Noticing Arthur's confused look, Cisse deactivated his bloodline empowerment and awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
"Normally, I would love to challenge anything and everything. But there is a weird feeling coming off you…. I just can't seem to put my finger on it, but one thing for sure. It is dangerous."
Hearing Cisse's words, a hint of disappointment couldn't help but flash through Arthur's eyes. After unlocking a Terrest Soul Body, his body was brimming with power, and it wanted nothing more than a release. However, realizing he wouldn't get the chance, Arthur began to power down, but-
Swish!
Before anyone realized what had happened. A scalding wave of heat and a blinding flood of light suddenly enveloped the now eventide sky and plains.
As the light receded, both Arthur and Cisse were shocked to see a gigantic flame sword slash racing towards the endless sky.
As for the source, Cisse's eyes were drawn to Arthur, who was in a finished swinging stance.
Ah, so that what his instincts were warning him about. The lad can't control his newfound power.
Upon realizing this, Cisse's face couldn't help but pale. What if he was in the way of that swing? After Cisse's face paled a few shades more, he couldn't help but think, 'It looks like I will live to see another day.'
As for Arthur, the source of the flame slash, his body was now frozen and seemed like it would fall over if a gentle breeze swept over him. While his locked body watched the flame slash sail into the sky, his face couldn't help but take on a dumbfounded look.
After a few silent minutes, feeling began to return to his body. A few moments later, and he could finally freely move. Turning to face Cisse, who had been silent the entire time, Arthur's face lit up in embarrassment.
"I, um-"
With a martial salute, Cisse smiled at Arthur," pleasure to make your acquaintance Chief."
…
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…
Following their little spar, Both Cisse and Arthur returned to the tribe where Cisse's wife was waiting for them at the entrance. Leading the duo to a large clearing within the tribe, the smell of sizzling meat, graciously entering their noses.
With laughter, music, and dancing, the tribal party was warm and cheerful. It was also at this party that Cisse announced the tribe's long-awaited wish was completed. And upon hearing this, the tribe members greeted Cisse's words with raucous applause.
After the party, Cisse invited Arthur into his study.
As both parties were seated across each other, Cisse's hands flashed as two white medallions appeared on his study desk.
"Originally, I was planning on taking Aku with me, but there is no longer a need."
With a raised eyebrow, Arthur asked," what are those?"
"Ah, I almost forgot that you are new to the realm."
After a slight pause, Cisse smiled and began to explain. "These are dungeon medallions. Within the Realm of Pandora are two unique entities, dungeons and ruins. Both randomly appear all over the realm, as for why we just assume it has something to do with the realm's will. As for their differences, ruins typically contain the history and legacies of a fallen nation. The history usually informs of the nations rise and fall, with their purpose being to educate us – not that many people give two cents. As for the legacies, they comprise many things, from basic ideas to various technologies, hence why they are the most valued aspect of a ruin. Dungeons, on the other hand, contain treasures and legacies belonging to individuals or groups. Popularity wise, dungeons are the most favored, cuz honestly who wouldn't want to get rich or powerful or both overnight."
"These two medallions on the desk are keys to gain entry into a special dungeon that periodically appears within this area, and three days from now, it will reopen. However, not all dungeons are like this. Both ruins and dungeons are categorized as basic, intermediate, advanced, area, state, and continental. With the special category being the only ones to require medallions for entry."
As Cisse finished, Arthur nodded in understanding. Though dungeons and ruins seemed like great a place for opportunities, it was also apparent that they were also places of high risk. With equal risk came an equivalent reward.
Understanding this point, Arthur nodded, "when do we leave?"
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…
The following morning Arthur and Cisse stood before the members of the Asante Tribe. With the lead of Aegon and Cisse's wife, Nala, the tribe will make their way to Avalon while Cisse and Arthur made their way to the dungeon.
In preparation for the absorption of three hundred people. Arthur called up Jarvis.
"Jarvis!?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Inform Myrddin to prepare for an influx of approximately 300 people later today. Also, inform him that I will be unavailable for an unknown amount of time and that he has full authority in my absence."
"Affirmative, sir. Will that be all?"
"Mmmm. Ah, also inform Marie to look into a form of identification card. It will best if we began developing those now rather than later."
"Affirmative. But may I suggest something, sir?"
"Hm?"
"With an influx of population, should I inform Sigfried pick amongst them best suited to join our infantile military force. Afterall a force of eleven men can't maintain the security of over four hundred people."
After a slight thought, Arthur nodded. "That's a great idea. A ratio must be maintained. Granted."
After Arthur's conversation ended, Cisse had also finished speaking with his tribe.
With both parties ready, they both prepared to set off.
As for how Cisse and Arthur would get to the dugeon….
FWEEET!
With thumb and index finger in his mouth, Cisse, let loose a loud whistle which was then promptly followed the piercing screech of a bird. Soon the shadow of a bird covered the entire clearing, and with a fwoop, a four-winged bronze eagle landed to the side of the clearing.
