After Isabella had returned from her horrifying trip to the border, the first thing she did was get herself cleaned up.
She threw away the clothes that she had soiled and silently cried her eyes out on her bed.
She had never felt so humiliated in her life...
That man who married her sister, Cassandra, had made her look like a fool.
He commanded some kind of monster to devour her entire army in an instant. Including her caretaker and bodyguard, Walter Orthright.
He had been like a loving uncle to her... Always watching over and protecting her.
Walter was gone...and Mizik had uttered some strangely ominous words to her before he ordered the monster to gaze into Isabella's eyes.
What she saw when she looked into that things eyes, could only be described as a place that felt like an endless chasm of nothingness.
Isabella had never been so terrified in her life.
She cursed the name Mizik Iratus as she cried silently to herself.
In fact, she hadn't even informed anyone of her return.
She was too scared of her mother to announce herself.
Isabella truly felt like a failure...
And as she continued weeping, she felt a presence in her room.
"Go away... I just...I want to die... Please just let me die!!!" Isabella said.
"My my...such a pretty young thing..." An elderly woman's voice said.
Isabella turned to see an old woman with a cane in her hand. She wore a dark green, well-decorated robe and stood with her eyes closed.
Her form seemed to shimmer...as if it weren't really there.
"Who...are you?" Isabella asked through her tears.
"Hmm... You could call me a friend. My name is...Oracle. But you can call me grandma. I want to help you, Isabella."
"Grandma...Oracle..." Isabella said.
She felt a strange sensation wash over her mind for a moment and shook her head.
"Yes... Do not worry. I am your friend."
"My friend... Oracle... Grandma..." Isabella said.
She had fond memories of sitting in front of the fireplace with her sister and listening to her actual grandmother tell stories.
Isabella allowed herself a sad smile.
"You seem troubled. Is something bothering you? Problems with a certain boy, perhaps?" Oracle said.
"Y-yes... A man. The one who married my sister, Cassandra. He claimed to know me from somewhere and...he commanded some kind of monster to kill my caretaker and humiliated me..." Isabella said sadly.
"Oh, you poor thing. I can see that you've been crying a lot... It breaks my heart to see you in such a way!" Oracle said.
"But...how can you see with your eyes closed?" Isabella asked.
"I have very special eyes that allow me to see everything. I saw the entire battle, young Isabella."
"You...saw...? Then you probably saw the monster as well... I think Mizik called her Valtheim..."
"I have no recollection of this. I didn't see such a monster, but I did witness your reaction. I'm sorry that he put you through such a horrible time. But I must be honest with you... That boy is quite important. More than you know," Oracle said.
"He is...?" Isabella asked.
Oracle nodded.
"He was once a proud and wonderful hero...but he has fallen into darkness. He allies himself with the man who is currently trying to destroy your world."
"That monster... That evil man!!! He brainwashed my sister into acting like his slave!" Isabella said.
"Yes... I noted that her behavior suddenly became very strange one day... Isabella, I have a request of you."
"What is it? I'm not very strong...but if I can help you, Grandma, I would be very happy," Isabella said.
"I am in need of a valiant hero to face this fallen warrior and bring him to justice. Are you willing to give your life for such a cause? To save your world and potentially others as well?"
"I would love to, Grandma. But like I said, I'm not strong enough."
"I can offer you power, young Isabella. Let me see that sword, Bravery. I wish to modify it," Oracle said.
Isabella handed her the sheathed Bravery and Oracle passed a stream of magic through it.
When it was finished, the sword had a dark green glow around it.
"Now...let me make you an offer. I need someone without anything holding them back to fight this enemy. Mizik is very dangerous. And his newest ally is far more dangerous than he is. What I'm asking is simple: Forsake your family, your home, and everything here. Do that, and I will grant you a body with unimaginable power."
Isabella thought about it for a moment.
If she left...
Her parents would no longer be able to have her as an heir...
She would never see them again.
On the other hand...it was very tempting.
Isabella knew that if she saved her sister, then Cassandra would likely be crowned Queen. She would be given as much love and guidance as she needed to succeed as well...
And Isabella had long desired to become an adventurer.
She gave a determined smile to Oracle.
"I accept your offer. I'll do whatever it takes to destroy Mizik Iratus. You have my word."
"Very good. I will have you come with me, then. I will change you into a more radiant and far more powerful warrior. You will wield Bravery in my name and destroy your foe. We have much preparing to do!" Oracle said.
Isabella nodded and looked back at her room as a portal opened behind Oracle.
"Goodbye..." Isabella said sadly.
She followed Oracle into the portal after that.
* * *
The next day, we were transported by Valtheim to the Iratus Estate.
Currently, Amelia, my father, Cassandra, Difar, and I were standing outside of the front gates. Valtheim was present, but not showing herself.
"I think I'll consume Tyras after you're done with him. He was a good General... Until your bitch of a wife murdered him and purified his soul..." Difar said.
