At long last, I returned to my home, where I was overjoyed to reunite with my son, whom I have proudly named Lancelot. This name carries the weight of history, as it belongs to a valiant warrior who played a pivotal role in ending the first holy war many centuries ago.
Lancelot is celebrated as a legendary hero whose bravery, alongside the united might of Elves, Dwarves, and Humans, led to the downfall and destruction of the fearsome Demon Clan.
Those who delve into the annals of history would surely recognize the significance of this name.
What I want for my son is to become a person of great strength, someone who can safeguard those he holds dear. Therefore, his name will now be Lancelot.
Observing Elaine's expression, it was clear that she understood the significance of this choice. She gave me approval before lifting Lancelot high into the air.
"I'm your mommy, and that's your daddy. That lady you were with was your auntie." Elaine said as Lancelot talked and grabbed her.
"Ahhhh! You look so cute! Here, hold him, Leon." Elaine handed me Lancelot, a small and bright bundle of sunshine.
Even if I didn't help to conceive him, I wished to treat him as my son. Blood didn't matter here, just as blood doesn't matter with my brothers—people who have stuck with me through the thick and thin.
He grabbed the air between us, producing playful, childlike sounds that filled the air.
After my extended stay in the hospital, this delightful interaction felt like a precious gift. I cherish this moment of happiness deeply. While I know my duties in the village are calling me back, I wish to enjoy this for a bit longer.
***
Upon waking up, I was greeted by the delightful scent of breakfast wafting through the air, compelling me to rise from my bed. The closer I got to the living room, the more my appetite surged, a reminder of the home-cooked meals I had missed for over a month. My stomach rumbled in anticipation, echoing my longing for a warm, satisfying meal.
Wearing a lovely red and white apron, Elaine expertly crafted a delightful breakfast featuring eggs, ham, bacon, and toast. At the same time, Lancelot, nestled in a high chair, joyfully waved his tiny arms in sheer delight.
"Well, good morning, sleeping beauty. Sleep well?" She asked as she turned around and gave me a lovely smile.
As I approached her, I leaned forward and softly kissed her right cheek before speaking up. "Last night was the best sleep I've had in months," I said warmly, settling comfortably beside Lancelot.
I tenderly took hold of his delicate little hands, spinning them around in a playful manner reminiscent of a cheerleader's lively routine. Lancelot, in response, erupted into a delightful stream of baby babble.
Meanwhile, Elaine finished her breakfast preparations and began to dish the food onto plates. Balancing two plates in her hands, she made her way over while a third plate gracefully hovered beside her, buoyed by the enchanting force of wind magic.
After placing a plate in front of me, she took a seat next to me. With the flick of her hand, she cut Lancelot's food into small and squishy-sized portions so that he could safely eat it.
"Say aw, buddy," Lancelot swung his tiny baby hands around happily as he ate his food. Elaine laughed as she watched me feed him. "He already takes after you with his hunger. He already ate most of it!"
"Lancelot takes after you for being messy when you eat," I said as I pointed at Elaine's crumbs all over the table. She looked down at her mess, saw Lancelot's messy face, and cleaned her mess up, causing me to laugh.
Moments like these are precisely why I yearned for a family, as my childhood lacked the warmth of a true familial bond. This longing stems from a desire to embrace the experiences I missed out on and provide my children with the love and support I was denied. I'm determined to ensure that Lancelot feels cherished and understands the significance of family in our lives.
I was enveloped in a wave of laughter that rose from deep within. A broad smile spread across my face, and I was overwhelmed by a comforting warmth that radiated from my heart. It feels like a spirited beast has finally escaped its long-held prison, reveling in its newfound freedom. This feeling is reminiscent of the invigorating rush of fresh air, akin to the instant I first encountered Elaine and the profound connection I established with my brothers, who have shared joy and hardship.
