CHAPTER 38

“Guard me with your wings of sanctuary.”

 

Wake up, my child. You still have your duty to the Prince to attend to.

            “Master...?”

            Christine’s state of mind suddenly drew consciousness, as though it was compelled to. She winced as sharp, cold blizzard whipped and pierced her exposed face.

            “Ryn!”

            Her hazel eyes came into quick focus while she became aware of the horrific situation. She was falling at a dangerous speed and Raviex was falling after her, his hand outreached. Instinctively, she reached out for him. Hands joined, they shared a moment of eye contact.

            Nearing the end of the fall, a thousand emotions overwhelmed the couple. None was willing to admit to the fate of death yet neither could find a possible way to survive this test. Through those blue eyes, Christine recognised deep hurt and defeat. There were no sparkles in them; they were no longer clear—clouded by tears of anger and denial.

            You are useless. You can’t protect the one you love. You can’t even protect yourself!

            “Raviex...”

            That’s not true.

            A strange colossal surge of Sacred Energy suddenly focused from all parts of her body to the seal on her right arm. The ancient writings which formed the seal around her upper arm shone a blinding blue and burst into nothingness. Raviex’s eyes widened in awe as two glorious wings materialised from the girl’s back, widespread.

            The blizzard disappeared around them and was replaced by a tranquil peace which was totally out of place considering they were a breath away from death just a heartbeat ago. A blue translucent sphere protected them, offering a much needed sanctuary to them. Gravity did not affect them anymore, in fact, they were defying it. Linked still by their hands, now, the Yamist was gazing down at her lover with tenderness and benignity.

            Pulling him toward her, Raviex and Christine locked in embrace.

 

            “Sonia.”

            Kyoden could feel that he was arriving at the end of the supply of his Sacred Energy. Sonia understood that soon, he would not be able to maintain the titanium rope. Without a constant flow of Sacred Energy, the living titanium could not be shaped.

            “Please forgive me if I cannot save us,” he sighed.

            “Idiot... How could I blame you?" muttered Sonia. In the face of death, she thought they were facing it rather calmly.

            “I’m sorry.”

            The usually hot-headed girl closed her eyes in submission. The titanium rope returned to the heart of the crossbow though it did not choose to desert its master.

            Suddenly, both of them saw a light—a light they deemed from the life after death.

 

            “Raviex!”

            “Your Highness!”

            Raviex’s pupils adapted from sudden brightness to the current dim lighting. It was almost dark and the sun was setting.  Streaks of orange reached out in vain as darkness curtained the sky. In his arms, Christine lay unconscious but safe. Her wings had vanished but there were traces of them to remind him they were real. Around them, white feathers tainted by the orange of the sunset littered their grassy bed.

            Yexi and Shenjoon came to their side. Raviex was lost with words. Moments ago, Christine had performed a miracle, saving their lives. Now, she was much alike asleep. After feeling for her veins at her wrist, Yexi assured the Prince, to his relief, that she was alright.

            There was another shocking zap of light. Kyoden and Sonia appeared a stone’s throw away from them. Sonia was confused when her eyes were occupied by a canvas of awakening stars but whatever she was imagining; she waved it off and merely swallowed down the fact that they barely escaped death. For a scene like this, she was almost sure that Kyoden would make a loud and silly remark for which she would yell at him.

            Strangely, she heard none of it.

            As she struggled to pull herself up into a sitting position, Yexi was already checking for Kyoden’s pulse. She looked questioningly at Kyoden as though to ask him why he was just lying still.

            “He’s okay, just over exhausted but his Mortal Vein needs healing assistance,” Yexi diagnosed worriedly.

            Trying to suppress a wave of panic from gripping her mind, Sonia identified the place they were at. “We are on a hill near Sage Village. We must hurry and seek for my Master’s help!”

            Like answers to their prayers, six figures arrived on the scene in six small pillars of light.

            “Sonia!”

            “Lorenne, thank the gods you are fine!” Sonia hugged her sister and kissed her on the forehead. “But how did you...”

            “I’ll explain later. Master is waiting for us. He has sent his aid.” Lorenne was referring to the other five who had come with her. They were dressed in robes likened to a monk’s. Two stretchers were ready and soon, both Kyoden and Christine were lifted on them.

            “I know it’s not exactly the best way to enter my home but... welcome to the lands of Sage Village.”

 

            The doors swung open to emit the masked man. The conversation halted as the other generals watched him disapprovingly. He strolled smoothly to his usual position which was on the right of Lord Valkyr who was sitting on his throne chair.

            “If you could be more punctual with respect to our lord, First General,” General Crone sneered.

            Without addressing him, Lazachus spoke directly to Lord Valkyr. “My lord, I had matters to deal with... and I could not free myself to come immediately as you summoned.”

