("Volt? Have I ever heard that name? Just why was such a powerful warrior able to stay hidden?")
"I do wonder when you people quit living for yourselves, thinking for yourselves, and acting by yourselves. You put on these masks in the hope something will change. Trying to hunt down monsters, yet you have imprisoned some yourselves. So, now that your leader and guide is gone, are you going to take responsibility for yourselves?"
None of the people responded to his words but tried to free themselves from their fearful paralysis.
"How disappointing you lot are. Still, even in the face of death, you keep those masks in front of your faces while praying for non-existent help. You' re all lost, your path ends here."
One by one he went off and took his/her/its life. As Volt targeted one of the children, Ellie stood in front of the girl as protection.
"What are you trying to pull? You want to join her in death?"
"Look at her, all scared and helpless. She's just a little kid as you used to be. You' ve wiped out their middle, not every single one of them is the same."
"So you really are that oblivious, huh?"
Before Ellie could answer him Volt pushed her aside. As she fell, she saw the child she was attempting to cover just grab a hidden dagger. Volt pressed on the girl's hand making her drop the weapon.
"You see what happens to sheer naiveté? Say, girl, is that all you are? A puppet of this stupid superstition?"
Although in mortal danger, the child kept her mask on, not answering Volt and reached for the dagger on the floor. The latter stepped on her hand and took her weapon.
"You over there don't seem to really fit to be in this world yet. There is one thing you should realize: It does no good to show compassion for lost souls. Those who survive here might become troubles in the future."
With one blow he took the young girl's life and threw her body on the ground. As he removed her mask, pieces of her skin were missing from her face, while her teeth appeared pointed and sharp. All of a sudden, an immense rage seethed in the inhabitants. They managed to break free of their rigidity and frantically charged at Volt. Before he had a chance to use his weapon, Leo killed the first one. With one sword blow he severed the head and made himself into their opponent.
"He's right Ellie. Take a closer look at them, their behavior is barely human."
Though none of them yelled at Leo instead they growled and hissed. Some even started running on all fours, and suddenly they started fighting among each other. Even if they walked to their deaths, the biggest bloodbath was among themselves. They tore off each others ears, clawed at each others skin and took bites out of their arms and legs. Their eyes turned completely red and they lost all ability to speak.
" What's with them being like that all of a sudden? What the hell is going on? Why are they suddenly like bloodthirsty animals?"
" I don't know, don't really care. If they get too close they will get slaughtered, simple as that."
"Something must be the trigger, perhaps their leader was the spark. In any case, there's nothing left to be saved here."
It wasn't long before the whole place was filled with corpses, gnawed body parts and mangled bodies. Volt entered the houses and searched every room.
"What exactly are you doing right now? They certainly didn't take any prisoners."
"I don't give a damn about any survivors.Like I said, whoever remains alive here is going to be a headache later on. Only thing that's interesting about them anymore is their money. I don't know how you guys do things, but money doesn't just come naturally."
"Are you serious? You want to rob the dead of their belongings?
"They don't need their gold anymore, what's wrong with that? I am not the one starving in times of need."
"So you're after money, nothing more nothing less."
"Listen lady: if money was my motivation I would never have shown up here but killed the next best merchant. My reason was simple: retribution for what these people tried to pull with me. Sure, they can run away, but it doesn't matter. I will hunt them down as long as it takes."
"But retaliation only leads to emptiness and inner pain. If you go on like this, you'll destroy yourself."
At these words, Volt had to suppress a smile. In the end, his expression turned into a smirk.
"Do you really believe that garbage you're saying? And why does it have to be so complicated every time? I''d stop judging others so carelessly if I were you. Revenge is absolute, if you allow yourself to be distracted by morals you'll quickly end up six feet under. I think your friend knows what I'm talking about. I recognize one like him at first sight."
"Enough of that. Ellie, leave him to do as he pleases. You wouldn't stand a chance against him anyway. Besides, he hasn't done anything to make himself an enemy against us. Nevertheless, I don't think you'll be satisfied with money or retribution."
