Tales of Berseria The X 2: Calamity Wars [Tales of Berseria/OC]

[KaiserDracon]

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Warmth, love, and the reason to live were once out of reach, unimaginable dim lights in a heart that malevolence darkened it to its very core. She remembered all the hate, despair, and sins that she bore. She scorned herself. Her claw raked anything that stood in her path of vengeance to pebble and dust. Whenever she went, calamity followed. An embodiment of a bare blade, cutting down daemons, humans, and malakhim alike. She braved the path with a burning determination. But on that dark road, two lights stood by her side and saved her soul back from the brink of the void. Because of them, she would have a second chance. Because of her, there would be generations, and she would become the hope of many.


In the end, there was a man, who chose her, a selfish and miserable girl, over the whole world.


A soothing wind blew over the wheat farms of Aball, glowing like a golden dream in a panoramic horizon.


Velvet relaxed under the oak tree's shadow, taking a breather after feeding Elaine for what felt like and probably was an hour. She gazed lovingly at Elaine, who was dreaming with her mother's soothing voice and her affection, for mother's love was the first language that she learned. The twins invited Velvet to be the best version of herself. They rewind and cast away Velvet's cynicism that poisoned her mind and instead brought out a protective web of emotions that gave nurture and care. Their hearts were a compass, as its needle span until it found real love, which was Velvet.


When the twins were born, Velvet shed tears of relief and joy. Their eyes were more brilliant than she could have dreamed they would be. Elaine had amber eyes of Velvet with soft blond hair, and Alistair had emeralds of his father and dark hair of Velvet. They felt so light, looked so perfect and smelled so lifelike. Velvet swore to protect them and her family for as long as she lived.


Velvet looked over the dogs that laid under the sun beside her, "I get it why you two love it so much in here. Sunny and warm, perfect for naps, huh?"


Orthie and Russ shifted a nearby shadow and raised their heads at Velvet, wiggling their fluffy tails as they acknowledged her.


Velvet stood up and sighed as it was the last time she would see Aball for a long time. Tomorrow, they would travel to Loegres to attend king Percival's inauguration and, after that, settle in their home.


The dogs followed Velvet closely and protectively. Their fears were gone, and they barely showed cowardice. Niko's guardians were now Velvet's protectors. As Velvet wouldn't have thought of the day, they would forgive her for Niko's death. But here they were, doing their duty as once they did for their previous owner.


The pirate families greeted Velvet as she passed the farm fields and silos. From the ashes of the old town rose a new life. Aball was revived by Velvet to be a shelter for Van Eltia's families, and they did their best to restore the ghost town into a hub of enormous activities for its small size. Taliesin and even people from Southgand sent sea and land caravans to barter and trade with Aball. The pirates' wives and daughters welcomed Velvet with smiles and cheers while the men saluted her with respect.


Velvet finally reached her tiny house. As she entered with Elaine in her arms, she went straight for the kid's room and saw Avernus leaning down over Alistair's crib.


She stopped and watched him exchanging goofy expressions with Alistair. When Laphi was alive, she would've never thought to share her world with another man. Destiny indeed had plans of its own. Once Avernus' father, Claudin Asgard, saved Arthur's life, and then, his son saved Arthur's and Celica's sister. A shepherd who chose her over the power to change the world. Avernus left her free to choose her life. And she chose him to be her family, forever and ever.


Velvet joined him and glanced at their son. "Alistair! You're awake! And you seem... suspiciously pleased with yourself."


Alistair turned his head at Velvet and giggled as he saw her mother. She caught the unmistakable whiff of a full diaper.


"Yes, that's poop alright."


"I'll handle the dirty diaper." Avernus offered, "But I think they both need a bath."


"I guess so. It would be cute!" Grinning, Velvet passed Alistair to Avernus and hurried from the room to go set up the bath.


Velvet juggled a few baby shampoos and towels, "Now we just need to make sure the water is good for the kids..."


Avernus brought their kids, and Velvet took them in her arms as Avernus started filling the unique basin with water. The twins stirred and started to fuss.


"Don't cry, my sweethearts. It's like before. You're going to love bath time."


The babies leaned into Velvet's embrace as if they were pleading not to go into the small bathtub. Avernus tipped his fingers into the water. "It's too cold. Just keep them distracted for a few more seconds."


A slight trace of fire magic pulsed on the tip of his fingers.


Velvet nodded and smiled for their kids. "How about I sing a fun little song to get you ready, just for you two? It's time for soap and bubbles! Dry towels and snuggles!"


Velvet bopped up and down slowly and kissed them on their foreheads when she finished her rhyme. The kids blinked hard and then giggled.


"The water's ready," Avernus said.


Velvet settled both Elaine and Alistair down into the bath and carefully washed them. Avernus scoop up another handful of water and rinse off more soap bubbles.


Velvet smiled at Elaine's cheering and tiny face, "Looks like we're doing it fine again."


"You did a great job," Avernus winked at their kids, and they giggled at their father too, "And they think so too."Velvet squeezed some new baby shampoo that Benwick brought from the Loegres into her palm and reached for Elaine, but she fussed again at Velvet, preparing to cry. "Aw, don't look so sad, my sweetheart. Bath time is fun!"


Avernus chuckled. "I got this, Velvet....Hey, Elaine, Alistair. Look at my goofy face!" He twitched his lips and focused his eyes on his nose. Elaine and Alistair immediately giggled, shifting their attention to their father.


Avernus managed to distract them, and while the kids were entertained, Velvet shampooed their heads slowly and gently. The children beamed up at Velvet, giggling at the strange sensation of bubbles on their heads.


An overwhelming feeling of joy washed over Velvet, and her eyes turned glossy. "I'm going to remember this for the rest of my life." Velvet glanced yearningly at Avernus's emerald eyes. "I don't want to lose a single moment."


Avernus felt Velvet's overpowering gaze and went to stand directly behind her, hiding behind Velvet's shoulder. "Where did Daddy go, kids? Where did Daddy go?"


Elaine and Alistair cluelessly searched for Avernus before he popped his head. "Here he is!"


Kids giggled loudly and splashed some water around. Avernus pressed a little kiss to the side of Velvet's head. "I love our family."


Velvet leaned more into his chest. "Me too, even though it might be a little chaotic at times."


Avernus caught a floating bubble that's drifted away from the kid's soapy heads. "But it's absolutely worth it."


Velvet let herself loose in his embrace, nearly falling asleep.


"Now, let's get the kids out of there before they get cold," Avernus whispered.


Velvet forced open her eyes and kept her balance as Avernus left her side and scooped them one by one out of the bath, with Velvet wrapping them in baby-sized towels. Avernus paused for just a moment to swoop in and steal a kiss from Velvet's lips. "Good job."


Velvet blushed for a moment before coming back to her senses. "I think we just won parenting."


Avernus smiled and gently moved the towels over Alistair's head. "We did. For someone so tiny to wash, they take a while to bathe..."


Velvet cuddled Elaine in her towel and headed to their bedroom. Avernus followed Velvet with Alistair in his arms. "It's time for them to try out their new outfits."


"Tiny baby clothes? As in real outfits that are not just a bunch of blankets?"


"Yes. Let's try Celica's hand-woven clothes. I think it's time for them to try their aunt's gifts." Avernus suggested.


Velvet opened the drawer, and Avernus picked up the clothes, and between the two of them, Velvet quickly got Elaine into it and then Alistair. A blue and white dress for Elaine and a blue and golden outfit for Alistair. Velvet closed her eyes and clutched her children lovingly to her chest, not wanting to let them go.


Avernus chuckled at Velvet; watching her expressing her motherly love was the sign that he did the right thing. He joined her and kissed their children softly, and they soon fell asleep. "Good night, my loves."


As they gently put them into their cribs, they exited the room silently, and Velvet closed the door behind them.


Suddenly Avernus scooped Velvet up with surprising ease. Velvet gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her and then settled her onto a couch in their small living room. Velvet didn't notice it before, but the table was covered in candles, beverages and assorted treats.


Before she could comment, Avernus leaned in close and kissed her lips. Velvet giggled and enjoyed his taste and hardened the kiss with a burst of fiery emotions. Their lips parted with a pop, and she smiled into his face. "You're pushy and persistent as always."


"I'm, and I will always be like this." Avernus brushed his hand over her braided hair. "I wanted to talk to you about the wedding ceremony-"


That sense of warmth and security suddenly escaped Velvet's body as she freaked out. She wrapped her arms over his neck and pulled him in a wild rush into her chest.


"Wedding?! Are you sure? I-I'm not... I mean, we are already engaged." She talked frantically at a fast pace. Velvet squeezed his head a little more against her chest as she tried to avoid a direct gaze with his eyes.


Avernus's face was buried deep between her breasts, and he could feel her heart pumping faster. His voice became a mumble as his breath tickled Velvet's chest, but she hadn't dared to face him.


"Yes, I'm sure."


Velvet locked her legs instinctively over his torso and clutched him tighter. Her cheeks turned entirely red. "I-I mean, it's not necessary, is it? I-I don't know if I look good as a-a bride! People aren't used to seeing me like this-"


"They will have to get used to it." Avernus barely managed to talk in a muffled voice. Escape from her hold wasn't an easy task.


Velvet bit her lips in shyness. "Can it wait?"


"It can, but not for long." Avernus overcame her strong arms and noticed her red cheeks. He smirked, "You'll make a fine bride, Captain."


Velvet gasped at his tease and clutched Avernus harder, nearly suffocating him between her chest again. Velvet growled and frowned as he paddled his arms around. "You're always persistent. But I have the final say, and I say we wait."


Velvet released him, and Avernus heaved a heavy breath for fresh air as if he came up from a deep dive. His eyes suddenly shifted to Velvet's breasts.


"What is it?" Velvet asked.


Avernus gazed at them inquisitively. "They definitely got bigger. They were C cup before, now they are D cup and increasing to be G size."


Velvet blushed and frowned. "There is no G size-"


Suddenly, Avernus grabbed them with a gentle squeeze. Velvet swallowed her moan and it came out as a soft gasp, her cheeks heating up, shutting her eyes instantly as her nerves sent down a burst of a soft touch over her chest.


"G stands for 'giant'." Avernus calmly replied, squeezing them.


Velvet pulled herself away and focused to calm her excitement. She straightened her chest, repositioning her top. "Yeah. Lately, I feel like they are going to burst out of my clothes."


"They are more distracting than before. Bouncing with each step you take, makes thinking a little bit harder." Avernus maintained his inquisitive glare. "They'll make great pillows too."


Velvet wasn't surprised, seeing Avernus saying things like that with a straight face. After all, as Magilou mentioned, his father and ancestors, king Claudin and king Meliodas had several wives and children throughout millennia. They were famous for having a very high drive and it seemed Avernus was no different.


"Back to our topic, fine, I'll wait. Just a little bit more." Avernus stood up and beckoned over the table. "Before you get too comfortable-"


Velvet stretched her legs and filled the whole couch. "Too late."


"... I prepared a little date night for us, with my personal theme of 'Pampering My Wife Beyond Reason.' I thought I could cook for you myself. Are you interested?"


Velvet moved her head to the side with anticipation flashing in her eyes. "Are you really going to cook?"


"Only for you."


Intrigued, she raised her head to look over the ingredients on the counter. "What are you making me?"


"An Asgardian staple for new mothers. It's a traditional hearty bread with apple jam." Avernus rolled up his sleeves and began mixing the ingredients. Logs burned brightly in the fireplace, with the whole house being in a state of serenity.


"I didn't know you knew how to make bread." Velvet said.


"I tried to learn. It's a special recipe that doesn't require much time for the bread to rise."


"Sounds good." Velvet watched as Avernus's strong hands kneaded the dough, his muscles flexing. Velvet's heart raced in excitement before seeing a smirk pulled at the corners of his mouth.


"What?" Velvet asked.


"You're staring."


Avernus was sharp as a blade. Velvet blushed a little and frowned defensively, "Just closely watching your work. M-Making sure you're doing it right and not messing it up!"


Avernus chuckled to himself. He covered the dough and left it to proof in a drawer. "And now for the jam."


Velvet placed a leg over the other, maintaining her ogling. "You don't have to go through so much trouble. You can do it with normal bread."


"I wouldn't serve my wife plain bread! This Asgardian Ruby jam is made from only the finest apples."


Avernus quickly chopped the ingredients up and put them in a saucepan. The delicious smell hit Velvet's nose, and she nodded in acknowledgment and anticipation. "Smells good."


Avernus bent over the pot, stirring intently. "Just about ready. Do you want a taste?"


Grinning, Avernus dipped a finger in and lifted it for Velvet to taste.


She raised a brow in surprise, but Velvet instantly accepted his offer, licking it off his finger. Velvet slowly got used to Avernus's effort into making everything intimate, and it worked perfectly. He was a man of mystery and surprises, and despite being a king's son and a former Shepherd, Avermus had his naughty side that she enjoyed to the fullest in their relationship.


"It's surprisingly balanced in every taste."


Avernus smiled in satisfaction as he took the dough out of the proofing drawer and put it into the oven.


"In Hyland, I used to be surrounded by servants and staff wherever I went, which certainly afforded many comforts. But I found that there's something immensely gratifying about doing it yourself." Avernus placed the dish before Velvet and beckoned. "And I learned from the best. If you may."


