Meanwhile Nova in the ledge where he and Dorothy slept for awhile had a weird dream about a girl a voice that's like a guardian spirit encourage him things will go well and the truth be soon answered before vanishes and Nova uttered "Sa-C…" before shaken awake by Dorothy and ask if he had any knowledge why there are Gargoyle statues in standby morning even though she is sure there's a spell preventing avian or flying beings to reach here as Nova explained hypothetically this might be the doing of the Equinox herself (Estella) as Dorothy gasp and angrily spoke "Ahh Blasphemous act what a hypocrite of a ruler and religious figure our Equinox , not only did she turn us Faction Knights her servants to erase our memories of our past before Knighthood..I cannot allow such a glorious building stained by creatures that are enemy to this empire so…let's just prepare to keep climbing I think I recall if we hike using the same techniques if hard string metal and sword we had in our disposal like an anchor , we can reach the 85th floor the open penthouse" Nova nod standing. Up to stretch "I just hope we can survive-wait Gargoyles can only start being sentient at night or the dark so.." Dorothy smile "we'll be fine…" as Nova sighs (what a relief she isn't weirded out I can guess that)
As Nova and Dorothy discussed their next steps and the mysterious presence of Gargoyle statues on the ledge, Nova had a peculiar dream where he encountered a voice resembling a guardian spirit that assured him that things would go well and the truth would be revealed soon. He began to utter something in his sleep but was awakened by Dorothy.
Dorothy expressed her frustration with Equinox, who had ordered the erasure of their memories before their knighthood. Determined to rid the glorious building of Gargoyles, she suggested they continue their ascent to the 85th floor, using their anchor-like techniques with sword and metal string to make the climb.
Nova couldn't help but hope they would survive the journey ahead. Dorothy, however, seemed undeterred by the presence of the Gargoyle statues.
As Nova and Dorothy discussed their next steps and the mysterious presence of Gargoyle statues on the ledge, Nova had a peculiar dream where he encountered a voice resembling a guardian spirit that assured him that things would go well and the truth would be revealed soon. He began to utter something in his sleep but was awakened by Dorothy.
Dorothy expressed her frustration with Equinox, who had ordered the erasure of their memories before their knighthood. Determined to rid the glorious building of Gargoyles, she suggested they continue their ascent to the 85th floor, using their anchor-like techniques with sword and metal string to make the climb.
Nova couldn't help but hope they would survive the journey ahead. Dorothy, however, seemed undeterred by the presence of the Gargoyle statues.
They took the time to reach a wall or rather this part of the towering building's Pillar walls so there's a lot of open gaps to enter there as they both pant and sweat due to hardwork as Dorothy ask "You sure you got all that strength becoming a Spell-Blade Arcane Academy student for 2 years?"
Nova, still catching his breath, smiled at Dorothy. "I may have been a student at the Spell-Blade Arcane Academy for only two years, but that place taught me more than just spells and combat. It gave me endurance and determination. We'll get through this."
They continued to ascend the pillar walls, relying on their training and each other to conquer the challenge that lay before them.
Nova whistles casually (besides , I can't tell her nor Tim or anyone besides Chocola back then of my true identity and reason being here , Dang being an Isekai person is quite challenging) before he prepare a chant to utter "Manifest aura…Soul" he memorized the secret Spiritual arts as Dorothy gasp in awe "Wait…you're not using Lightbased mana are you? You're actually an Ecto-mana born person?" Nova chuckles nervously "Yeah here let me focus as this little ball of light here that I cast will follow around..to look for the mana signature of my friend..He is magicless though so he can't cast Silent Arcana well (non-verbal magic).." Dorothy sighs and follows him "Oh by the way the reason I figured was….well It's vague yet we had a secret Faction Knight he doesn't have a Cardinal number yet his voice almost sound like yours yet much younger and well…monotone or lifeless…along with the mere fact he always hide his identity even to us Faction Knights..her eminence said we can call him the Shadow Knight , Cardinal no.0….yet I am unsure-" Nova got serious "I get it , he probably doesn't have the common mana you can notice…Most of the Faction Knights are either Light-born mana than Dark-born mana" Dorothy impress "You Know your stuff , still that Mageress that help you and your friend with blessing…She was the Indigo Goddess.." sighs as Nova pulled her downstairs steps
Nova nodded as they descended the steps, carefully navigating the tower. "Yes, Mageress, the Indigo Goddess. She's the one who guided us and granted us her blessings. But don't mention her to anyone. We're keeping that part of our journey a secret. It's... complicated."
Dorothy understood the importance of secrecy. As they continued their descent, she kept a watchful eye on the area, ready for any surprises that might await them.
