Then she uttered "No…your true name is -Norman Comet de Valor- " that got a buzzing background noise in this dream as it transitions to the perspective of Tim and Oz together finally dragging via wheelchair a vegetative state Nova with the rest of the villagers and the young aspiring wizard Oz ask "Still….How can my Older sister and that so-called Shadow Knight Brother Nova's situation? (Brother-like figure as how he addresses Tim, as Dorothy is his only biological sister) "
Tim sighed as he pushed the wheelchair. "It's complicated, Oz. Dorothy and Astra are dealing with some tangled past that Nova and they share. And well, Nova's in a sort of deep sleep. Dorothy thinks he might be dealing with something in his past."
Oz nodded, still puzzled, but trusting Tim's judgment. "Let's focus on getting everyone back safely to the village for now."
Tim added as they joined Mr.Stone and others "Remember I befriended Nova as well so I understand the sentiment…..I just hope him being an Outlander doesn't have issues…" as Oz spoke "Yeah beyond our nation Coloria….Outlanders are very memorable folktales all over Mythlandia so….what makes them different from us Big Brother Tim? Since when we first assume to meet Big Brother Nova as some Lost child of Amartia which isn't true….and seems like an Archaican (human) like us?"
Tim pondered for a moment. "Outlanders are from different worlds. Entirely different realms. They might look like us, but their origins and sometimes abilities can be vastly different. It's like they're visitors from another story, another reality. Nova being an Outlander means he has a whole different life and history from ours, and sometimes, that can bring complications."
Oz nodded, absorbing the explanation. "So, we need to be patient and understanding, right?"
"Exactly," Tim affirmed. "We're in this together, no matter where we come from."
Then they chuckle a bit , as Nova grunts despite in a vegetative state. As Mr.Stone the chief of the village and Oz (And Dorothy) father. For he uttered "Even Folktales surrounding outlanders started thanks to a god not in our nation but part of the ones that has a broad domain in our world….Oz and Tim I am relieved both of you are okay and to realize Nova is just as much part of the community as us…."
Tim nodded, looking at Nova with a sense of responsibility. "We'll take care of him. And hopefully, with time, we can understand more about his situation."
Oz chimed in, "Exactly, Father. He's not just an outlander; he's our friend, our comrade."
As they continued on their way with Nova in the wheelchair, Tim couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Nova's story, and he was determined to unravel it for the sake of his friend and their community.
Meanwhile, back in the newly reformed Order back in the Central Cathedral gathered and Spinel the Indigo Goddess (or known by Dorothy and Astra mostly as Mageress Chocola) held her staff and had a goddess-like appearance with a more feminine figure version of her vessel possessed. Turning to a white rabbit Bestialkin Niven who spoke: "So, thanks to Sir Shadow Knight (Astra) for interrogating with fluency of the Infernal tongue of these demons from Gradience as Sir Cruz and Lady Dorothy claimed to manage capture before a sense of deception…hmm, so basically that Demon Emperor Amartia…those sort of myths to explain lost traveling people of Coloria finally is that true demon of demons and monsters finally felt the time to set out his special group he considered Chaos conduit as if it's another realm?" As Chocola nodded as she maturely spoke "Hah…I am eternally grateful for how well you adjusted sir Niven Cardinal no.1 despite my recent position as the New Equinox. Along with the mere fact as it is now yes…from what the imp-demon's intel or rather a demonoid has said… Amartia is possibly secretly a demon or the first ever demon to have possibly evolved into Godhood yet chooses not to ascend." As Dorothy spoke "I assume it's because of your isolation in that Great Library of Truth for centuries while scheming against the former Equinox help you gain knowledge about the denizens outside Coloria such as Gradience?"
Chocola nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of weariness and determination. "Indeed, Lady Dorothy. The library allowed me to observe the events across Mythlandia. Amartia, once a demon, seeks dominion. His influence extends beyond Gradience. It's a complex power play, and now, with the Chaos Conduit active, we must be vigilant."
Niven, looking stern, asked, "What should be our next course of action, Equinox?"
Chocola, now fully embracing her role as the Equinox, replied, "Prepare the faction knights. We need to fortify the borders and strengthen alliances with the other kingdoms. The threat is no longer a mere myth; it's a tangible force we must face."
Dorothy glanced at Astra, the Shadow Knight. Their connection to Gradience, especially Astra's, might hold key insights into countering Amartia's schemes.
Astra glanced back and uttered "Still If I May Chocola I mean—Equinox (I still need to get used to that)….Any progress from that God of Stars, Spirit, and Guidance (The Messenger God) Tao Yusha of the real world to break the curse glyph the Anti-Goddess' spell premade to anyone that had slain her?"
Chocola nodded, acknowledging Astra's question. "Tao Yusha has been working tirelessly to unravel the intricacies of the curse glyph. Breaking a spell cast by an Anti-Goddess is a formidable task, but Tao Yusha's insights into spiritual realms might just be what we need."
