Part 1 –

Exrite’s strict training consisted of nothing but gruelling, repetitive strikes on a wooden dummy. He went through every weapon imaginable and worked to the bone under Anoma’s direct instructions. Of course, he didn’t come out unscathed from the hellish training.

The man bathed beneath the darkened sky, where thick clouds hung in front of the weak sun. His arms and legs were spread out as he took quick, deep breaths to replenish his exhausted stamina. Parts of his knuckles were bloodied and torn while the rest of his body screamed in agony.

For the last seven hours, Exrite hadn’t eaten anything, let alone taken a break.

Heavy scrunches suddenly approached him from behind. Soon, the stern face of a brown-haired woman leaned over him with something in her hand.

“Take it.” She placed the object on his drenched stomach.

“Thanks.” He was far too fatigued to even react to the draping strands of hair that tickled his face. “What’s this?”

“It’s food, what else could it be?” Anoma took a seat beside him, her limeite armour rattling with every movement she made.

Her eyes held no sympathy for the man as he struggled to push himself up. In the seven hours he spent striking the dummies, she was rather impressed by his endurance. She honestly expected him to call for a break at least three hours in, but he managed to push through till the end of the session.

Exrite bit into the plump bread, devouring the delicious meat with a satisfied face. Her intent gaze didn’t leave him, not even for a second.

“Did you find something you like?” Anoma patiently asked, allowing the man to savour his rest and tasty meal.

He pondered on the thought briefly before returning a weak stare.

“Other than the sword and dagger, I can’t see myself using anything else.” He revealed, causing the woman to loudly hum in response. “I’d rather have something I can quickly draw when I need it the most.”

Things like spears and shields were far too inconvenient to carry around, plus, there wasn’t a reason for him to have them if his role wasn’t to be in the foreground. With a sword, a dagger and even his own fists – he could have them on him at all times and draw them faster by a tenfold if things went awry.

Anoma expected this response. The reason why she even bothered to put him through every weapon today was just in case he had some sort of hidden talent or affinity for a weapon. At the very least, he’d be slightly more familiar using other weaponry.

It created another baseline for her to work from, in addition to his abnormal physical endurance and pain tolerance. She wanted to ask whether it was the result of his absurdly low mana capacity or was related to prior conditioning.

And looking at the man’s battered body – her thoughts leaned to the latter. She could tell that the training was hard on him, yet not once did he complain. In fact, it was Frosty who advocated for his wellbeing, but Exrite sincerely assured that he was ‘fine’.

Speaking of Frosty – she was nowhere to be seen. Not even Khaos was in the meadow. After Anoma judged that there was nothing she could teach the two, they went off on their separate ways.

But not without warning Anoma of Exrite’s condition.

“At least that narrows things down. You said you had only one month, so this makes it easier for the both of us. I’ll hammer basic combat into you tomorrow. But if you show up like that, then consider my help done.” A rash sigh followed.

“I’ll be fine before tomorrow. This is a thousand times better than having my… yeah – I should be fine.” Exrite slightly trailed off before reaffirming himself.

“My what? Did you endure something worse than this?”

“Much worse.” He bit off another chunk of the bread and silently chewed.

Exrite hadn’t experienced any manifestations from the Eye of Despair since he first awakened three days ago. If anything, it was the Eye of Hope that would occasionally emanate a comforting warmth. There was no telling how or what the reason behind it was, but for now; he was just glad that it wasn’t interfering with him.

He smiled and looked across the near empty meadow. Anoma studied him, wondering why he smiled. For all she knew, her words could’ve brought upon an unpleasant memory.

But with Exrite’s pleasant face, she found it hard to believe that was the case. And if it was, then he was more durable than she imagined. Often than not, if the body breaks, then the mind would inevitably follow.

By the day, the Exrenity became increasingly interesting. While he was still far from being a satisfactory Exrenity, he undoubtably had the potential.

