Bab 7: Untold Saga
Chapter 7: Untold Saga(Edited)
The tale commences at the edge of the Nightmare Bazaar, a domain ruled by demons.
Demons are created by Abyssal Demons hailing from the Abyss, entities that embody the antithetical traits of divine beings.
A human settlement has unexpectedly emerged on the edge of the Nightmare Bazaar, which was previously believed to have no ties to humanity. This boundary marks the junction between the Nightmare Bazaar and the Howling Waste.
The settlement goes by the name of Twilight Sanctuary, which is a nod to the renowned mage of yore. This prescient mage was able to hold his own against deities even as a mere mortal.
According to legend, Nox was the progeny of a human and an Abyssal Demon.
Due to being born of demons, humans shunned Nox, and as the offspring of a human, True Demons held him in contempt.
Purebred True Demons were produced through the coupling of two Abyssal Demons, thereby possessing an unadulterated demon heredity.
Possibly due to his mixed lineage, Nox exhibited exceptional magical abilities, notably in using the same kind of magic as his demonic progenitors. Through this, Nox blazed a trail for demonic mages, eventually becoming the foremost practitioner of this brand of magic.
In reality, there were no ifs, and despite his prodigious abilities, had Nox been a True Demon, he may have climbed the ranks in the Abyss and become a Demon God.
Following his ascent to the pinnacle of his profession, Nox vanished from public view.
For millennia, lacking any information, it was widely assumed that Nox had met his downfall in his journey. However, the continued existence of the demonic mages suggested that Nox may yet live on.
———-
I am Malikai. I'm well-known by a slew of monikers like Fallen Demon, The Child of Sin, Bringer of Destruction, Bane of Gods, among others.
This tale won't emphasize the titles bestowed upon me, but rather, the underlying motivation for my actions. Shall this account sway public opinion about me? Can it make them see me as a virtuous individual? Or shall my actions remain insufficient to alter their perceptions?
Let's find out.
When I was young but old enough to recollect and internalize knowledge, I was taken to a secluded community nestled in a foreboding and ominous forest.
Concurrently, as I was being ferried into the woods, the resonating shrieks emanating from its center frightened me.
The individual escorting me remained unmoved by the wailing, leisurely tapping the ground with their toes while effortlessly gliding ahead at an astonishing velocity.
Employing rhythmic toe-tapping, the dispassionate man transported us to our destination—Twilight Sanctuary—subconsciously cooing the name to the infant in his embrace.
Unaware that the infant comprehended his words, the man observed the child's response and proceeded to impart the history of the community with fervor and veneration, repeatedly mentioning the name 'Nox'.
Upon Malikai's arrival at Twilight Sanctuary, the elders subjected him to a test of his ability to endure demonic blood. However, their hopes were dashed when the results indicated that the infant was incapable of tolerating it.
While they detected a faint ability in him to absorb the blood, it was so negligible that it couldn't even be quantified.
Regardless, the elders appeared unfazed by this outcome, knowing full well that there were abundant options for making a livelihood, including but not limited to, martial arts, blood sacrifice, and bloodline transplants.
Of all these avenues, martial arts was considered the least powerful, for it alone could not propel one to the pinnacle of the Mortal World.
The path of divinity is the most revered yet seldom practiced path in Celestia.
By treading this path, one can ascend to the zenith of the Mortal World and reach Celestia-the world of the gods.
According to lore, ascension occurred in ancient times, but as Dominion attained perfection, the governing regulations imposed on the Mortal World and Celestia now preclude its attainment, rendering the notion of ascension obsolete.
This is the only way the world could protect itself.
Although the path of divinity reigns supreme, its potency doesn't guarantee godhood for all. Not only does the world ban the path of divinity,
In ancient times, the path of divinity was intrinsically linked to the soul of the world, and when an individual reaches godhood, the world cedes some of its dominion, transforming into a tool at the disposal of the gods.
There existed only two methods by which the world could halt this progression: First the world controlled the sheer quantity of resources required for deification, while the second required that one successfully overcome the divine tribulation at the brink of ascension, a trial that caused the demise of countless Sovereigns.
The level of gods is clear: True God, Demigod, Divine Master, Sovereign and more.
