Prince Abhiseka's brow furrowed deeply, his mind laboring to digest every word Sarila had just spoken. He turned his back to her, facing the balcony once more, his gaze sweeping across the vast expanse of Xiangdu Province's destruction, a silent testament to ruin stretched out beneath the pale light of the morning.
The remnants of a once-proud city were now naught but rubble and smoke, which still billowed lazily from several points, a mute reminder of the brutal battle that had passed.
After a moment of silence, broken only by the soughing of the wind carrying the dust of devastation, he finally spoke. His tone was low, measured, yet the tremor of suppressed anger could be felt clearly in every syllable.
"Is there news concerning Rivotra?" he asked, without turning to face Sarila.
Sarila, who stood several paces behind him with an air of respectful tension, immediately explained.
"Your Highness, a message has been conveyed by Lord Rivotra through one of the Ramon fleet's ships that managed to communicate from beyond."
She paused for a moment, choosing her words with care.
"Lord Rivotra informed us that he and the remainder of our naval fleet in the Asyr Straits are now held back on the outer side of the mysterious dome that shrouds this region."
"It seems… he can only await our egress."
Sarila continued,
"Our ships outside employed large written boards to convey the entirety of his message."
"The message states that all within this dome may depart freely, yet none may re-enter."
"He advises that we leave with haste, considering… considering the possibility of other Grand Aeon still dwelling upon this continent."
Abhiseka snorted softly, a sound more akin to a suppressed growl.
He turned again, leaning his hip against the cold and intricately carved railing of the Xiangdu palace balcony. His eyes fixed sharply upon Sarila.
"Sarila," he spoke softly, yet with a weight of emphasis. "We have already gone too far. We have already aided Rivotra in the destruction of Bahamut."
The prince's gaze narrowed. "You… your family, have infiltrated the very heart of this kingdom for generations. Long before your birth, they were already a thorn in Xiangdu's side."
He stepped closer, his aura of power feeling oppressive.
"Tell me, Sarila, do you deem it worthwhile to retreat now? After beholding the verdant paradise of this continent? Would you willingly return to the barren and harsh lands of Ramon?" His question was rhetorical, his tone laced with cynicism.
"And… is all of this," he gestured towards the destruction below, then pointed at Sarila, "worth the sacrifice of your ancestors? The sacrifice of your mother?"
Sarila flinched slightly at the last question.
Her ancestors were indeed fanatical infiltrators from the Temple of Akh on the Ramon Continent, a temple indirectly under Rivotra's influence.
However, Sarila herself had never set foot on Ramon. She was born and raised in Xiangdu, serving as the head of the White Lotus Guard, the personal protectors of the now-deceased Queen Lin Mei Xiao, the queen whose head she herself had presented to Abhiseka.
Her mother, a respected Xiangdu war general, had fallen ten years prior in a fierce battle against the Jindara Kingdom. Her loyalties were complex, influenced by her family's heritage, her sense of duty, and the harsh realities she had faced.
She bowed her head deeply. "Nay, Your Highness. It was not my intent to question your decision."
"I merely relayed… what Lord Rivotra stated is a truth worthy of our caution." Her voice trembled slightly.
"The power of Rem that we possess… is no match for entities of the Grand Aeon's caliber. Should we encounter them unprepared or without Lord Rivotra… we could meet a dire end, Your Highness."
Hearing that note of fear, a thin smile crept onto Abhiseka's lips. He drew closer until he stood directly before Sarila, forcing her to endure the prince's piercing gaze.
"Sarila, to be frank, I still harbor doubts about your loyalty to Ramon. Your ties to this land run too deep."
Sarila held her breath, not daring to lift her gaze.
"But," Abhiseka continued, his tone softening slightly, "because you brought me the head of the queen of this cursed kingdom, I am still considering not severing your head at this very moment."
"Forgive my presumption, Your Highness," Sarila whispered, her shoulders relaxing slightly in relief, though the threat still hung heavy in the air.
