Capítulo 46: Welcome
It was a long walk to reach the top of the hill, where the Bright Castle was situated. It was what made the place hold such strategic value. Overlooking the city from a hill, creating a vantage point to see all.
The group was not silent as they walked. Sunny left his position beside Cassie and Kai, walking beside Nephis as they spoke.
Aldric had heard the question Nephis had asked Sunny before they walked ahead.
"Do you remember your first nightmare?"
The obvious question seemed silly at first glance. Who would forget the start of their journey? Venturing out of the confines of the mundane.
It was more of an invitation to talk about what occurred. Aldric was reminded of his time in the academy.
Awakened were split in how they would respond to that question. Some spoke about it with glee, trading stories as if they were talking about the latest celebrity drama. It spoke of their need for validation and attention. Others were silent. Not wishing to regale stories about their deepest nightmare. Not willing to tell others what they had to do to survive.
Aldric reflected on what happened in his first nightmare.
'In hindsight, it was the best nightmare for me.'
It was a thought that often came to mind. He had spent over 2 months in that cave. Living and hunting. Before that, all he had to his name were ideas. Ideas on what to do and when. However, he did not have any previous achievements to gain and justify any confidence. That's what confidence was. A stack of certifiable achievements.
His nightmare was his greatest challenge at the time. To see if he could go as far as he planned. To accomplish anything that he thought of. Outside the comfortableness of modern society and with nothing to distract him, he steeled his mind. In that dark sanctum.
The challenges he had faced were difficult as well. Completing his hunt. Not knowing anything about the nightmare. Despite knowing everything about other people's first nightmare , his own was a mystery to him. Those first few weeks were tough mentally. And the things he had to do.
'Ralt'
Aldric thought with a conflicted frown.
The young man that he killed. Manipulated into writing his own death note. It did the job; however, it was a hard pill to swallow. Beyond that, it cemented his beliefs. It cemented exactly what it took to get what he wanted. And how far he was willing to go for it.
Their walk continued, approaching the fortified gates of the outer settlement.
"LADY CHANGING STAR!"
A voice shouted.
With that, a cacophony of shouts rang all around them.
Greetings and screams of joy intermixed. However, not all faces were jubilant. Experienced hunters in the settlement had grim faces, recognising what was about to happen.
Nephis dropped the bag that Effie had given her and started to take out familiar black claws.
"These past few months have been hard on us and you. However, we have preserved. You here in these cursed ruins and us out there in the ghastly depths of the labyrinth."
Now presenting all 38 claws. She offered them with open arms.
"We present these to you to become your weapons. We have slain a spire messenger. Back then, there were people willing to risk it all. The first lord and his cohort were the greatest of them."
Summoning her auspicious headband around her head with a single gem shining with radiance.
"And we will finish what he started!"
Yells and screams of reverence met her speech. Chants began to erupt as they screamed.
"CHANGING STAR! CHANGING STAR!"
Aldric looked around as they laid their hearts bare for Nephis.
His eyes screwed in a scowl.
A feeling of revulsion struck his stomach.
'Disgusting.'
That was the only word he could use to describe what he was watching.
Seeing humans throw away any sense of shame, dignity, and self-esteem. All for what? To bask in the shadow of another sleeper?
Scrunching his nose further, he relaxed his face. His eyes glancing at Nephis.
That had confirmed it. Nephis was his biggest obstacle.
A level of cunning beyond anyone that he knew. But isn't Sunny just as cunning or even more?
Perhaps. But what Sunny lacks is ambition. Ambition beyond himself. To Aldric, Sunny was a non-entity. Dangerous directly, but harmless in anything else. Nephis however.
Manipulating the physical and mental needs of these lost sleepers. Speaking tales of glory while charging them to their deaths. All with a callous look on her face.
And truly, Aldric did not care for these sleepers either. They were worthless in the grand scheme of things.
'How cheeky.'
He thought. Treating these people like disposable pawns and acting as if your cohort were any different. How on earth could Aldric trust her? After all, you never look at how a person treats their betters but the people below them. Why would she treat them any differently?
That was the crux of it. His feeling of revulsion. He may be friends with the group; however, Nephis would never be his leader.
She would be one of his biggest obstacle in the future.
Seeing the level of reverence they had for her, he knew he would have to develop something similar. Not just for now but further beyond.
Before he knew it, they were gathered in the stone lodge. A young hunter was telling the group about what had happened in their absence. Aldric did not care for the details and stood with his back on the wall. What he saw earlier had ruined his mood.
He could see the sleepers absorbing the shards that they had collected during their journey. Of course, he did not contribute anything to that pile.
His instinct told him that a large number of people were approaching the door.
CRASH
"Get ready"
Nephis ordered.
A large man walked through the broken wall with strong steps. Fitted in a tight silk shirt and holding a memory weapon, his physique was obvious to anyone that looked. He reminded Aldric of Akel, the Goliath that he hunted with during his first nightmare.
