"In other breaking news, the Libra Justice Base has been destroyed and our local heroes are currently investigating the matter! If anyone could give us any information about how this came to be, please do not hesitate to inform your Authorities or Grand Rank Heroes!" The news anchor said, fixing her stack of papers.
April sat in the kitchen eating a bowl of cereal and hummed softly. "Do you all think it was The Fallen..?"
"I doubt it was them...but who would target the Libra Kingdom like this? It makes no sense.." Nina said, sitting back in her seat with a soft sigh.
I looked at April and Nina then glanced back at the TV, staying silent. I watched as the news showed the damages done to the base Mariella and I destroyed last night. I let out a soft exhale, standing up and the girls looked at me.
"August? Where are you going?" Lily asked, tilting her head.
"Yeah, you barely touched your food too...is something wrong?" Raven wondered, her tone tinged with concern for me.
I gave a smile to the girls and shook my head. "Everything is alright, just feeling a little tired after training with Nagini last night. I just need some fresh air and some sun to wake me up."
The girls all watched me walk outside and glanced at each other, noticing I was becoming a lot more secretive than before. Maliz noticed their growing suspicions and gently bit her finger, knowing if they found out my secret, they would probably leave my side.
I went out to the backyard and sat down beside a tree and looked at the sky, letting out a soft sigh. Sephora and Leona appeared beside me in their Serpent and Lion forms, sensing my distress and took their places in either side if me.
"My Knight, what's wrong?" Leona asked, laying her head on my lap and looked up at me.
"I don't think I can keep lying to them...I have to tell them that I am a Dark Lord sooner or later. If they find out on their own, it's the same as betrayal. I can feel the guilt eating me alive," I said, looking down at Leona, gently rubbing her head.
Leona's tail swayed at my touch, a soft purr rumbling from her throat. "I know how you feel, My Knight...but I'm sure if you told them, they would understand."
"You walk a fine line between hero and villain as the Hero of Origin. You're primarily a Hero but with a Darker Impulse. Your hero sides, Zodiac and Angel, balances your darker sides, Spirit and Demon. Your alliances are with the Zodiacs yes...but when you're out at night, who do you align with?" Sephora asked, shifting into her human form and sat next to me, taking me into her embrace.
I closed my eyes and leaned against Sephora, enjoying her fingers running through my hair. "Well when I'm out at night, I align with the Dark Lords...but my intentions are to defeat The Fallen like what I did at the Libra Justice Base.."
Sephora and Leona listened to my words carefully, understanding where I stood. Meanwhile, Nina, April, and Lily began eavesdropping with Nina manipulating the wind currents to make the soundwaves traverse to their ears.
"So August destroyed the base last night..? Wait he's a Dark Lord..?" Lily whispered, looking at April and Nina.
"Yeah...it—"
Maliz dragged all three of them back inside and tossed them on the couch, causing April, Nina, and Lily to grunt. She looked at the three and crossed her arms. "Eavesdropping now? Do you not trust August?"
"It's not...that we don't trust him. It's just that he's been so secretive for the last week! We deserve to know what's going on!" April argued, sitting up straight on the couch.
"Yeah! What good is the team if we aren't 100% transparent anymore? We are built off trust and the love of one another. It hurts when August is hiding things away from us," Lily said, lowering her head.
"It's not cool... especially when the leader we've trusted so much is starting to change before our very eyes," Nina added, crossing her arms.
Maliz stared at the three and noticed Raven walk into the room. Raven overheard what was going on and looked at Maliz, silently telling her that she'll take over. Maliz rose an eyebrow then shrugged, walking to the side.
"I know it may seem like August is lying to you three, but let me play Terminus's Advocate for a moment. What if August is hiding his secret to keep you all safe? That's what I do to keep the children of my Kingdom safe. August is currently still understanding the moral gray area he walks due to his Demon Abilities," Raven said, her gaze shifting between the three.
April twirled a strand of hair around her finger and narrowed her gaze from Raven's. "I guess, but it kinda hurts when our boyfriend is going behind our backs and keeping the secret of him being a Dark Lord away from us."
Raven's expression softened as April spoke then she let out a soft sigh. "A Dark Lord huh? Well even still, I'm sure he would've told you eventually.."
"When? Once they destroy the planet? Once they've captured every hero in their disposal and corrupt them?" April asked, shooting Raven a leer.
I walked into the living room, overhearing the conversation and stepped forward. "Right now.."