Abhiseka sighed deeply, stepping away several paces. "Do you recall Rivotra's initial plan? What did he promise us?"
Sarila nodded faintly.
"His promise to grant us fragments of Rem power?" Abhiseka snorted again. He reneged on it. After Bahamut's demise, what transpired? Nothing."
"Bahamut's power simply vanished, it did not shatter into Rem as he promised. We gained nothing!"
Suspicion now clearly flickered across Abhiseka's face.
He had followed Rivotra, burning Xiangdu to the ground, with the lure that Bahamut's Maha power would shatter into Rem that they could use to conquer the entire Bornika Continent.
They had even aided Rivotra in manipulating and resurrecting Bahamut through Queen Lin Mei's cruelty, only to then slay both the Queen and the Grand Aeon.
Yet, promises remained promises. The power never came, and now they were instead trapped within this mysterious dome, isolated. And Rivotra, from outside, casually ordered them to leave and retreat?
Abhiseka gritted his teeth. "Rivotra is surely concealing something from us."
He paused for a moment, appearing deep in thought, weighing the choices between ambition and risk. Finally, he made a temporary decision.
"Summon Set, Rudra, and Vex hither," he commanded Sarila. "I shall decide whether we retreat or assault Fort Asyr after hearing their counsel."
Prince Abhiseka stepped past Sarila, towards the balcony's exit.
"Tell them to meet me in the palace's central hall," he continued without looking back. "And prepare everything, Sarila. Drinks, maps, whatever is needed."
Some moments later…
The grand central hall of Xiangdu Palace felt cold and empty, a stark contrast to its architectural opulence now tainted by dust and scattered signs of battle.
In the center of the hall, upon a large oak table carved with dragons, lay a detailed map of the Bornika Continent.
The dim light from several lamps burning on the walls reflected an eerie sheen on the map's varnished surface.Prince Abhiseka Rah's stood hunched over the map, his luxurious robe decorated with the serpent devouring the sun draped over his broad shoulders.
His bald head reflected the lamplight as he traced the lines of borders and fortresses with his forefinger. His expression was hard, deep furrows in his brow indicating the weight of his thoughts.
Footsteps echoed on the marble floor as Sarila entered, offering a stiff salute. "Your Highness, Commanders Set, Rudra, and Vex'Thorn have arrived."
Abhiseka merely grunted in response, his eyes still fixed on the map. Sarila gestured, and the three figures of the Ramon Empire's war commanders stepped into the hall.
Akasha Set, the Whisperer of Darkness, entered with silent steps, his lean yet wiry frame cloaked in dark robes. The thin smile that always graced his lips appeared colder than usual beneath the lamplight, his eyes, holding their dim embers, observed the prince and the map before him.
Behind him, Rudra Kem, the Bone Carver, strode heavily. His massive muscles appeared tense beneath his rough, scarred skin.
His dreadlocked hair, adorned with small bones, swayed gently, and his red eyes burned with a wild light, as if impatient to return to the field of slaughter. He snorted at the map, clearly preferring action to strategy.
Lastly, Vex'Thorn, the Shadow Caller, glided into the hall more like a phantom than walking.
His long black robe seemed to absorb the light, and his pale grey skin contrasted sharply with his bone-white hair intertwined with black thorns.
His pupil-less yellow-green eyes stared directly at Abhiseka, radiating a cold aura that sent shivers down the spine. His presence brought with it a faint scent of grave earth.
"Commanders," Abhiseka greeted finally, straightening and looking at his three subordinates in turn. "You have heard Sarila's report?"
The three nodded, albeit with different expressions. Set appeared calculating, Rudra impatient, and Vex'Thorn showed no emotion whatsoever.
"Good," Abhiseka continued, his voice flat yet holding an undercurrent of tension.