            General Crone swore under his breath at his obnoxious attitude and excuse. “Who does he think he is?!”

            Lord Valkyr waved a hand to silence General Crone. “Our meeting shall proceed.”

            Reluctantly, General Crone agreed. “As I was reporting, my lord, I have carried out your orders. The Prince and his companions, my men successfully tracked them down in the Mountains of Silvongein. It was obvious that they were on their way to Sage Village. It would be troublesome if they did manage to but the Prince, your lordship, is a goner.”

            A greedy gleam flashed in the dark lord’s eyes. “You are certain, Second General?”

            “Yes, my lord. My men saw the Prince and the others fell to their deaths after they ambushed them,” the general answered with much pride. This time, Lord Valkyr will place me above that miserable son of his!

            To his surprise, Lazachus Valkyr mockingly applauded him. General Crone glared at him, knowing that it was impossible to be an act of sincerity.

            “I simply admire your daring, Second General, to report to our lord something that is nothing more than mere speculation with such confidence,” Lazachus chuckled.

            “What is it that you are trying to say, First General?” the other barked back.

            Lazachus stood out before the court and the dark lord. “Your men, General Crone, assumed the Prince and his companions are dead. Yes, they did fell off the mountain, but your men never witness them hit the ground and well... die, did they?”

            The elder general blustered, “There is no way they can survive such a fall.”

            “Oh?” The son of Dark Valkyr paced about with a contemplative look, hands behind his back. “If I remember right, they are in the lands where the Sages are in control. And...do you really think they will allow the Prince to die in their territory if they could help it?” Lazachus shook his head. “I don’t think so.

            “May I add, General Crone, if your memory has not failed you, the Prince and his Z-tech Crusader fell from the sky and crashed but he survived.”

            He flushed but could not retort. The First General had made his point.

            “Second General.”

            “Yes, my lord!” he answered quickly. Lazachus smirked as he smelled fear.

            “If you wish to remain in my court, you will waste no more of my time and patience!” thundered Lord Valkyr. General Crone winced, immediately falling down to a knee, pleading for mercy. He looked up as he felt a shadow fell upon him.

            Lazachus had stepped in between General Crone and Lord Valkyr. “Your lordship, I ardently hope that you would allow me to solely handle the Prince’s case. I promise you shall not hear from me any news of disappointment.”

            “Very well, the next time you come before me to declare the death of the Prince, I want to see his head! Do not disappoint me, First General,” warned the dark lord.

 

            He suddenly took in a deep breath, as though it was his crucial breath of life. The Haikenese quietly thanked and praised the Light for his survival. He opened his eyes. The room he was placed in had little light. The light from the lamp on the bedside desk was adjusted to the minimum.

            Kyoden then realised that there was another life in this room besides him. A figure was sleeping with her head rested on the side of his bed. Her unruly curls hid her face partially. He raised a hand and stroked her hair gently. So many times she played his opposition, raising her voice at him; so many times he teased her, annoyed her, and argued with her. But there were no less times that they faced near-to-death dangers together.

            Sonia stirred and awakened. As she saw Kyoden smiling faintly at her, she returned the smile.

I’m glad we survived, Sonia.

            The door to his room swung open halfway, when the person saw the scene, she quickly moved to close the door but was stopped by her sister.

            “What is it, Lorenne?”

            Lorenne opened the door again, looking rather apologetic. “Hello, Kyoden, good to see that you are awake.”

            “Good to see you too, Lorenne,” he greeted her.

            “Christine just reached consciousness too. Raviex is accompanying her right now. When we are ready, Master will tell us our next step to fulfil the Prince’s goal of obtaining the Ultimate Praetor,” informed Lorenne.

 

            “Raviex, it is not your fault,” said Christine weakly, gripping his hand.

            He could not even bring himself to look at her in the eye. “You saw how weak I was before him, before the son of Dark Valkyr. It is true, the rumour that Dark Valkyr has a son, Lazachus Valkyr. He is right, I cannot even protect myself. How can I protect my loved ones and my kingdom? You are injured also because of me...”

            Christine understood that after the confrontation with Lazachus Valkyr, Raviex’s self-confidence and pride was utterly and thoroughly shattered. He was afraid that he was nothing but a failure.

            “You’re wrong! No, Lazachus Valkyr is wrong!” she disputed. “Why do you take in his words, Raviex?”

            “He defeated me so effortlessly. I could not stand a chance against him.”

            “Go away, Raviex.”

            The Prince was stumped at her abrupt tone of coldness.

            “Go away. You are not the prince I have faith in. Your courage, your sense of justice and righteousness, your eagerness to defend your people... where are they, Raviex Katelion? Are you abandoning your mission because you encountered defeat?” 

