Eleven came out from the dark to confirm Brutus's death. He still had a few arrows left, but those weren't necessary anymore.
"So it's finally done."
"So it seems, yes.", Asta was fixated on Lucas's body, smoke was coming from his skin and his clothes seemed to have molten into his body. He looked serious instead of being happy of their victory.
"We should help him out, let's remove his clothes."
Eleven received a slight hand chop on his head.
"Idiot, taking off his clothing now would only worsen his situation. First we need to cool him down, only then can we try to separate his cloth from his skin. Pulling it now would only remove his skin and damage his body further."
Eleven was surprised at Asta's medical knowledge, but was ready to help out. He was extremely excited to see such a battle transpire. He was friends with a mage that would blossom into one of the most powerful archmages. Eleven could already see the future.
"To think he even had a plan to take down a Rank 2, he's truly a master.", Eleven was convinced, if Lucas had enough time, he believed that he would overcome any challenge presented.
"Why do you say that? I know he's smart, not as much as me, but why do you have such faith in him?", Asta was genuinely curious.
"Hmm? Easy, the moment I met him he figured out most of my situation and supported me without expecting anything in return. If I never met him I would either be dead or still back at school breaking my head over something. By the way, didn't he ask you to remove the arrays?"
"Yes, to deactivate them."
"....well? Aren't you going to do so?"
Asta looked confused at Eleven, he widened his arms and looked around the camp. "Arrays need stable ground, can you tell me of a single piece of dirt here that hasn't been moved or obliterated?"
Asta's voice contained a hint of frustration. The camp was just a pile of rubble now, but that only relieved Eleven. This chapter was finally behind him. He didn't understand why Asta was irritated, but he didn't have time to think about it.
"Even if he uses elements, he is quite incredible."
"Yeah, I'm glad I became a friend of his. Without his help we would all be dead."
Asta clenched his fist in response. Eleven had started his treatment of Lucas, he needed to be fast if he wanted Lucas to have a smooth recovery. "What are you going to do now?"
Eleven found it weird that Asta talked so much to him, since their relationship was only stable through Lucas, not that he minded it, he was very excited and had enough energy.
"I'll stay here, the slaves that lived here need to be taken care of. I'll become their senior and bring them to a small town not far from here. It's time for us to live a normal life."
Asta nodded, "That's a good idea."
"Eleven, did he ever tell you about that spell? Have you seen anything like that?"
"The one where his aura turned dark red? No, never heard of it. I'm not that well versed on spells, but I can only think of a few that boost your aura and power, but not by that much. Plus, I don't think he was completely in control."
"Hm...", Asta was extremely curious. 'Why does it look so similar to him?'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the city of Avesta business was starting to boom again. The recent issues with the monster destroying the market and the bandits burning parts of the slums brought down the moral of anyone living in Avesta.
Business owners were starting to wonder if it was smart to stay any longer, while others found that settling down in a city that lies on the border might bring trouble when a war started between Frigus and The Holy Kingdom.
Luckily things were taking a good turn, the church of the Order of Light healed everyone from the slums and introduced them to different types of jobs. Some turned into farmers working on the blessed land of the church, others started to make clothes.
The slums were turning into a district of immense growth, with the support of the church they grew tremendously. Even though a war might be coming, none of the residents wanted to leave, they had grown attached to their beginnings.
The nobles were against the protesting workers, but the church and mayor agreed to take things into their own hands. Security was paid off by the town, but gained the training from the priests of the church, making them stronger and more versatile.
Any problem the nobles could find, they blamed the church, but the Order always found a way to turn the issues into their own growth, making them stronger with every blow. Things were going great, and as a city that lied on the border, with the tensions rising, Frigus itself started to send more people to help build walls.
Jobs and business grew in such a grand way that it almost became a great spot to head to.
Micheal had his work cut out for him though, he couldn't remember how many times he heard some complaint about something minute just to damage the church's reputation. Still, as an honest priest he tried his absolute best to help everyone that came knocking.
"Ah, Father Micheal, I'm so glad I got to see you again.", an older man and woman came inside the church, it had been quite some time since they came, but Micheal wasn't one to forget one of his followers.
"Oh my, how long has it been? Sir Trion, Lady Agatha, I haven't seen you in a couple of weeks, you had me almost worried.", Micheal's charisma started to bloom again, livening up the church.
"Hahaha, you still can't call us without the titles, can you? Well, we've missed you quite a lot and wanted to visit before our time was up."
Micheal came close to hug the couple. "Oh, Sir Trion, how negative, I can tell you're still very healthy at this moment, so please enjoy your life to the fullest."
"Father Micheal, don't listen to what this oaf has to say, we've come here to thank you."
"Oh, what for? I haven't had the time to visit your shops lately."
"No, no, you've saved my heart by helping Karst, my son.", tears were starting to form in the old lady's eyes. The senior stayed silent but had a happy smile on his face which told Micheal enough.
"Hohoho, that boy had deviated more than others from the path, but that doesn't mean he can't ever find it again. We're here to only do one thing, guide, and we're quite specialized in doing exactly that. So the moment I saw him, I knew it would simply take some time before he found his calling."
"You have truly saved us, Father. I couldn't face the neighbors before knowing my son was up to such horrible deeds."
"He didn't have anything left and needed a way out, we should be glad that Karst still walks among us.", Micheal clasped his hands and looked upward to thank his Goddess. The couple didn't hesitate to follow his gesture.
"Is there anything else you wanted to say?"
