CHAPTER 23: RETREAT

The creatures continued their feast slowly consuming every scrap of blood and flesh on the battlefield. No matter if it was dead or alive. All were consumed except for the citizens of the Empire. None of us moved however as the wild and rampant auras of peak tier nine washed over us. Suppressing us with their dominance. Refining those who hadn’t collapsed as most of my soldiers slumped over the pressure even too much for them to bear. Only a few remained standing that I could spot from my far away distance. My champions being the predominant pair. The only ones still truly on their feet was me, Amaya, and Moriah, who for some strange reason was glaring at me, as well as, Alexa and her men. Confirming my suspicions of their strength.

For the moment I ignored all of that and my gaze once again fell on these creatures.

“What in the gods name are these things?”

I said out loud to no one in particular, yet the System deemed that I was asking it a question as a screen popped in front of me.

Creature Type:

Void Base

Species:

Octopus. Formally called Voidpi.

Description:

These creatures are the direct result of the interference of a world on the universal scale. Created by Gaia these creatures act as guardians of all worlds on the cusp of promotion no matter their distance in the universe. Tasked with protecting world seeds as they begin to ripen and sprout.

A feature of the system available to all that I had not used as I was no longer in the dark and everchanging Catacombs but had been stationed at a city with all my time occupied in training what I hope would one day become my own personal elite force. What I suspected my father and mother always wanted me to have.

Slowly, calmly, I began to move towards my cousin and the creatures receded from my way not touching me in the slightest. The party surrounding Amaya and the wayward princess of the Last Kingdom began to make their way towards me as well. By the time we neared each other the battlefield had all but been cleaned up any trace of the battle gone. With Amaya’s firnado being the only spell still active.

“Aegis… did you read the same thing I did when I asked your magic what these creatures were?”

My eyes calmly flicked to Princess Karla who was pretending to gaze at the creatures while I was sure her attention was focused on us.

“We can discuss this later Amaya. So much has happen and we will need the time to digest our gains but here is not the place. You should deconstruct your spell unless you’re planning on setting it off still.”

I glanced at the burning vortex and my mana perception allowed me to see how swollen it was. Full of volatile magic just daring to be set off. The spell had absorbed so much mana and essence through the air and slaying any who crossed its path that if it exploded, I was certain the blast would take out a few miles. The power we were beginning to wield was able to destroy small towns. It made me wonder how much more powerful those titled Land Gods and Sky Gods by the nobility truly are. Power that I was quickly approaching.

As the battlefield fully cleared the Voidpi that came pouring out by the thousands turned and as one began to return to the black crack in the sky while the smell of honey receded with them. Back to the void in which they came from. Suddenly it all seemed to register. The words and questions the petite Nox asked me came to mind as Princess Moriah made her way over to me.

“Aegis Kan, I hope you have an explanation for this and the weird magic your family and people were using during this battle.,” she said while gesturing at the creatures retreating.

My cousin and I both helmets removed frowned in a manner similar to one you may see on our mothers. Amaya opened her mouth to speak but I beat her to it. A soft glow I could feel effect my mind even now coming from the bracelet on my wrist.

“I am Aegis Kan Young Lord and next Duke of the West. You would do wise to choose your words carefully…Princess.”

The beautiful girl that I had once had a crush on paused and her eyes opened slightly wider. Seeming to see me for the first time. Our stations were similar with the only difference being the titles. Something that I had come to realize over time and truly expounded upon today. I just waited for the days my parents would reveal everything to me. Secrets they hinted at but never fully outright said.

Princess Moriah took a moment to collect herself before a cool temperament overtook her.

“I apologize, the heat from the battle muddle my senses for a moment.”

I nodded in understanding and the soft green glow intensified underneath my armor. I could feel its effect always putting me in a calm temperament. I needed to remove this damn bracelet.

“I believe it’s best for us to returned to our yet un-named city,” I said while looking at Amaya. Taking the hint, she spoke up.

“I believe so as well cousin. We’ve all nearly exhausted ourselves. A few days of rest will do not only our guest good but us as well.”

Nodding in agreement we made our way towards the rest of my knights’ squads while they moved towards us in the same manner as both had recovered once the Voidpi left.

*

Karla stared in fascination at the walled city that could host tens of thousands. The architectural patterns of her host revealed in all their glory. With buildings that held gardens on the roof and plenty of forest still in the city proper. They passed one wall then another as they made it to the center a host of people celebrating their return the moment, they entered through the first gate.

She watched as Aegis greeted the commoners and inhabitants of the city. Some by a first name as he laughed merrily with them, and they gazed curiously at her. Most of the faces were young just barely above or below her in age and Karla smiled at the few pregnant bellies she saw as they proudly presented themselves in front of their lord.

His gaze met hers and a blushing Karla turned away.

“Did you believe us to be some type of monster? With our abnormal height and prowess on the battlefield?” He asked as he came to stand next to her.

This entire time she had been lightly guarded and even the route they used to return to the large hidden valley was displayed in all its glory though Karla took notice of how the passes and bridges constructed seemed to fade away after their passing. Returning the mountains to the sword like glory.

