Zahier

Fenrir’s eyes widen in shock, taking a step back. Primal head flowing from its nostrils, it recognizes its power. Bowing its head, it growls maliciously. “Deal with the boy, I’ll handle Fenrir.” The Jikan telepathically signals to the girl.

“Thank you,” Susanna jumps off its back running over Reaching her arm around his back, she elevates his head Pulling him into a hug, his worn and battered body gets blood on her outfit. His heart rate spiking on contact. “Anna.” He coughs, struggling to take a deep breath.

Shaking her head, she looks at her captain sternly.“You didn’t think you’d need my help now did you?” Sheepishly, he weakly turns his head from meeting her gaze.

“My bad, Anna. I just didn’t want you to risk your life out here. Blackwood’s turned into a literal hellscape. The barrier on the other hand is safe and you lack spiritual power.” She closes her eyes, then reopens them as her bejeweled eyes glisten under the black sun.

“Are you sure about that Joshua!”

She gently smacks him on the back of the head, tears roll down her cheeks refracting the light from the unknown lines etched across her upper body, “If I wasn’t ready to risk my life I wouldn’t have enrolled here. I knew what kind of place this was. If I wanted safety I would have enrolled in Hiero. I especially wouldn’t be riding a bloody Jikan of all things to come save your sorry ass.”.

“I know.” Joshua weakly sighs as Susanna passes the fourth runic cube over to him. Joshua’s eyes light up. “Thank you, Anna. Where was it? I thought I lost it on my way here.” He attempts to jump up only to stumble over his own feet. Susanna helps him back up whilst shaking her head.

“Take it easy, you’re not in the condition to be doing that. Your entire body's aura is out of whack if my eyes are correct.”

“I hate this so much, I hate feeling useless. This damn body.” Joshua complains to her through gritted teeth.

“You’re not useless Joshua, you’ve just got to remember that you’re not alone. There are people who wish to help you. You can’t expect to take on literal monsters by yourself.”

“It’s not like I’ve had much of a choice.” His voice trails off.

------------------

A bit earlier.

Orthon, surrounded by hundreds of monsters attempting to break through his barrier, maintains his focus, pouring everything he has into the etched runes as a massive shock wave levels and erases everything around him. A brilliant blue light explodes out around him as he drops from the air back to the ground. The landscape around him, now flattened aside from the tree. Surprisingly it still stands tall, as if a testament to their struggles. Flickers of blue aura dance throughout the air.

Having finished his part of the ritual, Orthon collapses into unconsciousness with a big smile on his face. “It’s on you Joshua.”

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Back in the epicenter of the conflict, Layrn battered and bleeding heaves. Her eyes change back to normal from overuse. Gyles’ tunic and armor were equally singed and in tatters as they stand over the giant Chimera. Its severed limbs litter the battle ground as green liquid pools across the ground. Gyles stands up straight, his muscles strained from overuse.

“That's that bastard taken care of.” Layrn collapses to a knee using her great sword to hold herself up. Her breath is equally ragged having not fought like that in a few years.

“I appreciate the help elf. That wouldn’t have been possible without you. It's been a few years since I’ve had to fight seriously.” Shooting him a devious grin they turn to watch Andric and Ghislaine still fighting at full capacity.

“How is that even possible?” Layrn questions her battle companion. “The commandant is an aura master, this much is to be expected. Why else do you think the patriarch made him head of Blackwood, It's not a position to be made lightly. He’s on the cusp of breaking through his limits and ascending.” Gyles eyes watch closely as red light pulsates around the commandant.

Rubbing the back of her head, she cracks her neck.“And to think when I met the guy, I tried to fight him.” Layrn laughs heartily as a stray green beam swoops by her head. Looking towards the dark elf, Gyles shakes his head before helping her to her feet.

“We should get out of here, he’ll handle Andric. There are likely still beasts threatening the cadets.” Dragging her along, the two of them run off back towards Mt. Shiraia.

Turning his head, the commandant nods his head with a smirk. His allies are safe and sound. Facing back towards Andric, his eyes narrow, his breathing magnifies. Something wells up inside him igniting. Like an inferno ready to consume everything around it. His aura breaks through as a 7th core forms in his chest. His wounds heal instantly as his eyes radiate a chaotic red, bouncing on his blue eyes.

