《Infracto Animo》Chapter 13: Culling of the Wicked
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Belial POV
I watched as Malek and Liliana disappear from my sight. A few moments later, several wails of fear, terror, agony and grief echoed through the caverns. Cries of men and women alike can be heard with some stopping abruptly while others lingered a while longer. I look back at the people kneeling behind me.
"Rise. I will now use a spell on you." I raised my right hand towards then and chanted "ANIMUS ALLIGO". Several dark wisps formed and went inside the minds of those in the room. "The soul-binding is complete. Serve me well."
"""Yes, Lord Seraph.""" they replied in unison.
Hearing their reply, I revoked them. "I am a seraph no longer. Call me Lord Belial."
"""Yes, Lord Belial."""
"Follow me. I will lead you all out of here."
I then walked out in the room with 40 women and children on tow. I visited the other rooms but when I found out that they were humans, I bypassed them. Yells of help and mercy was directed towards us but they fell on deaf ears. Seeing my attitude towards the human slaves, Elfina, the silver-haired elf princess spoke.
"Milord, why are you not helping them? They are slaves like us. They also-"
I cut her midway in her speech and spoke in a cold tone. "Because they are humans."
Baffled by my answer, she asked once again. "Bu-but milord... They are slaves and did nothing wrong. It is-"
I stopped walking and turned around, facing the now trembling elf. "If circumstances changed and they were born in a wealthy family, would they help those that are enslaved? If they were born any other way, would they care of slaves? Will the more powerful and rich humans help their kind who were in slavery? No. They are the ones who introduced slavery into their own society. The reason why there is slavery, why you and those people behind you turned into slaves, why children are born into slavery, the cause of all that is Man. Now tell me, why should I help them?"
I walked at the nearest room and looked at the people behind the door bars. "Look at them. They want to be free but did they care of the other people in the other rooms or even those that are in the same room as they are? NO!" I looked back at the elf and spoke. "THEY ONLY CARED FOR ONE THING AND ONE THING ALONE, THEIR OWN SELF! THEY ARE WILLING TO ABANDON OTHERS FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY! WILLING TO SELL THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS FOR A FEW COINS! THEY ARE A SELFISH, EGOISTICAL AND SELF-CENTERED SPECIES THAT ONLY THINKS OF THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL GOALS AND SAFETY!" I stepped forward and eyed the elf who is tallerthan me. "Do you understand, elf?" I stated coldly.
The trembling Elfina force out an answer. "Ye-yes, mi-milord..." her knees shaking and tears coming out of her eyes.
"Good. Well then..." I looked behind Elfina and spoke. "Does anybody have any more questions? Clarifications?"
All of them shook their heads sideways, displaying their clear intentions that they no longer have any questions. Seeing that, I then turned around. "Let's go."
Chris Ironband POV
It was already a few minutes since the Devil but I seem to be nailed to whereI am standing. I remained standing there, literally unable to take even a single step. Fuck! I'm really screwed... Is there no escaping from the Devil's grasps? I was thinking to myself when suddenly, the silence of the caverns was disturbed with wails of despair and death.
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"AHHHH!!!"
"NOOOOOOOO!!!!"
"STOOP!!! PLEA-"
"HEEEEEELP!!!"
"ANYONE! SAVE ME!"
"WAAAAHHHH!!!"
Shouts erupted left and right and soon afterwards, the wailing and shouts stopped. There was utter silence. I was terrified of such silence. Am I going to be next? I was thinking of escaping when I heard footsteps getting nearer towards me.
"Ara. Good. You're still here."
I then saw the Devil with a chlling smile pasted on his face. I might really die today. I'm sorry Stella. Looks like I can't go back anymore. Damn Empire. If only I knew this would happen, I wouldn't have made a deal with them... I was wallowing in self-deprecation when the Devil spoke again.
"Now, do tell me. How did you acquired these people? Who is your supplier and your accomplices? Do be a good boy and tell me."
Yup. I will die today. But since I am dying today, I will give the Empire a parting gift. One that will plague them forever.
Belial POV
After siphoning all information from the bandit leader's head, I then proceeded to collect all the valuables I can get my hand into. I stared at all the heaps of gold and silver and invoked a spell.
"ABYSSUS CRIMENA"
Dark tendrils erupted from the shadows of the piles and swallowed all of the valuables my eyes can see.
Seeing this, Feruna the redfox lady, curiously asked "Wha-what kind of spell was that, milord? What you recited was not from the draconic tongue. How could you evoke such a spell?"
Seeing that all valuables were swallowed up and stored on the shadows, I turned and faced Feruna. "Tell me, why do you need to draconian language to use the spells and enchantments?"
