Riverwort Wharf, Lotus Marsh.
'You're not at the palace today, Narsillia?' asked Mariel as the two of them sat across from each other over lunch.
Gariel didn't answer, still focused on the food in front of him. Mariel had never seen her protégé quiet like that. Usually Gariel was always cheerful and smiling. However, this time there seemed to be something that bothered him and made Mariel curious. In fact, for almost two months, Gariel had not returned to the Saint Kingdom and monitored the guards around the kingdom's borders. Mariel was glad she could spend time alone with her protégé. Ever since Gariel became a Royal Sorcerer, she had no time to meet the super busy Gariel.
'You know how King Arus always asks how you are? He's very worried about you. Ever since your battle at Lake Cross a few months ago, King Arus feels that something has happened to you.' Mariel said again stopping her lunch and began to look at Gariel intensely.
'I'm fine, Master.' Gariel replied quietly.
'No, Gariel. I've known you for almost twenty years and if you're having a problem, you'll keep quiet.'
Gariel remained silent and just stared blankly at his empty plate.
'I heard that today Prince Terramai is going to Clement's Cave to meet Zakiel who has been tainted by darkness.' Mariel continued to change the subject and Gariel's expression immediately changed.
Mariel just smiled and already knew the cause of the problem.
'Did you fight with, Rupert?' Mariel asked again making Gariel flinch slightly.
'No.'
'I understand if you don't want to answer, Narsillia. But he needs your help and you cannot mix personal matters with your work as a Royal Sorcerer. Are all the lessons I've learnt so far going to waste because of this?' asked Mariel again not to be outdone and she just realised that Gariel was wearing a fairly large Sorcerer's outfit, different from usual.
'I have no problem with Prince Terramai. I've never mixed anything into my work either. Just wanted to meet the Master, that's all.' Gariel replied mumbling.
Mariel smiled happily, 'I'm glad you say that. But isn't it time you accompanied Rupert to Clement's Cave?'
Gariel stood up from his chair and picked up his wand,
'Wait-Why did you bring Malkuth Staff? Where is your usual wand? Raziel Staff?' asked Mariel confused.
Gariel stiffened and seemed to be hiding something.
'I-I wanted to bring a wand that was a bit lighter and less cumbersome to carry into battle.' replied Gariel nervously and immediately cast a teleport spell then disappeared from Mariel's presence.
'So-?' asked a heavy voice that appeared from the left side of the dining room.
'I'm sure, Your Honour.' replied Mariel, turning to a middle-aged man in his golden armour and thick black hair.
'Is it really Rupert's child?' asked Arus again somewhat uncertainly, but the corners of her lips were noticeably puffed up.
'Even though it's only been two months, Narsillia looks fat. He's also not wearing his usual tight clothes.' replied Mariel again reassuring the Saint Kingdom lord.
Arus breathed a sigh of relief and took a seat beside Mariel.
'Narsillia is really special. I didn't expect him to be--'
'-The child of Lord Elios and Lady Iris.' continued Mariel, cutting off Arus's words which were immediately punctuated by laughter from both of them.
'I didn't believe what you said twenty years ago. But, now I believe because Narsillia was gifted with something extraordinary from Elios.' replied Arus.
It was told in Shiltz that when the first world was formed, there was a main god named Elios. At that time Elios formed the universe and made it a gathering place for the ten Elim, the souls of Elios himself. He divided them into ten and each had their own job in making the current Shiltz. The names of the ten Elim are, Keterre the Beginning and the First to be supreme over the others. Secondly there is Hokma the Wisdom who gives knowledge to man. In third place is Hesed. Dean the Organiser, the adventurers of Shiltz pray to these Elim for direction. Vinagh the Strength, Craftsmen ask this fifth Elim for protection and when making weapons or armour. Neza the Fortune, whenever there is difficulty in travelling adventurers pray to the Elim Neza for good fortune. Tipareth the Beauty and Fertility gives good soil to farmers who are also flanked by Elim Neza and Elim Vinagh. The eighth is Hod and the ninth is Yesod the Peacemaker who provides prosperity for humans before the Dragon is resurrected. Lastly are the Elim Malkuth the Creator who made the world of Shiltz.
'The birthmark behind Narsillia's ear is very similar to the symbol of Lord Elios. I was never wrong because when the Five Dragons were resurrected Elios transformed into a human and sealed them with Lady Iris.' Mariel said explaining the history of Shiltz that had been passed down through generations.
'Does Elios know this? Narsillia who can conceive like a woman?' asked Arus again to Mariel, curious.
'I don't know. I think Lord Elios knows everything and he would never leave Narsillia alone.' Mariel replied, shrugging her shoulders.
