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The vibrant wildflowers swayed gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows on the lush green meadow. Here, amidst the idyllic scenery of the Cardinal World, stood Veldanava, the True Dragon, and Reinhard, his powerful son. A comfortable silence stretched between them, broken only by the chirping of unseen birds.
Veldanava, his long black hair flowing freely in the wind, turned to Reinhard, a thoughtful expression gracing his features. "Reinhard," he began, his voice a deep rumble that resonated with the power of creation itself. "It's good to see you again. How have you fared since your last visit?"
Reinhard, ever the stoic figure, remained motionless, his golden eyes fixed on a distant point on the horizon. A barely perceptible pause followed before he spoke, his voice devoid of emotion. "As expected, Father. My duties require constant focus."
Veldanava chuckled, a deep, rich sound. "Duties, duties. I know, I know. However you have been having fun yourself right? You embody power and purpose, Reinhard. That's something to be celebrated."
Reinhard finally turned his gaze towards Veldanava, a hint of something akin to respect flickering in his golden eyes. "Such celebrations are unnecessary, Father," he replied coolly.
Veldanava's smile softened. He understood Reinhard's unwavering dedication. It was a quality he himself admired. He reached out, a hint of amusement playing on his lips.
"Speaking of duties," Veldanava said, "I recently picked up on a faint echo in the south. A… demonic presence, if I'm not mistaken. It's quite strong, barely a tremor, but it has piqued my curiosity."
Reinhard's golden eyes narrowed slightly. "A demonic presence? That is unusual for the Cardinal World."
Veldanava nodded. "Indeed. It's faint, almost insignificant, but it's there. Nothing to worry about yet, but…" he trailed off, leaving the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.
"But you'd like me to investigate?" Reinhard finished, his voice low and steady.
"Precisely," Veldanava confirmed, a hint of amusement returning to his eyes. "With your keen senses, you'd be perfectly suited to locate the source. Just a quick investigation, nothing strenuous. Consider it a chance to explore the Cardinal World beyond this meadow."
Reinhard stood silent for a moment, considering the request. "Very well, Father," he finally said. "I will investigate this presence."
Veldanava's smile widened. "Excellent, Reinhard. I knew I could count on you. Report back as soon as you have anything. In the meantime, enjoy the scenery. This world is your home as well."
The once peaceful meadow now seemed infused with a subtle energy as Reinhard began to focus his senses. Veldanava, the creator, watched his son with a hint of pride. This faint demonic tremor might be insignificant, but with Reinhard on the case, even the smallest anomaly wouldn't go unnoticed. The Cardinal World, a haven of life and magic, was in good hands.
A flicker of golden light momentarily enveloped Reinhard, his stoic expression replaced by a flash of focused concentration. He closed his eyes, his powerful senses reaching out, weaving through the very fabric of the Cardinal World. The faint demonic tremor Veldanava described pulsed weakly, a hint of concealment.
The source, surprisingly, emanated from a place brimming with human energy. A hint of amusement tugged at the corner of Reinhard's lips. This weak presence, emanating from a seemingly ordinary corner of the world, was even more intriguing. The taint of a Primordial Demon, similar to the ones he encountered in the Underworld, resonated faintly, yet undeniably.
With a spark of curiosity, Reinhard deactivated his sensory extension. Golden light flared around him once more, then winked out of existence. He found himself standing on a dusty street, the clamor of human activity filling his ears. A line of merchants hawked their wares, children chased each other through the narrow alleyways, and the scent of cooking spices hung heavy in the warm air.
This bustling human settlement, teeming with life and laughter, seemed an unlikely hiding place for a demon. Reinhard's golden eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping the vibrant scene.
A wave of raw terror had washed over the human settlement. Every human in the vicinity, from the burly blacksmith to the wide-eyed child, found themselves prostrate on the dusty ground. They trembled uncontrollably, overwhelmed by an incomprehensible presence. Their simple minds could not grasp the power that stood before them. They were ants scuttling at the feet of a titan.
Reinhard opened his eyes, a frown creasing his brow. The scene before him was unsettling. He had intended a discreet investigation, not a mass display of paralyzing fear. A sigh escaped his lips, a whisper that nonetheless caused a nearby tree to tremble.
"Unnecessary," he muttered, his voice a low rumble. He raised a hand, his golden eyes sweeping the scene. A wave of calming energy emanated from him, washing over the humans. The trembling subsided, replaced by a dazed confusion. Slowly, the petrified figures began to stir, blinking owlishly at the world around them.
