The sound of galloping horses rumbles towards the remote city. An army of Humans is approaching at high speed, riding horse-like constructs made of steel and powered by magic. They carry spears, swords, war axes, and a war banner, as if preparing to wage war against whoever dares to attack their territory.
The sky is dark, but they navigate the city as easily as in daylight. The horses are equipped with navigation features and an interactive map that can detect the mana flow in their surroundings, making it easier for them to find their way and stay aware of their environment, including the couple they pass by.
The Captain and the Magic Experts of the army didn't detect any mana flow from the couple they had just passed. They quickly assumed that the two were just ordinary humans and elves with low mana, typical of their kind. There are others who likely need their help as they begin the expedition.
But what they fail to realize is that they care far too little about the passing couple. The Young Man and the lady who passed the army are the very ones who caused The Seven Pillars of Light to descend upon the city, prompting the start of the expedition to aid them. Now that everything is over, the calamity duo has just left the city.
"Captain, The Human's reinforcement is approaching." one of the Seven Pillars of Light reporting.
"Alright, we must not let them know about our operations here. Therefore, I need one of us to stay and explain the situations." explain The Captain of The Seven Pillars of Light, Eryndor Lysander.
One of Seven Pillars of Lights members then raise her hands and volunteer, "Captain! I'll do it!"
"Veronica! You're the best candidate for this, I'll leave the rest to you." Eryndor put a faith on her.
"Roger that Captain, leave this to me!" said Veronica while salute at him.
Thus, The Seven Pillars of Light leave the human city and fly back to their home above the sky. Veronica de Aldebaran, one of their members, stays behind to ensure the official story aligns with their intentions. She becomes the representative responsible for explaining the events to the human officials.
However, Veronica has her own motive for doing so, particularly towards the Human Kingdom, which she holds in the highest regard.
Veronica is known in the Kingdom of Valhalla as the most optimistic member of the Seven Pillars of Light. She's also the newest addition, having filled the vacant seat in the elite squad after it was lost during The Evil King's reign of calamity. Her prowess is not to be underestimated, and her ability to get along with the other members is equally formidable.
She is one of the Sky Residents who stands out from the others. While most Sky Residents have golden or golden-white hair, she is the one with black hair and brown eyes, resembling a human. Her wings also share the characteristics of an owl's feathers, making her undetectable when she swiftly flies toward her target.
Not long after the other members of the Seven Pillars of Light flying high, Veronica entered one of the stores in the city, "Excuse meee...."
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The moon stands high, shining brightly in the dark sky. The crackling sound of the bonfire breaks the silence of the night, echoing through the forest. Water bubbles above the flames, cooking a delicious stew inside a pot.
After their identities were exposed to many, Anna and the Young Man set up camp in the forest. They knew they could never return to civilization and would have to endure living far from humans. However, from the very beginning, the Young Man and Anna never needed to coexist with humans or other races. They lived independently, relying solely on their own strength, much like beasts.
The Young Man had no appetite like normal living beings, and Anna, who lived like a plant, had no need for food either. Yet, for some reason, Anna decided to cook a stew over the bonfire, even though she knew it would never truly satisfy her. It was similar to how the Young Man used to drink coffee back in the city, knowing full well he didn't need it, but he wanted it nonetheless.
"Hey.... Uhh... Can I still call you Steve? You're still nameless and it's hard to call you." Anna confused.
"I have no interest to such trivial matters. Call me whatever you feel fit." answer the Young Man.
"So, golden boy is okay then?" mock Anna.
"Tell me a good reason why you call me that." the Young Man closed his eyes trying to make her feel ashamed.
"Oho... You said you had no interest in such trivial matters." Anna continues with her mocking.
"That's no trivial anymore."
The Young Man opened his eyes, sensing that his new nickname was not just a random phrase from her lips. He felt an ominous intention behind her words, a dark undertone that was clearly reflected in her voice. Now, he was intrigued by what Anna might want to discuss with him.
"Alright, alright, don't give that look you're scaring me you know...." Anna smiled awkwardly.
"I had no intention to scare you, I just interested. That's all." the Young Man loosen his sharp eyes.
Knowing that he is the same as he was two thousand years ago, Anna felt relieved, "Then, I guess it's okay to tell you. I'm sorry."
Unexpected words came from her mouth, leaving the Young Man shocked, as he never expected her to apologize. The Anna he knew was a woman who held herself in high regard, especially concerning her treasures. But now, she seemed like someone who had lost everything.
"What's wrong? It's not like yourself." the Young Man pitying her.