"The situation is clear. We succeeded in destroying Xiangdu and eliminating Bahamut, as per Rivotra's initial plan." He paused, a note of cynicism creeping into his voice.
"However, promises remain promises. No fragments of Bahamut's Rem have we been able to claim. And now, we are trapped within this accursed protective dome, by the magic of some other Grand Aeon, no doubt."
He pointed towards the map. "Rivotra, from outside, suggests we depart with haste and retreat."
His message is clear. We can leave, but we cannot return. He also warns of other Grand Aeon dwelling upon this continent."
Abhiseka fixed his three commanders with a sharp gaze. "The question now. Do we heed the cowardly advice of that treacherous Aeon who has betrayed his promises? Or do we exploit our position here?"
He pointed to a spot on the map, a formidable fortress depicted to the west or northwest of Xiangdu.
"Fort Asyr. The key to their defenses before entering the heart of the Jindara Kingdom and Baranesta Province. Our scouts report additional forces from Duke Herman Syailendra moving to reinforce it."
He shifted his finger towards the southeast.
"There lies Fort Hanan, the border of Baranesta. And to the southwest or south, Fort Yevhan near Yevhan City in Yamashiro Province, guarded by Duke Takeshi and forces from the Thousand Flower Archipelago."
"Rivotra wishes us to leave," Abhiseka repeated, his tone laced with suspicion.
"Abandoning Xiangdu, which we seized with blood. To retreat now means surrendering all of this." He waved his hand around the luxurious room they now controlled.
"Set," Abhiseka turned to the Whisperer of Darkness. "Your intelligence analysis?"
Akasha Set offered a thin smile. "Your Highness, Lord Rivotra's suggestion is indeed suspicious. Why would he wish us to abandon this strategic position?"
"Is this a trap? Perhaps he wishes us to depart so that we may be destroyed by another Aeon, or so that he may claim the remnants of Bornika for himself without our interference?"
Set approached the map. "Fort Asyr is indeed key, but assaulting it directly from here, while we cannot receive reinforcements from outside the dome, is highly risky."
"Duke Herman's forces are reportedly en route. Perhaps it would be wiser to employ my strengths to infiltrate, seek weaknesses in their defenses, or manipulate the fortress commander from within?"
"We also require more accurate intelligence regarding the position and strength of these remaining Grand Aeon."
"Nonsense!" Rudra Kem interjected, clenching his fists until his knuckles turned white.
"Infiltrate? Manipulate? Those are the tactics of cowards! We shall simply crush Fort Asyr! Raze it to the ground before Herman's forces even arrive!"
"Show these continent dwellers the true might of the Ramon Empire! Grand Aeon? Let them come! Their bones shall make new adornments for my armor!"
His red eyes burned as he stared at Abhiseka, filled with bloodthirsty eagerness. "To retreat is the choice of the weak, Your Highness! We have come this far!"
Abhiseka did not immediately respond to Rudra. He turned to Vex'Thorn, who had remained silent throughout. "Vex? What do the eyes of your shadows behold?"
The cloaked figure shifted slightly, the air around him growing colder.
Vex'Thorn's voice was raspy and echoed, as if originating from the depths of a well.
"Shadows… report large movements towards Asyr… as our scouts have said. The defenses there… are strong. The walls are thick."
He paused for a moment.
"The shadow dimension around Asyr… feels… disturbed. Perhaps there is… magical shielding or a strong presence there."
"My summoned creatures will struggle to operate at their full potential near the fortress." He then pointed to another area on the map, perhaps towards the forests or mountains between Xiangdu and Asyr.
"This area… is more open. It could be used… for a diversion… or an attack from another side."
Abhiseka listened intently, weighing the arguments of his three commanders. Set offered caution and cunning strategy. Rudra offered brutal force and direct assault.
Vex offered tactical options through his shadow forces, yet also provided warnings. On one hand, his ambition screamed to press forward, seize Asyr, and prove that he did not need Rivotra.
