PHENOMENON OF SACRIFICE

Although wars that span across the Alloy continent were beyond brutal, most still abide by a very simple, unwritten rule: civilians and heritages – such as histories and monuments – would not be harmed. Most considered it a complete waste to do so, as ordinary civilians had no way to fight against the army, and destroying one Kingdom’s culture and history was akin to destroying a part of Alloy’s history itself.

However, that notion had been seemingly discarded on the fateful May day. Northern border of Highlind, the natural mountainous range which separated them from others, had long since been breached, with army thousands strong pouring in with no halt. They disregarded all notions of unwritten rules; they slaughtered in thousands, burned villages and farms, razed monuments, and kindled a fire that burned throughout the entire land. It didn’t appear to be mere conquest, but more akin to complete purge of a nation. Even the most dishonorable of those who watched the events from the shadows scoffed at these methods.

Many who peered a bit deeper, though, into the matter, would learn that it wasn’t something as simple as wanton slaughter. Two Kingdoms were sending a message to the rest – oppose us, and this awaits. In addition, many knew that Elvernheimn Empire suffered continuous attacks from the tribes of the Northern Wasteland, and as their current capital was relatively close to the northern border, it appears as if they would move it all the way to the south. However much people disdained their actions, none stepped forth to stop them. After all, that was akin to seeking death.

**

As golden barrier of light shimmered softly around Lynne’s body, he discovered that it was fruitless. Although the barrier prevented his immediate demise, he had but a few breaths of life left, with the onslaught of blood pouring over him. He had already submitted to the fate, however reluctant he was. He regretted many things now, at the death’s doorstep, but, those regrets were quickly washed away by memories. He had donned a peaceful life, however short it may have been. He had drank finest wines, bedded beautiful women, and experienced unbound fatherly love. Ah… I wonder whether dad’s still alive…

Just as he surrendered, the ocean of blood suddenly split open above Lynne as golden light glimmered brightly in a wonderful arc. Uncertain, Lynne glanced left and right, and his lips quickly curled up in a smile; Headmaster of the Academy was standing next to Auldin, fighting off barrage of spells. Smile disappeared the moment he saw their state, though; Headmaster had a large, gushing wound on his chest, dyeing his celestial robe completely scarlet. His usual, calm face was now distorted, blood curling at the sides of his lips. Auldin, on the other hand, was much worse; his entire left arm had been chopped off, with only small flicker beneath the shoulder remaining. The blood didn’t pour out, but it was still a gasthly sight nonetheless. His complexion was extremely pale and he was panting, visibly exhausted. The Headmaster pulled him out from the blood ocean and onto his feet, before swinging his free arm backwards, reflecting the incoming ball of fire.

As Lynne took a glance at the rest of the city, his heart sank; meteor shower rained from above, paired up with celestial light of countless spells. At every corner of the city explosions reigned supreme, while some parts were completely frozen. The scent of blood was so strong he nearly vomited, and shrill screams of agony caused his soul to stir. This… this is a massacre…

“Lynne!” the Headmaster exclaimed loudly, stern expression on his face, as he shook Lynne back to reality.

“Y-yes?” Lynne replied, suffocating.

“Auldin and I will pave a path for you to the ocean,” the Headmaster spoke while Auldin guarded his back. “Here,” he then handed him a round, golden medallion with seven different kinds of colored flames etched in. “By the authority granted to me by the Majesty himself, I hereby declare under Proud Heavens and Celestial Wills you, Lynne Hyorn, as the Highlind’s Grand Skyfire Magus. Do you swear to protect and uphold laws and merits of the Kingdom under Heaven?”

“H-headmaster—I--”

“DO YOU?!!” the Headmaster suddenly shouted atop his lungs.

“I-I do! I swear a solemn oath!” Lynne exclaimed back, figuring he had no other choice.

“Good,” the Headmaster’s face suddenly relaxed slightly. “Let’s move Auldin,” the duo suddenly unleashed a barrage of spells in all directions, ranging from simple gales of wind to torrential arrows of poisonous blood. They moved backwards, towards the East, the closest point where ocean blended in with the vast land. “We aren’t asking you to take revenge for today’s matters,” the Headmaster spoke solemnly as they retreated. “We only ask you to learn the truth of the matter. The crux of the matter lies beyond simple conquest; I have a feeling… no Highlinder will be inhabiting this land by the time it dawns. Whatever the truth may be, and however many years it may take, I hope you will complete this selfish request of an old, senile man.”

“...Headmaster...” Lynne couldn’t say anything; after all, just a few moments ago, he had surrendered to death.

“Here,” he then handed him a small, black pouch. “I didn’t have much time to fill it up, but it should help you for some time. Remember: we don’t need your death. If you can’t learn the truth, then simply live. Live on.”

“I… I will learn the truth.” Lynne declared calmly.

“Good,” the Headmaster nodded, smiling gently. “Live on, Lynne. Be the pride of our heritage.”