According to the elders' comprehension, compatibility with demonic blood is not a prerequisite for feats in Demonic Magecraft. Since the path of Demonic Magecraft offers numerous side paths, attaining success is attainable - even without demonic blood.
Additionally, demonic mages might inherently harbor profound animosity towards deities due to their demon bloodline and may not aim to emulate them.
There exists a brief history of conflict between the Abyss and Celestia, yet no decisive victors have emerged. However, one may infer that the Abyss potentially wields greater strength. Its official title, 'Infinite Layer Abyss', suggests the existence of boundless layers, albeit such a claim's validity is uncertain.
Despite the child's immense talent, the elders chose to raise him, despite his innate incompatibility with demonic bloodline. Their reasoning was based on the probability of discovering Sacred Fruits that could potentially enhance the infant's compatibility, consequently providing them with another demonic mage akin to Nox.
———-
Despite his infant brain, Malikai experienced a life that he could never have imagined was possible.
He had been entrusted to the care of a kind, middle-aged woman, whom he later discovered to be Nox's half-sister, Luna - a fact that surprised him.
Malikai was still trying to comprehend the situation when he was adopted by the woman, and the bond between them surpassed that of flesh and blood. Their relationship had been inscribed directly into his soul, making her his mother in a way that transcended mere biology.
Despite his appearance as a mere infant, Malikai harbored a secret known to only a select few, even among the gods. He had been reincarnated into this body following the death of its previous host, and he carried with him a book that was the catalyst for his reincarnation - a tome of significant power, eclipsing the title of "Codex of Souls."
In truth, Malikai was an apostle of the God of Death, a being of immense power that held sway over the fates of mortals. This fact, known only to a select few, held great significance and carried the potential to change the course of events in ways that few could imagine.
Malikai had been tasked with a mission bestowed upon him by his God, but his journey was cut short when he fell victim to a fearsome monster lurking within the walls of the Death Fortress. Despite his training and the power entrusted to him by his deity, Malikai fell in battle, leaving his fate and the success of his mission in question.
As the sole apostle of the God of Death, Malikai was fortunate to enjoy numerous advantages granted to him by his deity. Among these was the right of reincarnation, which allowed him to return to life multiple times. However, despite being given three opportunities to reincarnate with his memory intact, he had already exhausted all three chances, leaving him with the possibility of an uncertain future.
To clarify, should Malikai meet his demise once more, he would suffer the finality of permanent death, unable to ever return to the world of the living. In such an event, he would be relegated to a life of endless imprisonment in the World of the Dead, doomed to be barred from the world of the living.
After considering everything, Malikai lovingly embraces his mother with his chubby baby hands and utters, "Mommy."
If his God was watching, the apostle's uncharacteristic behavior would shock and amuse him as never before.
In a flash, several years passed, and Malikai had exceeded the expectations of the elders by achieving the level of Demonic Mage at the age of 20, which they couldn't comprehend how it was possible.
The demonic magecraft levels consist of Demon Acolyte, Demonic Mage, Demon Lord, and Archdemon.
Initially, they were doubtful about his ability to enter that level, but eventually they dismissed their suspicions and stopped thinking about it.
After a few additional years, Malikai achieved the level of Demon Lord, an accomplishment that is uncommon even in the Mortal World.
Considering that a Demon Lord can fight a Divine Masters, it can be inferred that Malikai possesses immense power.
Upon learning that Malikai had reached the same level as them in such a short time, the elders surrounded him and took him away from Luna. Knowing what they are going to ask, with a complicated expression, Malikai responded truthfully, "I'm the apostle of the God of Death."
The elders were incensed upon hearing Malikai's response, particularly because they held disdain for gods.
Although displeased, the elders released Malikai, and then inquired about his reason for coming to the settlement. They became disappointed and ashamed upon realizing that they had brought him here without his interest in the Sanctuary.
In an effort to calm everyone down, Malikai shared his desire to depart from Twilight Sanctuary, but everyone objected to his proposal.
How could they possibly let their prototype Nox go?
Furthermore, Malikai possessed the support of the God of Death, a resource that they hoped to utilize to improve the lives of the settlement's inhabitants.