Everyone turned around to look at me, their gazes meeting my direct glance and serious expression. Raven and Maliz glanced at each other then took their seats, knowing everyone was in for a serious conversation.
I looked at April, Lily, and Nina, noticing then struggle to keep their eyes on me. I let out a soft sigh and crossed my arms, closing my eyes. "You know I love you all a lot, so what I am about to say isn't going to be easy for me just like I won't be easy for any of you... I am a Dark Lord. The first and possibly the only male Dark Lord."
"You all may view me differently from this moment on, but it isn't like I'm out here mindlessly destroying everything I come across. Not even Mariella does that. All she wants to do is unseal her Dark Lord sisters and escape Earth to fulfill their given destinies while I am using my power to destroy The Fallen one by one," I continued, glancing at the three of them.
"What about the Libra Justice Base you destroyed? How do you explain that?" Nina asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It was already corrupted by The Fallen before I even got there. It was a Fallen Settlement, but as the rules of the universe implies, what is destroyed can be created again. That's the rule the Dark Lords run by. They aren't as evil as everyone makes them seem. It's their nature to Destroy. They can't change the force of nature they are," I answered.
"And those other nights you were out..." April asked, her gaze finally meeting mine directly.
"I was only pillaging...albeit, targeting both Hero and Fallen Settlements for the Notoriety and to get stronger as a Dark Lord, but this was my first actual razing of a base," I said, meeting April's gaze.
"Are you still on our side?" Lily asked, her tone more quiet and reserved.
I looked at Lily, giving her a reassuring smile. I nodded at her. "Don't worry, Lily...I am still leaning on the side of Heroes, but to be the Hero of Origin I am to be, I must also play my part that extends further than the Zodiacs. I myself am also a Force of Nature, the reincarnation of Henosis. We all have our roles to play.."
Their nerves seemed to calm down at my answers and they've begun to understand where I come from now. The tension once present in the room was now slowly lessening and soon died down as April, Lily, and Ninw finally completely calmed their nerves.
"Alright, we believe you. We would just like it if you weren't secretive about it, okay..?" April asked, a soft smile curling on her lips.
"I got it.." I agreed, returning her smile then slipped my hands into my pockets. "I do want your help with something later tonight. It's best if we go at it as vigilantes and not heores though."
The girls looked at each other before turning their gazes back toward me. They all became curious, but Maliz was more amused than they were.
"What is it?" April asked.
"It's regarding Mariella. I'm going to help her revive the Dark Lords and get them on our side against The Fallen and Cetus. I'm gonna help free them from their chains. It's risky, but if all goes well...we not only will have the Infinity Council on our side, but also the Dark Lords," I said, hoping they would consider the possibility.
April, Lily, Nina, and Raven glanced at each other, unsure of my proposal, but the prospect of having World Destroyers on the side of good was enticing to them. They discussed amongst themselves for a moment considering the pros and cons.
After a moment, April looked at me and spoke up. "We'll do it under one condition."
"Mhm?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"We'll do it...for as long as you promise to not destroy any more Zodiac Bases or any Hero Settlements, only pillage them and save them from The Fallen's hands. You have to get the Dark Lords to promise that as well!" Lily answered, her expression a mix of determination and hopefulness.
I smiled at them and nodded. "Alright, you have my word as a fellow Zodiac Knight and Hero. I will not destroy any Zodiac or Hero Settlements."
The girls nodded and smiled back at me and with our agreement, we agreed to meet with Mariella tonight to awaken the Tree of Life in the Virgo Kingdom to unseal Floria.
----------------------------------------
The night fell and I drove us to the Virgo Kingdom, stopping by St. Meishi academy to pick up Moira along the way. The drive there was filled with the girls asking questions to Moira to get to know her better, so she could feel as if she was a part of The Pride as well.
Once we made it to the target area, we got out the van then began to traverse the serene woods until we finally reached Mariella's location. Mariella and Ylva noticed me approaching with April and the others and she rose an eyebrow.
"Don't worry, Mariella. They are on our side, but we do have a condition for you," I said, looking at Mariella and adjusted my mask.
Mariella smirked and rose an eyebrow at me, placing a hand on her hip. "Oh..? A stipulation for me huh..? And what will that be?"
"We agree to help unseal the other Dark Lords in return, you help us against The Fallen and Cetus. We form an alliance and you agree to not destroy any Zodiac or Hero Settlements," I answered, slipping my hands into my pockets.
Mariella let out a soft laugh, clearly amused by our conditions. She looked at the girls behind me and crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. "Alright..~ I'll play along, but I'm not too sure if any Dark Lord beyond Floria would be willing to help as easily."