“Haven’t we done his song and dance long enough, Gail.” Andric Ignorantly cackles as the two of their blades clash once more in a deadlock. “Just accept your fate and DIE.”

With a stoic expression Gail sighs. “My friend, how long have we known each other? Since we were kids, right. Where did it all go wrong? Juliana wouldn’t have wanted this from either of us. Do you wish to let her sacrifice be in vain? We’re supposed to be brothers!”

Andric's eyes go bloodshot as blood starts to drip from his eyes. A malicious green light scarring his flesh. “DON’T MENTION THAT NAME YOU THIEVING BASTARD.” Jumping back, he twists his arm around firing a torrent of green energy from his palm, black lightning cracking all around him.

“Hurry up Andric, we’re running out of time. That damn Terra brat is dispelling the ritual like the order of Serox would.” The annoyed voice of Astaroth echoes through his mind.

Closing his eyes, tears fall down Gail's cheek. Clenching his rapier, his knuckles whiten as he uncharacteristically screams. Years of pain trembling in his voice. “IS THAT WHAT THIS WHOLE MESS IS ABOUT! JULIANA” The name brings back memories buried by the cold-hearted commandant.

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A long time ago, the three of them were sent out on a mission to the Zephyr Clan territory. It was bypassing the ordinances of the treaty, but they couldn’t ignore orders. They didn’t know that they were being led into a trap.

A young Andric and Ghislaine were bantering back and forth as a beautiful young girl stood by them tending to a fire. A familiar black and red outfit trails up to a flared collar and opened up blouse. Twin blades resting on her side.

Her long flowing brown hair and eyes that shined like sapphires were illuminated as the fire's embers rose into the moonlight. “Hey Andy, grab the drinks. The fire should be good now.” Juliana calls out. A gentle breeze blew through the air as it tickled her skin.

“Sure thing Jules. Reaching into his bag, he pulls out a few mugs and a large container of beer. Cracking the top off, a small pop rings out. He pours it into the mugs, passing one to everybody as he brushes his hand against Juliana’s.

As the two begin talking about their current mission, Ghislaine eyeballs the drink. “I don’t really care for alcohol. Oh well.” Downing the thing instantaneously with a scowl, he sits the mug down. His comrades turn and give him a weird look.

“Umm Ghis, you, okay?” Juliana questions.

“Yeah, just not a fan of drinking, or alcohol in general. I enjoy spending my time fencing when I’m not working.”

“So stuck up, bro. Take a chill pill and relax for a night. You never know when it’ll be your last.” Andric chuckles aloud patting Ghislaine’s back as a smile creeps onto the stoic man’s face.

“I suppose you’re right. ‘Andy’” the brown-haired man’s ears turn red at the nickname.

“Uh…… Please don’t call me that. It’s really weird coming from you.” Andric looks down cheeks beet red.

With a cheeky smile Juliana looks at them, “Awe Andy is embarrassed, what a bromance.” She giggles aloud causing both Gail and Andric to blush.

Placing his face into his hands, his cheeks burn with embarrassment. Andric turns away, remaining quiet for a moment. Quickly changing the topic to save face, Ghislaine changes the topic.

“Tomorrow we’ll be entering Zephyr territory; Everyone, stay on guard we don’t know what to expect. After all, Overseer Luca sent us on this mission with little intel. Is that Understood.”

The two of them look to their leader. “Very well, you stick in the mud.” Juliana eyes his face, her cheeks blushing with a smile. “Although I’ll be real with you, I don’t like that guy. Why did we have to get assigned to the creepiest Overseer? He isn’t even from the branch families for crying out loud.”

Maintaining his composure, Ghislaine sighs. “Yeah, I’m not sure either. Apparently he made a deal with the high overseer for the position. I don’t really have the details.”

“That's a pity, my sweet Ghis. Maybe if you spent more time socializing you could get us more details.” Cheekily, she sticks her tongue out. Ghislaine’s heart skips a beat.

“I know, but I hate politics. That's why I’m trying to prove myself to Roderic. I will become a Fang!” Clenching his right fist, his gaze lowers.

A quickly inebriated Andric stands up, making his way to his bedroll. “I’m going to bed guys; I’m getting a bit tired.” Pain hides in his voice as his breaths tremble.