A young girl, no older than ten, was the first to rise. She looked up at Reinhard, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and awe. He met her gaze, his expression softening slightly.
"There is no need for fear," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle for such a powerful being. "I come in peace."
His words seemed to have a magical effect. The humans slowly rose to their feet, dusting themselves off. A murmur of hushed whispers filled the air, a mix of bewilderment and awe. Reinhard looked upon them with detached interest. They were fragile creatures, these humans, so easily cowed by his presence.
Ignoring the stares and hushed whispers, Reinhard began to walk through the marketplace, his powerful senses focused on the faint demonic taint that permeated the air. It was a subtle presence, easily masked amongst the vibrant hum of human life. But to Reinhard, it was like a beacon in the night.
Here, amidst the dust and sweat of human activity, pulsed a faint demonic tremor. It was insignificant, a fly buzzing in a cathedral, yet the audacity of it piqued Reinhard's curiosity. He, a being of immense power, a reflection of his father, Veldanava, found himself intrigued by this minor anomaly.
Standing in the center of the petrified crowd was a man with fiery red hair and eyes that mirrored burning embers. He wore the garb of a human, but the power radiating from him was unmistakably demonic, reminiscent of the Primordials encountered in the Underworld.
Reinhard did not address the man directly. He didn't need to. Lesser beings instinctively recognized his presence. Here, in this mundane human market, Reinhard was a god amongst ants.
"Identify yourself," he boomed, his voice a rolling thunder that resonated through the very air. The humans trembled, their fear emerged again from the palpable entity. But Reinhard paid them no mind. They were inconsequential insects.
The red-haired man, however, seemed unfazed. He slowly rose to his feet, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "Well, well," he drawled, his voice laced with amusement. "Look who decided to grace us with his presence. A being of such… grandeur."
The audacity of the Primordial, to stand so casually before him, intrigued Reinhard. He radiated a wave of pure, unadulterated power, a silent command for the man to kneel.
The red-haired man faltered for a moment, his grin faltering. Surprise flickered across his crimson eyes, replaced by a flicker of something akin to respect. He slowly raised his hand in a placating gesture.
"Hold your horses, big guy," the man chuckled, an edge of nervousness creeping into his voice. "No need for such theatrics. I'm just Guy, taking a little stroll. You wouldn't happen to be the one who sent the shivers down everyone's spine, would you?"
Reinhard narrowed his eyes. The man, Guy, reeked of arrogance even in the face of his overwhelming power. Still, his power wasn't insignificant. Dealing with a Primordial here, amidst the humans, was not ideal.
"How did you escape the Underworld?," Reinhard stated, his voice a low rumble. "Explain yourself, or face the consequences."
Guy raised his hands further, a hint of genuine concern crossing his features. "Escape? Now, that's a bit dramatic, wouldn't you say? I was summoned by humans so I was just… adding a little spice to their lives. A bit of chaos never hurt anyone, right?"
Reinhard's expression remained impassive. This Primordial was either incredibly naive or remarkably audacious. Either way, he was a nuisance that needed to be dealt with.
"Curiosity may have drawn me here," Reinhard admitted, a hint of coldness creeping into his voice. "But your continued presence is a transgression. You have two options, Guy. Answer my questions, or be removed from this world."
Guy's smile vanished, replaced by a snarl that twisted his features into a mask of rage. The amusement that had flickered in his eyes moments ago was extinguished, replaced by a burning ember of defiance. "Removed from this world?" he roared, his voice a primal scream that shattered the silence. "Who do you think you are, giving orders like a petty tyrant?"
The power emanating from Guy surged, a crimson inferno swirling around him. The humans whimpered in terror, their bodies pressed even lower into the dust. Reinhard, however, remained unmoved. He regarded Guy with a detached interest, his golden eyes shimmering with a power that dwarfed the Primordial's display.
"Do not mistake curiosity for weakness," Reinhard said, his voice a calm rumble amidst the echoing roar. "I am the guardian of this world, a reflection of its creator. Here, my word is law."
The audacity of the statement further stoked Guy's rage. Never, in his eons of existence, had he been treated with such arrogance. He was a Primordial, a being of immense power, yet this… construct, this embodiment of an overbearing god, spoke to him as if he were a disobedient child.
With a guttural roar, Guy unleashed his fury. A wave of crimson energy erupted from him, aimed squarely at Reinhard. The marketplace shimmered, the very air crackling with demonic power. The humans, for a horrific moment, believed they were about to witness the world end.
But the attack never reached its target. A wall of shimmering golden light materialized around Reinhard, effortlessly absorbing the crimson energy. It dissipated with a sigh, leaving the marketplace untouched.