When I envision the family I will one day have, my heart swells with the thought of the abundant love and unwavering support surrounding them. My firstborn will be embraced by a nurturing mother, a devoted father, and a circle of uncles and aunts who will shower them with affection and guidance. I am determined to provide them with every opportunity and resource they desire while constantly reminding them of the deep love that envelops them.
Reflecting on family, I was suddenly reminded of an upcoming meeting with my father. It's truly amazing how easily I can become absorbed in the present, relishing the time spent with those I cherish to the point where I finish my meal without even being aware.
"It's unfortunate that just as I was having a great time, I must return to work. I need to go and submit my report, and depending on the outcome, we might have to move. Please say a prayer for me; I hope everything goes well."
Just before stepping out, I gently kissed Elaine's cheek and shared a lighthearted fist bump with Lancelot. It took a bit of guidance to help him correctly shape his tiny fist, but the sight of his little hands trembling with excitement and annoyance was genuinely touching. As I turned to head for the door, I saw Elaine saying something softly.
"Don't leave me hanging for too long. Come back soon, or we'll eat lunch by ourselves!"
"I wouldn't want to miss out on your cooking! I'll be back soon!" I said as I opened the door to the sounds of footsteps. Just the two people I was looking for.
Arnold and Mason. "Ready to get down to business, boys?" I said as I greeted them; Arnold saluted me, to which I returned and gave Mason a high five.
"Yes, sir!"
"Yep."
Arnold and Mason said in unison. With them behind me, I took the lead as we walked towards our meeting room, which we used only to conduct meaningful discussions and give our reports.
As I drew near a wall adorned with vibrant, cascading vines, Arnold, with remarkable ease, revealed a concealed chamber by merely gesturing with his hand. This expansive room was filled with various furnishings that caught the eye. It was a sight to behold, featuring three rich brown leather recliners, a coordinating couch and coffee table, and cabinets overflowing with essential documents. On one side of the room, an enigmatic black screen-like device intermittently flashed in shades of white and gray, adding an air of intrigue to the space.
Mason jumped on one of the recliners, took off his shoes, and got comfortable. Arnold and I took one for each of us and got down to business.
"The reports I've sent are ones about The Watch and daily standard reports about the physical and mental health of the residents, supplies, and weather. I have refrained from sending anything related to Abaddon and yourself. I figured it would be better to wait until you were back in action to do so.=
"Something I would have done if our roles were reversed. Let's compile everything that happened just before we encountered Abaddon." Saying that name made the tattoo/branding on my back burn like someone blow-torched my back.
A sharp gasp escaped my lips, a visceral reminder of the horror that clung to my back like an evil shadow. I clamped my mouth shut, my teeth sinking into my tongue, the metallic tang of blood surging forth like a relentless tide. I fought against the rising wave, choking on the crimson flood threatening to drown me in its suffocating embrace.
To steady my racing heart, I forced myself to swallow the overwhelming tide of metallic blood pooling in my mouth. I inhaled deeply, allowing the air to fill my lungs, and gradually let go of the tension as I re-engaged in the dialogue.
Mason created a forest map and flicked it to the table. We all got closer to the 3D light map that showed the forest and the mountain range. The light from the gemstone above us was identical to the one in the central area of the cavern.
Mason was the best in stealth out of anyone I knew, yet he had the brightest colors on him: a mop of bright green hair and blue eyes.
My reliable assassin could alter his appearance at will, transforming into any form he desired. Harnessing the formidable power of his shadow magic, he could conjure tangible objects, including clothing, seemingly from nothing. Coupled with his mastery of illusion magic, he could flawlessly mimic the likeness of anyone he chose.
On this occasion, Mason sported a whimsical shirt adorned with a playful poop emoji, complemented by a festive red and white Christmas hat perched atop his head. His attire was completed with matching pants, generously decorated with the same cheeky emoji. This choice of clothing seemed utterly inconsistent with the serious nature of the conversation and the setting around him.