He lays down whilst clutching his heart as faint tears roll down his eyes. The sight of their romance gnawing at his mind. A faint whisper enters his ears. “Life is so unfair to those without power.” A transparent green mist slides past avoiding the gaze of the others.

Ghislaine agrees with Andric, standing up. However, before he could turn and make his way to his own tent, Juliana walks over to him, placing her hands on his face pulling him into a kiss. “Goodnight, Gail, I’ll see you in the morning.”

Gail stands there for a moment in shock before going back to his tent, a blush burned on the stoic man’s face. Not only did she call him by his nickname aloud, she kissed him with no hesitation. “What does this mean for the three of us?” he ponders his thoughts until slumber overtakes him.

The next morning everyone gathers their belongings and as usual, everyone pretends like nothing happened. Andric’s heart still hurts, and Gail’s mind still races as he looks at Juliana. “Julia.”

Later into the day continuing their mission, they eventually reach the general location they were heading. They were surveying the landscape, looking for any signs of their target. However they come up empty handed. “Theres absolutely nothing here, no buildings, no tunnels, nothing. There aren’t even signs of wildlife here.” Juliana complains pinching her brow.

“You’re telling me; this is where we were told to go, right Ghislaine?” Andric complains aloud as he turns around, his hands fidgeting slightly.

“Yes, this is definitely the place, but Luca told us that there would be a tower here and thus far, there’s nothing.” Ghislaine replies.

Their search would go on a bit longer until Andric eventually runs into a wall. Grasping his face in pain, he mumbles to himself. “Huh, but there’s nothing here.” He starts feeling the air out in front of himself and eventually grabs onto a wall. “Hey guys, I think I found something.” He tilts his head back, calling his teammates.

Ghislaine and Juliana run up to him in confusion as they also feel the invisible wall themselves. “What the hell. “Ghislaine thinks aloud. Making their way around the perimeter, Juliana feels for an entrance eventually finding a recessed frame. Opening a door, she motions for them to follow her.

As the three of them make their way inside, they begin looking around finding all kinds of strange magical artifacts and art pieces strung throughout. Making their ascent they climb up four floors without anything of note. Just a few scrolls and writings on magic sigils and magical engineering.

However, once they reach the top, they find it. It was the gemstone they were tasked with looking for. In its pitch-black glory, the Blackstone rests in its casing. Andric, overexcited, takes a step forward only to set off a magical alarm. Red sigils light up throughout the room. Gail immediately jumps into action.

Calling out commands as the building starts to shake, the three of them run forward grabbing and lifting the casing off as Ghislaine picks the thing up. Zephyr clan mages begin climbing the inside of the tower.

As he holds it, he gazes into the abyss and it stares back with golden eyes. He can feel his aura pulsating like a new level of power was being unlocked. His potential is being expanded beyond his limits even though he can’t utilize it yet. Being startled by the sight he drops it, as a tiny fragment breaks off. Reaching down and placing it in his pocket, he commands Andric to carry it down as he handles the intruders.

Unsheathing his blade, his light red aura illuminates the room. He cuts down the low circle mages rushing towards him with ease, quickly making their way out. Bodies of mages litter the floor, some in shining golden armor, others in decorated robes Gail simply cuts through their mana and executes them. The power of aura can tear through reality at its peak.

Andric chuckles aloud. “Well that was easy.” They step out from the tower only to be surrounded by hundreds of soldiers and mages alike. Standing in front of them all was a high elf covered in mana tattoos and an intrigued look on his face. He eyeballs Juliana with lust as a chain-like tattoo around his neck glows.“Yes mother.” Smirking, he looks at Ghislaine and Andric with amusement.

“Elder Zahier, the intruders have exited the tower, may we engage?” A mage with a golden helmet interrupts.

“No, don’t; I’ll handle them.” The effeminate man hops off his horse as he approaches the trio. His long white hair drapes over his shoulders as his silver robes etched with magical sigils covers his body.

Andric gets ready to throw the stone down and grab his weapon, but is stopped by Juliana. Holding her arm out in front of him, the reaction catching the elf’s eye. It’s as if she knew who this man was by the distraught look on her face. As she begins trembling, Gail steps in front of her.

“Who’s the leader here?” Zahier questions.

“That would be I, Zephyr.” Disgust leaves Gail’s lips.

“That’s no way to talk to the man who holds your lives in his hands.” The man laughs aloud before continuing. “If you try to fight me, you will all die.”

