2022-12-09 21:11:06Chapter 25.1: Uneased Past, Uncertain future
[Andromalius's pov]
The time has long passed dusk; I guess the day was spent too much on their majesty. There is little I can do other than stand by their side and serve as Saudade's new sovereign's caretaker. It's difficult to see how easily they disregard their health for the sake of others' benefits, but I was able to change their self-destructive thinking.
"Good night, sir Andromalius," the pitiful sovereign says as they drag their weary feet back to that atrocious office.
I should return to the sleeping chamber the supporters have built for them. The wooden door opened only for their unconscious body; what is the point of this unused space if the user will never sleep in it?
"Shall I sleep soundly tonight, unconcerned about the state of tomorrow?" While I sleep, the thoughts follow me.
Morning comes without a haze of a dream; it has been centuries since that happened. "The sealing" is as dreadful as they predicted, but the event hasn't been as bad for me, as most of my legions were able to flee; I am far too fortunate that such a disaster did not occur on my battlefield.
My training begins, as usual, with swinging on end with my lance. Though the legendary Longinus is no longer in my possession, these iron lances are quite durable and will not be easily broken by the sheer force of my swing.
1..2, 50…51,999…1000. My lance mastery was deteriorating, and the youth had begun to improve to the point where I couldn't teach them anything else. But I saw Mikhail swing those lances so differently yesterday; their stance is graceful but still powerful, and each stab was intended to take lives. Such terrifying tactics, I must inquire whether they intend to teach me.
They've finished their nightly chores, so here they come. They don't appear to be energized at all. I should help them whenever they require it.
"Good day, your Majesty." I greet them by bowing. Their stance is not that of an all-nighter; they have learned to mitigate these flaws. It's good for their image and popularity, but their unique abilities will bite them one day.
"Good day, sir Andromalius. I see you're training again." The sound is groaning, which is why we are known for their unhealthy session. I learned the reason for their resurrection from death by speaking with the advisor. I almost gave them a proper warrior's passage.
"I would like to ask you about these lances; they seem quite durable to me," is the first question that comes to mind. The expression hasn't changed; they've been the same since the beginning; is it in their nature to hide emotions?
"These lances are replicas that I made from mythril; I'm glad they fit your hand," Mikhail replies simply. So the metal is mythril, which I thought was rune-crafted before. I suppose these advancements ... no, for such a large quantity of rare minerals to be produced in such a short period of time, miracles are truly mind-boggling to endure.
It has made me remember both of them who changed my life:
The first was Lord Lucifer, whom I followed as a Power of Authority; whose light shines brightest in the morning star. I'm sorry I couldn't save him on that fateful day.
[Flashback]
"You can't possibly rebel against the all-father, you'll die," I shout in desperation, the announcement of God creating the kind that will roam around the new world he created and how it will be the ruler of that place having frustrated him so much.
"What that old fool has done, as much as I worship him, has gone too far." Lucifer refutes, his sword still hung on the sheath, has not vanished into the void space.
"Restrict our curiosity?" Creating a new species in his image? I'm not sure if he still loves us?" Stomping around, he shakes the ground of paradise, his footprint staining the cloud into an ugly gray.
"I believe he has a valid reason. He's never done anything without a reason." I shoved him into a training duel in an attempt to calm his lingering questions. I've gained the upper hand as he continues to dwell on these unusual thoughts.
"I care about our future, Andromalius," Lucifer says, pushing back my thrust as the final clack against my spear. " I need your help in doing so. Can you do it for us, not just for me?" As a result, the seed of doubt is planted in my mind, and the spear loosens the ends of my advancement.
"I will, my friend," I respond, daydreaming of a new paradise where we angels can live freely instead of the new kind.
[End of flashback]
Those kinds of thoughts nagged at me. The second is Lysander Asmodeus, the first king of Saudade, of whom we are all aware. I hate to bring up my irresponsible nephew, but-
"You've been dozing off lately; were you pushing yourself?" Mikhail pokes me while talking. Talk about yourself, little majesty; haven't you been working yourself to death since you arrived?
"I am fine, Mikhail. Were you requesting anything from me?"
"I'd like to invite you to accompany me to my meeting with the dark bishop this afternoon. I was afraid of causing something unnecessary and ruining our relationship." Mikhail admits that the issue has been bothering them for a long time. They have justified their cause for the previous stayed-up session.
