“So, you’ve come for me too,” came a booming voice. Contrary to what one might have believed, the loud voice lacked vitality.Indeed, the owner of the said voice was in their death throes. Their presence, their very being, was almost nonexistent.But they did not beg for their lives.“I had a feeling you might. Tell me one thing. T-this… This isn’t the first time you’ve snuffed me out, right?”A figure, though imperceptible while they spoke, revealed themselves. Then, the figure replied evenly after a bit of hesitation. “……No.”“Haaah… I th-thought as much. W-why do you cling to a dying wish? A barely audible cry none but yourself can comprehend? Why do you tether yourself to time, letting it whisk you however it desires…? Did you truly believe their words would come to pass?” A pause. “I hate to tell you, old friend, but not even you can achieve it. It is beyond what one can accomplish alone.”“…Then I’ll keep trying,” the figure retorted. “…No matter how long. No matt
Prologue —12 years ago— A young boy ran. He ran faster than he ever had, and a grin formed on his face. His glee was only natural. He didn’t know how, but his body had strengthened over the past two months. He could not do any physical labor, given his weak constitution. Now though…it was as if some nameless god was blessing him for the torture and suffering he had endured to that point. Even the guards couldn’t catch him now, and he had not even employed his usual tricks. The wind whipped about him, blowing his bangs out of his face. He ran, breaking past the limits of what was considered possible, even for an elf. Thinking back, Elrand almost felt tears fall from his eyes. He was always prone to escaping, so most of the guards already knew him well. If they endured what he went through, even for a day, they would understand. In fact, he had once dared one of them to try enduring what he suffered every day. The result was not pretty. Every now and then, that guard wo
Chapter 1 *Aldan’s Diary* —Entry 1— I almost could not believe it. Though I devoted my whole life to this cause, I never thought I would succeed. I’ve found it. The truth of this world, which none of us knew. The real reason summoned heroes have soul fragments, and what it means. I am one step closer to my ultimate goal. Though I do not have the power to do anything, I must avenge our mother. At the same time, I must not be rash in my decision. My younger siblings’ lives are at stake. For now, at least. To break out of this endless loop, I need to obtain power. Untouchable power, one unrivaled by anything else. Several theories have been said about it, but none are accurate. This does not mean I shall take this new development as a failure. Not at all. In fact, due to this new information, I know how to move on from here. My path is chock-full of danger, this is how I know I am headed in the correct direction. After all, an empty house has no guards… —Estelle—“Ugh
Aldan’s Diary —Entry 2— Ha, ha. I now know why it is said power corrupts. This knowledge exhilarates me in ways I can’t even describe. By the end of the day, I’m still a scholar. I may have acquired the necessary tools I need, but it is all for naught if I am unable to act. For now, I am a wanted man. The posters make it difficult for me to travel. The sum being offered for my capture is quite hilarious. Almost makes me feel special. Almost. It has become quite dangerous for me to keep this record too, no matter how vaguely I write. Even when I’m tempted to take matters into my own hands, I know I am no match against such powers. Ugh... These are far from peaceful times. The demon population is in decline, which is partially my fault. I am in no condition to accuse those who took my family. I’ve been responsible for the of many lives which were lost, so many that I’ve lost count. That doesn’t take the resentment away though. It still burns deep in my heart. These
*Present time* —Elrand Daewynd— The halls were pleasantly empty. It must be my mother’s doing. Since the day I first escaped, the queen had been giving me more freedom to keep me nearby. It was quite astute of her. No matter how much I may have cared of any of them, there is no way I would have stayed here if I felt trapped. I might have escaped long before my Hlia. My father though…he did not quite agree on the amount of freedom given to me but the Queen’s word was final. Elven power was hereditary, making my mother higher than the King. He still had authority, just lower than the Queen. Must be tough to be in such a relationship. I shook my head and cleared my thoughts. Why though had she called for me? I’m pretty sure I abstained from my usual mischief. Surely it is not something I had done. I knocked on her door. “Enter.” I ran through all the things I may have done unconsciously. I braced myself. Every time the Queen called for me, it ended up the way. Well,
*Deep within Zyliane’s capital. * Lyffonna paced outside the room. How to take this news, she did not know. If the messenger could not handle the news, how will the Queen react? The head Priestess paled. Was there even something that they could even do? Even the gods had abandoned this hopeless situation. If she had not received a divine revelation from Dysenia…she would still be oblivious to the looming danger. “Lyffonna?” She looked up and steeled her nerves. “Princess.” She curtsied. The Priestess started wondering, just like she used to when she was a child. Why is it functions like royalty still existed? Was the continent really advancing if they held on to such silly customs? Coincidentally, schoolers were shunned since Zyliane took control of the continent. Lyffonna puzzled over it for many years, and even with her current status, she could not figure out why. The Princess gave her a peculiar look, her eyebrows shooting up in worry. “Is everything alright?” Ly
First I’m forced to come back to this place, now they want me to help them? These morons must have more than a few screws loose. I silently seethed and schooled my face. Neutrality was important, especially with mother so close. That woman had the eyes of a hawk, even the tiniest twitch of my face would be spotted before I even knew I did it. “Please, follow me.” We obeyed, and our footsteps echoed all around us. Was the castle empty? It seemed awfully deserted. Intricate patterns which seemed to glow with every step we took ran across the ceiling. Eleanor stared, mesmerized. I sighed. Figured the palace would still be intact after all this time. I can’t really blame my sister. No matter how I hate this place, even I was awed when I saw the elaborate design in which it had been built. Catholy, for whatever reason, was deep in thought, barely even observing her surroundings. Would you look at that. I never thought I would see the she dropped her guard when on duty. Q
Two days later, it was finally time to leave for Eldfroise. I was lying flat on my bed. I wanted to confirmed something first. :::For you to contact me…don’t tell me! You finally fell for my wiles!::: A grin spread across my face before I could stop myself. So you finally admit it. Personally, I’m glad to be rid of you at last. :::Hey! That was mean, even for you commander! What’s the occasion?::: I need you to look into Zyliane. I’m sure they’ll try summoning more people to fight their wars for them, and it won’t be pretty. I would tell you to eliminate any who cross over to Scria, however, I have a feeling I may be able to use them. Bring those you can to me. :::What did you do to the Queen anyway? She has been a hot mess since you left. I have a strong feeling that she is plotting something. I have the same feeling I got when you cheated on me.::: All joking aside, I need you to be careful. Tell the others to be ready. :::Aren’t you leaving for Eldfroise? If