'Then what will you do knowing this, Your Highness? Will you tell the people of Saint Kingdom?' Mariel continued.
'I need your help again, Mariel.' replied Arus briefly with a gentle smile.
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CLEMENT'S CAVE, FIRE ELEMENTAL SEAL.
This time Rupert only brought a few troops from the palace. The location and position of the Cave did not allow for bringing many troops. Rupert must be vigilant because the guardian of the Fire Element in this Cave seems temperamental and rude. Moreover, he who has been possessed by darkness will make Zakiel even more brutal. The cave, located at the edge of Zaid City, used to be a famous Saint Kingdom gold mining site. However, after the battle with Sky Dragon sixty years ago, this place became neglected and abandoned. In one of the innermost corners of the cave was a Fire Seal guarded by Zakiel The Guardian Of Fire.
'Prince Terramai? Why aren't you with Royal Sorcerer Narsillia anymore?' asked Jake who had recently joined in the arduous task.
'He's in Lotus Marsh with the Fairystar leader. I can't interrupt his visit, can I?' replied Rupert.
The atmosphere in the cave was suddenly very hot, even though it was still snowing outside. From in front of them came three legendary fire birds, Phoenixes at speed.
'Leviathan.' muttered Gariel and a Water Dragon demon appeared that obliterated the fire magic and made the royal army breathe a sigh of relief.
'Royal Sorcerer Narsillia!' exclaimed Jake happily.
Rupert only looked at Gariel who had arrived with an inexpressible gaze. Especially seeing Gariel's appearance which was somewhat different from usual. It seemed like Jake also noticed it and whispered to Rupert.
'Royal Sorcerer Narsillia looks different? Do you know why, Your Majesty?' asked Jake in a whisper.
'Focus Jake!' said Rupert ignoring Jake's question and walking after Gariel from behind.
Jake just grunted impatiently and followed the Prince's orders.
They entered the cave deeper, while eradicating the monsters that blocked their way. Jake and his troops were amazed to see the Royal Sorcerer walking without any difficulty even though her eyes were covered by a blindfold. After a long walk they came to an intersection where in the centre stood an elite monster that resembled half horse, half man. Death Knight Yami, the elite monster's name while carrying two large swords in both hands.
'Welcome. I've been waiting for you.' Yami greeted with a sly smile.
Gariel and Rupert immediately got ready as well as their troops.
'You and Royal Sorcerer Narsillia quickly meet Zakiel. I'll take care of this monster.' continued Jake from behind then advanced behind Rupert and Gariel.
'No, Jake. We won't leave you here.' replied Gariel holding Jake's hand.
'I beg you Mr Narsillia! Trust me!' snapped Jake demandingly while looking at Rupert for approval.
'Are you sure about this, Jake? Can you promise us you will return safely?' asked Rupert sharply looking into Jake's eyeballs.
'I won't be called Jake The Defender if I lose to this monster.' replied Jake excitedly and pulled his sword from its sheath.
Rupert nodded in understanding and pulled Gariel's hand from Jake's arm.
'Wait. I'll give Jake some support magic.' said Gariel pointing her wand at Jake.
'This magic only lasts one hour. You must complete it in one hour. Understood, Jake?' asked Gariel again looking worried.
Jake nodded his head and ran to the centre of the intersection and clashed swords with Death Knight Yami. Gariel, Rupert and the rest of the troops turned left towards Zakiel's place. The sound of swords clashing could be heard loudly in the area, where Death Knight Yami and Jake were fighting fiercely. Jake unleashed his area magic which made the ground in the cave tremble violently.
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'Are you okay, Gariel?' asked Rupert seeing Gariel walking unsteadily.
'Yes.' Gariel replied softly while holding his painful stomach.
'Do you want to rest for a while?' asked Rupert but Gariel's head shook and he walked back to the front.
Suddenly a giant fireball appeared towards them. Gariel saw it and immediately cast protection magic.
'Sanctuary!' he called out and the giant fireball instantly disappeared when it touched Gariel's Light magic.
Then Gariel fell down after casting the magic spell while holding his wand as a support. Rupert who saw this was only surprised and approached Gariel.
'What's wrong Gariel? You don't look like your usual self?' asked Rupert worriedly holding the male wizard's shoulder.
Gariel flinched slightly because he felt the touch of Rupert's hand again, after all this time he tried to avoid it.
'Well, well. Who comes to my residence like this? Narsillia and Prince Terramai?' said a voice that echoed throughout the cave.
'Zakiel?' muttered Rupert.
