2 months later...
Within [the Human Empire, Axel], there were 4 powerhouses that had made the Empire become the strongest until now.
Just like the [Five Great Family] from [the Human Kingdong, Luxion], they are the pillars that holding the Empire.
But, what made them different was…these four were known a few years after the war between Demons and Humans had ended.
But being called the powerhouse was quite the exaggeration because they were not a family nor high-ranking nobles.
They were strong individuals who raised themselves to the top, acquiring unimaginable power.
Now they were known as...
[The Four Heavenly Kings].
The name that they took from the [Four Generals] of The Demon King's subordinates.
[The Four Heavenly Kings], consisted of 4 symbols that represented the Empire itself.
[Solidarity], meaning that the Empire was built by humans solidarity to rise to the top.
[Loyalty], meaning that the Empire was completely loyal to their people without falter.
[Immortality], meaning that the Empire would continue to rise and stood tall and couldn't be taken down so easily.
And finally, [Cruelty], meaning that the Empire would take any means necessary to keep rising even they have to kill and plunder other territory, and eventually conquer the whole world.
And these four people, represented those symbols...
Right now, they were walking together in a big hallway, with a red carpet leading to the throne room.
The first was the one who represented [Solidarity].
A man in his early 40s with brown skin and white hair. The man wore a general uniform with black color and red lining, a captain hat, with scars on his face, and gray eyes.
[The Ruler General, Alger Bartone].
"We shouldn't be late! I told you to show up at exactly 12.00 o'clock!" Alger scolded while showing his golden pocket watch.
The second one represented [Loyalty].
A petite girl with long brown hair and silky skin. She wore something different than him, a white dress with all kinds of flower accessories all over her hair and body.
[The Grave Gardener, Lillen Elfrida].
"Awww~ we aren't that late yet! Besides, I need to feed my babies and take care of them properly so they can grow up!~" Lillen spoke cheerfully while caressing a beautiful pink rose on her shoulder.
The third one represented [Immortality].
A giant man who's much taller than these two. His head was bald and covered with multiple scars down to his face, along with his hands. He wore a white priest robe, with a stoic look.
[The Immortal Bishop, Esmond Waterman].
"You both need to stop fighting! We are inside the most beautiful and historical place on earth. We have to pray and hope for the continuous glory of our Empire!" Esmond spoke passionately with tears falling from his eyes.
And finally...the one who represented [Cruelty].
A beautiful young lady in her seventeen, with beautiful light golden-blond hair and red ruby eyes. She was wearing a daunty general outfit with the same color as Alger. But with open cleavage, and her eyes were cold yet feisty for war.
[The Cruel Princess, Leona Rose Axel], was also known as the [Crown Princess] of the Human Empire, Axel.
"Can you guys stop talking? My esteemed father had summoned us because something interesting is going to happen~" Erline spoke while licking her lips.
The three quieted down and simply followed her.
When they arrived at the giant door that would lead them to the Throne room…
*CREAK*
The door was opened by itself.
"Come in."
A voice was heard from the throne.
They walked into the throne room together. It was big inside and there were lion statues lined up on the sidelines.
The four of them knelt before their Emperor who sat on the throne.
The Emperor was an elderly guy in his 60s, but his body was ripped to the core with a large sword lying by the throne, as if he wasn't the Emperor just for show. He wore a red robe with golden plates and multiple rings on his fingers.
[The Emperor of the Axel Empire, Oswald Augustus Axel].
"I have been waiting...my [Four Heavenly Kings]." Oswald spoke coldly while looking down upon them, revealing a strong pressure that befit his title.
But the [Four Heavenly Kings] weren't affected by it.
"My apologies, my Emperor, if not for this woman, we couldn't have been late for a few seconds." Alger spoke while still holding his head down.
"My apologies, my Emperor~ I am just doing my duty as a gardener of the palace, to make sure they are fed well~" Lillen spoke as she tried to shoot back at him.
"Silence." Oswald's booming voice echoed across the throne room and silence followed shortly after.
His gaze then turned towards his daughter.
"My daughter Leona, you are already at the marriageable age so why haven't you engaged with someone yet?" Oswald asked.
"My apologies, my Emperor. The reason for that is because I have yet to find someone fitting to stand beside me ."
"Our people here….are too weak." Leona replied coldly without raising her head.
"I see....is that why you have been killing around 100 mens lately?" Oswald spoke coldly as well and was still gazing upon her from that seat of his.
"Yes, my Emperor." Leona spoke.
As she lifted her head for her father.
"Well~ it was fun while it lasted. The instant I announced that I was seeking a strong man to marry."
As her expression changed into a twisted smile.
"They began to swarm at me, like ants crawling over the sugar that had been placed in front of them."
Her beauty turned into an unfathomable madness.
"But when they realized that the sugar they craved turned out to be poison for them."