Velvet swept a gaze over the red textures of ruby jam over the perfectly made bread, and she took a bite. Her eyes widened in surprise as the flavour ticked all the right points in her mind. She rarely acknowledged someone's cooking, but it felt refreshing to see Avernus making something perfect like this. She moaned in its deliciousness.


Avernus noticed her pause as her eyes stared into the distance. "So I take it that you like it."


"It's... delicious." She mumbled in surprise.


Avernus bowed his head slightly. "Bon appetit."


Velvet opened some free space beside her. "I hope I'm not eating alone?"


"Never." Avernus sat down next to her. He leaned closer, reaching out and rubbing her thigh as she took another bite. However, Velvet had something else in mind. All that pandering, baking, being a good father and husband, and endless teases made her burning soul all fired up.


Velvet grabbed Avernus's collar and yanked him into her body in a wild rush. But before she could go any further, Velvet felt a hitch in her shoulder. "Oof!"


"Something's wrong?"


Velvet groaned in pain, squaring her shoulder. "Just a little achy."


"Probably from all the pacing with kids, rocking them to sleep, holding them for hours. Tell me where you're hurting, and I'm there."


Velvet rolled over instantly and eagerly. "Rub... my back, Please."


Avernus complied and dug his thumbs into her shoulders, then moved slowly down her spine. Velvet groaned responsively, closing her eyes.


"Yeah... that's undoing some knots." She let out more pleasant moans as he masterfully hit all the right spots.


Avernus leaned over her ear, whispering. "Hearing you moan like that is enough reward for me." His breath rustled through Velvet's hair as it made her shiver.


Velvet bit her lips and giggled. "You and your lewd mind, Avernus."


Avernus worked over her tired body until all she felt were warmth and tingles. Velvet sighed, dazed and almost overwhelmed that this is really her life. She wasn't hated or feared, and she had no more nightmares. But most importantly, Velvet had a family of her own.


Her guilt from her quest for revenge suddenly took over her body like a cold shower. "Avernus... I don't deserve this."


"You do." Avernus embraced her from the back and squeezed her into his hold. "I'm so grateful that we managed to find and keep each other, and I'm grateful to be here with the woman I love." Avernus's hand went for something besides the coach, picked up an elegant red shawl, and wrapped it around her neck. "You look astonishing as always."


His warm words gave her power and comfort as always. Avernus became irresistible, and she shifted her body and turned to him between his arms. She cupped Avernus's cheek in her hand and drew him close, relishing the warm pressure of his body against hers. "Come here."


Just in the moment's heat, a loud wail came from the babies' room.


They whipped their heads at the door. "Duty calls." They left their short date with a soft sigh to take care of their children for the night.


The following day, the family left Aball for Taliesin and then Port Zekson. Medissa and her adopted daughter, the twelve-year-old Kamoana, joined them for the trip. Aboard the ship, Kamoana eagerly helped Velvet with Elaine and took her for a walk on the deck. However, Elaine constantly stirred in Kamoana's arms. She brought her again to Avernus and Velvet in a rush, shaking her head in confusion. "I'm sorry, I don't know why Elaine is like this!"


Velvet took her from Kamonana, checking Elaine. "Maybe it is because of the sea, or... is she hungry again like Alistair?"


"Like Alistair?" Kamoana wondered.


"Yes. Velvet nursed both of them this morning, but Alistair was still hungry." Avernus said.


"I did," Velvet acknowledged. "But I guess our daughter is hungry again too." She took Elaine to their quarter with Avernus and Kamoana following her.


Velvet was seated on her chair beside her cabin's window. "Alright, alright. Let me see to our little daughter's bottomless pit."


Elaine nuzzled happily against Velvet's chest and started to have her second round for the day.


Kamoana noticed Velvet's new outfit: long knee-length leather boots, a black and gold short skirt with a red cold shoulder top, having a cleavage in the middle with a midriff that seemed an upgraded version of her previous old outfit. Velvet's new, gold, and black cloak gave Velvet an air of extraordinary mystery. Her therion arm was covered with a black lacy glove and her ring shined elegantly. Kamoana admired Velvet as she nursed Elaine and felt she judged Velvet harshly before.


Thirty minutes later had passed, and Elaine was still eating. Kamoana was surprised, watching the little one enjoying her milk. "How can someone so little drink so much?"


Velvet chuckled, clinging into Elaine's amber eyes with a motherly glance. "It's like we accidentally gave birth to cute superhumans."


"I don't think it's an accident," Kamonana said, "Considering Elaine and Alistair have you both for their parents, I wouldn't be surprised at all. I mean, you two are practically... um count as one."


"That's... probably true." Velvet's face hazed with a hidden worry. "I hope... that everything will be fine for them."


Avernus sensed Velvet's concern and nodded in assurance. "It will be. They have you and me, Velvet."


"I know." Velvet's voice waved with a new concern.


Avernus beckoned Kamoana to the cabin's door. The young girl understood and followed him outside.


Avernus gently closed the door behind them. "Thanks, Kamoana. You've been a great help today."


"Did I say something wrong?"


"Not at all. Velvet just became a mother, and it's the time when all they think is about their children's safety. You don't need to worry about it." Avernus paused for a moment to smile for Kamonana, "Got to your mother. We'll be reaching Zekson's waters soon, and I think she needs your help."


Kamoana bowed and scrambled to Medissa's cabin. In the middle of the corridor, she nearly crashed into Benwick, his hat almost falling off from his head.


Benwick repositioned it and stopped beside Avernus, "What's with that gloomy face? Is Captain alright?"


"I think so. It's just a strange sense of dread that came to us since we got close to Zekson."


Benwick watched Avernus stopped and nodded at his empty side, but he couldn't see anyone. "Is that Eizen you're talking to?" Benwick guessed.


"Yes, and he wants to talk with you."


Benwick saluted at the space he estimated Eizen would be. "We're following Captain Crowe's orders to perfection, first mate!"


Avernus smirked and placed a hand over Benwick's shoulder and another on Eizen's. The connection wave flowed from Eizen to Benwick, and his eyes widened as he suddenly heard Eizen complaining non-stop, giving constant harsh criticism.


Benwick bowed out of fear and scrambled to leave for the deck.


Eizen, the reaper of the high seas, was groaning in annoyance. "They're getting soft."


"Avernus removed his hand and crossed his arms over his chest. "Are you complaining about my wife's leadership?"


"To some extent. They got used to delicious food and raiding fewer merchant vessels than usual."


"Let the world heal a bit, and when merchants have wealth to spare, they will resume their pirating." Avernus massaged his chest, heaving a breath as he sensed a heavyweight bringing him down. "There is something vile going on around here."


"I feel it too. But we should be okay when Maotelus releases his purification pulse since tonight will be a Scarlet Night."


Avernus delved deep into his thoughts. That night would mark the first Scarlet Night after Maotelus, the new lord, began his reign over the earth. With the new era started three years ago, it was time for Maotelus' show of power to suppress the fear of the Scarlet Moon and give people hope.


With the sailors announcing the arrival to the port, Avernus, Velvet, along their newborns left the ship for their reserved royal house in the middle of Loegres. As they disembarked the carriage and moved into the city, their eyes caught someone familiar waiting for them near the central fountain.


Avernus waved his hand. "Tabatha!"


"Welcome back." The seasoned leader of the Bloodwings, a shady organization, turned into secret service, ambled to their side. Her eyes caught Elaine and Alistair sleeping innocently in their blankets. Tabatha beamed and turned to Velvet with an approving glance. "Feels like a miracle, girl, isn't it? I guess some stories do have happy endings." She chuckled. "How does being a mother feel?"


Velvet blushed a little as she noticed Avernus smirking slightly, looking satisfied with himself. "It's... the best feeling I have ever experienced."


Tabatha shook her head, remembering her own life's events. "Baskerville and I loved each other dearly, but we were never blessed with any children. Seeing you, Velvet, I understand that they are the reflections of our true souls, innocent and pure."


Holding Alistair, Avernus moved closer and turned his peaceful face toward Tabatha. "They can call you grandma if you want."


Velvet nodded in approval. "I allow that."


Tabatha let out a dismissive chuckle. "Oh, dear, I think you overestimate the number of years I have left. I'm certain when they start to say their first words, I will be already gone, my child."


"I have a hard time believing that, Tabatha," Avernus said.


"Well, it's good to have someone that believes in me. Now, if I could only feel the same way, myself, that would be something." Tabatha turned to Velvet once more. "My dear, I imagine if I had a son, he would have grown up to be someone like Avernus. So please, take care of him as he took care of you."


Velvet sensed Tabatha's sadness that showed itself suddenly, "I will."


"I wanted to say that this was something good for both of you, and I'm glad you found each other." Her smile began to dry, her voice stuttering in a low tone. "Cherish this. It may not last."


Avernus and Velvet glanced at each other and felt that it was time to leave. "Thank you, Tabatha. I guess we will see you tomorrow at Percival's inauguration." Avernus said.


Tabatha snapped out of her uneasy expression and nodded with her usual smile. "We will. Take care of yourselves."


With Tabatha leaving them for the tavern, Avernus and Velvet went to their reserved place in the extensive royal Inn. Their room was on the third floor and three times bigger than a typical inn's room with all sorts of fancy decoration and mirrors. Velvet placed their kids gently in their cribs as they continued to sleep soundly. She then saw Avernus wearing his new royalty clothes: A white and blue imperial outfit with a long cloak on his right shoulder. The sides of his coat were adorned in gold, and his hair was loose, tied up exotically by a long braided lock behind his back. It fit him perfectly, and she felt a sudden urge to be near his vicinity. Velvet walked to his front and began to tie his bow tie. Avernus raised his head, giving full access to Velvet.


"You're the most handsome man I have ever seen." She whispered in an alluring voice and gazed cravingly at his facial features. "You can pass as a King if you wanted."


Avernus cucked his head proudly, enjoying his wife's compliments. "And you can easily pass as the gorgeous queen herself."


Velvet tightened the tie and coiled her fingers over his collar, and pulled him down for a surprise, hungry kiss. She ended the kiss with a slight bite of his lips. "Keep talking like that, and Percival will miss the appearance of his most trusted advisor for tonight."


Before they could enjoy more of their company, Elaine and Alistair dragged them out from that sweet moment with strained cries.


Avernus and Velvet raced to their cribs.


"They're louder than they look." Velvet checked them up for any needs. "They don't seem hungry... their diapers aren't wet." Velvet held Elaine against her chest, swaying back and forth. Avernus followed her lead and started to hum as he rocked Alistair in his arms. The twins slowly began to relax in their parent's embrace and slowly dived back into their peaceful sleep.


"Looks like we're spoiling them from the start," Avernus said.


Velvet placed their kids back into their cribs and stroked a hand over their soft, small cheeks. "Of course. They're my preciouses."


Avernus turned to the window and saw the full moon hanging high above the dark sky. "I have to go. The ceremony will begin soon."


Velvet strolled to his side for a hug and a soft kiss on his lips. "Stay safe and come back soon, alright?


Avernus placed a hand over his chest and royally bowed for Velvet. "I will be back before you know it." He beckoned to the balcony. "You can watch Maotelus' handiwork with the best view in the whole city."


With a wink and a smile, Avernus left the royal Inn. Velvet leaned on the balcony and watched as royal guards escorted Avernus. They waved a goodbye hand at each other, but suddenly, Velvet felt a deep sense of danger, like a lump in her throat, making breathing harder for a second.


But then the feeling was over as soon as it came. Velvet's eyes darted from all over the place frantically and then went up to the sky. It seemed like the moon warned her of impending danger.


The same feeling that she had three years ago.


Royal Palace, Loegres, The Night of Cleansing


Avernus entered the vast halls of Midgand's Asgard palace with an entourage of royal escorts. The chambers were full of advisor guests from all over the empire, preparing to participate in a ceremony that would mark the beginning of the next millennia. During the recovery period after Artorius and Innominat's defeat, the only reason kept people together was hope. Their new god, Maotelus, was the one who gave his blessing into the land with his power of purification. With Percival, Eleanor, and Van Eltia pirates' efforts, the recovery process went on better than expected. And on that night, Maotelus would banish the Scarlet Moon, returning hope to everyone.


Avernus walked down the halls and spotted Percival's advisor: chancellor Gawain. He was one of the trustworthy people that defied Artorius Collbrande before. A seasoned man in his sixties, with a long dark red and silver robe and a braided gray hair and beard. He noticed Avernus and beckoned him to his side. Avernus joined him and shook his hand, gripping it tightly.


"If I didn't know any better, I would have thought Hyland graced us with his king." Gawain admired.


Avernus smiled modestly. "I think it's a relief that I'm not that kind of person."


Gawain patted his shoulder, nodding in approval. "Don't sell yourself short, son. I know greatness in people when I see it. Leading Hyland for two years in that blight-ridden land of the far-continent was no small feat, and you helped people of Midgand here as if they were your own."


"I did what I had to, chancellor. I think anyone would've done that if they were in my place." Avernus firmly replied.


Gawain chuckled with a shake of his head, "No, they wouldn't, and that's what makes you the perfect ruler for the new Hyland kingdom."


Avernus paused. Gawain's suggestion would mean one thing: a massive responsibility that he never wanted, but as Percival and Gawain decided, he was the best man for that position. Avernus didn't mention it to Velvet as Midgand's royalty, and Hyland's council in the far continent were in talks for reestablishing Hyland's kingdom back in Midgand. Avernus was both parties' candidate as the new King.