A man the size of a normal human appeared. He was tall and handsome while wearing a striking red armour with wings of the same colour. Holding a flaming fire sword in his right hand. Zakiel The Guardian Of Fire was one of the seven strongest Elemental Guardians along with Samael, The Guardian Of Darkness. Rupert wondered if Zakiel was also affected by the curse of darkness that Hananiel had said a few months ago.
'He was also affected by the curse, Rupert.' Gariel murmured rather quietly, but he could hear the words of the Royal Sorcerer who was in his arms.
As if he could read his mind, Rupert immediately turned to Gariel.
'Really? He looks normal to me.' replied Rupert feeling happy that for almost two months Gariel finally wanted to say his name again.
'Zakiel's appearance is not like this. None of the Seven Guardians of the Shiltz Elemental Pillar wore armour or swords. Zakiel and Samael are the strongest of the other Seven Pillar Guardians, we must be careful.' said Gariel trying to stand up.
'I'll take care of it. You just rest first.' said Rupert preparing with his sword and silver shield.
Gariel was surprised to see Rupert's sword shining brightly. It was different from his previous sword. He saw Rupert's very serious face when he spoke like that. Gariel had not looked directly at the face of the handsome Prince of the Saint Kingdom for a long time. Her heart always fluttered at the stern lines of his face that contrasted with his dark skin colour.
'You've changed a lot, Narsillia. Even when your mother sent you to the Seven Dimensions so that Lenias would not know of your existence. Lady Iris is very wise.' Zakiel said, walking slowly towards the two of them.
Suddenly Gariel held his head in pain and small memories began to creep into him. Rupert was surprised and tried to calm Gariel down.
'Prince Terramai I'm surprised you're so protective of Narsillia. King Arus must have educated you well. Did your father never tell you anything about him? A Knight who has many secrets.' Zakiel said again.
'What do you mean?' asked Rupert annoyed when Zakiel mentioned his father's name.
'Wow! King Arus must not realise that he is the one who determines Shiltz's existence now. Wouldn't it be good if I told everyone even those not related to you?' Zakiel asked back.
'Watch your language! He is the supreme ruler of Saint Kingdom and will restore peace to Shiltz!' Rupert exclaimed in a high-pitched voice.
'Really? Or is it just my hunch that King Arus not only wants to restore the territories belonging to Saint Kingdom, but wants to take control of Anu Arendel and Archeart Kingdom as well, oops?' Zakiel smiled slyly and covered his mouth with one of his palms.
Rupert and Gariel gasped when they heard this. The sound of two objects rubbing against each other made Rupert wake up and see that Gariel was no longer beside him, but was already fighting Zakiel in front.
'Don't talk so much, Zakiel! Go back to who you were before!' Gariel shouted, pressing his wand towards Zakiel.
'You look like your mother when she's angry, Narsillia.' Zakiel retorted, stomping his sword hard and Gariel was sent flying backwards.
'Giga Flame!' said Zakiel and pointed his flaming sword at Gariel and a giant fireball appeared towards them.
'Iron Will!' cried Rupert, coming forward and holding the giant fireball with both hands.
'Rupert!!!' cried Gariel in shock as the handsome Prince shielded himself and dispelled the high-level fire magic with both hands.
Rupert held the fire magic until his armour sleeves were burnt off and then he threw the fireball away and disappeared. Then he came forward and clashed swords with Zakiel. Gariel was very confused and surprised that Rupert could have such power just now. No one had ever been able to withstand Phoenix-level fire magic like that with their bare hands. Moreover, that sword, it was very different and stronger than usual. Gariel stood up and tried to endure the pain and then positioned her wand forward.
'Soul Gate.' said Gariel and a magic portal appeared that was different from the portal for teleporting.
The portal is round and transparent like a mirror. It was red in colour and on the bottom right and left sides there were chains holding it up.
'Rupert!' called Gariel and suddenly three ghosts emerged from the portal.
Rupert who looked back immediately dodged to the left as two small ghosts and one large ghost flew towards Zakiel as well as Gariel who teleported quickly to the front of Zakiel and spun his staff.
'Soul Scream!!!'
A large white female spirit appeared and screamed very loudly screeching the ears of anyone who heard it towards Zakiel making him bounce back. Gariel immediately fell back while casting the magic spell. Rupert immediately ran to the unconscious Gariel and carried her to where their troops were still fighting against other monsters.
'Cane, please take care of Gariel for a while. I'll take care of Zakiel.' Rupert said, leaning Gariel's body against the cave wall.
'But, Your Honour-?' Cane's words were cut off because Rupert had stood up and ran back to Zakiel who was still lying there.
Rupert and Zakiel again clashed swords nimbly.
