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A battlefield is scattered with fallen mamono. The dark skies of a Mamono realm are now unraveling like curtains. Clear blue skies slowly take their place to let in rays of sunlight on the corrupted land. From the ashes of this battlefield, an army marches on a kingdom’s capital.The banners are raised high. Among them depicts the golden insignia of the Chief God on an arrow pointed downward. Two doves in flight are placed beside the two symbols; behind the insignia and arrow are a grail and a host. All these symbols are placed on a red-violet field.The Shinar Concordat is invading the Kingdom of Corbin.
Rowanne
I am Rowanne Ornias Barone, and I am a succubus of the Kingdom of Corbin.You can say I am a soon-to-be heroine for my Kingdom, but those hopes are dashed by the arrival of these invaders from the Shinar Concordat. We had no quarrels with them in the past but they have decided to invade.The cadets, squires, and apprentices were all confined to the training bailey with a few elder captains. I’m among these girls. The rest of the Corbinian military who are able to fight are sent out to defend the capital and reinforce the remaining parts of the Kingdom – My mother is out there leading them despite being captain of the Queen’s Guard. In fact, the Queen has sent Mother and her Queen’s Guard to the frontlines after hearing that a battle ensued and that an invasion has begun.I find myself standing in front of a mirror in the castle’s armory.I am no younger than 16. With light brown skin, short bright azure-white hair, and cinnabar red eyes, I am in my mother’s image when she was young. My wings and tail are a dark shade of royal purple with my wing membrane being a light shade of purple, and my horns are a dull silver. I’m dressed for the occasion, wearing a brassiere and briefs – technically a bikini armor – with a collar, bracers, hip-guards, knee-high boots, and a tail bracelet. I wear the marking of a succubus over my upper arms, collar bone, and shoulder blades just like my mother.I can’t remember how long I was staring at this mirror. All I knew was that I was trying to keep my hopes up and be brave. For the sake of Corbin and her people.“I will not let this invasion stop my ascension into a heroine,” I encourage myself, “I will speak with the queen about this.”When I snap out of my mirror-staring and build up my courage, I realize everyone in the armory is rushing to carry equipment to the castle defenders and the capital’s local militias. The fight is coming to the capital.I examine my armor. The collar around my neck is made of bronze and teal sintered-quartz; it has twelves bronze shields that decorate it. My bracers are made from a thick layer of lambskin and deerskin leather, sandwiched between two flat layers of wooden lacquerware. Small rivets of Mamono Realm Silver keep the layers together. The surface is carved and painted to depict the arms and claws of a dragon. Straps of the deer skin leather keep the bracers attached to my forearms. My hip guards are the standard, made of Mamono Realm Silver adorned with red eyes which are signature of many inhabitants of a Mamono Realm. My bikini armor and knee-high boots are made of cotton and linen, dyed in indigo and violet; the boots, though, have soles made from similar lacquerware. As for the tail bracelet, it’s also made of leather with an accessory made out of the tip of a lion’s tail.With everything in check, I leave the armory and make my way to the throne room. There are a number of nobles, castle militia, and domestic servants going about half-concerned but half-undeterred. They are rushing.Is the situation this desperate? Why haven’t we called for allies? Did my mother and the Queen’s Guard fail?I soon see them gather at the windows to witness something terrible. Some of them gasp in horror and many start to panic. I join them to see what’s going on.The skies of Corbin are blue.I didn’t let this deter me, so I left the group the moment the panic grew. The despondency is so intolerable that I’m determined to do something.I want to lead a counterattack.When I arrive at the silver doorways to the throne room, no one is there to open the door for me. Usually it's two minotaurs in the finest armor. The doors are slightly open, so I decide to open them myself.I push them wide open without any issue.The throne room was once a ballroom. Its silvered ceilings are tree branches covering tiles of pinewood. Deer antler chandeliers hang from the ceiling, carrying glass orbs filled with lightning. The columns that support the hall is white marble decorated with green and blue faience from the desert regions and a black ceramic coating from the volcanic regions. The flooring are chevrons of black and topaz with rhombus quartz tiles protecting these chevrons. Not a single scratch or crack has ever broken through these tiles. The windows were once empty with the old stained glass that filled them having shattered from a forgotten war. They are now replaced with pink, red, and violet glass with each window depicting the founding knights of Corbin. Black banners hang from the ceiling with the sigil of Corbin: A silver cup placed on the top of a gray tower. The signature red eye adorns the silver cup along with a large pair of black wings. Red rugs cover the floor to the throne. The throne itself is made from silver tree branches, covered in garnets and onyx.The royal court of Corbin is gathered here and among them is Queen Branda, or Branda the Elegant. Her skin is a blueish gray blessed with spirals of demonic markings. Her hair is like a flowing fall of black ichor. Her black, red-tipped horns and black succubus tail glistens with a red shine. She is no taller than me, but she is still considered an adult. She is a Demon in a red cloak and revealing lavender armor. Her presence defines royalty and demands respect.When I came into the room, all eyes were on me. It became silent. The Queen sits on her throne with a sickly look; she almost appears distraught.I walk down the ballroom and stare at my Queen. She stares back, trying to hide her sickly look with a small smile. Two guards stand in my way and block my path with halberds.My Queen clears her throat and stands up. Her soft deep voice is enough to command her guard.“Let her through,” she requests.The guards nod and step out of the way. I proceed to walk up to her. This is the closest I’ve ever been to the queen; the last time we met face to face was almost a decade ago when I was shorter.“You’re Flannery’s daughter… you must be here about your heroine promotion,” Queen Branda addresses, “Your mother would’ve been proud, but I’m sorry we had to delay.Flannery is the name of my mother.I give a nod. “My queen, I still want to go through with the ceremony.”My request surprises the court and they all start mumbling. Queen Branda gestures to them to be silent. She shakes her head.“Rowanne, this battle will be over soon enough–”“Do you see those blue skies?” I argue. “It means trouble. The battle isn’t going well, I just know it! I want to be there with my mother and Corbin’s defenders.”“You do realize how long it takes to set up and perform the ceremony.” Queen Branda is insistent that I wait.I propose we hasten the promotion.“Forget traditions and preparations,” I hasten, “It will just have to be quick.”“I’m sorry, but…” Queen Branda looks to the side for a moment before looking at me. “Your mother won’t like it if she isn’t here to see you become a Heroine.”My mother has been Queen Branda’s guardian since they were kids; My mom was her royal playmate before taking up arms and rising through the ranks of the Queen’s Guard. Now, mother does all she can to protect her queen even as going out to face the invaders.“Mother would definitely not want to miss it,” I agree.As Queen Branda smiles, someone crashes through the window and alarms the royal court.I wasn’t lying that I was in my mother’s image when she was young. My mother has better curves and longer hair. Opposite to my revealing armor, my mother wears the finest Mamono Realm Silver fit for a knight.She is badly injured and the royal court’s finest witch rushes to treat any wounds. This alarms everyone even further as no Mamono has been harmed; at the same time, they shouldn't expect the worse. I also rush to tend to my mother.“Haelan,” I whisper. A green glow appears in my hands and I treat the small cuts.This magic is etymancy – the magic through the family tree of words. I learnt this form of magic from my mother and it only took me a month to understand and use it.“What happened?” Queen Branda approaches.“The main army… They routed. Many are captured and...” My mother is exhausted. “I rallied as many as I could and retreated here. I ordered my captains to set up defenses and prepare an evacuation. Civilians are being moved to safety as we speak.”The royal court is now chattering among themselves, and Queen Branda cannot silence them. My queen helps mother up and holds her hands.