Gawain noticed his hesitation and squeezed his shoulder again in assurance. "Don't think about it now. First, Percival, then, we will discuss it once his position is secured."


Then, the room's light began to change and a reddish hue reflected from the tower's windows. The Scarlet Night has already started.


Most of the guests moved closer and raised their glasses to watch the miracle again.


But the moon shifted to a darker red, and nothing happened. Mumbling began to rise from the crowd in uncertainty. Avernus turned around to see if any seraph was present, but there was none. Then a loud clapping broke the murmurs. Avernus and the rest of the guests raised their heads to look at the top balcony where Percival was supposed to start his speech.


Avernus narrowed his eyes at the lone individual and recognized him instantly.


Lancelot Dragonia. The last remaining son of the Dragonia family. His brother and step-sister, Oscar Dragonia and Teresa Linares, previously died at Velvet and Avernus's hands. After the fall of the Abbey, Percival demoted the house of Dragonia for supporting Artorius for experimenting and torturing the people of Midgand. Still, Percival permitted Lancelot, the older child, to remain in the service of the royalty. During the last year, Avernus worked closely with the young knight, and they began to share a bond of friendship. But tragedy would always find its way back again. Everything was about to change.


Sensing something was off, Avernus scanned around the top balcony for any signs of Percival, but he wasn't there.


"Leaders of Midgand, I bid you welcome for attending this fateful night." Lancelot locked his hands behind his heavy armour. His face looked different like he had fallen sick. His brows frowned, and his voice had a rough and bitter sound to it. He glared over them in an unsettling way as if he was gazing at a group of criminals.


Gawain stepped forward, ignoring the pretentious welcoming. "Where is Percival?"


Lancelot sneered, grabbing the railing and leaning slightly over them. "Percival... You mean, the traitorous king that was going to sell us to devils and usurpers? He is detained to answer for his crimes against the people of Midgand."


The murmur of the crowd rose again, this time in fear. Avernus joined Gawain on the front. "What's the meaning of this, Lancelot?" Avernus demanded.


Lancelot gritted his teeth at the sight of Avernus in hate. "And here is the snake. The one that killed my family. Don't worry, usurper. You will be brought to justice before you meet your culprit king."


Avernus hesitated. Lancelot had found out about their secret. Gawain whipped his hand to his side in anger. "Enough with this madness!" He turned to the guards and gestured at Lancelot. "Guards, seize that madman this instant."


Avernus turned to watch the soldiers standing still, ignoring Gawain's orders. The chancellor's face paled in shock. "This is... treachery!"


Avernus gazed over the guards and discovered that all the royal soldiers were replaced with Dragonia's praetorians.


Avernus heaved a breath, focusing all his power to his core, and getting ready for the inevitable confrontation.


Then, before he could tap into his pact with four Empyreans, a distant dark power rolled into reality and veiled all over the palace, stretching higher and broader.


Avernus felt that he went deaf and blind for a second. He dived deep into his soul's core, but he sensed nothing. No more magic and no more pact. A total, deafening silence in his soul.


Avernus frowned at the sight of a figure emerging from the shadows beside Lancelot. The man's eyes flared up in red colour and locked into Avernus' eyes.


"A... seraph?"


Lancelot's condescending tone broke his focus. "I wanted to give you a chance, Gawain, to do what was right for our land, but you took the side of our sworn enemies." He jerked his chin,


"Kill them all."


Avernus turned to see the guards dashing at them with their swords raised and their pikes ready to skewer them.


Avernus waited patiently as the first soldier reached him. The guard in full-clad armour slashed his sword at Avernus' neck, but he smoothly dodged the blade with a fluid movement of his torso and raised his elbow, smacking it into the guard's helmet with a great force. The iron on his armour dented, and he was flown to the ground before hitting the floor senseless in a loud bang. His sword slid on the ground and stopped beside the chancellor's Gwain's foot.


Gawain picked the sword up and readied himself, taking a battle stance. "Come and try, traitors."


Another soldier dashed at the chancellor, aiming to spear him with his pike. Gawain smirked and moved to the side with the lance barely missing his chest. He slashed the sword with a quick attack on the soldier's chest that broke the armour and cut his flesh. The guard flipped in the air and hit the ground, rolling over to his comrade's feet.


Avernus rushed to protect the lives of the other leaders as the rest of the guards attacked them. Blood stained the clear tiles, and screams of pain and agony filled the halls. Avernus shoulder charged a guard into the open window and threw him out, screaming to his death. Avernus picked up the guard's fallen sword and masterfully deflected a surprise attack that came from behind him. Avernus quickly followed it with a counter-attack of his own and slashed the guard with great speed. The body of the praetorian was flipped in the air and crashed into the furniture. Another group of guards stormed his position, and Lancelot watched as Avernus took them down one by one.


The man stepped out of the darkness, and his features became more visible. Qingu, the first son of Tiamat and the ancient seraph of darkness, glared over Avernus with a dark admiration. "My domain has silenced his power and ties to the Empyreans, but he is putting up a good resistance as my mother said." He turned to Lancelot and sensed his mixed emotions; despair, hate, but with feelings of uncertainty. "Don't you want to go down and have your revenge?"


Lancelot groaned with his chest rising up and down in erratic breathing. Qingu saw his hesitation and groaned slightly in annoyance. But the dark seraph's stoic face showed no emotion. "Your feelings are mixed...You lack the determination to end it." Qingu sighed slightly. "Very well, I will take care of him."


Qingu raised his bony hand and opened his palm. A dark vortex twirled inside, and a bow of void and corrupted stretched into existence. The dark seraph pulled the string, and an arrow of malevolence and poison appeared between his long nails and the bow itself.


"I have read some of your books. You, humans, have a great taste in poetry..." Qingu's snake eyes locked onto Avernus as he eliminated more Dragonia's guards with a flurry of sword blows and slashes. "There was a human that held a bridge against a whole army..." The dark arrow spewed corruption from its tip. "He said: And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, For the ashes of his fathers, and the temple of his gods."


Qingu aimed the arrow at Avernus' chest as he drove a sword between the last guard's stomach.


The dark seraph whispered with a low and grim tone. "It's my mother's gift to you. Die well, Avernus."


Qingu released the string, and the arrow whistled with a screeching sound, tearing the air. Avernus raised his head at Qingu, spotting a grin on the dark seraph's face before the arrow reached its target.


His eyes widened, and Avernus recoiled heavily to the back as the arrow pierced his chest between his ribs. With a painful yelp, he stumbled backward. Gawain whipped his head at Avernus before he tripped over the balcony and fell. He raced towards the terrace, but Avernus was already lost into the darkness below.


It all happened in a blink of an eye. Gawain fell on his knees in desperation as the remaining guards surrounded him.


"Let him live," Lancelot shouted. "I may have a use for the old man."


One of the praetorians grabbed Gawain and yanked him towards the exit. The chancellor turned to Lancelot and glared in hate that pushed such a fear in the knight's stomach that his stoic face twitched visibly.


"It will not be forgiven! You will answer for your crimes! I will see to it personally!"


Lancelot waved his hand. "Take him away."


As the praetorians moved him out of the halls, Qingu walked to Lancelot, watching him staring blankly. "It's been done. You've chosen this path. There is no coming back."


Lancelot sighed and dropped his head. "Is he dead?"


"Are you still afraid?" Qingu calmly circled Lancelot, enjoying his misery. A loyal knight, broken and used by his desperation. "Send some men to search for your friend's body. Tell them not to stop until they find him."


Lancelot shifted his attention to Qingu. Waves of uneasiness waved behind his eyes. "Why don't you send your brother and sister? Didn't you say that killing him and that woman was your priority?"


"Vassan and Kayda are working on something bigger. If we kill Maotelus tonight, there will be no hope. No more complications."


"What about that woman?" Lancelot squeezed his fist, his metal gauntlet clinking. "I want her and her children dead! All of them!"


"I have sent one of the best." Qingu walked back to the throne room stoically with menace darkening his tone. "Tonight, there will be nothing left of her family. The lost souls of hell will welcome her with their cries, and her name will be nothing but a distant memory."


Back in the Inn, Velvet sensed an immense domain stretching widely. She noticed the Scarlet Moon was in full effect, and there was no purification pulse released from the Empyrean's throne.


Velvet's gut realized something was wrong. A sense of dark worry hazed her thoughts. A gloomy notion flashed in her mind as her thoughts were focused on Avernus, and suddenly, the twins became sullen and weepy.


Then, she heard screamings and frantic shouts coming from the dark streets of Loegres. Velvet quickly picked the red shawl that Avernus gave her and tied it on one of the chairs. If he would ever come back, it was the sign that they were alright. Having her senses heightened to the maximum, she strode toward Elaine and Alistair's cribs in a hurry and picked them up, wrapping them in their comfortable blankets. She kissed them on their foreheads, and they stared at their mother's eyes in wonder. "We need to get out of here, my loves. Trust me, alright?"


Velvet suddenly heard footsteps rushing up the stairs. She hid the kids inside a large closet and took cover beside the door. The footsteps stopped behind the entrance, and Velvet stayed motionless. A deathly silence fell upon the room, but she was ready, like a predator crouching in the dark.


Without warning, the wooden doors heaved inward and broke into several pieces. A group of guards stormed in, their heads whipping around to find any traces of Velvet and her children. Velvet's golden eyes glittered in the dark and ambushed them from the shadow, kicking the first soldier in the gut and threw him into two guards behind him with the three of them scattering down on the hallway. The other guard raised his sword, turning to slash it at Velvet. She quickly picked up a fallen shield and hurled it at the guard with a strong throw. The shield smashed his helmet and broke into several pieces, knocking him unconscious. Velvet suddenly heard more reinforcement coming up the stairs, and the other three soldiers were getting ready to get up. She used the opportunity and picked up her kids from the closet, clutching them to her chest. "Ready for some flying, my sweethearts?"


Velvet turned to the window and dashed like quicksilver, bracing herself and sheltering the kids as she lounged high to the balcony through the glass.


Under the Scarlet Moon, Velvet jumped swiftly from balconies to rooftops. She masterfully bounced from one terrace to another like a feather. Archers began to creep out of windows and positioned themselves along the edges.


"Get her!"


Velvet's instinct picked up their malicious intentions, aiming their weapons. Sensing the arrows coming at her, Velvet dogged them left and right, with most of them, couldn't even catch up to her immense speed.


"Cut her off! Don't let that woman escape!"


Velvet spotted a few guards piling out of rooftop doors and barring her escape route.


Velvet pressed on her feet, releasing her hidden blades from her boots as she closed in on the attackers. With Elaine and Alistair tucked and protected in her arms, she slashed the archers with a quick and wide move of her athletic legs, sending them down to their doom. Her long cloak and raven hair flowed like a magnificent bird flying in the night as she jumped to the next rooftop. Elaine and Alistair giggled between her arms, giving Velvet more determination and power to tackle more of the guards standing between her and her children's safety.


Some of the guards were glued to their spot, backing down in fear as Velvet fought off more soldiers with only fluid attacks of her legs, balancing herself in perfection in what seemed to be a beautiful presentation of a perfect martial artist. A few more soldiers lost their balance and slid down the rooftops and down into the dark below.


Without wasting any more time, Velvet dashed to the next spot over a tall building. She turned her head briefly and saw no more pursuers. Before Velvet could let out a sigh of relief, the tiles below her feet broke, and a dark tendril was launched from the hole. With a quick reflex, Velvet backflipped in time, and the whip missed her. She felt a dark presence as the one responsible darted from the whole. Velvet's supernatural instincts realized the true nature of the attacker, sensing malevolence engulfing the creature.


"A daemon?!"


The assassin landed gracefully on her feet. Velvet spotted a daemoness, smirking at her with her loose hair floating around like a physical manifestation of malevolence. Her three sets of dark purple eyes glared at Velvet like an otherworldly horror. The daemon whipped her arm, and the dark tentacle retreated into the palm of her hand.


"Going somewhere, Lord of Calamity?"


Velvet groaned dismissively and jumped towards the building on her right side. Her boots dug deep into the rooftop, nearly breaking it as she continued her sprint.


"Oh, are you ignoring me?" The daemon twitched her lips playfully and encroached before leaping high in the air. "Too bad, Velvet Crowe. You are not getting away tonight!"


With a slash of her hand, she threw the dark tendril at Velvet. Unlike the arrows, it didn't miss, and it hit the ground underneath Velvet's feet, destroying the scaffolding she was on. Velvet clutched her kids to her chest and braced herself as she crashed down into the building. She rolled in mid-air before hitting the floor, to protect the kids. Her back hit the ground. Velvet let out a painful groan as her shoulder dislocated, but she scrambled back to her feet in a hurry. Knowing that there was no way to outrun that daemon, Velvet rushed to a large, oak-made wardrobe and hid her kids inside. The twins glanced worryingly at Velvet. She kissed them on their forehead. "I'll be back once I take care of that bad daemon, alright?" She smiled for them and shut the wardrobe, locking it.


Velvet pushed her shoulder heavily against the wall and shoved her bone back into the shoulder socket with a strong push. Velvet screamed in pain and turned on her heels, looking for the attacker. She raised her left arm and coiled her fist, forcing it to turn, but her therion arm remained docile. Since she was pregnant with the twins, the arm that devoured many daemons and malakhims stayed silent and unmovable, as if it wanted for Velvet to have a safe journey of motherhood, far from terrors and wars it brought upon the world. "Damn it!"