            “But I—”

            “You protected me when we were children not because of your strength; it was because of your kind and compassionate soul, my Prince.”

            A tear rolled from the corner of her eye.

            “Ryn...” He chided himself for making her cry. “Please don’t cry.” Just as how he had brushed away her tears during their first meeting on the Floating Land years ago, he did it the same way. She smiled as she saw that her words had touched him.

            “You are right. I will find a way to protect my kingdom. I won’t give up,” he assured her.

            “Excellent, Your Highness. I’m pleased to hear that.”

            Raviex and Christine turned to see an ancient, benevolent-looking man entering the room. He was balding and his short boxed beard was as white as snow but his owl-gray eyes showed that he was still sharp and alert. He was dressed in similar robes as those who had come to aid them when they first arrived but his was pristine white while theirs were dark green.

            “We have a lot of work on our hands but of course, it will all start after we are ready,” he said. Chuckling, he added, “Pardon me. Allow me to introduce myself, Your Highness. I am Sonia and Lorenne’s master, Riordan Orestes.”

 

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 39

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.”

 

Yexi tapped lightly on Shenjoon’s head, disrupting his intense gaze on his urn which was placed on a table in the room especially provided for them.

            “Why are you looking at it like that?” she asked. Without seeking his opinion, she wheeled his wooden wheel chair next to the bed.

            “I did not remember taking my urn along when I was trying to save us,” he blurted. “And it just appeared in our room!”

            Depending entirely on Yexi to move his body onto the bed, Shenjoon yelped when he accidentally banged an arm against the surface of the bed.

            “I’m so sorry, Shenjoon!” His wife apologised quickly. Since he was suffering more from physical injuries, the Sage healers could not do much but to leave his injuries to recover on their own. His hands, lower arms and legs were heavily bandaged with strange-scenting herbs.

            “It’s okay, Yexi.” He shrugged it off. “But I just can’t stand the smell of my bandages!”

            She sighed with remorse. “Sometimes I wish I were a healer, a healer of the flesh at that.”

            The pair of dark Flamese eyebrows knitted together. “That’s weird. Grandpapa always said to be born a Lundea is a great blessing by the gods, plus, you’re a Yamist. Why would you want to be a normal healer? You have to be a non-Lundea to be that.” It was obvious that he disapproved of the thought.

            Yexi’s fluent movement of adjusting the blanket and fluffing the pillows so that he was in the most comfortable position possible, paused for a moment as he reminded her of her duty to the Light, not that she had ever forgotten it. She resumed her doting actions quick enough so that he did not realise the odd stop.

            “Well, if it isn’t because you keep getting yourself injured physically, I definitely would not have such thoughts!” she replied sensibly. Restoration of the body whereby the damages are done by physical inflictions is the one thing the Sacred Energy could not be used for. Resurrection of the flesh was impossible. Otherwise, the rule of the living would be breached.

            “Yexi, you know that the Tao-Yang Energy in me hastens my recovery. Christine and the others get physical injuries from fights too and they have their Sacred Energy to help them heal, even though they don’t heal immediately,” he said, placing his arms on his body to avoid lying on them in his sleep.

            The wife laughed quietly. “You’ve become more talkative lately.”

            Shenjoon smiled at the remark. “I think it’s because of this journey.”

            “I agree, Shenjoon. We have found very pleasant people for friends.”

            He closed his eyes, prepared to sleep.

“Yexi...”

            “Hmm?”

            “I like listening to your songs.”

            Following his words, a soft melody filled his ears, sending him off to the dream realm.

 

            The Prince dragged his feet on the grass, unable to lift them up to walk properly. He gritted his teeth as he felt terrific amount of gravity tugging onto his body due to the weight bags strapped to his four limbs. Master Orestes had told him to hike along the circumference of the small village with the weights. Two hours had gone by but he was not making good progress, barely completing one-quarter of the circumference.

            He leaned against the defense walls which protected the village within. They were not brick walls; they were simply crude walls of stone erected from the grounds. Sage Village was outlandish. Everything was, in a way, natural. While the interior of the homes of the villagers might appear the same as any other homes in the outside world, their exteriors were actually gigantic trees. The types of trees were decided according to the residents’ preferences.

            As he was fit to commence his trainings before the others, the Fierell sisters’ master insisted he used his time productively. He was of the same opinion but he didn’t expect his starting task to be as gruelling as the present.

            “If we had more time, I would have you carry out this training the way Sonia did. However, she began since childhood. You don’t have the luxury of time, hence, you might find my trainings more severe than any of which you have undergone.”

            Those were the master’s words.

            His lost of focus caused him to trip over a stray stone on the ground.