Although Malikai initially decides to stay, he ultimately sneaks out of his house while the elders are off guard.
Despite his best efforts to remain silent, Malikai was aware that his mother was cognizant of his departure.
Though sick now, Luna is the half sister of Nox, so it would not be weird for her to possess mysterious power. In fact no one knows how powerful she is, not even the elders.
Luna, his mother, simply sighed without saying a word, knowing that he was departing to ensure her well-being. Her heart grew warm knowing that her son cared deeply for her.
Malikai was departing in a bid to save his ailing mother, who was nearing the end of her natural lifespan. His mission was to discover a means of achieving immortality for her, an arduous task indeed.
Regardless of the path one walks, immortality is unattainable. Even though undead beings ive for extended periods of time, their souls will eventually wither away. Similarly, although gods may enjoy longevity, they too are susceptible to death.
You may be wondering why Malikai, who has a connection with the True God of Death, does not simply ask him for aid in making his mother immortal.
The truth is, immortality necessitates a perfect union of both death and life. As Malikai's God only understands the endpoint of life and not its inception, it is impossible to achieve it without enlisting the assistance of the True Goddess of Life.
However, the question remains - would the True Goddess of Life be willing to assist him?
The answer is more likely to be negative, as the goddess would be required to expend a vast amount of her divine power assisting someone with whom she had no connection.
Assisting someone who is not connected with her would deplete her divine power, even her brother, the God of Death, would not be in a position to persuade her to part with it. It would be foolish for him, a deity, to relinquish his divine power to a mortal.
Fully aware of the challenges of his quest, Malikai resolved to find another means of rescuing his terminally ill mother. While several elixirs in the world have been known to prolong life, a significant side effect of many such substances is the hastening of death once the elixir's effects wear off.
———-
Malikai ventured to Howling Waste in search of the Sunbirds, who he had heard lived in that area.
Sunbirds possess the inborn ability <Solar Resurrection>, which can be invoked up to nine times, affording them a lifespan beyond that of many deities. While it would be inaccurate to label them as true immortals, it is widely acknowledged that Sunbirds are exceptionally long-lived.
At maturity, on their third rebirth, Sunbirds ascend to the rank of Sovereigns—a legendary status that allows them to depart Dominion and transform into shining stars. Notably, even the present sun of Dominion is a Sunbird, one of remarkable antiquity.
Malikai is eager to engage in dialogue with the Sunbirds, confident in the viability of his trade proposition. Should he secure the coveted item, Luna's recovery and potential for enhanced strength would be greatly amplified, regardless of how profound her current condition may be.
Upon reaching the precipice of the Howling Waste, Malikai promptly sensed a concentrated influx of fiery elements emanating from the north, leaving little doubt as to his intended trajectory.
Malikai took to the skies, soaring towards the imposing, still-active volcanoes ahead. As he drew nearer to the source of the fiery emissions, he detected several auras resembling blazing suns, aflame with such intensity as to scorch the air around them.
Intimidated by the sheer magnitude of these blazing auras, Malikai was forced to halt his flight even before arriving within close range, despite his own impressive strength.
Utilizing his formidable power to shield his corporeal form, Malikai instinctively tapped into the latent might of his Hellhound heritage, which lent him a degree of respite from the searing heat. Consequently, the sensation of his flesh burning against the fiery elements rapidly subsided.
The high-pitched shrieks of eagles and falcons resounded throughout the heavens, their cacophonous cries compelling Malikai to levitate motionlessly in the air.
As he bided his time, the tremendous gusts of wind and echoing booms grew stronger, heralding the approach of gargantuan mountain birds careening through the atmosphere. Despite the overwhelming force, Malikai gritted his teeth, and resolutely employed the Codex of Souls, enabling him to hurtle down to the ground and cling firmly to the earth's surface, thus restoring his bodily stability.