Arnold, the elf, possesses a stunning combination of blond-brown hair, captivating yellow-blue eyes, and a complexion as fair as snow. His attire consists of a magnificent tunic adorned with shades of green, white, and gold, complemented by a pair of light brown leather pants. This tunic holds a special place in Arnold's heart, as it is his absolute favorite outfit he proudly wears daily. The significance of this attire, rooted in its origin and deep connection to Arnold's family, renders it unquestionable to anyone who encounters him.
"Let's start with the fact that a LIVING LEGEND attacked us!" Mason said as he picked his nose.
"We can start with what happened before I came into the picture. Begin to describe what unfolded, and I will copy it down into a paper report." Arnold said as he glared at Mason before grabbing a pen and a piece of paper from a cabinet drawer.
"Yeah, we can start with that," I said as I explained why we were even in the forest.
It all started with rumors of unwelcome visitors roaming the woods. Initially, I didn't pay much attention since they weren't causing any harm. But when the Watch noticed their strange behavior - stumbling, shouting aggressively - tensions rose. Soon, clashes erupted, leading to violent encounters. After much discussion, Elaine suggested sending a mediator to understand their situation and provide assistance if necessary. Elaine would handle negotiations, while Mason and I would be on standby if things took a turn.
As we ventured deeper into the forest, our search led us to a haunting discovery - a mound of lifeless bodies, their state indicating that they had been there for more than a week. Amongst the grim scene, a tragic sight awaited us - a helpless infant nestled in the lifeless embrace of his deceased mother. From that point onward, our journey took a treacherous turn, plunging us into a realm inhabited by formidable creatures capable of obliterating us with a mere glance. The mere thought of their power sent shivers down my spine.
As I continued to recount the incidents, beads of sweat trickled down my forehead.
"Then you came along," I said, wiping the sweat off my face.
"Let me add what Mason and I know to the report. Just a moment, and then we can discuss the steps to take so this won't happen again." Arnold said as he began jotting down more things on the paper.
"I say we move out. This place has been exposed by the enemy. Granted, I figure you two would have already come to this conclusion. The question is, where to?" Mason put his feet on the table, lying in the recliner.
I reached for the map and expanded its view to more than just the mountain range, looking at potential places we could go if we had to move. It isn't my choice if we move, but I would name places to move to if needed.
Arnold finished writing and only decided to voice his thoughts after thoroughly reviewing it. "After reading and reviewing what we know, it would be best to do as Mason said. Although we are missing one part of the puzzle, I doubt it will affect the outcome of this meeting."
"To begin with, the adversary is fully aware of the protective barrier encircling our village. Furthermore, it is essential to note that they possess at least Ascended class capabilities. I wouldn't be surprised if Abaddon were actually of Transcendent status, considering that every attack we launched against him seemed to regenerate in the blink of an eye. Lastly, there exists a faction actively pursuing formidable mages."
Arnold lifted a finger to emphasize each of his points, pausing briefly to cast a disconcerting glance before proceeding.
"Finally, this group is shrouded in mystery. However, I have a hypothesis that could potentially shatter the balance of the three kingdoms." This assertion was particularly alarming, as an unsettling sense of anticipation washed over me, making me suspect I was already aware of what he was about to reveal.
"It's quite a leap to assume that with such limited information, but you might be onto something. At the very least, we must send alerts to all kingdoms. The people need to know that powerful mages are being hunted," I remarked, glancing over at Mason.
"Sure, I can spread the message to our contacts, and they can do the same. But we still have to submit our report. And we haven't discussed what Abaddon mentioned to you after we were both knocked out." He shut his eyes as he listened to us, then opened one eye to meet my gaze.
This information would be the final piece of the puzzle for them, offering a deeper understanding. I meticulously recounted every word Abaddon had spoken to me, leaving no detail out. Arnold wasted no time in scribbling down additional notes on his notepad.
"You have passed my test, Leon; you have strength worthy to be my rival. Your strength lies in protecting what family you have left, while my strength comes from casting all my mortal connections away to have nothing holding me back."