"That's fine. I'll be sure to be convincing enough," I said, my eyes faintly glowing behind my mask.
Mariella giggled softly and walked forward. "Right. Anyways, follow me. We have a lot to do. For me to create the Tree of Life Facility, I would need to summon a Dungeon. There will be no Altar nor Prison so if your monsters die during this time, they will remain dead."
I followed behind Mariella with my team, raising an eyebrow. "No Altar or Prison? What are you gonna use then?"
"To make the Tree of Life, you need a Floral Sprout Battle Room and Two Laboratory Facilities. The Laboratory Facilities will gather Nature Energy to cause the Sprout to grow and form into the Tree of Life, but it takes time," Mariella explained, getting into an open enough area then summoned a basic dungeon.
Mariella began installing the Laboratories where the Prison and Altar rooms were then installed the Floral Sprout Battle Room in the center of the dungeon. She installed Trap Rooms around the Floral Sprout Room and activated the Laboratories.
"I need you all to protect the Floral Sprout, the Laboratories, and me at the same time. The process will take an hour and due to my Notoriety, waves of powerful Heroes will begin to invade and try to kill me," Mariella said, looking at each of us.
We nodded and I began to deploy the girls into different areas of the Dungeon to guard and protect. I guarded the Floral Sprout, April and Raven began to guard the Left Laboratory while Nina and Lily guarded the Right Laboratory. Maliz and Moira stayed with Ylva to help guard the Boss Room. I summoned Shiva next to me to help me guard my position.
Once everything was set, all there was left to do was to wait for the invasion to start.
{Invasion Beginning...}
{Rank of Invading Heroes: Elite and Grand}
{Hero Type(s): Royal Knights, Priestess, Angels, Grand Paladin, Reverend Mother, Executioner}
"Master, the invasion is beginning. Let us protect and defend this Dungeon at all costs," Shiva said, bracing herself for battle.
I watched as the first wave of heroes rushed into the dungeon and charged right toward us. "Right. Stay on your guard, Shiva. I don't need you losing any of your cores unnecessarily."
"Charge forward! Take down all enemies and dispel this dungeon!" The Grand Paladin commanded, leading the first wave of heroes into the dungeon.
Royal Knights rushed toward the Floral Sprout Room and the Laboratories, aiming to destroy the dungeon rooms respectively. I commanded Shiva forward and watched as she rushed forward toward our wave of Royal Knights, taking them down with a powerful blizzard. The Royal Knights tried to push forward, but couldn't, each of them getting blown away by the sheer force of Shiva's power.
April and Raven began to defend the Left Laboratory, taking down the invading Royal Knights together. April charged forward, cloaking herself in War Energy and ramming into the Royal Knights, knocking them airborne. Raven took the chance to launch a powerful red lightning arrow at the airborne knights, landing her mark and causing a massive explosion in the air.
Meanwhile, Nina and Lily defended the Right Laboratory, working together to make sure none of the Royal Knights interrupted the process of gathering Nature Energy for the Floral Sprout. Nina launched a burst of wind energy toward the Royal Knights, pushing them away then Lily hurled am orb of light energy toward them, the orb connecting against the knights and exploding.
{Notice: First Boss Unit incoming.}
{Boss Unit: Grand Paladin - Evie Light}
Evie rushed forward, noticing her squad was wiped out within minutes. She evade each trap room and rushed forward toward the Floral Sprout Room, noticing me and dashed forward with a powerful slash.
I adjusted my mask then rushed forward, using my gauntlet to block her attack. I glanced at Evie and my eyes slightly widened as I recognized her. "Evie..?"
Evie's eyes widened, surprised that I knew her name then pushed me back. She hopped backwards twice and readied her sword. "You...how do you know my name?"
"Evie is that girl with the Pink Light Ability you used to go to school with right? Once friends, now meeting on the opposite sides of battle..." Leona said in her Spirit Form, invisible in Evie's eyes.
I closed my eyes and adjusted my mask again, exhaling softly and calming my nerves. 'I need to make this quick. I can't allow her to pass here and see April and the others. She's still a friend, so I'll only incapacitate her.'
Evie's pink aura surged around her body and she lowered her posture. "Since you're not gonna answer me, I'll just force it out of you, villain!"
Evie let out a bellow as she dashed toward me, leaping forward with a barrage of slashes. I evaded and blocked each slash, countering with a Black Demon Fist and striking her chest, black lightning flashing upon impact. Evie groaned as she was knocked back then gasped as I appeared in front of her and knocked her in the air.