“We need to retrieve our relic then,” Queen Branda states, “Remember that garden fountain that we played around?”My mother nods. “We’ll have to be quick then before–”Soon more windows shatter and a wall collapses along with pieces of the ceiling.Cannon fire. The shots are somehow lucky to demolish a part of this castle.Then everything goes dark.Moments later, I'm able to come to my senses and pull myself out of the rubble that the cannon fire left.“Swapan. Gustr.” With a wave of my hand, a gentle wind clears the area of dust.Half of the throne room is now rubble, I see the royal court scramble to leave the palace. I also see soldiers do what they can to remove some rubble and search for anyone. I see my mom calling to other for help."Help the queen!" She calls out.Queen Branda is under some rubble and a wooden beam. I rush in along with other Mamono to assist, picking rubble from the pile while my mother and another remove the beam. I help pull the Queen out of there and lay her against a large piece of rubble."Haelan...Gratia..." I let a green aura flow from my braces to parts of the Queen's body.She breathes slowly and relaxes.My mother stands beside me. "How is she doing?""Just little bruise and some dirt," I examine, "She'll be okay."Then Queen Branda gestures to me and my mother to come closer. I do so.I can see the tears in Queen Branda’s eyes. “Head to the fountain and retrieve the relic there. The path of escape is also there. And whatever you two do, head to Lescatie..." She thne looks to my mother. "Flan… I’m sorry.”“No, I should be sorry,” my mother replies, “I failed you.”“But you cannot fail the people.” Queen Branda holds her hand. “My friend…the kingdom’s people, not the kingdom itself, must survive.” She looks at me. “You must understand this too.”I reply with a nod.Branda smiles, closes her eyes. "Now go.""What about you?" I question. The queen shouldn't be left behind.My mother looks to the side as if know why the queen is staying behind.Soon knights of the Queen's Guard arrives, armed and ready to protect Branda. She smiles and shakes her head. Her eyes open and are fixed on me one more time."I'll be fine... I still have work to do here." Branda allows two mamano help her up. "Do make me repeat myself. Queen's orders.Then my mother starts following the evacuation orders. She is quick to execute them and assure everything goes smoothly.“Gather everyone in the castle and prepare an evacuation,” my mother commands, “I’ll let the army bring the people to the castle.”She then looks at me.“Rowanne, head to the garden fountain.” She walks up to me and places her hands on my shoulders. “The relic is at the very top, in the waters of the fountain head. The path that Queen Branda is talking about is underneath. Your promotion can wait.”I am upset that we won’t be able to perform a quick ceremony like I wanted. All I can do is nod and follow the order, but my mother can see how I feel.“Rowanne, we’ll make you a hero soon.” My mother then leaves the throne room along with the royal court. “Not here and not today. Soon.”I look to the side for a moment and take a deep breath. I leave the throne room to make my way to the castle gardens.Despite the blue skies, the dark shades of the trees and bushes and the illuminating pink, red, and blue of the flowers and toadstools keep the gardens luscious as I remember. I head to the center of the garden where the fountain is.I fly up to the top of the fountain and reach in. I grab a hold of something smooth and cup-like. I pull it out of the water.It’s a chalice. It’s made from various metals, but the majority of the component appears to be some kind of silver. This silver, though, isn’t the kind that the Mamono Realm commonly uses. The base has a golden tint and has the shape of a four-leaved clover, Each leaf is adorned with either a blue gem, a red gem, a green gem, or a yellow gem. The stem has no detail and has this golden tint. The cup itself has a blackish tint with a golden edge covering the rims; There are etchings of vines and leaves on the cup.“The queen’s chalice?” I ask myself.“A grail,” my mother corrects, arriving with a large number of mamano.I turn to face her. She is pretty quick in notifying the capital.She came with the first group of civilians, soldiers, and captains. She also has in her right arm a set of weapons and a scarf. I walk up to her so we’re standing face-to-face.“Say the words that can move the fountain,” My mother requests.I look back at the fountain and hold my hand out. “Levis. Forth.”The fountain reacts and it floats in midair, surprising the evacuees. It moves back away and gently lands without harming a blade of grass. Underneath the fountain is a massive stairway of a former mine. Immediately the captains and soldiers start guiding the evacuees inside while sending ahead scouts to assure a safe escape.My mother stands beside me and pats my shoulder. We then stand face-to-face again.She first presents to me a scarf. “This scarf took generations to make. Each Barone before me had to sacrifice whatever we hunted. A snake, a lizard, a lion, a camel, a giraffe, and the one I hunted, a leopard. I pass it down to you as an heirloom. When you become a hero, promise me that the first thing you do is hunt for an animal pelt to add to this scarf.”I take the scarf and smile. I’ve known about this scarf since I was four. It’s customary for the Corbinians to keep possession of an heirloom at all times once it’s passed down. Losing an heirloom disgraces one’s own family until it is found. In my mother’s family, this is an honorary moment for me to add another pelt to the scarf.I put the scarf on and wrap it around my neck.My mother then presents to me a short sword in its scabbard. The scabbard is made from simple beech wood polished with a dark material. Bronze and Gold adorn both ends of the scabbard along with a Mamono Realm Silver ring in one part and a tip at the end.“This is Queen Branda’s hunting sword,” my mother explains, “She doesn’t really use it to hunt, but her ancestor once used it for that purpose. And it has been improved over the years so that it can both see battle and hunting. Make this your signature weapon once you become a hero so that the royal family continues through our family in spirit. I promised this to my friend, Queen Branda if anything were ever happen to her...”I know the name of this sword: The Questing.When I take the sword, I unsheathe it to see the entire blade. This sword turns out to be a hunting sword with the blade being high-quality Mamono Realm Silver. A portion of the blade isn’t sharpened so that gold etchings can be made for a dragon design. The guard and pommel are made from a form of green gold and the rain guard is a blackened Mamono Realm Silver with the signature red eye. The handle is smooth and comfortable; it's made from cherrywood wrapped with lambskin.I sheathe the sword and smile at my mother.“I’ll treasure these. I won't disappoint.”Soon, we start moving to the castle walls to monitor the situation from there.…Hour after hour, as we escort the evacuees to the mines, the invasion draws nearer. One more group of evacuees is supposed to arrive but they are running late. The armies are already rallying around the castle using everything they can as barricades and palisades. Archers and defense weapons are rushed to positions where they can be useful. According to my mother, few scouts and skirmishers are still out there either lost or are standing ground to slow down the advance.An alp scout flies up to us and reports: the last group was held up at one of the capital’s gates straight ahead. Someone closed the gate before they could pass through.“We’re the last to follow the evacuation then…” My mother sounds regretful. “All troops! Prepare to fall back! We must honor the Queen’s wishes! Corbin has fallen! Yet, Corbin’s People shall carry on its spirit!”I see some of the mamono preparing to pack up and prepare a retreat, but a majority remain where they are. Some captains appear to refuse to leave. My mother asks one of them only to learn that those staying are actually sacrificing themselves so that Corbin’s People can get as far away from the invaders as possible.With that said, my Mother and I nod to each other and head off with a contingent of our mamono into the mines.Inside, it is a grand hall as large as a cathedral’s interior minus the stained glass windows and candles. Special cyan crystals illuminate these chambers along with cavern streams filled with pure water. We traverse these mines until we hear the echoes from the entrance behind us. The invaders are already pushing further.Soon more of our sisters decide to stand their ground while the rest carry on.The enemy can be heard chanting and delivering war cries in the halls before showing themselves. They are dressed in red-orange lamellar cuirasses over steel chainmail and cotton tunics and trousers, steel segmented helmets and greaves, and leather belts and boots. Three of them have conical helmets made from silver, signifying some kind of high rank. There is also one that has a unique helmet that comes with a lion’s skin cloak – This must be their commanding officer – and another with a wolf’s skin cloak while carrying a banner. They all carry the same sets of weapons: long two-edged swords, curved rectangular shields, javelins, and daggers.I count 15 already in the hall and standing their ground at the forming defense from Corbin’s military. Eight more enter with lighter armor while armed with composite bows.The Corbin defense that form did not give an inch.My mother pats my shoulder. “They’ll be fine, we need to keep moving.”But there is no one to lead them, I thought. She gives me a look of assurance that these girls’ sacrifice will not be in vain.I give a nod and follow my mother.The chants and war cries soon become the sounds of conflict. I can hear one mamono follow after another. It’s unbearable but I steel myself. This conflict is something we must risk so that further conflicts will never happen. That is what we Corbinians believe.Soon another group of Corbin soldiers decide to turn back. There seven of them in total armed with heavy weapons. I can hear the conflict dying down, but there are likely a few still holding the line. As for the evacuees, I can no longer hear them and they’ve likely reached the end of the escape route.