"Your life is tethered solely to me and my will. You shall not perish by any hand not my own. You must confront and defeat me in battle to rid yourself of the cursed mark I have given you. You won this prize by intriguing me and making yourself worthy of being my prey."
"The child you took in as your child shall be your undoing, and when your time comes, I shall be there to add you to my Collection. Mark my words; the child's curse will lead you to death."
"Everyone here knows that Abaddon is a legendary warrior known as the Ghost Of The Battlefield. A mysterious presence that lingers over those heading into war. Many even seek his protection before entering battle. But now that the truth about Abaddon has been revealed..." Arnold trailed off, lost in thought.
"What's the big deal? We get the most powerful mages on the continent together and beat his ass. Plain and simple with nothing to stress about." Mason made his right hand disappear and reappear with light magic.
"Sorry, but none of us have the authority or power to do that. It might be possible if we could get the people with them, but each kingdom is dealing with its own problems and can't send out forces easily at the moment. The best thing to do would be to report it and see what happens. So, should we send the report now?"
"Let's do it."
"I guess."
I rose from my seat, approached the darkened monitor, and infused it with mana to power it up. The screen emitted soft whirring sounds before coming to life, displaying a mysterious figure. As soon as the figure appeared, we all bowed down, with Arnold forcing Mason to bow by giving him a smack.
"It's good to see you, your Majesty."
"It's good to see you too, Leon, and I told you to stop saying that. There are no formalities when we are alone. Call me 'father,' please. Anyways, how are you feeling now that you are out of the hospital?" the man asked, eagerly awaiting my response.
"Great; however, that is not the point of calling you. It has to do with why-"
"You were in the hospital, no? Or, more to say, "who" put you in the hospital." My father said as he cut me off.
With the others rising after me, I confirmed, "Your guess is correct. But we must consider the larger impact this could have on the kingdom, maybe even all of them." My father raised an eyebrow and leaned in upon hearing this.
"Let's not waste any time; if this poses a significant threat, I must gather The Council. The other members and their Guardians must be informed about whatever information you're about to share with me." With a nod from him, I launched into the story. Just as I had done with Arnold and Mason, I held nothing back and divulged every detail.
My father's expression grew increasingly worried as I continued speaking. He was so shocked that he leaped out of his chair when I revealed that Abaddon had bested the three of us in combat and escaped unharmed.
I provided a comprehensive overview, ensuring that every detail was included, despite the scant information available regarding the situation.
Ultimately, my father propped up his head with both hands, dead silent. The times that he attempted to speak he ended with jibberish.
Following a moment of quiet reflection, my father composed himself and straightened his posture, exuding a sense of dignity and pride that could easily be likened to that of a regal monarch.
"The situation is indeed dire. I will gather the members, organize a meeting, and reach out to The Regional Guardian to ensure your safety. It is far more prudent for her to take you under her wing than to risk your transfer to a nearby settlement, where the threat of an attack looms. She will guarantee your protection. Additionally, I suggest you have a conversation with Samuel, as he might possess information that remains unknown to us. After all, he has been traveling the continent without my permission."
He called someone, and a bird gracefully perched on his shoulder. "The Regional Guardian will assume the responsibility of preparing you all for the challenges that lie ahead. Abaddon and his followers will undoubtedly reemerge, and it is essential that you are fully prepared."
"For now, wait. Elevate security protocols to their highest level and await the arrival of The Regional Guardian and Samuel. As for Abaddon's comments about the child, only time will reveal the truth. If there are no further matters to discuss, I must arrange to convene The Council. Take care, everyone. May the gods smile upon you."
Just before the conversation concluded, my father appeared to recall something important: "Please let my daughter know I send my regards! I miss her dearly!"
As the call ended, we respectfully bowed. I stood up and faced the group, passing on my instructions. "You all heard him; The Watchers must always remain vigilant. No breaks, no chit-chat, no distractions from our duty."
"You both know what to do for rotations and reports. If even a single animal looks at you the wrong way, I want to know. Got it?"
