Seeing Maya run around like this playing with the village kids reminds me of my younger siblings back at the palace.
Before they seemed like annoying little rodents always scurrying about but looking back I seem to genuinely care for them.
We've been here for two days, tomorrow is the day we set off for the palace.
"Hey, Britannia!"
Can't this pest just leave me alone.
"You want to challenge me to a duel."
"H-how did you know?"
"You've done the same thing every few hours since I got here."
He draws a bow from his back and nocks an arrow to the string.
"Prepare yourself!"
I glance in his direction before turning my attention back to Maya.
He launches the arrow, only for it to bounce harmlessly off my cheek.
"What?"
I used extreme will and caused him to pass out right there.
What a pain.
"Maya, Amon knocked Callum out again."
One of the little kids snitched to Maya who just looks at me with a sad smile.
"I really wish you two could get along."
"Tell him that."
I look up to the sun as it's going down.
"You kids run along home, it'll be dark soon. That goes for you too Maya."
"You're not coming with me?"
"There's something I need to take care of."
I stand up and head towards the forest.
These orcs think they can hide from me. How fucking stupid.
I step into the forest and become surrounded in a few seconds.
They begin closing in, under the pretence that I don't know they're there.
A larger orc wielding a falchion steps out to face me.
"Human, I am orcbold, leader of the orcs in this area, take your village and leave, or we'll massacre you all."
I look up at the fat pig.
"Don't lie, you have no name, that would imply you're special when in reality, you're just a herd of pigs."
"So be it."
He swings his falchion down, only to die halfway, along with his entire army.
Instant death really is useful sometimes.
I walk back to the village to spend my final night here with my family.
I wonder if I can beat Noah this time.
I rapidly decompose the orcs behind me by accelerating time on their bodies. This should remove any problems going forward.
The sun rises over the hill illuminating the village.
The views beautiful, but to me the most beautiful thing is the girl next to me.
Truly nothing else can compare.
"Hey, Amon, I'm ready to go."
"Alright."
I teleport us to the hills just beyond the entrance to the city.
Large mansions and a huge castle sat around the centre towards the rear. In front of that stood a large city full of smaller houses and businesses.
Seeing it now reminds me of my first time seeing Leyndell or Anor Londo.
Truly a statement of power and nobility, fitting for the most powerful nation of the world.
I've lived here for years and yet only now am I able to truly appreciate it's beauty.
"Thank you, Maya."
Maya looks up at me confused.
"For what."
"Nothing. Let's go, we don't want to keep the king waiting."
We approach the gates, and the guards immediately bow their heads low and sound the horn to signal my return home.
All about the city the crowds part to let us through.
I really wish people didn't make this massive fuss over me doing something as simple as coming home.
We walk through the streets up towards the castle which stands tall, like a pillar reaching up to the sky.
Without hesitating we open the doors and continue on until we reach the throne.
Sat in the centre with his head leaning on his fist and one knee over the other sat King Arthur.
"Amon, you've returned. And you've made a friend it seems. I never thought I'd live to see the day."
"Ah yes because you're clearly surrounded by friends."
"Well enough of that. They'll be here tomorrow so you had better make yourself presentable before then. But we can sort that out when it comes to it, for now you should see everyone, they've all missed you terribly."
He stands up and leads us away down a corridor to a room where my younger siblings were sat playing together.
Alice caught sight of me and tackled me to the ground.
"Brother! I missed you so much!"
This is going to be a pain in the ass.
(POV Change)
"It would seem he's finally reached the peak of that world, Zagreus."
"I agree. Though his growth rate was unexpected it is not unwelcome."
I move a piece across the draughts board and mark it as a king.
"There have been a few inconveniences but the plan is still going smoothly. Anglia summoning some kids to call as heroes was unexpected and Satan sticking his nose in was even more so. Anyhow, Satan is aware of Amon's power. When he feels he threatens the one he's grooming to become a new host he'll send Baal, his most trusted servant. When that time comes, as it is Amon doesn't stand a chance."
Anubis looked perplexed as he moved his piece to the position I want him in.
"Then why don't you stop him."
"Baal's stupid. He likes to toy with his opponents before crushing their hearts."
"And when that happens..."
I move my piece and claim three of Anubis's pieces.
"That's right, Amon will have a fighting chance, roughly twenty percent or so."
"That's one hell of a gamble, not only are we betting on Baal crushing his heart but even when he does his chances of winning are still pretty low."
"That's what makes this so entertaining. Anyway, after Baal dies it's likely that Gabriel will get involved due to their close relationship. Assuming Amon wins, this will serve as another route to increase his power."
"You're treating the boy as a pawn, aren't you."
"Of course, after all is said and done the pawns are the best pieces, that is why I'm more partial to draughts than chess. Every piece is a pawn."
"And then when all of that mess is done is when you'll move?"
"Yes, I can tell he no longer seeks strength to serve me, it is no matter, I'll find aa different way of making him claw his way up to my level."
"You plan on killing the girl."
"No, that would be boring. No, when the time comes, I'll show him the power of a true god. After all, nothing motivates a man like a betrayal."
(POV Change)
I bow my head to the ground in front of Magiya and Silen's graves.
"I promise you, I will save Maria. No matter what it takes."
I walk towards the canyon where Maken buried itself and return my blade to it's sheathe on my waist.
"Camelot's this way. Just you wait Alucard. I'm gonna kick your ass."
I set off running at top speed in that direction.