“Let us help them,” the Corbin soldier demands to my mother.My mother hesitates at first. “Are they safe?” She must be talking about the evacuees.“They reached the end but a few are waiting for you and your daughter.” The soldier nods. “We want to give more time.”My mother sighs and gives a nod.As the group proceeds to resume their movement, a young man shouts.“Anemos!” A blast of wind pushes the seven soldiers away.My mother and I use our swords to anchor ourselves to the ground. After we recover, we quickly turn back to see the seven soldiers slowly recover and react.Approaching us is a young male human with fair skin, short dark brown hair, and brown eyes approaches us while armed with a rapier in his left hand. He wears a beige long-sleeved cotton shirt, a leather vest and shoulder belt, a pair of light steel shoulder guards, a pair of dark gray trousers with a chainmail skirt and steel hip guards, a long green cape that reaches my knees, and a pair of dark-leather boots.His right sleeve is ruined and in his right hand is a black gauntlet with gold engravings embellished with a few garnets on the knuckles and a green gem.The first four Corbin soldiers charge only for each to be cut down with one slash. The remaining three cooperate only to be cut down the same way. All of them lay there unconscious. Not a single wound.The young man twirls his rapier and stands across from us.“You have some nerve trying to escape.” He is glaring at us. “Who do you think you are?"My mother’s shocked look immediately turns into a hostile glare. She draws her sword and grits her teeth for a while before giving me an order. “Rowanne, leave without me. This is all I can take. I cannot forgive him.”“Mother…” I don’t know what to say but offer my help. “I can’t let you fight him alone.”“No, Rowanne, this is the man leading the invasion, this is the name who accuses our kingdom of treachery, and this is the cause of the fall of Corbin!” She turns her head. “Go! This is my fight!”“Mother, but…” I step back and shake my head. I don’t want to leave her.“Rowanne!” My mother is then forced to focus on the young man.The two clash blades and trot about the hall. My mother seems to have the upper hand as she is taller than this human. I see her flying about swinging and parrying gracefully and across the hall, forcing the young man to take several steps back in order to not get hit.Despite the upper hand, I can see that this young man is no ordinary soldier – He’s a Hero blessed by the Chief God. Yet… I don’t sense any holiness in this man. Nevertheless, I notice that whenever he takes a step back, he returns the favor by taking two steps forward to strike and follow up with a few impressive swings.My mother doesn’t falter from his retaliations. I continue stepping back, still refusing to leave her. Either I accept the sacrifice or remain to help her.It feels like minutes have passed, but I come to the decision to stay. As I draw my sword, the moment comes too late."Collabi!" My mother wave her hand down and the cave rumbles. I see ceiling give in and I rush out of the wait. Then there is dust obstructing the view. I can barely see my mother and that young man except for sparks from blades clashing. At least I can hear.My mother sweeps the young man off his feet and delivers a stab to his gut. It’s an attempt to drain him of his energy and turn him into an incubus. She is able to stab his side and not leave a wound.The young man gasped when the sword impaled him. When she pulls out, his breathing slows down and closes his eyes. My mother sighs with relief and steps closer to make sure he has turned.Something isn’t right.Suddenly, the young man opens his eyes and delivers a thrust of his rapier into my mother. She's quick to jump back, but the man lunge forward and clashes blades. He pins her down on her back.I could've sworn his blade glowed.“No!!!” I scream. All that calmness melts away. I almost thought I lost her."Rowanne, I told you go!" My mother is struggling. "Fortis!" She pushes the young man away and into the clouds of dust. She comes up to me embraces me for a moment.“Rowanne… please go…” My mother whispers. “Head to Lescatie… To Salvarision…Drustanus will take you in.”"I don't want to go... not without you..." I argue quietly."We'll meet again, I promise, but you must go now," She orders.I'm not a kid anymore... so I must. I hope keep the promise.“I’ll guide our people there… I’ll keep the promise you made to Queen Branda.” I’m tearing up and suppressing the urge to cry.My mother holds my hands and nods. “I’m sorry I won’t be there to see you become a Hero of Corbin… Know that my prayers go to you… may a Valkyrie guide you…” She takes a deep breath, lets go of my hands, turns her back on me and prepares her sword.I close my eyes and run to meet up with the evacuees.I hear the sound of blades clashing again.My eyes are so focused on end of the mine tunnel. I feel my heart racing and my chest tightening. As I ran... I come back to something in my mind.
You have to be brave... you have to be brave... so why are you feeling like this!?!
"You're kingdom have fallen!" That young man shouts. Then I hear a scream. I stop where I am. That voice...“Mom…” I turn and sob. “Moooom!”At first, it silent... then the young man arrives."Fortis." He holds his hand out and pushes me down.Then something snaps in my head. After a moment of mourning, I glare at the young man before me. He steps back.“You… You’ll pay for this…” I draw my sword – The Questing – out. “You will pay for this!”I point my sword at him and shout at him.“Monster!”
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Halcyon
It’s been five years since the victory in Harbarray Bay. Seraphina and I are married, the Shinar Concordat has gained more support, and thanks to the expiration of the promised armistice, we started gaining more allegiances and lands from nations eager to join the revolution. It's enough to form a nation of our own.Only one kingdom stood in the way of unifying the Concordat’s lands: the Mamono Realm of Corbin.The Corbin invasion is over. We have the capital along with various towns and cities. We tried to make peace but they chose treachery. At the peace summit, the mamono were very kind to my forces and they were going to allow Corbin to transition to a vassal state to the Shinar Concordat’s establishing nation. Then came treachery when bands of succubi were attempting to encircle my forces, stationing themselves so close to our encampments.Out of the outrage caused by this treachery, we prepared for war. We routed the bands that attempted the encirclement before directing our attack to the Corbinian defenders. We took the fight to the capital and broke the Corbinian Army. We made sure we captured and defeated everyone in the fight. Anyone involved in the treachery will be shown no mercy.As for the ruined right sleeve, I used my Gauntlet of Sir Galath to try and drain the dark energy present in this Mamono Realm. There was so much energy that it left an unbearable burning sensation. It was as if my arm was set on fire. I had to use that stored energy, so casted another etymancy spell that I haven’t known before: liber lux radiare. It tore dark skies and the sun shined on this dark mamono realm, beginning the fall of the Kingdom of Corbin.Despite all this, a contingent of the Corbinians had the sense to gather as many of the Kingdom’s people and evacuate them. I tracked them down to the former mines underneath the capital’s castle.And here I stand...I am taken aback at what this young Succubus has called me after what I did. All that rage that I felt from the treachery is now replaced with guilt. I step back.The succubus keeps her sword pointed at my chest and I notice that she is taking a unique combative stance. Her feet are spaced evenly apart and turned slightly outward. She has her left hand on the sword handle near the guard and the other at the bottom of the sword. The flat part of her sword is on the bracer that’s attached to her right arm.What she just called me…
Monster… Me? A monster? What have I done?
It reminds me of that day in the Lescatie… the day it fell.
Am I taking this too far…?
