Novel Infinite Thera

Hi! We're J.M. Masters, a partnership between a gentle(sadistic) panda and artistic(slothful) bear! Kidding aside, we're a duo comprised of a writer and an illustrator. Our work is entitled Infinite Thera and it is currently in book one; Plight of the Gods. You may also find our work at Royal Road Legends (for now, due to the 10 posts limit preventing me from posting links/images please search for either Infinite Thera or jmmasters)

Synopsis: Wanting to escape a life full of monotony, Lucas caved in and joined his friends in playing a newly released virtual reality MMORPG. The game didn't fail his expectations, offering a level of realism that was above par compared to others. They didn't expect that they'd be trapped in an unknown world that is familiar and yet so unlike their own. The only way to return is to unravel the mysteries of this new world and unite with the Gods to push back the darkness engulfing their world. The situation was met by protests from the players as they were essentially placed in a situation they couldn't control. Before any of them could reject the request, another bomb was dropped on them. "If you don't save our world, your world will also perish."​

Genre: Fantasy, LitRPG, Action, Comedy, Romance, Adventure, Drama, Strategy

Support our Patreon!: (ANNOUNCEMENT! PATREON PAGE WILL BE UP WITHIN THE MONTH!) By supporting us in our Patreon page, you'll get to access advanced chapters than the partner sites we've posted Infinite Thera in. You also get other goodies depending on the tier of your choosing. Our page is a light novel and art page combined so you'll get your money's worth from supporting us!

Release Schedule: Release will be once a week. Royal Road Legends is updated more frequently (usually 2-3 chapters ahead.) whereas patrons in our Patreon page will get to read the story 3-4 chapters ahead of RRL (that means they get to read stories 5 chapters ahead!).

Table of Contents
Volume 1: Plight of the Gods | Reinhardt 1
Volume 1: Plight of the Gods | Reinhardt 2

 

Volume 1: Plight of the Gods | Reinhardt 1

Spoiler: Click to read.

Illuminated by the pale moonlight, the vast plain covered by powdered snow cast off an iridescent silver glow. Silence reigned over all, apart from the occasional howl of the winds in the cold wintery night. And yet, a voice filled with anguish pierced this desolate night somewhere in Leben, a part of the Theocracy of Feria.

Reinhardt stood there frozen in place, not by the cold piercing snow, but by the blade on his hands. Gripping the hilt of the sword tighter and tighter until his knuckles turned white, yet what he saw next made his firm clutch tremble.

Crimson, the thick liquid slowly rolled down from the tip of his blade. His eyes darted to the front where a woman had her arms wide open. She was clad in all white and with hair as black as the night, possessing an enchanting look that in other circumstances she would've easily captivated and mesmerized him.

But something else captured his attention; the mere sight almost drove him to the brink of madness. Going down diagonally across her chest to her left waist was a huge wound gushing with fresh blood.

Reinhardt's eyes automatically went to the blade on his hand. The weight of the weapon seemed to grow heavier exponentially as the moments passed by, making it harder for him to hold it up. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that the wound must've been inflicted by him, through this accursed weapon. The utter realization shook him to the core of his being.

His haunted eyes went back to the woman, searching for any sign of hatred or revulsion. However, all he saw was acceptance and...joy?

Bewilderment, shock, and anguish raced throughout his face, his mouth agape and at a loss for words. Who is she? With all that's happened, he couldn't even remember who she was, or what he was doing there in the first place.

"Reinhardt…" her small raspy breath shocking him back to reality.

"Thank you…" she grimaced and coughed out blood. Yet in the end the very same blood tinged lips still managed to turn into a smile.

"No…" His voice trembling, caused by the unforgiving weather while the anguish slowly built up inside, threatening to consume him. He rushed towards her with his arms outstretched, trying to catch her as she fell to the ground.

Time seemed to freeze at this very moment, preventing him to inch any further.

"Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

And everything went black.

~*~​

Reinhardt awoke with a start, his arms outstretched to the dark ceiling. The sheets that covered his whole body were drenched with sweat while more kept rolling down his temples.

With a murky head, he tried to recall what the nightmare was all about but couldn't seem to remember. Except for a few flashes involving a blade, blood and ‘Was it a woman’s smile?’ he thought to himself.

He shook his head, his black hair swaying against the nightly breeze as he stood from his bed. "You're still awake Lumina?" He said with a voice filled with warmth and tenderness as his eyes went towards the door of his bedroom.

The door slowly opened and a girl wearing her night robes emerged from the dark hallway. She approached him with a glass of water in her hands. "I heard you moving and screaming, my Lord, so I assumed you must have had a nightmare. So I-I brought you a glass of water." And with that she reached out her dainty hand holding the glass, offering him what she could to comfort him.

His longing eyes filled with passion raked all over the girl in front of him. Her perfectly shaped brows accompanied her almond-shaped eyes that were staring hesitantly at him. Any man who stared for too long would definitely get lost in them. The heart shaped nose accentuated by her perfectly chiseled jaw. And the rosy lips which emphasized all the qualities of her face, turned it into perfection.

He had to take a deep breath to still himself. She wasn't ready yet, ready for him. And unlike her who was still a budding flower, he had already matured. He will give her time, and then he will take her and make her his wife.

For now, he reached out to take the glass of water from her and drank it with a few gulps. "I'll be going out now Lumina, go back to sleep." What he implied was, he will be starting his usual morning routine albeit a little early this time. He usually went out at the crack of dawn but seeing as he couldn't possibly sleep again after that nightmare, he decided to train early to release all the tension.

"Alright. I'll be cooking your favorite food my Lord and await your return." She could only utter those words as she watched him change, her face flushing red as she discreetly peeked at his hard body, fully sculpted from all the training he's been undergoing. Steam rose from her face and she had to slap both her cheeks to keep herself sane. She bowed slightly as her master went out of the room with a knowing grin on his lips.

~*~​

Within the woods, the sound of metals clashing could be heard as two men fought each other with their drawn swords.

"You're finally getting better at this my Lord! But too bad ‘coz you clearly still need some practice! Ha!" A voice with a slightly outlandish accent said with a hint of mockery at his dueling partner.

His hair the color of warm sand while his eyes had the tinge of the bright blue sky. Just like Reinhardt, his body was also developed and hardened by training but contrary to the former, you can see that his musculature was honed through the hard life he has had.

"I may not be at your level yet Kristov, but don't underestimate me! Hyah!" Reinhardt replied as he sidestepped the sword slashing towards him and retaliated with a whirl of his blade. He may not be as buff, strong, nor resilient as his friend, but he knew that he had the upper hand in terms of agility.

Reinhardt moved faster and his reaction time is better than that of his friend. On the other hand, Kristov can't be underestimated as shown by him easily switching gears, dodging and parrying his attacks. Truth be told, and Reinhardt hated to admit it, but he still had a lot to learn before he could beat his longtime rival.

Reinhardt, Lumina, and Kristov were from the same village.

Although he was born of a higher standing compared to those two, it did not stop Reinhardt from befriending them. He always believed that social status was but a mere speck as compared to the whole of a person’s worth. A part of it may be due to the fact that he's a noble's bastard son from an ordinary village woman. Because of that, it made it so much easier for him to break the rules of propriety and live like a normal person.

The three of them were close, but Reinhardt and Lumina more so because of the bond they shared.

Their bond was caused by an event that changed their lives forever. A few years ago when Reinhardt was just sixteen years old and Lumina was just twelve. Reinhardt’s father went down with an illness that apparently had no cure. He didn't really mind as his father was mostly absent from his life except for a few separate occasions wherein they got to meet.

As it was with nobles and aristocrats, a struggle of power eventually erupted. Since Reinhardt was one of the probable heirs, even if he was just a bastard, someone thought that it was the perfect time to get rid of him. Reinhardt and his family were attacked by assassins who were out to "remove" the competition.

Since Feria’s nobles practiced the same patriarchal society as that of the Erobern Empire, they placed more importance on male offspring as heirs to the noble houses. As it turned out his father only had a daughter from his original wife. But with him sick of an unknown illness, it was only natural that Reinhardt inherited the house's noble name.

At that time, Lumina's mother who worked as a maid in Reinhardt’s house got caught in the crossfire and died trying to protect him from the assassins. With her dying breath, she asked Reinhardt to take care of Lumina and he gave his word that he would do so, even at the cost of his own life. Reinhardt's mother also died that day and a dozen or so other servants. It was truly a blood bath, a massacre that became the most popular topic within the country for a while.

The feud for the title was bloody yet brief, when the wife of Reinhardt’s father, the current mistress of their noble house was caught as the perpetrator. It was later found out that she had gone insane. To avoid tarnishing the family name, she was sent to a faraway place in exile. His father's daughter vanished and was nowhere to be seen. Naturally, as the only living heir and the only male son, Reinhardt became the new lord of the house wherein he inherited the family's fortune and prestige.

His thoughts were disturbed as Kristov outwitted him ["Lightning Strike!"] and with that, Reinhardt's sword flew a few feet away from him.

"If this were a real battle, you would be dead by now my lord! Stop daydreaming and focus on the fight!" Kristov huffed putting the sword on his shoulder as he went towards his friend and offered him a hand.

“I’ve already told you countless times to dispose of the formalities! There’s no one else here but us!”

Reinhardt knew his friend was right but it didn't stop him from smirking as he took the hand and stood up. Instead of stopping to catch his breath, he made way for his blade on the ground. He picked it up and with a grin did a different stance.

Kristov's thick eyebrows shot up but instead of complaining, he sported the same grin that his friend had and did his own stance. Both of them knew that their duel would be decided by the next blow.

["Secret Blade Art: Swallow Dance!"]

["Justice Sword Slash!"]

Sparks flew in every direction and the trees were rustled by the strong gust of wind created by the impact. The two bore down on each other whilst gritting their teeth as their swords tried to take down the other.

Before anything could be decided, a scream made the two stop and look at the direction from where it came. Exchanging a look of surprise with Kristov, it took a while before it dawned on him.

'Lumina!' he thought to himself, he abandoned his duel and ran towards the way back home.

"Hey Rein! Wait for me!" Kristov called out but it was too late, Reinhardt was already out of sight. Trying not to get his emotions mixed in with what's happening, Kristov followed suit and dashed toward his friend.

~*~​

Their house in the forest isn't that big to be called a mansion but it's not small enough to be called a hut either. All in all, it was easy to find considering it was adjacent to the country road.

"Lumina!" He yelled as he barged in from the back door which was facing the forest where he came from.

"Lumina!" Calling out again, he hurriedly strode towards the dining room with his hand on the hilt of his nodachi, ready to unsheathe it anytime. Reinhardt half expected to encounter monsters, beasts who have wandered off too far from their territory in the forest. It was also possible that bandits had found their house and took interest. What he didn't expect was to find Lumina and other people to be at the receiving room for guests.

The head maidservant sat on one of the chairs with a sobbing Lumina on her side. On the other end of the room sat an old man in dignified robes, with two men in white and gold vestments.

From the emblems emblazoned on their armaments, they could only be from the Feria Holy Knight Corps. In short they were crusaders. And the man they were protecting with his robes and the staff on his hand, was in fact a high ranking priest of Osiris. "What…is the meaning of this?" Reinhardt managed to say after a brief pause in between to calm his nerves and breathing.

"Welcome back, my Lord, sorry for the cause of alarm. This little girl was a bit surprised when these men came barging in. They’ve been waiting for you. In the meantime, I will be checking on the refreshments." The old maid servant stood up and offered her seat before leaving the room.

The priest wasted no time once Reinhardt sat on the couch beside Lumina. "As you may have already known, I am a bishop from the Order of Osiris sent by the Holy Church. We have come here to fetch Mistress Lumina." The old man said clearly while his arm made a move to fix his monocle.

"What...do you mean?" Reinhardt asked in confusion. For one thing he wasn't sure why they were talking about taking Lumina with them. His eyes went to the little girl who answered his stare by gripping his arm and crying even harder.

What puzzled him more is the fact that a high ranking priest of Osiris, a bishop nonetheless, would address a village girl as “Mistress", when in fact, bishops themselves were considered on the same ranks as nobles in their country.

Getting no answer from Lumina, his eyes narrowed and his throat tightened. If these people were thinking of forcefully taking her away from him, they’re gravely mistaken. There were only two guards, even if you add the old man, he knew that he could still take them on.

Clearing his throat to dismiss the uncomfortable feeling brought by the suffocating aura suddenly leaked by the newly arrived man, the bishop launched into his explanation. "It is not a secret that the old Oracle of Osiris has passed away and with it the faith of the people are wavering. Not only that, our land is completely defenseless from the attacks of the demons of Nifleheim without any forewarning from the Oracle. Written in the church's records is when the old Oracle dies, her destiny and mark is passed on to another, from a pure maiden to another pure maiden. We have sought the help of our patron god Osiris for his prophecy. We even asked his other persona in the form of goddess Amaterasu through her divinations and they all point out to this girl right here." The old man finished with a flourish of his staff, its end pointing at Lumina.