That befit her title as the [Cruelty].
"It was so exciting~ listening to their scream when I broke their arms and legs, rip them apart as I drenched myself with their blood~ haaah~" Leona expressed her madness.
Upon seeing her expression, the Emperor smiled the same as her, "As expected, my daughter, I raised such a good successor."
"Of course, my Emperor. I am still your daughter and I want the best for our Empire, even if I have to torture so many people." Leona spoke, as her expression got even more twisted.
"You sound more happy to torture instead of protecting our Empire." Oswald pointed out.
"Exactly~ you bestowed on me the symbol of [Cruelty]. I need to set an example for why I have that symbol." Leona replied.
"Indeed. I bestow you with symbols which fit you the most, just like the rest of you." Oswald spoke while his gaze turned towards the other Four Heavenly Kings.
"But now, let's get back to the agenda...about our declaration of war against [the Human Kingdom, Luxion]." Oswald stated.
They weren't surprised as they expected it already.
"We have risen more than we could, but the world seems too peaceful for me...ever since the war between humans and demons had ended."
"And yet, our Empire had not once set foot outside and remained neutral." Oswald looked at his daughter.
"Do you know why, My dear daughter...Leona?" Oswald asked as if to test her.
Leona would smile, "Of course, to increase our power so we can fulfill our empire's lifelong wish."
"Exactly, to fulfill the wish of our Ancestors! We shall continue to rise and cultivate our strength to dominate this world." Oswald stated as he stood from his throne.
"Because we...are the Empire, Axel!" Oswald exclaimed.
"[For the Empire]!" The Four Heavenly Kings spoke simultaneously.
Oswald then sat back on his throne, "Now then...let's welcome our new members that will lead the Empire to victory."
*CREAK*
The door in front of them opened once again for the people that the Emperor was about to introduce.
"They shared the same goal for the destruction of [the Human Kingdom, Luxion]."
"They will be the new pillars for our Empire's glory."
When Leona and the others turned to look, they saw familiar faces.
Leona laughed heartily, "Hahaha! this is gonna be interesting~"
They were the most notorious group that had been hiding and dominating the underworld for years.
"Welcome to my Empire...[The Six Underworld King]." Oswald spoke to the person who stood in front of them.
A young man with white hair and red ruby eyes, his skin was pale and he's wearing a dark suit with red tie.
He was the ruler of this group, the man who controlled the darkness from behind.
[The Night Ruler, Allen Bloodhart].
"Thank you for inviting us into this...meeting."
"My Emperor."
When Allen smiled towards the Emperor of the Axel…
The gear of fate...had started to move again.
*******
During the night, Yomi stayed within her old room in Welford manor.
She sat on the balcony, admiring the view of the full moon in the night sky, while her maid, Silvi, stood beside her.
"It's such a beautiful night...isn't it? Silvi." Yomi spoke to her.
"Yes, Ojou-sama." Silvi replied to her.
It was a quiet night, a cold breeze brushing their skin as the two gaze upon the full moon together.
Silvi then looked at her mistress, "Ojou-sama..."
"Yes...I know what you are going to say." Yomi turned to look at her, her eyes turning both blood red on her left eye and sky blue eye on the right side.
Silvi widened her eyes upon seeing her eyes change.
"Deep down...I know Ojou-sama has changed recently, from those reckless actions you did and the future you could foresee."
"There're many things I don't understand, but...I know you're still the same Iris Ojou-sama that I served." Silvi spoke.
"So please..." Silvi knelt in front of her, "Do not go to war."
"...."
Yomi stood up from her seat and approached her.
"Silvi...you have been together with me for as long as I can remember." Suddenly, her tone changed.
Both of her eyes turned red.
"Ojou-sama..." Silvi looked up and widened her eyes once more.
She looked surprised, not because of her eyes, nor about her words.
But...
.
.
.
.
.
.
She was smiling.
A smile that appeared nostalgic, warm, and contained a trace of sadness.
Iris switched in with Yomi, to reveal herself in front of her maid.
"I know, it might be absurd for me to say this to you."
"But...I don't want to lose you again." Iris spoke while reaching out her hand to caress her cheek.
Silvi's eyes fluttered as she felt the warmth on her cheek. Her tears started to fall from her eyes, and she muttered, "Ojou-sama...?"
"I had foreseen your death...so many times that I lost count."
"And yet...I couldn't prevent any of them except for this one. Which is why...I am going to bend fate, and join the war." Iris spoke while reminiscing the memories she had in the past.
In the future she couldn't stop.
The image of Silvi who died hundreds of times.
'Even with this much power, I was still unable to keep you safe.' Iris thought while her eyes locked towards Silvi.
Silvi couldn't understand what she meant, but she could feel the immense sadness that came from her red eyes that shone in the dark.
"Silvi...you are my maid, but also my dear friend who has stayed with me for this long."