Reinhard remained unfazed, his gaze piercing through Guy's rage. "Is this your answer, then?" he boomed, his voice resonating with a power that shook the very foundations of the market. "Violence?"
Guy's attack had been a test, a display of defiance more than anything. Now, staring at the effortlessly deployed shield, a flicker of doubt flickered in his crimson eyes. He was powerful, yes, but… this being… this was something else entirely.
The humans, witnessing the clash of power, dared to lift their heads a fraction. They saw the fiery red-haired man standing defiant, his attack nullified by the godlike figure before him.
A crimson inferno erupted from Guy. It wasn't just an attack; it was a primal scream of defiance, a torrent of demonic energy aimed squarely at Reinhard. The marketplace shimmered, the heat distorting the air as Guy unleashed everything in his arsenal. Razor-sharp blades materialized from the crimson energy, hurtling towards Reinhard like a demonic whirlwind. Walls of fire rose from the ground, threatening to engulf the entire market. The very air crackled with chaotic energy, a desperate attempt to break through Reinhard's defenses.
But the attacks never reached their target. The golden shield surrounding Reinhard pulsed with an ethereal light, effortlessly absorbing and nullifying each blow. The blades of demonic energy clanged harmlessly against the barrier, disintegrating into wisps of crimson smoke. The flames, once hungry and destructive, flickered and died upon contact with the golden aura.
Reinhard stood impassive, watching the display with detached amusement. This was a gnat buzzing against a mountain, a child flinging pebbles at a fortress. He could have ended it all with a mere thought, extinguished Guy like a snuffed candle. But something held him back – a morbid curiosity.
He wanted to see how far the Primordial's pride would take him. How many futile attacks would Guy unleash before realizing the futility of his defiance? The humans, who had dared to peek at the battle, witnessed scenes ripped from their nightmares. Buildings crumbled under the strain of Guy's attacks, the ground itself cracked and groaned. Yet, the marketplace remained strangely untouched, a bubble of serenity held within the eye of the storm.
Guy Crimson, fueled by rage and desperation, unleashed attack after attack. He conjured storms of razor-sharp hail, each hailstone imbued with demonic energy. The very space seemed to bend under the strain of his fury.
But it was all in vain. The creatures crumpled to dust upon contact with the golden barrier. The hail rained harmlessly against the marketplace, leaving not a single scratch. The humans, now huddled together in abject terror, witnessed the terrifying display of power, their minds struggling to comprehend the battle before them.
Yet, amidst the chaos, a single thought flickered within Guy Crimson's mind – doubt. He was a Primordial, a being of immense power. He had never faced an opponent who could so effortlessly deflect his attacks. A seed of fear, a chilling sensation he hadn't felt in eons, began to take root. He was starting to see the truth - he was outmatched.
Reinhard, his amusement morphing into a hint of disappointment, finally spoke. His voice boomed, a gentle rumble that somehow overpowered the roar of the battle. "Is this the best you can offer, Guy? A display of brute force against an immovable wall?"
Guy's face contorted in a mask of fury and frustration. He had never been humiliated so utterly, his pride shattered like a cheap toy. But even in defeat, there remained a flicker of defiance in his crimson eyes.
"No," he snarled, his voice strained and hoarse. "This… this isn't over!"
Reinhard raised an eyebrow, a hint of genuine curiosity flickering within his golden eyes. "Isn't it?" he rumbled. "Tell me, Primordial, what do you hope to achieve with your defiance? This world is under my protection. You will not disrupt its peace."
The once bustling human marketplace lay in ruins, a testament to the clash between a godlike being and a desperate Primordial. Yet, amidst the destruction, an uneasy peace held. The humans, though traumatized, were alive.
A tremor ran through the marketplace as Guy ripped a demonic maw open in the very air, spewing forth a torrent of writhing, obsidian shadows. They writhed and lashed towards Reinhard, seeking to engulf him in their inky embrace. But the golden shield merely shimmered, and the shadows dissipated into wisps of smoke upon contact.
Frustration contorted Guy's face, a stark contrast to Reinhard's impassive expression. The Primordial unleashed a torrent of attacks, each one more desperate than the last. He conjured a tempest of crimson lightning that arced across the sky, aiming to strike Reinhard down. He summoned an earthquake that shook the marketplace to its foundations, hoping to bury Reinhard beneath the rubble.
Reinhard remained a pillar of serenity amidst the chaos. The golden barrier pulsed with each attack, effortlessly nullifying Guy's every attempt. The humans, huddled together beneath the tattered remnants of awnings, watched in stunned horror as their world transformed into a battlefield.