            “Argh!”

            He stumbled and plummeted down onto his four. He smashed a fist onto the ground, frustrated. The late morning sun was beating down on him. His whole body was drenched with his own sweats. He turned over to face the sky, lying on his back.

            I’m so tired...

            A gentle breeze brushed against his cheeks. He heard chirpings of the birds and rustles of the leaves and grasses. It seemed so peaceful and tranquil in this part of the Kingdom. Who would believe there was a great evil haunting the world beyond, where peace was so fragile?

            He opened his eyes when a shadow cast over him, blocking the blazing sunlight.

            “Lorenne!”

            He struggled into a sitting position. The Yamist of Wisdom giggled as she watched him made his effort.

            “It’s not funny,” the Prince grumbled, a little annoyed.

            “I’m sorry, Raviex,” she apologised, smiling mildly. “Forgive me but I really don’t think you should be resting.”

            Raviex exhaled. Master Orestes must have sent her to check on me.

            “I came because Christine wanted me to make sure you are not slacking.”

            The pair of heavenly blue eyes blinked, then, its owner slowly ruffled the hair on the back of his head guiltily. “It’s just so... tough.”

            “Persevere, my Prince. Master knows what he is doing,” comforted Lorenne.

            He could only nod wordlessly.

            “Christine would have come here personally but she can’t, of course. When she heard about your training, she told me that it would be better for you to have company as you carried it out,” the girl explained.

            It was strange how the simple, kind thought from the red-haired girl could easily conjure a smile on his face.

            “Thank you, Lorenne.” He felt much rejuvenated. Finally, he was back on his feet and prepared to finish his task.

            “Don’t thank me just yet. My duty is not over. Christine would have used the Visual-C to talk to you but since it can’t work within Sage Village, I’ve promised her that I’ll keep you companied until your mission is accomplished.”

            He laughed aloud. “Alright, why not?” It was better than hiking alone.

            You understand that I am weak when I’m alone, right, Ryn?

            The weight bags did not feel as heavy when he recommenced his training.

 

            The sun was going to set in a few hours when Raviex dropped down in exhaustion before the entrance to Sage Village, sitting with his back against the stone wall. He let out a cheer whilst Lorenne clapped happily for him.

            “Mission not accomplished if you don’t step into the village, Prince Ax.”

            A light chuckle followed. “Come in already, Raviex.”

            Raviex turned his head to see Sonia, Kyoden and Christine welcoming him back from his training (Kyoden and Christine were sitting on a wheel-chair). He laughed heartily. “Hey, you’ve no idea what’s it like!”

            “It can be monstrous, I know,” Sonia said. “Apparently, you’ll be consistently stretched to your limits by Master. I honestly doubt if you can withstand it.”

            “Don’t worry, I’m not too certain myself,” replied Raviex half-jokingly.

            Christine wheeled herself before him. “One step at a time; take your training day by day. It’s easier that way.” She offered a hand to him. Taking it, he pushed himself up, staggering slightly.

            “How are you feeling today?” he murmured as he bent over to kiss her forehead tenderly.

            Kyoden coughed. “Excuse me, there’s another person who is injured severely during our Silvongein expedition which caused the fella to be stuck in a wheel-chair too.”

            “I did not forget you, Kyoden,” remarked Raviex, amused.

            “Then you shall kiss my forehead too.”

            “No, thank you, Kyoden,” the Prince declined instantaneously, retreating behind Christine.

            “Okay,” the Haikenese sighed.

            “It’s not even funny,” Sonia uttered mercilessly.

            “You’re saying that only because I did not ask you to kiss my forehead,” he returned her a haughty retort.

            Sonia kicked his wheel-chair so that he flopped onto the ground clumsily on his belly. “I’m a patient, you witch! I am so reporting you to Master Orestes!” wailed Kyoden.

            Lorenne hurriedly helped him back to his wheel-chair; the other Fierell grunted as she left. “And I thought the two of you would have gotten along a little by now,” she muttered. Kyoden turned a deaf ear on purpose.

            But that’s how we communicate...

            “Raviex, Master Orestes is waiting for us,” informed Christine. He nodded once and began wheeling her in the direction of the Sage’s home. Lorenne and Kyoden trailed just behind.

            Trees of exotic kind greeted them as they walked. Most were roughly as tall as a two-storey building, with leaves as large as a man’s palm and branches which reached out. The flowers which blossomed from the trees, however, varied.

            Just before they took the left route to Master Orestes’ tree, Raviex’s eyes lingered upon a peculiar weeping willow located further down the right route beside a pond. It would have passed off as a normal weeping willow if it was not for its white leaves which possessed the sparkles of diamonds. His hair on the back of his neck pricked up as he felt invisible eyes on him, observing him from the tree.