“Bro,” Auldin suddenly spoke as he and the Headmaster swapped position; endless flashes of light still poured at them, but the barrier of light still held up while Headmaster and Auldin cast their own set of spells. It was clear they weren’t aiming to kill, but merely to slow the enemy down, as they mostly aimed to deform the terrain. “Although I won’t be able to take your teachings and proudly charm the Princess,” he spoke with a soft voice and a gentle smile. “Just knowing I could is enough. Here,” he then handed him a small, silver-toned ring. “It isn’t much, but it’s me. I hope that, one day, you will take one of my ideas and ram them against the sky as you burn away the entire world.”

“Heroes never die,” Lynne spoke solemnly, gently patting Auldin’s shoulder as they continued to run backwards. “They become legends. And yours is yet to be written… that, I promise you.” although Lynne wondered why they didn’t offer to go with him, he had a strange feeling that he’s yet to see the grand spectacle of what two top-notch Mages of Skyfire Academy can do. This, he realized, was but a prelude to the event that ought to shock whoever witnesses it.

In the distance, the blue of the ocean suddenly appeared, and they hastened their steps. The fires rained atop of them, while pillars of earth erupted from beneath and were shot forward towards the trio at high speeds, clashing against the barrier, falling into pieces. Rivers of blood flanked them, turning into Snake Dragons, their maws grandly opened, spewing scarlet mists. Holes in space appeared all around them, countless elemental blades shot through them. Yet, they upheld the barrier. Lynne clearly saw that they were at their last legs, but the barrier didn’t give in even for an inch. Warmness swelled from within his heart; however, as he gazed beyond the two and noticed the hundreds of chasing black-clad figures, warmness turned into fiery hatred and anger. If I survive today, he swore in the depths of his soul. I will annihilate Elvars and Rolies ‘till their entire land is scorched and stained.

“Time to bid farewells,” Auldin suddenly picked Lynne into his one remaining arm. “Live well bro, and make us proud.” as Auldin swung, Lynne felt strong force push him backwards as he flew into the sky, far and far above.

Suddenly, a huge Mana explosion occurred where he stood; he realized that the Headmaster and Auldin were burning the very Essence of Mana in their souls to make the last stand. As he had suspected, soon the grand spectacle commenced – one that, if nothing else, he will remember until death and beyond.

Auldin charged fearlessly into the sea of spells and black-clad figures, his body completely ablaze, sparks flying off him like sharpened swords. As he ran, behind him a trail of fire urged on and on; both Headmaster and Auldin were Skyfire Mages, and their love for the flames was finally unleashed to the utmost pinnacle.

Auldin’s flame suddenly flickered and turned into deep violet hue. It exploded outwardly like a tsunami, causing every other spell around him to shatter into oblivion, setting the earth and stone itself ablaze. It burned and burned as he jumped into the group of black-clad figures, spinning roundly as whirlwind of violet flames burst into a massive tornado. Atop of it a vortex opened, reflected beneath on the ground. As the two locked at one another, massive magnetic force caused the earth to split and crack and rumble, while screams echoed from the depths of black-clad figures’ souls. However, the moment one died, two took their place, continuing the ode of spells. The fiery tornado suddenly exploded, forming a massive crater with Auldin at its center. The land still burned in deep hue, illuminating the dark night in beautiful colors. However, his entire body was bloodied and mutilated, and after a quick ‘pop’, he hunched over and fell onto the ground, causing a small gust of dust to rise. He died.

Headmaster shouted like a madman, causing winds to rouse and ocean behind to splinter, as massive waves eclipsed the high cliffs and rained from above like tsunamis. Suddenly, the clear, blue ocean was burning in brilliant, celestial flames; ‘Celestial Emperor of Flames’… Headmaster truly followed the origin path of ‘Skyfire Magus’.

Red, blue, yellow, violet, green, teal, brown, black, white, silver… the entire spectrum of colors congealed within the massive tsunami of endless flames. It spread wider and wider, reaching nearly a kilometer in width. The tsunami shimmered, causing the eternal night to turn to day, as it swept throughout the entire Lower Ring. The land was baptized with eternal flames, and everything within it – Headmaster included – was burned to ashes. There were no buildings, no trees, no people… just land scorched beyond repair. It was a scar – deeply-embedded reminder – of the tragedy that took place today. It was Headmaster’s last scream, last bout of ultimate strength of a Magus. Lynne’s heart broke slightly; seeing two of them madly welcome death, not even pausing to consider their lives, caused him to feel worthless and selfish. This was their plan – to lure as many as possible here, and then burn their very Mana Essence to make sure nobody who saw Lynne escape survived. His heart and soul in disarray, he finally fell into the ocean, causing a slight splash of water to emerge. Resurfacing, he took one, final glance at Edgemaw, and then swam the opposite direction, towards east. He had no plan, no dream, no destination – just primal desire. He clenched the medallion tightly into his fist as tears poured out. While he may not have held Highlind and Edgemaw to the high skies, it was still his home, his birthplace. All his memories were forged with there, as was his father’s. It was a land that forged him, but it was a land no more. Just a fading memory in the vortex of time that swallows all and everything, bit by bit…