บท 32: For Real this Time
"I'm sorry my dear, Frymrorth, Aze, Dembit, Xarvass… they're from the system given to you by the imposter. The system itself was a ploy. Soon, if used too much, you yourself would've been corrupted. Later down the road, let's just say another Erebus would've sprouted. You nor I want another one of his wretched kind."
Alicia answered. Duraeus was inquiring about his sons. Especially the ones he named first. The first four. They as well as the rest were not of his loyal sons. Loyal… not for the long run. Duraeus understood it but he didn't have to like it. As much as he didn't like it, he'll need a new legion. His own– not one birthed by the system of changes.
"I… It wasn't long… months plus a couple of days. Even if they were to be traitors, they were the first of my sons, all three thousand of them. I may not have known them long… but they fought for my ideals– in my stead. It's sad to know that they were never real… the entire world and war wasn't real."
The world was an illusion, one placed by the ruinous power of the Lord of change. Even with little influence in Alicia's realm, a tiny influence was enough to wreak havoc around the young higher being. Tzeentch and the rest of the other three Chaos Gods claimed other Primarchs for themselves– was one of the reasons why the children were scattered while young in the first place.
All of the marines, the people, the tech that was given by the system were traps. Little tracks to unknowingly follow.
Alicia, the being knowing of all emotions of all kinds, knew how her son felt. They were in the living room of their home. A replica of the real thing. Or is it the real thing manifested and the one in the marble is the fake. Either way, home is home. Duraeus sat on the sofa– looking comical for his size. Alicia was in the kitchen, whipping up some hot cocoa while discussing what to do. Knowing her son's slight distraught, she put extra marshmallows on his to cheer him up.
Elegantly making her way towards the living room with two cups of cocoa, she placed his on the coffee table– in between the sofa and the hanging TV. Duraeus, his eyes and nose following the object of interest, he smiles.
"Thanks mom," he appreciated the gesture… though not really needed.
After the incubation, something like betrayal and loss of kin is nothing more than a change of mental being. As long as you're still moving, you'll be fine. But, knowing someone cares helps. Something as small as making a hot cup of cocoa is tremendous in effect to the mental psyche.
"I can't bring them back. At least, I can't make them… them for the lack of a better word. I can make their bodies permanent, but the person they were… that's something I can't do yet. They'll be a whole different person compared to the original if I were to try," Alicia continued the conversation, "you wouldn't want that; to see a familiar face knowing they aren't who they're supposed to be. A living memory is all they'll be, a visage on two feet that walks and breathes. A reminder of a beautiful nightmare."
Silence from Duraeus as he stews on her words. She waited, silently and elegantly sipping on her cocoa. Eying his, she comments on it, "it's going to get cold if you don't drink it…"
Duraeus, rocked out of his thoughts, eyes his cup. Only… it wasn't a cup… the word cup isn't appropriate here. A large beer mug, steam slowly waving up from the marshmallow filled top. They slowly melted to the heat. Taking the large handle with his equally large hands, he takes a swig… only for said swing to turn into a full fledged chug. The heat smoothly circulated in his body. It welcomed the sudden temperature change, easing his muscles. Gently placing the mug back on the table, his thoughts were clear.
He turns to Alicia, "I'm alright mom, thanks for the deliciously made hot cocoa– as all ways."
Alicia giggles, "Haha– clean your mouth you big child."
Duraeus put a finger around his lips. Wet, the liquid reached just below his nose, creating a cocoa mustache on his face. He quickly wiped it off. Being a mother's child moment done, he earnestly looked at his mother.
"Vengeance… I want mine…"
His question was expected by her, almost having a 'about time' face on.
"Mine as well."
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Duraeus listened through it all. An info dump, he noted down in his powerful mind every minute detail.
Duraeus and Alicia could go in 40k, invade, and beat the fuck out of the shitty bird that played him and her. But… bigger problems arise from that. Mainly, from Alicia. Alicia was a higher being that wields powers closer to that of a god. But… Her influence is small. Actually nonexistent.
She may not need the power of faith and other similarities to become stronger, but she does need the recognition. Not in a sense of being famous, just to be known. If she were to be invading other worlds, beings outside of them would deem her an infectant. Like white cells attacking a foreign bacteria, these beings would attack her. She'll need to make a name of herself– whether benevolent or malevolent– it does not matter. Now, to go against all that was said, she could brute force herself into them. Lead the assault herself… but that's a long time coming.
According to her, beings like her that pop out of nowhere are common. They're called ROBs or Random Omnipotent Beings. They're hated, oh so hated. They're kill on sight. So far only, the universe of 40k knows of her existence. Which begs the question, how is she not dead when acquiring Duraeus. She didn't actually step in the universe, more like used another object like a magnet to yoink him. A loophole, many MCs were created because of the kidnap– permanently borrowing practices.