            “Lorenne, who does that weeping willow belong to?” he asked, his sight still fixed onto it as they walked on.

            There was only one tree on the other path they left behind, so, she instantly knew. “The Three Silent Sages reside in that tree, Raviex,” she replied uncomfortably.

            “Silent Sages?” repeated Christine who became interested to. It was hard not to notice such a tree. “Don’t they have names?”

            “Umm... I don’t really know a lot about them, to be honest with you. I’ve never seen them out of their tree nor met them personally. The villagers here merely refer to them as the Three Silent Sages,” said Lorenne.

            “It’s not just them. I feel the people here generally are quiet,” commented Kyoden. The other foreigners were of the same opinion. Raviex was uncertain if it was the appropriate word to describe them but he saw that they were far different from the people he met in Little Dai Town or Kaza City. While they do associate themselves with one another, they would speak very softly despite the non-existence of such regulation. He realised also that the villagers wore similar simple robes.

“It must appear strange to all of you,” admitted Lorenne. “Those of us who live here, we are close to nature. The way we live revolves around the principle of respecting nature. That is why, though we seek comfort, the villagers here always make sure nature is not harmed,” Lorenne explained.

“To live with nature...,” mused the Prince. They literally do live with nature.

“But why is it that you and Sonia do not dress as how the villagers do?” questioned Christine.

Lorenne’s green eyes fell to the ground. “We aren’t real natives from Sage Village. Master said our parents left us with him in order to stop the Civil War of Ignorance.”

Raviex, Christine and Kyoden murmured their apologies. The Civil War of Ignorance occurred roughly a decade before the Kaza War in Sage City between three groups of people: Flamese-Sage and Millen-Sage, who made up the larger share of the population of the city, and the remaining minorities.

Sage City was not one of the Eight Powers which existed before the kingdom. It existed after the formation of the Katelion Monarch; its existence came also after Sage village (there was no connection of history between these two places). The civil war broke out when the people became intolerant with one another. It was discovered later that it was the Valkyr Empire which fanned the flame of hatred among them. While there were those who tried to prevent the war from occurring, damages and casualties still happened.

“Master Orestes brought up my sister and I here where it is peaceful and distant from dangers but he did not bind us with the traditions of this village. He told us that we do not originally belong here and one day, we will live this village to lead on our lives,” added Lorenne. She smiled when she thought of her sister. “I know Sonia loves to venture out of here. It is not the same for me. I love this village. If the Light could grant me this wish, I hope to live out my life here without worldly worries.”

Deep within, Raviex yearned for the same wish too. He knew it could not be so since he was the Crowned Prince. The peace of the world was his responsibility. It was not a choice but fate.

The walk to Master Orestes’ home was short since it was, after all, a small village. It marked the end of the conversation. The old Sage was watering the bushes which grew by the side of his tree. He looked up at the group.

“Can’t you magic the bush to water themselves?” asked Kyoden, frowning, as though it was the smartest question one could ask on that very spot.

          Master Orestes laughed heartily. “If you can do it on your own, why should you not accomplish the work with your own hands?” He then beckoned them into his tree.

            The three who came from beyond Sage Village sat around a round table as Lorenne dutifully prepared tea to be served. They had not passed the stage of awe as to how the interior of the trees could become homes to the villagers. Inevitably, they suspected there was sorcery at work.

            “You have finished your hike earlier than I expected, dear Prince,” the Sage remarked with favour. “Your grounding is fairly well but do not be too pleased just yet. The journey is not a breeze.”

            Raviex found difficulty to move with the weight bags around his arms and was about to remove them when Master Orestes stopped him. “You will carry out daily activities with those on until I say you may remove them,” he said sternly. “You will walk with them, sleep with them, eat with them, do your trainings with them et cetera, but I will exempt you from them when you are going to take your bath.”

            He was compelled to say ‘yes’ and grabbed his cup of tea with much clumsiness. “I feel sorry for you, chap,” sympathised Kyoden.

            “Kyoden, you are no exception. Your training will commence three days from now. I am positive you will achieve full recovery by then,” Master Orestes directed his attention to the Haikenese.

            “Me?” he gasped in horror.

            “Yes, you, it is quite unnecessary for you to make me repeat myself when you clearly understood my instructions,” chided the teacher.

            “Okay,” he said meekly. I would love to know if I can further development my skills anyway. “What about Christine? Why doesn’t she get trainings too?” he whined.

            Master Orestes cast a glance at the girl. I’m sorry, Allegar, there is nothing I can do to help her. “She will assist the Prince when she recovers.”