The Sunbirds were magnificent creatures, evoking the regal countenance of golden eagles, albeit endowed with an incomparable robustness and stature. Their mighty wings, imbued with an evident strength, seemed to cleave the air like razors. Each of their pointed talons exuded a formidable aura of dominance, hinting at their superior combat prowess. Their piercing golden eyes appeared molten, rife with an intensity more commonly seen in the heart of a volcano. They resembled eagles wreathed in flames, their bodies aglow with varied yet vibrant hues ranging from blue to white, each flame radiating heat of differing intensities. At the forefront of the flock of Sunbirds, the leader's aura burned so fervently that it rendered the raw heat invisible to the naked eye.
The graceful Sunbirds executed a series of aerial maneuvers, spiraling through the canvas of the sky several times before beginning their descent in a manner befitting the descent of celestial orbs.
As they drew closer and closer to the ground, their forms gradually shifted and contorted, gradually morphing into humanoid frames as if through an otherworldly metamorphosis. Soon, they arrived mere meters above the soil, their blazing humanoid shapes plummeting downward in a breathtakingly synchronized fashion.
Malikai's gaze was drawn to the congregation of men clad in vibrant orange robes. Each member of the group was distinct, their wild red locks cascading down their heads with abandon. As his eyes roved over their figures, he noticed that their eyes blazed with an infernal intensity, reminiscent of the fiery depths of a raging conflagration.
The intensity of their fiery gaze seared into Malikai's eyes, scorching his retina and forcing him to shield them uncontrollably.
The ache that soon followed was so intense that he instinctively reached up to massage his aching oculars. It was then that he felt the unmistakable sensation of a viscous liquid oozing from his eyes, and when he uncovered his vision, the blood that now coated his fingers sent a jolt of fear through his body.
Such was the terror of that simple glance, that Malikai felt as if he had been struck by a thousand bolts of lightning at once, his already vulnerable eyes almost blinded by their mere gaze.
"Human," the Sunbird at the forefront boomed, his voice resonating with a noble authority, "Why do you dare venture into the sacred lands of the Sunbirds? Are you unaware of the pact forged between the Divine Lord and the Gods, granting sovereignty over the Howling Waste to the beast race? If your reason for being here proves insufficient, I shall be compelled to end your life this very day!"
The atmosphere within their surroundings appeared to seethe with uncontrollable energy, as if the very elements of fire were being roused to unprecedented heights.
Suddenly, a surge of blazing intensity erupted from the very ground beneath them, the fiery maelstroms spiraling outwards in a violent, uncontainable frenzy.
Anticipating a potential misunderstanding, Malikai hastened to clarify his presence with an earnest response. "Please forgive my intrusion into your territory. I have but one intention for coming here: seeking aid from the noble Sunbirds."
"Let me get this straight," the leader of the Sunbirds spoke with an incredulous tone. As he towered over Malikai, his imposing figure seemed to radiate with a smoldering aura. "You brazenly violate the laws established by the Divine Lord and the Gods, and now you ask for our assistance? Do you conceive of us as your servile underlings? You truly are a jester!" As the Sunbirds exploded into fits of mocking laughter, their derisive giggles conveyed their amusement at Malikai's sheer audacity.
The leader of the Sunbirds couldn't help but sneer inwardly at Malikai's request, his contemptuous thoughts as blazing as the fury elemental within him. 'Does this human truly imagine that his demand is enough to merit our aid?' he mused, the scorching heat of his anger palpable. 'He's a fool, ignorant of the extent of our power. Though the Sunbird Race is one that covets peace, we are still one of the Four Divine Clans of the Howling Waste - a land where strength reigns supreme and might is the only law.'
"Not so hasty," the Sunbird leader shouted, silencing his subordinates with a hand gesture. "Before we proceed any further, let us hear what you require aid with," he continued, his tone now more measured and composed. Fixing his fiery gaze on Malikai, he bore down on the human with a scrutinizing stare. "And pray, do bring something worthwhile as compensation for our assistance. We have little patience for those who would waste our time with empty promises and hollow words."
Keeping his composure, Malikai spoke with a tone of solemnity, "What I humbly request from the esteemed Sunbird Race is a Solar Fruit. In return, I present to you a tome that will undoubtedly aid in augmenting the might of your race." With a serene and measured motion, he withdrew the Codex of Souls from his pack and extended it towards the leader of the Sunbirds. "This book holds secrets that could unleash your true potential, and I offer it to you as payment for your gracious aid."
