Lionheart maintained her kneeling position, her gaze firmly fixed on the ground, as the ethereal figure slowly rose and approched her. She couldn't dare to raise her face yet until permission was given. It was as if the very atmosphere demanded her respect and submission.
The figure came to a halt right in front of her, and its ethereal veil, which cloaked its entire being, resembled the starry expanse of a moonless night sky. As it drew near, a delicate, unfamiliar fragrance wafted from the figure, filling the space around them. The scent was like a gentle caress, soothing her soul and calming her frayed nerves. Lionheart couldn't help but inhale deeply, allowing the fragrance to envelop her.
'This scents of fragrance, it soothe my soul. Who's this deity?'
The figure seemed to focus its attention on the glowing seat. The place they were in was grand and imposing, vast hall with towering pillars and the majestic throne at the center. The surroundings, however, felt strangely empty, as if waiting for something more to manifest.
A graceful hand extended from beneath the veiled garment, brushing Lionheart's wet cheek. A soothing warmth radiated from the touch, as though an otherworldly energy entered her body, tending to her both physically and mentally.
'What's with this warmth feeling embracing my body? it's tending my body both physically and mentally.'
Lionheart's reaction was one of shock. Her body tingled with an unfamiliar but comforting sensation.
An adult women like her feeling this sensation of comfort for the first time. Lionheart couldn't believe in herself, she had this first time experience. If her young self experience this kind of comfort, she won't deny that her young self would be greedy and wanting this kind of warm feeling of affection more.
'This warmth, it feels almost divine... why am I crying again, am I this desperate for affection, this emotion...' The realization struck her, and she couldn't contain the emotion welling up within her. Tears streamed from her eyes uncontrollably.
The gentle hand brushed away her tears once more before it gently guided her chin, turning her face to meet the figure. Half of its countenance was obscured by the veil, leaving only its lips exposed, a visage that defied mortal description with its heavenly beauty.
Summoning all her courage, Lionheart spoke to the deity-like figure. Her voice trembled with a mix of fear and determination as she asked, "Are you the deity who saved me?" Lionheart felt anxious, worrying that her question might be inappropriate since she hadn't received permission to do so.
The figure's lips curved in what seemed like a gentle smile. Without answering her, it withdrew its hand from Lionheart's face and moved away, heading towards the glowing seat. There, it began to trace and rub the symbol etched upon the seat.
Lionheart breathed a sigh of relief, reassured by the figure's response. She turned her attention to her surroundings, noting the arrangement of the hall. There were twelve empty seats in total, and the one next to her continued to radiate its ethereal glow.
=====++++=====++++=====++++=====++++=
From Lucias's perspective, he grappled with the unfamiliar emotions bubbling within him. It reminded him of when Nathan first visited this realm of his. At that time, Nathan had been crying as Lucias gently caressed his cheek. Lucias was convinced that this body of his possessed a unique, soothing attribute as well a healing attribute, one that lead to unleashed one emotion that had been supressed from it soul as well healing physical wound. He offer the same solace to this woman and as his predicted, she also crying as he gently caressed her cheek.
'This is still such a mystery to me. The vast hall shrouded in gray fog, my transmigration, and the child's body I now inhabit in the real world...'
Lucias pondered his purpose in this world.
'Was it to enact change on the world order, or was it something more profound?' His thoughts wandered as he considered the possibilities.
Lucias attempted to recall his past life, but a mental wall barrier blocked his way. Frustration crept in as every attempt only intensified the pounding headache.
'This occurance of continous headache happened everytime I tried to recalled my past memories. There's kind of wall that prevent me to go further in my own memories.'
Leaving his hand on the woman's face, he moved toward the glowing seat, gently rubbing the symbol of the Blazing Sun.
'The symbol of the seats. Once I made physical contact with the symbol, It granted me the access of fragment memories the owner of the seat. I apologized in advance, I need to see the information its has.'
In that moment, a fragment of another life surged into his consciousness.