            Christine looked away from the pair of grey eyes. She understood immediately the reason why she was not having any training. It was not because she was really strong but it was because he was unable to help her with her problem. Since the time her seal was brokened, she had not used skills which required Sacred Energy. She dared not try, afraid that she personally no longer had the control over it.

            “Master Orestes, do you know how I can find the White Ruins?”

“Raviex, I will tell you when the time is ripe. For now, you must concentrate in your training,” advised Master Orester. “From what you have told me, your enemy is incredibly a threat.”

“Yes, Master.”

Christine held his hand, giving him an encouraging smile.

            Watching the scene as he stroke his beard, it occurred to him the relationship between the two. Levon’s son and Allegar’s daughter? He chuckled. Fate was something unfathomable. My beloved friends, who would have guessed that I would be a guardian to your children?

 

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 40

“Which man can be as close to perfection had it not been the trials he has undergone?”

 

Kyoden let out a laugh. “That’s a good one. I almost thought you were serious about that.”

            His newly assigned instructor, Sera Allegheri, did not alter her serious countenance. “Kaneshiro, you heard me correctly.” She was a tall woman, her chin sharp and her cheekbones showing. Her robe could not hide her athletic build and her eyes reminded Kyoden of an eagle’s, determined and focus. Since she was his senior in age, she did not bother with salutation.

            “But really, you have got to be joking!” he objected. “That is completely absurd. Do you really expect me to believe that it is possible to aim and shoot at just one particular bird among thousands?”

            The two of them were standing in the middle of a vast field with four inactive machines which looked like projectors at each corner. Master Orestes was true to his words. He made sure Kyoden began his training the moment he was deemed to be fully recovered.

            “I know one person who was said to be able to do that but the fella’s dead already.”

            Sera crossed her strong arms and grunted scornfully. “So, the best archer in Haiken is just of this standard. I guess I shouldn’t expect too much from a kid who chose to run away from home.”

            Kyoden flushed at her words. “It has nothing to do with it! Besides, how did... how did you know about my running away from home?”

            “I suppose you have not been honest to your friends about this, am I not right, Kaneshiro? If you have no secrets, you would not be so agitated when others find out something about you,” she said. “Running away is a childish and cowardly act. Similarly, because you are childish and cowardly, you dare not test your boundaries.”

            He locked his jaws with resentment. “If you’re feeling so smug about it, why not you demonstrate for me?” he challenged, disgruntled.

            “If it isn’t for Master Orestes, I wouldn’t even bother to. I have nothing to prove to you but since I do feel like flexing my muscle a little and to show you what a real archer can do...” Sera Allegheri left her sentence hanging. She materialised a traditional bow and an arrow in her hands.

            “You’re planning to use those ancient tools?” Kyoden unwittingly jeered.

            “Lesson number one, boy, excellence in archery comes from the skills and concentration level of the archer and not the dependence on the equipment. Despite highly advanced weapons, if the archer is not as refined, then the weapons will be equally worthless.”

            I’d like to see what you can do. Kyoden did not like being insulted in the field he was best in.

            “Amateurs... The simplest trick would be enough to astound you,” she uttered, and then in a loud, commanding voice, she shouted, “Computer, online! Thousand birds’ status!”

            Kyoden’s eyes widened. Hang on, Chidori? Could she possibly be...? But she’s dead!

            “Stimulator online, thousand birds’ status activated,” reported the computerised voice. Uncountable amount of white doves suddenly appeared in the air, wings flapping urgently and feathers fluttered from them chaotically. While everything seemed to his eyes a complete confusion and mess, it was apparent to him that Sera was seeing a complete different view from him. She was watching the sky so calmly and alert, patiently waiting for her prey.

            He saw a flash of black wings but her arrow was already locked down on the target. With dead precision and confidence, she fired it. The black crow let out an odd, dying shriek as the arrow pierced it. It fell from its place among its feathered kind and landed like a heavy stone.

            Impossible!

            Sera’s head lolled in his direction to look at him, her lime green eyes spelled boredom. “I wasn’t even looking.”

            “You are ‘the Demonic Archer’, Sahira Araguri, aren’t you?” he breathed. What’s she doing in Sage Village!?

            “Why,” she drawled. “Afraid of me now, boy?” Her lips displayed a taunting and impish smile.

           

            Four hundred metres away, the Prince was also having his own training.

“Prince Raviex, Alphonse Pinnacles will be using stimulators to create a scenario where you will battle your opponent. Don’t worry because he is not invincible... just.... incredible.” His instructor left a touch of suspense at the end of his sentence. His small stature led Raviex to doubt that he was a warrior. His reference to himself from a third person’s point of view pretty much made Raviex alarmed too.

“You do not think Alphonse Pinnacles can fight?” the man asked, amused.