Malikai remained untroubled. Even if the Sunbirds were to seize the Codex of Souls, he knew that it was bound to his very soul, and it would inevitably return to him. His eyes gleamed with a placid confidence as he calmly held out the book towards the avian beings, fully aware of the power it contained.
As the Sunbird leader took the book from Malikai's hands, his eyes widened with curiosity. "Pray tell, what is this?" he inquired, his voice laced with an unmistakable hint of fascination. Examining the tome with great interest, he could sense a profound and ancient power emanating from within its pages. His heart raced with excitement as he realized the true extent of the knowledge that lay before him.
As Malikai presented the book, the Sunbird leader observed a flicker of dark, deadly energy coiling around it. The aura was eerily reminiscent of the Solar Flames that surged within his own race, yet there was an uncanny quality to it that perplexed him. He couldn't help but feel a strange sense of bewilderment at the unexpected synergy between two opposing forces.
Malikai's expression remained stoic as he explained the nature of the book to the Sunbird leader. "This is the Codex of Souls," he began, "a tome crafted by the God of Death as a gift to his loyal apostle." Pausing for a moment to let the significance of his words sink in, he continued, "With this book, I have the power to cast any spell in it instantaneously so long as I have sufficient mana to fuel it." Malikai then looked straight into the leader's eyes and delivered his offer in a measured tone, "I understand that the Sunbird race is known to have Divine Masters, but the knowledge contained within this manual has the potential to elevate your people to the heights of Demiurgic Gods." He fell silent, knowing full well that the Sunbird leader couldn't possibly refuse such a proposition unless they were foolish.
Greed momentarily flickered in the eyes of the Sunbird leader upon hearing Malikai's proposal. However, the fleeting desire vanished as he recalled the words "apostle of the God of Death." The idea of crossing a being of such immense power filled him with trepidation, and he quickly repressed any thoughts of greed that may have lingered in his mind.'
It was commonly understood amongst the Sunbird race and the other four races that the God of Death was not to be trifled with. Even the strongest deities quaked at the mere thought of incurring his wrath. His power was so overwhelming that those outside of the nine True Gods' ranks dared not seek to challenge him in any way. The Sunbird leader understood the magnitude of the situation and wisely chose not to push his luck.
Challenging the God of Death was a surefire way to meet an untimely demise, without even knowing how or when it might happen.
The Sunbird leader's features contorted with regret as he considered the significance of Malikai's offer. Though appreciative of the potential benefits the Codex of Souls could hold for his race, he slowly shook his head, indicating their inability to accept it. "The book is indeed valuable," he began, "but we cannot offer our Solar Fruit. Bestowing it upon an outsider would have dire consequences for not only the Sunbird but our entire race." The leader's expression softened, and he gestured apologetically to Malikai, acknowledging the disappointment this decision might bring.
Malikai stood there in stunned silence as the Sunbird leader declined his offer. After a few moments, he managed to compose himself and pressed the issue gently. "Are you absolutely certain?" he inquired. "Opportunities such as this do not come by easily, and I implore you to reconsider. This book could hold the key to unlocking untold power for your people." Malikai paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before asking, "Surely, it's worth considering the possibilities?"
The Sunbird leader's decision appeared to be resolute as he wordlessly returned the book to Malikai. With a final nod of farewell, he and his companions transformed back into their avian forms and took to the skies, their flaming red plumage streaking across the horizon in a dazzling display of speed and power.
———-
As the Sunbirds departed, Malikai watched their blazing forms with a sense of frustrated helplessness. Eventually, he shook his head and turned away, feeling a renewed sense of determination. He knew that if he couldn't accomplish his goal through the Sunbirds, then perhaps he could find answers elsewhere- namely by venturing into Death Fortress.
With this new plan firmly in mind, he took to the skies and soared towards his next destination.
The memory of the monster that claimed his life still lingered in Malikai's mind, driving him to seek revenge. This undead creature was like no other; its power and malevolence were beyond comprehension. As one of the faithful apostles of the God of Death, Malikai possessed an acute understanding of undeath and its various manifestations. However, even he was unable to discern the nature of this particular creature.