"But-but you have no proof! She-she can't be…!" Reinhardt stuttered, at a loss for words. Shock was an understatement, disbelief flooded his heart.

Not only that, but also pain.

He knows what the Oracle stands for in Feria, having dreamed together for a long time with Kristov to become one of her personal knights. The Oracle was always selected by prophecy and no one knew what the process was nor the characteristics the Oracle should possess. There was only one thing that people were sure of, and that was the chasteness of the chosen one.

The previous Oracle was of noble heritage while Lumina wasn’t the case. Oracles served as the pillar of Feria, protecting its people by her foresight. She was able to use her gift to foretell the future especially disasters and demon attacks. With her help, millions of people have been saved.

It was, by all means a pipe dream yet they trained hard to attain it. But now that it has come to this, Reinhardt wanted to curse the very existence of the Oracle. The role of a revered prophet, who serves as a direct link to the god of life, however noble and prestigious, has a catch. The Oracle has to sever all her ties with family and friends and she has to remain a maiden, untainted and pure for the rest of her life.

The old bishop must have anticipated Reinhardt’s unfavorable reaction.

But the old man was here for a reason, and so a mere person’s reaction towards the news he delivered was far outweighed by the needs of the many. He switched his attention towards Lumina "As for proof, you mean to tell me young lady that you haven't seen anything foretelling of the future? Something that is yet to happen? A disaster? Or a demon attack?" His eyes narrowed at this, as if he was studying the girl under a microscope.

"No? How about in a dream perhaps? Any of your dreams coming true lately? Or have you seen something that is foreboding?" He continued and made a satisfied smile as the girls eyes widened after he mentioned things about her dreams.

"If that is not enough…" he said now directing his attention towards Reinhardt.

"The Oracle's mark is said to be found somewhere on her body. It appears randomly and the last Oracle had hers on the back of her right hand. May I ask Mistress Lumina to please show us hers?" The old man once again turned to the girl whose destiny was about to change.

When neither of the two people he was talking to made a move to accommodate what he was saying, the old man sighed. He would have to break some rules. Officially, performing the ritual to determine the genuineness of an Oracle’s mark had to be planned carefully. A lot of factors were involved to carry out this important ceremony.

The primary reason was for Spiritual Resonance wherein the Oracle and the patron god she serves enter a deep slumber. This was done to ensure that the former’s dormant powers are fully awakened while the latter synchronizes with their chosen so that they may efficiently receive their god’s blessing. As a side effect, the Oracle’s mark resonates with a consecrated object and glows when the ritual is performed.

He reached inside his robes and produced a necklace with a weird looking pendant. It resembled a cross but instead of a simple vertical head, it had a semi-circular one with a hollow middle.

The old man gestured towards Lumina and all eyes in the room alternated between the object and her. "It has been said that the Oracle's mark will resonate with a consecrated symbol from Osiris. This is not an ordinary cross, it is a memento, a gift from our god himself." And upon uttering those words, the pendant glowed golden yellow, not just any ordinary light but the kind that was otherworldly, strong and fearsome yet divine in every way. It was the difference between seeing a lit candle and the curious northern lights1 in the sky.

Then something happened that only the priest seemed to expect. Somewhere below her neck, just above her right breast which was previously hidden by her hair and now underneath her clothes, bright white light flashed, the kind that could blind anyone.

After the light died down, a symbol glowed right before their eyes, an emblem that was also found emblazoned on the clothes of the protectors of the Oracle, the Templar Knights and the symbol that marked the Oracle of Feria. That mark rests on Lumina's skin, proudly shining through her clothing.

With a satisfied smile, the bishop slowly stood up and bowed down while the knights fell on their knees as they gave their reverence and respect to this simple village girl. "Welcome oh holy maiden of the church! Please protect Feria and its people!" The old man's tone resounded across the room.

Footnote:
1. The Northern Lights - commonly known as Aurora Borealis; lights seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres.

 

Volume 1: Plight of the Gods | Reinhardt 2

Spoiler: Click to read.

Reinhardt had this sinking feeling at the pit of his stomach. All the things he wanted to say, stuff he wanted to do, weren’t being processed in his head. It was like he was stuck in an infinite loop, continuously hearing the same things over and over again without any moments of reprieve. It reached the point where his head crossed the boundaries of psychological turmoil and gave birth to a splitting headache.

And yet, underneath it all, in the midst of all the confusion, the pain and the doubt, Reinhardt knew what it all meant. It meant his separation with Lumina...and that his eventual plan of taking her as his wife cannot come into fruition. It was the proverbial end of the line for them.

Lumina on the other hand had tears welling up once again as things started to sink in. She was well past the denial stage but instead of going through the usual route towards acceptance, she never had the chance to move on to the next stage. Right now, all she felt was fear and trepidation.

No stranger to the role of an Oracle, Lumina was always at the receiving end of Reinhardt’s impassioned talks of becoming the Oracle's protector, a Templar Knight.

Templar Knights are considered as a totally separate entity from the Holy Knight Corps. There can be as many to fill an entire squad and as few as two. It usually depends on the need at the time. Usually during times of war, or if assassination plots are uncovered, the number increases in response. In terms of skill, they can be compared to a country’s general and in terms of martial prowess, to the best warriors in the continent. Only the best and brightest can be accepted in their ranks. And their duty revolved around protecting the Oracle and providing their assistance in whichever way they can.

Being an Oracle wasn’t an easy task. Aside from being the direct connection with their patron God, a lot of responsibilities fall on her shoulders. The most important task she had was making use of her foresight to avoid disastrous events. From that to the usual tasks such as being the head priestess in performing divine rituals, appearing in public to boost the morale of the faithful and many more, she definitely had a lot of responsibility.

All of this knowledge about the Oracle and her knights were gained from Lumina patiently listening to Reinhardt. During those times, she happily paid attention as he animatedly recounted details about it. But for her, that was just an excuse, another reason so that she could be with him.

And now, all of those things that Lumina held dear were being threatened. And she dreaded the end result. It meant being away from her beloved master...the person she held dear to her heart ever since she was a kid. They can never be together anymore.

Lumina grew up wanting simple things. She felt that being taken in as a servant in this family, despite of her status as an orphan after her mother’s death, was already a blessing. Even though her mother sacrificed herself to help protect the young master, it would’ve been so easy not to follow through with his promise to keep her safe. So as recompense, she dedicated herself to loyally serving the house that treated her with kindness. Even more so because Reinhardt was a much gentler lord compared to his father.

It was only now that a new emotion suddenly made its presence known.

It was greed.

Something she had never felt before.

It was indeed true that you never really notice the importance of something unless you lose it.

Both Reinhardt and Lumina can only look at the three visitors as the bishop and his entourage pleaded for the sake of Feria. While the latter looked like children who found their long lost parent, the former two had a look of resignation on their faces. All the life siphoned out of Reinhardt and Lumina as all their hopes and dreams, ironically will only remain as is and never be fulfilled.

The girl with bloodshot eyes turned her attention to her master, "My Lord...I don't want to…" she trailed off, aware of the ramifications of her selfish request. She had a hunch that if she really tried to ask Reinhardt for help, he would definitely do something. It was something that both of them may eventually regret.

Her appointment as an Oracle, though still not official, was one of those things that you can’t reject. Not only will she be excommunicated by her country but the more fanatic followers might even try something extreme like hunting them down.

She wanted to cling to him, wanted to hear him say that everything will be alright, but Reinhardt neither moved nor said those comforting words to her.

Reinhardt did everything in his power to restrain himself because if he didn’t, he'd take Lumina's hand and run away with her to the edges of Infinitia where they can live life in peace.

He reined in his growing impulse to speak his mind because if he didn’t, he was afraid that he might tell her how he really felt and end up making things more complicated. Turning things harder than it already was.

They both knew that letting their emotions takeover would only end in futility. Lumina could do nothing but weep while Reinhardt suffered in silence.

The bishop slowly stood up and spoke the words that they both feared, "Oracle, you have to come with us to the holy capital city, so you may perform your duties as prophesied." And when she didn't make any move to come with them, the bishop nodded towards one of the knights who obediently went to the girl to lead her outside.

"Wait! You can't do this! You can't force her to accept something she doesn’t want!" Reinhardt stood up as well, in the act of stopping what was about to transpire but the bishop spoke in a voice that sliced all through his objections.

"Actually, we can. May I remind you, that if you try to prevent what was destined for the Oracle, you'll be arrested for treason!" Those words were enough to root Reinhardt on the spot. It was the truth, going against the wishes of the church was tantamount to ignoring the orders of a king. All of the arguments he had prepared rendered useless by that one simple fact, it cut through his case like a hot knife through butter.

"My Lord, no, please...I don't want to go...please!" Lumina’s attempts to object and emancipate herself from the grasp of the knights were all in vain due to her small frame. Her vision clouded by the renewed tears threatening to fall wandered over to Reinhardt, pleading for him to take action. But he remained standing, devoid of movement, almost like a statue. His shoulders hunched, unable to look her in the eye, knowing he had failed her.

It was quite vexing considering their mindsets were in sync. They both wanted to prevent Lumina’s fate. But unlike her, who had no power yet wanted to actively avoid her fate, Reinhardt had the capacity to resist and yet he did nothing.

"Wait! I beg of you, please don't take me away!" It only took a moment before Lumina found herself out the door, basically manhandled by the knights. It took that much time for her to finally realize that the time for separation was now.

Hoping that her voice would still reach Reinhardt, she took a deep breath and yelled with all her heart. "My lord, I want to be with you!"

What else could she say?

Those words reached Reinhardt's ears and it jolted him back to reality. Like a flash of lightning, his feet seemed to gain a life of its own. He was a few steps away from the door when his stride faltered.

What else could he do?

They are taking her away from him. Away from his reach, away from his life.

"Go after her Rein! You can still be with her! Remember our dream!" Reinhardt's head snapped towards Kristov who stood at the doorway leading to the kitchen.

The realization of what his friend said to him made his eyes grow wide, once again filled with a bit of hope.

If he couldn't be with her...at least he can be by her side.

With renewed vigor, Reinhardt ran outside in time to see Lumina being dragged towards the majestic carriage. Their form of transportation, drawn by four white horses, was parked right out front.

"Luminaaaaaaaa! I will come for you! I promise!" He yelled at her, his eyes boring into hers as a smile slowly formed on his lips.

Lumina stopped struggling and mirroring the same expression Reinhardt had on his face. They looked at each other for a long time, their eyes spoke volumes, before she nodded in acknowledgement. And then she wiped her tears, smiled at him one last time and slowly went inside the carriage.

Reinhardt's smile never left his face until the carriage left and can no longer be seen. "We have a lot of work to do Kristov, from now on we train day and night!" His smile faded and with a sense of conviction, he left his friend who was scratching his hair whilst standing by the window.

"This is going to be a pain, well...at least this makes things interesting!" Kristov answered nonchalantly, his voice laced with amusement.

Deep inside Kris felt dejected. The emotion didn’t take root for his sake, rather it was born out of his concern for both of his friends. There was truth in what he suggested, by pursuing their dream of becoming Templar Knights, Reinhardt and Lumina can be together.

But that was it; they can never be together in the truest sense of the word. But maybe for those two it would be enough. What he failed to understand was, what good would come out from suppressing such emotions? Sighing loudly Kristov could only shake his head. He can never fathom how people in love think. The emotion was just too alien for him.

~*~​

FOUR YEARS LATER…

A lone desert salamander burrowed deep within the ground in haste, sensing the oncoming gallops approaching. The sound started with a thrum, constant yet changing, sometimes quiet as one’s heartbeat then it shifts to a deep rumble like tribal drums. An ornate white and gold carriage appeared drawn by four regal steeds. It was flanked by cavalry on each side; two were guarding the rear while the front was led by a helmed knight. While the other knights wore blue and silver, the helmed knight sported the opposite color motif of red and gold.

From the emblem embellished on their armors and on the carriage itself, one can only surmise that it was occupied by none other than the beloved Oracle of Feria. It was part of the Oracle’s duty to travel around the country and go where she is needed. Right now, the destination was a remote village.

A new kind of illness has been reported to have spread. According to rumors, it is likely that it was caused by demons. This knowledge made the citizens grow restless especially since the cure was nonexistent. This was where Lumina came in. The mere presence of the oracle can bring wondrous results. By making an appearance on behalf of the church, she can renew their faith and rejuvenate their dwindling devotion towards the God of Life. It was a testament as to how faith shouldn’t be underestimated.

As the carriage passed by, the salamander's head popped out of its underground lair, curious as to what was happening around him. It was about to come out of the temporary shelter when a sudden earthquake scared it once more into seeking refuge in the safe depths of Mother Earth. The loud neighing of the horses and the struggle of the chauffeur to maintain stability was followed by a deafening roar from the distance.