"Burst Skill..." I said calmly, red and black lightning crackling around my arm. "Akaoni..."
I landed a direct blow to her midsection, red and black lightning flashing upon impact. Evie grunted heavily as she was hit, a pulse of demonic energy circling my hand before knocking her away. Evie crashed into a tree and fell to the ground, looking up at me slowly and noticing my terrifying presence.
"Leave now while you still have your life intact. Others wouldn't show you mercy...so take mine and escape!" I said, stepping forward with authority.
Evie grunted softly as she stood up, clutching her stomach and escaping the Dungeon. I watched her retreating form, exhaling softly and walking back to the sprout, noticing it growing gradually.
{Notice: First Boss Unit defeated.}
{Tree of Life Progress: 35%}
Shiva hovered toward me and sensed my emotional toll, gently placing a hand on my shoulder. "Master..?"
I glanced at Shiva, smiling at her behind my mask then shook my head. "I'm alright, Shiva. I just ended the battle as fast as I could. I don't want Evie getting too hurt, but I know it won't be the last I'll see of her. For now, let's focus on the task at hand."
Shiva nodded and sensed an attack from the second wave of enemies, dodging a barrage of rays of light that rained down toward us. I dodged the rays of light as well then blocked a powerful sword beam of light, grunting lightly as I was pushed back.
{Notice: Second Boss Unit incoming.}
{Boss Unit: Reverend Mother - Mother Diana}
"Geez, there's no rest for the wicked huh?" April said, evading the barrage of light rays and striking down the invading Priestesses.
Raven covered April's blind spots, firing arrows at the Priestesses and striking them down one by one. "Hmph! We are wrapped up with a powerful and notorious Dark Lord now. We can expect these kinds of invasions on missions like these!"
Ylva howled as a few Priestesses managed to slip into her Battle Room and began to strike them down with Maliz and Moira. Maliz began warping the battle room around to confuse and disorirent the invading Priestesses then Moira used her Demon Statue to conjure a pillar of Spiritual Nature Pillar, the pillar of energy striking down the Priestesses.
Mother Diana sensed her squad was wiped out then dodged my attack and scoffed lightly. She stood up straight and looked at her watch, checking the time. "Hmph...you're all good at stalling for time. I must retreat. I have a service to attend to in the morning."
I watched ae Mother Diana retreated and rose an eyebrow. 'She's just leaving like that..?'
Shiva was also a bit confused, lowering her guard then exhaled softly. "Well...I suppose that one was easier than the last invasion.."
"Yeah..." I said, nodding in agreement.
I looked back at the tree now blooming behind us, beautiful light green energy flowing around the tree and healing everyone within the dungeon. I looked at my hands, noticing life force energy flowing around me and felt rejuvenated.
{Notice: Second Boss Unit defeated.}
{Tree of Life Progress: 70%}
As I waited patiently for the next wave, only two units appeared and caught the eyes of both me and Shiva. The two units, an Archangel and the Executioner, began to approach the two of us and readied their weapons.
{Notice: Third Boss Units incoming.}
{Boss Unit(s): Archangel and Executioner - Raphiel and Minerva}
Raphiel spread her angelic wings, outstretching her arms and a halo formed behind her head. "Lady Minerva, since the other two Commanders failed, it's up to us to defeat the Dark Lord and her army.."
Minerva smiled with a serene expression on her face. Her blue and white nun outfit began to flow with the wind, her cross necklace shining brightly around her neck. She grabbed it and it transformed into a Holy Revolver in her hand.
"By the Sovereign of Creation's Will, I will expel the darkness from my land. May the Sovereign have mercy on you during her Divine Judgement," Minerva said, getting into her battle stance.
I adjusted my gauntlets and stared at the two then focused on Minerva. I stepped forward and my fiery energy spiralled around my body. "Shiva, let's take them down."
"Right," Shiva nodded, readying herself for battle.
I lowered my posture then launched myself toward Minerva, launching a swift strike aimed at her face but she evaded the attack. She landed a swift back kick upon my stomach then pivoted into a quick right hook, but I managed to dodge it and connect a powerful right hook to her chin. Minerva grunted as she was knocked airborne then I went for a follow up, but Minerva manifested wings and flew backwards to evade my strike.
Shiva launched a barrage of ice shards toward Raphiel, flying after her as she engaged in an airborne battle with her. Raphiel evaded each ice shard and flew backwards, launching a barrage of light toward Shiva. Shiva summoned an ice barrier and blocked Raphiel's attacks.