The fertile lands of Bornika lay before them, a stark contrast to the barrenness of Ramon. To retreat now felt like a crushing defeat. On the other hand, Rivotra's warning about other Grand Aeon, coupled with his own betrayal, made Abhiseka hesitate.
Their Rem power was indeed great, but Sarila was right, facing a Grand Aeon directly without preparation was suicide. Especially as they were isolated within this dome.
The Prince looked back at the map, his finger tapping against Fort Asyr. His face was unreadable.
"Set, gather as much information as possible about Asyr's defenses and the whereabouts of this Aeon Rivotra mentioned. Employ any means necessary," he commanded finally.
"Rudra, prepare your forces for a possible full-scale assault. I want them ready to move at a moment's notice."
"Vex, continue to monitor enemy movements around Asyr and other borders. Seek any weaknesses we can exploit. If there is magical interference at Asyr, discover its source."
He straightened, looking at his three commanders once more. "I shall consider all options. My final decision will be made after Set's intelligence report comes in."
He gestured for them to leave. "Now depart. Sarila will ensure all your needs are met."
The three commanders saluted in silence. Set with his enigmatic smile, Rudra with a suppressed growl, and Vex'Thorn who vanished back into the shadows, leaving Prince Abhiseka alone in the vast central hall, wrestling with the decision that would determine the fate of the Ramon invasion on the Bornika Continent.
***** *****
Meanwhile, back with Jade in the city of Alden.
The golden light of the morning sun slowly illuminated the sturdy temple towers, yet its rays also shone mercilessly upon the heartbreaking scene below.
In the open field near the temple's main gate, Jade, Luna, and Gala sat side-by-side amidst the rubble of a shattered wall. Exhaustion was clearly etched upon their faces. The dust of battle, sweat, and faint stains of blood bore witness to their struggle.
Around them, a somber bustle unfolded. Surviving soldiers, many wounded, aided each other or were carried on makeshift stretchers towards emergency treatment areas.
Several body bags began to be collected with solemnity on one side of the field, a silent reminder of the price of their victory. The air still felt heavy with the smell of smoke, the coppery tang of blood, and the gritty dust of collapsed buildings.
Gala rested his head against the wall behind him, his eyes staring blankly towards the wounded soldiers. Luna, with her now-sharpened senses, appeared to observe her surroundings with a sorrowful expression, perhaps 'seeing' or 'feeling' the suffering around them more deeply than others.
Jade himself remained silent, his gaze fixed upon the elegant figure with white-gold hair standing not far from them.
Ave, the mysterious woman now bound to him in a way he still struggled to fully comprehend. He could sense Ave's presence even without seeing her, a strange resonance within him.
"Jade," Luna's voice broke his reverie. "That woman… Ave… who is she really? How could she… do all that?" Luna glanced at Jade, a similar question mirrored in Gala's eyes as he also turned.
Jade sighed deeply. How could he explain? He himself was still processing this bizarre reality.
"She's… complicated," Jade murmured softly. "She said she's a Grand Aeon, one of those ancient beings they call… the children of the Sun and Moon Gods."
Gala frowned. "Grand Aeon? Like in Rivotra?"
Jade nodded. "She… somehow, bound her soul to mine.
Some kind of… soul marriage, she said." Jade felt his cheeks grow slightly warm as he spoke the words. "Her essence is now inside me, in that place she calls the Nypocampus.
So… she'll always be with me." He swallowed, realizing how absurd it sounded. "I don't fully understand it myself yet."
As Jade spoke, their attention shifted towards Ave. The Grand Aeon stepped forward into the center of the area where many wounded soldiers and townspeople had gathered.
She raised both her slender hands, her eyes closing for a brief moment.
Then, a miracle unfolded. A soft golden light began to emanate from Ave's body, not blinding, but warm and soothing.
Along with the light, a faint yet beautiful melody could be heard, like an ancient hum that touched the very depths of their souls.