“Hyaaah! Calm down…calm down...good boy! There you go…” yelled the lead knight in front of the group, trying to pacify the scared steed.

The group has heard from the locals that a rampant dragon made his nest somewhere in one of the caverns of the canyons. No one knew what could've driven the dragon away from its natural habitat into this derelict place. That was why it was such a wonder why the Oracle and her guards were still trekking through this dangerous route even after the warnings.

They had no clue what caused the dragon’s migration. Some theorized that it was due to the shift in the monster territories due to the appearance of a powerful new monster. As for the reason why they were stuck into choosing this direction? Simple! Because there was no alternate route to begin with. They had no choice but to pass through here to reach the village. Thankfully nothing happened when they were going to the village. Then again, they were unaware of this news and only found out when they arrived in the village. It was the reason why everyone was on high alert while on their way back to the capital.

“Stay on your toes! Do not let your guard down for a second, our priority is the Oracle's safety and we must ensure it until her return to the capital!" She motioned for the chauffeur and for the knights to continue with their journey, directing them to stay vigilant of their surroundings. Before they even had a chance to continue onwards, a huge rumble resounded throughout the region.

Squinting at the horizon, the helmed knight checked the source of the commotion. From across the horizon, dust clouds gathered and covered a large area. The knight almost thought that it was a dust storm but the rumbling of the ground persisted and intensified, making the earth beneath their feet quake.

Multiple eyes widened in shock as dozens of beasts emerged one by one from the dust clouds, running towards their direction.

It was a stampede!

“Maneuver the carriage near the cliff! And to everyone else, spread out and make sure to divert the beasts coming our way! Protect the Oracle, make sure no harm---" The knight executed a well thought out plan in this dire situation. They were going move near the cliff where they were sure to avoid direct collision with the stampede. Then form a barricade so any errant monsters that took notice of them and diverted their attention can be easily handled by the knights. Yet, she hadn't even finished barking orders when a huge red reptilian creature appeared out of the horizon.

It was...a dragon!

And it wasn't just any ordinary dragon like the ones found in the wild, it was immeasurably bigger. In fact, they wouldn’t be surprised if it was a grand dragon they were witnessing barreling towards them.

There were a lot of variations in how dragons were categorized. The most common one depends on the dragon’s habitat is based; either land or sea whereas the winged ones were called sky dragons. But the widely accepted classification in the hierarchy of dragons, were based on size, intelligence and power.

On top of the food chain are the ancient dragons who possessed knowledge and wisdom that was said to rival the gods themselves. Some held enough power that they were able to take a humanoid form just like the god who had created them. In terms of size, their dragon forms can encompass a whole castle, some were even bigger. Their existence were regarded as myths as it had been almost a century since one appeared.

The next on the list are the pseudo ancient dragons also known as the dragonoids. They were purported to be the children of the ancient dragons and debated to be the ancestors of the dragonkin race. A lot of of dragon scholars and sages are on a constant deliberation. Some deny them as the children of the ancient dragons and instead directly link them to the God of War who had a dragonoid appearance. Their size may be questionable considering, at most, they can be compared to humans but no one can question their wit and power. Just like the ancient dragons, they are adept at using dragon magic like the ancient dragons especially the ones attuned with their own element.

The third on the list are the grand dragons. Unlike the previous two, grand dragons do not possess human faculties. It is more proper to think of them, and the dragons below them, as beasts. It doesn’t make them less threatening however. Sizes can vary from as small as the size of two to three carriages with the biggest reported size was able to destroy a mansion of considerable size.

Lastly were the normal sized dragons. This is where most of the wild dragons and domesticated ones belong. Some countries prefer to use them as mounts especially in wars due to their resilience and tough hides. They also possess more stamina and can be considered as intelligent as far as wild monsters are concerned. They rarely have large sizes, usually they are a few feet taller than regular horses.

From the size of the dragon charging towards them, they can easily tell that it was a grand dragon. But that didn’t provide much comfort as it usually took two to three groups of highly skilled adventurers to take them down.

~*~​

On top of the cliffs, surveying what was transpiring below, were two people. The bigger of the two stood with a brown muffler covering the lower half of his face. His brown hair cut short and a bit unruly. The coat he wore extended down to the ground, covering what seemed to be heavy armor.

He reached up for something behind him, grabbing an ornate sword and shield hanging on his back. “I guess it's time for us to make an appearance? Ready partner?" The man looked down at the other person crouching down beside him.

Contrary to the burly guy, he only wore light cloth armor to prioritize on speed. He was covered with an identical brown cloak except his didn’t cover his face. He only nodded back in response to his partner in confirmation, stood up, and jumped from where they were.

"Oy oy! Wait for me! Always running ahead without me!" The first guy said before following behind and jumping from the cliffs as well.

As they were falling towards the ground, they each moved to slow down their descent, otherwise they would go splat on the ground. The burly guy used his long sword, thrusting deep on the sides of the cliff. The other guy flung a grappling hook towards the cliff and used it as a hook.

A normal citizen would be surprised because what they did was basically impossible to a normal human. Even hardened veterans will think twice before replicating their actions. “Take care of the ground Kris! I'll attack him from above!" Reinhardt said to his partner once his descent stopped. Making use of the rope, he ran on the sides of the cliff and took a different direction, gathered momentum and jumped towards the dragon's shoulder.

"Leave it to me! Hey! You ugly piece of shit! Down here!"

[“Banshee’s Wail!”]

Kristov bellowed once his foot connected with the ground, standing in front of the dragon. The skill created distortions in the air, the winds shrieking like the skill’s namesake. On cue, the dragon's attention was drawn towards the first person who initiated the attack. As it was a skill focused on gaining aggro1 from the monster, Kristov had its undivided attention.

Reinhardt used this opportunity to take out his nodachi, spun the blade on top of his head with the blade part facing down and plunged it on the dragon's chest.

Force and gravity did its part as Reinhardt’s sword slashed down across the chest of the untamed dragon. If it were any other blade, it wouldn't have pierced the thick skin and flesh. But what he was wielding had an enchantment allowing him to deal more damage to large creatures. It was a blade that was sharp enough to pierce the hardest metals, even the skin of dragons.

Meanwhile, Kristov had his sword and shield forged by a famous blacksmith from the holy capital. He prided himself with his “Sword of the Deep” fashioned from sea monster materials.

The dragon roared, flailed and tried to swat Reinhardt away as if he was just a bug causing a minor nuisance. Even with his speed, he was unable to dodge the attack due to his sword being stuck in its chest. He was thrown off onto the side of the cliffs, where they jumped off of earlier, and he felt a stabbing pain making his vision momentarily go white. Basing on the impact, he knew that he may have fractured his ribs when he collided directly with the rocks.

Reinhardt fell on the ground, landing right beside the carriage, where he coughed out some blood. Gritting his teeth, he tried to get up on his feet so he can get back to fighting.

"Rein! Be careful! This dragon is a lot tougher than he looks!" Kristov warned before jumping out of the way when the dragon took a swipe at him using its tail. Without pause, the dragon reared back and used its fire breath to incinerate him.

[“Absolute Wall!"]

It's a good thing Kristov’s reaction time has been honed in the passing years through hard and rigorous training. If not, he would have been easily barbecued by the onslaught of the infernal breath.

While the dragon was busy with his friend, Reinhardt took this opportunity to climb the dragon. He jumped towards his wedged weapon, applied more strength to pull it out and then used the dragon’s chest as leverage to jump higher.

Rein rotated mid-air until he was upside down and drew out a small ornamental weapon. He made intricate movements with the dagger, light emitting from its tip leaving a runic circle as an afterimage. The light steadily grew bright and fused with the small ornamental dagger. Once the light quieted down, it had taken the shape of a blade made of pure energy.

"This is the end for you!”

[“Combination Art: Twin Blades Temporal Slash!"]

The skill in itself didn’t have anything to do with time. Rather, with the two blades in his hands, his potential for damage doubled. He could dole out twice as much.

Using a skill Reinhardt had learned, he kicked off on an invisible wall in the air while still airborne. Borrowing the force to add strength behind his assault, he plunged down towards the dragon and sliced continuously with his blade and dagger turned sword. Once the carnage was over, he ended up crouched on the ground with both of his weapons on his sides.

The dragon roared, but this time, in agony. It wobbled and somehow lost its balance. The huge body of the creature crashed on the sides of the cliff, causing the earth to shake from the brunt of the impact. Sensing that it was losing out on the battle, the dragon slowly stood up and ran off, escaping as fast as it had come.

"That was harder than I thought…good thing it escaped. I’m not confident we’d actually win if it chose to fight to the death." Kristov walked towards his friend while sheathing his sword into his shield and then placed it on his back.

Reinhardt did the same as he stood up and sheathed his sword and hid his dagger in his breast pocket. He had suffered a major injury, one that would take time to heal if not treated immediately with healing magic. But he acted like it was nothing and that he didn't have any wounds at all. He didn't feel the pain nor the rush of adrenaline that was still making its way through his bloodstream. He was more conscious of how his heart seemed to thump faster than when they were facing the dragon.

They were both headed towards the carriage when the lead knight intercepted them with drawn blades pointed at them. “Who are you? What business do you have with the Oracle?" Before either of them could answer, the rumbling started once more, but instead of the earth shaking, small rocks started falling from above them.

They all looked up and were all rendered incapable of movement. A huge boulder on top of the cliff toppled over and began its descent towards the ground. Needless to say, with its trajectory, it was quite evident that the ones on the receiving end of its descent were the carriage and all the people around it.

It was already too late, their reactions were too slow.

Reinhardt and Kristov knew it would be too late to do anything. All they could do was somehow help to diminish the casualties from this unexpected miscalculation.

[“Sword Saint Style Second Form! Frigid Dance of Icicles!”]

The boulder was assaulted by ice, freezing into one giant mass, looking like a snow ball. A second after the transformation, a flurry of blades was unleashed upon it. It shattered and broke off into bits and pieces as if it were tiny diamond crystals falling from the sky. The bright orange sun together with the crystals created a myriad of colors and lights in the barren canyon.

Reinhardt and Kristov stood in awe, looking at the knight who had his back turned from them.

The lead knight sheathed one of the blades and with the other hand slowly removed the helmet. It surprised the two as scarlet red hair flowed from within the helmet and casually fell to her back and almost reaching her waist.

"Now, tell me who you are!" The sweet voice that came from her lips only verified that she was in fact...

“A woman?!" Uttered by Kristov in shock, a slight blush creeping up his cheeks.

Footnote:
1. Aggro - Internet/online gaming slang which means aggression. Gaining aggro means generating aggression, also referred to as hate, from monsters. Tanks specialize with these, drawing the attacks to them through provoke type skills.

 

Links (table of contents, partner site links) and Images will be added once I get over the post limitations. Thank you!

 

Volume 1: Plight of the Gods | Reinhardt 3

Spoiler: Click to read.

Reinhardt almost jumped up from where he sat when he felt "Lumina" move inch by inch, closer to where he sat. The carriage rocked every now and then due to the unstable terrain they were traversing. He could feel his face burning up, positive that he was blushing to the roots of his hair due of the proximity.

The girl sat unperturbed right beside him, her gaze directed at him with a teasing smile plastered on her lips.

And yet Reinhardt couldn't even get himself to look her right in the eye without immediately looking away. Like a shy little boy seeing his crush for the first time. It would've been different if the girl had been "Lumina" in the first place, but she clearly wasn't.

"Sorceress, would it be alright if you shifted back to your real form?" he said quietly, eyes directed down, trying to avoid looking at the ample bosom touching, and occasionally getting squeezed onto his left arm due to the cramped space.

"Ehhh? But I thought Sir Reinhardt preferred me in this form? Don’t you like what you see?" The sorceress pouted and leaned in closer, pressing her chest closer to his whole upper arm.

"Oy oy oy! Wait a minute, don't come any closer sorceress! Please!" Reinhardt chortled, trying to extricate himself from the minx that was torturing him. His reaction had the opposite effect however as the sorceress laughed in glee and teased him more. The carriage shook a bunch of times, sometimes tilting dangerously to one side because of the ruckus.

Kristov wasn't doing any better either as he sat across from the first two in the carriage. He and Miranda sat quietly. Just like Reinhardt, he sported the same flushed face and couldn't directly look at the girl beside him. Contrary to how his friend was behaving, he kept his silence. Instead he adapted what he thought was a poker face to avoid getting dragged into the farce. Though of course, his tomato colored face betrayed his actions.

"Stupid woman!" Captain Miranda muttered in a hushed tone, gritting her teeth. How dare this…this promiscuous woman to try and deface their Oracle. She’s been with the Oracle since day one as her most trusted Templar Knight, and closest friend when they’re alone. She knew that Lumina would never act as loose as what the sorceress was showing. Her dignity as a knight stopped her from reaching over and chopping the woman on the head with her hand.