Despite his vengeful intent, Malikai remained hesitant. The idea of transforming his mother into an undead, thereby achieving his goal, troubled him deeply. As someone intimately familiar with undeath and its consequences, he knew all too well that even the most powerful undead creatures were often mindless and driven solely by a desire to kill and spread evil.
That being said, it doesn't mean he cannot achieve anything by studying the undead.
As Malikai soared towards Death Fortress, he scanned the domain from high above. A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he realized that he couldn't sense the peeping of the gods. Even in places like the Howling Waste and Nightmare Bazaar, the ever-watchful gaze of divine beings was present, constantly scrutinizing mortal affairs. However, it seemed that Malikai's power had grown to the point where he was now beyond their notice. He knew that for those lacking in strength, the gods' vigilance was an ever-present danger, but for a being like himself, their scrutiny was no longer a concern.
As Malikai surveyed the land from his vantage point high above, his eyes were drawn to a foreboding mountain in the distance. His attention was abruptly diverted, however, as his gaze settled upon a chilling sight below: a skinless lion with three heads, its empty sockets fixated upon him with a bloody, unwavering stare.
At the sight of the undead, Malikai's eyes lit up with a fervent determination. With a swift gesture, he channeled his mana into the Codex of Souls, unleashing a burst of dark energy that took the form of death chains.
Descending from the sky, the chains wrapped themselves around the area in which the undead lurked, gradually constricting until they had ensnared the creatures completely.
Malikai stared intently as the undead struggled and writhed within their binding, a small smirk crossing his lips as he observed his enemies' futile attempts to break free.
Malikai lunged forward, his powerful grip coiling around the writhing form of the undead creature.
With a thud, he landed upon the mountainside, taking a moment to steady himself before preparing to enter.
Channeling his magic, Malikai cast a spell that quickly corroded a hole into the side of the mountain.
Stepping inside, he waved his hand in a practiced motion and conjured a cloud of dark mist that quickly enveloped the entrance, obscuring his presence from prying eyes.
As the mist dispersed, it revealed a sturdy, metallic door in place of the hole.
Malikai nodded to himself, pleased with his work of both physical and magical barriers for the safety of his mission.
As Malikai pressed on deeper into the mountain, he noticed the rocks ahead of him taking on an unusual, mirror-like sheen.
Stepping closer, he watched as they transformed before his eyes, the rough, jagged textures slowly giving way to a smooth, almost glass-like surface.
The transformation was so complete that Malikai momentarily found himself questioning whether he was actually standing on solid ground or traversing some ethereal plane.
Nonetheless, he continued onward, cautiously taking each step to ensure his footing.
After traversing the darkness and mystery of the mountain's depths, Malikai arrived at its inner sanctum, the heart of its sprawling caverns.
As he entered the expansive chamber, he unleashed another volley of dark mist which filled the chamber, its inky tendrils clinging to every surface.
The atmosphere was grim and forbidding, imbued with a sense of long-dormant malevolence.
In the center of the chamber, four massive pillars stretched up towards the ceiling, casting long shadows across the room. Above them, a black disc hung ominously from the ceiling, its eerie radiance illuminating the chamber sporadically.
Malikai dragged the writhing undead to the center of the pillars, summoning his dark mana to entomb it in a barrier of pure, inconsolable power.
A cruel smile played upon his lips as he contemplated his next actions, his mind abuzz with the possibility of unlocking secrets long-hidden from mortal minds.
Working quickly, Malikai began to perform the arcane rites necessary to summon forth more of the undead horde. This time, however, he introduced a subtle alteration to the process, channeling his considerable power to imbue the creatures with greater intelligence.
As he tracked their movements, Malikai's heart raced with the thrill of discovery. His experiments would determine once and for all if it was possible to transform ordinary corpses into intelligent undead, or if such a feat was forever beyond the grasp of even the apostle of the God of Death.
A decade had passed since Malikai had claimed the mountain as his own, and it had grown beyond recognition. Its vast, abyssal maw now gaped wider than ever before, while the dark energies that coursed through its veins had attracted a new breed of acolyte.
In the shadowy depths of the mountain, Malikai had assembled a cult of devotees - people dressed in black robes that draped over every inch of their bodies, even their faces. They moved with a sinuous grace, their eyes aglow with the barely-contained power of the arcane.