The memories painted a picture of a young girl with red locks, full of cheerfulness and ambition. She was an optimistic young girl with dreams of equality and a bright future. The fragmented memories didn't reveal all the details of her past life, but they hinted at a young woman who treated people with kindness and equality, a princess named Rosaline.
'So, the woman identity in front of me here was a princess...'
Lucias continued to journey through fragmented memories. The next scene changed to when the young princess became an adult.
'She seem to standing in front of colossal door. It slowly opened as it revealed the inside behind the door. It's dark like void, where's she going to meet.'
'I'm curious but it seem the memory was altered. There's nothing played in this particular fragment of memory.'
It was until a glowing golden eye gaze upon him. Lucias could feel the intense of the gaze as it start to shake the fragmented memory he's watching. One sentences Lucias could understand from this particular scene was the identity of this golden eye entity.
'A God of Storm' Lucias mused as he pierced together the information.
Overcome with joy, Lucias couldn't help but smile with the valuable information he received from her fragmented memories, even though there were others present in this realm. He concealed his elation, maintaining his facade as a deity.
But something was puzzle in his mind as he try to make sense of it.
'If the entity are divine being, how does it could reproduced? That body of God of Storm are massive. Hmm..' Lucias was immerse in his mind as to imagine the possibility of reproduction between mortal and divine being.
Nonetheless Rosaline despite being direct descendant of the God of Storm, doesn't have anything inside her, as if her gifts was stripped leaving her with only mortal vessel.
'I can't sense any gifts or blessings inside her body. The only one thing she had is her physique. She's physically strong.'
Even Yuno guy have a little bit divinity that seem coming from the sword of Siegfried. This Rosaline basically empty vessel without any supernatural power or blessing from divine.
Returning to the fragments of Rosaline's memory. The last fragment, the recent memory of her was happened on the sea with radiant crimson moons.
'Another crimson moons, huh' Lucias was a bit confused why another crimson moons appeared in this recent fragmented memory of her.
It was later as he watched the memory of Rosaline, Lucias witnessed her being thrown away into the sea by the impact of sudden surge of energy from the ocean wave, and an enormous emerald eye gazing upon him through Rosaline memory. The experience was similiar of the memory involving the God of Storm.
'This still an early journey of mine, but I've already encountered two high entity of this world. How fascinating...'
'This world... I really want to gain more understanding of this world. Maybe, that's the objection of purpose of mine for now.' Lucias was determined to understand this world further, recognizing it as his current objective or purpose.
Lucias left the glowing seat as he finished on watching the fragment memories available at the moment, walking back to the throne. Gazing down at the kneeling Rosaline, he issued a commanding order, "Rise!"
His voice began to resonated within the vast hall.
In response to his voice, Lionheart stood and looked up at the throne.
Lucias examined her with an intense gaze and gestured for her to take a seat at the glowing chair.
Lionheart's body was moved on its own as it understand what's the order was given. She then sat on the glowing seat.
After a moment of contemplation, Lucias spoke again, his voice carrying authority, "State your name."
Lionheart felt a tinge of fear but understood that she was granted permission for conversation. She took a deep breath and spoke in a respectful tone, "My name is..."
For a moment, she hesitated, torn between revealing her real name and her new identity. Ultimately, she decided to be honest, believing that the deity already knew her real name.
"My name is Rosaline, my lord. But if you permit it, I... I would like to be called Lionheart."
Lucias already knew her name, but he asked it for the sake of formality and to open the conversation.
"You are the second visitor to my realm. You asked if I was the deity who saved you, but why don't you ask yourself why I needed to save you," Lucias challenged, redirecting the question back to her. The mention of her being the second visitor piqued Lionheart's interest.
'Second visitor? Me?' Lionheart wondered.
'Is there a person before me?' she felt a bit envy.
'Now I think about it. Is there any reason for any deity to help me? I... even father abandoned me. What's the benefit for saving this unworthy existence.'
