Zoe stood blank at Eris for a moment. "Sorry, but Jessica and Hasan didn't teleport where we did. We don't know where they are," Zoe explained to him. "That's fine. I'll summon her."
Jessica and Hasan both walk in silence. Jessica squints her eyes. "Sooooo, what to do now? Meet back up with our friends, see our families, then back to school?" She suggested. "Sounds good," Hasan responded deadpanned. Jessica turned to him and smirked. "You don't care, do you?" She asked. "Nope," he answered quickly. They continued to walk. Jessica felt the wind whispering over her. She then stops walking.
"Hey, why'd you stop," Hasan asks. "I feel someone calling to me," she replied as she looked at the sky. A white magic circle then appears in the sky above her and Hasan. "No, someone is summoning me," she exclaims.
In a white blur, Hasan and Jessica appear in front of Eris. Eris, Mike, and Jessica instantly hug. They then pull away.
"Where have you been?" Asked Eris. "I don't know why, but we teleported back to a beach near the southern border. We were almost at the capital, but then you summoned me," Jessica lies. "No, I mean before you guys came back. Where did you all disappear to?" Eris questioned. Jessica and Hasan walk over towards their friends.
"They were on Earth, Your Majesty," Grayson answers Eris. "About a week ago they crashed down in a lake in the city where I lived. I recognized them so I took them in," Grayson explained. Sylvie nods and then stands. "You haven't told us who you are yet," she announces. Grayson's eyes then widen.
"My apologies, Queen Sylvie. I'm Prince Grayson of Zaharia and Grimm of the Knights of Astellan. I fled to Earth some time ago." he tells her. "You say they came a week ago, but they were gone for a year. How is that so?" Sylvie asks another question. "It was all thanks to Jessica, Mom. It turns out she had us all safe in a spell of hers when we traveled across the cosmos after being catapulted up there. Oh, and we discovered that Hasan is the lost Prince of Gigantios," Zoe remarks. Sylvie's and Eris's expressions then turn to shock.
"What a statement. Evidence of this is...?" Sylvie questions. "He's half-giant, half-human. That's how he's Helmar, the giant of the Knights of Astellan," Zoe explains quickly. Eris squints, and then turns to Sylvie. "It would explain his level of strength. It's nearly four thousand," says Eris. Sylvie doesn't respond. "I can turn into my giant form if you want," Hasan suggests. "That's not necessary. Even though you eight hidden something important from us, we're glad you all are safe," Slyvie stated. She then gently kicks Eris's shoe.
"Uh, how about you all stay put in the castle garden for the moment? We need to discuss some things," Says Eris. They all get up and begin walking to the door. Mike stops. "Don't wait up, I have to tell Dad something," he turns and rushes to Eris. The knights continue to the castle garden.
~
The knights gather around a huge fountain roundabout with flowers, bushes, and benches located on the right back side of the castle. Ash turns to Hasan and Jessica. "Jessica, Hasan, so you teleported back close to Magicae's southern border?" He asks seriously. They both nod in agreement. Ash smiles at them. "At least you two were safe. "Footsteps are heard from the pathway to the castle. It's Mike and he joins his sister's side.
"Jessica, hurry and introduce me to your friends," Mike urges. Jessica's face turns to shock then she nods. "Rose, Sloan, Hasan, Zoe, Grayson, Aeron, Ash, meet Mika-uh, I mean Mike," Jessica almost slips. They all greet Mike, and he does the same.
"So, which one of you is the leader?" Mike says seriously. "I am," Ash answers. "So, you must be the strongest?" Mike questioned. "Uh, actually-" "Wait, no. Jessica, can you give me a breakdown of everyone's power?" He cut Ash and asked eagerly. "Sure, do you want me to do it in a specific order?" She asks and Mike nods. "Strongest to weakest, please," he says as he comfortably sits on the bench.
"Well, then I'll start with me. My strength is one hundred and forty, spirit: nine-fifty, magic: one thousand, nine hundred and fifty. Power level 3,040. But since I'm only at half of my power, my full power level is 6,080. Hasan's stats: strength is three thousand nine hundred and fifty, spirit is six hundred, magic is eight hundred and thirty. Power level 5,380. Zoe's stats: strength is three hundred ninety, spirit is one thousand four hundred, magic is two thousand, three hundred fifty. Power level, 4,140. Rose's stats: strength is one hundred fifty, spirit one thousand, magic one thousand three hundred and fifty. Power level 2,500. Grayson's stats: strength is six hundred, spirit is nine hundred, magic is nine hundred fifty. Power level 2,450. Aeron's stats: strength is six hundred sixty, spirit is one thousand, magic is five hundred. Power level 2,160. Sloan's stats: strength is six hundred fifty, spirit is one thousand, magic is five hundred and five. Power level 2,155. Ash's stats: strength is four hundred fifty, spirit is eight hundred fifty and so is his magic level. Power level 2,150. The Knights of Astellans' power level together is 27,015. That's when I'm in full power. If not, it would be 23,975."
"Wow, that's amazing! You all are powerful," says Mike, and they thank him. Rose walks up to him. "So, what're your magic types? I heard that the royal family members have more than one type of magic," says Rose. Mike blankly looks at her for a moment. "That information is classified," he says, crosses his arms and looks to the side. Rose smiled and then shrugged. "Anyone got an idea of what King Eris and Queen Sylvie will do with us?" She asks them. "We'll be fine. Trust me," Zoe assures.