Miranda crossed her arms and bowed her head as she looked at her own chest. Unlike the Oracle, she was lacking in that department, and that was one of the two things she was insecure of next to her height. But just like the burly man who sat beside him, she pretended not to notice the people in front of them. Her mind drifted off to their meeting earlier.



~*~

"A woman?!" Kristov said with a bewildered look.

"I'm Miranda, Captain of the Knight Templars! I order you to answer my question!" the woman said pointedly, her blade still held in the ready.

Understanding what she had said, Kristov relaxed and flashed a genuine smile. His eyes twinkled like stars, as he approached the woman with his outstretched arms. "Captain Miranda! I didn't expect the captain of the Templars to be this young---" he never got to finish what he said.

"Forgive my partner’s straightforwardness, Captain!" Reinhardt interjected after backhanding Kristov, albeit a bit too forcefully, knocking the man unconscious and lying on a heap on the ground. His head was now sporting a huge lump due to the impact of the blow.

"We are the new knighted Templars. We have come to safely escort the Oracle back to Phracea." Reinhardt looked down distractedly at his friend who was stirring and groaning, trying to stand up from the ground. "We were sent by the church to ensure her safe return." He said while Kristov gingerly touched his aching head, "I hope you can forgive our intru---" both men suddenly felt an ominous aura being projected at them.

"Egh?! So you come rushing down the first chance you get when a monster appears!?" The words that left Miranda's mouth was full of sarcasm. Her menacing aura made her appear like a giant whose face was covered with shadows, with red eyes expressing her murderous intent. Dwarfed by her presence, the two guys could just look on in silence.

Momentarily, after her letting her words sink in, loud metallic conking sounds were heard. Close to how pots would sound if it were to fall accidentally to the floor. In the end, both Reinhardt and Kristov lay sprawled and semiconscious on the ground, with new bumps on their heads.

Miranda dusted her hands as if she had done an arduous task. "You are the Oracle's protectors but it doesn't mean you have to come rushing in and be heroes every chance you get! That's how we lost the two before you! Stupid arrogant fools!" Her anger may have been evident but Kristov was able to detect a hint of sorrow and regret in it. In that split second, a look of sadness crossed her face.

For some reason, Kristov had the urge to erase that sad expression. Before he was able to get any word in, Miranda had already turned around to get back to the carriage.

"We will be riding with the Oracle! Stay on your toes!" Miranda motioned for them to follow her, cleverly appraising that the two men did not have any mode of transportation. ‘In the first place, how were they even able to find us without any means of transportation?’ She chose to ride with them inside the carriage as well, not completely trusting them to be alone with “Lumina”. And so, she relegated her horse to one of the soldiers before finally walking towards the coach.

Reinhardt lost his composure and rushed towards the carriage, overtaking Miranda. "Oy Rein! Don't get carried away now!" Kristov said, not bothering to hide the excitement in his own voice as he sensed the upcoming reunion. With a smile, Reinhardt nodded and opened the carriage door to once again see Lumina.

There she was, calmly sitting inside the coach. Her face was covered by a long white veil coupled with an immaculate white gown which clung to her curves. Reinhardt could see how her body has matured and ripened over the years. He was right all along that she was going to blossom into a beautiful maiden.

And yet when Reinhardt made a move to get near her, he saw her stiffen. "Lumina? It's me, I---" he trailed off as he felt something wrong. He was perplexed to say the least. He didn’t expect that Lumina would act that way towards him during their long awaited reunion. It wasn’t the way he envisioned it to be. And then it finally hit him, "Lumina…? Is that...really you?" He asked with a voice filled with uncertainty and insecurity.

In response to his question, a loud popping sound filled the carriage.

Purplish smoke covered "Lumina" as if she exploded right there and then. When the smoke died down, in place of Lumina was a woman with light purplish hair and violet colored robes, "Hmmm? How did you know I wasn’t the Oracle? My name is Violet! Nice to meet you!" the playful woman intoned in a sultry voice.



~*~

And that's what had happened. Inside the carriage, Miranda explained to them the reason why Lumina had a double. Apparently, the oracle had been sick for a while now and she hardly ever left her room. It wasn’t because her life was being threatened, which Reinhardt would’ve liked better. Don’t get him wrong, he neither liked any of the options.

If Reinhardt really had the final say, it would be so that Lumina was safe and healthy. But he was stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. He had to choose the lesser evil. Having assassins sent out for her life only meant one thing. He just had to get rid of them. At least Lumina doesn’t have to suffer physically.

To prevent rumors from spreading, Violet used her magic to become a "double" of the Oracle and appeared in her stead. In doing so, they will also avoid any suspicion behind her absence. And the Oracle could still somehow “perform” her duties, even if it was done underhandedly. No one among the citizens, apart from her servants, really knew Lumina in person. Since she led a pretty secluded life with Reinhardt, nobody knew how she acted. With a sorceress who specialized in Illusion Magic, the plan was pretty much foolproof.

What they didn’t expect was the appearance of people from Lumina’s past. Miranda learned from the Reinhardt and Kristov about their history with the Oracle. How they were childhood friends. She was truly grateful that they weren’t enemies or spies. Another reason to be thankful for was the fact that the secret wasn’t revealed while they were out and about in town where the villagers could witness it. It would’ve been hard to explain their deception to the residents. That was the down side of Illusion Magic. If anyone openly expressed their doubts about the illusion, then the magic will be nullified.

Miranda felt indebted. At the very least, she can trust them since they were Templar Knights. It was a good practice to always be wary of people you just met. But with circumstances such as theirs, and with their position as the Oracle’s new guards, it was better to be open with them.

"Captain Miranda! We're nearing the teleportation gate, the portal will be opened and we will arrive in Phracea shortly." The chauffeur reported and a few moments after. They all felt a grainy sensation, like millions of feathers were tickling their skin. People who experienced it before would say that it was like soft sand was brushing all over their skin or a low voltage current passed over them as they felt the effects of the teleportation.



~*~

It didn’t take long for the group to arrive in the holy capital city of Phracea. Going through the formalities of Lumina’s supposed return, they were welcomed by the people by standing and waiting on the sides of the streets. The people were waving at them, some even tossing flowers in the direction of the carriage.

Reinhardt and Kristov witnessed how much the people adored Lumina. One would think, since its already been four years since she was officially instated to her position, that these ceremonious events would’ve mellowed down. But quite the contrary, the people held grander celebrations for her accomplishments every time Lumina performed her duties.

This time had actually been a lot plainer and less extravagant than the treatment Lumina received before. It so happened that the harvest from the crops were becoming scarce lately. So Lumina made a request to Feria’s citizens to restrain themselves and stop overspending on her account. It was already enough that they honored their patron god through festivals. Despite all of that, it had an almost opposite effect, people felt touched for their revered Oracle put their wellbeing first before herself. To prepare for the coming winter and to avoid starvation, they acquiesced to her plea. In exchange, they expressed their fervent reverence through actions such as these.

The carriage passed slowly along the main street, and true to her role as the double, Violet transformed back to Lumina’s guise. Opening the windows, she daintily waved at the people, her actions earning cheers from the citizens. The Oracle’s position can be considered as next only to a god. The people and the Oracle shared something in common, an irreplaceable and undeniable bond. Being a mortal.

As the moments ticked by, Reinhardt grew more and more impatient. Not really expecting such a warm…and snail paced welcome. Only decorum stopped him from jumping out of the carriage. As people would question any knight who left the “Oracle” to fend for herself inside the carriage. True, she wasn’t the genuine article, but no one else knew that. Lumina would have a harder time if someone found out. For now, contented himself with the idea of their real reunion. ‘I’ve already waited four years, what’s a few more minutes?’ he thought to himself.



~*~

Reinhardt could barely stop himself as he burst into Luimina's chambers. Miranda and Kristov elected to remain outside the room, sensing that the two needed privacy.

The Oracle’s chambers was huge to say the least, it was even bigger than the modest home Reinhardt had in the forest. There was a vanity dresser to the left side of the room, right next to it is the entrance to the walk-in closet. On one end were two upholstered couches, a sofa and a small table where people may relax.

In the middle of the carpeted room lay a huge round bed. Pure white curtains hanging on the wall were connected to the frames of the bed. That was where a lady, with skin pale as white slept. Her hair was black as the evening sky, her lips the color of rubies and her closed eyes were framed with thick curled lashes. "Lumina…" The mere sight of her took his breath away.

Reinhardt was experiencing mixed emotions. His heart was breaking at the sight of her forlorn appearance in bed that he wanted to weep. And yet, his heart leapt with joy for finally being at her side. Suppressing the tears that were forming by blinking rapidly, he uttered the words he usually said whenever he returned back from a long day of training. "I’m home…" with bated breath he waited until she slowly opened her eyes.

Her disheveled hair moved as she turned her head in his direction. A small welcoming smile formed on her lips as her mouth opened. "My Lord, welcome home…" She said in a weak voice as a drop of tear fell down her cheek. Reinhardt's hand automatically went up to brush off the tears. Yes, he was definitely home. Her presence made it that way.

~*~

An incessant clicking echoed through the hallways of the church. The cold and empty passages and the marbled stone floors lent to the acoustics and further accentuated the sound. The culprit behind this was a petite woman running hurriedly, the heels of her shoes hammering on the concrete floor.

Click! click! click! click!

However, these sounds went by unnoticed by the people inside the chambers.

"I officially welcome you to the Holy Church of Osiris, Reinhardt and Kristov. I heard a lot about you from the general of the Holy Army. I have read your exploits from the recommendation letter he sent. He spoke of you with high regards and with fondness." Almost a week had passed since Reinhardt arrived in Phracea but due to conflicting schedules, he only had the chance to meet the esteemed bishop now.

Click! click! click! click!

"It is such an honor to hear that from you, Your Eminence. We will do our best not to fail our commander's expectations." Reinhardt bowed deeply, fondly remembering his time in the army due to the old man's words. It took a year before he and Kristov were able to enlist in the army. And through the years, while they rose up in the ranks, they were under the tutelage of one person.

The bishop that had come for Lucia years ago was actually a well-known Paladin, a war veteran in the countless wars with the demons. He was known in the battlefield as the Raging Sword of the Raging Tides. Apart from having Tiamat as his Mirage, the legendary paladin had been known for his quick draw technique using his katana. He could still remember one of the last things that their teacher taught them. It was the reason why they were able to become Templar Knights.



~*~

"There are two sure fire ways to become Templar Knights. First is to become a war veteran, with experience and skill. Since we are at a period of peace, this will be hard to achieve. The second one is a faster choice, yet it is quite unpredictable. You’d have to profess your faith to Osiris as your patron God to fulfill the main requirement. By doing this, you will gain access to your Mirage, a physical manifestation of your soul. No one can control the form of their spiritual manifestation. Their form is modeled after your personality and is predetermined by the Gods themselves.” He paused, letting all the information sink in.

“There are merits and demerits to choosing Osiris as your God. You will gain access to an ability that only his devout followers are able to use. But keep in mind, Osiris as a god is very… territorial.” Although being omniscient wasn’t in the scope of the Gods powers, he still had to pause and think of the right term. There wasn’t a risk to get smote but better safe than sorry.

“Unlike other gods who are lenient in letting their believers worship different gods apart from themselves, Osiris frowns upon this practice.” Even though the Infinitia populace had a polytheistic view in their religion due to the multiple Gods who live with them, it didn’t translate to the views of the Gods. There are some who preferred subjects who served only them and Osiris is one of them.

“As a result, once you go on Osiris’ path, you will also be limited in using magic as all your magical energy will be converted and added to your spiritual energy. In doing so, you can’t cast magic directly, but not to worry because your Mirage will be able to. Provided that they follow your orders. The key to making your Mirage submit to your wishes is for you to master your spiritual energy.” The two tensed up, upon hearing that they won’t be able to access magic once they choose Osiris. It was a well-known fact that a lot of people relied on magic in almost everything. Having it inaccessible all of a sudden would surely cause people to have second thoughts. It would be tantamount to chaining one of their feet to the ground. This becomes more troublesome when coupled with the fact that you are unsure of the form your Mirage will take.

“You will need a lot of spiritual training as this ability is very different from magic. Magical energy is inborn to all citizens of Infinitia but Spiritual energy can only be harnessed once you proclaim your patron God. You would need to learn to harness and control this as without it, your Mirage will go berserk and consume your soul!” the old man barked at them like a general preparing his men for war.

It was quite interesting that the old veteran did not mention that he had reached the pinnacle of the two ways he mentioned. Such were his achievements that it earned him the title of Arch Paladin and made him an honorary Bishop of the church.