"Because dragons are the apex of the arcane arts. They are the embodiment of magic. They made everything about magic. They created a way to bend the elements at one's will through chants. That is what we all know, milord." Feruna answered.
"Only half of what you said is true. Dragons did create a way to use magic... But that is only after the time before the Great War ended. The humans of that time were primitive. The same could be said to any other species. Earth was just born and is very young at that time."
I turned around and walked "The language used to evoke magic before was called Coelistisia, the language of the Divines. After the war, Earth was scared but life flourished. It was at that time that dragons were made."
I continued speaking "They were created not by God or any other being. They were created by Chaos. Remnants of magical energies clumped together and created life known as Draco which is now called dragons. They dominated Earth with their magic and power. At that time, Heaven and Hell was still recuperating from the war. Angels, Fallen Angels and Demons alike ran back to their territories to heal and bide time for what is coming."
I walked until we reached the outside of the hideout. "Did I answer your question?"
"What do you mean by 'what is coming', milord?" Feruna asked, curious of he answer.
"Something you will see and experience in the future." I answered ambigiuously.
It was then that Malek and Liliana arrived in front of me. Malek still wore an uncaring face while Liliana was grinning widely.
"I suppose everything went well?" I inquired.
"Yes Milord. I completed the sweep and finished the cleanup." Malek replied.
"I had lots of fun, Milord. I was asleep for a long time that this was the first time I really did a slight workout." Liliana stated while smiling.
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"I see. Let's go then. I will create a Shadow Tunnel so we could get to Agmanac faster." I said plainly.
"Wa-wait Milord. You said you can only make use of shadows that you have been into. How could you do that?" Liliana asked.
"Simple. I saw it using this eye." I then pointed to my right eye.
The All-Seeing Eye doesn't just see status boards. They could also be used as binoculars to see things from afar. With the proper magicka usage, you can magnify things from far away or to inspect things as small as a sand grain. The only setback is that I can't use it more than 15 seconds and I can only use it every 3 minutes. Good for reconnaisance but not applicable in blitz attack.
"I see. But couldn't you have used that earlier? We could have arrived in less than a day!" Liliana complained.
"I told you. Because something interesting will happen. Besides, I wasn't wrong."
"Well if you say it that way..." She stated while still pouting.
"Enough. Let's get going." I gathered magicka in the palm of my hand, pointing my palm at a nearby tree shadow and produced a spell. "UMBRA CINICULUM"
The shadow targetted became darker like the abyss. "I'll go first. Malek, Liliana, follow me after these people crossed over. Elfina, Feruna, you and your people follow me after I enter. Just walk straight and you will reach the other side with just two or three steps. You all got that?"
""""Understood, Milord."""" they quickly responded.
I then walked through the shadow and just two steps later, I stepped out of a tree shade, a short distance away from the entrance of Agmanac, my fief, my dominion,my own principality. It was big. Tall walls surrounded the city of Agmanac. Behind it, you can see the huge mountain ranges known as Agmanac Mountains. I was given this place as my birth right thus I was named after it. I read in the books that Agmanac has a population of 500 thousand people. It has a small population due to its location. It is mountainous, making it hard to grow crops but the mountains makes a natural barrier against storms and suprise attacks from enemies. I was enjoying the scenery when I saw that I was quickly followed by the elves and beastmen then lastly Malek and Liliana. The shadow returned to normal after I willed it. I then walked towards the entrance but was blocked by the entrance guards. Fat and untrained. This place is more fucked up than I thought.
"Halt your steps! You are in Count LeFlamma's fief! Identify yourselves!" Asked a fat guard, spear pointing at us. Same goes to the other guards.
"As I recalled, Agmanac belonged to the Royal Family. To be exact, it belonged to Prince Beale. How did it become a count's dominion." I asked sarcastically.
"Glib tongue for a fucking brat. I suggest you keep your wits to yourself kid or I might 'accidentally' skewer you." threatened the fatass guard.
One of the fat guards then went to the fatass in front of me and murmured something. Then the fatass exclaimed. "Actually, I might forgive you from your earlier attitude kid if you can give me what I want."
"Ohhh! Then let me guess... Judging from your grin and your lustful eyes staring at what's behind me, I can deduce that you want to have your way with the women I am with. Am I right?" I asked with a smile.
"What a smart kid! Young but wise! Yes, that's it! I will forgive you if you-"
I cut his glorious speech off with me laughing at his face. "Hahahahahahaha!!!!"
The fatass, seemingly angered by my outburst, yelled back at me. "Crazy bastard! Men, arrest them! They are disturbing public order!" then he looked at the women behind me. "And handle the women with care."
