Upon learning of the return of the expedition crew he sent to Ragna, Goldbeard immediately rushed to the secret prison cell as instructed previously by Meto. All of the guards of this notorious prison were hired by the dwarf himself so there was no reason for him to be suspicious at all. In addition, it was not like he had time to even be suspicious as someone has come up to him with a solution of the demons’ problem. If this was true and Goldbeard could really use as leverage against the demons, then it could be said that this war was practically over.

“Where is he?” Goldbeard stormed inside the room followed by his two bodyguards.

“Right here, milord!” Meto revealed the tied up figure in the cell. Attached to a heavy metal ball and covered by two sets of chains, the blue prince seemed to have no way of even move an inch outside the range of the chain.

“A slime? The prince of the demons is a slime?” Goldbeard asked in disbelief.

“Yes, milord! I know it’s hard to believe but it is the truth. I know naught why the demons have such a ridiculous prince, maybe this slime is affiliated to the demon lord himself. But I assure sure of his identity and his value.” Meto pled.

Turning his head to the group of men Goldbeard sent to accompany Meto, they all confirmed that Meto was telling the truth. After all, what they witnessed over there clearly showed that whoever this slime was, he was someone very important. However, not all the men have managed to come back unharmed with even a few missing among the returned crew. But Goldbeard didn’t care for that. A few unknown mercenaries in exchange for the prince of Ragna? He would do it gladly.

“Incredible! HAHAHAHA! With this, victory is mine! HAHAHAHAAHA!” laughing like a maniac, Goldbeard turned to the person who was responsible for this achievement. “Very good, sir Meto! Very good indeed! You have proven yourself to me. There is nothing I value more than talented men. They are so rare these days and you sir, are truly one of them. As promised, you will have all the richness you want. Just say it!” Goldbeard said cheerfully.

“You flatter me, milord! My only goal is to get rid of the demon curse of this world and helping you in this holy crusade is the only way to do it. I have no need for anything else…

Although if you insist, may I suggest for a little amount of…” Meto whispered in the dwarf’s ears.

“Hehehe that’s not a problem at all. I will send my men to deliver the gold directly to your home. You will have it by the end of today. You have earned it, both the money and my trust.”

While Meto could have plainly refused to take the money, saying that he merely did it to help Goldbeard, it was actually not recommended to do it. The reason was that for someone like Goldbeard who had a trust problem in others, it was easier to convince him that you did it for a personal reason like money and fame rather than an idealistic cause like purging demons. When both parties knew what each other wanted, all kinds of negotiations and trust were much more straightforward since both understood the other’s motive, making them more relatable.

“Your words are too kind.” Meto slightly bowed.

“So what should we do with this monster?” asked the dwarf.

“As much as I want to chop him to pieces, he is more valuable to us alive than dead. For now, I think you should increase security around this building and let no one be aware of his confinement here. I have made sure that the demons know that we have their prince so they won’t dare to make a move as long as we still have him.

That’s of course until the war with Valhalla is over. After that, he won’t be necessary anymore.” grinned Meto evilly.

“I see. That seems like the perfect plan to me. Alright, that’s what we are going to do.” Goldbeard brushed his beard.

“LET ME GO, YOU STUPID HUMANS!” the slime shouted in the background. “I am prince Azureus, First of his name. Let me go or taste the might of the Ragna’s royal army!!!”

“Shut up! You have no power here, you stupid slime!” Meto kicked the bars of the cell violently, making the slime captured inside shrivel in fear like a coward. “Now if you excuse me, lord Goldbeard, it has been a tiring trip so if you no longer require my presence here, please allow me to retreat to my quarters!”

“Of course, go ahead! After what you have done, sir Meto, you deserve a long nice rest. When you are ready, come back to my mansion! I have something to talk to you with.” Said the dwarf.

“Yes, milord!”

Walking out of the building, Mephisto grinned mischievously. He has succeeded the first part of his grand scheme which was to gain Goldbeard’s trust. Piece by piece, the chessboard was going all according to his will. Now it was time for the next move.

The piece of paper that stranger gave to him before the expedition told him to come to a small cabin outside of Cedra tonight. A suspicious invitation that no one should have followed as not even the name of the sender was indicated. For all he knew, this could be a trap. However, Meto was determined to find out who this mysterious person was, not just out of curiosity but also because he already had an idea of who it might be. And for the next stage of Meto’s plan, their assistance was required.

As the sun set down slowly and night took over, Meto set out to this abandoned place as shown by the small letter. Situated in the eastern peripheral of the city, the said location has been abandoned long ago by the farmers because of the frequent monsters roaming around. However even after a monster extermination expedition, no one really bothered to move back as they have already relocated themselves in other places.