To even last this long without descending into madness was a feat in of itself. It was a reflection of his unwavering demeanour, and the strive to persevere. But above all – it reminded her of her late sister.

She sighed.

“It’d be great if you could keep that smile for tomorrow, because I’m warning you – you’ll be breaking a couple bones.” Anoma brought herself back to her feet, staring down at the battered man who replied with a confident smile. “Just relax until night falls. The old man’s expecting you.”

“Yeah. Thank you, Anoma.”

“If you can say that after tomorrow – I’ll actually be impressed.” She taunted haughtily as a dark figure approached from afar. “Besides, I’m off to do my Guild work now.”

“Right… sorry. Helping me out must eat into your time.”

Anoma cleared her throat. “You made up for it today, so it doesn’t matter. This is small in comparison to what you need to do for our Gods.” She hummed and took a few steps away. “I’ve drafted everything in advanced and cleared any backlogs for this, so I expect you to continue to show the same commitment.”

“What about the war?” Exrite couldn’t help but to ask.

“I have someone managing it. Of course, I’m involved in it, but we still don’t have a clue as to what’s happening out there.” She paused momentarily, her gaze fixed into the distance. “… And Exrite… you’re the Maiden of Time as well. Don’t you dare forget that.”

The edge in her voice pierced into Exrite’s heart as he firmly nodded.

“I know. I’m not going to do anything stupid.” He assured, but Anoma still couldn’t bring herself to be at ease.

“You better, because you’ll suffer a fate worse than you can even imagine.” She clenched her armoured fists and marched forward.

“… just why do you think I want to get stronger, Anoma?”

“And why do you think I’m so rash with you? If I can’t beat you into shape – then who will? Your Frostbitten companions are far too concerned with your wellbeing to even give a damn whether you’re strong or not.” She growled and clicked her tongue. “It’s just as you said – who’s going to protect you when no one’s around? At least you’re self-aware.”

The woman glanced over her shoulder and saw nothing but a flame in the man’s contrasting eyes.

The corners of her lips slightly curled.

“Save that resolve for tomorrow. Until then, take care of yourself.”

“Likewise.” Exrite’s stern words barely reached the woman as she passed by Uru.

They didn’t exchange any gestures or words at all, as if they both failed to recognise each other. At first glance, Exrite thought there was edge between the two, until Anoma faintly turned her head to the patch of grass beside her.

She heard a scrunch, yet no one was there. Immediately, she scanned the area with a hand by her sheathed sword, ready to strike whatever may have entered the castle grounds.

“She’s a sharp human, isn’t she?” Uru held a finger by her lips to hush Exrite during her approach.

Anoma briefly looked back at Exrite, who held a confused face and didn’t seem to notice any irregularities like herself. And when he tilted his head slightly, she sighed and threw herself around.

“Just the wind, huh.” She concluded and marched off with cautious eyes.

Uru brought herself up to Exrite and idly stood beside him, staring down at the battered man with a small grin.

“You could stand against me, but not against her?” She joked. “But she’s quite perceptive if she was able to sense my illusion. Anyway, you look worse than how I rendered you in the mountains. It’s a shame that we demons can’t use healing magic.”

“I should be fine with Talia or Inkshard’s help.” He replied and ate from the stuffed bread again. “So, where were you?”

“Just business of my own. Although, I met with a peculiar person.” Uru vaguely answered and glanced around the grassy field. “Come, we’ll continue this inside. I have something I need to tell you.”

* * *

“Wait-! You met with that spirit!?” Exrite yelled in shock, nearly falling from the side of the bed. “Isn’t she the one who made the old Exrenity betray you!?”

The demon stood a slight distance away from him, her arms folded tightly by her generous bosom. Uru held a small smile in response to Exrite’s brazen reaction.

In the warmth of the cosy, well-lit room – a sharp chill ran down Exrite’s spine.

“W-what happened between you two?” The shock and caution didn’t leave his voice, despite him lowering it in case someone heard.