Before the guards even moved, I stopped laughing and spoke. "Okay. I had my laugh. But really? Just like that, you're going to attack? Idiots."
The fatass, utterly enraged, yelled a much harsher order to his men. "Kill the brat!!! Stab him to death!!!"
The guards leaped at me, spears on hand. When they were in stabbing range, they pushed their spears forward and tried to skewer me but were blown away by Liliana's whip. Malek stayed behind watching the women who are standing still behind me. I then took my identity badge and presented it in front of the stunned fatass.
"I am Prince Beale Maxime Thierry de Agmanac de Valois, Prince of the Valois Kingdom, Prince of the Principality of Agmanac, Ruler of this fief and Owner of the Agmanac mountains. Due to the blatant disrespect to the Royal name and the threats that is willed towards a member f the Royal family, I sentence you to death. Malek, Execute them."
"Your will shall be done, Milord." Malek then blurred and what came next is a gruesome scene of charred remains of sliced up humans. Flame-infused blade strikes huh? Finally, only the fatass remained.
"Malek, don't kill him. I need him later as a 'tool' for taking over the castle." I ordered.
"Yes, Your Highness." answered Malekas he stepped back, returning from his original position.
"I-I... Pr-prince B-beale... I-I..." The fatass was shaking all over, trying to talk to me but I just walked passed him. "Restrain him, We'll walk to my castle."
Liliana quickly restrained the fatass and we walked towards the castle. All people that saw what I took out and proclaimed all kneeled and saluted to me. This continued until we reached the castle. The guards immediately tried to accost us but when they saw the identification badge I had in my hand, they too kneeled down and let me enter my castle. Before I could even reach the grand entrance, a tub of lard with expensive clothes on walked towards us and yelled.
"Who dares enter my castle without my-"
I abruptly stopped his tantrums when I showed him my badge. "You got a lot of nerve, Count LeFlamma. For a noble to threaten me, it's High Treason then."
Seeing the badge and hearing my words, the fat count stumbled backwards. He then yelled to the guards. "TH-THIS IS AN I-IMPOSTOR! KILL HIM FOR TRYING TO IMPERSONATE A ROYALTY!!!"
I smirked at the fat count's yelling. I looked around and saw that the guards began to move towards us with their weapons drawn. I see. So they want to do this the hard way.
"Malek, Liliana, kill anyone who dares attack. I'll deal with the count." I ordered the two.
""With pleasure, Milord."" The two bowed and proceeded to slaughter every guard that had their weapons drawn.
I walked towards the count who is now trying to crawl away from me. I let him pick himself up and let him get a few steps away from me. When he have had enough and was exhaling from his mouth due to exhaustion, I went in front of him in a flash. I then picked him up and took him to the balcony of the castle that faced the castle entrance and the town square. I then aplified my voice so that every damn human could hear me.
"CITIZENS OF AGMANAC! GATHER UP! I COMMAND YOU ALL TO GATHER UP OR BE EXECUTED FOR NEGLECTING A CALL FROM THE PRINCE OF VALOIS!" releasing a heavy killing intent and bloodlust, all peoplewho heard my announcement scampered around to assemble at the area in front of the castle. When I saw that no soul is lingering anywhere, save the guards, I continued my speech.
"LET ME FIRST INTRODUCED MYSELF TO YOU ALL! I AM PRINCE BEALE MAXIME THIERRY DE AGMANAC DE VALOIS, PRINCE OF THE VALOIS KINGDOM, RIGHTFUL RULER OF THE PRINCIPALITY OF AGMANAC AND OWNER OF THE AGMANAC MOUNTAINS. I CAME HERE TO CLAIM WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY MINE! AND YET WHEN I ARRIVED AT THIS TOWN, NOT ONLY WAS I HUMILIATED AND RIDICULED BY THE CITY GUARDS, THEY EVEN THREATENED TO KILL ME! AND NOW I WENT TO THE CASTLE TO CLAIM MY BIRTHRIGHT, I WAS STUNNED THAT THE COUNT RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING MY DOMINION, THIS COUNT LEFLAMMA, ACTUALLY ORDERED THE GUARDS TO EXECUTE ME!"
Counless shouts roared as chaos began to circulate among the masses. I continued my tirade. "AS SUCH, AS A PRINCE AND RULER OF THIS DOMINION, IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CITIZENS OF AGMANAC, I WILL HEREBY DECLARE THE VERDICT OF THIS FAT JAR OF LARD! BY MY NAME, I REVOKE COUNT LEFLAMMA'S NOBLE TITLE, CONFISCATE HIS LAND AND PROPERTIES, HIS FAMILY WILL BE REDUCED TO SLAVES AS THEY WILL PAY FOR HIS DEBTS AS I AM SENTENCING HIM TO DIE!" and with a flick of my hand, various shadow spikes skewered and impaled the fat count.