"I will do as you request, but isn't the advisor a better fit for you?" There is no reason, Mikhail has their wisdom when they choose me, but I don't understand why they refuse to use the servants. Is it mistrust, or is there something more foreboding at work?
"As a justified discipline, he will simply side with the dark bishop." I don't want to be pushed aside without a chance to respond. You are correct about being second to suit, but your supportive devotion, sir Andromalius, is much more appreciated."
Mikhail says as they confront me, looking as if I've pushed them over the edge. I'll leave this topic alone for the time being. But it is still valuable for them to bring up my devotion, even if it is intended as a distraction.
"I understand; you're not going to question your decision any further." Please get some rest before then." I said my goodbyes to Mikhail before proceeding to the central church in the heart of the market. The filth of greed and envy could have been just after a confession session.
The dark star still hung in front of the church, disgusting that they had twisted Lucifer's banner into something so sinister.
The dark bishop has just finished preaching about the old one teaching how to be a demon, and while I am opposed to dragging humanity down with us, I see our role as "necessary evil" in comparison to what those new demons are preaching about.
"I am not aware of the northern lord coming to accompany me." The dark bishop mockingly walks out of the church, his clothes still stained red from the ceremony's blood.
"I am not, as you have stated. I've just been out here for their majesty's sake to see about this afternoon meeting." I comply, unflattered. The crowd is annoyingly quiet today as we walk back to the palace on the dirt path. It happens rarely, so why is it happening today of all day?
"Oh, yeah, that one. Regrettably, I had always expected you to take over Saudade if they declared themselves sovereign." Is the dark bishop trying to make small talk by speaking in a bored tone?
"Do you have any issues with them being our sovereign?" I inquire about the sudden interest.
"Our? You're going to like them." The dark bishop giggles and a gargoyle's laugh is most irritated when it truly finds the subject of its comedy.
"However, none of their so-called change has been damaging or converting. I've relaxed my guard around it. However…" The dark bishop becomes solemn; for one to be such a bothersome problem for Mikhail, should it get rid of him now?
"Today's meeting is about our annual blood moon ball. I wish they had chosen the advisor, but Milord's knowledge is unrivaled. I only ask that you refrain from cuddling them with your embrace." Oh, he was referring to my excessive adornment; why are they bringing it up?; I simply liked his conclusion because it was the first in many years to find common ground.
"I won't"
They've been working since we parted ways until I bring in the dark bishop. They have their own way of organizing, so the room appears to be tidy enough. Throughout the cupboard, there are numerous portions of dandelion tea. They struggle to keep up with work on their own.
The meeting, as promised by the dark bishop, will take place through Mikhail, and the dark bishop has been discussing etiquette and pleasantry. The dark bishop has been demonstrated by aristocrats without flaws or opinions in the old society. The meeting concludes with a difficult question.
"How will Saudade present itself without the usual title of Asmodeus' descendant?" While returning the documents to his void space, the dark bishop inquires.
"I should declare it the 72nd Ars Goetia's demon territory," I suggest. If they haven't refuted it, it will simply end there.
"I disagree; I can't rely on Sir Andromalius to protect me all the time. It would be the territory of the third archangel." Mikhail refutes; their determination to step out of my nephew's shadow is lauded, but is it worth it right now?
"Your Majesty, you can't be that serious." I'm sure you're aware that this is an important aspect of demons. If you keep it that way, you'll make enemies with others." The dark bishop inquires as to how they can change their minds. Knowing Mikhail, I doubt it will be easy.
"I've been thinking about it ever since we agreed on the throne. If I want the kingdom to be safe, I have to do it myself." Mikhail declares firmly as the dark bishop storms out in frustration.
The meeting concludes with the sovereign's words. I hope they don't come to regret their declaration, as much as I do.
The end
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The spotlight on the stage.
It could have a different meaning.
A diva singing has gained people's attention.
Or a goat that was meant to be sacrificed?