After what he’s heard from Uru back in the underground prison; there shouldn’t be a reason for the two to meet. Unless of course, it was to settle things once and for all.

He knew that Phase was the cause for Uru’s imprisonment, and that Uru was after those who betrayed her with a thirst for vengeance. On the flipside,- he roughly understood that Phase did it as a result of Uru doing something to her mother long ago.

But that was the extent of what he gathered.

“Be at ease, Exrite. We only spoke, although-“ She intently stared at him, studying his concerned eyes. “-It seems like you’ve met with her before.”

“Yeah, back in the realm of the Children of Balance.” He quickly replied. “Look, I know you want revenge – but I’m warning you; do not kill the spirit. If she’s out of that place, then she probably has something to do for the Children of Balance.”

He soundly explained to Uru, who already knew this was the case. After all –

“What indeed?” Uru brought a hand to cover her sinister smile.

Unbeknownst to Exrite; Phase was actively looking for him. But Uru didn’t reveal this information, less Exrite would allow the spirit to meet with him. If there was a chance that he’d be taken from her grasp – then she was going to eliminate that possibility, no matter how slim it was.

She had two reasons. One; Exrite was the Maiden of Time, and she had every responsibility to watch over her. And two; what other being would help spread the name of the Overlord of Desire better than the Maiden of Time?

For these reasons – she insisted on keeping him in the dark.

It was an absolute necessity.

But Exrite was smarter than this. He knew Uru was manipulative in nature and didn’t break away from his careful stare.

“I find it hard to believe that you two only ‘spoke’ with your grudges.”

“Hmm. She only warned me not to make any trouble here.”

“And?”

“You’re persistent, Exrite.” Uru sharpened her tongue. “She went off into the mountains. That’s all.”

Exrite paused for a moment in realisation.

“… for the Maiden of Time?” He uttered, piecing it together.

But Uru was quick to respond.

“No, not for the Maiden of Time. I said it before – no one in their right mind would ever disregard your birth light. If anything; she went there to protect it from Di-Lock and any other being that seeks to exploit you.”

“… how do you know that?” Exrite showed a confused face.

“The Spirit of Balance said it herself. I was only told because I’d have to join her there.” The lie was perfect in the eyes of the succubus. “Our pride and respect for the Maidens outweighs any personal grudge. I’m sure even your Gods would want the holy birthplace to remain intact.”

Exrite could not deny anything she said. With Uru’s repeated support, he didn’t question her allegiance to the Maidens, including himself. However, what he was afraid of was the aftermath. Even if it was the proclaimed ‘holy grounds’, he’d be an idiot to disregard the risk of the two fighting afterwards.

It was a losing battle between the two. If Uru emerged victorious, then what repercussion would it result in? The Gods were more than willing to kill Frosty and Khaos, so anything could happen.

And if Phase emerged victorious, then they’d lose a powerful companion, and their only real way of safely navigating to the north in the future. Uru’s knowledge was vast and vital for filling in the gaps of his understanding of the world and magic.

Exrite took in a deep breath and exhaled with everything he had. The ultimate dilemma had no winners or losers, apart from the two in question.

“Uru. There’s nothing I can do to stop you, but if there’s one thing I want – do not kill the Spirt of Balance. You can apprehend her or whatever – just please don’t kill her.” He sincerely begged and lowered his head.

“Ho? You understand what you’re saying, correct?” Uru removed her hand, revealing small frown. Seriousness riddled her face now, for Exrite, a Maiden, had bowed down to her.

She knew that Exrite devoured the reasons she had for going back to the mountains with the spirit, but he just couldn’t overlook the risk of conflict.

Uru crouched and met with his eyes at a slightly lower angle.

“Do not lower your head to anyone, Exrite.” She warned with a deadly tone. “That spirit can do whatever she likes, but she won’t make the same mistake she made a thousand years ago. She was punished appropriately by the Gods. Do you think she’d be foolish enough to do it again?”

Exrite grit his teeth, still untrusting of Uru.