“Don’t sweat the details, even normal citizens are able to access this power. Lucky for you two, I can sense that you carry the potential of being an awakened. You’ll have to get your spiritual levels checked to confirm whether you’re suited for this, but I say train now while you have time! Before we go into the details of your spiritual training…" The old man paused and made a move towards Kristov who was hyperventilating with excitement.

A loud bang resounded, while heaps of soil flew off in every direction. Reinhardt had a deadpan look as he looked disinterestedly at his friend, by now he was already used to seeing him being disciplined physically. Kristov still has a lot to learn, in terms of self-control and reservation, as he had a tendency to be overly excited.

The old man cleared his throat before continuing, "By tapping into the powers of the God of Life and Creation you create a body for your mirage. It requires great stamina, determination and spirit to create a tangible, physical manifestation. Some use dolls as catalysts or hosts but people who have mastered the art do not need them. For example…" to punctuate his words, the old man struck his orbed staff on the ground and focused on the ornate tattoo on the inner portion of his wrist. Nothing happened, but after a few seconds, the skies darkened, lightning flashed, and thunder roared.

A dragon's wail pierced through the skies. From where Reinhardt, Kristov, and the old man stood, a huge serpent-like dragon the size of four to five carriages appeared, weaving in and out of the clouds. Reinhardt, Kristov, and pretty soon all the soldiers in the area stared transfixed at the skies. Then the dragon vanished in thin air as if it never appeared in the first place, leaving nothing but clear skies. "It will take time for you to manifest your own and even more time for you to fight alongside with them. But if you persevere and strengthen your resolve, you will be able to do more than that. A word of caution! There had been instances that Mirages from Nifleheim have answered these calls. Those who hide darkness in their hearts are more susceptible. More often than not, it leads into something not to be desired." Upon seeing that his students have absorbed every word he has said, the old man closed his eyes and informed them of the final consequence of having such power.

There was another thing that the general left out on purpose. The forbidden summoning ritual which expends the life force of the awakened who performed it. Doing it will unleash the full power of their spiritual partner, but ultimately their life will be claimed once the Mirage’s goals has been attained.

"Once your training is done, you will have to go the Phracea. You will be given a trial if the God Osiris acknowledges you. If you are truly worth it, you will pass and earn His blessing. As a reminder that you passed the trial, you will receive a mark on your body. Just like what I have right here, a symbol of your bond with your mirage. This is what you will focus on when calling upon your partner." This is when things will get hard for his students.

The regimen for achieving a stable control on spiritual energy is rigorous. It starts with trying to master Spiritual Awareness, being able to sense the spiritual energies in the environment. Next up is Spiritual Stabilization, or gaining some sort of control on your basic spiritual energy. Using this as base of the training will help especially on the next phase which is Spiritual Formation. The final task in mastering Spiritual Magic is training your spiritual energy so that your reserves grow, therefore allowing you to prolong the manifestation of your Mirage.

The old man already had a letter prepared for the two once he deems them ready to take on this challenge. It’s a recommendation letter for them to become Templar Knights should they pass the trials.

"Can I ask you one thing general? How did your Mirage become that big?" asked Kristov.

Reinhardt was curious and wanted to know too.

The old man just smiled at them, "What do you think?" and with a hearty laugh, he left the two who in turn shook and scratched their heads.



~*~

Click! click! click! click! BANG!

The loud sound created by the huge double doors brought Reindhardt back from his recollection. The door revealed Erina, her robes bellowing behind her and her heels clicking as she entered the room without hesitation.

"Bishop Maximus! I've discovered something! Something terrible! I've finally found the reason for the Oracle's unexplained illness! The Oracle's life is in danger!" The woman said hysterically, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Control yourself Erina! This is no time to get hysterical! What do you mean her life is in danger?" The old man with bushy white brows looked at her with intensity.

"Bishop Maximus! Its…its written in the records, the usage of the Oracles powers will continuously drain her life force. If she doesn't stop…eventually she might...she might!" You can see through her expression that she actually cares about the Oracle's wellbeing. That in their times together in the church, even if her post as the head researcher didn’t have any direct connection with Lumina, they were still able to become friends. It was almost like fate had brought the three together. Erina, Lumina, and Miranda were in the same age bracket, therefore most of their interests were the same.

The reason for Erina’s distress was her fear of losing a dear friend. Growing up, she had a hard time forming relationships with other people her age. It was the consequence of being given a rare gift, of being labeled as a genius. When you outshine the others and cast a big shadow, it becomes harder for people to see through the real you. That was why she clung on tightly to this newfound friendship as if her life depended on it.

The bishop had who previously looked calm now had an exhausted appearance. He turned around slowly and silence befell on them while Erina sobbed on the sides.

After what seemed like a long time, the old man spoke "I already know of that fact. The higher echelon of bishops is not kept in the dark about this." The words he uttered turned the worry in Reinhardt and Erina's face into utter disbelief.

"Your eminence, you…already knew? And yet you let her continue using that power?!" Reinhardt's voice sliced like a knife, and if it were only a weapon, the old man would've dropped dead already. His eyes full of accusation stared down at the old man in front of him.

The bishop had a stiff expression once he turned back to them. "And what do you expect us to do? Just let thousands die and let the demons roam in Feria? To let them wreak havoc? Everyone cares about the Oracle but if it comes down to it, the good of the many far outweighs the good of one. You should know that some form of sacrifice must be made in order to maintain peace! And the church has succeeded in doing this for hundreds of years!" Maximus' expression looked more and more menacing as he continued.

"You!---“ Reinhardt took a step forward but was stopped by Erina’s hand. "There…there has to be a way, your eminence! Our God Osiris will never let something like this happen! I stake everything in my pride as the head researcher of the church! I will find a way to save Mistress Lumina!" And with that she left and ran outside of the audience chamber.

Reinhardt stilled himself, clenching both of his hands until they turned white, feeling the bite of his fingernails. It took every ounce of self-control he had not to punch the old man in the face. Despite the horrifying truth that Erina and the old man revealed, the latter's face remained passive. It's easy to be fooled by his aura of kindness, his kind and warm demeanor will take you in. But every shred of respect that he had for the old man had already disappeared. He knew that hiding behind that warmth was a cold and calculating old man. That he was a vile snake hiding in sheep skin. To prevent any complication, Reinhardt turned around and headed for the door without as so much as a goodbye. If he had stayed, he might do something that he might regret later.

"Sir Reinhardt...you are him aren't you?" Erina's voice sliced through the silence, jolting Reinhardt back from his thoughts.

What Erina asked wouldn’t have made sense if Rein hadn’t seen her distress over Lumina’s condition. By the way she emphasized one word made him understand somehow. He nodded slowly at the girl.

"Then please…please trust me! I will find a way...I will find a cure for Mistress Lumina! I swear with my life! Just please...please Sir Reinhardt! Trust me and wait. In the meantime, don’t leave Mistress Lumina’s side. I am sure she would like it if you were always there." the words were uttered with so much passion and conviction that it rendered Rein speechless.

Against Reinhardt’s better judgment, even if his whole being wanted to object, he nodded slowly. "I'll agree to your request, one month...I will give you one month. And I will not just sit idly by, I will help you with your research." Reinhardt was still a scholar by nature and he has read a lot of books during his education and this continued on as through the years. He trained his body the whole day while on evenings, he enriched himself by reading books and scrolls.

"Mhhm, just be with Mistress Lumina, I will take over everything." Erina's hair moved as she shook her head.

"And don’t worry Rein! I will do my part! I will travel all over Feria and investigate. There’s bound to be a myth or two that can help us! So the only thing you have to do right now is to spend your time with Lumina!" Kristov who appeared behind Erina answered. Due to the ensuing commotion, Rein forgot that Kristov was waiting outside the room.

Reinhardt sighed heavily, with a resigned smile he nodded at the two people who promised to help him solve their current dilemma. He couldn’t reject their generous offer, after all, he wanted to be with Lumina as well.

 

Volume 1: Plight of the Gods | Reinhardt 4

Spoiler: Click to read.

"Don't fail me now Horus!” came a scream from Reinhardt as he gathered spiritual energy and made it flow through his sword. In response, his Mirage who took the form of an incarnation of a Sky God, fed on the energy and used it’s power to coat Rein’s sword in flames.

“Immortal God of the skies, Come forth!

Take flight to the heavens and burn all of creation!

[Ultimate Skill! Blazing Sun Storm!]”

Reinhardt jumped to the air and using his skill to create an invisible foothold, jumped even higher. Horus on the other hand flew seamlessly to the opposite side of his master. One of the Perks of being a god of the skies was being able to fly on a whim. Even though the Incarnation possessed giant wings it could summon through will, Reinhardt found out before that there was no need for it to begin with. Most of Mirages were able to float or fly anyway.

“Hyaaaaaarrggghhh!” The two dove diagonally down, leaving an X mark from the afterimage of the flames. From where Reinhardt’s sword and Horus’ claw met, a small explosion happened, creating a huge hole on the body of the enormous plant monster. Murky green liquid that was undeniably it’s blood oozed out of the opening.

Reinhardt and his Mirage loosened up, sensing that the fight had ended. Feeling the effects of adrenaline run out of Reinhardt’s system, exhaustion started to set in. He lost his grip on the sword and it fell and plunged into the ground. With his energy depleted, Rein fell to his knees, coughing out blood. That was one of the signs that an awakened has used up his spiritual mana reserves. It takes a huge toll on the body. In Reinhardt’s case, it was harder since his Mirage is unique.

~*~​

“Let’s meet up once our rituals are done alright?” Kristov said in a low tone, his face full of tension. He and Reinhardt had just finished their trials. Fortunately, they both passed with flying colors. The contents of the trials they went through weren’t allowed to be divulged. But if it was based on their spent appearance, one would assume that it wasn’t a walk in the park. Unlike tests in magical prowess, the trial was created to gauge a person’s resolve. Theories regarding the Mirage trial circulated throughout the years, the most popular among which mentions that it was indeed unique for each and every one.

“Don’t worry Kris, we’ve come this far together. We’ll see how it works out together.” Reinhardt chuckled as he tapped his friend’s back. He didn’t want to let Kris know that he was worried as well. Many thoughts crossed his mind, ‘What if the Mirage we call on, the manifestation of our soul, isn’t strong enough?’ as being the most prominent. One requirement to becoming a Templar Knight was to be able to summon your Mirage. But it had to be a powerful one.

Just like with dragons, Mirage’s had their own classifications. There is a big disparity in the strength of these spirit manifestations depending on what category they belonged to. Number one in the list are the Divine Beasts. Sentient beings granted favor and blessings by the Gods and given a specific task. Some were even said to be the children of these powerful beings. It is a topic of debate whether awakened ones who controlled these Mirages were in fact the reincarnation of these divine beasts.

Mythic beasts and humanoid Mirages are a step below the Divinities. Different powerful creatures belong in this level. They range from dragons, unicorns, treants, to chimeras…beasts that are above par when compared to normal beasts found in the wild. While humanoid Mirages have a lot of variety. It doesn’t necessary mean that humanoid ones take the shape of humans as some are shaped as beastmen or nature folk. Variety meant that these spirit manifestations can take different classes like warriors, mages and other support types.

And below the first two were the Mirage. Not to be confused with the overall name. The sentient beings manifested through an awakened’s spirit is called the same. But the terms throughout the years have been adapted. People who have knowledge regarding them just call them directly by their classfications. Divine Beast Mirages were called Divinities, Mythic Beasts were named Mythics and the last one got the common term, Mirage. This group contains the common monsters. From slimes, dire wolves, lions, as long as these monsters can be normally found in the wild.

It’s true that the length of time a Mirage can stay in physical form is still dependent on the spiritual reserves of the awakened. If two awakened with the same amount of spiritual power, but had Mirages with differing categories were pit against each other, the awakened with a Mirage belonging to a higher category would win.

Reinhardt quietly stepped inside the stone doors he was led into. The room that appeared before him was circular in shape. The stone floors had a runic circle which glowed to life, sensing the presence of a person about to undergo awakening. The priest who led him here motioned for him to come closer and step inside the circle.

On each corner of the runic circle were different symbols in differing colors. The one on the northern part had a floating light blue orb with wings attached to it. The eastern symbol had a pearl with a sea green and aqua blue coloring that seemed to swish around. The symbol at the west had an irregular shaped crystal with angry colors of red, sparks of ember constantly being released. On the southern part was a brown triangular crystal with green plants surrounding it.

It was easy enough to know what they were. Any citizen of Infinitia will know to which Gods those symbols came from. They belonged to the triumvirate Gods and Goddesses who governed the sky, earth and sea. Not to forget the symbol of the renegade God who reign over fire.

Although Osiris didn’t like his faithful to worship any other Gods, it was a well-known fact that he required the intervention of the four gods and goddesses of the elements in the summoning ritual. The balance of the four elements and the powers of creation breathes life into the awakened’s Mirage. Situated at the center, right on top of where Reinhardt was standing on, was a golden cross that the God of Life uses as a symbol.