The melody spread, forming a dome of translucent light with a diameter of about thirty meters, encompassing the area.
Within the dome of light, the soldiers who had been groaning in agony appeared stunned. Lacerations began to close, bruises faded, and the expressions of pain on their faces slowly gave way to relief.
New energy seemed to flow into their weary bodies. Jade, Luna, and Gala watched with wide eyes. It was the embodiment of Ave's extraordinary healing power – the "Song of Life," as it might be called.
However, the miracle had its limits. The light and healing melody had no effect on the body bags lying still.
Ave opened her eyes, gazing at the lifeless forms, and the light around her slowly dimmed. Her power could heal the living, no matter how grievous the wound, but it could not bring back those who had crossed the threshold of death.
The expression on Ave's face changed. The gentle smile that had briefly touched her lips while healing now vanished, replaced by a deep cloud of sorrow. Her shoulders seemed to droop slightly.
Jade saw a single tear roll down that porcelain cheek, followed by another. Ave wept silently, yet the anguish in her eyes felt so real.
The sight of destruction and death before her seemed to trigger old wounds in the Grand Aeon's soul. Perhaps she recalled the terrible impact of the civil war between the Grand Aeon tens of thousands of years ago.
A war that ravaged the continent and claimed countless lives, a war that she herself had ironically helped to ignite with her actions in the past. The sorrow of history seemingly repeating itself now weighed heavily upon her.
"Luna, Gala," a familiar voice called out, breaking the somber atmosphere. Hinabi appeared, walking quickly towards the three of them. The priestess's face looked tired after the post-battle coordination, yet her gaze was serious and purposeful.
"Come with me now. There are important preparations you must make upon the orders of… Her Majesty the Queen." Hinabi's tone left no room for questioning.
She glanced briefly at Ave, who was still sobbing softly, then looked back at Luna and Gala, gesturing for them to rise quickly.
Luna and Gala exchanged glances for a moment, perhaps slightly confused by the sudden command, but they understood the urgency in Hinabi's tone and the authority behind the order.
They knew duty called. Gala rose first, patting Jade's shoulder gently. "We'll go first, Jade. Take care." Luna also rose, giving Jade a sympathetic look and glancing briefly at the weeping Ave, before hurrying to follow Hinabi's steps away from the temple gate.
Now Jade remained alone, sitting amidst the rubble, gazing at the figure of Ave who still stood frozen, weeping in her timeless sorrow.
The soul bond between them pulsed. Jade felt Ave's anguish as if it were his own, a strange connection that made him feel responsible, yet also afraid.
He hesitated for a moment. Part of him was still wary of the terrifying power he had witnessed from Ave, the Vampire side that had almost caused him to lose control.
However, seeing the Aeon's tears, seeing the fragility beneath her immense power, compelled him to move.
Slowly, Jade rose and stepped towards Ave, towards his 'soulmate' who was wounded by memories of the past and the bitter realities of the present.
Slowly, Jade rose from where he sat amidst the ruins, the dust of battle still clinging to his worn clothes. He stepped carefully towards the figure of Ave, who
stood with her back to him, her shoulders still trembling slightly with silent sobs.
The strange bond between their souls felt strong, drawing Jade closer even though a part of him still harbored wariness and fear of the immense power—and the dark side—possessed by this Grand Aeon.
He stopped several paces behind Ave, hesitating for a moment on how to begin. The scene of destruction around them, coupled with the deep sorrow that emanated from Ave, created a surreal atmosphere.
"Ave?" Jade called out softly, his voice slightly hoarse from exhaustion and dust.
Ave did not turn immediately, but her sobs seemed to subside.
She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand before slowly turning to face Jade. Her golden eyes, usually shining with confidence, now looked swollen and held an ancient sadness.
"Why are you crying?" Jade asked again, a mixture of awkwardness and genuine concern in his voice. He remembered how this woman had just healed so many with her light, yet now she seemed so fragile.