“But in the chance we do fight – I’ll do whatever I can to spare her.” She repositioned herself closer to him and placed a hand on his cheek. “I don’t want to stress your Eye. Not after it’s been fine thus far. No demon would ever back down on the orders of a Maiden. So, trust me.”

Uru’s voice was intoxicating, but there was nothing he could do other than to reluctantly trust her. It was certainly against his better judgement, but he had hope.

“… do what you need to do then. Just don’t get killed yourself in the process.” He placed a hand onto Uru’s head and let loose of a tired sigh. “Honestly… I really don’t get a say in anything.”

There was no telling just what was going to happen. Whether Uru was telling the truth or not didn’t matter at all.

He just didn’t want either of them to die.

Not because of his sense of morality. It was because of the consequences each held. In times like these, he couldn’t help but to smile in self-ridicule.

The Guardian of Balance, huh?

It was fitting – for the answer laid in the middle ground.

The two remained like that for some time. Partly because Exrite was far too tired and weak to find any motivation to move his hand away. It was also rather relaxing for him, since Uru’s pale hair was surprisingly soft. There weren’t any signs of bumps or horns, contrary to widespread belief.

Likewise, Uru kept her hand against his cheek and bathed in his soothing presence. From an onlooker’s perspective, it would seem like the two were lovers, but that was far from the case.

While Exrite still failed to clear his doubts and worries, he still managed to smile and savour the silence as the Eye of Hope emitted a soft warmth. They would be like this for some time, and Uru didn’t mind. As a being who had lived for over a millennium, time was rarely an issue.

Tonight, Exrite needed to meet with the headmaster of Truebirth’s Institute of Magic. Feeling the ache of his body, he couldn’t help but to sigh.

“Uru, when do you plan on leaving.”

“Not anytime soon. In a following week perhaps, but don’t be surprised if I end up disappearing tomorrow.” Her vague answer caused him to wryly smile. “I’d be naïve to let you meet with an unknown mage alone. There are countless of people who’d do whatever they can to have your strength.”

She had a point. There wasn’t much he knew aside from the old man’s name and his role in this kingdom. While he had some of his own gripes, it wasn’t anything that would stop him from attending the man’s training.

After all – the aides of Inclark were nothing but truthful and helpful, even if some were harsh. And a man who dedicated himself to teaching the arts and wisdom of magic to others for absolutely nothing, spoke volumes of his virtue.

If anything, he was afraid that the man would be like Uru, except a hundred times more devoted.

“… I don’t think that man would do anything.” Exrite sighed and managed to flop his hand away from her head. “He seems pretty helpful. But please come just in case.”

“It’s only natural for me to accompany you.” She asserted her sentiments and pulled herself away. “Rest well. Talia should be coming soon to help you recover. And if you’ll excuse me – I have something I need to sort out with the others.”

She promptly left the room, silently shutting the door behind as Exrite sighed. The bed quietly groaned when he fell back. With nothing else to do but to stare at the pale ceiling, he wondered what Uru meant by that.

Khaos asked her about his race yesterday, if I remember correctly… and then there was Frosty who wanted Uru’s input on her soul magic.

He looked over at the shut door and wondered if Frosty was beginning to open up to Uru… or maybe not. Whatever her reason was, Uru was the best person to ask after the priestesses for help.

As he delved into the minor thought, a soft knock emitted from the fine door.

* * *

Part 2 –

Fairant, the City of Trade was always a loud place. Compared to the Capital of Truebirth, is boasted a humble size. Giant ramparts enclosed the thriving city, offering peerless protection for it lay between the two kingdoms and stood at the foreground before the Great Plains.

The inner walls of the city were mostly a residential area; home to the citizens, adventurers and merchants who planned for a prolonged stay. Inns among other services thrived within the walls. Surprisingly, trading was a rarity here.

So why was this called the City of Trade?

Lizen tapped the stone wall as she stared off into the vast expanse. Beyond the fortified ramparts, many stalls and carts were spread across the surrounding plains.