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Tenth author's journal 2: Mikhail 25.2_Sacrifical goat
Chapter 25.2: Blood moon ballAndromalius walks away with a disapproving shake. It's unusual for me to be so assertive like that. It was the usual retreating and allowing the other to contribute appropriate solutions. Today does not appear to be a rational day; was it worth claiming this pride as my own?The blood moon ball, as the dark bishop has stated, is an important aspect of demons. I might as well get ready before the ball starts. It was the waning gibbous moon in the sky tonight, so they will happen in a week or so.I spent the following week studying the documents that the dark bishop had assigned to me. Never an evening has the dark bishop missed the presence of visiting to check on my progress while carrying those passive thoughts. Despite the fact that I have memorized them according to the time of day, my etiquette is still criticized as being unflattering and only imitating old books.Andromalius has been extremely busy the entire time, as I didn't see him anywhere at th
Tenth author's journal 2: Mikhail 26_First decree
Chapter 26: Exchanging noveltyThe blood moon ball has been over for a day. Ragnorr has been watching me since I entered the ballroom because I still feel cheated after the sacrificial goat's selection. Such dirty tactics he used, suggest I leave while preparing for the limelight to trap me under obligation.He told me to set up a meeting at Saudade's palace a week later. This unnecessary impediment is exhausting. The dark bishop was shocked to learn that I would be the sacrificial goat and refused any summons I requested from his servants.I'm afraid of the rising moon now that dusk has fallen over Saudade. A burdensome task has fallen upon my needy and naive self, without a glimpse of the preferable knowledge at hand. I should take a short break from the garden.I slam the door open and drag my feet outside. The two guards outside the office greet me. I bid them farewell with a nod of approval as the sky darkened. The tiresome Andromalius has occupied the same white table. His massi
Tenth author's journal 2: Mikhail 27_Expandable oppression
Chapter 27: Temporal guidance-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------reveles: A spell that ambles to find hidden traps and treasures. It's considered one of the most used null spells based on its abilities and usefulness in adventuring. The hidden object can not be detected if it was cursed or blessed. If the elemental consists of the object the user trying to find surpassing the user's magic resistance, the risk of damaging the eyes will be dangerous.senstire: A sense-heightening spell. Usually used by warriors, their sense temporally heightens in exchange for mana being used. However, in this state, the user is subjected to lessen of mental fortitude.imago: A spell that duplicates an object. It is very mana-consuming to use as the item must mimic the exact information of the original object so it was advisable to use other creating spells to create replicas that look like the object instead of duplicating the e
Tenth author's journal 2: Mikhail 28_World Affair
Chapter 28: Far-fetched delivery-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Aimia: Contreated light into weapons made of light. Depending on the user's mana output. Light magic of this level will not cause harm to those demons of “marquises” and above. Upon making contact, the weapon will become a remote control bomb that will detonate as the user will.Words of an apostle: An authority of the previous “Kushiel”, which binding the enemy to the words of faith. As command of God,l the discipline will succeed in carrying. Kushiel controls the enemy that suited the mission of God, this will not cost any mana but an aching pain that is similar to the sinner will be placed upon Kushiel as a trade-off.Archangel of discipline: An authority of the previous “Kushiel”, which imitate any instrument of rehabilitation. Those instruments will be invisible to the naked eye but visible with mana sense. The difference betwe
Tenth author's journal 2: Mikhail 29_Mournful camaraderie
Chapter 29: Day before sacrifice"The deed has been done, your faithful servant Ash," expresses the dark will o wisp outside the afternoon window speak the voice of the royal messenger. It appears that he had other things to do before returning, as it converses before disappearing. For the time being, I have no use for him, so a short vacation would be preferable."Which spell, Mikhail, has flown into your office window?" Ragnorr enters groaning, having grown too accustomed to the palace, and orders his servants to do the same as mine. When it comes to cleaning, they are far more professional than my servants." 'Numtius,' it was from the royal messenger. The nature of his mana darkens it." I explain as the second day's dusk falls, the scenery is so slightly different from the first. A gust of autumn air carrying the scent of harvest, the vacant moon in the sky only weak light replaces it. It's far too quiet this time of year."Another unusual pheromone, I wish time would stand still
Tenth author's journal 2: Mikhail 30_Ascending overture