A cloud of negativity began to overshadow her thoughts. This darkness seemed to engulf her, with Lucias keenly observing this transformation after glimpsing fragments of her past life. He decided to adopt a gentler tone in his communication.
Lucias spoke, "Don't all mortals deserve an equal chance to change? Are you troubled by the abandonment of others? Why do these emotions hinder your personal growth?"
His words resonated through Lionheart's mind, stirring a whirlwind of questions within her. She found herself grappling with overwhelming emotions.
'Why... why... I don't know... I don't know why I'm chasing on those affection? What drives this desire for my father's love? I just want to be loved by my own father.'
The emotions inside her were almost overwhelming. Just as the negativity threatened to consume her, Lucias flicked his fingers knowingly. A surge of energy emanated through the vast hall, dispelling the negativity and grounding Lionheart back to her senses.
'Her mental resilience is vulnerable. I need to wake her up from the past trauma.'
She almost snapped in this moment if she don't come to her sense, she would be in trouble to offend the divine. Lionheart stand from her seat and bowing in a sign of apology.
'What am I doing? I almost snapped and offend a deity.' Lionheart almost lost control over her emotion.
"My lord, I apologize for my behavior. I didn't know how to answer those questions. All I ever wanted was to experience the affection that a normal family, a father and daughter relationship, could provide." She expressed her deepest wishes with a hint of shyness.
Lucias replied to Lionheart, "Your condition is not the same as that of an average mortal. You..."
He paused, and Lionheart's emotions were on edge. She couldn't believe she was engaged in a conversation with a deity, one who appeared to care about her. Her heart was touched, and a spark of happiness ignited within her.
"Instead of chasing after faint affection, why not focus on developing yourself into something more worthy? If you perceive yourself as unworthy, isn't it a sign that you should strive to change and prove your worthiness?" Lucias suggested.
His words had a profound impact on Lionheart's psyche. Her spirit was aflame with burning determination as she looked at the deity on the throne with passionate resolve, nodding in agreement.
'That's... make sense. If one perceive themself as unworthy, its a sign for change and prove their worthiness. Why it took me decades to understand this simple logic? Am I too immersed with the role as Captain of Lionheart?'
This is just shown how mental trauma could affect peoples ability to think and their sanity.
"Thank you, my lord. Your wisdom has broadened my mind. I couldn't have imagined this opportunity to have an audience with you. I am very grateful, my lord."
Lucias acknowledged Lionheart's gratitude with a nod from his throne.
'It seem she feels a bit better now. I'm glad.'
Lionheart hesitated but asked her question, "My lord, pardon me for this perhaps rude question, but what is the name of your faith, my lord?"
'Is she asking my religion name? I think she is.' Lucias pondered her query. He hadn't thought about his faith, if any.
"I don't have one," Lucias replied honestly.
Lionheart was taken aback, "I beg your pardon, my lord?"
"It's as you heard clearly," Lucias continued. "I haven't given it much thought. It's not as if I need to spread my influence in the world."
"Oh, I see. I apologize for the question, my lord," Lionheart said.
"I'll said this since you seem sincere mortal. I didn't saved you from your predicament. You don't own anything to me so don't apologized." Lucias clarified.
Lionheart was moved by this revelation. If there are deity worthy of worship, she thought the deity in front of her is the one worthy of worship.
'I would pledge my loyalty to Him,' she resolved.
She took a deep breath and bowed as she spoke, "My lord, I wish to be your loyal servant. Please accept me as your follower."
Lionheart's plea was filled with fiery determination, and she meant every word. Lucias was not surprised; even without her plea, he would have considered her his second follower. It wasn't clear if the owner of the twelve seats could be changed. Those who are summoned means became his followers in Lucias understanding.
Lucias asked, "Do you understand the implications of your decision?"
Lionheart answered firmly, "Yes, my lord. For the first time in my life, I want to devote myself as your loyal servant."