"Ex-wife," I said coldly.
"Oh? You're not going to chase her again?" Difar asked.
"I spent thousands of years across multiple lives trying to keep her. The one time it finally happened, the Oracle killed me. Now she hates me and will likely hate me forever. I don't need someone in my life like that. I have to focus on learning the true philosophy of my sword and stop YOU from destroying all of creation. I can't afford to keep fooling around with girls."
"What about me, darling? You're not...fooling around with me, are you?" Cassandra asked.
"Of course not. I love you, Cassandra. I would never do such a thing. But you must never betray me. If Vengeance labels you a false wielder..."
"I understand. It would please me to die by your hand...but I would prefer to live next to you. I will never betray you!" Cassandra said.
"Good... I value your loyalty more than I can say."
"I'll always be loyal! Not like that failure of a traitorous wife you had before," Cassandra said coldly.
"I'm going to throw up. Please stop talking," Difar said.
"Cover your ears, you big baby," I said.
"I would have thrown you into the Void for saying that, normally... I hate this contract..." Difar said.
"Just punch me and get it over with. The world will be a better place if you stop existing, Difar," I said.
"Actually, that one is true. That's not even a joke. You would all live long and happy lives! Too bad..."
Piece of shit...
"Do we have a plan? Tyranus is still in there and likely won't appreciate us just showing up..." Amelia said.
Currently, the sun was going down and it was freezing cold out here.
Cassandra was warming me with her enchanted coat, so I didn't mind.
Everyone except Cassandra and me was shivering.
"I assumed Ulysses had a plan. He's the owner, right? I would very much like to get inside. This far north and this time of year... It's almost as cold as Sakreevahk out here..." Difar said.
"I'm surprised you have the ability to feel anything at all, you heartless monster. And stop talking about the Abyss like we've heard of these places," I said.
"How about you mind your own business? If I want you to compliment me, I'll ask," Difar said.
"Can you two please stop arguing?" Amelia asked.
"Yes... It's driving me crazy..." Ulysses said.
This is annoying to you? Try living with two sisters sharing the same body and fighting over you every day. It isn't as fun as it sounds!
"I'm sick of this... Let's just go, okay!" Difar said.
He started walking forward.
Since we didn't want to be left behind, the four of us followed and Ulysses took the lead.
"Alright! I'm taking charge here. I'll make sure nothing bad happens, okay? Ulysses said.
"Valtheim, if Tyranus attacks my father, please kill him," I said.
"I...obey..." Said Valtheim's voice.
"No way! I want him to be my General again! He's not stupid like the other guy was... What was his name again?" Difar said.
"Arvild?" I said.
"Ah! Axiom!" Difar said.
"That...is NOT his name," I said.
"Why do you care? Let me have my fun! Unless you secretly have a crush on Axiom..." Difar said.
"My darling Mizik prefers women, thank you!" Cassandra said.
"I would really prefer to answer that myself, but she's right. Speaking of Arvild, did you find his decapitated body in the Darius Estate? I left it there to rot," I said.
"Eh...I know. But Axiom is an idiot. I don't really care... Tyras, however was a good soldier... Although he was also kind of stupid. You know he actually believed he could control me? Ridiculous!" Difar said.
"I'll at least agree on that. Tyranus has to be out of his damn mind if he thinks it's even close to being possible," I said.
"Ugh...I don't like having similar opinions to you. It makes me feel disgusting!" Difar said angrily.
"Quiet! We're at the front door!" Ulysses said.
"Hello sir, Lord Tyranus... Ah...D-duke Ulysses!?" One of the men said.
"No way... He's alive!?" The other man said.
"I've come to reclaim my household. Step aside," Ulysses said in a regal manner.
Immediately, they parted and Ulysses opened the front doors. He strode inside like he owned the place...or I suppose he technically did.
"I really wish visiting our family home would be under better circumstances. I also wish it was surprising to you, Mizik," he said.
"Sorry. I have some bad memories here, though. Hopefully, we can make this quick," I said.
Before we could continue, the man himself walked up and looked strangely at Ulysses.
"Ulysses...? What in Avernia are you doing back here!? I thought I told you to get lost and never come back!" Tyranus said angrily.
"I've come for a visit. I wanted to show my son and his family the estate," Ulysses said with a smile.
"It's true. This is my wife, Cassandra. And this ugly piece of shit is our servant. He's got brain damage so he can only growl and look pissed off all the time. Say hi, Difar," I said.
"You...little...grrrrrr..."
"See?" I said.
Cassandra buried her face in my shoulder and did her best to hold in her laughter.
Tyranus' gaze stopped on Cassandra and he smiled.
"Why hello, young Princess. What is a member of the filthy Albatross royalty doing here?" Tyranus asked.
[False wielder! He has insulted your beloved! Pay him back in kind! Bring me his sword!]
Why do you think I'm here, Vengeance?
At once, I stepped forward.
"Maybe you should take that back, Tyranus," I said.