Buildings crumbled, the very air crackled with demonic energy, and the ground groaned under the strain. Yet, the golden dome around Reinhard remained untouched, a haven of peace in the eye of the storm. Doubt gnawed at Guy with each failed attack. This wasn't just a display of superior power; it was a mockery. Reinhard wasn't even breaking a sweat!
This time, Reinhard raised a hand, a flicker of something akin to pity crossing his golden eyes. "Enough," he boomed, his voice resonating with a power that seemed to shake the foundations of reality.
The colossal entity froze mid-lunge, its demonic visage contorted in a silent scream. With a single thought from Reinhard, the creature dissolved into dust, leaving nothing but a faint echo of demonic power.
Silence descended upon the shattered marketplace. The smoke from the ruined buildings hung heavy in the air, a grim reminder of Guy's rampage. The humans, their faces etched with terror, dared to peek at the scene before them.
Guy stood alone, his fiery hair disheveled, his eyes filled with a mixture of despair and disbelief. The fight had drained him, both physically and emotionally. His bravado had evaporated, replaced by a cold realization - he was outmatched.
He sank to his knees, the weight of his defeat suddenly crushing. Raising his head, he looked at Reinhard, a flicker of defiance replaced by a hollow echo of defeat.
"It seems… it seems I underestimated you," Guy rasped, his voice hoarse. "You are… more than I bargained for."
Reinhard regarded him with detached interest. "And what do you propose we do now, Primordial?"
Guy's shoulders slumped. "There is nothing left for me here," he muttered, his voice barely a whisper. "This… this world is no place for me."
A flicker of something that might have been regret passed through his eyes. "Do what you must," he continued, his voice low and defeated. "End this. There is… no point in this humiliation."
Reinhard's gaze remained impassive, but a hint of surprise flickered within his golden eyes. This was not the reaction he had expected. The Primordial, who had moments ago been a roaring inferno of defiance, now craved oblivion.
The humans watched the exchange, their minds struggling to comprehend the scene before them. A godlike being and a defeated demon, their fates hanging in the balance.
Reinhard pondered for a moment, a silent conversation taking place within the vastness of his being.
Silence stretched between them, the only sound the crackling embers of the destroyed buildings. Reinhard scrutinized Guy with those piercing golden eyes, a silent judgment that sent shivers down the Primordial's spine.
Finally, Reinhard spoke, his voice a rumbling echo. "Death is easy," he intoned, "but ultimately meaningless. You are a powerful being, Guy> Power such as yours can be a force for destruction… or for something more."
Intrigue flickered in Guy's eyes, a spark of hope battling the despair.
"Something more?" he rasped.
"This world," Reinhard continued, his gaze sweeping over the devastated marketplace, "is young, brimming with potential for good and for ill. The humans, though fragile, are capable of great things. However, they are prone to folly, to conflict. You, Guy Crimson, possess the unique perspective of both demon and… well, unwilling observer."
A flicker of a sardonic smile touched Guy's lips. "An understatement, wouldn't you say?"
Reinhard ignored the comment. "I propose a challenge," he declared, his voice resonating with a strange authority. "Instead of ending your existence, I offer you a chance to redeem yourself. You will become the… mediator."
Guy frowned, a furrow appearing on his brow. "Mediator?"
"Yes," Reinhard elaborated. "You will act as a guardian, a force that ensures the balance of this world. You will keep the humans in check, prevent them from plunging themselves into oblivion. You will be a… deterrent against their darker tendencies, without resorting to the chaos you seem so fond of."
A strange mix of emotions flickered across Guy's face - surprise, skepticism, and a flicker of something rese
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A blinding flash erupted in the throne room, momentarily eclipsing the radiant glow emanating from Veldanava. Reinhard materialized opposite his father, his posture ramrod straight, embodying the very essence of nobility. A flicker of surprise, though, crossed his usually stoic features. Flanking Veldanava on his obsidian throne were his two younger sisters, Velzard and Velgrynd. Their presence, especially Velgrynd's, was unexpected.
"Father," Reinhard boomed, his voice echoing in the vast chamber. His words held the weight of pronouncements, a stark contrast to the casualness of everyday conversation.
Veldanava, a majestic figure radiating warmth and power, boomed back with a hearty laugh. "Reinhard, my son. Back already? Report to me, the state of affairs within the human world."
Reinhard launched into his account, his voice measured and precise. He recounted the disruption caused by the Primordial Demon, Guy, detailing the initial confrontation, the display of power, and ultimately, Guy's surrender.