Suddenly, a disembodied voice came from all around Velvet. "Is that... children that I smell?" The daemon cracked a burst of maniacal laughter as Velvet whipped her head around, searching for the attacker.


"Tonight, I will feast on your children, Velvet Crowe. I can already taste their flavour between my teeth!"


"Show your face, and I will rip you apart! Limb by limb!" Velvet screamed.


Suddenly, the ceiling came crashing down, and the daemon pounced among the falling debris at her. "Here I am!"


Unarmed, Velvet quickly dashed to the side, dodging the daemon's long claws as they dug deep into the floor. Velvet released her foot blade and slashed it at her. The daemon disappeared in a cloud of black smoke and instantly reappeared behind Velvet. She gasped as the daemon raised her claws and raked them down on her. Velvet raised her left arm in defence, and it ripped through her flesh. Blood spewed from the wounds, and Velvet groaned in pain before the daemon followed the attack. The next claw that the daemon threw, hit Velvet square in her chest and hurled her into the wall, and she crashed into the shelves. More blood streaked from under her hair and down her forehead.


The daemon retracted her claws and tipped her nose, sniffing. "Where did you hide them?" Her three eyes flashed, and she slowly turned her head at the wooden wardrobe. "There they are."


The daemon opened her palm, and the dark tentacle began to creep out of it. She whipped her arm and threw the tendril as a whip at the wardrobe. But before it could slice the closet, Velvet threw herself between them, and it slashed her back instead. She screamed in pain and fell in front of the wardrobe. The twin cried loudly from inside, and Velvet crawled over to the door, leaning against it protectively as her body shuddered in painful shocks.


The daemon stopped and tilted her head at Velvet, glaring pitifully at her. "You know your resistance is meaningless. You are nothing now but a shadow of your former self; A miserable, weak human." She held her hand, and the dark tendril began to creep out from her palm again. "It's a shame I didn't meet you when you were the true lord of calamity. The big brother spoke highly of your savagery."


"I will... I will..." Velvet mumbled, her voice roughing and rising in anger as her face was hidden behind her messy hair.


The daemon narrowed her three eyes at Velvet and pulled her arm back—the dark tentacle shot like a wild snake at Velvet.


Velvet suddenly pulled her head up at the daemon, and her eyes shone in golden fire.


"I will devour you!"


Velvet raised her therion arm, and her engagement ring glittered in red. Velvet's delicate fingers and hand burst into therion claws. The dark tendril hit her enormous hand, twirling over it.


Velvet coiled her fingers over the whip and yanked the daemon towards herself in a strong pull.


The daemon let out a surprised yelp as she was dragged toward Velvet and hit her forehead against her.


The daemon's triple eyes widened in horror as Velvet growled into her face with her fangs baring like a rabid wolf, ready to rip and tear. Gritting her teeth, Velvet pulled her head and smacked it against the daemon's face. The daemon recoiled in pain as Velvet placed her boot against the daemon's chest. Velvet pushed her away with a strained shout as she held tightly onto the daemon's arm with her claws. "No one threatens my family and lives!"


Velvet shoved the daemon with a strong push of her leg and tore her arm away from her body. The daemon cried in agony as it rolled over the ground, dark blood painting the carpet and the floor. Velvet slowly and menacingly rose on her feet, having the daemon's severed arm between her claws. She held it up and crushed it with a squeeze of her hand.


The daemon snarled and unleashed her remaining long nails, pouncing like a wounded animal at Velvet with her remaining arm.


Velvet lounged at the daemon like a restless wolf and slashed widely with her therion arm, meeting the assault head-on. Her awakened claws quickly tore through the daemon's flesh and bone like a knife cutting butter. More dark blood splattered the walls as the daemon flipped in mid-air, collapsing into the ground like a ripped and broken doll. Large lacerations riddled her body, and the daemon shrieked in an unimaginable horror as Velvet marched at her.


"You...!" The daemon gurgled blood between her torn throat, gazing in fright at her doom coming to claim her soul.


The daemon struggled to crawl away, but Velvet's claw found her leg. Velvet put up a boot over her body and yanked the daemon's leg. The daemon's eldritch cries of agony filled the night sky as Velvet slowly ripped her legs apart one by one.


"No one threatens my children and lives!"


Velvet grabbed her by the head and held her up. The daemon's limbless body twitched and winced with the blood spewing all around. Her purple eyes darkened in horror as she gazed through Velvet's claws into her deathly orbs powerlessly.


Velvet tightened her hold, and the daemon's skull began to crush with a bone-crunching sound. The daemon shriek as her life force began to suck into Velvet's therion maw. Skin, flesh, and bone disintegrated, and her soul was siphoned into Velvet's ravenous claw.


Velvet squeezed her hand, and the daemon's head was squashed between her fingers in an instant. Velvet's eyes gleamed as her awakened arm devoured the daemon bit by bit, and then, all her being was absorbed into her arm in an instant, leaving nothing, not even a drop of blood.


Velvet dropped to her knees and clutched her arm in pain. The sudden return of her therion state sent a galvanic shock through her nerves. Velvet raised her arm and saw her engagement ring had reverted, shining in a brilliant red hue. With a sigh of relief, Velvet rushed to the wardrobe and opened its doors. The twins were safe and glanced at their mom innocently. Velvet smiled and picked up, hugging them tightly.


Now her therion senses back, Velvet heard the soldiers marching down the street in clarity. She navigated the rooftops back to the city walls and ran like a nimble wolf toward port Zekson non-stop.


At Van Eltia, Benwick and the rest of the pirates were standing guard in vigil. They spotted Velvet marching at them. They glued to their spot at seeing their captain's dirtied and bloodied clothes. Velvet held on to her kids tightly and passed Benwick calmly. Without uttering a single word, she went to her cabin and rested her twins in their cribs. Eizen entered behind her. "What happened? Where is Avernus?"


The twins stirred restlessly, and Velvet shared their concern. "Don't worry, my loves. Daddy is going to be alright."


Eizen waited patiently for Velvet. After spending a few moments stroking her twins' cheeks, she turned to him with a blue mood hidden behind her determined eyes. "The imperial guards attacked us, and then, a daemon assassin attacked my children and me."


"We heard something about the castle coming under attack, but the soldiers here didn't know anything about it..." Eizen groaned in his mouth, his brows knitting in concern. "It must be a coup d'etat."


"A coup d'etat?"


"Yes. Someone wanted to prevent Percival from becoming the king, and if they sent an assassin after you, that means they did the same for Avernus." Eizen noticed dark mist coming from Velvet's black gloves. "I see your abilities have been awakened again."


"They pushed me," Velvet said, raising her therion hand. "But it's different now. It's less chaotic, and I'm more in control of it."


"Then Innominat must be willing to assist you if your arm is not giving you trouble like before."


"You mean, it's awakening is because of Innominat?" Velvet asked.


"Your arm and Innominat are still connected. I'd say; Laphi's memories forced him to take action, the same thing that your abilities went to slumber." Eizen said.


Velvet closed her hand, gripping it. "If it will help me protect my children, I'll take it." Velvet marched toward her wardrobe and turned her head halfway at Eizen. "Wait for me outside the ship."


Eizen nodded and left her cabin. Velvet opened the closet and gazed over her new combat attire. The golden lines shined brightly on her cloak, light reflecting from the new wrist blade into her fiery eyes. She dropped her tattered cloak and switched it with her improved spirit cloak. Then as she locked the belt, a pair of red feather earrings fell on the ground. Velvet picked them up and felt the warmth of their texture. Avernus gifted them to her when the kids were born. Her eyes turned misty with emotion as his voice soothed her thoughts. She put them on and tightened the new wrist blade on her arm. Velvet kissed the twins and nodded at them, "I'm going to come back soon." Velvet turned as Medissa knocked on the door and entered her cabin. "Take care of children until I'm back."


Medissa ambled to Velvet's side and gave her an assuring nod. Velvet hesitated for a bit to glance one last time before leaving the room, eyes still clinging to her twins. The Scarlet Moon shone its crimson glow onto the land, and Velvet sensed the coming storm. It was vile and pretentious and reeked of betrayal and cruelty.


However, this time, everything was different. Velvet braved it head-on, not for revenge. But to protect her loved ones and her reasons to live.​

 

[KaiserDracon]

Flowing powerlessly in the streams of Loegress canals, Avernus remained half-awake, staring skyward into the stars. The Scarlet Moon persisted, like an ample light. Its crimson gaze warned people of the impending calamity. In that coldness, Velvet's memory and their twins were like a kiss of the sun's rays amidst the chilling winter. The water felt like a field of snow, freezing his bones but at the same time guiding him to safety.


Avernus's mind battled the hopelessness and malevolence for the control of his body. Pride, anger, determination, and desire to see his family was burning the poison away from his psyche. His body refused to succumb to the soft songs of death. Images of Velvet's beaming face passed his vision. He raised his hand and imagined the smoothness of her silky hair between his fingers. In his memory, their children giggled in Velvet's embrace, and as soon as he extended his hand at them, their illusion faded into the night, and the scarlet moon remained in their place.


The dimmed lights of his eyes glittered slowly at the sight of stars passing him above. As his body floated, a hidden call reached him, not by any voice but by signs of nature and cosmos. In his semi-conscious state, his eyes caught a cluster of stars glimmering brightly as if they were calling Avernus. The shimmer of starlights connected them all through bright lines and turned into an animated wolf, howling into the night sky. The Lupus constellation formed in the night sky and with it, a surge of emotions awakened within him, cleansing his soul from darkness. Avernus yearned to get back to his family, and his desire burned bright.


Then a wise voice reached out to him deep from his soul. His nerves flared up with hope as he recognized it as his father; Claudin Asgard.


"Your rage is like a wolf... Feed it."


Avernus's body suddenly came into a small dry land. A pair of not-so-strong arms began to pull out of water. Avernus's body dragged through the mud and stopped as he heard a man's groan who struggled to remove him from the river. Through his hazy peripheral vision, he saw him: a young man, with an orange bard's hat, was checking him with his dark blue eyes. He seemed so young and mature at the same time with a delicate face for a man.


Avernus's hand clutched his wrist, and the man gasped in fright. His face wrinkled from pain. "Ouch! You're a little bit too strong for an aristocrat!"


Avernus growled and released his wrist, and the man stepped back, stroking his wrist.


"...And more violent."


The pain in his chest flared up, and he looked down. There was no arrow, and the wound was closed, but the hole in his bloodied shirt was still there. Then, he sensed a dark presence in his soul, but it retreated far behind the deepest parts of his core. Worried for his family's safety, Avernus pulled himself up and stood up, holding on to the side of the wall.


The young man cautiously stepped closer, watching his painful expression. "You are welcome?"


Avernus gazed over the man, "A bard?"


The young man placed a hand on his chest and extended his hand at the sky, smiling with a pleasant expression. "That's right! Maximilian Taliesin! Soon-to-be the king's bard." Max's eyes glittered with recognition as he remembered Avernus's identity. "You must be that Hyland delegate that's been helping Percival's army! What was your name... aha! Yes! Avernus Diphda!"


Avernus seemed to ignore him, taking off his cloak and torn shirt, leaving only his vest and exposing his arms, stomach, and chest.


Max raised his brow as he checked Avernus's stout muscles, gazing with envy and approval at the same time. "Well, you have a surprisingly strong body for an aristocrat too. I guess rumours of ladies desiring you weren't lies. "


Avernus leaned on the wall and peeked around the corner, checking the street for guards. "It's too dangerous. I suggest you escape, bard."


Max cleared his throat and strode to him, having his hand lock behind his back. "Ehem, it seems you already had a taste of this coup and definitely need my help."


"I don't need-" Avernus suddenly clutched his chest in pain and moaned, stopping him from finishing his sentence. Simultaneously, a group of three soldiers marched into the road, walking in a tight formation. Knowing that they would be found, Max went to the side of the wall and picked up his lute without a second thought. "They're probably looking for you. I'll distract them, and you can slip away from the back."


Before Avernus could react, Max walked out of their hiding spot and began to play his instrument. The soldiers quickly turned to him. "Hey! What the hell are you doing?!" One of the soldiers barked, pointing his sword at Max.


Max sang like a drunk, stumbling all around the alley. He narrowed his eyes at the guards and burst into laughter, waving his hand. "Ohohohoho... come to join the party, gentlemen? I beg your pardon, but I'm all out of wine for tonight."


One of the guards sized him up. He recognized him and turned to his friends. "Isn't he that annoying bard we were supposed to take care of?"


Max's face paled in fear.


The leader chuckled. "Yeah. I guess we're in luck." He readied his sword, walking at Max with intent to kill. "Easy prey."


Max backed up slowly with his hands waving in surrender. "Let's not be hasty! We can discuss-"


Suddenly, Max witnessed the other two guards' heads bashed against one another, their helmets breaking from the sheer force of impact, and their bodies slurped down senselessly. The leader whirled towards them and saw Avernus dashing from the shadows in a blink of an eye. The guard recoiled in terror, watching him pouncing with his fist aimed at his face. Avernus slammed his heavy punch into his helmet in a blink of an eye. The sound of metal clinking and bones breaking echoed in the alley as the leader's body crashed into the pavement, digging into ground tiles.


Max panted as he collected himself, glancing favourably and captivatingly at Avernus. "Oh, my-"


Avernus glared at Max. "That was a stupid move. Always consider that if you're a wanting fugitive yourself before offering your help."