“Close your eyes and concentrate, let your spiritual energy flow through your whole body…” The old priest ordered him. “Visualize, imagine an enclosed room deep inside you. Use you spiritual energy and fashion a key to open it.”

Reinhardt followed the directions calmly. He closed his eyes and manipulated his spiritual energy. His body emitted a faint yellow glow as his energy reacted and grew denser. He envisioned a solid square room in a dark space. With his yellow spiritual energy enclosing it, making the cube shaped object to glow. Droplets of sweat started forming on his temples as he struggled to change the shape of his energy. With great difficulty, he finally succeeded and an actual golden key appearing out of thin air. Imagining a lock, Rein manipulated the key into the hole and turned the key.

The glowing cross on top of him emitted a blinding light. Subsiding after a few seconds, a faint drop of light slowly floated downwards. The light connected with Rein and absorbed the spiritual energy he was emitting. Four lights from the other stones drifted towards the center. The orbs of light playfully flew in circles, as if rejoicing with the golden light, before they combined together in Reinhardt’s chest.

Reinhardt’s eyes flew open as warmth suddenly seared his chest. It was a weird feeling because even though he experienced intense heat, he did not feel any kind of pain. After awhile, the golden orb of light shot through the air, the glow it emitted stronger than before. The light whizzed around in the air, leaving a golden ring as an afterimage.

The priest looked calmly at the Mirage about to take form in the air. This is what usually happened when performing the summoning ritual. Any moment now, the spirit would take its form.

Reinhardt could only look in awe as his Mirage flew at a speed that was almost impossible to follow. If it weren’t for the afterimage it left, he wouldn’t know where to look. As moments passed, the ring started to disappear, one end disengaging from the other. As the light refocused on the glowing orb, it started to take a different shape.

A sudden shriek startled Rein, not realizing it, his mouth had opened in anticipation. The sound that echoed inside the room was actually melodic, a sound that was easy to the ears.

“A bird?” He whispered, wondering if it would be enough to get him a spot in the Templar Knights.

The glowing light gained shape, slowly growing and taking form. Light separated into different directions as it’s head, wings and claws took form. But it didn’t stop from there, it grew bigger and bigger until it lost the bird shape.

‘Ahhh…a humanoid Mirage. So he possesses a Mythic…’ the priest thought as he watched the human shaped glowing light slowly descend.

A few feet from the ground, the light enveloping the Mirage burst into tiny specks, revealing his real form. It had a unique helm in the shape of a falcon, with its face hollow and comprised of darkness. The only way to know that there was a face in there somewhere was the glowing golden eyes. On the right side of it’s face, covering his right eye was a glowing and rotating yellow and orange symbol of the sun. He wore a white and gold ensemble, the shoulder pads protruding with falcon shaped designs. His hands had golden retractable claws. While on the waist area, was a huge symbol of the sun. The most fascinating fact must be the creature’s height which is almost two meters tall.

“Thy name is Horus, an avatar of the skies and a facet of the God Osiris. I have heard thine call!” he spoke thus, earning an audible gasp from the priest.

“Impossible! This is…this is impossible!” Reinhardt’s gaze snapped towards the priest as the old man kept uttering those words. Turning his gaze back to his Mirage, Rein reached his hand forward. The giant stood still for a moment, its golden eyes narrowing at his gesture. For what felt like years, Rein didn’t budge and kept eye contact. Hesitantly, while keeping eye contact, the hulking figure reached out and placed his hand on Rein’s outstretched palm.

Reinhardt was so focused in the moment that he never heard the priest scurrying out of the door.

“Oy Rein…are you al---holy shit! What the heck is that?!” His friend dashed inside, hinting that he had finished his summoning ritual, worried for his friend. What Kristov didn’t expect to see was the creature standing before them. ‘Wow’ and he actually thought that he would surprise Rein with the form his Mirage took. Never in his wildest dreams that it would be the other way around.

~*~​

History apparently got rewritten during that day. The God Osiris himself did not refute the Mirage’s claim to be one of his incarnations. That only meant one thing, there was a stronger classification on top of the Divinities, the Incarnations.

Reinhardt breathed in deeply, trying to fill his chest with air while his eyes never left the monster that let out a final garish roar before being totally consumed by the flames he had created. With a last shriek, it disintegrated and became ash.

An asinine smile appeared on his lips, while the people around him consisting of Templar knights and adventurers cheered at their success. The noise died down as soon as it began when the room they were in started to rumble. The thick walls had hidden mechanisms which were triggered once the life essence of a floor boss was snuffed out. No one was surprised anymore as it had happened every time they cleared a floor of the tower.

Everyone looked with trepidation at the door that appeared. Each of them had the same thought running in their minds. ‘Is it another staircase which leads to a new floor which has a much more fearsome creature?’ ‘Are we going to suffer more casualties than we've already had?’

The head count prior to this skirmish totaled to almost a hundred knights and adventurers. They bravely entered the perilious tower and fought valiantly. At the moment, only about forty remained standing. Injuries were to be expected in these kinds of circumstances. Monsters were mindless creatures after all, and they were named as such for a particular reason. While the creators of the aforementioned beasts made them to accomplish a goal, either to defend or to slaughter, these creatures had the same way of executing the said order. That would be to eliminate anyone who dares to go against them.

It wasn’t a hard thing to comprehend. If you faced waves after waves of monsters, with each kind stronger than the previous ones, someone is bound to make a mistake. A tiny mistake which led to their demise. While most of the members were exhausted from the long and endless battles, they still fought on. And they did it all for the sake of finding the elixir to cure the Oracle.

Reinhardt limped forward, his legs trembling and threatening to give out. But that didn’t stop him from moving towards the stairs leading to the final floor. If the old records and rumors were right, the tower had a hundred floors. Feeling a new surge of energy wash over him because of that information, he persisted, step by agonizing step. The rest of the group cautiously followed behind. Each of them knew that there was no turning back now. They have come too far and the deaths of their comrades will be in vain if they did not follow through.

What appeared before them upon opening the door were another set of stairs. But unlike the others which curved upward, this one was straight. The stairway was dark, long and narrow so very unlike others they've encountered. At the end of the stairs light shone through, gently illuminating the end of the path. Rein held his breath and walked the last few steps, only to suck in his breath at the view before them.

It was...a garden! A garden unlike any they have ever seen before. And it was on top of the huge tower! Reinhardt's eyes surveyed the surroundings, moving through the exquisite beauty of the flora and the rarity of the fauna found within the garden. Some of which, he has never set his eyes on before.

One thing dwarfed the others with the presence it exuded. It caught everyone’s attention due to its grandeur. In the middle of the garden was a small lake. A crystal clear lake, so pure that you can even see the bottom, if it even had any. There was a small dirt walkway that lead to the middle of the lake where a majestic tree proudly stood.

It's trunk rose proudly, the thickness and vibrant color showed that it had grown sturdy over the years. What was puzzling however was the fact that it had thick and lush leaves, ones that should’ve been blown away by the strong winds on such a high place. Instead it shifted around as if dancing with its playmate. It seems all the foliage had this kind of resiliency in this garden.

But that wasn’t all. Hidden among the branches and leaves were little golden orbs, sparkling and shining. Reinhardt approached slowly towards the tree and he came upon a small stone podium which had a stone tablet on top engraved with words that he has been looking for. It was the same song that brought him here

~*~​

Click! click! click! click!

By now, no one minded this kind of event that happened almost every day within the church hallways. No one was a stranger to the head researcher’s habit of running around, her heels repeatedly making the clicking noise.

"I'm sorry, my Lord, I've been nothing but a burden to you ever since you arrived here in the capital." Lumina looked up at Reinhardt, the man she adored and studied his face. Under those handsome features of his, those warm dark eyes of his, were dark circles attributing to his lack of sleep. She always asked him if there was something troubling him but Rein always just shrugged it off and told her not to worry about it. If she were to make a guess, it has something to do with her illness.

‘But how could I not worry? Something is clearly troubling him.’ Lumina thought quietly, her eyes roaming his face and searching for clues. Contrary to what people thought, she couldn’t heal him of whatever it was that was ailing him. It was not part of her powers as the Oracle. She did not possess the affinity for healing magic nor did she even know how to harness it.

“Sometimes I wish I had a soothing voice. Just like bards who could rejuvenate one’s soul whether to cure someone’s illness or to heal their wounds.” Lumina once said in one of her previous conversations with Reinhardt. She couldn’t tell him, that she wanted to have that ability just so she can sing for him.

All Lumina could do was place her hands on Reinhardt’s jaw and look at him with her soul pouring out of her eyes. He stiffened for a bit but after awhile, she saw him relax and slowly close his eyes, savoring the moment. It was the only thing that she could think of doing for him. Moments like these served as a constant reminder that we only find real peace with the people we love.

Click! click! click! click! BANG!

Lumina suppressed the need to sigh at the sudden intrusion. That brief magical moment she and Reinhardt had, that brief and temporary moment of peace was yet again disrupted. That contentment and peace she saw in Reinhardt's face was gone once again and replaced by anxiety.

"Mistress Lumina! Sir Reinhardt! I have great news!" Erina yelled, tears streaming down her cheeks as she ran towards the veranda connected to the Oracle’s room. "I finally found the cure! All this time it's been there all along!" Erina muttered making Lumina and Reinhardt exchange looks. Understanding dawned on both their eyes. Lumina’s expression basically said that she has already accepted her fate. Reinhardt had the opposite expression as fires of determination burned in his eyes.

"What do you mean Erina? What did you find out?" Asked Reinhardt whose facial expression shifted and now looked forlorn, yet had eyes brimming with curiosity. It was clearly visible that an inkling of hope had sprung in his chest.

"Remember when Kristov returned back from one of the Villages in Elet? He mentioned one of the elders talking about a passed down legend in their tribe about an elixir of life that could cure any kind of illness? Well, I couldn't get it out of my head. I had this feeling that I’ve I heard it somewhere before so I started pouring over the books in the ancient library which I've already read before. But I couldn't find it!" the contrast between what she said and the emotion she conveyed only served to confuse the two more.

"So I decided to take a walk in town and clear my head. And that's where I chanced upon a bard singing the Hymn of Feria! It's in the hymn! The answer is all in the hymn!" And with that, Erina recited the hymn to them, especially the important part where she found the answer to their question.

"The light that provides warmth and joy…”

~*~​

In the holy city of Phracea, a woman with light golden hair stood in one part of the city. She was dressed in a white dress with blue linings. Her round eyes full of warmth while her thin lips moved to the tune of the music produced by her harp. People flocked around her, enchanted by her sweet and alluring voice. The song she sang was an age-old song, one known by all the citizens of Feria. Her voice weaved through the tune and modulated as her skillful fingers caressed the strings of her harp lovingly.

“...the seeds of life the people enjoy
the sea that brings it's blessing and bounty
the earth with gifts of plenty

when the light starts to fade
and decay sets in the glade
when things aren't right
let your hope take flight
go with me, come along
and listen to my holy song

Up in the sky a tower will rise
Faith and courage will suffice
You will find the gift of life
You will find the gift of life…”


~*~

Reinhardt and Lumina stiffened upon hearing the entirety of the hymn. They’ve known the song as long as they could remember and yet it was only after the meaning was brought to their attention that they understood. It was ingenious indeed. None of them thought that the hymn in itself that was used as a song of praise in the country of Feria would serve as an answer to their dilemma.

"I've crossed referenced it with a lot of books and it all points out to Jordr’s Forbidden Tower! Mistress Lumina... Mistress Lumina! I...I did my-my best! And I fin-finally found it! Mistress Lumina!" Overcome with emotion, Erina bawled like a baby, barely getting her words out.

Lumina slowly stood up and went toward the crying girl. Despite her appearance, her intelligence, and post as the head researcher of the church, Erina was still a teenager. A girl barely in her teens who had to go through these hardships. It was also why Lumina treated her like a little sister. After crossing the gap between them, Lumina took Erina’s small frame in her arms and hugged her which made the girl cry even harder.

"There, there. Don't cry anymore Erina...there's no more reason to be sad. Thank you…" her voice above whisper as Lumina stroked the girl's hair. She was not ignorant of the effects of using her powers. How she deteriorates after each and every time she takes a peek into the future. But she couldn't stop...wouldn't stop. Otherwise, many people's lives will be at stake.

They were too focused on their own emotions that they failed to notice another spectator, watching from one of the rooms overlooking the Oracle’s veranda.


~*~

Silence filled the whole city of Phracea, in every house and structure you can feel that everyone was united in grief. The sky seemed to sense the emotions of Feria’s citizens, the clouds darkened and the skies flashed and rumbled.

In a gloomy room within the church, a soft thud could be heard as something round and gold rolled away on the floor. From where the thing fell, Reinhardt stood frozen. He stood silently at the foot of the bed, while to its sides the maidservants of the Oracle cried loud enough that people outside could hear them. Kristov was one of those people who remained outside to give Rein some privacy. His fist shook and he couldn't stop himself from punching the wall, knowing that they had lost someone dear to them.