Arriving at the scene, the devil was greeted with a single servant in a luxurious butler suit who has been waiting for him outside the cabin. But that was just the one visible. From a mere glance, Meto could spot out at least a few dozens men hiding stealthily in the surroundings, all with their weapons drawn out to prepare for all situations.

“Please come this way, master Meto!” the butler showed the devil the way inside before opening the door for him.

And as expected, Meto was right. The senders of this letter were exactly who he thought they were.

Upon entering the room, Meto was greeted by two dwarves sitting on one side of a small wooden table: one with a long white beard and the other with black beard. Both seemed much younger than Goldbeard, in their forties perhaps. As their appearance may have suggested, these two were the two other top members of the Trading Company of Dor. Together with Goldbeard, the trio held the greatest influence inside the company of Dor. However, that was no longer the case.

Somehow, for the last few years, Goldbeard has amassed a tremendous amount of richness by making deals and trades with many countries like Malatas and Ceadric, granting him a major voice in the council of Dor as anyone who wished to have a part of that must obey him. It was unclear how he carried out such feats or how he managed to gain contacts with so many high profiles individuals. Because of that, Blackbeard and Whitebeard have become nothing more than scarecrows with no real power. And of course, neither of them was very happy about that, which was why they have invited Meto, the seemingly new confidant of the old dwarf in hope of reaching some kind of compromise with him in order to take down Goldbeard. Their intention however has been seen through by young Edward who has warned Meto about this previously.

“Let’s get on business, shall we?” Meto spoke arrogantly as he sat down like he owned the place. In a way, he did since everyone was just playing as he predicted.

“So you expected that we will contact you?” Asked Blackbeard.

“Since the very beginning. I can’t say that you all have been discrete with your discontentment at your colleague’s actions. Even this meeting and your timing is quite predictable. Alas, I want to make this as simple as possible. What can you give me?” Meto spoke.

“Richness, women, fame…everything you want as long as you help us get rid of Goldbeard. And by that I mean not just killing him. That can wait until he is ruined publicly. Only then can we convince the rest of the Company to sever our ties with him. But for that to happen, we need someone from the inside, someone who could give us info about his operations. This brings us to this discussion we are having.” Said Whitebeard.

“So nothing Goldbeard cannot give me already. I have to say that so far I am not impressed by your offer.”

“...Do you think you have a choice? We could kill you right now if we want.” grunted Blackbeard menacingly.

“Are you threatening me? Hehehehe HAHAHAAHA! How laughable! I should be the one asking you that question.”

“What? GUARDS!” Whitebeard shouted but received back nothing but silence from his men.

“Are you talking to the men outside?” Meto snapped his finger in a loud sound and with it, the door opened. With the creaking sound of the wooden decrepit door opening, a silver haired woman walked in, wearing a tricorne and a long black suit, before placing a peculiar object on the table in front of the twin dwarves: the decapitated head of the butler from earlier, still dripping out a crimson liquid from the its neck. “It’s my turn to ask. Do you think you are still in charge here?”

“The Hunters? So you work for that brat Edward?”

“Such naive thinking! No, he is the one working for me. In fact, he is just a pawn knowing nothing about how the world works. But it is that kind of people that makes the best puppet.

But enough of that. I ask again: what can you give me?” Meto raised his tone.

Some could argue that showing a decapitated head of their servant might be a little excessive, especially when you considered that the men outside and even this servant were only doing their jobs. However, the pressing issue could no longer wait for gentle friendly talks. By directly demonstrating an act of cruelty, Meto has imprinted a fear inside the twin dwarves. It was not about the money or the killing itself. No, it was about sending a message. It showed that it would be in their best interest to do what this man was asking or …else.

“...What exactly do you want? I doubt someone like you is loyal to Goldbeard. What is your goal?” The two dwarves questioned.

“What I want matter not, not to you anyway. Rather than concerning yourself with me, you should think deep about how and what you can get out of this. Worry not, I am not interested in your dirty money so keep it! What I want is information, everything you know about Goldbeard and his associates. In exchange, I will help you get rid of that old geezer. It is not a bad deal, isn’t it?” Sneered Meto.

“...How can we trust you?” Asked Whitebeard.

“You are still alive are you not? If I am really with Goldbeard, you would be dead by now. So start talking before I decide to send you to see your men outside.”

“...We don’t know much either. All we have gathered so far is that Goldbeard is involved with an organization called Sanctus. Apparently, they are a gathering of big-shots around the world. In every country, there is a member who holds a major power in the court. That’s how Goldbeard managed to establish such a large network and trade deals.” Blackbeard confessed.