She turned to the assembled faction knights. "In the meantime, we need to secure Coloria. The Chaos Conduit poses a direct threat, and we can't afford to underestimate Amartia. Prepare for the possibility of incursions from Gradience. This is a battle not just for Coloria but for the entire realm."
Astra, his eyes veiled by his mask, nodded. He understood the gravity of the situation, and his shadowy abilities might prove crucial in the battles to come.
Then, it clicked as he recalled a long-suppressed memory of one time when Estella was alive that rained him to slay more criminal-based Colorian (citizen of Coloria) if they broke the Sacred Context with conversations. When he asked why she encouraged him to not just kill swiftly, obediently as ordered, in the shadows and creatively. Yet also harvests to regain his consumed ecto-type mana faster. Which she dubbed as Soul-eating, a very common practice by beings called Demonoids not by mana type yet the method of regaining is faster from the enemies they slain or living things consumed to reuse magic. Demonoids are basically demons from the Netherzone (a realm where demons and Malevolent Spirits are mortal souls that are too sinful to deserve to be sent to this realm as punishment). In Summary, it was considered forbidden to regain mana for magical practices by many great alchemists, mages, and scholars. As this youthful version of Astra pondered is there a bigger advantage for his ecto-mana type committing soul-eating so often to regain mana compared to if an umbral or luminous mana type committed it?
Astra grappled with the long-suppressed memories, the teachings of Estella echoing through time. The concept of soul-eating was a dark and forbidden practice, a path he had walked to empower himself. His ecto-mana type, tied to shadows and the ethereal, had a unique relationship with this forbidden act.
In the dark recesses of his thoughts, he considered the advantages of his ecto-mana type in soul-eating. Ecto-mana, inherently tied to the essence of spirits and shadows, might have a more profound connection to the act of consuming souls. It could mean a swifter absorption, a more efficient conversion of the essence within those he defeated. The shadows that cloaked him and the ethereal nature of his magic might enhance the process.
However, Astra also grappled with the moral implications. The forbidden nature of soul-eating was a stain on his conscience, a reminder of the darker aspects of his past. The advantages it brought were shadowed by the ethical dilemmas it posed.
In the present, Astra wondered if this forbidden practice could be a key to countering the Chaos Conduit and the looming threat of Amartia. Would the power gained from such acts be enough to tip the scales in the impending conflict? As he considered these questions, the weight of his past choices pressed upon him, and the path forward seemed fraught with moral complexity.
The Current Equinox noticed and subtly noticed as she added "Now this reformed Order I trust the Faction Knights to take their time before the initial fit against our new enemies.." They nodded as they left. As Astra stood still and noticed The familiar PRIME Entertainer Mad Hatter returned with flair on Spinel's side as before he got intense explaining his presence "Since he did have his motive of serving under the Anti-Goddess in the past. Play a role in your past kidnapping and currently by recent still assist this new change in discretion after assisting in eliminating said shared enemy the former Equinox….He is now our ally for the time being as he knows how the Anti-Goddess magic works and the way she does it."
Astra took note of the returning Mad Hatter, a figure with a history entwined with the Anti-Goddess. His past actions were complex, a mix of serving the Anti-Goddess and now seemingly aligning with the reformed Order. The knowledge he held about the Anti-Goddess's magic and methods made him a valuable asset, despite the lingering suspicions about his motives.
The air was thick with the tension of shifting alliances, and Astra couldn't help but feel the weight of uncertainty. The former antagonist now standing on their side added a layer of complexity to an already intricate situation. As they prepared for the upcoming challenges, Astra remained vigilant, knowing that the key to understanding and countering the Chaos Conduit might lie in the intricate web of alliances and betrayals.
He got skeptical until he saw Mad Hatter now the tip of his colorful hat and explained himself with words.
The Mad Hatter tipped his colorful hat with a flourish, a theatrical display that seemed to match his eccentric personality. His eyes, surrounded by smeared makeup, bore a certain intensity as he addressed Astra.
Mad Hatter: Ah, Shadow Knight, my enigmatic compatriot. Allow me to elucidate my current disposition. The Anti-Goddess, you see, was a master of manipulation. I danced to her tune, a puppet in her grand masquerade. But now, as the stage shifts, so does my allegiance.
Astra, ever watchful, crossed his arms, waiting for the Mad Hatter to unfold his tale.
Mad Hatter: (with a sly grin) You might say I've grown tired of the same old dance. Now, with the Anti-Goddess out of the picture, I find myself drawn to the allure of chaos. It's a waltz of unpredictability, a symphony of disorder. And where better to indulge in such festivities than in the company of the reformed Order?
Astra raised an eyebrow, still not fully convinced of the Mad Hatter's intentions.