Erina wept quietly, while Miranda’s mouth opened then closed just to open again, wanting to say something to pacify the man in front of her. It was the first time she had seen Kristov in this state. They have known each other only for a short time. And yet, during that time she was able to take a glimpse on the muscled man’s character. He was the happy-go-lucky type, always offering a smile, always willing to share a laugh with his friends and comrades. And yet this guy right here, this big man in front of her was biting his own lip to keep himself from sobbing, while a steady stream of tears flowed down his cheeks. Miranda reached out to touch his shoulder but was surprised when Kristov whirled around and pulled her outstretched arm to bury himself in her hair as he wept. Her body shook at the intensity of the man’s cries and yet she didn’t mind. For now...she would allow this, this closeness, this warmth. Because for now, this was the only thing she could offer him.

Back inside the room, Reinhardt slowly walked forward, heading to Lumina's side. The girl lay still in her bed. “Mistress Lumina...fought to stay alive, Sir Reinhardt. To the end, all she thought of was you. She even did her best to write you a letter before she...before she…” The head maid couldn't finish and began sobbing harder.

"Please...leave us…" Reinhardt said in a hoarse, tear choked voice. Once the maids left, Reinhardt reached over and took Lumina's hand in his. He cupped it with both of his hands and he almost didn't want to let go. One of his hands reached up to caress her cheek, to touch her silky smooth skin and to smoothen her hair. He inched closer to her and with one swift move, cradled her head on his chest. He hummed a song that he once sang to her when they were still kids, just right after the time when the assassination happened.

Reinardt would sing to Lumina at night whenever she had nightmares and would wake up screaming. The experience traumatized her and it plagued her dreams almost every night. The only thing that could pacify her was Reinhardt’s song. As he hummed, droplets of water fell on Lumina's cheeks. And more kept falling as Reinhardt's emotions burst forth like a surging tide.

"No….no….noooooo…!” He kept muttering those words, trying to deny what had happened. His eyes fell on the letter that slid down from Lumina's lap when he grabbed her. While trying to breathe, he reached out and took the letter, opened it and started to read. As he read, he felt Lumina's sweet voice reverberate in his head.

My Lord,

If you are reading this, it only means one thing. I may not have been able to keep my promise after all. I’m sorry…its the only words I can think of saying. I was unable to stay and be by your side forever. But don't cry, my Lord, for I leave on a warm sunny day. I am not alone, the birds are calling out to me, they're telling me that I will soar to new heights and that I will experience new things. Don't be sad. This is just a temporary separation...just like last time. We will see each other again and this time we won't be separated. Be happy for me, because now I can finally be true to my feelings. I love you, Reinhardt. I have always kept you in my heart and I will always treasure the memories we have. Sorry, if I kept this for too long. My only regret is that I was unable to tell this to you when I was still alive. Please forgive me. Do not blame yourself. Try to forget me and live a happy life. And please take care of yourself. Be wary of the people around you. Nothing is what it seems. Till our next meeting…

I love you…

Lumina

"Lumina…I'm sorry...I'm sorry if I won't be able to stop. I can't...I don't want to…" Reinhardt's wide shoulders shook with agony and his labored breathing grew louder as if breathing in itself became too hard for him. There were tears splattered all over the parchment which only meant that Lumina was crying as she wrote her final words to him. Only now fresh tears joined Lumina’s as his fell on the paper.

If only the pain he was feeling right now could kill, he would've died already. In fact, he wished he had died at that moment. He would have chosen dying in a battlefield with fatal wounds over this kind of agony. "Lumina! Luminaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" His outcry resounded throughout the whole church, a voice filled with anguish, a tone coming from someone who had their heart ripped out.

A few hours must have passed and Reinhardt stayed where he was, unmoving as he hugged her body closer to his. The letter now hidden in his breast pocket. "Why did you let this happen?" his steely voice pierced through the darkness and within it's confines emerged a robed figure.

 

Been awhile since I updated this. XD And I still can't seem to add images(chapter art) and links to my chapters. XD Will add them after I conquer the 10 post limit! XD

 

Volume 1: Plight of the Gods | Reinhardt 5

Spoiler: Click to read.

"I never wanted this to happen...I wanted her to live to-" Maximus stopped midsentence, when in a flash, Reinhardt was at his side with a blade perched on the old man’s throat. "LIES! You weren't surprised. I thought that when you opposed in retrieving the elixir...you wanted it for your personal use someday! But you weren't surprised at all when we showed you an apple! You never batted an eye, you knew! You knew that the elixir came from a tree that bore many apples! Tell me, WHY! If only… if only we got there earlier, we could've saved her!" His voice filled with pain, sorrow masked with hatred at the man in front of him.

Reinhardt was on the verge of committing murder at this point. Yet, the most Reinhardt could do was cause a small wound as the blade pricked the old man’s skin. The sword fell on the floor, the metal clanging as the weapon hit the marble floor. His hands dropped to his side, losing all the strength he had.

Reinhardt didn’t quite understand why the bishop had refused to offer support when they informed him of their findings. He had a suspicion that the old man was saving the elixir for himself or for some selfish reason he couldn’t fathom. It would’ve been better if that were the case. Shock was an understatement when he found out that the supposed elixir was actually one of the dozens, if not hundreds, of apples on a gargantuan age-old tree that could be used on a person that needed it. So he didn’t understand why the old man wouldn’t agree to letting Lumina have the cure.

"Because her death was necessary..." The old man intoned; despite the circumstances he remained calm. The words slashed through Reinhardt’s grief, his shoulders which rocked with unbearable pain stilled.

"Throughout my rein as the leader of the holy church, many oracles have passed away. All those times, they served their purpose to uplift the faith and spirit of the citizens of Feria. With the attacks of the demons and the deaths caused by the plague weakening their faith, something had to be done. If we don’t take action, the influence and power of the church will weaken with each passing day!" The face of the bishop morphed, looking more grim and ominous.

As this transpired, his voice took on a feverous pitch, "Not only do they lose faith, but they start to question the teachings! But the Oracle! The symbol of hope! The guiding light of Feria becomes an instrument in preventing a revolt from happening! Her death causes grief which serves as a balm to the people’s weary hearts and the passing of the duty to another oracle renews their faith! You see it is neither my fault nor the church's, it's the fault of those wretched worms! It's their fault for going against the church! It's their fault for-Gwaaah!” Reinhardt's couldn’t stomach anymore of the demented bishop’s ramblings. Not bothering with the fact that the man was the highest ranking official in the church, his fist moved on its own. It connected with the bishop’s face and sent the old man flying across the room.

"You son of a bitch! You don't have any right! You're not in any position to say who dies and who gets to live!" It took every fiber of Reinhardt’s being, every ounce of self-control he had not to kill the old man.

‘So it all came to this?’ he thought dejectedly. The deaths of countless Oracles and especially of Lumina...of his Lumina were just a ruse to keep the church's hold on the people. Lumina’s efforts to unite, help, and to protect them from demon attacks were all in vain. It was a vicious cycle that had to be stopped. And he will do everything in his power to make sure it ended with Lumina's death.

"I'm taking her with me…" Reinhardt said with finality, still evidently suppressing his anger. He would give Lumina a proper send off, a proper burial. He owed her that much.

Before Reinhardt could reach her, purple lightning rained down on him, sending him to his knees. He didn’t even have time to react. Looking up, his eyes met with the bishops. Maximus stood straight, his staff pointed at him. As always, the old man's face remained calm but one look was all it took for Reinhardt to realize that there was a change in the man's demeanor. He could feel the ominous aura and the murderous intent directed at him. The two heard Kristov, Miranda, and Erina calling out from outside the room due to the commotion but neither paid any attention as they were focused on each other.

"I will not let you have her. You didn't have her in life! You will not have her in death!" Purplish light slowly appeared on the priest's body. His soft and warm voice replaced by a steely edge. "If only she agreed...she would've been alive up until now. I would have given her the cure, the cure that has been kept secret and passed down only to the grand bishops. She only needed a drop to keep herself from experiencing the deteriorating effects of using her powers!” The old man didn’t have the same look he had once before. A sagely old man with warm eyes exuding knowledge and wisdom now looked demented. Reinhardt saw only the shell of the man of who the bishop once was. Right now, the one standing in front of him had crazed eyes as he recounted the details of Lumina’s death.

“I offered her life and in exchange I-I wanted to have her...to stay with me. But she refused! She rejected me all because of you! You mindless scum! You took her from me! So if I can't have her, no one will!" The grand bishop's face twisted into an evil sneer. Tears and snot flowed freely down his face, yet he didn’t seem to care. Gone was the composed, warm and gentle façade only to be replaced by a monstrous persona. Anyone who saw him right now would doubt that he was the same man. Some may even go as far and say that he's been possessed by a demon of Nifleheim.

"Rise great serpent of Nifleheim,
devour those who hinder your path!
[Serpent of Despair, Ouroboros!]"

The purplish glow emanating from Maximus' body grew bigger reaching the ceiling of Lumina’s room. The edges of his spiritual energy started wriggling, as if growing long tentacles. The energy slowly grew in mass then materialized into a huge serpent like dragon. The moment it materialized it let out a screeching roar and flew towards Reinhardt who was taken by surprise. From his knowledge, a Mirage was a person's reflection deep inside.

‘So does this mean...that this was who Maximus was deep inside?‘ he wanted to smirk at the irony. A huge serpent to represent the grand bishop of the church was an outrage. ‘It fits him.’

If Reinhardt was going to die here and now, he'll make sure to take down the person responsible for all of this. He reached down and took the dagger hidden on the right side of his boot and threw it towards the bishop. The dagger sailed through the air towards the bishop while the dragon soared towards the air and tried to attack him. The dagger pierced through the bishop’s chest whereas Ouroboros was stopped when the air in front of Reinhardt blazed with blinding light and there appeared Reinhardt's own Mirage, Horus. "Go! I'll buy you some time!" The hooded figure shouted in an otherworldly voice as he met the serpent head on and held it back using only his bare hands.

Reinhardt understood what his Mirage wanted to do, he didn’t waste any time and ran towards Lumina's body and carried her. "Noooooooooo!" The old man screamed, the purple aura surrounding him intensifying and in response Ouroboros started growing even more. It forged through ahead with Horus still trying to intercept it.

Reinhardt barely escaped as he carried Lumina on his arms. He ran towards the veranda and jumped down without a moments hesitation. Moments later, Horus appeared right before them to break their fall.

"Don't let them get away! Destroy everything if you have to, just find them and bring Lumina's body back to me!" Despite the almost fatal wound, Maximus was able to unleash his power making Ouroboros grow exponentially bigger. The serpent's head looked back at the old man for a second before screeching out loud and flew towards the stained glass windows on the ceiling.

The door opened with a bang as Kristov, Miranda and Erina came in. "After him! He's gone mad! He tried to kill me in his anger! He took the Oracle's body and unleashed that villainous demon from Nifleheim! He's a traitor! I order you to kill him on sight! He can't have gone far without anyone noticing him!" The old man barked his orders to the shocked trio.

They looked at each other in disbelief before they went out one by one. No one even dared to ask why a dragon of that size could have belonged to Reinhardt. It was common knowledge to practitioners of Mirage magic that a person’s powers are multiplied when they get consumed by the darkness. When this happens the monster produced is even stronger than the original Mirage that the person possessed. There was a price to pay for this power boost however as a person’s soul is eroded and they lose control of their sanity.

Killing Reinhardt was not in Kristov, Miranda and Erina’s intention as they hurriedly went to the city to try and find him. They wanted to know what had happened and they all knew that it was a race against time. It was only a matter of time before a holy edict comes out ordering for a headhunt of Reinhardt.

~*~

"Ensure the safety of the citizens! Man your stations! Show the strength of the Holy Army of Feria!" The soldiers issued a battle cry. Everyone pumped up from the captain commander’s pep talk. The sky was as dark as coal, thunder roared from the heavens, rain poured and lightning slashed down towards the earth as if the gods were in a foul mood and wanted to take it out on their creations. Within the blackened thick clouds, a huge purple body moved all over as if mocking the puny humans who stood along its path. A gigantic head the size of a carriage peaked through the clouds and barreled down the path towards a group of soldiers who were setting up a canon.

"Runnnnnnnnnn! Gyaaaaaagh!" all they could do was scream as Ouroboros wiped them out by ramming them with it's gigantic head. "Attack!! Now's our chance while it hasn't hidden in the clouds!" The commander barked to the soldiers. In retaliation, they attacked the serpent that was careening down their way, or the right term would be they tried attacking as the swords, axes, and guns did nothing to it's hard scales. Annoyed by the attacks, the serpent stopped moving and looked at them with menacing eyes. It reared back and unleashed a garish black smoke from it's mouth. With a flourish of its lithe body, the smoke spread further and faster, reaching the soldiers.