Chapter 30: Starting words-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------‘spiculum’: A spell that takes the shape of the user's imagination of a weapon, utilizing the elemental arcane of the user. The mana usage is low but it was still uncommonly used because such elemental consternation is quite damaging to the mortals' kind of physique so it is used rarely as a sort of projectile.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Those days feel like an ephemeral drift of interludes, days passing in and out with no purpose. I regained much of my spell sense while still limiting my output to avoid exhaustion from death and rebirth.Ragnorr is in good health. To be honest, after meeting Kryos, he perceives me as having a more direct approach. I don't feel as much distance between us as I did previously. He occasionally brings his theories on
Tenth author's journal 2: Mikhail 31_Chorus climax
Chapter 31: Provocation and DeflectionStepping into the transparent door, the high elve cast many spells of security. Such spells are hard to control as it is decoding magical locks that are implanted into the door not so rough to trigger a criminal reaction from those locks. A hallway made of white limestone appears when those locks are dispersed, and the disrupted flow of mana returns the castle to its true form.A normal castle that differs from the fairytales weaved by many that attend. For sure, anyone with a bit of rationality would know the hazard of building on glasses or reflective material like mythril. Overheating or freezing due to the ineffectiveness of releasing heat, not to mention how tiresome would the maintenance be every year.The door leads to the meeting room where I and Ragnorr is the last guest to arrive. The circle table from the left to right would be our empty seats, Tanwen with her guard for the beast representative, the human king Marvos with his chancello
Tenth author's journal 2: Mikhail 32.1_Bitter conclusion
Chapter 32.1: Breaking point--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------‘flare’: A spell that creates a small combustible fireable, those whose touch by flare’s flame shall be burnt, regardless of resistance against fire magic. Flare’s color is that of reddish yellow, which in normal cooking but those in the elemental attribute is much higher.‘Exsultet’: Spell in the [apocalypse] series. Summon a high pillar of flame that rained down on the enemies. Any fire resistance lower than “dragon”, will be reduced to mere dust. It consumes most of the user's mana as some make it a multiple sacrifices for the spell to activate.[apocalypse] series: Consisted of five spells accordingly to the five basic elements, ‘Judgement’ for lightning, ‘Exsultet’ for fire, ‘Typhoon’ for wind, ‘Genesis flood’ for water, “Eschatological” for the earth.[Confiteor] : Inquistor Kushiel unique skill. Where an invisible bell rings to the en
Latest Chapter
47_Prosopamesia
Chapter 47: Slept daze“Gabriel, you are here. I am not in the place again, right?” This shouldn’t be true, I need to wake up from here. These fulfilling dreams are not of my own but also his, why does he appear here or perhaps this isn’t Aeterna but another cage that Sariel build for me?Trying to recall what my last memory was, Matasyn had made a foolish wish that cause a thousand lives to be traded for mine. And then I made a contract with God…The horn is still here so it means it’s been true, God has made quite a cruel joke for me to wake up like this.“It seems that waking up at this time is too soon for you. Another month or year for you to comprehend things, Mikhail.” Gabriel smiles strangely, his expression is quite mature looking somehow. Time has passed quite much or at least the world set to be.“Be straight with me, Gabriel. Did my escape come undone?” I ask hastily,
46.2_Unchanged endearment, Learning again
Chapter 36.2: Something new, everything changeCollocatione: a well-known spell that is used by demons and angels, others don’t use it and use the lesser version known as ‘wrap’. There are two ways to use the spell, either by great knowing the place's structure and texture like the coordinates or just recalling the memories that you remember of that place.Wrap: a spell using estimation from eye length to teleport. Low succession chance and doesn’t account for height differences so it’s dangerous for those who first use it as they will fall head first from the sky. The only reason to use it is low mana situations or quick-time battles.De Amia: well there is nothing to be said of this. It’s somewhat higher than ‘cure’ but lesser in the healing than ‘cure’. I never go forth with dark magic study so I can’t use any normal healing spells on demons so this spell that use to exchange l
46.1_Wayward wanderer
Chapter 46.1: Lost and Found[Gabriel’s pov]As the sun sets on our world, darkness descends upon us once again. Despite our triumphs over countless obstacles, Uriel seems immune to the vanishing of the traitor’s alliance she once put her trust in.Our agreement is tethered to my brother’s existence as the final hope, but the weight of recent tragedies has shattered it into a thousand pieces. Memories of an oracle once dismissed as insignificant, now loom large in our minds in times of despair sowed.The fragility of our situation is all too apparent as we grapple with the consequences of our actions. Jeremiel's once steadfast demeanor has become increasingly troubled since learning of Lambert's sacrifice.The weight of our shared vulnerability has left a visible mark on Jeremiel's countenance. As the chaos continues to unfold, my thoughts turn to the well-being of our fellow allies. In this uncertain wor