People of all life engaged in trade, whether for general supplies or contraband. From the big to small, to the common to the rare. Whatever one sought after would most likely be here – apart from slavery and other morally dubious forms of trade.

As king Ectarod put it, “None should bow down to man or mortals.” It became a well-known slogan among the traders and merchants.

Today would mark the second day since the Heroes first set foot into this city. Currently, they were within a heavily fortified manor. There wasn’t a door that didn’t have a guard or two posed there in their silver armour and halberds. It was staggeringly terrifying from outside, but the innards were unfathomably beautiful.

The manor stood atop a hill, and the only entrance to it was through a zig-zagged road that began from the bottom of the city square. There were fortified gates with each level, armed to the teeth with the finest of soldiers from Pathfist.

Normally, it would only have a few grey-armoured soldiers looking about.

But today wasn’t any ordinary day.

A sturdy hand found itself on Lizen’s shoulder, causing her to jolt as she immediately spun around.

“Haha! Many sorries for the fright Airu!” Kalis stood before her with a brave smile. “Trying to catch a glimpse of Di-Lock’s envoy, are you?”

“… kind of.” She looked out the gaped window again with a wary face.

Tensions have risen dramatically in only a day. Yesterday, there was the news of the approaching envoy, who was estimated to arrive sometime today. The scout reported that they came alone on horseback, only carrying a rounded sack.

It was hard to believe, even for Ectarod who wanted another scout to confirm this. But alas, it seemed to be the case.

“The Greater White and Black Knights are here. There’s nothing one envoy can do to bring harm to our kingdoms.” Kalis was certain of this, his husky voice carrying the weight of steel.

Lizen’s eyes narrowed.

“There shouldn’t be a reason to come alone like that. Just what are they thinking?”

It gnawed at her. Even if she wasn’t going to play a part in this meet, she was still curious and wary. The blonde-haired girl faced the tall man again.

“Cannon fodder. Airu, in the times of war, all envoys are destined to die. But it’s insulting that they’d think we’re anything like those barbaric warmongers.” Kalis, who had nothing but love and respect for the kingdoms spoke with heavy spite.

“… and they were willing to march to their death?” Lizen grit her teeth, her voice now a sombre growl as she flung her face away.

It was disgusting. Lizen couldn’t fathom such a detestable practice. The vassal state was nothing but pure evil in her eyes. As one of the three Heroes of Truebirth, it was her role to bring justice to those of pure evil.

But how could she if she didn't have the resolve to kill another human?

“Airu, I want you to listen closely to my words.” The man placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder. With a light shake, she slowly met with his dark brown eyes. “It’s ok to be outraged and weak! But it’s never good to let yourself stumble on it!”

Kalis read her like a book.

“You’re a Hero, unlike me; who is but a man clad in thick armour. I live for his majesty and his people, but you work with the righteousness of fate. I’m here for you kids, for I have gone through the same passage of rite you currently face.”

She heard him loud and clear as she savoured every word that left him.

“I didn’t get to where I am because I was born like this. My beliefs, my strength and my knowledge were all forged at the anvil of time.” He proudly stated, some of the nearby white and black knights keenly listening with nothing but adoration. “Airu, there is never a time when it’s too early or too late to reach your goal. If you’re unsatisfied, then break through at your own pace.”

He tapped Lizen’s contractible spear and boasted an impeccable smile.

“Your spear can only go forward. Don’t lead it astray.”

“I won’t!” Lizen’s eyes were suddenly filled with vigour.

Kalis wasn’t merely a teacher of strength and combat for the Heroes. He was mostly their moral support when things became rocky.

As the son of Mildly Taniawort, he wasn’t born with any outstanding strengths. But even so, he rose to the top and became one of the few Greater White Knights of Truebirth – the ultimate sword and shield of the king and his people.

His story was well known amongst the soldiers and knights, hence why they paid him with every ounce of respect they could muster. If he could do it, then anyone could.