This isn’t the time for me to dwell on the past, but I can’t help but do that and feel a sense of guilt.I shake my head and proceed to a fighting stance. My legs are slightly bent to show caution; my left leg is at the front and right leg is at the back. My rapier – Sempiternus – is held in my left hand with the tip angled slightly up. I keep my back straight while in this position and my eyes on the succubus.Maybe some small talk can ease most of the tension. Surprisingly, the succubus before begins."What did you do to her?" She begs. "What did you do to my mother!?!"I... I don't want tell her. She won't believe me... I close my eyes and shake my head. This only make her angry; she grits her teeth and prepares a combative stance."You... It can't be... You will pay!" The succubus tears up.“If you don't mind me asking... did I hear that right?” I question her. “Did you call me a monster?”“My queen is gone, my mother is gone... and now my kingdom is gone, what should I call you?!” The succubus spat words of venom.I give a sigh and shake my head.“You should know me as Halcyon Illaster of Harbarray Bay.” I exit my stance to give a bow before returning to it. “May I know my adversary's name?”Surprisingly she answers. “I am Rowanne Ornias Barone of House Barone, Daughter of Flannery. You had no right to invade Corbin! I was going to become my Kingdom’s hero! But before that I will be the one to slay you and avenge everyone!”I scan Rowanne’s stance and her looks. She has an aggressive posture in her stance like an animal cornered. She appears ready to lunge in that stance. Her red glare and her gritting teeth show a fury that I’m all too familiar with.I give my response to her accordingly.“Brave words for a young succubus such as yourself,” I compliment, “With a fighting stance like that, and you’re yearning to become a hero, let me be your final test.”I carefully examine her face and her fury slowly dies down. It is being overtaken with a familiar look of overconfidence and zeal. It takes me back to my time with Wilmarina and I cannot help but relive my first training session with her.I begin the fight by testing her. I swiftly swing Sempiternus, going for the throat. She responds with a swing and blocks the sword. I follow up with a few diagonal swings before feinting a strike for the knee. She responds with a few parries and counters, leaving a cut on my forearm. I step back and take a deep breath. I swing Sempiternus back and lunge to swing my sword downward. She responds with a step back and thrust. I respond back with a step to the side and a swing. Both of us clash blades, mirroring each other’s moves with ease before returning to the same distances as before. We also return to our stances.“Eyes on only me, blade is forward, and stance is firm. Fine swordswoman you are… but how is your footwork, m’lady?” I glance at her feet for a moment before staring back at her.I take a step to the left and she responds by mirroring my movement, taking a step to her left. We circle each other and I give a nod of approval.“Be glad we’re both left handed,” I compliment, “It makes it a fair fight.”I twirl my rapier and resume my stance.“I hold before your two choices, Rowanne, daughter of Flannery,” I offer to her, “You can make a last stand her and fall alongside your mother or… you can turn and escape with your life and join whoever fled Corbin. I regret what happened here, but listen to reason.”I carefully lower my weapon with caution, and I see Rowanne do the same.“There were mamono among your force that committed treachery,” I explained.She shakes her head in disbelief. “We Corbinians are honest. You’re lying.”“Then who authorized an encirclement of my forces when we were so close to peace?” I question her aggressively. “I thought your Queen and your Kingdom’ military don’t want to risk a fight. They were willing to offer their kingdom as a vassal state and we would be on our way and unified the Concordat. They were the ones who lied to me.”Rowanne responds with a shake of her head and a few words.“I’m fully aware of the terms developed from the past meetings,” Rowanne addresses, “But I think I understand that some don’t like the Kingdom of Corbin to be ruled by someone like you. You who turned your back on the Chief God yet continue to fight against the Mamono Realms.”I then see Rowanne change her stance. This time the succubus has her feet shoulder width apart, her leading foot slightly forward, knees bent slightly. She is on the balls of her feet in a relaxed and slightly springy posture. She still holds her sword in her left hand.“I’m not leaving until I cut you down, Halcyon Illaster,” Rowanna threatens.“I was trying to spare you.” There is no turning back. “You brought this upon yourself… now for the true test.”I close in and deliver a pattern that I’ve used on Wilmarina years ago.Swing, swing. Clash! Swing, swing. Parry, strike!Rowanna trips when I strike, and she ends up getting a cut to her arm. She gasps and bites her lower before returning to her stance and distance.I address the flaw in her approach to my pattern.“Watch your step, Rowanne,” I advise, “You move fast but it's reckless.”She groans in frustration and closes in again to deliver a swing. I respond accordingly.Swing, swing, step to the left, strike, step to the right, strike, parry, parry, strike.This time she staggers with a few light cuts on her left leg and arm. She collapses to her knees. She glares up at me and tightens her grip on her sword.I then point out more flaws in how she attacks.“Defend yourself, Rowanne!” I criticize. “Know when to attack and when to defend!”
She quickly gets up and resists the pain. She is now swinging erratically.I responded.Swing, swing, swing, swing, swing, strike, strike, swing, parry, parry, parry. I block one more strike, but I am about to disarm her, Rowanne hollers one word.“Fortis!” She holds her hand forward and a magical force pushes me back.I end up letting go of Sempiternus as I’m pushed back. I can hear her charge. Did she just use etymancy? I guess I’m not the only one who uses it.As she lunges and delivers a thrust of her sword, I quickly roll to the side. The sword impales itself to the ground. I hold my hand out.“Retrover. Returner. Waepen.” Sempiternus then floats and flies back into my hand. I make sure I grip the handle tightly.Rowanne struggles in pulling out her sword, but she is able to pull it free. I don’t close in to attack and I instead step away from her. She glares at me and steps forward, giving a waving gesutre.“Scildan. Bordeure.” A thin line of light appears in front of her and it rises into a glass wall. It’s temporary.“Etymancy… Magic through the family tree of words,” I lecture, “My family and a few relatives know this form of magic. And here I find a mamono knows it as well. Interesting.”“I should say the same thing.” Rowanne paces from left to right. “Scildan. Bordeure. It means shield border… I say you have some time to enlighten me with your Human reasoning.”” She spits venom in her words. Her anger is being a hindrance but this anger came from my actions.I shake my head.“You have to believe me, Rowanne,” I state, “I responded to treachery caused by your forces. Someone among your military foiled the attempts of peace. I was promising no harm to Corbin!”“I still think you’re lying!” Rowanne argues.“Then you’re a fool!” I then see the little barrier I formed disappear.Rowanne cries in anger and delivers a swing. I move to the side and cut her side and this time the cut is deep. She screams and collapses to her knees again. Her right hand is placed on the cut while she continues gripping her sword. I feel there is some importance to the sword she wields, so I step on her sword hand but don’t disarm her. I then place Sempiternus at her throat.I then show off my gauntlet and it glows. A set of bright gold rings orbit around the gauntlet and form a small sun in my palm. I will weaken her by draining most of her dark energy.Rowanne is both confused and scared.“You are not ready,” I conclude.I hear some men shout behind me, and I act quickly. I stop draining energy and let her go. With a simple fortis I push her away, and I follow up with a tunnel collapsing spell.“Collabi!” I wave my hand down.The tunnel in front of me collapses in seconds.I look down and realize what Rowanne will become.My Concordat soldiers arrive and secure the area. They can’t do anything about the tunnel collapse for now. Another mamono also arrives but she is one of my allies – my beloved Salamander wife Seraphina.She went over to stand by my side, but she has this concerned look on her face.The only thing she asks me is “What’s wrong, Halcyon?”
Milvivian
Halcyon sent me ahead of his force to reinforce the defense in the city of Galeas. He entrusted me with the command of 12,000 Concordat soldiers and a band of 24 heroes.Halcyon received letters of distress from the city of Galeas about the threat of a siege from a band of mercenaries sent by a minor family house. Further letters confirm that the mercenaries laid siege but retreated to rally with the house that sent them.My orders are to lead a relief army to get to Galeas as quickly as possible to strengthen and reorganize the defenses.I arrived there in four days – nearly half the time it took to get from Galeas to the Commonwealth of Harbarray Bay. This city used to be a citadel that stands over borders between Anti-Monster and Monster-tolerant states. One one side is a river that’s part of the borders and on the other side is a city that had seen better days before our occupation.After 13 years, this place has become unrecognizable. The city is thriving again with the Shinar Concordat. A second city is built on the other side of the river to expand the city. Farmland is also established alongside the base. Maria Genlot, a Concordat hostage turned Orderlite expert, joined me along with Halcyon’s former Harbarray Bay mentor Barbara.Halcyon gave this place the name Galeas in honor of Sir Galath, the man behind the mysterious gauntlet.When I arrived, the walls and farmland were scarred with conflict and destroyed siege weapons. The people are safe, but some of the infrastructure needs to be restored. The wall in particular needs to be reinforced. The Concordat Heroes and soldiers that stayed to keep an eye on the city were 1,523 by the time the Harbarray Bay campaign began. During our arrival, the siege reduced them to 892 strong with 341 injured. 