Max shook his head and let out a sigh of relief. "Y-You're correct. I was carried away trying to help you."


Avernus left the scene and ran towards the street without uttering another word. Max promptly followed him. To Max, Avernus was definitely on the hunt and was fearless for a noble.


"Leave the city, bard, before you get into more troubles," Avernus warned him.


"That's the logical situation for me, but..." Max acknowledged, but before he could continue his sentence, Avernus ran down the empty street towards the royal inn. Max hesitated but then followed him but kept his distance.


Soon, Avernus reached the inn, but it was heavily guarded with soldiers standing guard at the entrance. Avernus rotated around the building and moved into a dark alley behind it. Max stalked him from the shadows, watching him. As soon as Max peeked cautiously to see what Avernus was up to, he jumped and grabbed the second floor's balcony. Max raised his brows as Avernus climbed the walls, traversing around the windows, small grabs and ledges like a professional climber. "He is definitely no ordinary aristocrat," Max mumbled.


After a minute of climbing, Avernus reached their room's back balcony and pulled himself up. He surveyed the room, but there was no one there. His heart skipped after seeing broken furniture and signs of violence. Their belongings were scattered around the floor. Suddenly, his eyes caught Velvet's red scarf tied around the chair, swaying around with the wind. Avernus pulled it, and the smell of Velvet healed his scrambled thoughts. Avernus smiled to himself slightly, understanding Velvet's message. "They got away, but to where?" After a moment of guessing, he concluded Velvet had escaped to Tabatha's hideout.


Avernus tied the red shawl around his waist as he heard guards marching down the hallway. He raced and jumped from the balcony, grabbing a long Imperial flag that drooped toward the street and slid down smoothly.


Max startled and stumbled backward as Avernus landed beside him.


"My god! You gave me a heart attack!"


Avernus glared skeptically at Max. "Stop following me."


Max swallowed and breathed heavily, levelling a pleading gaze. "I can't. I need your help."


"I don't have time for this."


Max stepped forward before Avernus took off at Tabatha's inn. "Listen, I lost everything." Max blurted before coming to his senses, shaking his head afterward. "Just let me tag along. I know you're going to escape the city, and I can't do it on my own with all these coup forces patrolling the streets."


Avernus paused as he stared at the bard, starting to feel the same annoyance when Magilou tagged along two years ago. "I can't guarantee your safety. If anything happens, it's on you. And I'm not leaving the city before finding my family."


Max's beamed. "Sure! I mean, I doubt you'll get us into trouble."


Avernus titled his head at the main street, signalling him to follow. Max nodded, and they both melted into the darkness of the scarlet moon, moving swiftly through shadows toward Bloodwings' inn.


Max was surprised that the reddish gloomy, dark and frightening streets of Loegres that night didn't faze Avernus. Avernus navigated the city's dark corners like a pathfinder as if he was born in this city.


Max decided to break the ice and open himself a little bit to get Avernus's trust. "I used to run a good business. It was called Delphi theatre."


Avernus stopped behind a wall and peeked to check their surroundings. "Never heard of it before."


Max immediately stopped and raised a brow, taking it as an insult. "You didn't-." He growled. "If it were not for that woman, everyone would've heard it!"


"Who?"


Max spotted a poster on the wall and tore it off. His face twisted in anger as he turned the page toward Avernus, his fingers crumping the poster's side in a fury. "This con artist!"


Avernus immediately recognized her.


Magilou and her new Menagerie, with her posing proudly and her fresh, colourful coat and magician hat, winking at the audience.


"You've lost your job to her?"


"She and I were supposed to perform together. But she lied and instead registered her own Menagerie, removing Delphi's name and tainting my reputation by spreading rumours of me trying to incur unprofessional ethics upon her!"


Avernus deduced his complex speech. "Did she hit on you?"


Max sighed, shaking his head. "She did. Listen, I will not mix personal pleasure with professional work. That's not who I'm."


"Tough luck. You can't expect everyone to play by your rules, and that's what you get for trusting people before you know them." Avernus blatantly said.


Max raised his arm and placed a hand on his chest, straightening his shoulders. His frown didn't match his cheering personality and seemed awfully out of character. "I'm a gentleman! My ancestors served the royal family for hundreds of years! My grandfather was king Claudin's favourite personal bard and close friend." Max raised his head proudly, letting go of scowling and smiling delicately. "My place is at king Percival's side, a true blood descendant of king Claudin Asgard. I shall continue the tradition and take my rightful place!"


Avernus gazed at him from the corner of his eyes ironically. Max unknowingly found his way to last of Claudin's child, but he still didn't know it. However, letting Max accompany him was temporary. Avernus had to find his family.


"Hey, Mr. Diphda, can I ask, what were you doing at the royal inn?"


"Looking for my wife and my children."


"I see. I reckon Lancelot coup forces hit that place hard."


"It seemed they tried. But my wife took the children and escaped."


"Escaped? You mean she managed to evade Dragonia's soldiers? How? For a woman with kids, it seems impossible to get away." Max waved his hands in an apologetic gesture. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean any disrespect."


"None was taken. My wife is resourceful. A mere platoon of soldiers can't stop her. Not even daemons and gods had a chance."


Max raised a brow in interest as he felt Avernus's faith in his words about his wife. "Is your wife a soldier?"


"She is a warrior, one of the best I've ever encountered in my life. She commands her own ship too. She fought Artorius's exorcist forces as well as daemon hordes that plagued the land before the Age of Maotelus begun."


"You speak as if your wife is a goddess of war," Max said.


Avernus slightly smiled. "She is."


Then, they arrived at Baskerville's Inn. Avernus scanned the building and noticed the door had been heaved inward and slightly ajar as if it was forcefully opened. He gently pushed the door and moved into the Inn cautiously. Avernus heaved a breath in concern, watching the broken tables and chairs littered all over the main hall. The Dragonia vanguard had already stormed the place. He saw bodies of soldiers and some of the Bloodwing members among the debris. Max's face hazed with sadness and pity as he entered the tavern, feeling dread in his stomach getting thicker.


Concerned, Avernus made his way toward the basement, where their safe rooms were located. His heartbeat paced as he saw the broken hatch on the kitchen floor and pounded down the steps in a rush. His eyes fell on the body of the main chef that was beside the stairs. Max cautiously stepped down the wooden steps. In that moment of hopelessness, Avernus heard faint breathing in the dark and rushed to the end of the hallway.


At the end of the corridor, Avernus noticed someone sitting and leaning against the wall, coughing loudly.


"Tabatha!" He scrambled at her.


Tabatha struggled to raise her head. Her darkened eyes glimmered with hope as she laid eyes on Avernus kneeling beside her. "You're still alive..."


Tabatha's voice barely came out, and suddenly, blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.


Avernus noticed a severe wound on her stomach, bleeding profusely. He instinctively held his hand over it. But then, he remembered that his pact with every Empyrean was cut off. Avernus had no more power over his magic. Not even his blood was responding to it. Whatever that domain was over the city, it had silenced his powers, as if someone made this arteseal against him.


Tabatha smiled at his face and noticed his eyes welled up in tears. "It's okay." She whispered. "Your wife and children are not here. Velvet has already escaped the city." Tabatha struggled to smile. "She made a good choice by not coming here."


"Who did this, Tabatha?"


"We have failed in discovering Lancelot's plan, and we were compromised. He made his visit, looking for your family."


Avernus's lips twitched with anger. Tabatha saw regret in his eyes and placed her hand on his cheek. "I have seen what you can do. You brought back the lord of calamity from despair, gave her a family and a second chance... you helped the people to keep their free will. No one could do what you did for this land." Her weakened voice shook, but it was filled with hope and admiration, like a mother glancing proudly at her son.


Avernus embraced her desperately. "Hey, hey! It's going to be alright. I'm going to get you out of here."


As Avernus tried to help her stand up, Tabatha resisted his help and with a bit of energy she had left, managed to smile for him again. "I'm glad that I was able to see you and her with a family. I've seen what miracles are, and Velvet's smile is one of them."


Avernus stroked her gray hair, trying not to break down. "I didn't do it alone."


Tabatha chuckled as the light in her eyes began to fade. "Modest as always. You have a delicate heart behind that serious face. I have faith that you'll make it right... just like the last time." She gasped momentarily and stared at the ceiling, her pale face cheering. "After so long, I will see my Baskerville again."


Then, her eyes drooped shut, and her head fell to the side.


"No, no, no. Stay with me, stay with-" Avernus's words finally died within his throat as he sensed Tabatha's passing and embraced her body one last time.


Tabatha was gone, and with her death, the Bloodwings were no more.


Max stood a few meters away, witnessing the scene in silence.


After a minute, Avernus gently put her body on the ground and crossed her arms above her chest. "Fly to the eternity, Tabatha."


As Avernus turned, Max's eyes widened momentarily in surprise, watching a determined gaze that he never saw before, a look that would shatter any walls and grind the stone into dust.


"I need to get my weapon," Avernus declared.


Max pointed to a sword on the ground. "I guess you can use-"


"I need my sword." Avernus declared and marched toward the exit, eyes focusing on the front.


Max followed him and moved to his side. "What? Are we not going to escape the city? What about your wife and children?"


"My wife is safely out of Loegres, and I need to finish this before this coup escalates."


Avernus walked out of the inn and ran straight for the chapel in the center of Loegres. Max desperately tried to keep up, looking baffled as their plans had changed abruptly from escaping the city to kill Lancelot. "Tell me you are not going to fight who I think."


Avernus stayed quiet until they reached the old Abbey's chapel. The former Abbe's headquarter was in the process of extensive renovation. All of the exorcist symbols, alongside Innominat's sigils, were taken down, and windows were decorated with a silhouette of a silver dragon. Avernus spotted an opened window and jumped inside. Max struggled to vault across the window's edge and stayed close behind Avernus.


"What are you looking here for? There is nothing but scrolls and religious tablets." Max wondered.


Without answering, Avernus marched through the middle, passing the old chairs and entered the inner chamber, where it housed a massive and secure case. The golden symbol of the Asgardian seal glittered as Avernus bruised a hand on it. Max immediately recognized it and stepped back.


"Oh, no, I'm not stealing a high-value Asgardian treasure!"


Avernus ignored his pleas and pickled up an iron bar from the back. He shoved it between the gap and began to break the locks forcefully.


Max shook his head at Avernus's recklessness and paced back and forth nervously. "I may have made a lot of mistakes in the past, but I'm certainly not a thief. If you want to raid the treasury and kill Sir Lancelot on your own, then I'm out of here. I'm still young and have so many things to do, so many performances to do and meet Claudin's descendant. Ciao, your crazy highness."


As Max bowed mockingly and left, Avernus broke each lock one by one until the door popped out and hit the wall behind it with a loud bang. Avernus dropped the iron bar and extended his hand, touching the glowing weapon inside it.


Avernus brushed his fingers slowly along the azure blade toward the golden handle and picked up the Caliburn. Eleanor had hidden it away during the past two years, and when she offered to give it back, Avernus refused. He wanted to lead his own life and made his own legacy. However, fate was always treacherous, and he was eager as before to face it head-on.


His eyes suddenly fell on another weapon beside it, and he scowled, the white and gold ornate longsword of Artorius Collbrande. After the final battle with Innominat, Eleanor recovered Artorius's sword and managed to hide it away. Unlike Caliburn, Artorius's sword had its sheath intact.


Then, a familiar sensation offered Avernus a hidden knowledge, and he instinctively touched it.


With a gasp, buried memories of old times surged through his mind, and his soul sailed through the rainbow waves of the sword's preserved thoughts.


Avernus suddenly felt himself on another plane of existence and beside two figures, standing near a cliff, overlooking a lush landscape. He immediately recognized them; His father, Claudin Asgard and Artorius Collbrande, who looked much younger in his late teens.


"You've come a long way, Arthur." His father said, staring into the horizon.


Arthur, looking humble, innocent and passionate, nodded respectfully at Claudin. "It's all because of your teachings, Sir."


After a few moments of pausing, Claudin turned to Arthur. "You are ready." Avernus noticed his father was holding the white and gold sword and pulled it out of its sheath.


"Kneel," Claudin ordered.


Arthur obeyed and bent on one knee, lowering his head. Claudin placed the blade over his shoulder gently. "Today, I dub thee Sir Knight Artorius Collbrande, my successor."


Suddenly, Avernus was pulled from his dream, and the scene raced faraway. This was the start of a chain of memories, passed on by both swords to him.


Avernus stared at his front, face stoic as he felt the shepherd offered him the weapon.


"I understand, Arthur," Avernus replied and picked it up, accepting what he felt was a step-brother's offer of help to protect his step-sister's family. Avernus' eyes caught an unfinished white and gold outfit underneath the swords. The shirt was similar to Shigure's costume as it would cover his shoulders and the top portion of his back, but it was more decorated and more profound as if it was designed for a commander. Avernus took off his torn vest and began to change into his new look. As his mind was with Velvet and his newborns, sounds of someone elegantly stepping with their high heels came from afar, approaching him. Avernus groaned to himself and took a glance at the door as a familiar dark silhouette of a tall and voluptuous woman stopped between the door frame. Her eyes glowed white, and Avernus recognized Tiamat but chose to ignore her, continuing to wear his new outfit.