Sylvie looks out the window at the garden. "This changes everything, Eris," she states. Eris stands. "How?" He asks. "Back then, before I banished him, his power level was not 200,000. His level of power was eight thousand above me, 98,000. If it has risen this great it could only be the result of one thing; consuming the inhabitants of the Dark Realm. Consuming creatures of the Dark Realm results in the growth of power. I knew this when I put him in that damned world. But he was too powerful to kill alone, and it was too much collateral damage. I knew this risk, yet I did it anyway. Of course, I did have a plan. Don't die until he comes back. The aftermath of using the spell to banish him made it easier. With my daughter's birth being delayed for years, it gave me a reason to stay Queen and active. But even so, I could no longer face him alone. He is far too powerful to face," She explains. "What makes you so sure he'll return?" Eris queried. Sylvie sighs.
"My spell that severed our connection with the Dark Realm has severely weakened. That was proven when your son told us he dreamt into the Dark Realm. That shouldn't be possible, but it is. And years ago, a cult tried to break the spell and summon the Dragon King. The spell they acquired wasn't correct, so I looked over it. I did attempt to find the cult since I heard they had children as slaves, but it was well hidden. There have always been groups or cults that tried to release Dragon King, there always will be. And let us not forget that there are powerful entities in the Dark Realm. Who knows what allies he could have? Honestly, I feel it must soon be a summit of the Igetes. (e-ye-thays)" she answers him.
"It's fine, I have a plan in mind. For now, we'll wait," he said seriously. "Wait, what's this plan of yours?" She asks. "I can't explain much but we should wait for a summit. Until lighting, thunder, and rain reach my capital. I can't explain it, but something will happen that day. It was prophesized by Eliara. Just hold off until then," he tells her. Sylvie nods.
"For the Knights of Astellan, I assume they should resume school. I'll take Hasan to Gigantios. It's time he returns to his parents," she concludes and Eris nods.
Ash looks around. "I have to find Grayson," he states and leaves. He walks over to a corner behind a pillar and finds Grayson.
"Took you long enough," Grayson spoke and leaned on the wall. "I want to thank you, Grayson. I could've never found them if I didn't have your help," he expressed. "So, that long mission of yours is done?" Grayson asks. "Unfortunately, no. But without them, there wouldn't be a mission. They weren't born like me, but they should grow to be. That's all that matters. And I won't forget my part. It's hard to get what you want, but I should find it soon. Now, come on. We should head back before the others get worried."
King Eris and Queen Sylvie walk towards the knights and Mike. "We've decided on what to do about this... situation. Wait, two of you are missing," Eris notices. "We're right here, Your Majesty," Ash says, appearing out of nowhere with Grayson. "Good. Queen Sylvie and I want you all to go back to Astellan Academy in twelve days," Eris shares. " We give you twelve days because we want you all to go and visit your families of course. I will personally escort Prince Hasan back to Gigantios to meet his parents. Any questions?" She concludes and asks. "Yes. King Eris, if you don't mind, could you share the types of magics Prince Mike has?" Rose asks eagerly. "Mike said it's highly classified, didn't he?" Eris asks, and Rose nods. "Well, for you it's not. He has three types, white, dark, and dream magic. That reminds me, Sylvie," he says and turns her way. "Oh, right. To thank you for saving me, Mike, I'll give you Daverana's grimoire," she states. A magic circle appears in front of Mike and Daverana's grimoire floats out of it and falls into the hands of Mike. "Use it wisely and take care of it. Dream magic is not to be played around with. It is one of the few existing arcane magics." she urges. Mike smiles and nods. "Now, we should leave before it gets too dark," Sylvie announces.
~~After Sylvie and the knights, except Jessica leave
Eris walks inside Jessica's room and she stands from her desk where she is reading a book. "Father?" She says, wondering why he's there. "Look on your desk," he says holding back a smile. She turns around and a cupcake with yellow frosting is on it. "I know it's late, but happy sixteenth birthday," he says. Jessica walks up to Eris and hugs him. After moments, she pulls away. "So, where's dad, and how have things been?" She asks. "Henry is in the east handling governmental business with the states. And things have been running smoothly, until recently. But honestly," he yawns, "we can talk about that tomorrow. It's been quite a day." Jessica nods after he says this, and then Eris leaves.
Jesse was standing outside the door. "Your Majesty, did the parliament leave yet?" He immediately asks. "No, why?" Eris responds. "My dad said he wouldn't leave without me. Guess I took too long. Well, see you next time, my liege," says Jesse. Eris nods. "See you."
Superior Rhenen and Kinten walk down a long-celled corridor with cobblestone floors. They stop at a cell.
"Tch. You seriously fucked up Derio," Rhenen says angrily and disappointedly. "What made you cultivate that callous object?" Kinten asks. Derio sits up. "I honestly don't know. I found it and the lost guided me the rest of the way. But I do warn you, it is his turn to rise again," he says, voice hoarse. "Who the hell are you talking about?!" Rhenen questioned. Derio smirks. "Arc-" "SHUT UP!" A bear made of magic appears and hugs tightly on Derio, and a scythe made of wind is at hold near Derio's head. After a few moments, the spells disappear and Derio falls to the floor and grovels.
"One word, one name, it is so forbidden that it made you two try to kill me on the spot," he expresses. Rhenen sighs. "Impudence. I can't believe you would stoop so low," He says and shakes his head. Derio stands. "Oh, I didn't join their ranks. You must have forgotten I was the patriarch of the Kinzoku clan. I've just acquired such information. Would you like to know?" he asks mischievously. "Tell us now," Kinten steps closer to the cell. "The remaining slayers have joined together, and they are devoted to his return. They're planning to attack in one year. I'm sure there is more but the only place I know where they are attacking is here at the capital. They want the children of the royal family," He elaborates. "Thank you, Derio. With your son, we'll decide on what to do," Kinten assures. Rhenen and Kinten then walks away.
"You know what this means, Kinten? Starting soon we'll have to enforce training laws in the military," Rhenen groans. Kinten raises his head. "Yes, I know. Once again, this land will be engulfed in the blood of war. How unfortunate."