"However," Reinhard interjected, a hint of his judgmental tone creeping back in, "rather than eliminating the Demon Lordl, I perceived an opportunity. Thus, I have appointed him as the Mediator, a fancy word for babysitter, to keep the humans from tearing each other apart."
Silence descended upon the throne room after Reinhard's revelation. Veldanava stroked his beard, a thoughtful look on his face. But on the sister's faces, contrasting emotions played out.
Velzard, the Ice Dragon, her very presence a chill that settled on the air, narrowed her eyes. "A demon babysitting humans? Seriously, Reinhard?" Her voice dripped with disbelief and a touch of… annoyance. "Reinhard, you acknowledge some dusty old demon but not your own awesome aunt?"
Reinhard met his aunt's gaze with his usual stoicism. "His power was significant, Aunt Velzard," he conceded. "But it paled in comparison to mine or ours for that matter. He has potential, though. This role could be a good way to keep him… occupied."
Velgrynd, the Scorch Dragon, spoke for the first time, her voice a crackling counterpoint to Velzard's chill. "Intriguing," she rumbled, a hint of amusement flickering in her fiery eyes. "A demon on a leash, forced to play nanny. Now that's an experiment I wouldn't mind observing."
Veldanava remained silent for a moment longer, seemingly lost in contemplation. Finally, he spoke, his voice a comforting rumble that echoed through the chamber. "Reinhard," he rumbled, "your decision is… unorthodox. However, I do trust your judgment. You witnessed the Demon Lord firsthand. You possess a unique perspective on his capabilities and intentions."
Velzard fumed. This was ridiculous! Reinhard acknowledged some upstart demon over his own kin? She wouldn't stand for it. With a huff that sent a mini blizzard swirling around her, she stood up abruptly.
"Well, if you're so busy babysitting demons, Reinhard," she said, her voice laced with frosty irritation, "I guess I'll just have to find some entertainment myself. Maybe pay this 'Mediator' a little visit and see what all the fuss is about."
Before anyone could respond, Velzard stormed out of the throne room, leaving behind a trail of swirling ice crystals. Veldanava chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound.
"Looks like someone's jealous," he rumbled.
Reinhard, a hint of amusement momentarily breaking his usual stoicism, smirked. "Perhaps, Father," he replied. "Perhaps indeed."
With a final exchange of glances, Reinhard vanished in a flash of golden light. Veldanava and Velgrynd were left alone in the vast throne room. The fate of the human world, entrusted to an unorthodox mediator, hung in the balance. And Velzard, far from finished, had her own plans brewing in the tempestuous depths of her mind.
A comfortable silence settled in the throne room after Velzard's icy exit. Veldanava chuckled once more, the sound echoing in the vast chamber. "Always the fiery one, your sister," he rumbled.
Velgrynd, ever the counterpoint to her sister's frosty demeanor, chuckled as well. The sound was a crackling warmth, like a hearth fire on a crisp night. "Indeed, brother," she agreed. "But enough about grumpy Velzard. Did I tell you about the fascinating creature I encountered in the human world recently?"
Intrigued, Veldanava leaned forward slightly. "A fascinating creature, you say? Do tell, Velgrynd."
Velgrynd's eyes, molten gold like her scales, sparkled with excitement. "He's a human, brother! but a most extraordinary one! A hero, they call him – Rudra. Strong, of course, but that's not the most captivating aspect."
She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "He's incredibly handsome, Father! Golden hair that shines like the sun, piercing blue eyes that hold the wisdom of ages… truly, a sight to behold."
Veldanava chuckled again, a deep, rumbling sound. "Is that so, Velgrynd? A handsome human hero who has captured your fancy?"
Velgrynd's cheeks, if a dragon could be said to have such things, flushed a faint crimson. "Perhaps," she admitted, a playful glint in her eyes. "He's quite powerful for a human, and surprisingly insightful. We've had some… stimulating conversations."
A hint of a smile touched Veldanava's lips. "Stimulating conversations, eh? It seems the human world holds more intrigue than we first thought."
Velgrynd grinned, a fiery explosion of warmth. "Indeed, Brother! I highly recommend you pay a visit sometime. Rudra would be honored to meet the True Dragon God, and I wouldn't mind some company on my travels with him."
Veldanava stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Travels, you say? Are you planning on accompanying this… Rudra for long?"
Velgrynd's eyes gleamed. "There's much to see in the human world, Brother. New cultures, emerging powers… and of course, Rudra's adventures. It promises to be quite an experience."