290 were mostly monsterized or turned to incubi; most incubi and mamono had to be imprisoned at the moment.Yet another concern that Halcyon and the leadership have been debating: Concordat members who have been monsterized or turned into incubi. We do not have any policy on that yet and without Halcyon’s Gauntlet of Sir Galath, we can’t treat them. I’m not ever sure how long a mamono or incubi can remain as so to the point where the transformation is irreversible.We spend one day rushing people to dig trenches, spikes, and barricades for what is to come. However, we didn’t have time to build it all to protect all the sides. Thus, we had to plug up the gaps with the soldiers we have.We made sure siege weapons and archers were placed on the walls. The musket soldiers are still with Halcyon’s forces so we have to rely on bows and javelins. The rest who aren’t able to fight are kept safe in the citadel with a handful of my Concordat forces. As for ammunition and supplies, it is only enough to last another three days, but with conditions right now, we need all of it. It’s do or die,I’m taking that gamble.The day after that, the enemy arrives.The minor family House is no more than 10,500, and all of them are mamono of all kinds from some Mamono Realm. Their banners carry a sigil: Three green swallows congregating around a white daffodil flower on a red field. Cavalry and slingers compose the majority of the forces along with a few swordswomen and two fairly-sized cavalries.The mamono mercenaries that we are facing are 1,300 strong suited in leather and iron armor and armed with various weapons. They are a band of succubi, alps, and demons. They have one banner to spare: Two trees intertwined as one with black trunks, greenleaves, and a blue and orange field.This time they brought more siege engines: seven siege towers (pulled by heavily armored minotaurs), a battering ram, and four catapults. The mercenaries are able to bring three cannons for this siege.We raise our banner with Halcyon’s sigil: the golden insignia of the Chief God on an arrow pointed downward. Two doves in flight are placed beside the two symbols; behind the insignia and arrow are a grail and a host. All these symbols are placed on a red-violet field.The additional 12,000 Concordat reinforcements surprised them. The minor family house keeps a distance to avoid getting shot, taking with them the catapults. The mamono mercenaries remain where they are with the siege towers, the battering ram, and the cannons; they do not look very happy about this change in battle deployments.The mamono mercenaries encircled the city but because of their numbers, it seemed easy to break through. The minor house appears too cowardly to come closer so they rely on their catapults.The mercenaries did rally a large number at one of the gates where they have the three cannons and the battering ram. The siege towers are scattered in different parts of the encirclement. It's there where Maria and I will be leading the defense. Barbara is in another part of Galeas, organizing the forces and innovating in countering the siege.The two of us stand at the top of the gate, glaring at the mercenaries that concentrated in this area.“Ready for this, Maria?” I ask her.“I’ve been ready for things like this since my knighthood, Millie,” Maria responds.My name is Milvivian Noscrim, but Millie has been the nickname that has been known by the cadets I’ve trained with. And Maria has been a friend ever since she decided to change sides.Obviously this isn’t our only time sealing with the mamono in these conditions. There was the battle for the city of Harbarray Bay and there was the Linaeac incident. We were surrounded by mamono forces and we survived both of the battles.We notice a mercenary on horseback stepping forward looking up at the gates.It’s a succubus with a dark grayish shade of brown skin, lilac purple hair, royal purple wings with light wing membrane, cinnabar eyes, and dull silver horns. Her brassiere and skin tight trousers were dyed indigo, but over time this dye has faded into a light shade. Her skirt is mainly just a black leather belt, with a pair of standard red-eyed hip guards made from mamono realm metal, and a skirt fabric similar to the tails of a tailcoat as the front part is cut away. She has two teal sleeves with silver armlets. The mark of the demon is covering her upper arms, collar bone, and shoulder blades. Her footwear is a dark red leather type. She also has a signature ferroniere headband made from a silver chain with a fuschia gem suspended in the center. She has this cape made from black sails adorned with a silver medallion. Her hair is long, reaching the hips, and is adorned with three silver rings like hair bands.This must be the mercenary leader… or at least a representative or deputy.“Concordat!” The Mercenary calls in this unusual accent. “Lay down your weapons and surrender the city!”Maria and I look at each other and nod.I give this mercenary my response, “Besiegers! Try breaking through the walls and take them yourselves!”The mercenary swiftly raises her and signals them to fire. Just one wave of her hand. A few arrows are fired at the gates and the three cannons fire at the bridge in an attempt to break them open. Following that, the encirclement begins firing arrows and making a slow advance through the farmland and open fields and towards the trenches and gaps. The minotaurs start pulling the seven siege towers with a few shield-bearers protecting them.“Stand your ground!” Maria calls out to the defenders.The Concordat Heroes and Soldiers take over and prepare their bows and javelins. Those outside the wall and covering the gaps hold the line with pikes, lances, shields, javelins, and bows.The minor family house behind the mercenaries started firing the catapults, hitting a few barricade areas and missing the trenches. Their projectiles barely hit the walls of the city. But moments later, they send their archers to support the concentrated forces at the gates. Now more arrows rain in the area.Then I hear this give an order: “Aim for the ramparts!”They got me, Maria, and some defenders pinned, having us raise shields to protect ourselves from arrow fire. I have with me a shield of white and gold with a large red cross as its sigil. I take it upon myself to get up and peek over the ramparts.The mercenaries are adjusting the three cannons to aim higher.I respond accordingly to this move, “Brace yourselves!”Cannons blast out their rounds and make an impact on the ramparts. Pieces of the wall begin to crumble and expose openings. We cannot cover these up, so I have to signal some soldiers to come up and prepare for a breach; a siege tower takes notice of this opening advances on that location. At the same time, the bridge comes down and mercenaries begin pushing the battering ram to break through the gate.“Stand your ground!” I order my defenders. “Do not let the gate fall, and don’t let a mamono breach the wall!”I have my back turned for a moment to signal the Concordat soldiers and heroes to hurry.Then Maria screams out my name.“Millie, watch out!” She even reaches out to me.I turn to look at Maria and then towards the battlefield outside the city. I gasp as I feel something jab at three different places on my body. I see three arrows that have pierced into my shoulder, my hip, and my stomach. No blood came out and instead…. Oh no… I’m losing mana… energy… I’ll turn.No…I stumble back, my eyes widen, and my breathing becomes slow. Fall of the edge and plummet to the ground below it. Everything is a haze…“Millie!” Those are the last words I hear from Maria before I black out from the fall.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Milvivian
I let out a gasp as I open my eyes to the sky, the walls, and the roofs. There is this soft yet prickly feeling as my senses return. I carefully sit up and suddenly feel the pain from the arrows impaling my right hip, my left shoulder, and my upper abdomen. This is standard Mamono Realm metal so it wasn’t meant to kill someone. I look at where I landed and see that a haystack broke my fall.I look up and see the Concordat soldier struggling to fight off mamono entering through a siege tower. Pieces of the gate’s rampart crumbled and Maria was nowhere to be seen. Some of them are attempting to fire back at those still outside the walls.As I get back on my feet, I slouch and curl up a bit. My hands over my abdomen. I pull the arrow in my stomach slowly and there is no blood or tears. I then remove the arrows in my shoulder and hip and I wince. I take a deep breath and feel a slight pain.Maria came down from the ramparts so that she could tend to me. I can’t make out what she is saying but it is clear she wants to help. She helps by slowly pulling the arrows out of my shoulder and hip. I keep taking slow breaths yet my eyes wander at the disarray.The gate is smashed open and Concordat soldiers begin rallying to block the path into the city. Some soldiers begin escorting civilians to the citadel. Mamono are now flying over the walls in larger numbers. Both the mercenaries and the minor family house are now advancing. Our defenses are crumbling.I hear Maria yelling at me, but I still can’t make out the words.I feel something warm growing inside my body. Then I feel my breathing becoming heavy.Halcyon taught me his way of magic, etymancy… I can remember some terms. This one saved him in the Linaeac Incident.Indurare… indurare…indurare.I will not monsterize here. I will not surrender…I then hear Maria more clearly.“What?! What are you saying?” Maria keeps trying to snap some sense into me by shaking me. “Mille! Come on!”I grab her arm and glare at her. “Lead the men. I can’t stay here any longer.”Maria looks at the arrows that she removed and then looks at me with a terrified look.“Milvivian…” She then nods. “But what about you?”“I have to see Barbara,” I explain, “She could help me.”I then walk away, limping at first but then walking away with my right hand on my abdomen and my other hand carrying my shield. The Concordat soldiers and heroes are now putting up a fight at the gate. Soon the mamono flying over the walls land and start taking civilian lives, turning them into mamono or incubi. I rush my way to the inner parts of the city and towards the citadel.Please, I must get to Barbara. The invisible arrow wounds are starting to turn from pain to pleasure. I tear up.Please. Please. Please.I don’t want to turn!I see a band of succubi reach a church along with the mercenary leader. That leader points at me and four succubi and a demon take off to pursue. I grit my teeth and proceed to run for it as the mixed feelings are overwhelming me. The more I resist, the more the pleasure grows inside.Soon, I find myself running through alleyways and turning around corners to get to different streets.Then I find myself at a citadel wall.I couldn’t think straight at the moment and didn’t think to simply walk along the wall and head to an entrance. Instead, I attempt to climb up one of the buildings but the arrow wounds leave me in sheer pleasure (not pain), and it makes me moan. This gives away my position to the enemy and they fly to my location. I’m able to reach the rooftops and begin running.The moment I jump, I use etymancy again. “Hleapan, feorr.”The spell helps my jump get me from the roof to the rampart of the citadel. I hang from the edge and look behind me. The succubi and the demon remain where they are for a moment but then resume their pursuit.I climb and proceed to jump off the ramparts and into the courtyard below me. This time I landed in some bushes to break my fall.I then limp my way to a hallway that leads to what appears to be a garden patio. There is a fountain before me along with sealed arched windows. Moss and fungi are infesting most of the stone edges while vines hang from the ceiling. The fountain itself is tarnished bronze and granite, and clean water surprisingly comes out. There is no escape.I fall to my knees and check my things. Other than my shield, I have my sword, Uri, and the silver cross with green inlay and garnets. This cross in particular was something I found in Harbarray Bay. It’s just like the one I gave Halcyon all those years ago before it became the Gauntlet of Sir Galath. If Halcyon received the gauntlet that way, I could receive it that way too.I hold cross out for a moment. Nothing.I hold it close to my chest. Nothing.I even whisper to the cross to help me. Nothing.No matter what I do to try and connect with this cross and access this realm that Halcyon found himself in… I just cannot do what he was able to do during the Linaeac Incident.I close my eyes and whimper in desperation. The sound of footsteps echo in the hallway behind me. The Demon and her succubi are drawing nearer.“Please… Sir Galath,” I beg with tears in my eyes.I then scream and strike the cross against my hip, my shoulder, and my abdomen. The strike left an intense feeling that I cannot bear. I remain on my knees and slump down; my vision goes blurry. My entire body goes limp and I cannot feel anything. My eyes widen before they close.It’s all dark and quiet before a voice comes to me.