“I… I did not know what to believe. I only saw what my god presented in front of me.”

Aegis seemed to slightly frown at the mention of her god and Karla made note of that already deciding to mention Arlo less in his presence unless asked.

They made their way to the largest manor within the city with flags showing some type of beast claw gripping a shield. The same crest she saw on Aegis armor. The Kan regalia basking in all its glory.

“Welcome to my humble abode. Modest but I can assure you you’ll find luxuries fit for a Princess. Murnia, could you show our guest to her quarters.”

“Yes, Young Lord,” the maid said seemly stepping out of the shadows. The same one that taste all of Aegis food before he ate as a precaution.

“This way Princess Karla. Fresh garments and a bath are already prepared.”

It was only at the mention of a bath that Karla realized she was still covered in the blood of her mortal enemies and knew she must be smelling quite a bit from the exertion in today’s battle. Her thoughts briefly drifted to Gloria and General Irvon knowing that they’d be ok and would have escaped with the rest of her men as she followed the made deeper into the mansion. As she followed along, she thought back to the conversation and the mention of strange magic Aegis wielded and could gift to others.

*

Just like that the next morning came and I was restful, yet my mana was still not a full capacity even with me sleeping through the night and now using any abilities. This wasn’t because of a lack of essence and mana in the air. This was because I could feel myself on the verge of a breakthrough and I began to reinforce the next organ in line. Tonight, I would sit and meditate on the battle. I would go over what I did wrong and right. This was something I had done each and every time I went up a tier in power and I would continue this tradition and further enhance myself to the limits of Nia. Before I could even think about any place else

Today I had business to take care of. I gazed at the bracelet that had me moving in such a calm manner all these years. I thought briefly wondered why my mother or father who had clearly seen the bracelet did not bother to say anything or confiscate it from me. Those thoughts quickly dissipated, however. I was a young man soon to be seventeen but by magi human standards I had long ago reached maturity. I would not have my parents coddling me forever and I would have to realize certain things on my own. A lesson they probably would want me to understand after a light burn such as this one. What Xaivon had done by giving me the bracelet wasn’t exactly harmful, but it wasn’t helpful either. It constantly put my mind in a calm state and manner in which I could be influenced by a logical choice. Useful but not in every manner of life. Even in the face of death I remained calm which probably saved my life as I fought against the Nox just as strong as me and stronger.

I soon left my quarters and met Amaya in a private dining lounge as we ate a sprawling lunch. As we began to finish, we moved over to one of the many chambers available for private discussions.

“What do you think?” I asked my cousin and probably best friend in this life.

“What do I think?” She responded already knowing the direction the conversation was headed in.

“I think it was about damn time you noticed. I think this magic of yours is wonderful but draining. I believe we have an opportunity in our hands with the leader of this ‘Last Kingdom’ in our hands. I think a lot of things cousin. So, the question is… what do you think?”

“What do I think,” I responded a soft smile playfully showing on my face.

“I think we have a grand opportunity to test this magic on a scale I hadn’t imagined. I think it’s time to openly show my cards. At least to all the citizens that followed me here and not the select few that I bonded. I am no coward our family has made it so, but the bracelet had me acting in certain ways that I refuse to acknowledge.”

“Did my mother talk to you about it?”

Even if I said I didn’t care I had always been a momma’s boy in the previous life and this one. To know that she purposely left me in danger truly left me with mixed emotions.

“It was for your own good,” Amaya softly said.

“Imagine what could happen if you weren’t warry of these types of gifts and tricks once you became the Duke. The next Lord of the Wall. It was something your father and mother both agreed you’d need to figure out yourself. Not everyone has kind intentions Aegis even family. It is better to learn in a safe and closed environment than one completely outside of your mother’s control. Besides it took you long enough to notice even with your strange magic showing things that no one should know.”

I nodded my head as understanding dawned upon my features, but I had one more question on the subject I wanted answered.

“If I failed to notice such an obvious trap?” This came out softly as I gazed at my cousin. She had changed, seemingly more mature while an air of confidence was engrained around her.

“Then we would be looking at Tara or Akash for the next Lord of the Wall,” her reply came in just as soft, and her golden eyes met my starlit ones.

I nodded in acceptance before we moved on to a new topic.

“What of our wayward Princess?”

“Which one?” Amaya asked in a serious tone.

A few moments later we both broke out in laughter. It was good to have my mind fully under my control once again. A lesson had been learned. One that would follow me for the rest of my life. We returned to the conversation after that small break.

“Princess Karla was surprised she was let outside of the mansion so easily and is currently exploring our city as she waits for your summons. She has not tried to escape, nor has she inquired about your strange magic. She seems to be content in learning about us. A translator has been provided for her. I’ve received reports however that she is interested in learning Imperial and Common. I have provided teachers for her in the case she truly wants to follow through.”

“Hmmmm.”

I was contemplating on what we should do with the princess as this decision could not be made lightly. I took a sip of the refreshments brought in by Sofia as Murnia was assigned to the wayward princess.

“What do you think?”

The question once again popped up. It was the start of our conversation and would be the end as well.