Then she spoke the only way down to whatever floor Nova is going is using a magic elevator that the OPERATOR uses , he excitedly gets in which surprise Dorothy due to their situation as they entered they see a petite little girl in her blue dress , white apron part and blond hair with dimly lit blue eyes and they request they reach at the lower 75th floor , she just nod and introduce herself as Operator and cast magic unto the center of the magical elevator to slowly descend as Dorothy explains the Equinox (Estella) casted an eternal spell on this girl to never age and can age too quickly if she left the building , while Nova pitifully ask the girl if she even recall her name as she spoke "I admit I have been alive for so long and always do my vow to become an operator for this elevator..I think hmm..Alice?" Nova is slowly realizing sooner or later he should do something yet he ask kindly "Okay Operator Alice if your calling is finished even though you don't mind a rebel here.." Alice spoke "No , that's the role of the Faction Knight like Lady Dorothy beside you although…if you're asking if I don't have a vow maybe I can travel and find out why I am had vague emotions or connections to certain things..Like I somesort forgotten my friends faces , identities and who I used to be before this vow"
Nova and Dorothy exchanged glances, understanding the girl's plight. Nova spoke with sympathy, "Alice, I know it's not easy to feel like you've forgotten so much. We can't promise anything, but if we can find a way to break your eternal spell, would you be willing to take that chance?"
Alice's eyes sparkled with a hint of hope, "Yes, I'd like that very much."
As the elevator reached their destination, Nova and Dorothy nodded, understanding Alice's feelings. "We'll do our best to find a way to break that spell," Nova assured her.
Alice smiled with gratitude, and as the elevator doors opened, they bid her farewell, with no way to stay in touch for now. Then, they continued their journey, determined to reach their friend Tim and to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Faction Knights and the Order.
Alice smiled and nodded appreciatively, "Thank you for using my assistance. It was nice to get to know you, even if just for this brief journey."
With that, they parted ways with Alice, each stepping out of the magical elevator onto their respective floors. As they continued their journey, they couldn't help but wonder about the many secrets and mysteries that shrouded the world they were in.
In the dream sequence for Tim:
Tim found himself in a surreal dream, standing in the empty living room of his childhood home in Amerite Village. It was an odd sensation, being back in a place that held so many memories. He heard an enigmatic voice, soft and comforting, which seemed to guide him further into the house.
Tim got nervous as he cautiously approach "who's there?" The voice uttered to follow and it's his mother why ever would he forget her voice? Tim felt an urge of enchantment even if it's suspicious he can't help but listen
Tim, unable to resist the allure of the voice that sounded like his mother, continued to follow it deeper into the house. The voice led him through the familiar rooms of his childhood home, each one appearing exactly as he remembered, with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
As he reached the heart of the dream, he saw a figure standing in the dimly lit room, facing away from him. Tim, with a mixture of hope and trepidation, approached this figure that seemed so familiar. He whispered, "Mom?"
The figure turned, revealing a face that was both his mother's and yet not quite. It had an otherworldly aura, with a glow that emanated from her eyes and a gentle smile that seemed to transcend time and space. She spoke, her voice a harmonious blend of the voice he remembered and something more ethereal.
"Tim, my dear, I've been waiting for you."
Until he gasp waking up , then was closing his mouth as he can sense he is on a bed chamber? And he finally felt this must be it the room or..not so lucky as he turn to see a sleeping woman in her 20s with luscious lavender colored hair and fair skin with a mole under her eyes until she awoke as he is in shock she is half naked as the blanket is the reason he can't notice and looks away blushing as The lady spoke "A young one , seen a bare body of a woman for the first time? Hehe…Don't worry I am Equinox or rather the Anti-Goddess I presume with that face despite embarrassment you want to try harming me.." then they heard another voice in the shadows as Estella uttered "Ohh right young boy that attempts to rebel don't worry introducing my Personal best Faction Knight of all..Shadow Cardinal no.0…or the Shadow Knight.." the shadows form a silhouette before it is like the exact height and figure of Nova her the aura is different as he took his mouth mask his eye special goggles off , Hoodie off to reveal someone that looks like Nova yet blue eyes and different shade of black hair as Equinox/Anti-Goddess Estella happily introduce "I shall admit his name is Astra.." Tim was speechless like what? A lookalike no no…Estella has no interest cloning someone as he wanted to utter something as the Lady hushed him that felt eerie as he stayed put gulping.
Tim was stunned by the surreal situation. As Equinox introduced the figure who looked exactly like Nova, Tim couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion and disbelief. The Nova lookalike, Astra, watched him with those striking blue eyes.
Equinox's unsettling hush sent a shiver down Tim's spine. It was clear he was in a very precarious position, facing the powerful ruler and her mysterious right-hand figure. He kept quiet, unsure of what to say or do next, as he observed the bizarre scene unfolding before him.
Equinox request to Shadow Knight ; Astra to leave her be in her Bedchamber that is the 99th floor and let her loyal right hand descend to 95th floor to some guests…Tim gulps before The woman nonchalantly spoke about the concept of love , what is love to Tim? While Astra left the room as ordered (yet muttered to himself he has been waiting for so long)
Tim hesitated, searching for words to respond to Equinox's question about love. He thought for a moment, then replied, "Love... it's when you care about someone deeply, when their happiness matters more to you than your own. It's a connection that goes beyond words, a feeling that can bring warmth and meaning to life."