You must be the Noscrim.
I open my eyes and feel my strength return. I look up and see a young man before me. I feel the cross still in my hand and I hold it tight.He has fair skin, hazelnut hair, and orange eyes. He is almost Halcyone height. Two gold laurel bands decorate his head like a halo and his armor is tarnished silver and gold and maybe a mix of the two. The tunic, trousers, and cape are in various shades of green that’s ruined by years of battle, leaving them pretty dark. They have no insignia or a weapon.“You… You are Sir Galath?” I get on my feet.
I am. I was the beloved and the beloving. The enlightened and the enlightening. The blessed and the blessing. I am once the forefather of many bloodlines under House Pen-Draig and a leader to all of humanity. I welcome you to my realm.
I presented the cross to him.“Please… Sir Galath… Help me. I want to use your power.” I have tears in my eyes. “The Concordat needs me.”Galath looks at the cross and shakes his head.
You have used it yet… you are not of my blood.
“Not of my blood?” I lower the cross at first in disbelief.
You are Noscrim. You have no familial right to my relics.
“But I need this to stop Mamono from taking Galeas!” I argue while presenting the cross again. “Galeas, the city named after you for what you gifted Halcyon! You saved him and he has used this power for good!”Sir Galath simply smiles at me for a moment.“Sir Galath…” I start sobbing. “I want to use this too to make a difference.”He then steps closer, kneels down and places a hand on my shoulder. He helps me up and holds the cross with me. There is a comforting warmth coming from his presence. It feels like the fire from a fireplace, reminding me of a time with my mother one winter night.
Do you believe, Lady Noscrim?
“Believe?” I ask.
Do you believe in this power? Do you believe in the artifacts I forged to channel this power? Do you believe in the miracles that the powers can bestow? It is more than a gift from the Chief God. It is more than a bane of the Mamono Lord. It is the power that belongs to all walks of life. It is Invictus.
I then feel that the cross is no longer in my hands. He lets go of me and steps back.I look at my left hand and see that the cross has become a gauntlet like Halcyon’s. However, this gauntlet is completely white with gold engravings decorated with sapphires on the knuckles and a smooth red gem on the back of the palm.My answer is already given.
I believe.
Sir Galath smiles and his body illuminates like the sun.
Then I permit you to wield these holy relics. Go forth, Lady Noscrim.
I close my eyes and feel the warmth of the sun on my face. When I open my eyes again, I find myself still on my knees, staring at my hands on my lap. The gauntlet is worn on my left hand. I no longer feel the heating pleasure or the slight pain from the arrow piercing.I’ve been gifted just as Halcyon was gifted all those years ago.However, there is still a siege going on. And I realize I’m surrounded.The four succubi have their swords out. The demon is behind, stepping slowly closer. I decided to pretend and breathe heavily as if in lust. I want to fool them that I’m turning.“Why did you run away from us?” My act stops the demon for a moment. “You feel that, dear? Don’t worry.”The demon then takes three more steps and places a hand on my shoulder.“Let go and accept this growing sensation,” the demon lustfully whispers, “You will become one of us and you will know true–”“Graah!!” I then turn to hold my gauntlet to her face. My hand is wide open.The gauntlet glows and the demon’s eyes widen. As I get back on my feet to face her, my gauntlet delivers a light that makes the demon scream in terror. She even stepped back to get away from the light and she had her hands close to her face.She falls back and lies there with her arms out. She is whimpering like a frightened animal, breathing slowly with no will to fight further. This terrifies the succubi to just stare at me, being hesitant to join in and help the demon.I dropped my act.I look at my gauntlet and see gold rings form around with eyes. My eyes are then on the four succubi that surround me. I raise my gauntlet and it forms a sun in my palm. The succubi groan as they are weakened. Are they being drained?I stop the process and carefully look at the demon and the succubi. They are all lying there, breathing slowly as if exhausted. They’re still alive. As for the sun in my palm it disperse and becomes absorbed into my gauntlet which continues to glow.Then I hear horns outside the citadel. I decide to rush out of the place only to bump into Barbara and a band of clerics and knights.“Lady Noscrim, what are you doing here?” Barbara is holding a torch-like staff close.“Uhh… I was being chased down by some mamono.” I will hide the gauntlet from her for now. “It was taken care of now, and now I need to get back to the battle. Please excuse me!”I go around the group and run off. Barbara and her small band proceed into the area where I left the demon and four succubi. I can be sure that Barbara didn’t see the gauntlet.As I returned to the breached gate, Maria was able to get the walk defense in control and contain the breached areas and siege towers. The gate itself is broken wide open and that is where a majority of the fight is taking place.I cut down a few mamono, defeating them or sending them retreating. I use my gauntlet to weaken the rest of mamono so that the Concordat forces can gain an upperhand and seal the gate with barricades.Maria takes notice and waves to me. As we regroup at one of the ramparts still standing, two of the siege towers collapse from fire. The besiegers fell back for a time but they did not rout from the battle. I also noticed a larger army that had arrived and slammed into the mercenaries and the minor family house on both flanks.The siege towers are also abandoned and it will take a while for use to topple them down. The cannons and catapult are still in action, firing projectiles to break the remaining defense; the only question is how long until their ammunition is gone? As for the battering ram, it was set aflame by Concordat archers and rendered useless.Maria is surprised to see me no longer succumbing to the dark energy of the Mamono. Then she notices the gauntlet in my hand.“No way, isn’t that Halcyon’s?” Maria steps back. “How did you get that?”“I’ll explain later, how are things?” I request her report.“Prior to your return, we are able to push them back, but we have a lot of combatants from both side that won’t be able to fight.” Maria surveys her surroundings. “We can give some the medical attention they need, and with the gauntlet, we won’t need to worry about monsterization.”“Well I may need to leave you here to cover me.” Before I go off to treat the fallen and the wounded, I need to ask. “What were the horns earlier? Does it have to do with the army outside?”“Oh, I forgot about that!” Maria gestures me over to the edge of the ramparts. “See for yourself! Someone arrived to relieve the Galeas.”I do so to have a better look at this relief army.Large armored soldiers no taller than a minotaur made from typical metals fitting for knights. They are slightly bulky and likely heavy with all that armor, but they swing with a strength like a minotaur and a speed of a centaur. They are either armed with a halberd, a warhammer, a pike, and dual axes (or in rare cases claymores). One swing knocks a mamono off their horse.The cavalry plugged up the rear while being supported by slingers and archers. A few mages are also present, creating walls of prickly vines and thorny shrubs in a way that forces the enemy to route towards us.A few small parties of light armored infantry are taking care of the besiegers encircling. the city.The larger forces will be funneled towards us.The besieger’s rear doesn’t buckle, but someone forces them. One cavalry soldier jumps off their horse.It is a young woman in an interesting ensemble: a chainmail suit with a linen vest, a surcoat with long sleeves, a pair of gauntlets and boots, and two leather belts. There is also a white cape that goes along with the ensemble. She has fair skin, green eyes, and blonde hair. Yet, I have a feeling that something is off about her hair.I must give the order. “Maria, rally the archers to the walls and get all able arms to block the gate. It seems the relief army are trapping them.”Maria nods and I leave her to follow my order. I go off to help those facing monsterization or dealing with injuries. I use the gauntlet and heal them. Any mamono I face will face my gauntlet and be immobilized; it seems to be a good source to charge up my gauntlet. And just to be merciful, I make sure they don’t die from the loss of energy or something.Soon, I arrive back in the citadel where Barbara is about to open the gates.She sees me with a gauntlet and doesn’t seem concerned.“You met Sir Galath?” Barbara asks before gesturing to me to others who are monsterized and injured. “I can guess why you’re here in the citadel.”I stare at Barbara for a moment with confusion before giving a nod. Then, I enter the citadel to stop the monsterizations and the injuries. It’s almost tiring, but I feel my gauntlet hand burning up. Maybe taking away too much dark energy could be a problem. I have to use this converted energy in some way.Returning to Barbara, she is waiting at the gate with a small band of Concordat soldiers.“The situation is controlled, for now.” I look at my gauntlet for a moment. “I think I store too much dark energy. I converted some of it to treat injuries but…”“You have to put the energy into some use,” Barbara reasons, “I can offer some words of Etymancy.”“Well… you are Halcyon’s mentor.” I give a nod.Barbara kept smiling. “Leoht, ventus, sky.”