"So one of you has a brain. At first I desired blood vengeance but then I saw you. Your aura, it has a smell of magic, no, maybe even of something else. Have you really been behaving like that just to get worthless information? What did you expect? For them to be behind this mess, for them to know everything about this plague? I mean, come on, they're just mere humans who could barely remember their own names."
"Still, that sort of thing isn't entirely out of the question. Although I didn't get what I wanted, I'm still not going empty-handed.
Leo walked to one of the cages where a monster had survived. Volt took his sword but Leo faced him.
"Oh? Are you going to stand in my way too? I wonder who will prevail in a duel between us?"
"There's no time for that, you just watch. Perhaps it will save you from using your sword in the future."
Leo smashed one of the chairs and set it on fire. He then headed directly in front of the cage and stuck the flame inside. This specimen, surprisingly, was not afraid of the flame but rather just the heat. However, when Leo looked closer, he saw the mark on its body grow larger and begin to turn orange. In the next moment the flame of the torch escaped towards the body of the victim. Suddenly the body burned ablaze and it died in agony."
"So they are allergic to fire. Nevertheless, I doubt it will be any use to me in the future. My sword thirsts for the enemy's blood as much as I do."
"Don't tell me you're life-stealing t-?"
"LEO WATCH OUT!"
Before he could finish speaking, Volt's sword reached him. At the last moment he managed to block. To his startling, he was unable to use any force to gain an advantage against his opponent.
"This is something very interesting you are uttering. Surely from your mouth these words are not completely worthless. You have some experience with life stealing, don't you? If so, I'm afraid you'll have to lose your life here."
Ellie tried to attack Volt from the side with her magic. To her horror, he formally absorbed all attempts. It appeared that he had full magic resistance.
"Is that all you can do girl? Hiding behind those powers? Ridiculous!"
Leo took the offensive and tested his opponent. Both of their swords clashed against each other, with neither of them budging even a foot.
"Life stealing isn't exactly the biggest secret you know. What are you really after?"
"The last person who knew this information tried to stab me in the back. So, you could say that I've had some bad experiences. That's why it's better to eliminate anyone who seems to be aware of it before doing anything like that. Afterwards, the lady here shouldn't be a problem."
"Then I am going to have to disappoint you. No one else is dying here today!"
His weapon lit up, his hair turned white and his eyes gold. He managed to push his opponent back, yet not overwhelm him. Volt was able to keep up with this form as well. As he felt his weapon getting a slight crack, he backed away.
"I thought you were strong, but I didn't expect something like this. Don't think that you have won. Arrogance has already killed the strongest beings."
"Not every provocation is a death sentence. Unlike you, I'm not looking for a fight. Unless you're desperate to prove you can beat me."
Volt looked him in the eye and put his sword away.
"I may be impulsive but I'm not stupid. Even if I could inflict a few wounds on you I would probably still lose in the end. Stubbornness shall be the last reason for my death."
"So, what are you going to do now? You've got nothing to lose."
"Maybe so. I want to go back to my kingdom, see how it turned out one time. It's been 10 years so might aswell look back."
"Wait a minute, that means it's been 10 years since you' ve last been to the Elven Kingdom? Did you not notice anything at all, any news?"
" At least nothing world changing. Back then we did not part on the best of terms, my family served Yrasil but I refused to be subjugated by him. I will never forgive them for what they did to me as a child. Therefore, my departure was rather a disgrace to my father and mother. Although I still haven't forgiven them for what they did to me, I feel obliged to see them once more before they finally die by my hand. Yes, Yrasil will not keep them under control any longer."
Leo got confused, their own son was planning to kill them. After over 10 years, his resolve for payback had not changed. Something horrible must have happened to him for him to still have those thoughts.
"I can tell you one thing: everything has changed entirely, all your past experiences have been completely destroyed. Haven't you realized that hardly anyone can use any form of magic?"
"So what? That doesn't mean everyone is suddenly dead or turned to dust. As long as I can still carry this sword, even if everything has changed, I won't care."