“Kalis – take me to the meeting place.” Her voice was much more confident than it was a minute ago, sparking a small laugh from the giant man.

“Haha! It’s what I came here for in the first place. I’m always here for you kids if you ever need anything. That Otherworlder Haiyoto often speaks with me, but less so from that Amy girl. I was worried since you rarely sought for my help.” He placed a hand on her back and pulled her along with him. “But it must be hard being the eldest of the group.”

“It is.” She sighed and showed a gentle smile. “They’re really a handful. You can’t’ tell what goes on in an Otherworlder’s head.”

“Hm. They share the same concerns with you, no?”

“We do.” Her smile only grew larger as she thought about her friends.

But the warm moment was short lived.

A powerful horn suddenly resounded from outside, immediately causing the armoured knights to shuffle and peer through the windows. Kalis and Lizen weren’t left out and scoured past the merchant stalls beyond the walls.

Across the grand river that separated the Great Plains from the Minor, a single figure galloped across a stone bridge with an assortment of black knights.

“So they finally arrived.” Kalis pushed himself way from the window and turned to the other knights. “Look sharp my fellow knights! History and our future lays within the grasp of the envoy! No harm shall be done to them, for they are but a messenger!”

The knights wholeheartedly turned to the towering figure and cried a unanimous cheer.

“Protect this manor at all costs! We cannot afford to overlook the risk of an infiltration!”

* * *

Within the grandeur room of blue and red, a giant metal table resided in its centre. It was long and curved into a hollow semi-circle. Very few prominent figures sat on the outskirts of the table, leaving the depressed platform in the centre for their visitor.

Many Greater Knights accompanied them and created a wall behind them. Among the twenty-five knights, were only three who wore the pale colour scheme.

The Heroes sat close together, while king Ectarod remained in the centremost seat. His calculating eye patiently waited for the benevolent doors to reveal the herald of war. Beside him, was his daughter Sectra and Inclark’s son.

Filling one other seat was the father of the Guild Master, who owned this fortified manor and managed Fairant. His name was Andor, a man of money, business and power. The plump old man wasn’t taller than anyone here, but neither was he shorter than a dwarf.

He had a short beard, but the pale hairs were incredibly thick. No one could see his mouth beneath the bushy moustache, apart from when he spoke.

“What chance do we have in a war against Di-Lock, Ectarod?” He asked with a strange accent that could immediately cause one to think of an old man. “Even our armed battlements and ramparts won’t hold against their sheer numbers. The old kingdom easily fell into the hands of Di-First, no matter how much they prepared.”

“Are you giving up because we lack numbers?” Ectarod remained composed and firmly postured.

“Not at all. I just wanted to set the tone of our predicament.” He managed to crack his knuckles as he eagerly stared at the set of doors. “We would all rather die fighting than to yield to the likes of Di-Lock. Our trades with the demi-human travellers of Cryo never recovered ever since Di-Lock began capturing and enslaving them. I can only pray that they haven’t sent any more towards our kingdom.”

A few metallic scrunches came from some of the Greater Knights. Beneath some of the thick visors, were demi-humans, and even fewer were the ones who first-handedly experienced the horrors. In the eyes of Di-Lock, much like the majority of the Endo region; they viewed the demi-humans as lesser beings and exploited them for whatever they wanted.

Whether it was for labour, to sate their lust, or was simply for the sake of it – it was nothing but revulsive. A few armoured hands found themselves on the shoulders of the demi-human knights in show of support, for they were all brothers and sisters in arms.

“May the Children of Balance and the spirits of Cryo bless them.” Sectra solemnly spoke, her hands folded as if mourning for them.

It was a confronting subject for the Heroes, particularly for Haiyoto and Amy who couldn’t even begin to imagine what the demi-humans experienced. Lost in the bitter thoughts, a muffled yell came from the other side of the door.

“Demi-human scum! How dare they think they have any right to walk among us!”