"So please do not stop me...let me at least save you and my family...this time." Iris muttered.
*THUD*
Then she suddenly hugged her tightly with her arms wrapped around her body.
"Silvi...do not worry, I will be fine." Iris whispered into her ear.
Silvi cried, her young lady had grown so much.
"My apologies...Iris Ojou-sama...I..." Silvi sobbed, knowing full well that someday her mistress would change.
She felt guilty for doubting her.
Iris then pulled back and stared at her eyes once again, "I will be by your side, always...Silvi." she spoke reassuringly.
"And the same as you guys..." Iris suddenly shifted her gaze towards the two people who were standing inside her room.
"William, Harson."
They walked forward to reveal their presence after Iris called upon their name.
A man with slit-like snake eyes and green hair, was known as the former [Dark Guild Master].
But now, he changed his name and earned his own title.
[The Abyssal Snake, William Hainsbourg].
Then beside him was a tall man with short brown hair and green eyes, he was a disciple of the [Sword Saint] who also served as Iris' personal guard.
[The Blue Giant, Harson].
"We heed your words~" (William)
"We heed your words." (Harson)
As the two knelt before her, Iris stood up straight, "The three of you had been following me ever since I assigned each of you a certain task."
"Silvi is to serve me as my maid, Harson as my guard, and William as my spy." Iris spoke each of their names.
"But today, it will be different...because the path I have chosen to walk is a thorny one and not a single soul will be able to cross over."
"Soon....there will be a declaration of war from the Empire."
"And I, Iris May Welford." Iris' right eye turned blue once again.
Now, Iris and Yomi had fully combined into one, "...will be participating in the war, and I won't change my decision." Both of them declared
"But I must ask you this question...will you all follow me?" She offered with an outstretched hand.
The three of them, looking at her majestic figure. She was courageous and had a way with words, something which befit a master who had earned their respect, and admiration.
"Yes, our lady, Iris Ojou-sama!" They replied simultaneously.
Silvi looked upon her mistress with a smile blooming across her face.
"I will follow you...until the depths of hell, my Iris Ojou-sama."
[The Ice Princess, Silvi Threston], had joined the war.
******
Meanwhile, on any other day when the war was about to happen anytime.
In the [Blumund Village], which had undergone numerous changes throughout the years, was surrounded by a fortress.
The fortress was built out of sturdy rocks and artifacts, to keep them safe from any form of attack by nearby monsters.
But where did they get the money to build one?
In an effort to show their gratitude, the [Welford Family] had been donating resources to build a better home for them as well as various rewards to the village.
And the reason why the Duke had given that much money to this village was because his only daughter was saved by a young man who was born from this village.
The young man sacrificed himself, to save the young lady of The Welfords, fighting against a dangerous foe and disappeared from sight ever since then.
But 7 years had passed, and the people in the village had changed as well.
Especially a certain family.
*CLANG*
The sound of a hammer slamming against the steel blade that had been heated up echoed around the room.
*CLANG*
An old man was found in the workshop filled with the heat from the fire that burned constantly.
He was the only [Blacksmith] that had been working in the village for many years.
[Adam Houston].
*CLANG*
Adam swung his hammer to the blade again.
"Dad!"
Then a voice was heard from outside of the workshop.
"Hmm?" Adam stopped his work, putting the blade into cold water before he took off his apron and gloves.
Then a girl walked into the workshop, a bright young girl who had finally reached an age of 13.
She's the daughter of Adam Houston.
[Emily Houston].
"See? You holed up yourself again inside the workshop! You forgot to take your lunch!" Emily warned him while pointing out his mistake.
Adam smiled, "Sorry Emily, it's just…there's so many orders lately." He chuckled as approached her and gently patted her head.
"Aw geez! Don't touch my head with your dirty hands like, literally!" Emily scolded him, since his hand was full of dirt due to his work.
Adam laughed, "Hahaha! Sorry sorry, but my daughter is just so cute." He smiled once more, but there's a longing in his eyes for someone who left the village years ago and yet to come back.
Emily could tell that much from the way he looked, she knew who her father was thinking about. "Let's go back home, Mom is currently cooking us some lunch."
But she made sure to direct his attention elsewhere, pushing her father out of the workshop.
Adam was surprised when she did that and laughed it off, "Hahaha, yes yes."
They left the workshop and went back to their house.
"Mom! We are back home!" Emily announced after she opened the door to their house, it was a rather short trip.
"Oh, you both finally came back, come sit here with me, I'm making your delicious gratin!" A woman came out from the kitchen and ushered them to the dining table.
The woman had a few wrinkles on her face, but her beauty still remained the same after many years of becoming a mother of two children.
She's the mother of Emily Houston, and the wife of Adam Houston, [Sheila Houston].
"Welcome home, dear." Sheila welcomed them with a warm smile.