"I'll make you an offer: I happen to know what has been happening in the last few years, the way everything has changed. Until a while ago, I was still in their capital and witnessed the new beginning."
"What kind of new beginning?"
"This is part of my offer: I am going to tell you everything I know and you are going to accompany us for the time being. It is up to you to believe what you want and what you don't like. We too are heading south and two more hands will surely make the journey easier."
" Not a chance! I will never pledge myself to others nor obey their orders. As a matter of fact, I don't like you two one bit. You look to me like creatures who see order before freedom. I refuse, you will have to find another companion."
("Order? Hmph, as if such a thing ever really existed...")
"Even if I tell you that Yrasil no longer exists, that the kingdom is in the process of being completely reformed? Nothing is the way it used to be, no everyday discrimination or hounding. The hatred of nations is fading away."
Volt stopped at the spot.
"Do you realize what you are saying right now? Your assertions are completely ludicrous! No one can oppose him."
"I was there live when it happened since I personally got rid of him.
Ellie was shocked, she knew the elves lived without a true ruler, but not that her companion was responsible for it.
"Say Volt, have you ever thought that the disappearance of magic also affected these gods? You've seen that I'm not one of them, let alone able to use just ordinary magic."
"You're supposed to have shut it down? I guess the madness has overtaken you. Stop playing such games already and leave me alone. I will continue alone, if you follow me you will regret it. I may not be able to defeat you, but that girl will be dead in no time. I doubt that you want to take that risk Leo, supposed god slayer."
Saying this, he left the village and traveled further south.
"Did you really think you could convince him to join us? He would be more of a danger than an ally."
" Dangers are all around us. Having one on our side provides us with more protection whether you want to admit it or not. He doesn't act on pride but experience, Volt is much shrewder than I thought. Have another look for survivors, if nothing comes up we'll continue on our way. I think I know where he's going and how we can overtake him. He's unpredictable so we need to stay one step ahead of him. Perhaps I'll be able to change his mind in the end."
"Why have you taken such a liking to him? He's a fighting machine, merciless and cold."
"He is simple, his past may be complicated but his actions are quick and straightforward. That' s exactly the kind of person who could be very helpful to my cause. When things get critical there is no time to lose so with him by our side any enemy should go down."
"Dream on, you've heard he doesn't like us. Why would he ever agree?"
"Ellie, have you ever heard of: The enemy of my enemy is my friend?"
"No, it sounds absolutely stupid."
"Maybe, but that doesn't mean it never worked. In any case, we should have reached Altaria by noon tomorrow, certainly there is someone there who will be able to help us."
"Another friend of yours huh? I hope he's better than that soldier."
"Well, I'm not sure about that."
As the two woke up the next morning they saw a large cloud of smoke from a distance. Then, when Leo listened more closely, he could hear a soft scream. They immediately packed their things and went to get to the bottom of it. As they got closer they found themselves at a small outpost. Formerly used as an enemy scouting post, it now served a more sinister purpose. Various races were kept in cages ranging from simple laborers to soldiers. They were supervised by humans, none of whom were excellently trained or exceptionally talented. This was another result of the new world: rebellion and resistance. However, there was one factor they had not counted on.
" Seems like he' s not just focused on himself after all."
In the midst of it all, Volt was about to turn their daily lives completely upside down. Before his feet lay three victims, with another he held in front of him. After a few seconds, he was surrounded by more people.
"You guys really had to take the imprisonment route huh? So, why are you doing it? Revenge? Sense of power? Hate? You don't need to answer since no one will care in a minute anyway."
"Y-you don't know anything about us! Y-you don't know what it's like to be constantly beneath someone and to have to submit to them."
"Ever heard of Yrasil? Now that magic means nothing, you all had the chance to live a free life, to exist independently. And what do you do first? Taking away others' right to peace."
"A right to peace? They don't deserve such a thing. With their decision, they put themselves in our way. All they should have done is renounce their loyalty."
"Whoever their leader was should consider themselves lucky. Evidently, their allegiance means their whole existence to them. It makes me wonder what exactly you guys stand for. Let's test your resolution then, shall we?
