The hierarchy are intrigued with this humanistic being. She is the only one they've seen with these abilities. Humanistics are generally used for their hard work and fighting capabilities but never are they on par with the Onjin (superior gatesmen). Humanistics are categorized as weak but laborious beings. They have a head proportional to their body. They have two arms and legs with hands and feet. They also have a mouth or area to receive nourishment and speak. About their head is some form of ears and/or listening apparatus. They're somewhat intelligent and curious beings with perceived to be genuinely good intentions. Given the frailty of their weak cosmic forms, they're encouraged to take up arduous tasks to strengthen up. They're typically farmed from the Cradian fields to the South of Mogpi Falls. They are bought for breeding and assisting several factions amongst the plains. Most notably are the tribal beings whom tend to be balanced in strength and intelligence. However, they generally keep to their own ways. On the chance at gaining experience and mastery of self, there are those bold enough to venture out. Out into the fields...where the monsters roam...
"Bring her before us!" Barks another hierarchy member. "She needs to be evaluated before her trial commences." Of course, this was cheating. A needed safeguard to secure bets placed against her. Deigus and Tredot were champions and the the hierarchy wanted to see that trend continued.
"You heard him. Turn and face him!" Deigus growled.
Kerelia raises her head and turns to face this beast.
Before the hierarchy can say a word, Kerelia speaks.
"What do you want with me?!" She asks. Her eyes dart about the arena as she tries to snatch away from their grip. Exhausted, she begins to kneel.
"You are here...to fight for your freedom. Exoneration is liberation. Decided by combat of the strongest and wisest amongst us. Don't you want both?!"
"And…At what cost shall I have them?!" Kereila surveys her oppressors. She can feel the heavy stares as she offers some reluctant resistance. Measuring her words, the others murmur on.
"Your life. If that pleases me." One of the several members injects brazenly. "For your insufferable tone is most unnerving." It leans about the grand table and continues. "Perhaps we could forego the formalities and have this one maimed?" The ranking senior hierarchy snarks. The suggestion isn't lost on Karelia as she tries to gather herself. Preparing mentally for the worst.
"My elder, I would encourage a fair fight!" Deigus disrupts the mere thought of any recklessness.
"What did you SAY?!?" The hierarchy shouted.
"My apologies for my 'trusion but WE are to test her might...is it FAIR if she is to be harmed BEFORE we have a chance to fight her?!"
Before his mouth could pronounce the last word, the hierarchy snatched up Deigus by his throat.
"You will RESPECT this chamber and learn to SHUT. YOUR. MOUTH!!" The powerful being applies a paralyzing method known as "hectoliering". A method that can cause severe damage to the throats of its victims. Annoyed, the creature squeezes until it hears a bone pop. The sudden noise forces open its grip and releases the young being. "Champion or no, this ends NOW!!"
"First match is: Deigus, Tredot and this humanistic!"
"Wha-Wait?!? I-I didn't say anything out of round, your grace...have mercy!" Tredot begs.
"Fight?! But what is our crime?!" Deigus is startled by the situation. Never did he think he'd have to fight against THEM again.
"On the turn...GO!" The chamberlain instructs.
The crowd cheers as the barrier surrounds the fighting arena.
This hierarchy member loves to fight randomly. It is known as the "warmongerer class". Quick-tempered, it doesn't plan its attacks. It fights blindly to overpower its opponent. The others are intrigued by this approach and allow the fight to commence. All but one.
"And fight for what purpose?" This member is one of wisdom and strength. A perfect balance of power. The others tread lightly when dealing with this one.
"Still your words, foolish creature! I will NOT tolerate YOUR WORDS either!"
"Yawnnnnnn!" The hierarchy member answers.
"Perhaps you will do me the honors of helping you learn your place...again." The large being peels back his cloak and stands before the Grand Table. "I'm sure I'll give you more of a challenge than these three: a wounded being, a former soldier with a broken body and an old scavenger-turned brawler from the Nierfs. How brave YOU are indeed."
The other hierarchy members move away from the two. The head of a bull sits atop the large being. It's horns are red and burning. Its eyes are crimson.
"What IS that thing?" Kerelia asks.
"It is one of the Divine Order. Its strength is unmatched. Those that fight it dies. Even the dwellers beneath the crust fear its might." Tredot answers.
Deigus looks at his body and is amazed at the unspoken ones' girth.