Mason made no smart-ass remarks this time as they both gave me a "Yes, Sir!" in unison.
They both excused themselves and began starting what they were assigned to do. I stayed behind and put mana into the black screen once more but instead changed who to connect to. There was no response after trying several times. Damn him!
'Sam must be too busy flirting with a tavern girl.'
I walked back to the recliner and sank into it.
The weight of my troubles seems to multiply exponentially, and it's only been a mere two hours since I opened my eyes today. There are moments when I genuinely resent the burden of confronting all these problems. Yet, I find myself in a position where I must tackle them head-on. Those around me regard me as a leader, placing their faith in my ability to tackle any obstacles that arise with the appropriate solutions.
So, I am the one in charge, the one who is responsible. Of course, one person cannot perfectly plan for everything, so I consult Mason and Arnold when making big decisions.
'What to do now?'
Well...
I could have lunch with my family.
Yeah... that sounds like a great idea.
I followed through on my intentions: after enjoying a moment of relaxation in my seat, I made my way home to share lunch with my family. It was quite amusing to observe Lancelot and Elaine, both of whom had a knack for making a mess while eating. Their shared clumsiness at the table brought a hearty laugh to my day.
Returning home to such a warm and welcoming environment was truly a pleasure. I recognize that many people are not as fortunate, and I am determined not to overlook this blessing.
After saying my farewells, I resumed my usual practice of checking in on all the residents here to ensure everything was running smoothly. Fortunately, there were no issues to address today. I began my thorough examination of the cavern's structural integrity, the functionality of the appliances, the condition of the indoor farms, and the status of our food supplies, collaborating closely with those I trust in each role.
After reviewing the weekly reports from every sector, I was pleased to find that everything appeared to be in excellent order.
All that was left was for me to check in with the active Watchers to see if anything was amiss or wrong. Mason was in charge as Arnold's shift ended, and he got Arnold's report after he turned in for the day.
As I approached the cavern entrance, I channeled my mana into the intricate locking system, saturating each tiny crevice with my energy and compelling the door to yield to my will. Once the mechanism responded, I stepped outside and was enveloped by a profound sense of peace.
While I found a sense of tranquility, the natural world around me told a different story, one of turmoil and devastation. WAWThe vegetation stood in stark contrast, its once vibrant hues now replaced by a haunting ash black. Everywhere I looked, the landscape bore the scars of destruction, with charred marks marring the ground. The abundance of life that had thrived just a month prior was now a mere whisper of its former self. My confrontation with Abaddon had transformed my backyard into a desolate wasteland, littered with remnants of what once was—ashes, deep craters, and trees and rock formations that had been utterly obliterated.
The sound of running water could be heard coming into the lake from my right.
"Yo," Mason said as he materialized from the shadows in front of me from a destroyed tree.
"What's the situation out here? Report."
"Quite literally nothing for both rotations. Animals and wildlife, that's all. Here's Arnold's report. After you finish reading that, I can give you my report for what's happened so far." Mason said as he handed me Arnold's report.
Arnold's report was of animals and mana beasts in motion- just everyday occurrences in nature, nothing unusual. After reading the initial report, I heard Mason's account of his time in the field, which was very similar.
"Sounds like a typical day for not-so-normal people. As for my end, Sam did not respond after several attempts. I'll try again later as I have picked a bad time to try and talk. Keep up the good work, and alert me of ANYTHING."
Mason didn't hesitate for a moment. "Absolutely," he replied, and in an instant, he melted away into the darkness, leaving me alone in the dim light.
I had intended to wrap things up for the evening, but an unexpected impulse held me back. A deep-seated yearning stirred within me, compelling me to remain outside and savor the crisp night air. It had been almost a month since I had last stepped outside, so this longing felt entirely instinctive.
Yet this feeling was unlike any other. It was a distant longing, akin to a trapped animal wanting its freedom. It stirred something deep within me, a forgotten part of my soul. I reached out, trying to break free. Why am I feeling this way?
