Within the grand structure of the academy, a massive library housed an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and other resources related to magic. Mages and warriors could be found diligently studying and practicing their craft in the library's well-lit surroundings.
Mio, the 180-year-old archmage, was known for her cold demeanor and charming beauty. Her short hair framed her face, accentuating her striking features. She was a mysterious figure, haunted by the presence of the Demon of Time, her ever-present companion. Despite her association with the dark side, Mio possessed a kind heart, a contrast that intrigued many around her.
Diana, Mio's teacher and mentor, made a visit to the young archmage's home one day. She knocked gently on the door, a warm smile on her face as she waited for Mio to greet her.
"Mio, it's me," Diana called out gently, her voice carrying a hint of affection. "May I come in?"
After a moment, the door swung open, revealing Mio. She was surprised to see Diana standing before her, but her expression remained composed and cool. "Teacher," she said, her voice devoid of much inflection. "What brings you here today?"
Diana stepped inside, her smile growing as she observed Mio's composed demeanor. "I wanted to have a little chat with you," she replied, her words carrying a sense of importance. "Can we sit down and talk?"
Diana's usual warm smile was replaced by a look of concern as she met Mio's gaze. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking. "Mio, I need to speak with you about something important," she said, her voice tinged with anxiety.
Mio, sensing the change in Diana's demeanor, nodded and gestured for them to move to a nearby couch. "What is it, Teacher?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of curiosity beneath its usual calm exterior.
Diana paused for a moment before looking up at Mio, her eyes reflecting a mixture of worry and fear. "Mio," she began, her voice measured and careful, "I've received some troubling news that I felt I need to inform you about immediately."
Mio's expression remained stoic, yet a flicker of concern ignited within her eyes. She steeled herself, preparing for the news that Diana was about to share. "What is it?" she asked, her voice steady despite the growing anticipation.
Diana nodded, her features hardening with the weight of the information she was relaying."The sealed God of Strength, Rai, has been freed from his icy prison. He is currently on the snow-capped mountain of Xuë Island."
Mio's eyes widened, her composure faltering for a brief moment. The news of Rai's release from his frozen confinement sent a ripple of unease through her. "The God of Strength, freed?" she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Diana continued, "Given the gravity of this situation, I believe it is necessary to inform the current ruler of the Heavens, Angela, the Goddess of Angels. We must act swiftly and carefully, as the consequences of such a powerful entity roaming free could be catastrophic."
Mio nodded in agreement, the gravity of the situation gradually seeping into her consciousness. "Yes," she said slowly, her mind racing to consider the potential outcomes. "The Goddess of Angels should be informed immediately. We can't afford to underestimate the danger posed by a God like Rai."
Diana let out a weary sigh, the weight of the responsibility settling heavily upon her shoulders. "You're right," she admitted, running a hand through her hair. "However, there's something else you need to be aware of, Mio."
Mio tilted her head, sensing the gravity in Diana's voice. She nodded tersely for her mentor to continue. "What is it?" she asked, her features betraying a hint of apprehension.
Diana's expression turned serious, her voice growing graver by the word.
"The Demon of Battle, Kanji, was mentioned in relation to this situation," she revealed, her eyes fixed on Mio's.
Mio's eyes widened as the name echoed in her mind. The Demon of Battle, a legendary figure associated with chaos and destruction. The implications of his involvement sent a chilling shiver down her spine.
"Kanji," Mio repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why would he be involved in this? And how does he tie into the release of the God of Strength?"
Diana shook her head, her frustration evident. "I don't have all the details yet," she confessed. "But the fact that he's connected to this crisis poses an immense danger. We must be prepared to face the possibility of his presence, especially given his reputation as a harbinger of destruction."
After her conversation with Diana, Mio left her home and prepared to make her way to the Heavenly Castle. She changed into her more formal attire, a long, flowing gown that accentuated her elegance and status as an archmage. With a sense of purpose, she set out towards the imposing structure that served as the residence and center of power for the rulers of the Heavens.
The journey to the Heavenly Castle was relatively short, and soon Mio arrived at the towering gates. The guards stationed there, recognizing her status as an archmage, immediately ushered her through, offering her respectful nods as she passed.
As Mio strolled into the tranquil Garden of Angela, she was struck by the serene beauty that surrounded her. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of lush flora and the gentle sound of cascading waterfalls. And perched on a stone bench, as if waiting for her, was the radiant Angela, the Goddess of Angels.
Mio was well aware of Angela's fearsome reputation. Stories about the Goddess of Angels' malicious tendencies and psychotic behavior had reached her ears, and she knew firsthand that Angela had no qualms about the demise of the previous ruler. The thought stirred a mixture of caution and trepidation within her as she approached the winged goddess.
Sensing Mio's presence, Angela turned her head slowly and locked eyes with the archmage. Her gaze held a chilling mixture of curiosity and calculation. "Ah, if it isn't Mio, the enigmatic archmage," she mused, her voice smooth and lilting. "What brings you here today?"
As she approached Angela, Mio carefully composed herself, her features schooling into a neutral expression. She dipped into a respectful bow. "Goddess Angela," she began, her voice clear and steady, "I come seeking an audience with you, if you would be so gracious as to grant me your time."
Angela's lips curled into a sly smile, her eyes flitting over Mio from head to toe. "Of course," she replied, her voice deceptively sweet. "I always have time for someone as intriguing as you, Mio." She gestured towards the empty space beside her on the bench. "Have a seat, please."
Mio nodded curtly, her wariness growing as she perched herself upon the stone bench beside the goddess. The air seemed to crackle with tension as if the conversation was a delicate dance between two powerful beings.
