Nidhogg POV:
Everyone was back in the throne room with me in my new favorite place to sit now. Lenatti couldn't help but smile at the success of the mission that they were just on. Unfortunately for her, I wasn't about to compliment her on this as they should be capable of this.
"How much did we secure?" I ask.
"We have plenty of weapons to supply all of our troops three times over." Tempo reports.
"As for the potions, it'll last us the current year. Progress as already been taken to replicate their supplies." Achyls tells me.
"Now we should turn our focus on our mage department. Are there any known sources of magical equipment that could be taken from the church?"
"Unfortunately, that information is much more classified. There aren't any that are being broadcasted that we know of." Odin says to my disappointment.
"How does the church come about getting their mages then?" I ask curiously.
"They undergo training in academy and are given their weapons... oh." Montgomery says coming to a sudden realization. "I see. Forgive me."
"How wise you are, lord, to have thought of this." Phoenix says.
"Do we know of any locations where they have their academies?"
"Of those, there are plenty my lord. Should we plan for an assault?" Tempo asks.
"No need to rush. we'll have plenty of time for that. For now, we bide our time gathering resources."
A collective, "Yes!", is said from everyone in harmony.
"I suggest an infiltration is necessary for this. Gives us an opportunity to scope out any competition and learn their spells."
"As luck would have it, there are many academies accepting students at this moment. If we're to infiltrate, now would be the time."
Looking at the Fullbringers in front of me, I knew exactly who was good for this mission.
On the Planet #1137680 three days later....
Dorian stood among the other initiates who chattered excitedly about the building they were approaching and future studies. However, unlike them, he didn't share their excitement. While academy was a new chance to gain power for them, this mission was possibly his condemnation. His lord had shared a portion of his power with them, and he was disappointing him by not figuring out its secrets and unlocking its full potential.
In fact, he wasn't even known as Dorian anymore, but one of the Nameless. The last Nameless. As he traveled up the insanely long flight of stairs into the building, he couldn't help but think back to how he had gotten like this.
It really was just six months prior; he was just a regular guy. Like others, he was excited for his Attunement Ceremony and learning what element was his. To everyone's horror, he was attuned to the darkness element. That day, he was seen as an outcast, everyone avoided him, some even spat at him. The very next day, the church came for him. They beat him up and imprisoned him as if he was a criminal.
In the church's dungeon, he was tortured on a daily basis, told he could be redeemed for something he hadn't even known he'd done. After a while, he started to believe he really was evil. Until that day he met Gerald. Gerald fought the church with a passion, just to save him. Of course, it was a no-brainer decision to join the Anti-Light. However, he became to learn that maybe the Anti-Light was no better.
Then the appearance of Lord Nidhogg only made his situation worse. He could only watch in silent despair as the other Nameless were killed in front of him. He was scared shitless and thought he was next but didn't want to die to the Shrine Maiden. If he was to go, he'd do it on his own terms. But in reality, he didn't want to die at all. Especially not to a demon.
So, he knew what needed to be done. He was no killer, but if he wanted to survive, others would have to die. It's sickening to think this, but that's just the way the world was and the situation he was in. Running wasn't an option, as he had seen firsthand the influence of Odin's sight. They would find him in hours.
Reaching the top of the stairs and having one of the Sisters greet him snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Welcome to Luminous Academy!"
He steels his resolve before entering the building at what must be done, which the Sister mistakes for nervousness. She walks over, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"No need for hesitation, initiate. Walk through and take the first steps into a new life." She says trying to comfort him. Her words instead fuel his resolve more as they were just what he needed to hear.
He nods to her, stepping in without further hesitation. Yes. A new life indeed.