Lucias continued to test her resolve, "What if I were an Evil god and ordered the annihilation of the world? Would you still serve an evil deity?"
Lionheart hesitated for a moment but then replied with confidence, "I believe my lord would have a reason for any command. If you were an evil god, I doubt this opportunity you've blessed me with would have occurred."
'It seem her resolve is final.'
Lucias, satisfied with her resolve, rose from his throne and decreed, "I am the Ruler of the Unseen, the Beginning with no Ending. I decree Rosaline de Valerian to now be Lionheart. I accept your loyal devotion as my servant, my ally in this world."
Lionheart bowed, accepting the divine decree, and said, "This humble servant, Rosaline de Valerian, now known as Lionheart, dedicates her life and soul to serve the Lord of the Unseen."
Lucias, once again seated on his throne, he feel a little embarrassed honestly played his role as a deity. His deep inner self that he couldn't grasp seem hiding it face from an embarrassed action he played. Since the welcoming ceremony is done he then asked, "Is there anything you'd like to ask?"
Lionheart was joyful, finally feeling fulfillment she had long sought. It feels like the hole in her heart was slowly filled with the presence of her lord.
She almost forgot on something because of the joyful feeling she had experienced.
'How could I forgot of the well-being of my crew.'
Her voice is fill with worry as she asked the question. "My lord, may I ask about the well-being of my crew and ship? I am deeply concerned for their safety."
Lucias replied, "I don't have the exact answer regarding that as I don't have much influence in the real world currently. But..."
Lucias paused, recalling the fragments of Lionheart's memories.
"That creature didn't seem interested in your ship; they might be safe now."
'As I recalled the fragmented memories. That sea entity objective was Lionheart. I hope her original body is okay. She was drowned.'
Lionheart sighed with relief and said, "Thank you, my lord. I'm truly grateful. I promise to be the best servant I can be."
"Looking forward to it," Lucias replied.
Lionheart inquired further, "Is there a ritual for us to stay connected to you, my lord?"
Lucias explained, "Just pray to my honorary name once a day: 'The Ruler of the Unseen, the Beginning with no Ending.' The rest of the prayer is up to you—whether for protection or blessings. Keep in mind, my influence in the real world differs from other deities. Your own efforts will shape your power."
It is the last sentences Lucias have said to her. Lionheart's body began to glow and fade, she bowed to Lucias with determination, saying, "My lord, please watch over me."
'Seem her consciousness awaken. I hope she's okay.'
She gave a smile as her body disappear.
At the same time Lucias consciousness in this realm also began to faded.
"It seem my other body is finally gain consciousness. I wonder how long I've been asleep. My promise with Nathan, I think I need to solve it swiftly."
He sat on the throne as his consciousness in this realm faded, focusing on his other body's awakening.
=====++++=====++++=====++++=====++++=
Lucias gradually awoke from his slumber, feeling a weight pressing down on him. Opening his eyes, he was greeted by a sight that caught him by surprise – Kael, grinning from ear to ear with the excitement of a child.
"Rise and shine, my dear Lucias," Kael exclaimed. He leaned in to give Lucias a kiss on the cheek, but Lyra intervened, holding Kael back with a firm grip on his shirt.
"Kael, stop pestering Lucias. He just woke up and needs some space!" Lyra reprimanded her overenthusiastic twin brother.
'This familiar everyday chaos I experience ever since I lived with the twin.'
Kael, now sprawled on the floor, muttered, "Ouch... That hurt, you gorilla sister."
"Kael... did you just call me a gorilla?" Lyra's aura took on an ominous edge of big sister.
Kael's eyes widened in terror. Observing this, Lucias carefully positioned himself into a sitting position on the bed and addressed Lyra in a soft voice, "I'm sorry, Lyra. Could I trouble you for some water?"
'Please let me rest in peace.' He prayed to himself.
Lyra's expression shifted from fury to that of a caring big sister. "Of course, I'll get you some water right away," she replied gently, her fingers brushing the sweat from Lucias's forehead.