People screamed as they got hit with the concentrated smoke and fell down to the cold hard ground. They coughed and gasped for breath with eyes closed and in tears. The dragon roared and once again headed towards the heavens, every now and then coming down on the ground in a different location of the city and wrecking as much havoc it can. It Destroyed infrastructures and injured random citizens or soldiers unlucky enough to cross its path.

"Captain! Status report, twenty-four people have been fatally wounded and were rushed to the infirmary. They are now being tended by church healers. Forty-six have been injured but half of them insisted on still joining the battle.” One of the stout knights said without pause.

“Captain! Many of our soldiers are being injured, why haven't we dispatched the Templar Knights---I'm sorry for overstepping my bounds!" The private apologized after the captain gave him a pointed gaze.

The continent of Feria had its own military which served different purposes. The big organization was split into three. The Holy Army, the Holy Knights and the Templar Knights. The first dealt with international matters, while the second protected the citizens and the clergy within the cities and villages. The last one was a special unit dedicated for the protection of the Oracle. In terms of strength, the first and third could be said to be evenly matched. What the army lacked in power, they also made up with numbers. While the Templar Knights capitalized on quality over quantity. If it came to a caste system, the Holy Knights who served as the protectors of the citizens were considered to be on the lower end.

"The Templar Knights only answer to two people, the Oracle and the Templar Commander! The death of our oracle has lessened their morale and they are probably dealing with conflicts internally! Don't be afraid! Raise your heads! We are the Holy Knights of Feria! It is our sole duty to protect the capital and it's citizens!" Despite his old age, the captain held himself with authority, hiding the fact that he was at a loss as to how they could probably stop the rampaging Mirage which was causing chaos in the city.


~*~

On top of one of the tallest towers with bells, a lone girl stood. Her pink hair reaching up until her shoulder, her face covered in a fox mask while her neck had a unique muffler. She wore very light clothing. On her left waist were two round metallic blades with leather bound metallic grips in the middle. "Hmm…I think big brother needs my help in fixing this…" She sighed knowing the predicament that her brother must've gone through. It's been almost a month since she and Reinhardt met. Her brother paid her a visit to inform her that he would be gone on a quest to retrieve something important. He had asked her to keep a close watch on the Oracle. Being the “obedient” sister that she is, she ceded to his request.

That didn’t necessarily mean they got along well. In fact, it was quite different from when they first met almost six months ago. Ophelia sought him to enact her vengeance. She wanted to avenge her mother, to get revenge on the man that had stolen their honor. During that time, Ophelia wanted answers, answers to questions she just couldn’t figure out. Like why society had to dictate who was fit to be a ruler. Like how she was prejudged and deemed unworthy to take over the family estate just because she was a woman. It wasn’t her choice to be born as a woman. Circumstances such as these made her loathe society in itself. How the norms dictated how things should be instead of accepting what could be. Lacking any answers, she lashed out at the only person she could blame. The person who perpetuated the stigma and usurped her inheritance, her right as the next master of the Cromwell family.

It was truly an interesting first meeting. It was no big deal, she just tried to assassinate him really. The ensuing battle ended in a stalemate of course, but Lia had a hunch Rein was pulling his punches. And she hated him all the more. But he tried to reason with her, asked her to have a serious talk. Hesitantly, she retracted her claws and listened with apprehension. When Reinhardt was finished, Lia did not respond. She got up and left quietly. Finally understanding why Reinhardt was the heir. Well for now at least. She hasn’t entirely given up on becoming the heiress. A good strategist knows when to just take things slow, patiently wait until the perfect opportunity presents itself, then pounce and make sure to obliterate the opposition.

"Well...better help out as much as I can then!”

“Reaper from the Shadows, Patron of the Arts!

Beguile, Imprison thy witnesses!

[Child of Literature, Fumiko!]”

Lia took off her muffler and threw it in the air where another female clad in eastern clothing appeared after a puff of smoke. On her neck was the muffler that Lia had on previously. The word kunoichi1 comes to mind if you consider her overall appearance. "Fumiko...it's time for us to show how much we improved, get ready--"

The ninja who floated on air acted as if she never heard anything, "Hmp!" intoned the ninja, and with a flourish of her muffler, turned around midair and produced a book. The floating Mythic immersed itself in reading the book, not paying any mind to its master.

"Oy oy! Fumiko! This is not the time to ignore me! A lot of people are getting hurt down there! You have to help me stop that thing!" Lia stomped her feet in frustration to get the Mythic’s attention. The silent ninja sighed and looked down, staring at the dragon. Fumiko finally nodded, her pink hair swishing.

"Alright! Let’s do our worst and beat the crap out of that creature!" Lia reached down on her waist and took her chacrams on both hands. Fumiko on the other hand ripped paper from her book and fashioned a sword made out of it. With a nod at her Mythic, they both disappeared in thin air in a flash.


~*~

On a hill overlooking Phracea, an old man stared quietly at the ensuing chaos. A soldier ran towards him in haste "Status report general! Ouroboros, the serpent of despair appeared from Nifleheim. It is believed to be unleashed by the Templar Knight Reinhardt. Insiders have told me that he was in grief due to the Oracle's death, he went mad and attacked the grand bishop and is now being hunted! On a side note, an unknown awakened appeared with her mirage in tow. The awakening is working to take down the monster." The soldier bowed down once the commander acknowledged his report.

‘So it has come to this? Why...Reinhardt? I sensed that there was darkness hiding within you...but never in my imagination would you succumb to this...this will be my last lesson to you as your mentor!’ The old man stabbed his staff on the ground, a rumbling thud echoed throughout the hill. The air grew tense and the winds grew stronger while water surged from where the staff was embedded.

"Come oh great serpent of bounty!

Show your mercy and wash away the enemies' sins with your surging waves!

[Great Primordial Mother, Tiamat!]"

The old man chanted with conviction, his brows knitted as he focused all his energy in summoning his Divinity. Crashing waves sounded throughout the hill, mimicking the ferocious sounds made by angry waves. Contrary to when Ouroboros was summoned where roaring thunder and a high pitched screech was heard, a melodious sound reverberated all throughout Phracea. The dragon's wail so refined and enchanting that it could be called a song in itself.

~*~

A number of footsteps resounded in the empty halls of the church as three people made their way to get outside the church. It was evident by their pace that they were hell bent on getting out as soon as they can. “Kristov! Stand down! I order you this instant as your Templar Commander!” Miranda’s authoritative voice echoed, slowing the steady pace of the three. Kristov was a few steps ahead of them, Miranda was a few steps behind him, while Erina, now with hands to her knees as she tried to regain her breath, followed on tow. By now, they were almost outside, with the big windows overlooking the city. From where they stood, they could see what was currently happening in the city.

Kristov slowly decelerated before finally stopping. “Listen here…captain! I may not know many things, and you can discipline me later for breaking the rules and for not following orders, but I’ll be damned if I’ll just listen to an edict telling me to kill my friend! I have to know…I- I have to hear it from him first hand!” his voice was low yet every part was punctuated as he made his feelings known.

“I won’t order you to kill Reinhardt! But at least listen to reason! Look all around you! Everyone is in a state of panic! The whole city is a mess and we’re under attack! Can’t you see that huge monster out there?! That is a calamity class monster! And it came from Nifleheim basing on the miasma it is releasing! Monsters like that don’t just appear. Whoever is controlling it possesses power that most of us can’t even imagine!” This was where she stopped and let it sink in. No one from the Templar Knights had that kind of power. ‘Except one!’ And yet she didn’t have the heart to point this out.

It wasn’t a secret that Reinhardt Cromwell’s name became known in the inner circle because of the fact that he summoned the strongest recorded Mirage in the history of the church. With that kind of Mirage, there was no reason to doubt that upon corruption, it could turn to something as massive as the monster wreaking havoc in the city.

“We need your help. That stubborn old fool is refusing to budge and wouldn’t let us handle the situation. Damn ego of his! Because of his foolish pride, we have no choice but to cover up for him. I don’t know how long before he realizes that he is over stepping his bounds. And so, I’ve already dispatched the other Templar Knights to help evacuate the citizens.” The captain commander of the holy army seemed to be under the impression that the special unit dedicated to protecting the Oracle is currently having internal strife. Instead of communicating with Miranda, he refused to listen and just pushed on in attacking the rampaging dragon.

“In any case, we are still soldiers of Feria! We are still honor bound in protecting the citizens! The Ora-Lumina… she wouldn’t want us to abandon those in need.” No one would deny what Miranda stated. Everyone knew that at the very least, Lumina wanted to protect Feria…the whole Infinitia. Not only from demon attacks but from calamities. She wanted to save lives even at the cost of her own. And as her friend, it was up to Miranda to honor that.

“I’m…sorry. I know. I know Lumina wouldn’t want me to do that. But I’m the only one Reinhardt has right now. Lumina wouldn’t want me to just ignore this and watch on the bylines while Rein gets hurt.” Kristov said while gritting his teeth. From the way his facial muscles were set, Miranda knew that it would be impossible to get through to him. Heaving a long and weary sigh, Miranda closed her eyes as she didn’t want to see him run off. It took a lot of will for Miranda to do this, especially since she upheld and valued her principles. This will be the only time she will turn a blind eye and ignore this infraction of the Templar Knights Code. If it were any other time, she would do what is right and follow the rules.

The orders of the grand bishop could not be completely ignored. Especially since the circumstantial evidence point towards Reinhardt. If it weren’t the case, it would be easy for Miranda to ignore the orders and instead challenge the words of the bishop. The code of the Templar Knights aren’t just a set of rules. It also protects the Templar Knight from outside influences. Whatever crime a member commits is dealt with internally. In cases such as these, the only thing that Miranda could do was to help capture Reinhardt alive. The trial that will decide his fate will have to come after.

It was just one of those situations wherein Miranda didn’t have any form of control. The powerlessness and helplessness gnawed at her. Before Lumina died, she asked…no, desperately wished would be the proper term, for Miranda and Erina to look after Reinhardt.

“I’m sorry Lumina…but this is the only thing I can do for you right now…” her voice barely a whisper while looking up. “Father…I wish-I wish you were here to help us…” and then her anxious expression melted and was replaced by determination. Nodding to Erina who now stood beside her, Erina ran again and went the same path Kristov took.


~*~

Kristov squinted his eyes as the light burst forth from the double doors he opened to reach outside. His eyes wandered around, looking at the chaos all around, while his mind tried to process what he had to do. First, he had to look for Reinhardt as soon as possible. And if heaven permits it, he had to find him first before the others do. He was just wasn’t comfortable knowing other soldiers and Templar Knights were also after his friend. Kristov dreaded that he would have to break up a fight or worst, put down one side just to help the other. When that time came, he didn’t know whether he’ll be able to go against Reinhardt especially since he owed him a lot.

“Come on Reinhardt…where are you?” Kristov muttered as he took off running to the side, leading off to a set of stairs that circled around and connected to a bridge that one of the towers in the church. As he neared the entrance to the tower, a disctinct sound made Kristov slow down. He knew that sound, he knew that he has heard of it before. If his memory served him right, that sound came from the Mirage owned by the general of the holy army. It was the cry of Tiamat. ‘The general has returned?’ From what he could remember, the general was supposed to have been sent to the borders where news of international disputes were happening.

At least now Kristov had room to breathe. He can focus on his search knowing that someone far stronger than him will be able to help take down that monster. He was about to go when a scream made his head snap to his right. Since Kristov was standing on a higher ground, he could clearly see below the streets. On a corner of the street nearest to where he was, a kid sat on the sides. It was quite obvious that the little girl either got left alone during the ruckus, or got lost while trying to evacuate. His muscles tensed as he tried to suppress his instincts. ‘She’ll be alright…her parents must be looking for her. Yeah…they’d find her soon.’ He tried to comfort himself and yet he barely made another step when his feet pivoted.

“Damn it! Damn it all to hell!” He yelled before running back to the edge of the bridge and jumping off of the edge. Kristov focused on the tattoo that symbolized his mirage, willing all his spiritual energy to summon his spiritual partner.

“Lord of the Jungle, Purveyor of Light
Show thine courage! Be my might!
[Winged Lion, Regulus!]”

With a deafening roar and dazzling red-orange lights, a huge snow white lion erupted in the skies. It swooped along the heavens and caught Kristov before he went splat on the waters below. “Regulus! You know what to do!” Kristov just couldn’t help himself. Even if he wanted to turn around and go back to his original plan, he couldn’t bring himself to just abandon someone in need. The Mythic answered with a proud roar before flying towards the little girl.

“Reinhardt…don’t go and die on me!”

 

Updated this, More chapters are available at Royal Road Legends site. Plus images are also included. Since I don't have 10 posts as of yet, I can't post them here D: