The calm winds of the desolate land ceased as the roar of a hundred---no, hundreds of thousands men from across the horizon echoed across the scorched plains of [Malebolge]. An army amassed by the [Project; Code Initiative] brought by the four remaining arks of roughly 500,000 soldiers from the [New World Era Alliance] surrounded us. [Citadel of Malice], the fortress made from [Creation magic] of Balthazar now sits in ruins from the first siege. As the real enemy marches closer, one may be asking himself on how it leaded to this.
All the Blackstone walls were nothing but rubble from the initial bombardments. Fire spreading to some parts of the castle walls and buildings. Dead bodies from both sides filled the corridors. None of the survivors has have fight left in them. There are no winner in wars, for both side suffer substantial losses. Genocide would be the best way to describe the events that occurred on this day.
It is now dawn and the aftermath of the devastation caused by the first wave of the assault was huge as pile of not just human bodies, but every race in each [ERA]. Inside the keep where Balthazar is now lying in wait for the angel of death grasps firmly to the hands of his "daughter's" hand as its warmth started to fade. He gently closed his daughter's eyes as tears started to fall from his face.
"No parent should have to bury their own child...You should've let me die before you...Lycoris."
Jinn knelt on the floor and bowed his head in respect as he hands over the lifeless body of Balthazar's daughter on his lap.
"She was afraid of dying, but for some reason, she took that hit for you." Balthazar said.
"I'm the one who should've died, not her." Jinn replied as he punched the floor.
"You need not worry my child. The young perish, so that the old may linger." Balthazar said as he raised Jinn's head. "…but my time has ended long ago. It is your turn to set things right. "
"What do you mean...?"
"Lycoris, my daughter, my creation, she was never alive nor dead to begin with, but she was more human than anyone else could be. Thanks to you, Jinn." Balthazar said as he strike a smile at Jinn while avoid showing his sorrow.
Balthazar then thought of something. "There is still a chance you can get her back, if that's what you desire. The blood... or my blood rather runs through her veins is what gives her life."
"I'm listening."
"She may be the key to defeat the one who is influencing and giving the [ERAs] power for the upcoming [Great Filter]."
Jinn felt a chance of hope, as he did not hesitate to accept the Balthazar's last wish, even if Balthazar's words are based on a whim. "I'll gladly take on this responsibility. But then again, what makes you think I can accomplish this alone?" Jinn asked.
"Oh Jinn, why do you think those people came all this way for? We [Diabolus] only want the same thing, and it's you who is going to lead them." Balthazar replied.
Jinn then stood up with determination. He then tried to lift the body of Lycoris, and before Jinn got the chance, her body turned into a flower, a Red Spider Lily.
"So where do I need to go?" Jinn asked.
"Go to [Avaron] where my teacher Merurin is at, she already knows what to do."
"Towards the [ERA of Chivalry]? Isn't that a tad too far from here?"
"Heh... How else do you think I was able to reached the all [ERAs]?"
As Balthazar flicked his hands, the center shaft of the throne room started to descend. As they reached the lower floors, 10 huge archways surrounded them. Balthazar proceeded to wound his hand and let the blood flow on the patterns laid out on the floor.
"Cheeky."
Balthazar then fell on the floor as his skin turned pale. The "Magic Necrosis" started to become worse and worse.
Jinn then rushed toward Balthazar. "Are you alright?"
"Just go, this portal leads to the [City of Pendragon]; you'll be able to reach [Avaron] by daylight. Now go! Before it's too late." As Balthazar starts coughing blood.
"...And you?"
"Let the old man rest. I have done enough, now I pass this responsibility and the lives of your fellow [Diabolus] in your hands, Jinn. Take good care of my daughter for me. Treat her well. Be the father she never had."