"Avernus," She called in her soothing voice. "There is no way to hide her, my dear. Do whatever you can to keep her atrocities hidden from the world. Give her a family, a new life and a reason to live. It changes nothing." Tiamat raised her open palms. "By whom? You, a selfish loner who disregarded people's needs before, thinking now playing father and husband can change you into a better man."


With Tiamat mocking, Avernus whipped his head at Tiamat and glared. Tiamat chuckled and dropped her arms. "My children are awakened and soon, will drag Velvet and her little cubs down to earth."


Avernus locked the red and gold pin that connected the two sides of his shirt and picked up the swords.


Tiamat's eyes brightened up even more. "Velvet showed me that humanity could not change. They are vile and corrupt, poisoning the earth as they live on. There is one truth that you cannot run from it: She will always be a monster."


Avernus placed Caliburn's blade over his shoulder and held Artorius's sword with his left hand. He began to march toward Tiamat, levelling a determined gaze at her. "Tell me, sister; can you mourn? Because I'm going to send your children screaming into the deepest part of hell."


Tiamat remained silent as Avernus walked through her illusion, shattering it into nothingness. Now, it was all clear to him, Tiamat had returned, and she planned to use Velvet's past against them all. Tiamat would see their efforts be for naught.


Suddenly, the doors opened widely with him nearing the exit, and Max stormed into the chapel, shutting them in a quick movement behind him. He leaned against the doors and panted, his eyes filling with fear. "They've found us! Soldiers are coming to get me-...eh, us!"


Avernus stopped, giving him an indifferent look. "Move. I'll handle them."


Max hesitated. "What? No, you can't fight them! There are at least ten of them out there. A whole division!"


"It doesn't matter. Move out of my way, bard."


As Avernus said, Max slowly stepped to the side in doubt. Avernus opened the doors and saw the Dragonia guards surrounding the entrance in a tight formation. Avernus scanned the platoon, noticing that even with that number, he had to deal with three to four soldiers at a time as the area wasn't vast for the guards to engage him all at once. Avernus raised Artorius's sword and pointed it at the soldiers.


"I would offer you to stand down and go back to your families, but what you did tonight is unforgivable, and I won't let you harm anyone else. So, make your last mistake and meet your end."


Max retreated into the darkness of the chapel as the random, cruel words came of Avernus's mouth. Max thought Avernus would offer them a way out or to stand down. Not openly invite them to battle.


It was a sure way to suicide.


The guards looked baffled and confused. They were taking his taunt as a great insult.


The guard captain stepped forward. "You are only one man! How do you hope to win against us?!"


Avernus raised his left arm and stabbed Artorius's sword into the ground. He slowly pulled it out of its sheath as Artorius did with only using his left arm. The blade shined under the red hue of the scarlet moon.


The voices of his father conversing with Artorius's filled his mind again as if they were guiding him unintentionally.


"Arthur, let's see what you can do with your new blade."


The seraphim medallion brightened up as it dangled from the sword's handle. "Why don't you come and find out, miserable traitors?"


The leader turned to his followers, and with a battlecry, the front group of three stormed him in a wild rush, screaming from the bottom of their lungs.


Avernus stayed calm and stoic as the first combatant reached him. His eyes tracked the guard's blade as he slashed at Avernus. He twitched his torso, and the sword missed him. Avernus quickly reverse gripped the handle of Artorius's sword and slashed it upward. The blade cut through the guard's armour with ease, and he flipped to his back before hitting the ground. The second guard jousted at him with his pike, but his spear missed Avernus as he sidestepped quickly and brought down the Caliburn on the soldier's back as he passed him. His sword cut the steel and the soldier fell to the ground with his helmet crashing hard against the tiles.


Max raised a brow, coming out of the shadows to watch Avernus dispatching the Dragonia soldiers with total calm and ease. He suddenly recognized Caliburn as Claudin's sword and the empire's relic. But to Max, Avernus handled Caliburn as if it was his own weapon for a long time.


The third soldier tried to catch him off guard, jumping high with his mace above his head, ready to bring down on top of Avernus. His green eyes glowed brightly and, with a quick fluid motion of his arm, slashed the soldier's abdomen in mid-air. The swords cut open the armour, and blood followed the arch move of his sword. With a faint moan, the next guard hit the ground senselessly.


Avernus, now fully reverse gripping both swords, jerked his chin at the remaining soldiers. "Is it scary to look at someone who can actually fight back?"


Max suddenly felt a chill in his stomach as Avernus's voice started to get crueller and harsher. That night revealed dark secrets of men, and Avernus was no different.


The rest of the soldiers look bafflingly and cautiously at each other before screaming and rushing at him.


Max narrowed his eyes as Avernus engaged the soldiers head-on. One of the soldiers took a massive swing of his blade. As the guard missed him, Avernus impaled the guard with his left sword as he ran through Caliburn into his chest. The second guard hopelessly threw another wide slash, only to be missed with Avernus evading and hitting the bottom of the soldier's helmet with the handle of Caliburn. The strike connected, and with a bone-crunching sound, the guard went flying.


Max felt a sense of pride and hope, feeling himself to come out and cheer for Avernus. But as he stepped out to throw a victory punch, an otherworldly shriek reverberated all around them, and a great shadow loomed over.


"What the-" Max stumbled back as he looked up in fright.


Avernus sensed the imminent danger and stepped back before a prominent figure landed on top of him. As he dashed out of the way, the creature crushed two soldiers under its feet, and the ground shook violently. The remaining guard whirled on his feet before the beast batted him with a swing of his large hand, tossing his broken body over the street.


The scarlet moon illuminated the monster's features with his growl, a draconic creature with colourful scales and a set of four horns. It had a very long dark mane that was unusual for a demonic mutation. The beast stood straight as if it was comfortable in its form, like a daemonborne.


Max quickly stepped back into the chapel. "This is not good! We need to run!"


Avernus looked over his shoulder at Max. "So, you can see the daemons too."


"Eh? T-That's not the case! Look at it! You can't fight that thing!"


"Insignificant creatures." The beast howled. "I have been asleep for thousands of years, only to be awakened to a world filled with the same filth."


Max gestured at the monster, his voice shaking. "T-That thing just talked!"


"Silence, insect." The monster hissed. "I'm an ascended Seraphim, the perfected being."


Avernus sized the creature up. "A corrupted seraphim that have some of its mind untouched."


The humanoid drake leaned slightly as he focused its red eyes on Avernus. "I sense the seraphim blood in you. You must be what the Great Brother told me about." It retreated his head back, chuckling. "You are powerless and useless. Killing you in this state means nothing to me."


Avernus twirled both swords, walking fearlessly toward the beast. "Talking is cheap, seraphim. Has your thousand years of sleep made you incapable of fighting humans?"


The draconic seraphim bared his teeth, and magical symbols began to appear around him. "Very well. I shall grant you a painful death you desire."


The sigils lit up and launched focused beams of destruction at Avernus. He immediately dodged them and the rays impacted the ground, destroying a large portion of the pavement. The shockwave threw Max over into the door with pebbles and debris raining down over him. The beast controlled the beams, and they followed Avernus as he jumped over the walls and ran like the wind, closing his distance. With a broad slash of his swords, he hit the daemon's legs, but his swords bounced off an invisible magical barrier. Avernus noticed the beast threw his claws, but they missed as soon as his backflipped out of the way. Avernus quickly resumed his attack and pounced toward the daemon's face. The creature opened its jaw, and a blinding beam of light shot at Avernus. He immediately raised his swords and put up a firm guard. The ray hit his blades, and Avernus was pushed back. The daemon focused more of his energy into his beam, widening its jaw. Avernus growled as his defences held up against the destructive magic, standing his ground.


Max watched the scene in awe, feeling a hidden admiration for Avernus as he resisted that terrible magic.


The daemon stopped his attack, and Avernus reflected the built-up energy, sending it as an explosive wave around the area.


The draconic seraphim snorted at Avernus. "Your mere swords cannot pierce my true magic. You and your tools are insignificant as are your lives. We will purge your stains of existence from this world and make a new one free of humanity's sin."


Avernus, stoic as ever, raised his hand to his face and glanced at both swords from up-close. "Mere swords, huh? Well, you see, these blades carried a lot from our lives throughout millennia. Our victories, our defeats. Our joy and our sadness. They saved lives, and sometimes, they took them away. These swords carried hearts and souls of people throughout history, mistakes and achievements of idiots that had hopes and dreams." Avernus' eyes suddenly began to shine brightly, and his loose long hair began to float behind him as he remembered Arthur and his father's efforts for a better tomorrow. He squeezed the handles and frowned in anger and defiance. "These swords are the tales of our lives. They are the tales of humanity! And there is just no fucking way I'm going to let you or anyone else steal our chance at living our lives!"


Max covered his eyes as the swords lit up in a brilliant light.


The draconic seraphim growled in anger. "You insolence insect!"


The scales on the daemon's body lit up in response, and its snake-eyes surged with magic as it opened its jaw for a final attack.


"Die!"


The new beam attack shot at Avernus and connected with his crossed blades. Avernus pushed on against the energy, and it seemed the seraphim magic began to fail against Avernus's advance. Max rose on his feet, feeling hope running through his vein. "That's not possible... how is he doing that?!"


With a strained shout, Avernus released the built-up energy once more, and it fired back at the daemon. The magical power exploded near its face, and the beast stumbled to its back before howling in fury and jumping at Avernus, raising its sharp claws. The daemon's attack burrowed deep into the empty ground as Avernus dashed to the other side. The beast pounced in a frenzy but Avernus evaded its piercing claws again in a quick movement.


The images of Arthur training early morning with his sword on the top of the mountain passed his mind.


"Nimble like a wolf, quick like the wind..." Arthur's whispers provided his mind with instructions, artes and Arthur's special techniques.


"Feed your rage."


Max watched their dance of death closely; he figured Avernus's shadow to be like a running wolf at first and then, it seemed it stretched into a flying dragon.


The daemon frantically tried to track Avernus's movement but failed to keep up, whipping his head around futility. "Why won't you die?!"


As daemon's claw came raking down with a final attack, Avernus jumped high above them in the sky, and the daemon's attack crushed the empty ground once again. Max raised his head to see Avernus floating under the red moon as it framed around him.


"Ageless Moon! Rend the Darkness! Avernus put both swords together, and their illuminated bodies turned into a single radiant blade. Its glow nearly lit up the whole area. With the greatsword skyward, Avernus flew back to the ground, aiming his blade at the daemon.


"Star Beast Strike!"


His shout was louder than any battle cry and came down on top of the seraphim like the sound of death flooding the air. In a blink of an eye, the sword connected with the invisible shield and shattered it instantly. Avernus sliced the great sword through the seraphim beast's right shoulder and into its body as he landed back on the ground.


The beast's eyes stuttered in pain and bafflement, white blood trickling down its teeth. "I-Impossible! T-To lose to an inferior being."


Avernus raised his head, glaring face to face with his shining eyes. "Feel the pain of those inferior beings..." He twisted the great sword inside the daemon's gut, turning the blade. "... As you burn in hell!"


Avernus jumped, slicing the sword back up through the beast's left shoulder.


Max glued to his spot. The grave wound on the daemon resembled a 'V'. Rays of light began to shine from the wound and the V shape turned into Avernus's Shepherd symbol covering the daemon.


As Avernus landed back to the ground, the beast's body began to be engulfed by a white flame, each crack in its body flaring up and emitting white light from inside the body. Then the seraphim beast burst into an explosion, releasing all its mana. The white flames burned the ground and a pillar of white light rose to the sky. Max jumped behind the chapel's entrance as the force battered the walls and windows, covering his ears.


A few moments passed before the area fell into total silence, and the explosion became nothing but a distant howling. Max moved out of his hiding spot and saw Avernus standing in the middle with his swords back into their normal forms. There was nothing left of the daemon but a black stain on the ground with vapours emitting from the ashes.


Speechless, Max stroked the back of his head. "That was... marvellous."


Avernus turned to Max. "Get out of here while you have time."


"No, I won't," Max replied, feeling a newfound sense of confidence as he watched Avernus fight. "You are going to kill Lancelot and bring back king Percival. So, I decided to help you with whatever I can. If they kill Percival, then there is no chance for me to continue my family's tradition of serving an Asgardian."


"Your choice, but it's your funeral."


Max walked to his side, looking surprisingly eager. "We live only once." He picked up his lute from the ground and played a soft tone. "Might as well watch you kick some ass."


Avernus nodded before making their way to the Asgard castle to confront Lancelot and put an end to the coup before it truly began.​

​

​

 

[KaiserDracon]

Velvet turned back one final time at Van Eltia, sensing her kids sleeping soundly inside the ship. She didn't know, but their bond with her was intense as this was the first time she was leaving them. The thought of losing her family gnawed at her soul. Another Scarlet Night happened, and she was close to losing her family again.


No more. Velvet had to find Avernus before it was too late.


The ominous Scarlet Moon shone above. Velvet ran with haste, with Eizen closely following her. The air reeked of burnt wood, death and malevolence, thickening it.


Velvet ran past the wounded people and loyal soldiers flooding the Zekson port to take shelter. Velvet crossed into the fork road and stopped, scanning her surroundings for any signs of Dragonia soldiers. Her golden eyes peered into the distance, and her senses rose to the maximum. Velvet's motherly nature was in full effect, picking up sounds and movement with precision. Then for a moment, Velvet sensed a battle going nearby. Eizen gestured toward a column of smoke in the distance.


"We better take care of any soldiers, or our crew will be in danger," Eizen suggested, and Velvet instantly agreed.


