Enchanting night glow of the sky, painted in a blend of green, yellow, and blue. It's funny that such a magical sight is just a product of nature's imagination. Can this product be called magical? Many would say no, because it's a common phenomenon, a result of sunlight scattering off oxygen and sodium from falling stars. Many, but not the magicians. Yes... the magicians.
Against the background of the night sky, two tall figures were clearly outlined. A gray-haired, energetic old man and a middle-aged man with different hair colors.
"Did you really not like him, Mephisto?" the old man asked, laughing.
"No," Mephisto continued, skeptically looking at the old man. "I'm just doing my job, Master of the White Tower."
"There are many magicians in the world who have suspiciously become stronger, and those who have gone mad, indulging in their power, or even betrayed humanity. But you show such skepticism towards none of them. What is this, if not offense?" Zelretch asked incredulously.
"There is only one Ryan Romanov in the world. And the fact that you are defending the descendants of this line makes me wonder about your connection to them," Mephisto continued, angrily looking at the smiling old man. "Besides, the last time you turned a blind eye to a similar situation, it led to his death."
"Are you accusing me or praising me?" Zelretch smirked.
"I warn you."
"Since when did my subordinates stop believing in me?" Zelretch sighed theatrically.
"I believe in you as the Master of the Tower," Mephisto continued irritably, looking at the old "actor". "But as Old Man of the Jewels , you deserve respect, but certainly not trust."
"How many times will you remind me of that incident with the paint?!" Zelretch said petulantly.
"I'll say those words at your funeral," Mephisto replied, sarcastically smiling.
"Mephisto, have you ever thought about the future of humanity?" Zelretch asked, abruptly changing the subject and speaking seriously.
"I believe that a devil has no right to interfere with humanity's choice of its future," Mephisto declared, looking up at the starry sky. "And I will only assist them in the present."
"But what if a real Great War breaks out? A Great War without mention of the "Three Great Factions"? In that case, you will have to choose whose future you will risk your life for. And maybe even answer the question: are you willing to sacrifice everything for humanity?!" The kaleidoscope of the night sky was reflected in the serious eyes of Old Man of the Jewels.
"What are you talking about?" Mephisto frowned in confusion.
"The foolish unwillingness of humanity to at least try to take responsibility for their actions is terribly disheartening. But what will be even more terrible are the consequences that will befall people because of this," Zelretch continued philosophizing, looking at Mephisto. "The world has never been peaceful, old friend, and people will become that spark that, unfortunately, neither you - the old devil, nor I - the old vampire, will be able to control."
"And maybe it's not that bad. Perhaps humanity deserves a good kick in the ass?" semi-assertively asked Mephisto.
"Perhaps, but are you ready to kick them in the ass if they have a red button in their back pocket?" Zelretch smirked ironically.
"..." Mephisto pondered, gazing at the starry sky.
"That's why I'm protecting Ryan and Anastasia Romanov. That's why I took Tosaka Rin as my disciple. That's why the Master of the Blue Tower is teaching that girl," Zelretch spoke calmly, taking a deep breath of the cool night air. "All to raise true pillars of humanity... You know, I believe that the most heroic act of humanity is that it survived and intends to continue to survive. And it's time for humanity to follow itself for its future, not for gods or anyone else..."
◊◊◊
Magnificent and monumental Vatican. The world center of the Church, where everything is gathered: influence, holiness, and contradictions. The center of the Vatican is St. Peter's Basilica with its high columns, refined statues, and numerous temples built on narrow streets. Around the Basilica is a huge square courtyard, where from early morning, hundreds of exorcists went through daily training, which was more of a ritual aimed at strengthening their faith and willpower.
Slightly further away, on the high steps leading to the entrance of the Basilica, stood a two-meter tall elderly foreign man. He had white hair and deeply set eyes, and his face was covered with sharp wrinkles. But despite his fairly advanced age, he had a strong muscular body that did not correspond to his face and age at all. Powerful neck, broad chest, long strong hands the size of a tree trunk, and strong legs.
Vasco Strada, the strongest representative of humanity. Officially, he holds the position of cardinal-priest, but the world knows him by many other names: Limits of Humanity, The Violence of Heaven, Mr. Durandal, and many others. And this great hero closely watched the training process, like a hawk stalking its prey. At a certain moment, his eyes fell on a group of nuns standing by the columns of the Basilica. But his keen attention was drawn to a particular girl.
A sharp gust of wind blew off her hood from her head, causing her beautiful light hair to fall onto her shoulders. Straight to the very ends, they seemed to glow in the sun. Immediately after this, her beautiful deep green eyes lit up with embarrassment, and the girl hurriedly put her hood back on.
However, despite such a beautiful scene, Vasco felt only anxiety.
"Something is coming," Vasco muttered, looking north. "But I don't feel any danger... So why?"
At that moment, black clouds were approaching from the north. A man who strives through thorns to the stars. A cat that stepped onto the path of war for her sister. A mage whose fate is that of a traitor. And a possessed devil who set himself an insane goal. No one knew that Fate would soon bring all these creatures together...
"Then he said to them: Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven...," the old exorcist pleaded. "Oh Lord, have mercy on us all."
Looking at the innocent girl in the distance, Vasco didn't stop praying.
Unknown to him. Unknown to Ryan Romano. Unknown to the rest of the world. Fate will not continue in the same way...
◊◊◊◊◊◊
A bit of post-chapter coddling:
Up to nine chapters are available here: https://www.patreon.com/watson_