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…
Soaring through the air with various landscapes dancing through, into, and over the earth, a sudden sense of peace washed over Arthur. And unnoticed by him, an appreciation of the land and its inhabitants silently slid into his mind.
It was also at this time that he finally remembered his father's journal that he hadn't begun. Taking note that it would be a while before they reached their destination, he relaxed and pulled it out.
Opening it, Arthur was first greeted with letters written in gold.
To My Dear Son,
In here lies my journey from a little village chief to a sovereign.
A bit of a heads up, there are a lot of blunders in here, and when I say a lot, I mean a lot.
Just don't laugh at your old man too hard, okay?
Journal Entry 1
Day 1,
As per custom with sovereign powers in the central region of the realm. At the age of fifteen, the heir to the Soverienghty is sent to the outer regions. There they are expected to develop a settlement into a kingdom.
Not only does this ensure a competent and experienced ruler, but it also builds and strengthens the heir's character. Which is all cool and dandy, but back to the main topic – me.
I am fifteen now, and as heir to the Soverienghty of Camelot, my time has come. Honestly, I am kinda stoked, but you know who is more stoked than me? Yes, sir, my father.
And wasting no time at all, the old coot booted me to some random continent in Outer Region. Man, you should have seen the look on his face. It was like he just got the best present of his life and couldn't wait for another second to open it – note, I may or may not be butt hurt about this.
Anyways, thrown with select individuals raised from babes for this moment, pharmacist, blacksmith, farmer, etc., along with my best pals Merlin, Gorlois, and Ambrosius, my journey to sovereignty has begun.
But first, can't really begin without a roof over our heads. Sigh….it gonna be a long week.
While Arthur read about his father's first week on establishing a setting. Within the domed, golden hall of Ouroboros, the Old Man sat on his throne, while various personas reported the numerous matters that occurred within his absence to him.
Though mostly dull, they were a few interesting events that he took note of. However, while he listened to these reports, a middle-aged man with arcs of lightning dancing through his hair suddenly stepped forward.
"Forgive my impudence, Father, but I must ask. What great task required fifteen years of your time? Were we too worthless to have been of any use that you had to sacrifice so much of your remaining time?"
The Old Man raised an eyebrow, but just as he was about to speak. An intense burst of light filled the hall, followed by a roar.
"How dare you, Zeus. In which world do you have the right to question Father of anything."
Zeus, in turn, spun to face the source of the roar. "Oh really, and in which world do you, Ra, have the right to yell before Father."
As the powers faced each other, the atmosphere within the hall became oppressive. Though a few people wanted to interfere, knowing better, they stayed still.
However, as though not affected by the slightest by the sudden change in the surroundings, a light chuckle sounded out.
Noting the ridicule within that chuckle, Zeus turned to the source. Looking at the eye-pathed middle-aged man, he couldn't help but sneer, "and what is so funny, Odin?"
Hearing Zeus' words, Odin Amicably smiled, "Oh nothing, just thought it was amusing watching children bicker, reall -"
"Who are you calling a child?" thundered Zeus in tandem with Ra.
"And my point is proven, only a child will get incensed at being called a child."
Just as Ra and Zeus were about to retort, the Old Man boomed, "Enough!"
Immediately all three people quieted, and if one looked closely, they would even see that their breathing had stopped. Of course, it wasn't just them, but the others that also filled the hall.
After his words fell, the Old Man's eyes turned to Zeus. "Child, there is a PLACE and a TIME to voice your thoughts, and even then, there is a WAY to voice your thoughts. And your actions just NOW fit none of the criteria."
Snapping his finger, a sudden might fell solely onto Zeus, sinking him onto his knees.
Steeling his gaze, the Old Man then turned to Ra. "I know you only have half of your true self, the wiser one, but that is no excuse to act like a child. Reflect and grow wiser."
With another snap of his fingers, a similar scene of Zeus befell Ra.
The Old Man then turned to Odin. "You know how these two are, must you really incite them. Pity. Has your all-sight, made you narrow-minded? Learn and improve."
And with a final snap, Odin also fell onto his knees.
Just as the Old Man was about to let out a breath, the entire hall violently shook. The faces of everyone within the hall suddenly paled – particularly Ra and Odin. After a few minutes of violent shaking, the hall finally stabilized.
The eyes of everyone landed on the Old Man.
Observing the palpable fear within everyone's eyes, the Old Man sighed. "It would seem that the time draws near."
As a solemn look fell on his face, he spoke again.
"Begin … Operation: Campione."
And with a snap of his fingers, everyone disappeared in streaks of light.
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…
Standing on a balcony of the Ouroboros Castle as it floated through the energy rivers of the realm in the sky; the Old Man lugubriously watch the land below. Watching the moving clouds hanging over the various continents of each region, he couldn't help but sigh.
Unknown to him, his mouth had begun to move on its own accord, as though reciting something from memory. If an ordinary person were to decipher what it was mouthing, they would only frighten their will live out of their being. As for what was being mouthed, some of the early words included-
When the Sun Devourer, Apophis, and World Devourer, Jörmungandr awaken, hail your gods. For the bells of chaos have begun to ring….