The doors quickly opened, revealing a scrawny man and an assortment of black knights. He limped into the room with surprising speed, despite the bloody injury he wore across his body.

“King! KING!” He shot a frail finger towards the man in question and hugged the clothed object with his other hand. “How could you allow such disgusting creatures to live in the scared lands of Six Point!? These beasts attacked me without any reason! Look at me-! LOOK AT ME!”

Ectarod was the only one in the room who remained unfazed by the man. Even the Greater Knights showed disgust beneath their plated visors. Without a doubt, this was the envoy of Di-Lock.

“Your majesty! We had four assailants who attacked the envoy! We’ve detained them for now, but we fear there’s many more of them.” A knight who stood behind the old man informed.

“They were all demi-humans! Godless scum beneath our feet! To even dare lay a finger on me-!” The envoy violently shook and hideously growled in rage.

“We will deal with them appropriately. My soldiers, please ensure that no one attempts to enter this manor.” Ectarod spoke, the soldiers quickly enacting his orders.

When the doors shut behind them as they left, the rugged envoy waddled forward and stood in central depression of the room.

“An assassination…?” Clark was just as perplexed as the rest.

Ectarod brought a firm hand by his head, “My great mages, please attend to this man’s wounds-“

“You will not heal me! These scars will be the proof that demi-humans are nothing but monsters!” He cried, twisting his face disgustingly.

Amy felt sick just from hearing the man, never mind how he portrayed himself. Lizen silently sat there with narrowed eyes as few of the Greater Knights shared the same sentiments. Haiyoto was much the same, furious of what the man so easily spewed.

The king’s hand returned to his lap.

“Then – the envoy of Di-Lock – what news were you burdened to bear?”

He wickedly smiled, the foul mouth baring few rotten teeth and a blistered tongue. From his face, everyone immediately knew the answer before it even came.

“War! WAR! Di-Lock declares war against your kingdoms, both Truebirth and Pathfist!” He laughed hysterically.

“So it was true…” A voice uttered with sadness from the line of knights.

As his laughter died, Ectarod slowly spoke.

“… that’s quite unfortunate.” He looked down at his daughter who held nothing but pure hatred for the man. “You’re directing your anger at the wrong person.”

But she disregarded it.

“Then what will it be, envoy!? You’re in enemy’s territory now-!“

“Sectra.” The king cut her off with a steady voice and directed his attention to the exuberant envoy. “Is that all of the news you bring?”

“Not yet! NOT YET!” The man flailed his shrivelled hand around as he spoke. “You see, our kings and rulers are very kind and generous, even to the consorts of the demi-humans. You’re very lucky they’re not planning to invade you just yet.”

“And you expect us to believe that so easily!?” Clark erupted, slamming a fist onto the table as he rose from his seat.

“I don’t care about what you think! I only came here to fulfil my duty as an envoy, and to bathe in the glorious afterlife they promised me.” He held his hand up to the ceiling like he was reciting holy scripture.

He slowly brought the strange sack in front of him.

“I am a martyr for our cause! The starvation, the plague – I believe it was all for the sake of our greater cause!”

Clark didn’t waste any time and cried, “Throw your [Barrier]s down!”

In an instant, many magic circles appeared before the knights as some threw down pre-chanted magic papers. The many powerful, translucent [Barrier]s were set before the man could even take his next breath.

“Behold!” The man revealed the contents of the sack. “The gift that the kind kings of Di-Lock bestows upon your wretched kingdoms. Be honoured that to able to set your gaze on this beautiful pearl.”

An opaque, blueish-pale sphere laid dormant in his hands. It was an ominous object, for no one recognised it nor had an understanding on what it was.

Maintaining a barrier was the safest call they could make. However, Sectra went a step further and ordered for his death the moment he took a step forward. Large crossbows and blades were drawn in preparation by some of the knights, ready to engage the man at any moment.

But that wasn’t necessary.

The man suddenly tugged a knife from under his robes and plunged it into his heart. The sphere easily shattered into grains across the reflective ground.