"Oh? And what will you do if I don't?" Tyranus asked.
"Mizik...manners. Please!" Ulysses said.
I ignored my father.
"Aside from the real reason we're here, that is my wife you're talking about. And she isn't member of the Albatross royalty anymore. She disowned her family."
"Then she is a filthy commoner. A beautiful one, at that... Perhaps I'll make her my personal toy, then, since you're so rude," Tyranus said with a smirk.
Originally, I had planned that least tell Tyranus why he had to die.
I wasn't feeling generous at this point.
Before he could act, I pulled out one of my swords, changed it into a bladed shotgun, and blew his head off.
Tyranus' headless body fell to the ground and several of the servants screamed.
"Mizik! Come on! Also...that ability to change your weapon is really damn cool..." Ulysses said.
"He was a false wielder. He was marked for execution and I had no choice. Besides, he gave me enough reason anyway after insulted Cassandra," I said.
"Mizik...killed for me...?" Cassandra said.
Suddenly, her face lit up with pure joy.
"I'm the happiest woman to ever live!" She said.
"*cough* Freak *cough*" Difar said.
"And I really wish our braindead servant would shut his filthy mouth," I said.
"When this is over, I'm going to make sure to strangle you to death with my own hands. No one is allowed to kill you except me. You're going to be executed in Zaxvalrah. Publicly. That is no idle threat," Difar said.
"Bite me, jackass," I said.
"Mhm. Noted..." Difar said.
I wasn't worried about his threats because I knew he planned to hunt me down, anyway.
"Well...as the Duke of Noir, I will pardon you for this. But be warned, Mizik, my power can only extend so far. Tyranus was involved in some really shady nonsense... I wonder if he ever found my notebook..." Ulysses said.
"He didn't. I can assure you it's still there. Only because I found it last time," I said.
"...Smartass."
After that, I began feeling an odd sensation from Vengeance.
[Wielder Mizik Iratus. You have greatly impressed me. I am pleased that you have accepted my philosophy. Continue to fulfill it as you can. But the real reason I've contacted you, is because I have a request.]
Shoot.
[I am concerned for the continued safety of the remaining Deus Arms in this world. Give the word to dismiss their wielders and gather them up.]
How do I do that? Has that been possible the entire time!?
[Simply dismiss them. And no. This ability is only granted to a wielder of Vengeance whom has accepted my philosophy and carried it out.]
I shrugged and held up Vengeance.
"Ahem... I hereby dismiss all Deus Arms wielders. All except Cassandra," I said.
"Umm...what was that for?" Ulysses asked.
"Vengeance asked me to. Hey Difar, does Valtheim know where the other Deus Arms are?" I asked.
"Why don't you ask her yourself, you shitty brat."
"Fine. Valtheim, can you gather the remaining Deus Arms?" I asked.
A shadow rose from the ground and Valtheim bowed.
"Yes..." She said.
"Good," I replied.
She waited.
All of us stood in silence.
"Umm... Is she broken?" I asked.
"No, you idiot. You asked a question and she answered. That's it. If you want her to do something, GIVE A DAMN ORDER!!!" Difar said angrily.
"Ugh...alright! Valtheim, bring me the remaining Deus Arms."
"I...obey..."
At once, she disappeared.
Then I walked over and retrieved Justice from Tyranus' inventory. I also stole his wallet. He wouldn't be needing it.
He had almost a hundred million gold in it... I considered it additional payment for insulting Cassandra and threatening to keep her as his plaything.
No one was allowed to touch Cassandra except me. She was mine. And may the gods help anyone that tried to take away my possessions.
I smiled to myself and placed Tyranus' wallet in my inventory.
And the only one who saw me take it was Cassandra, who wouldn't take her...rather lustful eyes off of me.
Amelia and Ulysses walked off at that point to calm everyone down.
After about thirty minutes passed, Valtheim reappeared.
"I...have failed..." She said.
"Failed? What the hell do you mean, you failed!?" Difar asked.
Valtheim laid out the swords that she had collected.
Currently, I had Vengeance, the Scimitar. Number thirteen.
Cassandra had Intelligence, the dagger, number five.
Difar held the reforged Hope. Extinction the claymore, number eleven.
In my inventory, I had Justice, the rapier, number three, and Honor, the greatsword, number nine in my inventory.
Of the remaining swords, I counted the following.
Compassion, the shortsword. Number two.
Willpower, the katana, number four.
Charity, the khopesh, number six.
Mercy, the kopis, number seven.
Faith, the gladius, number eight.
Strength, the zweihander, number ten.
And finally, Redemption, the dadao, number twelve.
I counted them all and suddenly...
My heart sank.
"Bravery...not found... Holder, Isabella...missing..." Valtheim said.
I quickly collected the swords and put them all away.
As I began to feel a mild panic set in, I decided to quickly ask Vengeance.
Vengeance? Where is Bravery!?
[...A new false wielder has appeared.]