Mio took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "Goddess Angela," she began, her voice firm, "I bring news of a most serious nature. A sealed God of Strength, Rai, has been recently freed and is currently on Xuè Island's snow-capped mountains."
Angela's eyebrows arched in intrigue, her gaze sharpening. "The God of Strength, you say? How did he manage to break free from his icy confinement?" she inquired, her tone laced with curiosity.
Angela's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing as she considered Mio's words. There was a flicker of concern in her expression, a rare display of vulnerability. "Rai has been freed, you say?" she mused, tapping her fingers against the stone bench she was seated on.
Angela's mind processed the significance of this news. A God of Strength free from imprisonment was a threat not to be underestimated. "And what are his intentions now that he is unbound?" she inquired, her voice becoming more serious.
"His intentions are yet to be fully known," Mio responded cautiously. "But given his reputation as the God of Strength, it's likely he intends to wreak havoc and destruction."
"But there's more," Mio continued, her voice grave. "I've recently discovered that the Demon of Battle, Kanji, is somehow involved in this situation. His reputation for chaos and destruction only further complicates matters."
As Angela's lips curled into an unnerving smirk, a hint of evilly pleasure in her eyes, she fixed her gaze on Mio and inquired, "And tell me, Mio, do you know of the demon known as Kanji?"
Mio nodded, suppressing a chilling shiver as she replied, "Yes, I am familiar with the Demon of Battle. His legacy of causing chaos and destruction is well known, even among those of us who reside in the Heavens."
Angela's smirk widened as she leaned forward, her eyes glinting with a cold and calculating light. "You're right," she said, her voice carrying a hint of mockery, "someone like Rai is a mere nuisance. Kanji, on the other hand, is a force of destruction. A menace that cannot be ignored or underestimated."
Mio's body tensed as Angela emphasized the danger posed by Kanji. The reality of the situation weighed heavily upon her, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. "You're correct," she replied, her voice measured. "He wields the power to sow chaos and destruction, and his presence adds an even greater layer of danger to this already treacherous situation."
Angela's smirk turned into a cynical smile. "Ah, yes," she drawled, her voice dripping with condescension. "If too much damage is inflicted upon Xuè Island, it is possible that either Kanji himself or some of his followers may take notice and come to investigate."
The implications of Angela's words hung heavy in the air. The prospect of Kanji or his followers descending upon Xuè Island added yet another dimension of danger to the already delicate situation. "Precisely," Mio agreed, her voice tinged with caution. "We must tread carefully and be prepared for the unexpected."
Angela's eyes gleamed with a chilling light as she spoke, her voice carrying a note of cruelty. "As for Kanji's personal grudge against the island, it runs deep and dark. He has a history with Xuè Island, and any opportunity to cause chaos and destruction would only serve to reignite that grudge."
Mio's heart sank as she listened to Angela's words. The thought of Kanji's personal grudge against Xuè Island further complicated the situation. "I understand," she replied, her voice betraying a hint of concern. "His grudge against the island only adds to the urgency of dealing with this situation carefully and swiftly."
Angela leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Yes," she confirmed, her eyes dancing with dark knowledge. "He has many agreements for protection, where he demands something important from the people he has dealings with."
Mio's mind raced as she processed the information. The notion of having to interact directly with Kanji added a layer of complexity and danger to the situation. "I see," she replied cautiously, gauging Angela's intentions. "And you're aware of these agreements, I presume?"
Angela nodded, a sly smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Of course," she replied, her voice dripping with confidence. "I am well-informed about his dealings and the agreements he makes. It's part of my domain to be aware of such matters."
Angela leaned in closer, her expression growing serious. "Remember," she emphasized, her voice dripping with urgency, "make sure that Kanji does not learn about this matter. If he or any of his followers catch wind of it, they may very well come to Xué Island, and his followers are not weak."
Mio's expression turned solemn as she absorbed the weight of Angela's warning. The stakes were indeed high, and the consequences of letting the news reach Kanji and his followers could be catastrophic. "Understood," she replied, her voice firm. "I will do everything in my power to ensure that no information about this matter reaches them."
Angela gave a satisfied nod, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she observed Mio's response. "Wise decision, young Mio," she said, her voice dripping with mockery. "It would be a shame if your budding potential was cut short because of a careless mistake. I have... high hopes for you."
Mio suppressed a pang of annoyance at Angela's mocking tone, reminding herself to maintain composure in the presence of the powerful goddess. "Thank you, Goddess Angela," she replied politely, her voice steady and composed. "I appreciate your confidence in me, and I will do my best to fulfill your expectations."
As Mio posed the question about Kanji's followers, Angela let out another chilling chuckle. "His followers," she mused, her eyes flickering with a dark amusement, "are as varied and dangerous as the forces of nature themselves. Some are mindless acolytes, bound to his will through fear or devotion. Others are more powerful and cunning, individuals with their own agendas who serve him with loyalty and ruthlessness."
Mio listened intently, her pulse quickening at the mention of Kanji's followers. The thought of facing an army of devoted acolytes and cunning followers sent a chill down her spine. "Do you know how many followers he has?" she asked, her voice steady but betraying a hint of trepidation.
Angela leaned back, her wings rustling softly as she continued, "There are a few... a select few among his followers who are truly formidable. Those are the ones you should watch out for, for they are the most deadly and loyal to Kanji's cause."
As Angela emphasized the danger posed by Kanji's most formidable followers, Mio's eyes widened. The realization that they might have to face these powerful adversaries added another layer of worry to the already risky situation. "I see," she murmured, her voice tinged with concern. "Can you tell me more about these few?"
~Next chapter: Divine Ascending