He dropped to his knees, patting the shredded materials with a silent whimper as his body violently tremored. Before long, he slipped into an infinite slumber and buried himself into the remainders of the sphere.

His dark blood pooled beneath his lifeless body. At an angle, one could find an eerie smile on his face.

Silence filled the room. The Heroes couldn’t believe what had happened before their eyes. Haiyoto and Amy remained in an intense trance as Kalis placed a hand on both their shoulders. Lizen tried to stomach it with all her might, while Clark stared at the body with narrowed eyes.

“Bastard… there’s no human that can grant you such an afterlife.” He uttered and sat sunk back into the firm seat.

Ectarod remained still, along with Andor who hadn’t said a word since the envoy first entered.

“We’ll clean this mess and return back to our kingdoms with the news. This has gotten beyond out of hand.” The king spoke as he suddenly shoved himself from the seat. “The Greater Knights of Black and White, please spread this among the rest of your comrades and the cities. We will spread the news of war to everyone in the far reaches of Pathfist and Truebirth.”

The knights acknowledged his commanding voice as more than half began to make their way to the entrance.

“We are in the calm before the storm.” He finished and quickly followed the knights out of the room with Sectra close by. “Clark, please return to your father with this news. As for you Andor – I’ll leave most of my men here. I pray that they do not attack Fairant in our absence.”

“I can only hope that’s the case.” He sighed and pushed himself from the table.

Soon, it was only the Heroes and Clark left, along with a few knights who carefully tried to dispose of the man’s body. Out of the three, two were demi-humans, and the way they handled him was nothing short of crude.

Di-Lock and their parent kingdom Di-First, along the entirety of the Endo region brought them a lifetime of pain and suffering. They lost loved ones, families and friends. Their hatred was what drove them into striving to become one of the Greater Black Knights.

Out of everyone else – they were the ones who relished the most on the prospects of war.

The body was soon dragged out, with one person using magic to sterilise the floor from the man’s putrid trails of blood. Entirely alone with Kalis and Clark, Amy seemingly unfroze from her trance and slipped into her chair with trembling eyes.

“… why...?” She whispered to no one in particular, a hand clamped at her aching heart.

For now, the Heroes would have to cope with the horror and shock, for they needed to return to the Capital with the news of war. Kalis was ready to leave, but he wanted them to savour the moment.

If they couldn’t handle this, then it was impossible for them to leave the region of Colight. After all –

This was but only a fragment of the horrors and cruelty of Six Point.

* * *

A striking shiver ran down Frosty’s spine. She trembled for a moment as she felt something vile emanating from the north. It was an odd sensation.

Uru tapped the woman’s shoulder to regain her attention.

“You’re spacing out. Something the matter?” The demon hummed as Frosty sharply shook her head and sighed.

“Nothing. Anyway – you still didn’t answer my question.” She reminded, shrugging off the strange sensation.

“Ho. About [Soul] magic, was it?” Uru pondered for a moment as she idly stared into the kitchen, where Inkshard and Exrite worked on making dinner. “My knowledge of the Frostbitten is quite limited to begin with. I can’t say I know much about it, apart from what I’ve seen you do.”

Frosty made a strange, irritated noise and slouched forward. “Are you able to at least help me stream line it then?”

“Maybe if you weren’t so rude I’d be more willing to help you.” Uru nonchalantly sipped from the bitter beverage.

“… please help me.” Frosty was slightly sincerer this time, surprising the demon who softly grinned. “There's no one else who can help with this.”

“There’s the human mage of the Institute. Or perhaps you’re saying that you trust me more than a human.”

“I do unfortunately.” Frosty wittily grumbled and slouched back again.

Over the few days, she grew a bit more trusting of the Demon, but not to the point where she’d entrust her life to her. After hearing of Uru’s goals and motivations from the demon herself, things made a bit more sense to her.

However, she needed more time for any definitive answer.

At least they weren't at each other's throats... for now.