Ave shook her head slowly, a wry smile touching her lips. "Just… old memories," she whispered.
"Seeing all this… the destruction, the death… it reminds me of a past I wish to forget." Her gaze drifted for a moment towards the dawning sky that was beginning to grow brighter.
"The war between the Aeon… its impact is always terrible for this world."
Jade remained silent, trying to comprehend the weight of thousands of years of history that this being before him might carry. He then recalled the events of a few hours earlier, when his Vampire rage had almost spiraled out of control after tasting Luna's blood.
"Ave," Jade spoke again, this time with a different tone, a note of gratitude within it. "I… I wanted to thank you. Earlier… when I almost lost control… you stopped me."
He swallowed, remembering the horror of the moment when his bloodlust had taken over. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there."
Ave looked at Jade, the sadness in her eyes slightly overshadowed by a glimmer of understanding.
"It was my duty, Jade. Our bond means I must protect you from the dark side of the power I gave you… and perhaps, you also protect me." She smiled faintly.
"Now you know, this Rem Vampyr power is not a toy. You must learn to control it."
Ave sighed, appearing to gather her strength once more. "Enough dwelling on the past. We must move. I need to ascertain the situation and must report to the Queen."
Jade nodded in agreement. "Alright."
Ave began to walk towards the main temple, where the healing chambers and meeting halls were located. Jade followed behind, his steps feeling lighter now, though confusion and wariness still lingered.
As they walked down the temple corridor, which was beginning to fill with the activity of soldiers and medical personnel hurrying back and forth, an officer wearing the distinctive white helmet of the Jindara royal guard stopped them.
It was Lieutenant Jack, their new Squad 19 commander. His face looked tired, yet his demeanor remained resolute.
"Private Jade!" Jack called out, offering a brief salute that was more for formality's sake. He appeared slightly surprised to see Jade with such a striking foreign woman as Ave, but he quickly refocused on his duty.
"Lieutenant Jack? You're safe, sir?" Jade appeared surprised yet remained at attention, offering a salute.
"General Lance Garudeya wishes to see you immediately," Jack said, getting straight to the point. His eyes flickered curiously towards Ave, then back to Jade.
"He just received a report from the Royal Blacksmith, Master Alfonso Demitria. A report regarding… a family heirloom spearhead that you entrusted to him while at training camp."
Jade was stunned. General Lance? The great General he had idolized since childhood wanted to see him? And it was because of the spearhead his father had given him? Why would that simple heirloom attract the General's attention?
Nervousness, confusion, and a touch of pride mixed within him.
"General Lance… wants to see me?" Jade repeated, making sure he hadn't misheard.
"Immediately," Jack emphasized. "He's in the west wing recovery chamber. I'll escort you." Jack glanced at Ave once more, as if asking who she was, but didn't dare inquire directly.
Ave merely offered a slight smile, gesturing to Jade with a small nod.
"Go, Jade. I will wait here or join you later."
With his heart pounding in his chest, Jade nodded at Jack. "Yes, Lieutenant. I'm ready."
The two spoke briefly during their journey towards General Lance. Lieutenant Jack revealed that he and the rest of Squad 19 had broken through Xiangdu's defenses during the attack and had been carried far to the east, where they had witnessed Jindara's victorious advance.
Jade followed Lieutenant Jack down the cold stone corridors of the temple. Each step felt heavy. He was about to meet General Lance Garudeya, the living legend of the Jindara Kingdom, the hero whose name he had always heard in the stories of his village.
He didn't know why the General wanted to see him because of an old spearhead, and he was completely unaware that this meeting would reveal a connection far deeper and more surprising than a mere encounter between a young soldier and his idolized general… a connection bound by blood and the same family name.
As they approached the door to the west wing recovery chamber, Jade's steps felt heavier still, anticipation mixed with an inexplicable nervousness.