Veldanava smiled fully this time. "Very well, Velgrynd. Enjoy your travels with your… human companion. Just remember, the human world can be a dangerous place. Keep an eye on your hero."
Velgrynd bowed her head in a gesture of respect. "Thank you, Brother. I will. And who knows, perhaps one day I will introduce you to the magnificent Rudra yourself."
With a final farewell, Velgrynd spread her fiery wings and took flight, leaving the throne room bathed in the warm glow of her departing form. Veldanava watched her go, a hint of amusement lingering in his eyes.
The fate of the human world hung in the balance, entrusted to a demon babysitter and a curious True Dragon with a penchant for handsome heroes. It seemed even the affairs of mortals could hold a certain… entertainment value.
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Reinhard appeared to a place he hasn't been for many centuries now. He left without a word millennia ago but he believes that an immortal creature like her has no trouble with just a few centuries.
Staring at the large mossy entrance gate of the Labyrinth, Reinhard was displeased. It appears that after his disappearance, the woman has let nature take hold of things. Based on his understanding, she has probably lost interest in managing things because of the modern items he has given here. Now he is slightly regretting spoiling that woman too much. "Still a troublesome woman" he clicked his tongue in annoyance.
Taking a step, Reinhard marched through the gate without even bothering to open it. His body broke the gate with no resistance as he strolled inside. His presence was immediately greeted by the hundreds of spirits who thought that a new human had come to visit again.
"Look! Look! A new presence!"
"Right! A powerful and bright one at that!"
"Is there a new visitor? This should help Lady Ramiris a bit!"
"Ohh! This presence is too good! Even surpassing that young boy from earlier!"
"Earlier? You mean many months right? But still, it is indeed a beautiful presence!"
The murmurs of the spirit were heard by Reinhard making him uncomfortable. When he was here before all the words that came out of their mouths shrieked with fear. It was strange hearing them compliment him but nonetheless, he has no interest in entertaining him. "Come out now or I'll break this whole labyrinth" his words were simple and easy to understand but for the spirits who were familiar with it, they instantly froze in fear.
They recognize that voice! It was from the monster that did nothing but spread fear in this labyrinth! Because of their traumas, no spirit was able to move for a while. Reinhard did not take that well so he raised his hand and spoke. "Very well, if that is what you desire then, I shall grant this pathetic labyrinth with its demise along with the creatures inside of it" he said and was about to move when thousands of spirits revealed themselves in hurry.
"W-We apologizee!! Please don't kill us!
Although many of them spoke at once, their purpose was only one. That is to appease the displeasure of Reinhard. "... Your life will be extended. Don't disappoint me again. Lead me to your sloth of a Queen" Reinhard said as the spirits moved in action. They immediately teleported Reinhard to his own room?
Reinhard halted his steps as he stared at the spirits. His eyes were cold and threatened to erase them if they do not explain this joke. "P-Please we are not kidding! Lady Ramiris has decided to use your room ever since you left, Lord Reinhard! She refuses to leave despite our constant warning" a spirit hurriedly explained to avoid erasure. "A-Also… please forgive Lady Ramiris if what you see inside might anger you.." another one added as all of them lowered their heads to plead.
Reinhard didn't bother to listen as he swiftly opened the door, he couldn't help but twitch when he saw that the door was almost covered in rust, he wondered what this woman was doing all this time. Upon opening, the sight stunned and pissed Reinhard at the same time. His previous elegant and sophisticated room was no more. Now it is filled with a bunch of trash littered everywhere. There were various vegetable and fruit peels everywhere. Some stinky smell was also lingering around showing just how much this room has been ignored.
Staring at the only clean thing inside the room, the bed, Reinhard has to step back from shock to what he witnessed. There was Ramiris lying on his bed with heavy food seasoning covering her body. She was way too dirty for him to handle so Reinhard immediately went out of the room. His footsteps though was enough to wake the lazy woman.
"Haah, haven't I told you guys not to disturb my rest? Is it morning already" she said, yawning as she stood up from her sleeping position. She instinctively reached out to the side so that she could grab the fries she had been eating before. She managed to grab one but was disappointed that it was already cold and limp. Slowly waking up, Ramiris took a glance inside the room and quickly stiffened when she saw a figure standing behind the door.
She rubbed her eyes to check whether she was hallucinating again, a disease she has been battling. But even after tens of rubbing, the figure still wasn't washing away. She took a step towards it and was about to touch the figure when her hands were slapped away without mercy. "Keep your filthy hands off me, woman." The voice and pain rang inside Ramiris' mind, she slowly looked up at the source of it without realizing that tears had begun filling her eyes. "Reinhard…?" She muttered wondering if she was still dreaming.