Raviex blushed, thinking that his expression must have revealed his thoughts. “I’m sorry...” he muttered.

“Don’t be, my dear Prince, because you are very much correct. The truth is, Alphonse Pinnacles cannot fight,” he admitted but he did not appear to be ashamed. Raviex instantly remembered that Keith said similar things on a certain occasion. “Your opponent is stimulated as well but Alphonse Pinnacles assures you, my stimulators will prove to be of great help in your training.”

“Mr. Pinnacles, I do not question the trainings you set for me,” Raviex affirmed as he stepped within the wide square space outlined by the projectors. “Please proceed to brief me about the training.”

“Simple, Your Highness, defeat your opponent. Oh, Master Orestes would like to remind you not to remove your weight bags,” informed Alphonse peculiarly happily. A part of him – his past self – was delighted. It was always delighting for him to see people in pain. That’s when the determination to live could be observed. Some begged for their lives, some fight for theirs; some rather just accept death than prolonged torture. The cries from those in agony... How wonderful that would be! So, struggle, my Prince, struggle! You must entertain Alphonse Pinnacles, the Tormentor!

“Computer, online,” he ordered, with a wide fiendish grin, “Ripper Status!”

Raviex watched warily as the forest around him fade away to be replaced by a grim-looking grey cell. Despite the wide space of the room, the impression that he was in an enclosed room made him feel slightly uncomfortable. He was trapped in a cubic room with no doors or windows; it was just a void.

The hairs on the back of the Prince’s neck stood on their end as he saw a grotesque figure formed before him in his image. Soon, he was looking at his own twin, only, it was radiating a shield of black, sinister aura and it looked as though it was a dead corpse bought to life. The fake Letaikno in its hands were triple the size of the authentic counterpart.

A hissing sound escaped its rotten lips. “Frigid Dragon!”

And he has my skills as well?

Raviex took in the intimidating scene of a monstrous-looking ice dragon which encircled its summoner. The dragon, too, was converted to the dark side. What really caused him to flinch was the demonstration of power variance. The size and the duration of sustaining the formation of the dragon were beyond what he had ever conjured.

Wait, isn’t Frigid Dragon supposed to be a second-level skill? Why did it turn out to be a third-level, summoning skill?!

“The weaker one of us shall die!” The clone cackled.

The dragon lunged itself towards Raviex. Instinctively, he tried to defend himself. “Terrain Dragon!” He struck his sword into the ground, aiming the stalagmites which break through the ground at the dragon and his clone. The ice dragon breathed frost from its jaws, freezing the incoming stalagmites into harmless gigantic ice thorns.

“Not enough! Weak skills like that one won’t defeat me! Summon your dragon or get eaten by mine!” It scoffed at him.

Before he could think of a proper strategy to set himself in a better position, the ice dragon loomed before him. Its ice-blue wings covered his entire vision of the rest of the room. Raviex saw his own fearful reflection in the shiny, armour-like belly of the dragon.

“Power and strength do not make up the whole of the battle, my Prince. In many historical battles, it is the general who leads with wisdom, who won. When your enemy is too strong for you to compete in terms of brute force, you must learn to battle him with your wits!”

“Terrain Dragon!”  This time, a single stalagmite shot diagonally into the air from the ground.

“I told you! Those kinds of skills won’t work!” the clone jeered.

Raviex dashed onto the stalagmite. Just as the dragon blasted another ice beam, he leaped off into the air. The chance is now!

“Dual Penalty!” Letaikno burst with electricity. He slashed it against the dragon’s head and upon contact, it exploded as the surge of electricity gushed through its body. He landed on the ground to the applause of his clone.

“That was quite a feat. Let’s see you perform more than that, shall we?”

It sprinted across the room at an unmatched speed to one who was carrying such a bulky sword, charging madly at Raviex.

“Blade of the Lion!” He hurled golden crescent projectiles at it, attempting to slow it down. But it easily avoided them. They weren’t even the smallest threat.

The clone’s eerie face zoomed in his eyes as it closed in their gap. The intensity of his aura was crippling his mind, stunning him to the spot. “Don’t hate me, Princey! It’s for your own good!” It punched him at the abdomen without any reservation of strength. The force sent Raviex’s body smashing into the wall. It laughed maniacally.

Raviex moaned. This is no normal stimulation! The opponent, skills, injuries and pain... they are no different from a real life fight!

            Wiping blood from his lips, the Prince gave a chuckle. “So, this is for real. You’re forcing me to grow stronger the accelerated way, aren’t you?”

            “You better grow stronger. That way, you can entertain me a while longer!”

 

            “Raviex wouldn’t want you to wander off alone, Christine.”

            Christine spun around, startled. She relaxed when she saw that it was Yexi and Shenjoon. “Yexi! Shenjoon!”