'What's wrong with Narsillia, hm? He can't stand up anymore?' asked Zakiel in between himself cornering Rupert against the cave wall.
'Don't talk so much, Zakiel! I'll beat you!' exclaimed Rupert pushing Zakiel's body again and attacking with his sword again without stopping.
'Fire Wall!' Zakiel shouted and a wall of fire appeared around him.
Rupert took quick action and immediately retreated backwards to avoid Zakiel's fire magic.
'I was amazed by your performance that first time. Will you be able to stop my magic this time?' asked Zakiel again positioning his sword in front of his face then exclaimed,
'Rolling Lava!'
A large lava rock appeared and rolled rapidly towards Rupert. Clutching his sword tightly, Rupert prayed then raised his sword high up.
'Elim Malkuth the Creator give me the power to eradicate this darkness in my heart! Electric Smite!!!' his cry echoed in the cave.
Gariel woke up to the sound of Rupert's voice reflecting off the walls of the cave.
'Are you all right, Mr Narsillia?' asked Cane, waking up Gariel who finally opened his eyes fully.
Gariel nodded slowly and picked up his staff that was lying on the ground and tried to get up. Then he saw Rupert who was jumping and his silver sword turned into a large and brightly lit mace that broke the fire magic released by Zakiel just now. But unexpectedly for Rupert, from the direction in front of him appeared a Phoenix fire bird that was quite large towards him and he did not have time to dodge.
'Rupert!!!' shouted Gariel when Rupert was hit by the fire magic and his body burned with Zakiel's fire.
Gariel propped herself up on his wand and tried to walk towards Rupert who was already on the ground holding his entire body.
'Ja-Don't come any closer!' said Rupert trying to stand up while holding his sword.
Gariel was shocked to see Rupert's burnt body as well as his armour that was no longer there. Revealing his muscular athletic body as well as his dark-coloured skin. His long hair that was tied up looked charming and suddenly the fire that burned him just disappeared.
'No way-' Zakiel stared in disbelief because his magic had just been repelled by Rupert.
Rupert laughed while panting and his eyes partially closed trying to stand strong.
'I'm not the weak and timid Terramai I used to be! I've changed a lot to protect the people I love! Look carefully Gariel, this is a magic that only the main god, Elios, can do. Now I can also use it.' Rupert said this without even looking back, making Gariel dumbfounded.
Rupert stood up straight and positioned his sword high into the air. Suddenly a small light appeared from the tip of the sword and on Rupert's back appeared white wings that were very striking with his dark skin colour. Zakiel was also unable to move when the light shone on his body.
'Magnus Exorcimus.'
The form of a war angel emerged from Rupert's body and advanced quickly towards Zakiel while thrusting the sword he was holding forward. As it pierced through Zakiel's body, the war angel took the dark side that was on the body of the Shiltz Elemental Pillar Guardian and disappeared. Zakiel fell down and his body slowly changed to not wearing armour anymore but a white linen cloth covering his body while carrying a yellowish coloured magic wand, the Nitras Staff.
A moment after releasing the Light magic, the wings on Rupert's back slowly disappeared and his body lost balance and fell to the ground of the cave. Gariel woke up from his reverie and went straight to Rupert to pick him up.
'How was it? Do I look cool?' asked Rupert laughing slightly with his eyes still closed.
Gariel hugged Rupert's head into his arms while sobbing and his eye patch felt wet.
'Cool-very cool-' murmured Gariel still hugging Rupert tightly.
'I'm sorry, Narsillia.' said Zakiel standing in front of Gariel while bowing his body.
Gariel shook his head softly,
'No, I'm not. It's not your fault, Zakiel. I'm glad you're back to your old self. Do you remember the person who turned you into that?' asked Gariel raising his head and looking up at Zakiel.
'King Feather. He called himself that. I did not know him, Narsillia. But I feel an aura of evil from within his body and it resembles someone.' replied Zakiel.
'Who?' asked Gariel.
'Galadriel, the shadow of Elim Yesod.' Zakiel continued looking at Gariel sharply.
'What? Isn't it said that all the dark shadows of the ten Elim have been destroyed by God Elios?' asked Gariel again.
'No, no. There are still four that have not been destroyed by Elios. They are still nesting in Shiltz and waiting for the right time while opening the Seal of the Five Dragons.' Zakiel replied.
Gariel just fell silent not knowing what to say anymore.
'I hope you will immediately return Samael to his original form. I'm afraid he will be a part of opening the Dragon Seal and will not be able to guard the Pillar of Darkness again.' Zakiel continued.
Gariel was shocked and turned his eyes away. If one of the Seven Pillar Guardians could not return to its position then it was certain that Shiltz would be destroyed in a matter of seconds.