"Tsk, don't get close to me. You reek. I don't want your smell sticking to me" Reinhard conjured a stick and then pushed Ramiris' head with it giving the two distance.
Ramiris's heart plummeted. A single tear, fat and glistening, traced a path down her cheek, leaving a clean streak through the grime. Her voice, when she spoke, was barely a whisper.
"R-Reinhard..." she croaked, her throat tight with a mixture of hurt and confusion. "I... I missed you."
She reached out again, this time hesitantly, her hand trembling slightly. Not to grab or touch, but to bridge the ever-widening gap between them. The yearning in her eyes was unmistakable, a child seeking comfort from a long-lost guardian.
Reinhard, however, remained unmoved. The image of his pristine room, now a wreck of discarded snacks and forgotten entertainment, burned in his mind. The putrid odor that clung to Ramiris was a physical manifestation of her neglect, a stark contrast to the pristine being he remembered.
He loathed confrontation, especially with a creature as weak as Ramiris. But the state of his domain, the very embodiment of her sloth, demanded some form of punishment.
With a sigh that spoke volumes of his disappointment, Reinhard spoke. "Ramiris," his voice held a sliver of his usual authority, "look at yourself. Look at what you've become. This... this is unbecoming of a queen."
His words struck a raw nerve. Ramiris flinched, the tear on her cheek finally falling, splashing a silent accusation on the dusty floor. A sob escaped her lips, a small, pathetic sound that echoed in the vast emptiness of the once-elegant room.
"I... I just..." she stammered, her voice thick with unshed tears. "I got bored. You were gone for so long, and the spirits... they weren't the same without you scaring them."
The last statement, a pitiful attempt at humor, hung heavy in the air. Reinhard remained impassive, but a flicker of something akin to pity danced in his eyes for a brief moment.
"Clean yourself up, Ramiris," he finally relented, the harshness in his voice softened by a hair's breadth. "And then we will talk about what comes next."
He turned to leave, his golden light casting long shadows across the room. Ramiris, a solitary figure amidst the chaos, watched him go. A single, choked sob escaped her lips, a heartbreaking counterpoint to the sterile silence of the labyrinth.
Tears streamed down Ramiris's face as Reinhard's retreating form vanished from sight. The weight of his disappointment, a crushing force heavier than any spell, pressed down on her. With a shaky breath, she wiped her tears with the back of her hand, a smear of grime mixing with the salty water. Shame burned in her gut, a prickling sensation that spurred her into action.
She couldn't stay like this. Not in front of Reinhard.
Mustering what little dignity remained, Ramiris shuffled towards the bathroom, her steps heavy with despair. The once-grand room, now a cluttered mess, seemed to mock her with every glance. It was a reflection of her own neglected state, a testament to the loneliness that had consumed her in Reinhard's absence.
Hours ticked by, marked by the sounds of scrubbing and splashing water. When Ramiris finally emerged, she was a far cry from the bedraggled creature Reinhard had encountered. The grime was gone, replaced by a faint shimmer that spoke of her renewed spirit energy. Though her clothes, once pristine, still held the faint echoes of forgotten meals, she held her head a little higher, a spark of defiance replacing the tearful despair.
Reinhard awaited her in the center of the room, his posture as rigid as ever. The air crackled with unspoken tension. Ramiris took a hesitant step forward, then another, until she stood before him.
"I apologize," she said, her voice small but clear. "I shouldn't have let myself go like that."
Reinhard inclined his head in a curt nod, a gesture devoid of warmth. "See that you don't," he replied, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Silence descended once more, heavy and suffocating. Ramiris, however, couldn't bear it. The dam of her emotions, held back for centuries, finally burst.
"But Reinhard!" she cried, her voice laced with hurt. "Where were you? Why did you disappear for so long? Didn't you even miss me a little?"
Reinhard's expression remained stoic, but a flicker of something akin to surprise passed through his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but Ramiris cut him off.
"And don't even get me started on letters!" she continued, her voice rising in pitch. "You could have at least sent a single message! A carrier pigeon, a magical projection, anything! Did you just forget about me entirely?"
Reinhard rolled his eyes, an action that seemed to carry the weight of ages. "There was much to do," he said simply.
"Much to do?" Ramiris sputtered, her outrage momentarily eclipsing her sadness. "And what about my labyrinth? This room? If you were here, none of this would have happened!"