"So you are back."
He said as he looked at Nephis.
"You must be Tessai; how can I help?"
She responded.
"The Lord demands that one. She must answer for her crimes in the court of the castle. Now I would advise you to step aside and let me take her."
He said as he pointed at Effie.
"If that is the case, I must insist that I join you. With the rest of us, of course. I would love to see the evidence that you have."
Nephis stated calmly. With her white light shimmering beneath her eyes.
Tessai gave her a long look that betrayed a look of fear. Looking around to break her eye contact, his eyes fell on a figure in the back.
"So you are back as well. I couldn't believe it when I was told the Dark Hunter had joined the Changing Star's group. It caused quite a stir in the castle."
Aldric stared at the man with no intention to respond.
Aldric could not have gained such renown without catching the attention of the Host. His reputation as the strongest hunter in the outer settlement spread around the castle. Angering many experienced hunters.
Noticing his silence, Tessai looked away and spoke.
"Whatever, let's go."
----------
A massive group of people had entered through the doors of the Bright Castle.
Effie could be seen walking with a rope tied behind her back. Behind her, Tessai led the charge with his group beside him. A few steps behind them were Nephis and her militia. Ready to defend their huntress.
Crowds formed around them as they walked through the hallway of the castle. People watched with detached interest, wondering what they were going to see today. Some watched with dark fascination, wondering when the show would begin.
As they entered the main hall, Aldric could see the four people standing beside an empty throne. Seishan, the leader of the Handmaidens. Gemma, the leader of the hunters. Kido, the chief artisan. And of course, the loyal Harus.
Aldric felt a lingering presence on himself. Looking back at the throne, he could see Gemma staring back at him with narrow eyes.
All Aldric offered in return was a cold smirk.
A cold silence stagnated in the room. As if waiting for someone to break it.
And so the Bright Lord appeared.
********
Thanks for reading. How is everyone?
Had a question about upload schedule. Not really sure but I am aiming for 5 -6 chapters a week.
Also had a review talking about the female lead. Have a guess. But you will know when you know.
Aside from that, till next time.
Capítulo 47: Revolution
A large man walked through a partition behind the throne room. Coated in flowing molten gold armour, even his head was covered. With a golden mirror that masked his face. Broad shoulders that spoke of strength. And a presence. An oppressive presence that held nothing back.
Aldric felt it for the first time. Feeling as if his nerve endings were beneath flames, his brain sent signals of fear. His [Insight] attribute was going haywire. Responding to a sense of danger that was not present or tangible. His mind was in disarray however, a familiar calmness spread over the feeling of oppression. [Tranquil Core] calmed his chaotic mind. Now understanding the feeling for what it was, he thought to himself.
'What an echo.'
He looked away.
Knowing that it was at least a transcended rank echo, it was the best thing that Gunlaug could have had. With transcended durability, none of his enemies would have any weapons that could pierce through it. And the mind ability, giving him total dominance over the sleepers. It definitely used a lot of essence to maintain; however, with his weak aspect ability, he did not have much use for it anyway. It was not as if he could manipulate his soul essence.
'Was he fated to rule this place?'
Aldric thought to himself. As he saw the crowd begin to fall, succumbing to the force of the echo.
"It's lovely to meet you again, Effie. You really should have joined the Host when I had offered it to you. Now look, a reprehensible criminal that is answering for her crimes."
Gunlaug teased the huntress with his theatrics.
"Fuck off."
The huntress responded resolutely.
A stream of shouts exploded in the room. Some were angry with her insolence and shouting for an immediate execution, while others were shouting in her defence.
Nephis placed a hand on Effie's shoulder. Staring right at the Lord, she spoke.
"I invoke the right of challenge."
Gunlaug laughed at her response.
"That old thing? You seem fond of tradition, don't you? I am beginning to tire of your insolence, Changing Star!"
He continued.
"Should it not be the accused who makes her own challenge? What right do you have to say that in her place?"
Nephis calmly retorted.
"It's like what one of your minions said. A leader is responsible for those under them. I am responsible for their crimes."
Gunlaug entertained her request.
"And who is it that you will challenge?"
Nephis eyes twisted darkly with white flames rising beneath them.
"You. I challenge you."
Gunlaug was not surprised at her challenge. Wasting no time, molten gold swam across his arm and formed a battle axe around his hand. Sprinting into a lunge, he dashed towards her with earth-shattering strides.
His initial swing blitzed through and displaced the surrounding air. Nephis responded in fashion by parrying the attack to her side. However, that was not the end of the Bright Lord's attack.
His golden axe elongated. Liquid gold extending the reach of the battle axe, nicking her cheek as she jumped backwards. Damaging the helmet of her armour.
The battle has begun.
