidnapped and

assassinated him. Who could do that? Especially to someone so

powerful? No one knows for sure what had happened. People

reported that they saw him attending to duties that day and he

was just gone the next. I love mysteries. Maybe I should try to ind him...

...

30th of Yaruven, 380 MDW

Today I learned how conjuration works and also that if the caster

dies, the summoned object fades immediately as well. This

makes me curious about “Blood Conjuration”, a sort of Vaoni-

cal magic that is supposedly only accessible by Vaonical races.

Martin told me that this school allows the concept of separating

the summoned object from oneself. To create a new entity that

has a mind of its own and is independent from its creator. I

understand why it’s considered blasphemous.

Munesa, it contradicts the very first law of Alchemy! The

one of equivalent exchange! Nothing is created, it just gets

turned into something else! Does this world actually allow the

concept of creating something new via magic? Wondrous! Ut-

terly terrifying, yet also terrifyingly interesting! I shall save this

option as a last resort.

...

15th of Naruyen, 673 MDW

Today I graduated from the school of “Manipulation”. This art

consists of telekinesis, illusion and telepathy magic. I never

knew I would be humbled with the opportunity to learn from

the ancestor of all ancestors, Godfrid, son of Cyrus. I improved

my knowledge of Snow Elf magic immensely and I now have

the ability to combine Pyromancy with Cryomancy! I even

invented a new spell, I called it “Whitefire”. It is a flame spell

combined with snow that can both frostbite and burn you at the

same time. How fascinating!

...

2nd of Inoren, 1181 MDW

Today I have graduated from the “Exploitation” school! It was

a shame that it ended so quickly! Honestly, what can be more

fascinating than time or gravity control? Going back and forth

in time! Predicting the future! Unfortunately, even the head

of the school doesn’t know enough about it. Apparently it was

established not that long ago and no one truly knows exactly

how it all works. The school’s provided courses only consist of

theoretical material, nothing that could be practiced or proven.

Tragic.

I shall try to learn more about it, maybe I would even be

named the new head of the school! People say it is all about

exploiting the physics of this realm. I personally take offence to

that, in our gods’ name. Why would a god, who is perfect and

lacks the capability to error, create an imperfect realm that has

exploits and loopholes in it? It is an insult to them! I prefer to

think of it as simply using the realm to your advantage.

Anyways, I have finally graduated from all six schools of

magic. I am now an acclaimed to-be master of Provision, Alter-

ation, Manipulation, Extraction and Exploitation! If I were to

have to choose my favorites of them all, I would say: Rehabilita-

tion (provision), Conjuration as a whole (alteration), Whitefire

(manipulation) (let me brag a little!), passive Olon absorption

(extraction) and absolutely everything about the exploitation

school.

My name is probably spreading across the solar system right

now. I bet my brother is incredibly busy eating his hat, hearing

of my exploits! That puff brat knows nothing about the world

and all he thinks about is “family” and “seriousness”. He was

never curious about the wonders that reside outside of the vil-

lage. I shall make him as envious as I possibly can. My only task

right now is to finish mastering them all.

...

P.S: I just realized that I let the fame get to my head. I forgot

about the sole reason I came to this place... Forgive me, Han.

I promise to get back on track. I will begin assessing my new

capabilities and craft a few spells that may actually work.

...

2nd of Sakuyen, 1185 MDW

Munesa! Nothing I try works! The Order has done nothing

but waste my time! Conjuration either summons a zombie that

looks like him or just a complete abomination. Navigation magic

seems incapable of even locating and transporting his body. I

don’t know what to do! It’s like he was erased from this realm

entirely! No other magic school has proven worthy of even try-

ing. Exploitation magic seems like the only choice here but it is

rudely unstudied. I don’t have time for this... I will try out a few

more tricks I learnt but I must know when to give up and seek

out additional assistance.

...

22nd of Kabuyen, 1187 MDW

I am desperate. Deeply desperate, believe me. I decided to try

out Vaonical magic, how bad could it be?! I am certain that the

restrictions Lul told me about are nothing but bluffs told to her

by the vampire grandmasters. I will start reading every book I

have in my possession to come out with an idea for a spell. I will

get you back in no time!

...

1st of Inoren, 1187 MDW

Today I will try out a thing called a “Pure Clone”. Basically, it

is said that it is the art of combining clone magic with blood

conjuration.

...