A nagging thought crept into my mind, making me question whether my experiences in that hospital had pushed me to the brink of insanity. Alternatively, I pondered if there was a more profound explanation lurking beneath the surface. As I became absorbed in these reflections, I began to wander toward a cherished location that always helped me regain my clarity. This was the special place where my brothers and I would come together, a sanctuary that belonged solely to us.
Sam gathered us here to bid his farewell as he was on a quest to seek out the individual he referred to as The Slayer. This person had left a dark mark on his past, one that was drenched in blood and had imposed a heavy weight upon his shoulders. The significance of this journey and the implications behind it were shrouded in mystery for us; even now, we remain in the dark about its true meaning.
My remarkable vision allowed me to detect the Watchers far off, even amidst the almost complete darkness that enveloped the surroundings.
The soft illumination of the moon guided my path as I followed the soothing sound of water cascading, which directed me toward the serene lake and then up to the towering summit of the mountain. This is a journey I undertake without exception, time and time again.
Ascending the rugged slopes and traversing the pristine, snow-covered terrain transformed into a routine adventure for me. The numerous trips we undertook had etched a distinct trail upon the mountainside, making our passage to and from the summit much more straightforward. Even with our extraordinary powers, there was an undeniable allure in savoring the journey as if we were ordinary people.
As I made my way up the winding trail, I found myself captivated by the stunning scenery that enveloped me. It felt as though I had been granted the gift of flight, akin to a bird gliding effortlessly through the sky, liberated to wander wherever my heart desired. There's a certain irony in the fact that this very place is where I first learned to harness the power of Ifrit to take to the skies; perhaps that's the reason I experience such a profound sense of freedom whenever I return here.
As I climbed higher, a panoramic view of the ravaged forest gradually unfolded before me, revealing the extent of its devastation.
Eventually, I reached my intended spot—a generous clearing nestled on the mountainside, an ideal setting for a picnic with friends.
To my astonishment, Mason was already there, patiently awaiting my arrival. Without exchanging a single word, I walked past him and approached the edge of the clearing. There, I stopped in front of a rock covered in a layer of snow. As I brushed the snow away, I discovered four names etched into the stone.
"Samuel Rodrigues, Mason |_ _ _ _ _ _ _|, Arnold Woodstif, and Leon Valcaress," I uttered softly, my fingers brushing over the names inscribed before me.
"To those who genuinely cherish one another, the concept of blood ties holds little significance, for we are bound as brothers, even if not by blood," Mason elaborated thoughtfully.
"Sam was right; it's possible to love someone as deeply as if they were family, even if they're not blood-related. Take my son, Lancelot, for instance- he's my little ray of sunshine," I remarked as I took in the view.
"After being struck in the hospital for so long, it feels great to finally get out like this," I mentioned, glancing over at Mason.
"This place unleashed a flood of memories tied to the promises I've made to each of you—commitments for which I would go to any lengths. Even when engulfed in sorrow, my resolve remains steadfast and unyielding. I needed to remind myself that I have aspirations to pursue and values to defend," I proclaimed, my fist pressed firmly against my heart.
"You're not alone in this. All four of us have our own aspirations. With determination and perseverance, we can make them happen. If one person can't do it alone, we rely on each other- that's how we, as humans, survive. To achieve our goals, we must become stronger. Strong enough to turn our hopes and dreams into reality. That's the essence of being a mage, someone who can turn the impossible into possible." Mason spoke as the shadows around him expanded, forming hands that emerged from the earth.
He was right. I must strive to attain the pinnacle of human strength. However, the journey that lies before me will not be as simple as I had envisioned, for my life will be shrouded in an unending gloom. This pervasive despair will compel me to confront doubts, grapple with uncertainties, and endure fears that surpass anything I could have ever imagined. Little did I know, the profound anguish would not end with Abaddon; rather, it would return with a vengeance the following day and persist until the untimely end of my existence.