At the mere mention of the name ‘Sanctus’, Maria and Meto both tensed up, clenching their fist. The memories of their past began to reimerge inside their mind as they tried to hold those intense emotions down.

“Brother, why are you telling him everything?” Whitebeard yelled at his twin.

“We don’t have a choice, brother. Our only option and hope to get rid of that geezer is to work with him.” Blackbeard looked at the grinning Meto. “This war is in no way good for the dwarves nor will it bring any hope for us to find us a land for our people. We must stop Goldbeard at all cost before it is too late.”

“Brother…Very well! As much as we don’t want to admit it, we have to accept your deal,” Whitebeard grunted.

“Good! Then the first thing you can do is to give this lady here all the information you know about the army of Dor, from the extent of their abilities to the number and even their dispatch in the incoming war. Anything else I will contact you later. Do as I say and I assure you that by the end of this, Goldbeard will be gone.”

* * *

At the same time in Oros, the demon lord’s crew continued their journey toward Canaan where they assumed the battle between the rebels and the dragon council’s force was taking place. If Kaiser was to be somewhere in Oros, he must be there with the rebels. After all, based on his previous two children, it was for sure that the third one was also stirring up troubles. Whether it was good or bad could be debated but Alastor wanted to, if possible, spare his last child of that cruel fate. They might have known each other a lot but in the end, he was the one who brought him into this world. He had responsibility to take care of his children. At least that was what the boy thought.

But what he didn’t know that while the battle was indeed in Canaan, there hasn’t actually any actual fight or even skirmish since Kaiser’s retreat. The reason was simple: a mountainous energy wall made of pure mana has been erected around the five external towers of Canaan, forming a circle and keeping the rebel army from trespassing. In addition, all intruders coming near the citadel would be annihilated by the powerful flow of energy and lasers ravaging the area. In short, Canaan has become an impenetrable fortress, leaving Kaiser and Celdora unable to do anything against the dragon council who has taken refuge inside the central tower. And that was exactly according to the Taragon’s plan: stalling for time until Ceadric won the war and came to their aid. However, that plan had a crucial flaw, something so important that both sides forgot about: the demons and their demon lord.

As for the rebels themselves, the situation did not look good at all. Spending the entire day doing nothing, their once strong spirit filled with vigor was gone. And with it, a new sentiment has appeared among the people: doubt. Facing a godly force like this, it would be understandable lose your confidence in yourself. And that was not the worst. There have been a few minor arguments between the soldiers, questioning their leadership after the revelation of his true nature as a demon. Many claimed that this didn’t bother them but deep inside, a tiny remnant of that doubt was still there, growing.

Alas, currently at the main of the rebel army, the three main figures of the rebellion were having a meeting strategy inside the biggest tent at the center of the camp to address these issues.

“We lost a tenth of our army during that escape. Morale has dropped severely with doubts beginning to spread among our people. We have to do something. Now!” the dragon lord Celdora affirmed.

“…..” The True Monarch didn’t say anything. He was well aware of these problems but the issue was that so far, no solution or alternative has been figured out. He tried everything: magic, strength, nothing could even dent or scratch that barrier. Even the most powerful attack of Kaiser and Celdora combined could only break the barrier for the split of a second before the gap closed itself. In other words, they were at their rope’s end, unable to move forward while the strength and morale of their army kept decreasing day by day. At this rate, it would only be a matter of time before the army of Ceadric came here and destroyed them all. Like Celdora said, something must be done. The problem was what.

“Malick, you said that this barrier is generated using the Dragon Vein locating in the underground of Oros. Is there any way to disable it?” asked Kaiser.

“No chance! The Sixth Heavenly Seal is a magic formation created by the Dragon God Amon in the ancient time as a way to manipulate the mana flow across the world. Canaan itself is actually a giant magic circle that uses that very same energy as its fuel to sustain the barrier. One thing you have to understand is that the Dragon Vein is unlike any other mana source you have seen in your life in term of quantity. After all, we are talking about the entire mana of Astora here. Amon may have designed it but it took all the six Gods to put it in place. Even if its creator is here, I doubt that there is much thing he could do.” The white dragon explained.

“You seem awfully knowledgeable about all these stuffs…Just who are you, Malick?” Celdora inquired in a doubtful tone.

“Like Maragon, the leader of the dragon council, I too am an ancient dragon. Back then, the knowledge of Canaan was still common so it’s perfectly reasonable for me to know it. The only thing I didn’t expect is that there is another ancient dragon still alive to this day…Perhaps I have been living a hermit’s life for too long.” Malick spoke in a regretful voice.