"Nothing, I just feel bad being a bad lord for you. I mean, look where we are tonight."
It's true that Anna had decided to live outside if she were ever exposed for who she was. She had lived this way for almost two hundred years after her awakening. But now, she must share her miserable life with someone else, living together in a world where there is no place for them.
And as those feelings overcame her, a man in black attire emerged from the shadows of a tree in front of her. He was as unsettling as when she first met him: a wide, uncloseable smile of madness, eyes as large and red as blood that seemed to stare into her very soul, and skin as black as obsidian stone.
The man in the shadows stood behind the Young Man, who was aware of his presence without turning around. The man seemed to fear the Young Man as if he were a threat, ready to eliminate him at any moment. However, the Young Man paid him no mind.
"And look who's came to join the camp! Hey mister, wanna join the warm meal with us?" invites Anna.
Feeling invited, the man in the shadows disappeared into the darkness. In an instant, he appeared behind Anna, slowly revealing his true self. While the Young Man had shown no interest in him, the man in the shadows now felt liberated and free to move about wherever he pleased around them.
"What a party you're having here, Anna...." said the man in shadow in creepy voice.
"It's not like we want to but here I am back to my daily life but... with this man." Anna then laid back to the three behind her.
"Wonderful... Another person to invite and a precious one too..." the man in shadow smiling eerily.
Realizing that his presence had been acknowledged, the Young Man stared at the man in the shadows.
"Forget about it, he doesn't interested in such trivial matters." Anna suggest.
But the man in shadow persist, "Young Man... The name's Noir... I am Darker Than Dark... from an ominous organization called D.I.A.S... Dream.. Inspiration.. Aspiration.. Synchronicity..... I simply just want you to join our organization..."
"For what purpose?" ask The Young Man.
"To revive The Evil King." the man in shadow smiled eerily.
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"Is that true, Mrs. Veronica?!" The Captain of Human's army shocked.
"Mmmhhh.... At first I didn't expect to become like that. But who knows, right? They said it themselves." answer Veronica while munching snacks in her mouth.
The Captain of the Human army is having an interview with the representative of the Seven Pillars of Light. They discuss what the Human army missed upon their arrival and seek additional information. Fortunately, the Seven Pillars of Light left a representative to explain what had happened.
But the Captain of the Human army was not satisfied with her answer nor her attitude.
Having an interview inside a local treat shop, uncomfortable atmosphere, talking serious problem while eating treats, The Captain of Humans Army couldn't accept this. Moreover, she could fit so many food on her mouth yet she has such fit and ideal body every man's can dream having a partner like that.
"Quit screwing around, I have a position to maintained." The Captain covered his face in embarrassment.
"Eh...? Why? Didn't I've told you what we've been through while you're not here?" Veronica confused.
"Can you be serious right now...? Please...."
Veronica then analyzed the Captain and her surroundings as he showed signs of discomfort.
Veronica having an interview with The Captain of Human's Army. They talked inside a treat shop which not a proper place for a very serious topic. Veronica also eating while talking to him. many other members of the Human army are witnessing the interview, curious about what has transpired.
She then realized what she had been doing wrong all this time.
"I UNDERSTAND!!!" shout Veronica knowing what was she do wrong.
The Captain had high hopes upon hearing her positive reaction.
"You must leave for you to disrupt my happy time!" said Veronica confidently.
The Captain's veins throbbed as he heard what Veronica said. Despite her attempts to clarify or apologize for her bad attitude, Veronica dismissed them as nuisances and chased them away. Unable to tolerate her attitude any longer, the Captain went into a berserk mode.
"QUIT SCREWING AROUND!!!!" shout The Captain while throwing the table they use.
"Captain stop it you'll trigger unnecessary war." said one of his subordinates.
"Keep the patience captain." the other one follows.
"Captain, breath, remember to breath." also the other one.
The interview descended into chaos. Other members of the Human army tried to restrain the enraged Captain. Meanwhile, Veronica, confused by how things had spiraled, continued to snack innocently.
Then, out of nowhere, a soldier from the Human army emerged from the chaos and approached Veronica. He was a man of 155 cm in height, who had somehow been accepted into the military. His short stature allowed him to slip through the chaos with ease.
"Excuse me, ma'am. Last thing we need to know is where Malakar and Belladonna went after." ask the soldier.
"Oh... Why didn't you tell me earlier, they're heading towards your kingdom. The same way you enter this remote city." answer Veronica.
The soldier was shocked, realizing that the danger might be closer than they had anticipated