A flurry of attacks danced around the crowd. Sounds of clashes echoed around the hall. A powerful kick from Gunlaug sent Nephis crashing into the ground. With no pause, Gunalug pressed the advantage, giving her no reprieve. Nephis dodged his attack and created space.
The challenger was covered in cuts and injuries; however, the Lord was untouched.
It was clear to see who had the advantage; however, not a soul cheered. For they knew, in her shoes, they would be long dead.
With nothing to hold back, Nephis revealed her trump card. Glowing white light emanated from her skin, empowering her. The ability to wrap oneself in their aspect for power was not limited to just Sunny and Aldric. Nephis could utilise it too.
The deathmatch continued. Changing Star could now match and outspeed Gunlaug. Dents and cracks began to form in the seemingly invincible golden armour.
It was annoying to watch such a fight play out and just be stood there. Aldric was feeling restless, but he knew what was to come next. His role to play.
The flow of the battle had a stark change. Gunlaug turned his head to catch the young girl's reflection in his mask.
BOOM
A wave of oppressive aura spread throughout the room. Aldric simply looked away and focused his eyes on Nephis. It seemed not everyone was as informed as him. People dropped like flies as blood leaked from their orifices. Nephis was withstanding the brunt of the attack.
'She can't look away. This is her chance.'
Aldric thought to himself.
Gunlaug brutally took advantage of her inebriated condition, piercing a dagger formed out of gold through her chest and out of her back. The battle was seemingly over.
Even in her condition, Nephis held nothing back and battered his helmet with the pommel of her sword. Trying to deal as much damage as she could, even in her state. However, her true intentions were obvious to Aldric.
"CRACK"
His helmet began to weaken.
Gunlaug stepped back and removed his blade from her chest. Affording her a small mercy.
"Go on, heal yourself."
He spoke.
A bright light erupted from her as she shifted the focus of her aspect to heal herself.
PIERCE
His ruthless blade entered her newly healed chest with no mercy. Brutalising her with repeated stabs, he held nothing back.
Aldric gripped his sword tightly. Seeing this was revolting. It spoke of Nephis' conviction to endure so much to place herself in a winning condition. Anyone else would never consider facing Gunlaug one on one. But for her ambition, she had to win the battle on her own merit. To legitimise her claim for what was to happen next. It spoke of her danger. It was one thing to burn others to fuel your ambition, but to burn yourself like a dying star was beyond the confines of what was normal.
The Lord continued his assault.
"Oh, this is really fun. Go on, heal yourself."
Nephis met his gleeful voice with a dark look in her eyes.
With his blade still lodged in her ribcage, she gripped his shoulder and smashed her head against his helmet. The gem on her headband breaking through.
SHATTER
A hole formed where his nose bridge was. Revealing his murderous blue eyes.
"You bitch!"
'It's time.'
Aldric thought as he readied himself.
Nephis closed her eyes and turned around. With her fist closed, she opened it and blew harshly. A red miasma formed in front of her, seeping through Gunlaug's helmet. Entering through the hole, it spread around his head.
The Lord instinctively inhaled whatever the young girl released. Breathing was everything to him, hunting in the dark sea with nothing but a spear. With his aspect and his golden armour, he never had to consider holding his breath.
Bending over in a violent cough, the Lord shouted.
"What have you done to me, you bitch?!"
Embroiled in agony, Nephis healed her wounds. Her cuts and injuries began to knit themselves. Covered in her own blood and a face twisting in pain, she stood up.
"You are dead."
She spoke.
Immediately, a wave of shouts echoed in the room.
"Immortal Flame!"
"Immortal Flame!"
"Changing Star!"
With blood dripping down his helmet, the golden serpent groaned in pain. Letting out a shaky laugh, he took an unsteady step to Nephis. A muffled scream rumbled through his armour. Falling to one knee, his body convulsed as the poison spread through his system.
He tried to say something, but blood was all that came out.
"Rest easy; your nightmare is over."
Hearing her speak enraged him. Fighting through the blood, he spoke vindictively.
"Good, this is good. Yours is only beginning."
As if he were fine with his demise, he made his way back to his throne. Stumbling through each step. His armour was shifting in apparent panic.
Landing roughly on his throne, he viewed the crowd watching his final moments.
With his last breath, he spoke out.
"I..I tried. I really did."
With that, the Bright Lord had met his end.
His armour shattered into glimmering light. Revealing a handsome young man in his late twenties. With long blond hair and a short beard, his left eye had a crimson flower sprouting out of it. Creating a grotesque image of life and death.
Aldric was ready. With darkness seeping through his armour like a river and black clinging to the edge of his blade. Though that was not all, he covered himself in a brief shell of darkness. To silence his presence completely. He had utilised this trick before; however, training with the [Forsaken Knight] gave him a reference to learn from.
A rough voice shouted in the hall.
"What are you waiting for? Kill them all!"
That was his signal.
*********
Thanks for reading.
The war is upon us. How will Aldric's presence affect things?
Not much to say. Till next time.
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