Mad Hatter: (leaning in) Rest assured, dear Shadow Knight, my current agenda aligns with yours. The Anti-Goddess's secrets, her arcane machinations—I know them like the lyrics to a macabre melody. Let us unravel this twisted composition together, for I have no desire to return to the dreary monotony of the past.
Astra, though wary, nodded. The alliance, born from the shadows of uncertainty, seemed inevitable in the face of a common enigma—the Chaos Conduit.
As Spinel sighed in relief she added "It has something to also a great deal of contract Mad Hatter or the former Prime Entertainer that is also personal. As he stated to claim Astra if you both worked together we can also figure out a way I can get in contact to resolve this prophesized dispute.." Astra turned to a smirking Mad Hatter as he spoke "Still, now reveal to me and Spinel….On is there a way to break this automated curse spell the Anti-Goddess cast to anyone in case they or someone defeated her?"
Mad Hatter's grin widened, revealing teeth stained with a spectrum of colors. His eyes sparkled with the delight of sharing a long-guarded secret.
Mad Hatter: Breaking the Anti-Goddess's curse, dear Astra, is not a task for the faint of heart. But fear not, for I have glimpsed into the tapestry of fate and found a loophole, a key to undoing the bindings of her magic.
Astra leaned in, his interest piqued.
Mad Hatter: (with theatrical flair) It revolves around the essence of duality—light and shadow, creation and destruction. The curse, you see, relies on a delicate balance, a cosmic equilibrium that can be disrupted.
Spinel, ever the attentive goddess, listened intently.
Mad Hatter: To shatter the curse, one must venture into the realms where light and shadow converge, where creation and destruction dance in eternal harmony. A nexus of opposing forces, a place where the fabric of reality is thin. There, my friends, lies the key to severing the threads of the Anti-Goddess's enchantment.
Astra contemplated this revelation, sensing the gravity of the task ahead.
Mad Hatter: (leaning in with a whisper) Of course, finding such a place is no easy feat. It requires traversing dimensions and navigating the ethereal tapestry. But fear not, for fortune favors the bold, and you, Shadow Knight, are nothing if not bold.
As Mad Hatter chuckled, Astra and Spinel exchanged determined glances. The path to unraveling the curse was set, and the stage was now open for a new act in their unfolding drama.
Spinel muttered "Basically The key is the victim itself? So Nova can only save himself through our indirect lending of mana and magic? That can overpower Estella's?"
Mad Hatter nodded, his eyes gleaming with understanding.
Mad Hatter: Precisely, dear Spinel. The victim, in this case, must become a conduit, a vessel through which the conflicting forces of light and shadow, creation and destruction, can flow. It's a delicate dance, a symphony of opposing energies that requires finesse and precision.
Spinel considered the complexity of the task, her mind already at work.
Spinel: (thoughtfully) Astra, we must pool our resources and guide Nova through this intricate process. The nexus, the convergence of forces—those will be the keys. Our magic, combined and focused, shall be the catalyst.
Astra nodded, his resolve firm.
Astra: I'll ensure Nova is prepared for this journey. The realms of light and shadow, creation and destruction, won't deter me. We'll break this curse and free him from the shackles of the Anti-Goddess's enchantment.
Mad Hatter grinned approvingly, thrilled by the unfolding drama.
Mad Hatter: Ah, the stage is set, and the actors are in their places. Let the grand spectacle commence!
And with that, the trio—Spinel, Astra, and the enigmatic Mad Hatter—embarked on a quest that transcended dimensions, seeking the elusive nexus where Nova's salvation awaited.
Meanwhile, Astra's specific Shadow construct is a silhouette black cat familiar hissed to prevent the imp demon that they captured from escaping due to extracting information as he needed to use his shadow senses to utter "We should delve more into this 'Demon Emperor' their leader here…."
The imp demon, trapped within Astra's shadow construct, squirmed uncomfortably as it felt the weight of the impending interrogation.
Imp Demon: (nervously) What do you want to know, Shadow Knight?
Astra, his shadowy form casting an intimidating presence, leaned closer.
Astra: Everything. Start with the origins of this Demon Emperor. What are his motives, his connections to the Anti-Goddess, and why now, after centuries, has he decided to unleash chaos upon Coloria?
The imp demon hesitated, glancing nervously at the edges of the shadowy cage.
Imp Demon: I... I can only reveal so much. The Demon Emperor is ancient, a being born from the deepest pits of Gradience. His motives are beyond my understanding, but he seeks to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his.
Astra's shadowy aura intensified as he pressed for more details.
Astra: Reclaim? What does he consider his, and how is it connected to the Anti-Goddess?
The imp demon swallowed hard before divulging fragments of information, leading Astra to a clearer understanding of the intricate web of motives that entwined the Demon Emperor and the Anti-Goddess. As the interrogation continued, Astra meticulously extracted every piece of knowledge that could aid in their impending confrontation.