Equinox listened intently as Tim spoke. Her interest in the concept of love was intriguing, and her enigmatic aura made the conversation even more surreal.
As Astra left the room, a sense of unease lingered. Tim knew that he was in a delicate situation, surrounded by unknown powers and motives, and he wondered what would happen next.
She uttered "Ohh poor child you still are as naive as ever.." Tim thought huh? And is too nervous to fight back for now and maybe his body is obedient to her as she uttered "Love is like Lust , a passionate feeling and emotion…a desire the idea of your love is lacking as it has all forms especially to the living..It's nature..And I am sure your Dorothy may agree" Tim wants to try to reach for his magic dagger and stops as she creepily touch his cheek and shoulder "Ohh no no doubting me? Maybe recalling befriending another person.." Tim nervously ask "You knew of my friend Nova? As well? And no I can't accept your meaning of love." She spoke "hush hush , let me help you recall that lost memory" nuzzle her forehead to his as a beam of light in his eyes transition as flashback in his child hood running to look for Dorothy as he want to say hi yet froze seeing a child version of Nova and Dorothy happily chatting together as he is denial if this is just an illusion as Estella uttered back to present "No no , that's the memory of your heart and mind sealed away…you envy Nova do you? That's him as a fellow childhood friend with you and your precious Dorothy" Tim spoke as he tried to use the magic knife Chocola lend him and Nova to try to stab her as Estella grip his wrist and broke the dagger "Ahh huh uh You still not convince? That memory a lie? I can seal memories yet I can't alter to fill in details since I only knew of your fellow rebel partner's name thanks to you.."
Tim's heart raced as he confronted this enigmatic figure who seemed to have a deep understanding of his past and memories. He was determined not to accept her twisted version of love. The broken magic dagger in his hand was a stark reminder of his vulnerability.
He looked into Equinox's eyes with a mix of fear and defiance. "I don't know who you are or what your game is, but I won't be swayed by your illusions or lies. My memories are my own, and I know my friends. I'll find the truth on my own terms."
Despite the fear, there was a fierce determination in Tim's eyes as he resisted Equinox's manipulations. He knew he had to stay strong and focused, especially with Astra, who seemed connected to Nova, nearby.
Estella spoke and stood up , despite the curvy nudeness Tim was too busy trying to resist her as her enigmatic stardust yellow eyes and her luscious lavender hair flair up for a moment and choke him before speaking "Really? Prime Entertainer knock him out for me" the left hand man and trusted figure returned with his appearance , it was Red/Mad Hatter and winks to knock Tim out as it transitions to Astra wearing his armoire again and mask his face with his gear amongst the shadows also recognizing his role as he slowly is believing an accomplice (Chocola) that there is hope for redemption and he can decide what to do…Meanwhile Nova and Dorothy were busy at the 75th floor where the stone statue form of Nirven (Faction Knight Cardinal no.1) as Dorothy cried out to Nova of if Tim was capable of casting magic if he is magicless and Nova uttered it's His Celestial Regalia's power from his shields of decay that create these catacomb-like terrain of this bathhouse now barren and fissures while he ask Dorothy who is the frozen Rabbit-like man and Dorothy uttered "It's my uncle our faction Knight captain Cardinal No.1 and it isn't your friend that casted this…It's our darn Prime Entertainer…if her eminence detect deficiency or fail to fulfill her demands the punishment is eternal stasis which basically turn a faction knight into a stoned statue.." cried a bit until they heard a weak voice and it's Nirven struggling to speak as Dorothy worries and Nirven uttered "Ahh , your the rebel partner of that Tim boy…pls…Save him….My Niece Dorothy or what I consider a Niece despite unrelated….Hurry before that young boy lost his own memories.." he says weakly as Dorothy hug the submerge statue and let her uncle-figure rest and notice how impress she was for Nova to carry a sword is his on the mouth while carrying dual shields , calling what makes him a Paladin as Nova sheathed them all in gear and spoke that's utterly ridiculous there's no way he is fitting for such a role to carry both a shield and sword…and these shielded are the Celestial Regalia that Tim left behind and he assumed he is already kidnap so Dorothy hush as she heard footsteps
Dorothy and Nova were filled with concern for Tim as they left the petrified Nirven behind. They couldn't allow their friend to lose his memories, and the urgency of the situation was growing.
As they heard footsteps approaching, they immediately went into a defensive stance. Dorothy, clutching her own celestial weapon, prepared to face whatever threat might be approaching. Nova, despite his skepticism about being a paladin, stood by her side, ready for action.
The tension in the room was palpable as they waited for the source of the footsteps to reveal themselves. The fate of their friend hung in the balance, and they were determined to do whatever it took to save him.