2nd of Mitoren, 1187 MDW

Yesterday was a complete disaster! Not only did I fail to sum-

mon a clone, I lost both my hands and legs in the process! Here I

was, only a torso and a head, bleeding out gallons and gallons of

blood into the ground. I was about to die. I ultimately decided

to risk it all and try out the master spell of abjuration - reha-

bilitation, to regrow my limbs. It worked but I feel incredibly

exhausted for some reason.

...

14th of Jien, 1188 MDW

I am growing more and more tired by the days. I find it difficult

to sleep sufficiently.

...

10th of Severen, 1189 MDW

My condition worsens and I find it incredibly hard to stand up,

let alone run. Also, today I woke up to see quite a big amount of

hair on my pillow, am I balding?

...

18th of Sakuyen, 1191 MDW

I am now completely bald! Not a single strand of hair is left on

my body, including my head! I don’t know what to do! People

tell me I look pale, like I am very ill. Am I? What is happening

to me? I must visit my family in the village tomorrow, I have to

hide this condition of mine...

...

5th of Aven, 1194 MDW

I feel like I am dying. I don’t want my life to end. I cannot sleep.

I cannot eat. I cannot walk normally. This is no life... I can’t use

magic anymore because of this condition, thus rendering my time with The Order obsolete. What should I do? I don’t think

my brother is suspicious but suspicion must arise eventually.

What should I do? What shou-[turned into gibberish]

...

28th of Aven, 1197 MDW

I am starting to consider asking Lul for help. Maybe Vaonical

cults have special healing methods? Oh, who am I kidding? They

will probably demand me to join them. This will not fly! Or will

it? It is not a question of risking my mortality anymore, for I am

to die soon anyways...

Maybe I am supposed to join them? Maybe that is part of

my destiny? To live more? To see more? What would I lose in

exchange? My emotions? My pride? My values? I fear I will never

get the answers I seek without bearing the consequences... It

is either I die and my journey ends or I ask them for assistance.

But... What value does anything I’ve ever achieved have if I

perish this way?

It would be pathetic to lose my life after learning so much

about magic. What would my family think of me? What would

the village think of me? Probably that I really am that ’loser’ that

decided to ditch his father’s role to explore the world like a spoilt

child. Veridia will probably tell her brother ’I told you so’. Why

do I deserve this? I worked so hard to experience and see as

much as I could.

I had the bravery to hand my brother my place on the throne

in order to pursue my actual dreams. Was that so bad? So bad

that I am now forced to choose between physical death versus

potential mental death? To choose between losing all I’ve had

versus joining the forces of evil?

This decision is tough to bear. It is an ultimatum given to

me my the gods. An adventurer, dying because of greed and

selfish lust. What a cliche. So terribly pathetic. Why is this

happening. I don’t want to do this. I really don’t. I hate this idea.

I hate that it is my only one. I hate that my incompetence in magic has resulted in this situation. Why? Just why?

And the thing that aches me the most is that my beloved

shall remain away forever. I will never see him again, even at

my deathbed. It all came to place. The coward pays the price for

their cowardice. Fitting, hahaha... Love did not win. 30th of

Aven, 1197 MDW

I ultimately decided to resort to vile means. To do something

I deemed atrocious before. I will head to Lul’s clan and ask for

assistance, maybe she would help me without turning me into

one of them? Maybe there is a possibility for that?

...

12th of Ruyen, 1197 MDW

The vampires agreed to heal me but only in exchange for infor-

mation. The healing would require me to turn into a Vaermiraiit,

like them. This seems like the only choice I have... I don’t think

I will get to see Yaruven without it... What kind of information

do they wish to receive?

...

15th of Ruyen, 1198 MDW

I finally found a piece of information that the vampire leader

Lysander would find satisfactory, the specific location, date and

time of the Hekket Trials. It is my younger brother’s turn to

host it this time. What would they do with this information?

Maybe they simply wish to watch it? No! Don’t be this naive!

They probably plan to raid it and feed on everyone. Doing this

would probably lead to the end of countless lives, including those

of my family... What should I do?

...

20th of Ruyen, 1198 MDW

I fear there is no other choice. I must tell Lysander the details of the trials. I apologize Aeden. I am sorry Elyis, Veridia. Forgive

me, Alduin. Forgive me...

...

21st of Ruyen, 1198 MDW

Lysander agreed to the deal and I will be turned into a vampire

one day before the trials which should take place in about two

years. I asked him to at least spare my family, I didn’t want

them to suffer. He refused. I tried convincing each and ev-

ery Vaermiraiit general to assist me but they all rejected me.