The couple looked at each other before affirming that they had done everything, the man looked at Micheal and reached for his hand. "Please do come visit us again sometimes when you're not busy."
And with that he went away, the woman could only follow while looking back at Micheal to wave goodbye. "Have a good night sleep!"
"Thank you very much, I hope you have a pleasant sleep as well."
Micheal walked to the back of the altar, normally he needed to clean the church, but the children of the people who visited often had already done his work for him. He could go with a satisfied heart to bed.
Although the older couple had wished him a good night, Micheal didn't fall asleep right away. He wasn't one to stress or think things over, yet he didn't feel that comfortable in his bed.
'Another day, another soul saved.... Goddess, how many more do we need to save before this world is freed from suffering? I've been here for weeks and I only helped a few hundred, perhaps a thousand in total.
This city still contains so many more people who are in the dark. How am I to save this world, when I take so long to help a small city? Will I ever be capable of reaching all of them? Goddess...'
Micheal stayed awake for a bit longer before falling into a deep sleep.
Micheal could see the world in front of him. He was high up in the sky, so high up he could see the entire world. He wasn't knowledgeable enough to know if that was how the world looked, but if it was correct, then he had not even explored anything yet.
Through his vision, he could see the land and ocean start to glow faintly, Micheal didn't know why, but his emotions influenced the glow. The happier he became, the more it spread out and grew heavier.
Fueling his faith and joy, the entire world started to become a shining beacon of light! The world shared in his feeling of faith and the entire world was glowing with happiness. He had achieved his lifelong goal!
But then suddenly, Micheal felt a certain feeling of dread. A small creeping feeling in the back of his mind started to gather his attention.
His throat clamped up, and his hands started to shake. He tried to swallow, but couldn't. It didn't take long before he realized why he felt in such a way. He could feel someone or something standing behind him, but couldn't see it, he was forced to watch the world he lit up change further.
On the planet of Light, a small Dark spot was starting to grow. He felt repulsed by it, but his eyes couldn't help but stare at it. Questions started to appear in his mind.
What if the destiny of our planet wasn't to believe in the Goddess? Does it matter in the end? We all die after our life ends, is being embraced by the Goddess the right option?
There are so many other religions out there, we're the only one that keeps growing in strength, but some of the methods we use aren't ethical at all. What if the other religions start to grow in numbers and oppose us? Do we fight? Do we go against our own morals to prove that we are the right one?
What if the Demonic Cult rises? Why are there even people supporting the Demonic Cult in the first place? Some would even sacrifice their lives just to help the Demonic Cult. Why are they so devoted? Do they believe that their Deity is the right one?
Goddess...what am I meant to do?
The tiny almost insignificant little speck of dark started to grow deeper and deeper. At a certain point, it felt like an abyss had formed, no Light could reach it.
Then, out of nowhere, the Dark spot spread like a storm. Like a virus spreading it took all the Light with it, turning the planet into a black sphere.
The land and ocean were gone, the stars dissipated, the only thing left was an endless abyss of nothingness.
Micheal was left alone in the Dark, did minutes pass? Hours? Days? There was no way to tell.
The feeling of dread stayed until he felt that presence behind him again, only this time he was free to look. He quickly looked back and saw..
"Aaargh!", Micheal screamed as he awoke. Cold sweat stained his back while his throat was as dry as a desert. His clammy hands and burning forehead told him that he needed fresh air. He rushed down to drink some water, trying to clear his head. Going outside, the cool wind refreshed him a bit.
Looking up at the moon that hung up high in the sky, Micheal didn't know what he saw or felt.
'Goddess...what were you trying to say? Are we not faithful enough? Is this world in danger?'
Micheal had a ton of questions and not a single answer, the Goddess heard everyone's prayers, but never communicated directly with Her followers. Micheal could only plead in the hopes that a single question was answered.
'Why show me of all people this vision?'
Micheal was someone who always found a solution, nothing had ever stopped him in his tracks. Yet now, he could tell what he felt was fear. There was something coming and he needed to be prepared.
"Goddess...What was That?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a castle surrounded by nothing but dead land, the Lord was enjoying the peacefulness of it. Not a single sound was heard except the occasional gust of wind. No people, no animals, no birds, no insects, nothing.
A maid got closer with footsteps so silent, even if you tried to pay attention you wouldn't hear a thing.
"What is it?"
"My Lord, a status report on the Heirs."
"Go ahead."
"Of all the current Heirs that are alive, one has almost reached Rank 6. He seems the most promising at this point, despite his nature."
"Hmm, yes, using him simply as a pawn was a waste. Although I don't have high hopes for him. His mind seems destroyed, he won't reach our goal."
"All the others are growing slowly, one has reached Stage 2 but hasn't figured it out yet."
"What about the new one?"
"He seems to grow fine, it looks like he adopted two abilities of the Great Lord."
"Oh? I thought he just had the Body?"
"Yes, but recent reports say that he also has an aura that resembles The Great One's. We're not certain yet if he gained it or forged it by himself."
"Forging such an aura is close to impossible, looking at his numbers, he wouldn't have been capable of it. Who verified it?"
"A man named Elam sir, he was the original subject of The Lord's Eye project. He still has the prototype active."
"Hmm, even if it's the prototype, he should've been capable of identifying it correctly, how interesting. Not many get two abilities, has he reached Stage 2 yet?"
"No, but our plans will lead him to it in a few weeks max, should we speed up the process?"
"No, it's fine, keep an eye on him though. You may leave now."
The maid vanished as she was never there.
"An aura, huh? To think there would be 2 to get the same gift, looks like the future will be interesting."