She gestured wildly at the remnants of her snacking sprees, the evidence of her boredom laid bare. A flicker of emotion flickered across Reinhard's face, a barely perceptible tremor in his otherwise emotionless mask.
Seeing this, Ramiris's anger subsided, replaced by a wave of dejection. She slumped her shoulders, a defeated sigh escaping her lips.
Reinhard, after a long, contemplative moment, did something entirely unexpected. He extended an arm, stiffly patting the head of Ramiris.
Ramiris's eyes widened in surprise. It wasn't an embrace, not by a long shot, but it was the closest thing to comfort he had offered all night. Hesitantly, she reached out and wiped the last vestiges of tears from her face with the edge of the fabric.
"I will explain things later," Reinhard said, his voice gruff but not unkind. "For now, let us get this mess cleaned up."
Ramiris, a flicker of hope rekindled in her chest, nodded silently. Together, the unlikely pair began the arduous task of restoring the room to its former glory. It would be a long process, a testament to the time lost and the bridges that needed rebuilding.
"I'll start explaining" The revelation hung heavy in the air, a weighty silence settling between them. Finally, Reinhard spoke, his voice firm and laced with the passage of ages.
"Millennia ago," he began, his gaze fixed on some unseen point in the distance, "Veldora, a newborn True Dragon, emerged into the world. His immense power was raw and untamed, a swirling vortex of chaos that threatened to create catastrophe."
Ramiris blinked, surprise flickering across her features. The playful image of a mischievous hatchling she'd conjured up earlier shattered, replaced by a sense of awe and a hint of trepidation.
"So, you..." she began, her voice barely a whisper, "you were... raising a True Dragon?"
A flicker of amusement, a rare sight on Reinhard's stoic face, crossed his features. "Not quite raising," he corrected, a hint of a wry smile playing on his lips. "More like... guiding a tempest. Veldora, in his infancy, possessed a power that dwarfed even the mightiest of beings. It was... intriguing, to say the least."
Ramiris leaned forward, captivated. The amusement she'd felt earlier returned, tinged with a newfound curiosity. "Intriguing? A True Dragon with the power to level mountains was intriguing?"
Reinhard chuckled, a deep rumble that echoed in the room. "His potential for destruction was undeniable," he admitted. "But there was also a spark within him, a curiosity about the world that burned just as brightly as his raw power. It was that spark that drew me in."
A warmth bloomed in Ramiris' chest. The stern, emotionless guardian she remembered was being replaced by a man who had witnessed the potential for wonder within a newborn dragon.
"So, where is Veldora now?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine interest. "Is he still a whirlwind of chaos, or has your… guidance paid off?"
Reinhard's expression lightened slightly. "Veldora now roams the world," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "He has learned to control his power, to channel his chaotic nature into something… productive. He is no longer a threat, but a force for good, a protector in his own right."
Ramiris' eyes widened. A newborn True Dragon, roaming free? "Can I meet him someday?" she blurted out, the question bubbling up before she could stop it.
Reinhard raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Perhaps," he said thoughtfully. "Veldora is a being of immense power, but also of immense curiosity. I'm sure he would be interested in meeting the enigmatic Queen of Spirits"
Ramiris beamed, a spark of excitement replacing the earlier awe. The prospect of meeting a free True Dragon was simply too thrilling to resist. "I can handle myself," she declared, puffing out her chest in mock bravado.
Reinhard chuckled once more, his voice was ominous, the sound echoing in the silent room. "We shall discuss it further at a later time," he said, turning his gaze towards the neglected state of the labyrinth. "For now, there is the matter of this… residence."
Ramiris winced, suddenly self-conscious under his pointed stare. "Right," she mumbled, looking down at her dusty clothes. "Cleaning. We should probably get started on cleaning."
Reinhard nodded in agreement. Together, the unlikely pair set to work, the once-proud guardian and the queen who had let her domain fall into disrepair. It was a slow, tedious process, but with each scrubbed surface and discarded snack wrapper, a sense of renewal filled the air.
As they worked, Ramiris stole a glance at Reinhard. His expression remained mostly stoic, but there was a hint of… something in his eyes. Perhaps a flicker of understanding, or maybe even a touch of amusement. Whatever it was, it filled Ramiris with a quiet hope.
The labyrinth, neglected for millennia, was slowly being restored. And perhaps, in the process, a bond that had been strained by time and circumstance was beginning to heal.
–
—-
—--
This change of attitude from Reinhard is because some pointed out that the Reinhard from Earth and Original Reinhard should have merged instead of just the original taking over.
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