As they got closer, screams of agony grew louder. Suddenly, a Dragonia soldier in black armour threw himself on the ground from behind the trees. Velvet and Eizen stopped and readied themselves for the fight. But Velvet noticed the soldier was unarmed, and his armour was dented and broken in several places. Terror flitted behind the soldier's frightened eyes. He crawled on the ground before turning to his back, ignoring both Velvet and Eizen. Suddenly, his face twisted in shock as he raised a protective hand over his face and screamed.


A shadow loomed over the soldier, and an enlarged guardian paper came falling. The enchanted sheet fell on him, flatting the soldier as his voice silenced in an instant beneath the large paper sheet.


The guardian paper reverted to its average size with a buzz, and a woman strolled from behind the trees, whirling the sheet over her index finger.


"Magilou," Velvet recognized.


Magilou huffed in anger, glared furiously over the broken body of the soldier. "I hope that hurt!" Magilou groaned before turning to Velvet and Eizen, looking annoyed. "I guess your night is ruined too."


"What are you doing here?" Velvet asked, "I thought you'd be well away from Midgand."


"I would if soldiers didn't ambush me," Magilou turned to the column of smoke behind her. Bodies of five soldiers were lying all around the burnt grass.


Eizen noticed the wreckage of a burnt carriage. "Was that yours?"


Bienfu flew out of the dense smoke. He was covered in dirt and ash, gasping for air as his tired limbs dangled from his body. "I managed to extinguish them, Ms. Magilou."


Magilou gazed unfavourably at Bienfu. " You were too slow! The whole thing is burned. I have lost everything!" Magilou burst into fake tears. "A fair maiden like me left with nothing! Where is my white knight in shining armour to come and save me?"


Velvet rolled her eyes at Magilou theatrics. "Why did you have a wagon in the first place?"


"My 'carriage'," Magilou corrected, " had all of Magilou's Menagerie's latest equipment in it! Tents, outfits, and all of my make-up tools! Don't you dare laugh at it!"


"What were you doing here anyway?" Eizen asked.


"Escaping from the Empyrean's throne, or now, Maotelus's shrine."


Velvet's face hazed with more worry. "Why?"


"Dragonia forces hit the place hard. The last time I checked, Eleanor tried to rally the Platinum Knights." Magilou explained.


Velvet crossed her arms, gazing scoldingly at Magilou. "And you left her? You could've helped."


Magilou's eyes widened momentarily in surprise before narrowing in mischievousness. "Helping? Oh, has the Lord of Calamity grown softer? Did you forget? I value my life more than anything, and not everyone has given me a second chance. I haven't changed, unlike you." Magilou said with a hint of enviousness, but she immediately stopped and raised her head and scanned behind Velvet and Eizen for someone. "Wait a minute, where is Avernus? He was usually glued to your side."


Velvet dropped her arms and said with a heavy heart. "He is still in the capital. We were going to look for him."


Eizen suddenly moved beside Velvet. "Wait, Velvet. That might not be a good idea."


Velvet frowned as she turned to Eizen. "What?"


"If what Magilou said is true, we need to consider going to the Empyrean's throne and help Maotelus. I'd hate to say this, but losing Maotelus is more dangerous than losing Avernus."


Velvet instinctively became defensive. "But he's my husband-!"


Magilou interrupted her. "I do have to agree with Eizen," She grinned, making Velvet even more uncomfortable. "If we lose Phi, the world will be left unprotected, and there will be no one left to purify malevolence. So, time to choose; your brother or your husband?"


Magilou enjoyed putting Velvet through emotions again. While it was entertaining for Magilou and the answer was clear to the logical Eizen, Velvet was stuck in a deep internal conflict. Velvet raised her head at the Scarlet Moon and saw its bright red shine getting more intense. Maotelus was supposed to subdue the night, but it didn't happen. He was clearly in trouble.


Velvet turned towards the capital, and her heart skipped a beat, remembering that Avernus was still in there amidst the chaos.


"I…" Velvet hesitated and took a deep breath. An image of Avernus crossed her mind, smiling and nodding at Velvet in assurance. "I'll be fine." He winked at her arrogantly. "Trust me."


"Very well," Velvet said, looking confident. "We will go and help Phi."


Magilou was satisfied and walked past Velvet. "Then I wish you good luck-"


Suddenly, Velvet grabbed her arm. "You're coming with us ."


"But-!"


Velvet yanked Magilou's arm. "Didn't you propose it in the first place? You surely want to help." Velvet grinned, showing her fang.


Magilou swallowed at her piercing glare, sensing her life was in danger. "What can a delicate maiden like me do in a situation like this?!"


Velvet pushed her forward and whipped her therion arm. Her claws burst from her lace, and Velvet raised her clenched crimson hand at Magilou in total satisfaction.


Magilou gasped in shock. "You got it back?!"


Velvet's grin widened. "You know the drill. It's starving after a year of slumber. Don't be its second snack." Velvet suggested in her stern voice.


Magilou surrendered. She groaned and locked her arms behind her head, walking down the road to the Empyrean throne. "Ugh, fine!"


The three of them made their way over the highway. Velvet sensed the flow of malevolence getting more robust, and she picked up fighting over the horizon near the Empyrean's throne.


"Who was there beside Eleanor?" Velvet asked.


"Rokurou and Lailah. The new captain of the guard, Heldaf, was also helping, but he got injured." Magilou squinted at Velvet's arm. "You said something about me being the second snack. Who was the first?"


"A daemon," Velvet remembered the attempt and her soul was flared up with anger and curiosity about the reason for the effort. "She was sent to kill my children and me. But I took care of her."


"An assassination attempt, then," Magilou said, thinking deeply and in concern. "Then the coup's leaders must have access to more unnatural means." Magilou groaned. "This is not good."


As they got closer, the fires and the road filled with broken shields, swords, arrows, and spears digging into the ground, came into view.


Velvet stopped, sensing a large concentration of hate and rage. "Soldiers fighting," She said and gestured over the road. "There."


The trio scrambled to the scene and came behind a group of Dragoina soldiers cowering behind wooden barriers. Their heads whipped towards Velvet, and she scowled. One of the soldiers raised his sword and pointed at them, his hands shaking in fear. "T-They got reinforcements!"


Velvet recalled the assassination attempt on her children's lives and let her wrist blade loose. "Come at me!"


The rest of the dark-armoured soldiers were alerted to their flank and readied themselves for the attack.


Suddenly, one of the barriers heaved and exploded, sending wooden chips all around. A giant swing from a long sword swept the swords over the ground.


Velvet looked over to the swordsman and recognized the laughter of Rokurou as his demonic eyes pierced the darkness, leaving a red trail. "Thanks, Velvet! Welcome to the party!"


Behind him, Eleanor dashed and slashed away two unarmed soldiers with a pair of dual blades. The short swords cut their shields and sent them flying.


Eleanor landed beside Rokurou and moved into a synced stance, back to back.


Velvet noticed their new outfits: Rokurou had ditched his robe in favour of a dark blue jacket, dark blue trousers, light sandals, and a hooded cowl that was loose. Eleanor wore a silver chest plate over a blue top covering her shoulders and neck and a white mini-skirt with blue stripes and silver-plated greaves. Her blue cloak with yellow stripes seemed to be made from light material, and her silver gauntlets were adorned with detailed etchings.


A fallen soldier rose on his feet and picked up a spear, rearing back to hurl it at Eleanor. Suddenly, behind Eleanor and Rokurou flashed with an orange light, and a ball of flame was shot at the soldier. The orb blasted in front of the soldier's helmet, and the explosion pulled him off the ground. His body was tossed in the air and forcefully hit the tree behind him, knocking him unconscious.


Lailah flew above them and landed graciously beside Eleanor and Rokorou. Lailah's hair was longer, and she wore her new red and white outfit with her bell-shaped skirt with an open front, showing her legs.


Lailah's serious face softened at the sight of Velvet and beamed.


Velvet smiled casually and sheathed her blade. "Looks like you guys have it under control."


Rokurou placed the Stormquel over his shoulder and strode toward them alongside Eleanor and Lailah. "These people are no match for us, but there are a lot of them."


Eleanor noticed Magilou drumming her fingers over her bicep as she crossed her arms. "Oh, you came back."


Magilou shrugged. "Yeah, yeah. Couldn't leave you people to get all the credit."


Magilou's indifferent voice gave her away, and Lailah quickly caught up on that. She tried to be polite to Magilou. "Velvet dragged you here, didn't she?"


Magilou huffed silently and glanced over the knocked-out soldiers. "Whatever. Is that all of them?"


"No," Eleanor said. "The rest stormed the other side, but Platinum Knights were handling them."


Eizen stepped forward, still pessimistic about the situation. "Then why hasn't Maotelus released the purification pulse? What happened to the ritual?"


Lailah's face darkened with concern. "There is a strong domain clashing against his. Maotelus is constantly trying to push it back."


"Is he in the temple?" Velvet asked, worrying.


Eleanor nodded. "Yes. Don't worry about him. He is doing fine."


Rokurou grinned arrogantly, tapping Stormquell on his shoulder in anticipation. "There is not much action. I expected more. When I heard Maotelus was having a problem, I thought we would get to fight a dragon."


Eleanor poked his left side with one of her blades gently. "You did enough fighting for the night."


Velvet noticed Eleanor wasn't using a spear and instead had two ornate sabres with a round handle and a blue colour that matched her outfit. "So Eleanor, your fighting style has changed."


Eizen smiled and turned to Rokurou. "And it seems someone was teaching you this new technique."


Rokurou nodded. "Yeah. Eleanor's been training a lot. She caught up very quickly."


Eleanor's cheeks turned red. "I didn't spend a lot of time with you! We hang out just to teach me the art of dual-wielding!"


Velvet waved her hand, teasing her. "It is fine, Eleanor. No need to get defensive about it. It's a natural thing."


Eleanor blushed more and got defensive. "T-That's not it! I just spent time with Rokurou to… to learn more about the Rangetsu style. The dual blade techniques aren't easy to learn-"


Suddenly, a distant explosion cut them off. They whirled their heads and noticed the orange flames were coming from the Empyrean's thrones. Velvet scrambled, and they all followed her.


As they got closer, the perimeter came into their sights: more Dragonia soldiers in a long line with archers raining down bolts and arrows.


Velvet didn't waste time and darted at Dragonia soldiers like a bullet. The dark-armoured soldiers turned to see Velvet slashing away at them with a broad swing of her blade. Her strike cut a hole through their forces. Velvet's lightning-fast moves left the soldiers with no room to counter. Her elegant moves sailed the blades on her gauntlet and boot from one soldier to another. Velvet's sharp swords cut the steel and iron clean off. Velvet slashed away at their blades and shields and sliced them in pieces.


"Don't kill them!" Eleanor screamed from the back.


Velvet turned her head halfway. "I know," She agreed, but her eyes flared up with rage. "But I'll make sure they will not hurt anyone else!"


Velvet dashed in a blink of an eye and pressed her feet, releasing the blades and jumped over the soldiers. Everything was in slow motion as Velvet flipped her body in the air and studied their formation from above in an instant. Velvet rolled in the air and slashed her legs in a broad swing. Her blade cut a clean and calculated path over their shields and swords.


The Dragonia guard's formation broke. Menagerie's relentless attacks picked off the soldiers. Eizen shifted his attention to soldiers with towering shields and reared his fist, charging it with magic. "Perfect Mayhem!"


The Dragonia soldiers were clueless. They heard buzzing sounds of magic and turned their heads around frantically. None of them could see the seraphim attacking them. Eizen's fists quickly slammed their guards to dust and broke their guard. With their weapons obliterated by an unseen force, they shouted in terror and fled the battle.


Rokurou spotted their retreat and opened his palms. Velvet saw small star-shaped weapons that were concealed under his sleeves. Rokurou cracked an arrogant small and threw them at the fleeing soldiers. They hit them in feet and legs in an instant, and the soldiers dropped to the ground, rolling in the dirt.


"My leg!" One of the soldiers screamed in pain, rolling on the ground.


Velvet nodded favourably. "Looks like you got your hands on new weapons. Nice work on immobilizing them."


"These are not just the only weapons that I've found," Rokurou rolled up his sleeve and raised his arm, showing a hidden metallic wristband that had a chain tied up under it. "Can't wait to show you what else I can do with them."


Eizen moved beside them, looking bored. "There is no fun in hitting opponents who can't see you."


"At least they don't have daemon assassins among them," Velvet said.


Rokurou's eyes widened in excitement. "Did you say a daemon assassin?"


Velvet nodded. "A daemon was after my children and me. She attacked me when I was taking Elaine and Alistair away from the capital."


"Don't you think that might be a coincidence, though?" Eleanor asked.


Velvet raised her left arm and clenched it. "No. I devoured her and took a glimpse of her memory. I heard whispers that looked like an order, but not much."


Lailah stepped closer, looking at Velvet's arm. "Did you get your therion abilities back?"


Before Velvet could answer, a group of Platinum Knights strolled toward them. Velvet noticed their armour had seen some combat, slash marks and dented on some places, but the knights were in high spirits.


"Thanks for the help," One of the knights said and looked at Velvet with slight doubt. "We didn't know they sent a lady for assistance."


Then, another knight limped forward with short golden hair and violet eyes. "That's not just any lady," Two other knights were helping him. "It's Lady Velvet, Sir Avernus's fiancee."