45_God's curse
Chapter 45: God’s blessingAs my consciousness slowly returned, I was engulfed in a suffocating darkness that seemed to seep into my very soul. The last thing I remembered was the fatal blow from Azazel, as I valiantly tried to protect Matasyn from his wrath. Had that treacherous hound decided to let go of Matasyn and return to report to his master after he killed me? But where was I now?This place was unfamiliar, and it wasn't the realm between life and death that I had heard of. The realm's voice that usually whispered in my ears was eerily silent as if all its memories had been erased.As I looked around, my heart sank as I realized that I was not alone. The emerald-tinted surroundings were teeming with countless formless souls, swirling around aimlessly in a never-ending abyss. Their presence was suffocating and cold, their existence devoid of any rationality or purpose. They were like lost souls, condemned to roam this desolate realm
44.3_ Third Tragedy
Chapter 44.3: Last farewell to the past‘adponon’: a spell that pinpoints the location of a group creature. The command can vary from the numbered individuals ex: “The second to last soldier of the third row” to a specific individual ex: “Kryos Asmodeus”. The mana consumption varies to the difficulties of the search as well.‘typhoon’: one of the five spells from the series of [‘apocalypse’]. Summon a cluster of whirlpools that tear apart airborne creatures in the area of effect. The omen of wind comes with the subtraction of the sky from the second day of creation.‘Genisis flood’: one of the five spells from the series of [‘apocalypse’]. Start the warning of a horn to summon the endless water of those creatures who dwell only on land. The omen of water comes to
44.1_First tragedy
Chapter 44.1: Burning down speciesTerra’s stalactite: There are two forms of this spell, the earth form collect the mineral from the ground and pierce them into spear-like terrain, and the water form collects mineral from liquid and create spikes that shot at a destination. The spell requires a large amount of concentration it’s more advisable to use the earth form.Truth’s twister: The authority belongs to the fallen sepharim Lucifer, it has dimensional and time-twisting prosperity and runs on the user karma. Thus the more probability it takes to fulfill the wish, the more karma it causes in the user's life. If one inherited this authority rather than Lucifer himself, there are much more limitations as hierarchy and mana usage.The star that charmed all: The authority belongs to the fallen sepharim Lucifer, the affected victims can’t take their focus off the user and will do everything to win the user’s favor. Str
Interlude 1_Mordern Saudade
Interlude 1: Around the RosemaryThe sun had just risen, ushering in a new day, and I knew that the library awaited me. I dressed in my most comfortable suit - a pair of black pants and a white shirt - and made sure not to forget my library card before leaving my room. "Kris, Gene. I am going out. Do you want anything?" I called out but was met with silence. They must have already left for work, I thought to myself. It was unusual for Kris to be up and out so early.I decided to brew myself a cup of earl grey tea, which filled my senses with its fresh aroma. As I sipped on my tea, I couldn't help but wonder how my roommates could stand that industrial coffee. Mocha or latte always made me feel too full after just half a cup.Living near my workplace gave me the luxury of enjoying breakfast at a leisurely pace. It was just half past seven, and the library would open at eight. I knew I had to leave before the streets got too crowded. I made a few
42_Knived allies
Chapter 42: Necessary babbling[Gabriel’s Pov]“Gabriel! Where are you now?” Shouting the voice irritated from the end of the hallway, just I finally disconnect the bond between me and my brother. Up until lately, Mikhail has been popular with the known “traitorous archangel”. Such a thing to be opposed to Mikhail and his lighted mercy.At first, I recall having heard he would have sacrificed me by putting me to sleep comfortably, which is too merciful of him on the enemy against his ideal and yet again I find it grateful that he always has a place for this abandoned brother.I do not blame him, that is for certain because that is what Mikhail deserves to have. For that guilt and hurtfulness in our “childhood”. I am forever grateful even if it is for just a moment. I always wish to embrace him in his smaller form.“Gabriel!” Camael brags in my room as the door collapses
41.2_Shattered snowglobe
Chapter 41.2: Goodbye my dear[Zadkiel/Matasyn POV]“Lambert, I think that is enough. The robe won’t shine anymore, it has been almost a thousand years after all.” The giant keeps on gentle caress my old white robe, it’s useless after all. If the youths haven’t been so demanding, my plan would have been so easily done.Poisoning Rose with a living creature she loved, the younger one said it was too cruel so I have to change something that causes more “resistance” effect. How hypocritical that one is, to call the same method that it used to cause the death of my “dearest brother” to compare to mine as cruel.The homunculus is really something to be fearful of, it single-handedly executed that sacrilegious inquisitor and swing the high elf priestess to its side with little effort.Not having witnessed its battle wholely, I still can’t comprehend what kind of gift it