“If you have told us about Canaan and that Dragon Vein, we would have been more careful and possibly those men who died could still be alive.” Celdora raised his voice.

“I have no words that can express how sorry I am…Like you said, it’s my fault.”

“Gentlemen!” Kaiser called out. “We gain nothing by standing here, arguing between ourselves while the enemies are still out there, probably laughing at our powerlessness. That’s precisely why we should solidify the trust in ourselves instead of doubting each other. What is done is done! There is no use in dwelling over it. What matters is what we will do from now on.” Kaiser proclaimed.

“Then what do you suggest we do?” asked Celdora.

“That…I don’t know.” Kaiser uttered in a disappointed voice. “If only…”

All of the sudden, a soldier in heavy armor charged in, surprised the trio.

“Sires, we are under attack!” reported the solider.

“What? Did they open the barrier?” asked Celdora hurriedly. If the dragon council decided to attack them now, they would have to cancel the barrier or at the very least open a gap for their army to pass through, meaning the rebel army could use this opportunity to strike.

“No sir! The barrier remains intact.” Said the soldier.

“Intact? Then how did they get out?” asked Malick.

“We don’t know sir. These children appeared out of nowhere behind the troops. At first we thought they were lost. However, after they insisted to see lord Kaiser, we decided to arrest them as a precaution. But then they resisted and started attacking us.”

“Children?” Kaiser uttered.

Suddenly, a tremendous resonance of power radiated from the far side of the camp, felt by all the men inside the tent.

“This mana…it can’t be!!!” Kaiser muttered in shock.

“What? What is it?” asked Celdora.

“Father is here!!!”

……

“Step aside, dragons!” the voice of a young boy echoed loudly. His every move, even the flinch of a finger, was being observed by the many dragons and knights surrounding him. It was understandable as they had every reason to after he just took out ten of their best men with just what seemed to be the flick of his finger. “You ask for this. I just want to see Kaiser.”

“Stop right where you are!” the dragons shouted at the boy. “We won’t let you harm our king.”

“King? Kaiser is your king?” Alastor asked himself in confusion.

“Of course he is!”

“Then all the more reasons for you to let me through! I need to speak to him!” shouted the demon lord.

“NEVER!” the dragons prepared their battle stance as the knights pointed their spears and weapons forward.

Seeing that words were not enough to convince the dragons, as he has expected before even getting here, Alastor turned to the white doll by his side who was also in her battle mode. “Stella, please don’t kill anyone! As for you two, stay back!” Alastor called out to Abalone in her human form and the little draconian Syralth.

“ KAWK (eagle scream)” the gyrfalcon Heru shrieked back at the boy.

“Sorry…I mean you three, stay back!” the demon lord said, looking at the eagle which had a satisfying face for some reasons.

But then before the fight broke out, an exalted voice rang loudly, stopping both Alastor and the soldiers in the midst of their preparations.

“DROP YOUR WEAPONS IMMEDIATELY!” the voice came from the floating winged figure from above as he descended from the sky. “You will not touch him!”

Confused by what their leader just said, the soldiers had no choice but to draw back their weapons and stayed clear of the ground below Kaiser as he landed to the ground.

Walking toward the boy, the True Monarch stopped in front of him, gazing intensively at the small figure.

“It’s really you.” Uttered Kaiser.

“Hello son! Long time no see! I see that you have been busy. Heard that you are a king now?” Alastor spoke casually.

“It’s a long story! What about you? Why are you here?”

“It’s…a long story too. Guess we have much to talk about!”

“…I guess so.” Said Kaiser.

“But….”

“But?”

“It’s good to see that you are alive and well.”

* * *

What followed next was perhaps the most uneventful yet strangely comforting moment of Alastor recently. In the entire last year ever since he was brought to Ragna for the first time, his life has been most memorable with moments of drama, sadness, happiness, regrets….all kinds of different feelings. Unlike the period he lived in peace with Morgan back in the Caine village. But it was those moments of stillness that he missed, moments like he was sharing with his son Kaiser right now. They talked for hours, about what happened to them, what they did. It was not always happy memories but it was part of their being, of what they were right now.

People often misjudged the misfortunates they encountered in their lives. They only wanted happiness, which was perfectly natural. Who wouldn’t want to be happy? But could you know happiness without knowing despair and sadness? Would you be able to distinguish and appreaciate good without knowing bad? The person you were now was created from your past, by every decision you have taken in your life. To deny the bad memories was to deny yourself. Instead of mourning, regretting your decisions, you must embrace it, to accept them as a part of you. It was only that true happiness could perhaps be more than a wishful dream.

“Quite an interesting life you have led this far, Kaiser!” said Alastor.