His eyes glow with a sinister black and blue. His right hand lights up as a circle appears behind him; seven interconnected circles full of symbols and lines. Around his wrist consecutive mana circles ethereally rotate.

“You’re a High Elder of the Zephyr clan, my name is Ghislaine, pride of the Terra clan. His aura flares, his five aura cores sparking to life.

“Such bravado, I’ll make this easy for you. Give me the girl and the Blackstone and I'll let you leave.” Undisturbed by Ghislaine's threat, he remains calm, like dealing with a mere pet.

A shocked expression fills Andric and Ghislaine’s faces. “Why Juliana.” Andric cries out.

“She’s a marvelous creature and I simply must have her,” his eyes look her up and down as he licks his lips.

“Hell no you sick fuck,” Andric passes the stone to Juliana as he draws his blade rushing at the elf.

“Andric NO.” Ghislaine and Juliana cry out as he’s lifted into the air as a spell circle constricts around Zahier’s hand as he clenches his fist, flicking it back. Andric’s arms and legs shatter as he is thrown back into the tower's wall.

“Now that the pest has been dealt with, shall we continue, Gail!” A look of rage fills Ghislaine’s face as he grips his blade readying to strike for his neck.

“Very well Zephyr.” Venom fills every syllable.

Juliana steps forward stopping him. “Gail, If I don’t go, we’re all going to die. Roderic has high hopes for your potential. I’m average at best. And I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to the two of you.” A tear rolls down her left cheek, trailing down her chin as it falls to the earth.

“But Jules.” She places her right hand on his shoulder before pulling him in for a kiss. “I love you, Gail. Keep fighting for me, for the pride of the Terra clan okay. I’m sorry.” Tears well up in her eyes as she turns away walking towards the pompous high elf.

A gleeful look spreads across his face. “Very well, a deal.” Very soon a page appears before Ghislaine. “Just sign this and I’ll guarantee your safe exit from our territory, I’ll even overlook how your overseer ignored the treaty between our people. Aren’t I so merciful!”

A pained expression rests on Ghislaine’ face as tears roll down his cheek. The memories the three built together, all the good and bad moments. The arguments, the banter, everything races through his mind as his thoughts turn to his brother in arms, Andric.

“Very well you damn Elf. You win.” Signing the piece of paper, Zahier cackles calling off his troops with the wave of a hand.

“Everyone disengage; the Terra Clan's dogs will be escorted out of our territory. I can’t go back on a mana contract.” Mana chains wrap around his heart clenching down tightly on it.

“But sire, couldn’t we just kill them and be done with it.” Instantly the mage's head explodes.

“Don’t question your superiors' whelp. I am a man of my word.” Zahier snarls. After that sight, most of his men fall in line stepping into a large teleportation circle. The remainders pick Andric up, as a large spell circle forms underneath him. The four mages pour their own mana into it. Zahier winks at Ghislaine before teleporting away, the spell having obviously been his doing.

Andric is completely healed as mana courses through his body and the severed tendons and bones reattach and meld back together as if nothing had ever happened. Nonetheless he remains unconscious as the four mages struggle back to their feet, their bodies clearly drained of their life energy and mana.

Walking over to Andric, he fights back the tears from his eyes as he holds his brother in arms up. “Let’s go home, Andy.” He fights through his mental anguish to maintain his composure. This mission ending in complete failure.

A few days later the two were back at a Terra clan outpost in the neutral territories, the two grown men are left in tears at the loss. They spend the next few days grieving.

“I’m so sorry Andric; I had no choice; she chose to sacrifice herself… He was too strong.” Ghislaine looks down at his ‘brother’.

“I know Gail, it still hurts; like a permanent mark on my heart.” His eyes were red and puffy from crying. His current state, not befitting that of an elite soldier. A familiar whisper echoes in Andric’s mind. “You will soon be strong enough. Let me guide you.” Andric shakes his head, not catching on to the voice.

Standing up the two stare at each other red eyed as Ghislaine offers his hand out. “Brothers?” Andric reciprocates his feelings and grasps it tightly. “Always.”

The fragment of Blackstone rests in Ghislaine’s pocket; he refuses to turn it in as it’s his only reminder of Juliana’s sacrifice and his desire to get stronger. "I will avenge you, Julia."