            “You’re going to try to test your control on your SE?” asked Yexi. They were just slightly beyond the gates of Sage Village. The few days of rest managed her body to recover healthily.

            The red-haired girl decided to reply in a nonchalant manner.”Yeah, it’s better for me to know now if I could still manipulate my SE than during an actual fight.”

            What happens if the answer is not one that you want, Christine?

            “We will come with you, right, Yexi?” prodded Shenjoon, looking at his wife.

            “No,” the girl replied a little too fast. “I mean, I’ll be fine by myself.”

            “It’s not a good thing, Christine. You did not sense Yexi’s SE or my Tao-Yang Energy,” said Shenjoon worriedly. That means she’s not moulding her SE well. Her state has been reduced to a normal Lundea. “It’d be better if we could watch over you, in case anything happens, you know. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

            Her eyes softened. “Of course, Shenjoon, but anything goes wrong, you must prioritise your safeties, alright?”

            The couple nodded.

Deep down inside, you’re only scared that you’ll hurt your friends. The duo followed Christine’s lead in silence. Their thirty minutes hike brought them to a secluded lake. Ensuring that they were at a safe distance, Christine began trying to focus her SE in order to execute SE generated skills.

            Angel’s Flight was cast. Shenjoon swore she was moving faster than her previous times when she used the same skill. He was raring to match his Shadow Steps with her Angel’s Flight. Right then, he wished he had fully recovered and able to train with Christine.

            “You notice, Yexi, her skills would most likely be more powerful than before?” he pointed out.

            She laughed quietly. “You make your deduction so fast, Shenjoon.”

            “No, ever since the Silvongein incident, I could feel large amount of SE flowing out of her. It’s as though her body is too small to hold the SE she is generating. I think you know it too, so do the others and her,” Shenjoon remarked.

            “She did tell us that her seal was broken. Perhaps it is because she is not accustomed to the excess SE. Once she masters it, it would become a huge advantage,” added the wife. Christine was then casting the skill, Wind Strike. The lightning bolts which struck down in a certain radius around her also increased in speed and might. Though they were in a safe range, Shenjoon thought it looked frightening.

            “Not to mention, new powers. Raviex said she saved him with angel’s wings,” he uttered. “Could it be true? A human with angel’s wings?”

            Yexi shook her head once, unable to answer the question. At that moment, the Tao-Yang couple saw Christine collapse.

            “Christine!” They yelled in chorus, immediately racing towards her.

            Reaching her first, Shenjoon discovered her to be still conscious. “Hey, you okay?” He helped her up to a sitting position.

            Christine gave a weak smile. Yexi also joined them. “I guess this is going to be quite a problem for me until I figure out how to control the output of my SE, but at least I know I can keep my powers in check.”

            “It’s okay, Christine, you just need more time,” soothed the other Yamist. “How do you feel?”

            “Very tired, it feels like I could just sleep out here,” she admitted half-jokingly. “Huh?” Yexi gently pulled her backwards to her, settling her head on her lap. Christine’s dark hazel eyes were looking up into a pair of smiling grey eyes.

            “Rest, then, we’ll watch over you,” assured Yexi.

            “Thanks...”

 

            Raviex panted, his eyes not letting his clone out of sight. The duel had dragged on for more than five hours. His clothes were in a mess with many tears and smudges of blood. His physical self was also in a tattered condition with quite a collection of cuts, scratches and bruises. A deep gash was drawn across his chest and blood streamed from the side of his head to his chin.

            “I am surprise by your will to continue on fighting, Princey.” Despite it looking a little worn-out too, it was generally in a better shape than the other. “How about we end this with one last decisive move? If you can beat me with this one move, it is your win.”

            The Prince’s vision blurred. His head was pounding and he clearly knew that it was just adrenaline which kept his body from given out. He had to take the offer. “I’m in.”

            “I’ll finish you off with this... Valiant Dragon!”

            Raviex’s stomach churned, witnessing an explosion of flame in the air. An infernal dragon of fire roared mightily, as though it was finally free from chains which were restraining it to roam freely.

            “Tornado blaze!” ordered the clone. The dragon held its head up high and then discharged a long breathe of raging fire at Raviex.

            “Frost Dimension,” Raviex yelled. An image of an ice dragon faced the incoming fire. It shot an ice beam at it but the fire was too overwhelming. It surpassed the ice beam and destroyed the ice dragon. He screamed as the flames burnt his body.

Why...?! Why is it that his dragons are not just mere images? Why is it that he can summon as he wishes and they stay by his side... to fight for him? Why is he able to use all my skills but use them differently and so much better than me?

            He couldn’t remember when he dropped to the ground.