Blood flowed down and stained the white floor of the balcony. I then yelled again. "I AM NOW GOING TO ASSUME MY RIGHTFUL POSITION AS THE DOMINION LORD OF AGMANAC. SHOULD ANY OF YOU DARE TO TRY AND CAUSE AN UPHEAVAL DUE TO WHAT I HAVE DONE TO THE USERPER, I WILL HAVE YOUR HEADS ON A PIKE! BUT I AM NOT A TYRANT. TO ASSURE YOU ALL OF THAT...AS MY FIRST ACT AS YOUR RULER, I WILL CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION ON EVERYTHING! AND IF I EVER FOUND SOMEONE GUILTY OF ANY CRIME, I WILL MAKE SURE YOU WILL SUFFER A LIFE IN CHAINS OR YOUR HEAD WILL FALL UNDER THE HEADSMAN'S AXE!"
The fatass guard was brought to me by Liliana by which I once again yelled. "CORRUPT OFFICIALS, LIKE THIS ONE, WHO BENDS THE RULES TO THEIR ADVANTAGE! TO THOSE WHO ACCEPTED BRIBES! TO THOSE WHO ENSLAVED PEOPLE! TO THOSE WHO ABUSED THEIR POWERS DUE TO AUTHORITY! I WILL UPROOT YOU ALL! FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SUFFERED UNDER SUCH PEOPLE AND UNABLE TO GET JUSTICE, I WILL GET THAT JUSTICE FOR YOU!"
"""""OOOOOOOHHHHHH"""""
"TO PROVE TO YOU MY POINT, THIS CITY GUARD LEADER HERE WITH ME WILL BE THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE THE MIGHT OF TRUE JUSTICE!" with a single thought, the guard captain was skewered the same way as the fat count earlier. "I HAVE PROVEN MY WORD! KNEEL TO ME AND PROCLAIM ME AS YOUR LIEGE LORD!"
All of the people in front of the castle kneeled and spoke in unison. """""ALL HAIL PRINCE BEALE! WE ARE THANKFUL TO HAVE YOU AS OUR RULER! ALL HAIL!""""
"RISE, MY SUBJECTS! MARK THIS DAY AS THE DAY THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIVES FOREVER! THIS I SWEAR TO YOU!"
Satisfied, I turned around and walked towards Liliana. My speech riled up the feelings of those that experienced life's greatest setbacks and those that suffered from inhumane treatment. What a bunch of self-serving bastards. Typical human attitude. I turned and looked at seductress in front of me.
"Liliana, I have some errands for you. Call the elves and beastmen. I have a task for them too." I ordered while walking passed her.
"Understood, milord." She then vanished with a puff of smoke.
I looked at the insuing chaos down below. The mob began to hit specific people and judging from the clothes they are wearing, the human punching bag was a rich guy. A lot of similar scenarios are happening all around Agmanac.
"Now... Let the Culling begin..."
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A Standard Model of Magic
The world ended, and magic came back. The part our parents didn't expect, was for Science to break on reentry. Twenty years after the apocalypse, with our nations dismantled and hidden continents unearthed, a new generation has grown up in the wreckage of 21st century civilization. For us, the fantastic is at our doorstep and we have had no choice but to fight back. Meanwhile, the laws of nature bend and break at the whims of immortal gods, all of which are now dead and none of which are content to stay that way. But we cannot afford to give up. We are the stewards of a rewritten century, in which a little luck and a whole lot of magic might make anything possible – maybe even a world better than the one we lost. A Standard Model of Magic is a complete overhaul of my old story A Storm in the Fall. I'm afraid I was unhappy with the LitRPG elements, which I don't mind reading, but I apparently loath writing. Sorry. Once I'd made the choice to decouple the story from the OF that inspired it and reconfigure the magic system to my satisfaction, little of the original plotline survived. I will be salvaging most of my original characters, and I will keep some elements which are endemic to the genre, but that is all. I don't have an update schedule which I can commit to yet, but I will try to maintain a weekly pace.(This is currently RoyalRoad exclusive, since I'm lazy. If you find it posted elsewhere, it wasn't me and it wasn't with permission) If you're interested, I've set up a discord.
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Different Short stories of Mahabharata.The stories in this book will be complete fictitous. Some stories might be from the epic, but most of them will be my imagination.You can find all sort of short stories related to the epic. ~ I do not intend to hurt anyone's feelings. Mahabharat lovers, do give it a read and enjoy.Slow updates...
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