Having seen the effort I put into it, Lysander agreed to solely

spare my nephews but only if it were for the purpose of a thing

named “Vaonie’s Necklace”. He told me it is a test of merit and I

promised him that they both would pass any test that may be

thrown at them. At least they will be spared this way. At least

they will live... A vampire general named Gozo will be in charge

of the situation and make it appear like a coincidence, to avoid

needless drama.

I was also promised a thing called “Royal Vaermiraiit Blood”

that if I drank would evolve me right into a very high-tier vam-

pire stage.

...

27th of Ruyen, 1220 MDW

Tomorrow my nephew will finally go through the Hekket trials,

without knowing of the upcoming tragedy. I am sorry, I am so

sorry. I love you.

...

29th of Ruyen, 1220 MDW

It is done. My village is ruined, and with it the entirety of the

other Snow Elf villages around. I just ended a species, I think. I

also died yesterday but was resurrected as one of them, a vampire. I will now be taught all there is to know about being a

vampire and blood magic. Also, I have healed completely. No

longer do I need a cane to walk. I feel healthy. I am sorry for

what I have done but I had no choice. I did not want to die.

Please forgive me. Please understand me...

...

3rd of Luyaren, 1220 MDW

It seems I was lied to! Lysander told me that my entire family

was erased in the attack! I... What have I done??? An end to

my family because of a single love story. Really, Ley? Are you

serious? How fucking childish can you be?!

Also, there is no such thing as “Royal Vaermiraiit Blood”!

I am the exact same as the rest of them and must go through

the usual training procedure. They will pay for it! I have already

defeated Gozo in a duel, how hard could killing Lysander be?! I

will rise through the ranks and rule them all!

...

30th of Severen, 1238 MDW

I heard Vaonie found a new Lodus, a new Araqhaiit to replace

the one who fell. The new champion was allegedly chosen from

the vampires of this clan, I wonder who they are... This being

is supposedly extremely powerful and cannot die. I wonder if I

would ever get to meet them.

...

11th of Sakuyen, 1264 MDW

I killed him! I killed that fucking liar, Lysander! I used every-

thing I had learned from them against him. Blood conjuration,

pure clones, blood telekinesis, everything there is to know. I

have mastered every single type of magic there is. I am master

of them all. I am the most powerful, the strongest. All will fear me! ALL WILL FEAR ME! ALL WILL OBEY ME! ALL WILL OBEY

ME! I WILL GET HAN BACK! THOSE FUCKING BASTARDS

WILL PAY!

...’

He threw it on the ground and stomped on it angrily. Sud-

denly, he folded up his right sleeve to reveal a silver bracelet. He

took it off and threw it on Ley’s body.

‘You fucking bastard! I loved you! How could... How could...’

He spit on his corpse and turned around.

He stared at Hanali, frowning. She said nothing. He showed her

the way out of the cave while she was telling him about the origin

of Olana, its purpose and how pure divines are the only beings

who could exit it at will. She also told him how only the original

divines have the ability to send someone out of a dimension. He

realized that convincing Vaonie to bring him back must have

taken quite a lot of effort so he thanked her once again. They

finally reached the exit.

‘Hanali.’

‘Yes?’

‘I met someone, in Olana. He is a man that my uncle met

long ago and he too shares my ambition for justice. Also, he is

incredibly powerful. I would like him him to bring him back.’

‘Why?’

‘He will be the only Kathetican in Vanthea which means he

could bring his race back... Also, he is very talented. I think he

could truly bring humanity forward with his technology.’

‘Well, Alduin, with all due respect... Why should I care about

all that? Humans were made to figure things out by themselves.

They may appreciate his help but certainly not need it... It would

take them a lot more time, sure. But it simply isn’t a must. I’m

sorry, I won’t be bringing this up to my creator. You can do it yourself if you so wish...’

‘I see. Alright, I’ll see what I can do. Thank you nonetheless.’

‘Gladly.’

‘I’ll see you later.’

‘What? Where are you going?’

‘To Tyronah.’

‘What for?’

‘To take care of what we’ve just talked about...’

‘So soon? You just came back! Plus, time doesn’t exist in

Olana so it’ll never be too late for that anyways!’

‘I want to get it done. I’m sorry.’

‘Pfft... Fine... Good luck convincing Vaonie.’

‘I’m going to need that! Farewell!’

‘Farewell,’ she frowned and sighed.

He put on the ring Lysander gave him and chanted.

‘Los ant di Tyronah!’ He yelled out.

He was transported right to Vaonie’s court. He noticed his lord

and immediately bowed down.

‘Look what we have here... How can one man cause me so

much trouble, huh?’