"I could train for eons and never reach its level of power. Its as if the nebula crafted it itself. Truly is a remarkable beast."
"Hate to break up the crush moment but this thing's gonna kill us!! Defend yourselves!!"
On the signal, the warmonger-class hierarchy rams at its fellow member without hesitation. The unspoken one tilts its head and brushes off the attack.
"Is that it or are you going to fight?" Its voice rolls low. The ground shook when it spoke. Kerelia noticed several wounds reopened and began to bleed. Her body ached as the being humbled its members. Blood slowly trickles from her mouth as she tries to drag herself away from the impending attack.
"I've got to get help...away...from here!" She thought. The mighty being releases his cloak from its duties. Revealing the might of several elder hierarchy, the being known as Iochi (eye-oh-chee), emerges. Standing at thirteen feet tall, it is believed to be the first born nephilim. Strong as the winds of Jupiters' surface, it raises its mighty hands. A strong force echoes from its body as it harnesses the air around it. The ground creaks and moans as the force grows. The barrier around the arena begins to crack as its power builds.
The crowd trembles as the dome flickers. Panicked, they run for the exits but are trapped.
"Please! Release the barrier!!" They scream.
"Please!!!" The barrier wilts and fades as the power becomes unstable.
"Run!! Ru-"
Whwhwhhwwhwhwllll-fwOoooom!!!
A large mass of energy explodes from its body...then, through its hands. The force causes it to dig its hooves into the ground as it lays waste to all in its path.
Deigus and Tredot look on in horror as the warmongering hierarchy falls silently to the ground. The beam of energy separates head and limbs from its massive body. An incredulous thud follows. A dull bounce produces the head of its target. The attack proceeds another 1500 yards. Killing spectators and warriors alike, Iochi resumes his seat at the grand table. The cloak is dusted off and given back to it.
"Now then. Deigus and Tredot. You are to train this fighter and set off on a quest. If you three survive, you will be free from your duties here. Now…will you accept this quest?"
Deigus and Tredot look at one another.
"For freedom? Yes." Tredot nods.
"Your quest guides you through the plains of Nomishire. It is the last known location of the Sword of Forgotten Dreams. The sword has a particularly odd, blackened crest that will obey a certain spell. It is believed the spell requires three to cast it. Humanistics are known to have the ability to launch this spell, then a warrior-class soldier has to cast the second spell. This leaves the last spell to a conjurer. It is foretold that a humanistic can teach this spell but only if the conjurer can cast it."
Confused, Tredot tries to jot down the instructions.
Kerelia addresses Iochi.
"How will I know when to cast and teach these spells?"
Iochi turns its head to face her.
"You will know when you will know..."
"My...wounds. How can I travel?"
Iochi looks her over and nods. A strange blue hue descends upon the three. Her body slowly heals once more. Tredot and Deigus heal as well.
"Take this map. It was a gift from a fallen kingdom. The map will open once you are in the fields where the beasts roam."
"A-a bloodmap?!" Deigus asks.
"Yes. One of the last of its kind. It will show you where to go. The sword moves from location to location. A strange magic keeps it at bay. It is believed to harness some of the allfathers' energy. A path to remembering, perhaps? I wish to have this power but have found no answer. Perhaps you can..."
Iochi places its large hand over the table and spins it in a circle. A strange map peeks through as he slowly spins his hand.
"And...the fight, my lord?" Tredot asks.
"Unnecessary...lower the barrier."
The barrier fades upon his command.
"Does Meiga remember you, humanistic?"
"Yes. I believe he does."
"Go see him. Tell him of your quest. Return in three days and bring the sword with you. If you fail, I shall reclaim the map...and your lives."
"Understood." The three agree.
Kerelia can feel a strange burning sensation in her chest. The crest moves about her arms and "reaches out" to the map. The map flickers in response and marks a large "x" where they stand. A small image appears on the map and slowly fades. It is the mark of danger. Kerelia recognizes the image and quickly shelters the map.
"One more thing, how do we get to this place?"
Kerelia points to where the strange letters are broken and faded.
Iochi raises his hand as the sky flickers. A small newt appears from the heavens.
"This shall be your guide. It can show you roads but it's abilities are limited. The beings in the plains aren't too difficult. It's the swords' ability to move from one location to another. You will need more than what you have to complete this quest. Remember: three days. I will either claim that sword or your lives."
Iochi points toward a green misty area near a mountainside to the Northeast.
"Your journey starts there."
With that, he disappears.