Antonia
My Cerelian Knights and Farm Mages are placed on the flanks, my cavalry took the rear, and the Concordat was able to close up the gap in the front and encircle them. I let my reserves pin down those besieging the city of Galeas while my archers and slingers deny these monsters the skies.We have the majority of the enemy surrounded, but they still won’t give up. I didn’t want to resort to leaving them all defeated and in the earth; I still recall that action being made on the hordes I faced in my kingdom, and I can only feel shame for the lives lost. For now, it is a standoff.A few monsters attempt to break through the encirclement, charging towards my cavalry.“Terrene Fists! Let me face them alone! Hyah!” I ride my horse forward.“You’re majesty!” One of my cavalrymen calls out.I do not heed.Once I am close enough, I stop my horse and perform my acrobatic jump towards the enemy. I pull out my sword Sabinus. It may look like a gold sword handle with only a small unsharpened portion of its blade but it’s more than just that. I take out a set of five sword fragments and mutter the words:“Frangere togaedere vigere.”The fragments come together to form the blade of Sabinus and green flares keep it together. The soul of my Gnome flows to give Sabinus strength.I swing the sword gracefully and change the properties of my sword. Half of my swings are with Sabinus as a normal sword, but the other half are whippings with Sabinus as a whip. The fragments act like thorns while the magic keeping it together is the whip itself.I even cast a spell to make the fragments scatter and fly about, hitting the monsters that surround me and send them flying. The fragments then return to me to reform as my blade.The rest of the monster back off. I leave it to my forces to advance and continue maintaining this side of the encirclement.Then something in the skies catches everyone’s attention.A shimmering wall of wisps flow about the sky like a river, spreading out in ripples until disappearing towards the horizons.This convinces the monster besiegers to lay down their weapons.Once again, I, Queen Antonia Aurelle, have won a battle for the Kingdom of Migdal Bavel by saving the Concordat base from the monsters!I leave it to my most loyal, The Knightly Order of the Terrene Fists, to arrange a surrender send-away. The defeated army will be spared after being forced into a treaty to never commit these aggressions again on the Concordat of my kingdom. They will be sent away with their weapon possessions, their horses, their incapacitated, and (if any) their fallen. The Concordat will likely imprison besiegers still inside the city.I gather a small parade for my grand entrance into the city. Just a few Cerelian Knights, my Farm Mages, and some of the reserve soldiers.“Squire, a request!” I call out to them.“You, you’re majesty?” A squire runs up and gives a bow.“Bring me my diplomacy wig!” I adjust my long blonde hair.…My group proceeds into the city of Galeas with civilians and Concordat soldiers welcoming us while tending to the damages and the wounded. I continue to march my group until we read the city’s citadel, wearing a long curly blonde wig. Here, two Concordat heroes open the gates for me and my group, and we enter to hear the praise of the rest of the Concordat defenders.Three ladies approach me and I feel something resonate.This group of ladies consists of an Order Knight, a Heroine, and a Priestess of the Order. It is the Heroine in particular that I feel the resonance come from.My squire introduces me to the girls: “Presenting Queen Antonia Glaucio Iovita Oscar Flamelina Alkalhestia Aurelianum. Grand Mistress of the Order of the Terrene Fist and Warrior Queen of the Kingdom of Migdal Bavel.”I never like using my royal name. I sometimes go by Antonia Gwynever Artorius Aurelle or just simple Antonia Aurelle to save people time. My royal name can be such a hassle to remember.The priestess gives a bow and the Knight and Heroine follow her example as well. After that, the Knight introduces the Heroine as a form of formality.“The Concordat Heroine besides me is Milivivan Noscrim of House Noscrim. A Hero of the Shinar Concordat and the second wielder of the holy relics.”Second? Oh no, I must correct them.“You mean third wielder of the holy relics.” I then let my white cape flow even if there is no wind. Gold rings with eyes appear from the cape before disappearing. “Does Sir Galath of Cavalmonte ring a bell?”My correction surprises Milvivian and the girls.I give a giggle. “Or do you people refer to him by just Sir Galath?”Milivivan gives a bow. “I didn’t know there were others with such artifacts.”I give a bow back. Respect.Then Milvivian introduces the girls. “The knight beside me is Maria Dindrane Peredur, and the priestess beside me is Barbara the Tower Firebrand. We serve Sir Halcyon Illaster of Harbarray Bay, founder of this rebellion.”“I can tell by how adamant you are in defending this city from monsters,” I admire, “And I came just in time to relieve you all before they can push further, but that aurora that you casted is quite a miracle. Well played.”I can see Milivivian blush slightly. “It was nothing, really. I just received this relic in the middle of the battle.”“Speaking of Halcyon Illaster, I’ve come here for him.” Halcyon is very important to me. “You see, I know the man since childhood.”“You do?” Milvivian and Maria reply.“Of course.” I nod before surveying my surroudings. “He’s not here?”Milvivian shakes her head. “He’s busy uniting these Concordat lands and expanding the rebellion’s influence. He did promise he would come back here.”“Well, then I guess I should wait for him here.” I then adjust my wig before taking it off to reveal short ashy blonde hair. I hand my wig to a squire.This reveal also surprises the girls. Milvivian is the least surprised; maybe she already knew my wig ruse. The wig is mostly for aesthetics when it comes to diplomacy but it seems to do the trick when I interact with people.“What did you come here for other than relieving us? Why seek Halcyon Illaster?” Barbara questions.My interests lie here to seek Halcyon, but political-wise… I know the Concordat is important for my Kingdom, and like the Concordat, I am fed up with the Order. I give them my answer.“I want to ally with the Concordat,” I answer, “My kingdom wants to be free of the Order.”“Then we have a lot to talk about.” Milvivian seems so serious about this. “I’ll see if I can get Halcyon to come over here as soon as possible.”“Do what you can then,” I reply.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The Mamono Realms continue to expand after the Great Hero of the Chief God betrayed his former god. As the centuries pass, humanity continues to fight against the dark powers only to fight amongst themselves over miniscule matters.Among the human nations, a Kingdom turned Empire is being torn apart piece by piece by the Order of the Chief God for a Consul’s blasphemy and heresy. The Valkyrie responsible for his ascendancy washes her hands clean by striking her creation down after bringing civil war to this Empire.Her name is Udane, the Falcon of Gwalchaved.
Udane
In this stone coffin is the ashes of another betrayer. He shall be buried with no treasures, no blessings, and no honors. He shall be buried with his legacy filled with lies and heresy. His existence on earth is now a blasphemy.
Bind the lid with lead. Nail it with pyrite. Coat his coffin in sulfur dust.
Light his tomb with hemlock and wormwood as tinder. Fill the tomb’s air with burning fig as incense.
At the entrance shall be carved a warning for all who seek pilgrimage to his resting place.
It is the will of the Chief God and therefore their commandment:
Beware the Great Heresiarch, for he has failed humanity. Alone among the Heroes, may he be known for his wickedness. He goes to war for ego, or for lust, or for greed. He will be known as a pestilence to both man as well as monster only to possess their lands. Let him not sway you to join his conquest, for he will burn the heavens as well as the Demon Realms for his home and man’s. Forsake him; leave words of mockery, for he is a death god greater than Hel.
May his life be forgotten – undone by the Valkyrie that created him.