‘I am sorry to disappoint you, lord.’

‘Honestly it baffles me how pathetic you can be.’

‘I deserve that.’

‘Give me one reason why I shouldn’t just kill you right here

and look for a more suitable replacement...’

‘Frankly, I have none. You have saved my life many times

already and have spared me even more times than that.’

‘Exactly.’

‘But still.’

‘Still what?’

‘I am already trained. Also, I’ve gotten the trust of your

daughter that has joined your forces. Because of me. I deserve

your support.’

‘Hmm...’

‘Nevertheless, I come to you with a request.’

‘Another one?!’

‘Yes, lord.’

‘The audacity! How dare you ask for more favors?! Especially

after all that my daughter had given for your foolishness!’

‘I merely ask for a favor that would be in your great benefit.’

‘What could you possibly give me, huh? You couldn’t even

defeat a mere vampire!’ Vaonie shouted.

‘I-...’ He remembered his encounter with Ley and frowned.

‘You what? Want me to bring back a friend of yours, from

Olana, right?’

‘Y-Yes, lord.’

‘Why would I do that exactly?’

‘Because I believe his body had intertwined with some of

your artifacts, the ones your demons could not find.’

‘What? What makes you so sure?’

‘Do you know Rivalya?’

‘Of course.’

‘Apparently Rivalya unleashed a black hole against a planet

he was visiting. That planet was apparently full of your artifacts

and he found a large amount of them. He always kept them on

his person.’

‘Really? That means Austomia decided my majestic black

holes should work like sealing magic. A peculiar choice.’

‘That explains a lot...’

‘Get to the point.’

‘When I fought him I felt an odd resemblance in his aura to

yours... That alone should be a reason for you to desire to get

him back. Also, I am sure I can convince him to become another

champion of yours. To fight in Vanthea in your name alongside

me. He can be a great asset to your army of destruction and

chaos.’

‘And why is that?’

‘The immense radiation of the black hole alongside the arti-

facts had altered his body drastically. He can move incredibly

fast now.’

‘What use do I have with a swift sprinter? You insult me.’

‘He is not just ’fast’. He is more than ’fast’. I was not able to

defeat him in Olana. Not even while using my other form!’

‘That shouldn’t be possible.’

‘Well, it is! He was so fast my eyes couldn’t even trace him!

His speed appears to have no limit! Think of the amount of

natural disasters he can cause using this power!’

‘Hmm...’

‘He is also incredibly intelligent. Think of how many dan-

gerous inventions he could bring to Vanthea! Diseases! Hostile

contraptions! I bet he could bring the demise of Vanthea com-

pletely!’

‘What if he refuses to work for me? I do not desire another

project like you.’

‘Kill him if he refuses.’

‘Alright. Don’t fail me, Alduin. Your life is on the line, don’t

forget it! Also, I have another condition that he must accept.’

‘What is it?’

‘The day that I locate all of the remaining artifacts and wish

to escape this prison of mine, he must sacrifice himself in the

process. Just like Rivalya did.’

‘Agreed.’

Vaonie summoned Han back from Olana. It was the first time Al-

duin saw him in color. He was rather tanned, with short brown

hair and a beard. His shirt was mainly colored in blue but was

decorated with a bit of silver and dark-brown leather. His leather

belt had a blue gem in the middle of it with a bit of silver. His

leather pants were colored in a darker tone of blue. He wore

a magnificent silver amulet, dark-brown leather sandals and

several silver arm bracelets and rings. His style befitted his sta-

tus as royalty. He initially refused to join the ‘evil’ forces. He always remained a believer of his father’s teachings and Kathet-

ican tradition. He was religious and Vaonie was considered the

‘wicked’ of the gods. However, after many long hours of constant

attempts to persuade him, Alduin finally succeeded in doing so.

Han Oridawn was now officially a follower of Vaonie, who

grew exhausted of their chats and transported them both back

to Vanthea. They found themselves stranded on an island in

Alduin’s planet which had given them quite a lot of time to

converse. Han refused to murder innocents or invent new dis-

eases. Alduin told him that causing destruction doesn’t have to

be through evil means. It can also be brought upon via a whole-

some cause. Like bringing down oppressive empires, leaders.

Destroying concepts that mortals find necessary for their sur-

vival despite them having an incredibly negative effect on their

quality of life. They shook hands and decided to join forces and

bring down the tyranny of mankind. The tyranny of evil, being

too common.

They called themselves ‘Forespoken Judgement’.

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Author's note - I hope to get reviews and feedback. Thank you :)