"I don't know what you're planning here, but we won't allow you to complete your task!" Minerva declared, firing multiple light bullets at me.
I held my hand out then tried to absorb the bullets, but the bullets shined and exploded, knocking me back. I recovered onto my feet and slid backwards, grunting softly. I looked up and noticed more bullets of light flying toward me then summoned my Origin Blade, deflecting them swiftly.
I bellowed and my Crest of Conquest shined brightly on my hand, Spirit Energy flowing around my body powerfully. I transformed into my Conquest Form, my mask cracking and breaking in two, revealing my Yaoke Sigils in my eyes.
"Come, show me your conviction then, Executioner," I taunted, getting into my stance and watching Minerva closely.
Minerva noticed my form and felt her heart skip a few beats. 'That Form...No, he couldn't be The Hero. Why would he be working with a Dark Lord if he was..?'
Minerva shook her head then rushed forward, leaping forward with a roundhouse kick, but my Spirit Energy repelled her away. She grunted as she landed on her feet and slid backwards. She tried to rush forward once again, but invisible forces began rapidly striking her then I appeared in front of her.
'He's fast..! No...it's not that he's fast...he warped..!' Minerva thought, her eyes widening as I struck her with a gut punch, blowing her away.
Minerva groaned as she hit the tree then fell onto one knee. She slowly looked up and grunted as she felt a manipulation in the space between us. I began to manipulate the space between us, pulling Minerva toward me. I kicked her away, summoning my Conqueror's Bow and aiming it at her.
"Burst Skill: Dominating Volley," I said, generating a Celestial Arrow then firing it at her
The arrow split into multiple arrows, striking Minvera as she was in the air, multiple explosions knocking her away. She hit the ground and panted in exhaustion, laying on the ground and huffing.
"Lady Minvera!" Raphiel called out, noticing Minvera becoming overwhelmed.
Raphiel deflected Shiva's next attack then landed a powerful kick to her neck, sending her crashing into the ground. She flew toward Minvera and held her in her arms, warping away and retreating.
I looked at Shiva, noticing her getting back into her feet and rubbing her neck then noticed an interface appear in front of me.
{Notice: Third Boss Units defeated.}
{Tree of Life Progress: 100%}
I looked at the massive Tree of Life in front of me then noticed a figure emerging out of the tree and hurried forward to catch them before they hit the ground. I held them in my arms and gazed at them, studying their appearance. The person began to slowly open their eyes, grunting softly and gazing back up at me.
'Wow... she's really beautiful..' I thought, my gaze lingering onto hers for a moment longer than intended.
The figure in my arms was a woman that exuded a magical and nature-inspired charm, embodying the essence of a forest nymph or druid. She had long, flowing blonde hair that cascades down her back, contributing to her ethereal and enchanting look.
Her eyes were a soft teal blue and she had a serene and joyful expression, suggesting a peaceful and kind demeanor. Her skin is fair and smooth, complementing her overall gentle and nature-connected appearance. She wears a crown made of green leaves and red roses, symbolizing her role as a guardian or spirit of the forest.
She was wearing a green bikini-style top that blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings, emphasizing her connection to nature. Her lower half was adorned with a flowing green skirt that resembles leaves or natural foliage, enhancing her forest nymph aesthetic. She had vines wrapped around her legs, decorated with red flowers, adding to her botanical theme and giving her an earthy, grounded look.
"Hey, are you and Shiva alright?" Mariella called out then noticed I was holding Floria in my arms, a smile playing on her lips. "Well, looks like you're finally unsealed from your Sprout, Floria..~"
Floria looked over at Mariella then softly gasped, quickly getting out of my arms then hurried to hug her sister, giving her a tight squeeze. "Mariella..! It's been far too long since I've last seen you.."
Mariella smiled and hugged Floria back, giving her a tight squeeze as well. "I've missed you too...now we can unseal the others and go from there.."
I smiled at their reunion, standing up and noticing the others gathering in the Tree of Life Facility. The reunion seemed to fill everyone's hearts with warmth despite Mariella and Floria being Dark Lords. I noticed another interface appearing in front of me and felt my O-System buzzing.
{Day 8 Complete.}
{Souls Earned: 0}
{Souls: 300 [MAX!]}
{Gold Earned: 150}
{Current Gold: 863}
{Notoriety Points Earned: +80}
{Notoriety Points: 500}
{Notice: New event available! Go to the Dark Lord Merchant Plaza and talk to Jinx.}