Chapter 31: The Hell Serpent

The very instant he left the Grand Archives, the world became dark. It was different from last time. Last time, Velika layered the world in a distinct miasma of shadow, which blocked one's perception of light; instead this time, it felt like the world was swathed in darkness all around. Even the sun, as high in the sky as it was, had a pitch black color to it.

The world rumbled, and he exhaled deeply as he stepped forward, and the world returned as it was, with a distinct chill layered within the air. Whatever the Grave Dragon did had changed the world forever. This was the end of the war, Zyelt was the Harbinger of the End after all. His death was the first chain link within a chain of events that would end the world.

Iskatl felt something watching him as he traveled forth, and he turned to look before his eyes widened and he stepped back. There she was; a black dress with black opera gloves. Crimson eyes and hair which reached past her waist, scales in places her dress covered. Black horns resembling those of goats, and various black flower motifs along her body, accentuating the beauty her outfit gave off. It had been almost a century since he'd seen this woman.

"Hello, Iskatl. Not what I would have named you but... I'm not really allowed to judge that part of you. My Son... my precious boy. I'm sure you have many questions, but I have no time for answers. Come forth. I have a gift for you, Iskatl. After this war ends, we can talk more. I want you to end it. You've been colluding with Belial, have you? Come, come."

She'd beckon him over with a soft smile as he came forth, before she produced what seemed to be a potion.

"I'm sure you didn't get far enough in the book, or it wasn't there, but would you like to know something about our kind? My son? Our very blood has mana running throughout it, like a river would fish. So much of it, to the extent that when we hand it out, it can enhance another's mana. I'm sure you've been given more than enough gifts in recent days, but... Consider this a birthday present. It's soon, isn't it? World Serpent blood is something usually diluted with water, or other things to create mana enhancement potions, but undiluted? Well, some have unlocked even a new Grace, amongst other things."

She'd gesture for him to drink, and he didn't question it; he drank it immediately and felt his blood run hot as the mana in his blood fought against the mana from the blood he drank, and fused with one another.

"My Son. I wish I could have raised you... But in this world, strength invites challenge, and you were simply too weak to stand in my presence. I couldn't risk you not reaching this point you've reached now. Understand?"

A sound of glass shattering erupted around them, and she'd smile.

"As World Serpents, our eyes all have a potent ability tied to them. I imagine an event I wish to happen, and mine and my target's destiny coincide so it may. Yours? I've seen it. If you wish for something to not happen, the events that lead up to that thing within your sight cease to be. An offshoot of my ability, yet all the more potent. I'd used my eyes so we might meet together this day. I've been protecting you, all your life, and it took so much out of me."

Reaching up to touch his face, he let out a soft sigh before he accepted his mother's love... She pulled his head down to hers and kissed his forehead before whispering to him.

"I hate to do this. Lady Ouroboros is slaughtering them as we speak. I exist as she wills it, in spite of how hard I've fought to be rebellious. I can't stop her, I can hardly act against her - my eyes are the only reason we're having this meeting. I can speak freely but acting freely isn't possible. I want her to stop this silly war, so you were born but... I love you, Iskatl. Please don't think you're just a tool for my desires. I just want you to stop her... So very badly."

There seemed nothing that would tell him she was lying. Everything she said was the truth, or she was a perfect liar. He couldn't place what the answer could be. Finally, his blood began to boil and Vyarra smiled at her son as the Reliquary's voice chimed in.

"Greater Sovereignty achieved. Sanguine Sovereign unearthed. Raiment unlocked. Head back into the Grand Archive. It's important."

He'd tilt his head before thinking about it and there he was in the Grand Archives. His sense of smell was immediately assaulted with the stench of blood, to which his eyes widened. Belial was sitting there, right at the entrance... Her hair slick with blood, and her clothes crimson with blood as she sits there shaking. It had been mere moments, but so much had happened within those moments. Her staff lie broken in front of her as she panted heavily. Iskatl walked toward her, with a look of sorrow on his face.

She looked horrified as she said two words to him, a request, as if she were begging him for this.

"Please, Iskatl. Kill me..."

"Why?"

"They're all dead... And she left me. Please, kill me."

"Why?"

"I'm worthless."

"How?"

"I..."

He offered a hand to her, the horrified Goddess that she was.

"I don't think you should be on the floor. You're a Knowledge Keeper, no? A God of Knowledge? Recover what was lost. That sick woman left you alive for a purpose, so rise."

A shaky hand accepted his own, as he smiled softly.

"Only someone like you can recover this all, Belial. I can see it in your eyes. Fight or be forgotten. I'd rather all their knowledge not be lost, so I won't accept you letting it be lost. To your feet."

Belial rose to her feet, shaking. She was struggling to stand, grabbing his shoulders to lean on him as he guided her to a seat and sat her down.

"Iskatl."

She put a shaky hand on his head, thumb pressing against his forehead as she closed her eyes.

"I name you the First and the Final Sage of Vaaz, as well as the Scholar of Belial. This is a title you will carry into your final battle, with pride. Avenge us. I think I need to rest..."

The shaking stopped slowly, as she began to snore. A soft exhale as he saw his mother behind him.

"Can you please watch her, mother? I beg of you."

"Of course... my son. Please rest as well."

As she said this, she placed a hand on his forehead and he fell asleep.

Within his dreams, he saw something strange. Velika had an eye closed and held something out to Sovereign. Sovereign pressed a finger against her closed eye, and accepted what she offered. Velika's eye would open and in it's place was Sovereign's eye. What were they doing?..