As Malikai emerged from a hidden chamber, a look of triumph on his face, the necromancers of his power - the Soul Eaters - bowed before him. They knew better than to question their master's motives, or the incredible power he wielded over life and death itself.
"Success!" Malikai exclaimed, his voice echoing through the cavernous depths of the mountain. "With this knowledge, my mother can be immortal! Yes, it comes at a terrible price, but what is that compared to the power that awaits us?"
Without a backward glance, he hurriedly flew towards the Nightmare Bazaar - his mind already racing with the possibilities of what he could achieve next. The path he had chosen was a dark and treacherous one, but he would not let that deter him from unlocking the full potential of the dark powers he wielded.
After soaring over mountains, rivers, and fierce beasts for months, Malikai finally arrived at the Nightmare Bazaar. As he approached the settlement, he sensed the familiar aura of the elders, mixed with some new ones he didn't recognize.
Knowing he must wait for the elders, Malikai waited patiently until a group of men and women burst through the clouds, leaving a vibrant trail of colors in their wake. Malikai immediately recognized the elders and noticed some of the old ones gazing at him with surprise - quickly replaced by joy upon realizing who stood before them.
"Malikai! My boy, we've been searching for you everywhere!" exclaimed one of the elders, beaming with delight.
As Malikai embraced the elders and shared what he had been up to over the years, he couldn't contain the ache to see his beloved mother. "Elders," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "I've come back to see my mother. I miss her so much."
But before he could even finish, the elders' expressions shifted, and a somber air settled over them. "Malikai, there's something you don't know," said one of them. "Your mother, she passed away the very day you left the sanctuary. We were searching for you so you could pay your respects to her."
Malikai felt sick to his stomach. He had never imagined his mother leaving him, and the pain of her loss washed over him like a crushing wave. "But she was everything to me," he whispered. "Even if she wasn't my blood mother, the bond we shared went beyond that."
Malikai's heart shattered as he listened to the elders' words. His research on immortality could only bring back the dead if they had passed away within a week. More than ten years had passed since his mother's death, and her soul had undoubtedly moved on to the World of the Dead, the domain of his God.
Although grief weighed heavily on him, Malikai took solace in knowing his mother was likely in a better place. He trusted that his God would take care of her.
In his sorrow, Malikai realized that the spell he had researched could still be of use to others. He made the decision to hand it over to the elders who had raised him, honoring their guidance and support over the years.
With a heavy heart, Malikai handed over the spell to the elders, knowing that it would be in good hands. "I hope this knowledge can bring peace to someone who has lost a loved one recently," he said softly.
As he said his goodbyes, Malikai realized that he had another decision to make. He had always known that, as a servant of his God, his mortal existence was temporary, and he had prepared himself for this moment. He had completed his earthly duties and felt ready to return to the World of the Dead, where his mother's soul now resided.
Malikai took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and felt the mortal coil slip away. He felt himself being pulled into the darkness, the boundaries of the mortal world fading away. All that remained was a sense of peace and a faint voice calling out to him - he was finally reunited with his mother.
In the physical world, Malikai's body lay lifeless, but his soul had found true understanding and transcendence in the World of the Dead.
The elders watched solemnly as Malikai's mortal body lay still. They mourned the loss of their beloved protégé but knew that he had found his true purpose in the World of the Dead. They knew it was not the end of Malikai's journey, but rather the next step in his eternal service to the god he had served so devotedly.
As they paid their final respects to their dear friend, the elders made a decision. They would honor Malikai's memory by continuing his work and completing the research he had started. They would ensure that his legacy lived on and that his knowledge would benefit others, just as he had intended.
And so, the elders took on the task of completing Malikai's work. They continued his research, using his notes and teachings to guide them. As time passed, they discovered new insights and knowledge that even Malikai had not foreseen. With every step, they honored his memory and the spirit of service that he embodied.
Years later, the elders completed their research, and their knowledge became a path to peace for many families who had lost loved ones. Though Malikai was no longer with them, his legacy lived on in the knowledge he had passed down and the good works that his teachings had inspired.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone