Worshipper Arc: Chapter 4. The Next Level
After Valoran has admitted that he is indeed a monster there is dead silence for a couple of seconds until one person stands up to protest that argument.
"You are not a monster" A female voice yells in frustration.
Valoran and the others look toward the words source to see that it was Merial with an angered expression.
"Merial…?" Valoran questions
"You are not a monster. If anyone here should be called that then it's me. I let my tragic past shape me into a monster, someone who made the weak bow to my will…that is until I met you Valoran. You showed me what true strength is, using your power and to help the ones who cannot defend themselves is what you taught me. And…if it weren't for your help my brother would have still been lost…because of you I have him back in my life. Who cares if you have enough power to destroy these so-called "Ultraverses" …Who cares that you can kill Gods…Who cares that you have been born without a father. All that we care about is about being your friend. If anything, I'm glad that it's you that has these powers. If it was me, I would have not used it for good." Merial bluntly voices with tears in her deep blue eyes.
Valoran is stunned as no one has ever defended him in such a way other than his mother.
Atticus also rises and begins to share his thoughts. "Valoran. What you did for me is something that I can never repay, you helped me with my magic, you saved my sister who I thought was dead. She means the world to me and thanks to you she's alive and better than ever, you saved during the magic duel. A monster would not have done this. I am truly honoured to learn from you and someone that I can call a friend" Atticus says with appreciation and a bright smile.
Selina and Biatrix also get up from their seats.
"Because of your kindness of your heart we were able to win… because you teach us, show us how to defend ourselves, how strategies, how to work as a unit." Selina voices out with passion and purity.
"Like Merial said, if anyone should have this kind of power then it's you. Your mentor would have been proud to see what man you have become and will become. I know you will be the next Magic King" Biatrix says with sincerity
Everyone is shocked to see Biatrix be this kind and even knows how to be so sincere.
"Biatrix, I didn't know you could be this sincere…could this be your true self?" Selina asks with a sarcastic tone.
Biatrix begins to blush. "Shut up Selina. There is nothing wrong in being grateful now is there?" She says facing the other way trying to stop blushing.
Artemsia also begins to rise. "Valoran. If it wasn't for your help I would have been stuck in the underworld for all eternity, it was you who came and saved me and showed me what life is. I am so grateful to you and always will be." She says bowing her head in gratitude.
Merial begins to ask a question. "What were you doing in the underworld? Was it to free Artemsia from her eternal torment? She questions with curiosity dominating her tone.
Valoran faces Merial and the others who also share Merial's curiosity.
"As you remember we had an assignment to go out and find a magic metal ore to craft a magic blade" Valoran tells them.
"Yes, you made an incredible blade with precision I have never seen before." Selina speaks with amazement.
"That's not the only blade I crafted, you see." Valoran reveals to them all.
"Not the only one?" Biatrix questions.
"I heard of a rare and powerful red magical ore which existed in the underworld, a metal so powerful it can't be destroyed and holds immense power. I then found out where the gate of the underworld resides, and I made my way to that location." Valoran explains.
"Then what happened?" Merial questions with haste.
"I passed through the gate which led me to a realm beyond the principals of dimensionality and time. This is where I met Artemsia who lectured me about the realm which was known as the underworld and the metal I searched for. We then made our way to the red metal orb. I pulled it out. This resulted in the orb following my will which let me melt it down using the flames of nirvana, for the metal to absorb its great power.
"So… it has nirvana infused and the sword itself is indestructible given you have made it from that red orb?" Biatrix asks.
"It's not only fused with Nirvana it's also fused with a small amount of my true power, the omega force itself which is pure destruction and chaos hence… I named my sword Disaster" Valoran declares.
"Wow…" Atticus is astounded to hear about this sword and the others are just as much.
"Where is it now?" Merial asks.
"I have stored it in an endless dimension I created and only I can access it along with the rest of the red metal ore which I named Eclium." Valoran explains.
"I was never backed into a situation where I had to use Disaster although this could change soon enough" Valoran reveals.
"When I absorbed all of nirvana which suppressed the omega force's destruction power the realm became dark and that's when I made the decision to free her, I then realised that not all Gods are corrupt and are lusting for power." Valoran admits with a smirk.
"You are truly kind" Merial states toward Valoran.
"He truly is" Selina follows up
Finally, Demonlise begins to rise. "Master thanks to your incredible power you saved the life of my beloved mother. There is no one who I would want to serve for all eternity except you. I will be forever in your debt and will be forever thankful" Demonlise bowing his head in gratitude.
Valoran hearing all these kind words is truly stunned and grateful to all.
"I'm surprised at myself. How could I have missed the fact that I have such great friends. It's me who is grateful to all of you." Valoran bowed his head in gratitude.
Aelina is so deeply moved and grateful that Valoran is no longer by himself as she begins to tear up with joy
"I'm so grateful to see you all be friends with my son, I can finally stop worrying about Valoran being on his own. As a mother it is the greatest gift." Aelina says filled with gratitude.
Valoran smiles just a little hearing his mother be so joyful.
"Uhm…Valoran?" Merial asks with hesitance.
Valoran faces her. "What is it?" He kindly replied.
"Why are you revealing all your secrets to us? I know that there is more to it than putting your trust in us, and regarding us as your friends." She utters.
The room fell silent not even a breath can be heard, everyone staring toward each other not knowing how to respond.
Valoran then breaks the dead silence. "You are correct Merial. Revealing everything to you with all of this was not just due to all of you earning my trust and friendship, there is something far more dangerous and sinister behind the reason." He states with concern.
"What is it?" Selina carefully replies.
"Ever since the magic duels have concluded, there have been dark figures following me and all of you." Valoran shares.
"Dark… beings?" Atticus emits with a hint of fear.
"That's right. They use concealment magic to mask their evil aura, remain in the shadows, silent as death itself" Valoran bluntly states.
"Do you know who these people are?" Merial questions with concern.
"I'm not sure… however I heard stories. Throughout the millennia there have been beings described just as the beings who have been following us…beings that served the Gods, corrupt entire civilisations in servitude for the Gods…These beings are known as: Worshippers." Valoran states.
Everyone is devastated to hear that mortals would serve the Gods and their cruelty.
"Mortals…" Selina says with a slow shocked pace.
"Serving the Gods…?" Biatrix finishing off the sentence just as shocked.
"That's right. This is also further confirmed with these people emitting small, yet undoubtedly divine magic through the rings they are wearing. These rings are known as Rings of Livirea it grants the wearer a small amount of divinity which boots their magic in both offensive and defensive with the downside being that it shortens the lifespan every time you use its power" Valoran explains.
"I don't believe this…mortals serving the divine." Biatrix utters with frustration.
"So, are you going to confront them?" Atticus questions in hope that he would.
Valoran faces Atticus. "No. As of right now that would only make things more dangerous for you and me. They have not attacked any of us yet, which leads me to believe that they only have the order to spy on me and the rest of you, as they can't confirm that I am the one who killed Raizel and Hilliam. It's best to remain calm and patient." Valoran shares with the group.
Merial begins to share her thoughts. "I believe in Valoran. If he says that's the best action to take then so will I" Merial declares with confidence and a bright smile.
The others then also follow up.
"I believe in you too" Selina states.
"Me too I trust in your words" Biatrix states.
"I will always trust in my masters' wise words." Demonlise shares.
"I will also put our faith in you Valoran" Artemsia speaks.
Valoran is deeply touched by those kind words.
"Alright then my fellow friends as a token of my friendship I will be taking things to the next level. From now on training will be harder and more intense to ensure your safety just in case worshippers try to attack any of you" Valoran explains.
"Are you trying to get us killed?... training has been hard enough as it is" Biatrix yells slightly.
"What's wrong? Don't tell me that's all you got Biatrix. Selina sure seems fine with it looks like she surpassed you" Valoran mocking her slightly.
Biatrix's face turns red with anger and even a vein on her forehead starts to show. "Don't be an idiot I will show you who surpasses who" Biatrix replies.
"What do you have in mind?" Atticus replies.
"Tomorrow I'll go to the disciplinary committee to ask for a pass of leave which allows the group leader to take it's group for educational and training purposes" Valoran reveals.
"It does but you also require the permission of Professor Asparata" Selina states.
"Hmmm I see. I will ask her tomorrow morning" Valoran utters.
"Where do you intend to take them Valoran?" Aelina questions with curiosity.
"I think you know mother" Valoran replies with a smirk.
Aelina smiles at him "Make sure to give my greetings to her" She asks wind kindness.
"What are you talking about master? Where are we going?" Demonlise asks curiously.
"It's a surprise…" Valoran reveals.