But, if she can intervene with other worlds, so can others. Meaning there's always a chance of meeting others like Duraeus in his endeavors. An interesting development if that were to come to pass.
She was born of this knowledge. But that doesn't mean she can't invade other places herself. Like mentioned, she just needs to be known. She herself for now can't step foot on other universes… but she can send a herald. That's where Duraeus comes in.
Duraeus will need to spread her name. Though, he'll have to be careful. The impression of others can shape who she will become. If he were to call her Empress Komi… you get the point. Funnily enough, that's closer to what she wants to be seen as. God Empress Alicia Vendrandar, sovereign of the Universe of Vendra. So far, Earth, modern Earth is officially her only piece of world(s) she has ruled over. She decided to make Earth the capital and center of her universe. It has… sentimental value.
Back on topic, Dureaus is to be her Primarch. His job is to rack up what would essentially be points of interest. Actions may vary, outcomes vary as well. He may decide to play the nice card, and slowly build up his patron's reputation. Once recognised, she may be officially titled whatever the most common title others see her as– in this case, Empress Alicia Vendrandar of Universe Vendra. Once recognized, she would no longer be considered a ROB but an actual higher entity recognized by existence itself.
But that road is arduous and really fucking long. Though, if they can work the bird like a puppet, all the more worth it.
That aside, they had multiple worlds where she could silently place her son without being caught. Smaller worlds like Highschool of the Dead is a no brainer, but hold little to no recognition opportunities. Marvel, DC, DragonBall (That's suicide in his current state), Beyblade, so many options.
"This one…" Duraeus points at two words upon a list of many names of places adored or hated by many.
"Are you sure? This world is marked orange, meaning it may be hard for you. Not only that, There's a chance you'll get spotted right away. Once spotted, you'll die before waking in that world… Are you sure?" Alicia was concerned– and rightfully voiced it to her son.
The name he pointed to was in relation to dungeons and an army of shadow… Duraeus was eager at least. That world was marked red: higher chance of being killed in the world and entering it. The reason for it being the media. Anime is one of them– comics, movies, tv shows, different sorts– but anime is considered one of the harder ones according to Alicia.
'Anime is simply bullshit. Anything can happen and may happen at any time.' She mentioned to Duraeus before.
But, stubbornness took over him and insisted on going to that world. She resigned, fully trusting her son.
"Fine… I can at least find comfort in what I've given you… but that's not all. You'll still need your legion my Primarch"
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Before him was a portal. Abyssal black with a neon blue oval outline. It was tall enough for him.
"This is for real, my son. No tricks, no resets. Not in the sense that I'll be there to restore you. Don't rely on your perpetual abilities, ok dear."
Alicia wrapped her arms around his large frame. Like a mother seeing her child off to college. Tears started dripping from her stunning face. Like crystals, light reflected on them. Duraeus returned the hug. His large index finger wiping away the tears. He smiled. It was to tell her he'll be fine. To assure her of his return.
"I'm marked by you mom– my Empress, you'll know if anything happens to me. Just… don't do anything stupid when the time eventually comes for me to struggle. My character development will be there, I'll just have to rise to the occasion," He nestles his head on her shoulder, "trust me."
She smiles, "I'll hold you to your words my dear. Come back safely."
It was time for the baby bird to leave the nest. As their hug separated, as Duraeus let go of his mother's warmth, it was time to work for their goal. A vengeance of the wrong doings that wasn't justified. He turns around, his back broad and reassuring.
As he enters the portal, it disappears like it was never there. His mother stood alone once again. She turns to the marble of Earth (Modern).
"I won't let you go alone son. Looks like it's time to play god. Hope you miss these familiar faces…"
Alicia's eyes are three individuals. One was athletic in the martial arts sense. Another was tinkering with electronics and engines. The last was organizing cards and admiring their art. Alicia eyes them with interest and fondness. To an extent, they are her children as well; born from her powers as a higher being.
"I wonder how they'll take the news…" she trails off in her own little world as she makes her surroundings presentable. The void around her became a cathedral of sorts. Long and ornate, gothic in nature. Torches and statues of astartes lined the walls. On the far end of the room was a set of stairs leading to a large throne. It wasn't golden but made of weapons. Guns of all nature protruded the throne. She proceeds to sit on it like an actual Empress would. She had this air of regalness. Her eyes never left the three individuals.
She dawned herself a silk dress. White and gold, slits on the sides to show off her well taken care of skin off the legs– a more modest Gwynevere. Her elegant look was a contrast to the more morbid and serious look of her surroundings– much less her throne.
Was it ever mentioned that as a ROB she has access to the Isekai Delivery Services… Every divine or higher being has such services on call.
As she closed her eyes, the three individuals felt the need to stop what they were doing and take a midnight stroll… all they saw in the end was the headlights of the best waifu ever created.
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