“It’s nothing compared to you, father! You have endured all these time, even coming here to look for me. But me, I haven’t accomplished anything. I couldn’t even grant your promise to Shana in time…I feel ashamed about myself.” Kaiser confessed.

“You have done nothing wrong, Kaiser. If there is someone to blame, it’s me who has neglected my own children. I was too stupid to see it…and that idiocy has led to the death of your sister. Even now, I have no idea where your brother Sinforma is or if he is even alive…Just what kind of father am I?” Alastor admitted.

“Father…”

“No need to defend me! I know my own sins. But I have decided that instead of wasting my time in mourn, I would use it for good. I want to erase the wars in this world, Kaiser, no matter how much it might cost me. This life is no longer just mine to use as I see fit anymore. The crimes I committed, the innocents I killed…I will use this life to atone for what I have done.

I know I have no right to ask you this but…will you help me with that?” Alastor spoke in a solemn voice.

“You don’t have to ask, father! It’s what I live for. I swear to you that I will grant your wish: to bring peace to this world.” Kaiser stood up and kneeled before the boy.

“…Thank you, son!..Still feel a bit weird calling you my son while you are this much taller than me…”

“You will grow in time, father! I am sure of it.”

“Hehe thanks! But anyway, we can resume our chat for later. I think the others are still a little confused about this whole situation so you might want to explain it to them. But don’t tell them that I am the demon lord or your father. Just say I am an acquaintance.” Said the boy.

“As you wish, father! Is there anything else?”

“Hum…say Kaiser! Supposedly, what will you do after this war is over?” asked Alastor.

“I am not sure myself. Since the people here know that I am a demon, even if many claim to have no problem with that, I intend to give the throne to Celdora and depart from Oros. As for where….if you don’t mind, I would like to join you in your quest, father!” replied Kaiser.

“…I see…In that case, are you interested in ruling another country, seeing that you already have a few experiences in that field? Somewhere like…I don’t know…Ragna?” proposed the demon lord.

“You want me to become the demon lord? But what about you?” Kaiser asked in confusion.

“My current circumstances don’t allow me to keep that title anymore. If possible I would like to pass it onto someone not just capable but trustworthy. And you, my son, seem like the perfect candidate judging on how much the people here love you. But I won’t force it on you. Take your time and decide! Don’t you worry about me! If you don’t’ want to, I can find somebody else. What is important is that you do what your heart tells you to. Not for me, not for anybody else but you alone!”

“Yes, father…This is a bit sudden so please give me some time to decide!” Kaiser muttered.

“Of course! Take all the time you need! Now back to our current situation, you said that this barrier is the only thing standing between you and victory, isn’t it?” inquired Alastor.

“Yes! If we take control of Canaan then the dragon council would have no choice but to surrender themselves. However, that barrier is indestructible, making us unable to continue our invasion.” Reported Kaiser.

“A barrier made of pure mana using the Dragon Vein…Its regeneration is thanks to the mana flow constantly pouring out from the underground. However the barrier extends even down, covering perfectly every corner of Canaan, meaning there is no way to enter it without getting rid of the barrier….

I see…I can use that.” Alastor contemplated.

“You have a plan, father?” asked Kaiser.

“Something yes! But I will tell you later. For now, just go and talk to your people! Make sure that they are ready! Tomorrow, that barrier is going down!”

“By your will, father!”

Standing up firmly, Kaiser took flight and flew toward the camp to address his people. In just matters of seconds, he was gone, leaving Alastor alone back where they talked. Or was he?

“You can come out now. I know you are there!” Alastor called out loud.

From the dense bush of vegetation in front of the boy, a figure wearing a pure white attire walked out and revealed himself.

“I am surprised you are able to spot me. You have truly become so powerful now, demon lord Alastor!” the white dragon spoke.

“Then I guess that makes the two of us. I was shocked to see you with Kaiser as well, even helping him... Just what is your plan?” asked Alastor in a serious tone. “Because depending on your answer, you will die here and now.”

“That’s my intention anyway. Though if possible, I would prefer to be able to witness the end of this war before leaving the future to the next generations.” Answered Malick in a calm voice.

“Why exactly are you doing this? And I am no talking about your intention being here. ”

“To correct our mistake, Alastor!”

“What mistake?”

“…I can’t tell you…You will understand eventually…just not from me.”

“You all and your goddamn secrecy…Fine, we will settle this once this is over. And I expect some answers by then. However, if I see anything weird from you, …” threatened the boy.

“You are soft…just like your father. I look forward for the end of this conflict.” Malick spoke. “Until then, Alastor!”

“Until then, Amon!”