There is still one more thing to do…My god wills it. I must rid myself of the deed’s I’ve done in my servitude to the Great Heresiarch. I must cleanse myself of sin for it is the only chance my God is granting me.It’s only one thing I must cut off… an angel that I’ve saved…The temple-palace complex of Cavalmonte’s capital is now empty with only the moans and cries of the Great Heresiarch’s dying disciples. I know these halls and know it as a castle with no king.I only need to find a hidden bedroom chamber. The door to it can only be open by me and can only be found in the palace gardens.It is a room with a few luxuries only a young princess would want in her life. Under the mahogany bed, the angel is there… Dolorous.All this time, she was hiding during the fall.She is a 10 year old angel with nothing special. Her body is almost lean and scarless. She is dressed in a scarlet tunic with a small purple cape. Her pair of wings are a light blue gray with one wing still broken.She was so afraid; she rushed to me so that she could embrace me. I can feel her quivering in fear. I gently pet her head and the quivering stops.She has always been like this ever since I found her.“Mother… Why did this happen?” She asks with tears in her eyes.“Dolorous… you have to listen to me,” I instructed her, “We need to leave this kingdom for it is no longer safe.”She then lets go and steps back. She nods.“Step back and close your eyes.” I grip the handle of my lance.Dolorous obeys and steps back.Hold the spear towards her with an open window behind her, but then she opens her eyes. Her fear returns.“Mother?” I can see the distraught in her eyes.“It will be fine, Dolorous…,” I assure.She has known me as mother ever since I gave her a home here with the Great Heresiarch. I gave her food, shelter, lessons… and now it will be all for naught. But it will no longer matter. She is too attached to this sinful land.“Expellere Feallan Abussos…” I cast the spell at the angel.A lightning bolt travels from my hand down to the lance before it strikes Dolorous in the chest. It throws her in the tear.I’m sorry, Dolorous, for it is the will of the Chief God.A tear into darkness immediately opens behind her and she is pushed into the abyss that is Pandemonium.“Mother!” Those are her last words as she is pushed in and the tear closes.I put down my lance and closed my eyes.It is done.
Trailer: Rowanne’s Call to War
[A young succubus is before a chamber in Castle Salvarision. It’s filled with Lescatians including Wilmarina Noscrim. The succubus stands at the center.]Rowanne: Hear me, ladies of Salvarision and Lescatie, I seek your aid.[Rowanne walks about the chamber, looking at each of the Lescatians.]Rowanne: My home has been taken from me and out of all this… I see nothing but revenge for my people and myself with hate and with envy. I feel none of you can understand what I saw…[Scene transitions to Halcyon leading The Shinar Concordat into the Kingdom of Corbin. Halcyon uses the gauntlet of Sir Galath to convert the dark energy of this Mamono realm to clear the skies, letting the sun shine on the land once more. The mamono rout in fear. Then the scene transitions back to Rowanne continuing to speak with the Lescatians.]Rowanne: To think that someone with such power can undo such a realm… it leaves one speechless. You’ve all seen it too after all.[Scene transitions again to the Battle of Harbarray Bay from about five years ago. Halcyon casts a pillar of fire that stops the Lescatian Expedition from invading during the night. In the morning, Halcyon and the Seven Princesses of Lescatie settle with a peace treaty with the Shinar Concordat standing victorious on their terms. The scene transitions back to Rowanne stopping to face Wilmarina.]Rowanne: I assure you the people of Corbin respect the achievements of Lescatie so far, but we have so many questions–[Quick scene transition to Halcyon fighting Wilmarina during the Battle of Harbarray Bay. Seraphina the Salamander intervenes and takes on a seraphim form, helping Halcyon defeat Wilmarina. Transitions back to show Wilmarina giving a cold regretting look. Rowanne continues speaking.]Rowanne: – What is the Shinar Concordat? Who is the man leading them? Who is Halcyon Illaster!?[Scene transitions one more time. Halcyon and his allies gather with those who swore fealty to the rebellion. They are in an empty chamber in the conquered Corbin. They appear to be establishing a new nation, taking a step further in the revolution. Halcyon, Milvivian, and others put their weapons together and raise them high. The crowds cheer. Transition back to Rowanne. Rowanne now has tears of blood coming down her left cheek, her voice becoming emotional.]Rowanne: This power that he possesses is a danger to us all! A hero who can truly stop the Mamono Lord like the heroes of old! A terror, he is! An apocalypse, he is! This human is evil![Door to the chamber opens and a silhouette of a valkyrie appears. Rowanne turns to see in shock and awe.]Dolorous: He is evil indeed. Rowanne Ornias Barone, I’ve come for you. You shall be granted your Heroine status and lead the Mamono against the one called Halcyon Illaster.[The dark valkyrie lands and smiles down on Rowanne who kneels in respect.]Dolorous: And you will do this deed in the name of the Mamono Lord.[Scene turns black.]
Monster Girl Encyclopedia: Rise of House Illaster
“Defend your freedom. Uncover the past. Inherit a legacy.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
[Scene shows a dark hall with a nearly burnt tapestry revealing 12 family trees with the roots missing and only the branches are nearly intact. The names are still visible: Lancel, Peredur, Mordredus, LeoDegrance, Artorius, Drustanus, Gauwaine, Bohort, Dynadan, Galehault, Anfortas, and Pen-Draig.][Transition to a peasant being chosen by a Valkyrie in a farmer’s field. Then the view pans to tapestry of a peasant riding all the way to a temple to be blessed with a chariot and a cross. And then to a tapestry of the new hero discovering a light-like power in temple ruins. Embers appear flying in the halls.]I am Galath Serenus Pen-Draig. In my lifetime, I have united and adopted many Houses to my cause, carefully understanding the power of the Chief God and the power of the Demon Lord only to find a raw power that is left unclaimed.[A close up on that light-like power before panning to a tapestry showing a dwarf, an elf, a cyclops, a titania, and a valkyrie created a set of armor, weapons, and valuable possessions for the hero. The hall is slowly burning with the fire flooding the floors.]This power, one that has yet to be named, has existed since the time of the Original Chief God. I used this raw power and learned that it can harness the energy of the Demonic and the Angelic and be converted into powers equivalent to divinity.[Show a tapestry of the hero leading a thousand knights to fight the Mamono and terrifying a few Lilim. Pan to the right to reveal the Hero’s valkyrie betraying be leading an army of her own Knights, Angels, and Valkyries.But as I was close to realizing the possible solutions, the Order betrayed me. My own valkyrie, my beloved teacher and partner, turned on me along with many allies who supported my cause.[As flames grow, the tapestry of the family trees is burning revealing scorched spots where family members once were. The view slowly closes in on the tapestry, focusing on the center. The flames burn everything until there is one man in the center of the tapestry, an image of Sir Galath. Scene turns to black.]As all the Houses that I have adopted and allied with fell one by one, and my valkyrie struck me down, I damned the Chief God for allowing this treachery and hypocrisy. I died along with my discoveries and the knowledge of the unnamed power.[Wall suddenly crumbled to reveal light.]And I know the Demon Realms will continue to expand, bringing the Demon Lord one step closer to achieving their future. And the hope that someone will rediscover and continue my work rests in my very descendants who would've forgotten me by now for they no longer carry my family name.[As the walls collapse to reveal light, it reveals a large stained glass window showing Halcyon and his allies. Scene turns to white then transitions to a close up of Halcyon. He wakes up. The scene goes to him leaving his tent and going for a stroll through a large encampment, showing people from all walks of life, greeting him and giving cheers. There are even a few Mamono.]I am Halcyon Illaster, and I am the Founder of the Shinar Concordat. We live in a world where the Mamono Realms are expanding while the realm of the Order is dwindling. But my Concordat has liberated lands of man and monster to form a federation that will submit to neither side.[Then Halcyon stops his walk as he is approached by a few soldiers about an encirclement that has been prevented. It infuriates Halcyon and he returns to his tent to grab his banner. Seraphina is there with a smile on her face and she grabs her sword. Scene moves on to Halcyon’s army preparing for battle.]The Mamono Lord and her husband upset the balance. The Order and their allies are failing Humanity. And with all these self-destructive conflicts and cowering from the Mamono and their Realms, Humanity is ever close to the brink of extinction.[Soldiers make way for Halcyon and Seraphina and they are ready to fight.]The Chief God has failed us, but we will not fail them…[Halcyon turns to face his army.]Halcyon: Now, we are free and united! To assure humanity's future in this ever changing world! Let the Mamono Lord hear us, let her husband hear us! Let the Order, their Chief God, and their remaining allies hear us![Halcyon points his rapier, Sempiternus, toward the forming Mamono army of the Realm]Halcyon: Swear to all of them: We will endure![Then show battle with the cavalry charging towards them, Halcyon responds with his cavalry. Then Halcyon sends musketeers firing from the flanks with light armored soldiers defending them. Then show Mamono auxiliaries using slings and javelins to deter the cavalry. The Mamono realm army then advances. Halcyon whistles and summons Charlene to the battlefield. Charlene lands beside him and screeches a war cry with a harpy band being led. Halcyon raises his banner.]For the Future![Halcyon, Charlene, and Seraphina charge with their Concordat Army, scene ends with title.]
Monster Girl Encyclopedia: Rise of House Illaster
"Defend your freedom. Uncover the past. Inherit a legacy."