The rest of the knights bowed at her. "Forgive me for not introducing myself. I'm Rodrick Heldalf, captain of the Platinum Knights."


Velvet swallowed. This was her first time interacting with people that Avernus had worked with. Their treatment of her with royalty respect, aside from Van Eltia's crew, was new. Velvet never wanted to know them before.


"How did you know who I am?"


Heldalf glanced briefly at her long hair and her vestments with recognition. "Sir Avernus described you perfectly. The distinguishing features are… unmistakable, and your fighting style is elegant and unique."


Velvet appreciated Heldalf's respectful gestures. Something that she didn't expect from the Empire that she one day fought against. However, Velvet's rough persona was back, and she glared with slight intimidation. "What is the status of your platoon, Heldalf?"


"We're still alive. Some were injured, but they survived. We were able to hold most of the attackers back with the help of Miss Hume and Mr. Rangetsu."


Velvet spotted one of the scouts running at them with a breakneck speed. "Sir! We got more troops coming in from the south!"


Heldalf turned to the soldier with a pained movement, grabbing his side. "How many?"


"Around twenty."


Heldalf looked around, checking the surroundings, but he gritted his teeth, letting out a hiss and lowering his head.


Velvet noticed he was in no shape for another battle. "Looks like you need to sit this one out."


"Yes," Heldaf said and turned to Velvet, trying to suppress his pain. "But my men need orders and someone that can take control of the battle… I have a request, would you lead my knights into battle?"


Velvet crossed her arms, tilling her hip to the side. "What made you think I can lead your men?"


Heldaf chuckled faintly. "Sir Avernus spoke highly of you. He mentioned how you commanded and coordinated small teams into battles against monsters and exorcists. We are a small platoon, and from what I have seen, I can bet my life you are the best person for the job."


"You're gambling a lot on a person you still don't know enough." Velvet said with a bit of uncertainty. Strangers were having high hopes and faith in her made Velvet uncomfortable.


Eleanor moved beside her. "We have trust in your ability, Velvet. You've been doing that for more than two years."


Velvet didn't want to get involved with people out of her circle she knew. Velvet had an easier time working on her own. Before she could refuse, another voice reached out to her. A familiar one that made Velvet whipped her head towards it.


"Eleanor and the knights are right. You're born to do this."


Velvet instinctively smiled in realization. "Laphicet."


She recognized the new Empyrean, now in his normal form, was standing behind the knights and applauding his sister.


Velvet walked toward him, passing all the knights. They couldn't see Maotelus, and they were baffled by the name Velvet called, looking at each other puzzlingly.


"You know, my name is Maotelus. I guess people are going to be confused saying my name like that."


"I think that's true. Maotelus suits you," Velvet said. "But I'm going to call your Laphicet. Like always."


Suddenly, the knights, along with Heldaf, turned to each other upon hearing Velvet mentioning his name. "Maotelus?! Lady Velvet can see the Great Lord?!" One of the knights said, and Heldalf nodded favourably.


"It's apparent that there is more to Lady Velvet, and it seems she is close to Lord Maotelus." Heldalf bowed again with a bit of struggle. "It is truly an honour."


Velvet blushed slightly at the sudden respects the knights were shown her again. She frowned, looking at Heldalf from the corner of her eyes. "That's nothing, really. You don't need to be like that."


Maotelus chuckled. "I think your fanbase is growing."


Velvet shook her head. She was more concerned about the situation they were in. "Are you okay? What's with this domain I heard about?"


"I'm fine," Maotelus assured and looked at the moon, his eyes flitting with concern. "But I'm dealing with a powerful domain that I've never seen before. And it is a corrupt one."


"Is that from a daemon?" Velvet asked.


"No. It's from a seraph. I'm using all I can muster to push it back. The other Lords are dealing with other domains invading their territory."


Rokurou scratched the back of his head and joined them. "Another powerful seraph? Can even a seraph turn evil?"


Velvet followed Maotelus' gaze to the moon. "So, there are five other seraphs that are working with Dragonia soldiers. And they are nearly as powerful as the other Lords." Velvet turned to Maotelus with determination. "I will lead the defence. You look out for malevolence. I can feel their souls generating a lot of corruption. Purify them when we knock them out."


Maotelus nodded, and his body floated up high and turned into an orb, shooting back towards the temple like a comet.


Suddenly with a slight shake, rays of like appeared from behind the temple, and a pair of large silver wings rose. Maotelus's divine dragon form flew and landed on the front of the temple doors. Platinum knights saw his majestic figure and gazed over him with awe. The immense power revealed him to normal humans.


"Lord Maotelus has shown himself!"


"I'm sensing a storm of malevolence darkening their hearts," Maotelus turned to Velvet, lowering his head. "You have my silver flame, Velvet."


Velvet smiled favourably at Maotelus. "We will lure them closer and out of that corrupted domain."


Velvet shifted toward the battlefield and scanned it. Her mind planned different strategies as she swept a glance over the chokepoints and open spaces. Velvet predicated the flow of the counterattack and turned to the knights, gesturing over the area of interest. "Shield bearers, reinforce the southwest! Stand your ground and cover the flank!"


Velvet whipped her hand, pointing at a high ground. "Archers! Move to that position and rain down arrows. Shoot to suppress, not to kill!"


The knights obeyed instantly and moved into their positions with orderly formations.


Velvet turned to the rest of the knights. "Sword bearers, you are with us. We will force them out of the jungle and into open combat!"


Rodrick watched her with great interest and favour. Velvet's confident and powerful voice rallied the knights and increased their morale to the highest.


Two of the knights eagerly joined Velvet and the rest, shifting into their combat stance. "Hey, Otto, I think I can see my wife and children tonight!"


His friend's eyes brimmed with excitement and anticipation. "Yeah! No one can stop us now, Rollo!"


Eizen stepped beside Velvet. "I guess leading the knights came naturally to you."


Velvet groaned, watching the horizon vigilantly. "This is just for tonight."


Lailah clapped her hands and beamed, joining Velvet. "I agree! Even though you were a little bit more intimidating, they followed your orders without a second thought!"


"Thanks for being honest, Lailah," Velvet focused on the jungle and sensed the Dragonia troops approaching. "Get ready. Here they come."


Amidst the darkness, the black-armoured soldiers broke through the gloom and stormed the frontline. Their battle cries reverberated through the plain. Velvet and the rest rushed to meet them head-on. Rokurou zoomed and ran past Velvet, brandishing his swords. "Let's do it!"


Rokurou whipped out his swords and slashed broadly as he ran past the Dragonia soldiers. The quick attacks left a trail of blue light, and the soldiers crashed to the ground. Rokurou turned back and grinned in satisfaction. "You can't walk for a week or two… or even a month."


Velvet heard the buzzing sound of arrows flying above her and rained down on the attacking soldiers. The arrows hit them in the leg, knee or arms. The Dragonia soldiers dropped and rolled on the ground, holding onto their wounded limbs.


With their flanks secured, the rest of the platoon choked between the only way they were left to go; right toward Velvet and her group.


Eizen rushed and slammed his fist into an unsuspecting Dragonia guard, tossing him into the air. The others whipped around in fear as they couldn't see him. Their voices stuttered, and they began to step back. Eizen circled them with his hands behind his back. He leaned closer to a soldier's ears and flung his fingers, creating a slight wind burst.


The Dragonia guard screamed like a child and fell on his back, crawling on the ground. "Ghosts! They've got ghosts!"


Another guard whipped his blade and slashed aimlessly, cutting empty air and eyes darting from left to right. Eizen crept up behind him and patted his shoulder. He shrieked and dropped his sword, running away, but he tripped over the previous soldier and fell on him. As both struggled to get up, Eizen grabbed his head and smacked their head into each other.


"It's just too easy." Eizen groaned, bored as an invisible being took all the excitement out of the fighting for him.


As the fight went on, Velvet clashed against the Dragonia leader. The heavily armoured knight recognized her and raised his towering black shield, and slammed it into the ground. "I have sworn revenge to bring justice to those who killed sons and daughters of the Dragonia house. I'm blessed, for I shall take their vengeance on their behalf!"


A shock went through Velvet's nerves. How did they know? Did they do it because of what they did all those years ago? Velvet remained unflinching and gazed coldly into the narrow gap of the knight's helmet. "And you want to do more harm by killing innocent people?"


"Time for talk has passed, fiend," The knight unsheathed his sword. "Submit and die!"


The Dragonia captain pushed on toward Velvet, taking cover behind his shield as he prepared to bash her. He smacked his guard, but it hit nothing as Velvet quickly stepped to the side effortlessly. Velvet's superior reflex made her observe this in a slow motions speed. She had the opportunity to slash the enemy captain and end him there.


But Velvet kicked him in the waist, and he lost control, falling to the ground.


"Surrender, and you can still have your limbs." Velvet spared him, but her voice was still threatening and intimidating as before.


The Dragonia captain rose on his feet and resumed his stance. "Never!"


"Fine," Velvet whipped her arm and released her shining blade. "I'm running out of patience anyway."


The Dragonia captain rushed at her and swung widely. He missed, and he followed his attack with another slash. Velvet's nimble body smoothly dodged each of his attacks until he tired himself out with constant and pointless swinging. He was no match for a seasoned warrior like her.


With a heavy gasp, he brought his sword down one final time. Velvet reared her arm and slashed with a heavy swing. Her blade clashed and hit his sword in an instant, pushing it away like a flash of thunder. The enemy captain stumbled back, letting out a strained groin. Velvet pressed her feet, released the hidden blades from the back and front of her boot, and raised her leg vertically to the top, standing on one foot.


It all happened in a blink of an eye. Velvet's flawless and quick slashes of her foot blade left crimson trails and cut the towering shield. The knight captain froze and glanced terrifyingly at his shield. It suddenly fell apart into dozens of pieces.


The knight captain tossed the shield's remains and prepared to charge one last time, grabbing his sword with two hands.


Velvet, still standing on one leg, threw one last heavy kick into his helmet. Velvet's metallic book crashed into the steel and pulled him off the ground, and sent him flying.


The two Platinum Knights, Otto and Rollo, were watching the combat with great interest. Their eyes followed the enemy captain's body as it landed between them with a loud bang.


"That was awesome!" Otto patted the other on the shoulder, feeling victorious. "It seems we won-"


Suddenly, Velvet caught the enemy captain as he rose on his feet and prepared to slash the Platinum Knights with a surprise attack.


Velvet acted in an instant and pounced at him. She intuitively whipped her therion arm, and her claws tore through her magical lace. Velvet swung her enormous claw and ripped the sword out of the captain's hand. The force pushed him away, and he hit his head into the stone on his way down, knocking him down for good.


But Velvet gasped. She just unleashed her therion claw right in front of the people. She turned to the Platinum Knight and surprisingly saw them looking at her with awe and favour.


"That was… badass! Lady Velvet can do magic too?"


Then Velvet remembered, they couldn't see her therion claw, as it only looked like she did a heavy slap move with magical red sparkles. She heaved a sigh of relief.


Velvet matched at Otto and picked his sword up from the ground. Velvet frowned, glaring scoldingly into his eyes. "You need to be focused to survive any battle! If you want to go back to your family, you must stay focused!" Velvet twirled the sword and pointed the handle at him. "You have a duty to go back to your family. Do you understand?"


Otto accepted the sword and bowed quickly in shame. "Y-Yes, ma'am!"


With the whole platoon down for the count, Velvet swept a glance one last time over the battlefield.


But her heart skipped a beat. Goosebumps ran across her skin as she felt malevolence enveloping the area.


Velvet raised her head, and thick dark clouds covered and swallowed the crimson moon.


The rest joined her, feeling uneasy as a terrifying sensation fell all over them.


"Look at the clouds! Why are they moving so quickly?!" The knights shouted.


Eleanor clutched her chest and fell on one knee. Rokurou and Lailah helped her back on her feet. Eleanor gritted her teeth. "The malevolence! It's… too strong!"


The ground suddenly shook beneath their feet. Once. Twice and kept shaking rhythmically as if giants were walking toward them. Rokurou's daemonic eye flared up and squinted into the dark forest in front of them.


"Here they come."


Velvet spotted pairs of red eyes appearing in the gloom with heavy breathing and eldritch screeches piercing their eardrums.


"Monsters," Velvet said and turned to the knights. "Go back and take cover near the temple. This is not what you were trained for."


"But we can't leave you alone," Heldalf insisted as other knights helped him, limping on one leg.


Velvet turned halfway and looked at them from the corner of her eyes. "If you believe in my judgment, then you will do as I say."


Unsure, Heldalf stayed silent for a few moments before turning to his men. "Group up near the temple and wait for further orders."


Eizen noticed something in the sky, gazing at it intently. "Looks like we have our culprit here."


Velvet and others followed his eyes and spotted someone levitating in the sky.


A tall man with a black and dark purple long coat floated down gracefully in front of them. His hair was gray and lifeless as ashes and eyes crimson as blood. He landed on the ground, holding a long trident.


"That's the seraph Laphicet was talking about." Velvet recognized, sensing his crushing domain on her psyche. She instantly recalled Innominat's domain stretching over the planet. But this one was different. It was crueller and unforgiven.


The first, true Seraphim Beast descended near the entrance, between the unconscious and wounded bodies of the Dragonia soldiers. Vassan, the ancient seraph of water and tyrant of oceans, gazed over them. His eyes showed no interest. Unimpressed, he whispered only one word.


"Lowlives."​