"Then you will die, you are surrounded. Are you that oblivious to think you can destroy everything here?"
"Heh, what do you think?"
He then drew his sword again and approached his attackers. His movements were too fast for his opponents to react and evade. Using one another as shields, he worked his way further and further ahead. After the resisitance realized that they didn't stand a chance against Volt, they took flight. Unlike his previous statement, he made no move to pursue them.
"I thought you weren't going to let anyone get away. What happened to that?"
"Not you again. This is not the time for victim hunting, I overheard a very interesting name. I hope that one of the prisoners knows more about it. Listen, all of you, I set you free just now. Fortunately for you, I'm not asking for money or hard labor. All I want to know is if it is true that the name Loketh rings a bell. Whoever knows something will step forward and speak, don't try to lie. These idiots have been talking about it themselves."
One of the captured soldiers stepped forward and provided important information not only to Volt.
"The House of Loketh has departed, there are rumors they are attempting experiments to reawaken magic. I find it very unlikely, however, as they stayed in Altaria before. Now that it has been overrun by rebels, they certainly won't be able to operate freely either."
Leo's mood turned very bad at this news. If he was speaking the truth then there were more troubles than solutions facing the mission. He passed by Volt and took on the soldiers.
"I sure hope this is a joke. How can Altaria be defeated so easily? You want me to believe that the city, known for its defense, has been taken over? What became of its leader and the military?"
"They were overthrown...by their own citizens...they seemed to have been planning it for a long time and now seized the perfect opportunity."
"Apparently they are not as loyal as you guys. It appears that the city means something more to you than I expected."
"The city was one of the only places where anyone was accepted no matter what race, no matter how poor, no matter how young or old. And now its open arms are supposed to be shackled? Whoever is behind all this doesn't realize what their actions entail! You have been captured and brought here, right? What happened to Carleen and the other troops?"
"They are most likely trapped in the city, our enemies were not out for blood... not yet. They' re pretending to be peaceful and quiet but I don't think they'll stay that way for long. Eventually everybody will be eliminated if they continue to resist."
"Eliminated huh? By the people she was protecting...what exactly did they hold against Altaria? It was a safe place and they''re stomping on it. They want peace by having everyone pledge allegiance to them...fucking ridiculous."
All of a sudden the freedmen backed away from Leo, Volt on the other hand was enjoying the sight.
"I didn't think you could make a face like that. Just look at you, that's what it takes: controlled rage. Not being lost within yourself but rather focused upon the future."
"Shut up with your smart-ass comments. Now listen everyone: the city won't be under anyone else's control for much longer, that I swear to you. About you Volt: it looks like we have a similar goal this time. If you want to know more about Loketh, you can find people in Altaria with more information. And you certainly won't be able to avoid a fight. I intend to free the captives and get answers from them. I don't care if you hate me or like me, but you know that we' ll get there much quicker together. By the look in your eyes, that name has a lot more meaning to you. I'm not the only one who's pissed off."
"Hmph. Hold your tongue when you don't know anything. You fall behind, you're on your own. Fuck, I cant believe I'm agreeing to this. The girl is not going along for the ride, any dead weight just poses a problem. I sure hope you' re gonna have to show your other side. I see what you're really capable of, and I'm not talking about your powers."
" Mind your own business, we're leaving right now."
"Wait a minute Leo, what am I supposed to do?! I thought we were going together, we had an agreement!"
"Which still stands. Yet first there is a different problem that needs to be dealt with. It won't be long before the parasites in the city will be wiped out."
"Wait you two. Not all among them are a real part of this resistance. Many have joined to avoid getting into trouble. They don't want a fight."
"I have no interest in sympathizing with followers. Time is running out as it is, I'm not going to make any exceptions. The moment they decided to join, they betrayed the city. I have learned to hate all traitors, there' s no disease I spit on more than treason. Do not expect anyone without shackles or outside cages to survive!"
After all the years he spent in this world, Leo never changed in one thing: Betrayal may only be punished by revenge.