Kael, who overheard Lucias's request, shot up and dashed downstairs to fetch the water.
Lyra sighed, seemingly unable to believe that Kael was her twin. She then focused on tending to Lucias.
"Are you in any pain, Lucias?" Lyra inquired.
"I don't feel any pain, just extreme fatigue, Lyra." Lucias replied.
'It seem we're already in the city. Just how long I've been away.'
Lyra gently wiped Lucias's body with a warm towel. "You've been sleeping for five days straight. If it weren't for Sir Yuno, things might have taken a turn for the worse," she explained in a soothing tone.
Lucias appeared somewhat bewildered, the confusion evident in his face. "Pardon?"
'Does someone playing mind trick with me?'
Lyra went on to clarify, "While Sir Yuno was battling those cyclopes, a bizarre event occurred. The cyclopes devoured one of their own, causing the mana core within them to explode. Sir Yuno said you are affected by the energy blast and fainted."
Lucias's mind raced as he contemplated the situation. The events described by Lyra contradicted his recollection. He distinctly remembered losing a sparring match to Yuno. Something was amiss.
'I don't think it happen that way.'
His attention was drawn to the handsome young figure leaning to a wall beside the bedroom door.
'Something about him seems off. Why is he avoiding my gaze? Back then he was the one who can't stop let go of his gaze on me.'
Yuno avoiding Lucias gaze as he whistle in melody.
'Is there a possibility to altered one memories? I don't think Yuno would had that kind ability.'
As Lucias mulled over the possibilities, a big golden retriever-human named Kael burst into the room, carrying not only water but also a selection of sweets he had purchased from the market.
Lucias sigh as his concentration crumble with the appearance of energetic Kael.
"My dear little brother, Lucias. Your big brother coming with a treat!" Kael smiled excitedly.
Lucias accepted Kael's offering, though the ever-excitable Kael remained kneeling beside the bed, awaiting something.
Lucias forced a smile, struggling to hide his irritation. "Thank you for the treat, Kael."
'Why Kael grinning like an idiot?'
Kael responded promptly, "You forgot something, my dear Lucias."
He wiggled his invisible tail in excitement as he remained kneeling by the bedside.
'Ah I knew what he wanted. Some people might think this is not a big deal. But for me it's something embarrassing to say by an actual adult inside.'
"Thank you for the treat, Big.."
Lucias hesitated for a moment. The gleam of anticipation in Kael's eyes pushed him to complete the sentence.
"Bro... br.. bro.. ther... Kael." Lucias finished the sentence, his face flushing with embarrassment.
'This is embarrassing. Why this heart within this body always responded to things out of character of mine?'
'I feel like my personality are mixed. The original owner of this body and my own soul. I can't control this side of emotion that unfamiliar with me.'
Kael jumped for joy, as if he had just won the lottery. "Lyra! Did you hear that? Lucias just called me 'big brother'!"
Kael felt so excited that he even bragged to Yuno, whom he considered his rival. He was determined to be the only big brother for Lucias.
Lyra put her hand to her face, not wanting to acknowledge Kael as her twin.
In this joy and happiness of Kael, Lucias's gaze remained fixed on Yuno. It was clear to him that they needed to have a private conversation.
'Let's put aside this unfamiliar emotion. I need to figured it out Yuno intention on erasing the memory of witness on our battle.'
'I don't think he forgot on what actually happened on the battle. We also have a bet, it is unlikely he would abandoned the prized he wanted from me.'
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Author's note : Hello my dear readers. I upload a new chapter in advanced, I hope you enjoy reading my novel.
If you guys like my novel, please give me your support. One comment on every chapter of mine is enough. As long there are readers who enjoy my story, I'll keep continue writing Lucias journey.
So please give baby Lucias your love! <3
The usual poem on author's thought section will be added in the future. If you found any typo or inconsistency please let me know.
Anyway Happy Wednesday HA HA HA!
Adios my dear!