After his battle with the Hybrid, Victor opens his eyes and finds himself in an infirmary, wrapped in bandages.
"Where am I?"
"Oh good, you're awake."
A woman's voice startles Victor as he looks to see who it is.
"Please don't be startled. My name is Rebekah Gilderan, and I am the princess of Regnum. I was the one who found you unconscious. Can you remember anything that happened?"
"All I can remember is, I was fighting that beast for quite a while. Then, when I went to attack it with a powerful art, everything went black, and then I woke up in this infirmary."
"I must say, it's quite an achievement for a single person to defeat a Hybrid. Especially one that hundreds tried to kill but failed. What is your name?"
Victor thinks before answering.
"Victor Bloodgrave."
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bloodgrave."
"Did you say your name was Rebekah Gilderan?"
"Yes, I did. Is something wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong. You just remind me of someone I knew years ago. Unfortunately, they died. It was someone I truly loved."
"I'm sorry to hear that. We'll, at least your injuries, are fully healed, so would you like me to show you around the palace?"
"Won't that cause a problem? Considering you're a princess?"
"Not at all. It's the least I can do for someone who protected Regnum from that creature of catastrophe. I shall wait for you outside."
When she closes the door, Victor gets out of bed and changes into his clean clothes.
"Hey, Shadow. Are you there?"
"Yes, I am."
"What happened between me and that monster?"
"I can't quite explain it, but you were able to call upon a high tier of sword art for a moment, and that is what helped you defeat that Hybrid."
"I see. Doesn't this castle remind of the one back in Regnum? Although it feels different for some reason. I can't put it into words."
"Everything will be revealed in due time. For now, focus on learning the Divine Mages control of magic."
Victor remains silent as he finishes changing and leaves his room. Where Rebekah is waiting for him with a big smile. Without saying a word, she grabs his wrist and takes him to the king's court where her father and mother sit on beautifully carved thrones. Rebekah bows as she approaches them, and Victor follows her actions.
"Father, mother, allow me to introduce Victor Bloodgrave. He is the one who defeated the Hybrid single-handedly."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, King Gilderan and Lady Gilderan."
"The honor is mine Mr. Bloodgrave. You have saved Regnum from complete destruction by slaying that beast. As such, we shall reward you anything you desire. What will it be, Mr. Bloodgrave?"
All eyes are on Victor as he considers his next words.
"King Gilderan, I wish to learn the secrets of the Divine Mages and their magic."
Gasps fill the court, even the king is left speechless.
"Why would you want to learn the secrets about our most fearsome fighters?"
"If your majesty will allow me to demonstrate why I asked for that reward. I believe you will understand."
After a long silence, the king finally speaks up.
"Very well, but if you show the slightest hostility towards Regnum, I will not hesitate to execute you, understand."
Victor bows his head as he accepts those terms. The entire court headed outside to the vast open plains on the outskirts of the city. After everyone has taken their seats, the king calls up Victor to demonstrate why he deserves to learn about the Divine Mages.
Victor closes his eyes and has a quick conversation with Shadow.
"Do you think I could use that particular spell my mon used without it draining my life away?"
"Yes you could, but then I would have to compensate it with my life energy for it to not harm you."
"What are you so worried about? You're immortal are you not?"
"Sigh. Very well, if this helps us get more powerful I'll do it."
Victor closes his eyes and remembers the spells chant.
"Spirit's of the world, hear my plea and grant me your power. CONTRITA TERRA!!!"
Immense power flows out of Victor as the ground begins to shake and split apart. The court is shocked to see a seven sided shape appear on his back. A huge explosion ruptures through the ground as it cracks and splits apart. When Victor stops, a vast amount of land has been destroyed. He turns around and sees the king standing up and start laughing.
"HA HA HA. That's some incredible power you have there. Very well, I will allow you to learn the secrets of our elite warriors. Rebekah, I'm leaving you in charge of showing him around.
"Yes father."
Victor is taken to a secluded section of the castle by Rebekah and shown through a door which leads to a beautiful land full of green pastures and clear blue rivers.
"Welcome to the living grounds of the Divine Mages. Here you will find the answers you seek."
Rebekah gives a slight blush as she turns away from Victor.
"Please, follow me."
She leads Victor to an old building where a few Divine Mages have gathered. When they see Victor, most look at him like some kind of unwanted animal.
"Ignore them."
When they enter the door, it opens up to a vast collection of manuscripts and books which leaves Victor at a loss for words.
"This is where you will find the answers you seek. I have to go back to the castle now, but please take as much time as you need."
She leaves the building and Victor looks through all the possible places where he cam learn about how Divine Mages control and call upon their immense power. Day's pass as Victor continues searching. When he approaches one section his mother's trinket begins to glow and guides him to a shelf where one book resides. When he opens it, he discovers everything about how the Divine Mages were granted such power and the responsibilities for using it.
He finds a quiet place and begins reading the book. One page catches his eye and he takes a closer look, only to realize why something didn't seem right since he arrived here.
"Hey Shadow, this is starting to make more sense but, how can it be possible?"
"It is possible, and there is only one being I know of that can sell something this well. Dolos' second in charge, Milayker. I knew something wasn't right when we spoke to the one calling herself your aunt. This proves it."
"If that's the case, I'm glad I gave those two a charm to block attempts at controlling their minds. Is it possible to go back to the present from this time without her knowing?"
"It would only be possible if we had someone capable of opening a rift between times and realities. There might be someone who could do it. In fact, if my memory serves me well, he should be arriving now."
"Dammit. This has turned into a race against time. The longer I stay here, the greater the chances of her plans succeeding. It's unfortunate I wasn't able to learn what I wanted. But their safety comes first."
Victor rushes out of the building and is stopped by a horde of Divine Mages.
"Out of my way!"
He charges straight through them, killing any who stand in his way. When he reaches the door, he sends a spell towards the Mages that takes the form of multiple small balls. He opens the door and quickly enters before setting them off and killing everyone in the vicinity. As he returns to the castle, everything is surrounded by fire and broken stone. He hears a bone chilling scream coming from the king's court and rushes towards it without a second thought.
"Be careful Victor, you are about to witness the event that will bring about your birth and the truth of what really happened that day all those decades ago."
Victor opens the door to find the king and queen lying on the ground covered in blood, a figure stands over them drenched in blood, and another figure on their knees is left frozen at the sight before her eyes. He approaches the scene only to find the one drenched in blood is Rebekahs older sister, Freyja. Victor is shocked and struggles to find words as he looks on in disbelief.
"What... have you.... done?"