Adam smiled in return and approached his wife, "I'm home."
*THUD*
Then he suddenly embraced her.
Sheila wrapped her arms around him, and gently patted his back, "Yes, yes, you better wash up now. Lunch is getting cold." She whispered as if to comfort him.
Emily smiled as she watched their interaction from the side before she walked past them, "You both sure are always lovey dovey everytime we came home" She teased
The two of them let go of each other and saw their daughter walking upstairs.
"Well, I can't help it since my handsome man just came back home~" Sheila stifled giggled.
"Aww" Adam smiled shyly after hearing her compliment.
"Ew gross!" She fake gagged and rushed upstairs towards her room.
"I'm going to get changed first! It's Dad's fault for getting me dirty!" She shouted to remind her parents downstairs.
Emily then walked past a certain room next to her own.
"....."
She looked at the door that was closed off for a while, before she went into her own room to get changed.
It was yet another peaceful day for this family. They always get together for lunch, sharing their love and care towards each other.
In the dining room, the three gathered on their seats and there was a lot of delicious food on the table made by the mother of this house, Sheila.
The three prayed before eating, there's one empty seat and a drawing of a certain child that had been missing in the family.
A child with a bright smile, and filled with joy, who also protected them from the danger 9 years ago.
But, they stayed firm and kept smiling, to make sure that they could live their lives even without him by their side.
That was until...
*BOOM*
A large explosion was heard from outside.
"...?!" The three of them were startled by it, and Adam quickly covered his wife and daughter.
"Emily! Come here!" Adam called Emily to make her run and hide behind his back.
Then someone barged into the house, a young man who's a friend of Emily.
His name is James, "Uncle! This is urgent!" He shouted.
"What happened?!" Adam asked for confirmation while protecting Sheila and Emily on his back.
"Uncle Nel was attacked by a strange group!" James replied.
"Strange group? Who dares to attack a village protected by the Welford Family?!" Adam replied in disbelief.
"I-i don't know...but there's three people who came here, and they seem powerful!" James stuttered for a moment, feeling somewhat nervous.
Adam gritted his teeth and turned his head to look at his wife and daughter, who's trembling behind him.
"I'm going—" But when Adam was about to speak.
Sheila and Emily grabbed his shirt.
"We're going too!" Sheila spoke, she looked scared but there's determination to follow her husband in her eyes.
"No! It's too dangerous!—" Adam warned but Emily interrupted him.
"—No Dad!"
"I don't want to cower behind again...I don't wanna see you or mom leave me!" Emily cried.
"One is enough…" She sniffled as she hung her head, remembering a certain person, a member of this family that they loved and cared so much.
Her parents looked at her and they too felt the same way.
"Emily..." Adam called her name.
Then he gently embraced her with Sheila.
"I understand..." Adam smiled, "Let's go together."
A relief smile bloomed across Emily's tear-stained face and she said nothing else as she squeezed her parents' hands.
Sheila and Adam squeezed her hand back as if to reassure her that everything's going to be okay before all three of them walked out of the house, with James leading them outside.
*******
In front of the main gate of the fortress, they were gathered together to see what's causing the explosion.
But...they saw something unexpected.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
[Nel Shubert], he was known as the guard of this village, and a Spear Master who could use wind aura.
He was recognized by the Welford Family, and was assigned with few soldiers to protect the village.
The soldiers and the guards who worked with him knew how strong he was and capable of defeating a giant monster by himself.
But now...
.
.
.
.
.
.
In front of their eyes, Nel was defeated by a lone knight.
*TING*
As his spear flung upwards and fell behind him, Nel was found sitting on the ground in front of his opponent.
A knight with a black armor, a red scarf around his neck and holding a black spear in his hand.
The knight had this ominous look since the helmet he wore looked like a beast that could devour anyone.
And yet, Nel who was defeated somehow wasn't scared of him.
He was smiling.
Emily saw what happened and muttered in confusion, "...Uncle Nel?" But when her eyes were fixated towards the knight...
*BA-THUMP*
Her heart suddenly beat loudly against her ribcage.
"No way..." She recognized something from the knight.
Her parents, Sheila and Adam, noticed it too.
"It can't be...."
The sadness and the feeling of missing someone very dear to them, mixed together with happiness in their hearts.
When the knight looked at them among the crowds.
His helmet suddenly disappeared into flames, revealing the familiar face of a young man.
A face and the smile that they had longed for many years...
Emily, Sheila and Adam, ran towards the knight with full speed.
And...
*THUD*
They embraced him with wide open arms, they cried and somehow looked much smaller compared to him.
The young man smiled and tried to wrap his hands around all of them.
"I'm home." He spoke, something he really wanted to say to them after missing for 7 years.
[Kiritsuka Rei] and [Ray Houston].
They're finally back home.
To be continued...