Regressia. It was once known as a prosperous world until the day 'Worms' began to appear. Worms refer to the polluted gates that brought the Damned, demons and monsters from the After Realm. Soon, the world was thrown into chaos as humans, elves, dwarves, sirens, and faes battled the damned that lasted for centuries.
That was until Klaudius appeared.
Using the Divine Blessing from the Great One, he used his power to lead the humans, the weakest of all species, from one victory to another against the Damned.
Together with an elf, a dwarf, a fae, and a siren, they subdued the demons and were known as heroes for many years. The species who were once indifferent and hostile to each other, decided to cooperate and fight against the Damned. The party was known as the heroes of Regressia.
Soon, Klaudius the First was named the Great Emperor who ruled the human empire. The Temple was rebuilt, while the other party members returned to their respective kingdoms. Though everything was peaceful, Aria van Lowenheim, the Great Elven Prophetess with the Divine Blessing Seeking Eye, prophesied that the peace won't last long and that the return of the Damned was evident. And their return will cause greater calamity. Nonetheless, she prophesied these words,
"Thou war shall come again
and the Damned shall wreak havoc one more,
a child blessed by the heavens
will come down at the right hour
He shall bring bliss
and bless with peace. "
The world was flipped upside down. Humans and beings alike began to hope once more.
********
500 years later.
In a luxurious room, shelves filled with books surrounded a young man in glasses frantically rummaging through piles of papers stacked on both sides of his intricately designed table. The man in his 20s wore long, white, sleeves with a deep collar, displaying his deep neckline. His platinum gold hair fluttered under the sunlight as he leaned his head on his right arm while reviewing the papers, his eyebrows furrowing.
A knock then echoed on the door, distracting him. He groaned.
"Come in."
A white-haired butler entered with a tray in his hand. He bowed slightly.
"It's noon Your Grace. Wouldn't you mind taking a quick time for yourself?"
"William."
The butler placed the tea tray on the square table. The young duke then leaned on his seat before letting out a sigh.
"These paperwork never seem to end."
"You've been working hard, Your Grace. The servants had been worried if you were even taking care of your health."
"I can still manage with a few hours of sleep." He groaned and removed his glasses as he massaged his temples.
Silence ensued between the two. The old man looked at the young lord with worried eyes.
"The subjugation will be soon. It's that time of the year once again."
Zavier exhaled and let out a dry laugh. "Even if we do hundreds of subjugations in the future. Evil will never be eradicated. It's a curse placed on us by the gods."
Silence ensued between the two. William cleared his throat and broke the silence.
"By the way, Your Grace, a message was sent by Sir Alistair. He said he is to visit the mansion later."
"Oohh, is he still around looking for that one huh?"
"Well, the temple never stopped."
It's been a millennium since the prophecy was first revealed. Though the people waited and waited, the promised one never appeared. Nevertheless, saints and prophets born in each era never failed to guide the empire during subjugations. The believers never stopped believing that the Promised One would come and end the disasters. However, this wasn't the case for the rest of the species since 3,000 years had passed since the first prophecy about the Promised One was made.
Zavier stood up and looked outside the canted window. He observed the gardeners and the maids strolling around doing laundry and chores. Though it's been peaceful in the empire, it cannot be said regarding the other places. The pollution continuously scatters and destroys several kingdoms and species. Although humans are considered the weakest of all species, they have thrived. He let out a sigh.
"I guess it's all by the Great One's grace too that we are experiencing this fleeting peace."
An elegant white horse then approached the north gate. The young lord walked away from the window.
"Alistair is here. Just tell him to proceed to the guest room as I prepare."
"Understood Your Grace."
**********
The young duke strode through the hallway in his sophisticated attire. As he soon arrived in front of the door, he paused before entering the guest room and was greeted by a silver-haired, muscular lad sitting in a laid-back manner on the settee.
Adorned in his military uniform, his blue cape hung behind the settee, a large, golden, maltese cross brooch holding the cape in place. His right arm rested on the back with his legs crossed. He grinned when I entered the room and raised his hand.
"Looking good eh, young duke?" Zavier groaned in response to his greeting.
"Nice to see you too Alistair. How delightful of you to disturb my wonderful day." he rolled his eyes, exasperated as he took a sit in front of his dear friend.
"With that look on your face, I guess I came at the right time."
A maid bowed his head before serving the tea to the two. As he savored the aroma, he figured the tea served was chamomile, his go-to tea whenever he was stressed. He sipped some and placed it down on the table. Alistair leaned back as he placed the teacup back on the table. Crossing his legs, the Zavier wore his formal smile.
"So what brings the captain of the Order here in my dukedom?"
"Spoken like a true duke huh?" he chuckled. "I just happen to be around since we've been doing our monthly tradition."
"Seriously, the temple still holds on to that belief eh?"
"Well, you could say that."
He chuckled slightly.
Zavier glared at him as he rolled his eyes. Despite the Leopold Dukedom being a devout believer of the temple, Zavier was never particularly religious. Like the rest of the people, he has never particularly hoped that the kingdom's situation will improve, or the kingdom ever needs the Promised One. Despite several prophetic signs, he never particularly held on to the hope that that person would come.
Though previously smiling. Alistair's expression turned somber as he looked at Zavier straight into his eyes, "This time, they will find the right one."
Zavier scoffed. "How sure are you?"
"I have seen it."