Chapter 100 – the Progenitor’s Curse

I stood with my arms folded. In my eyes was the bull of the North. The crazed red-garbed hero tied to a cross. His body was riddled with bullets and some parts of his body were burnt to crisp. My men cheered as they raise the banner of the legion at the top of the fortress. The flag of the Thorn Cross along with the Sigil of Alva flying along with the wind, it was a beautiful sight after such battle.

“I shall take a rest now,” I said to my aid. I hurried towards my office in the outpost. I sat in my chair, feeling incredible relief as I do. I stared at the ceiling. Killing the crazed bull of the north was not necessary. Hanging him to a cross was a way to make the other surrenders. It was effective. And we didn’t have to shed any more blood that we should have. It was a sad loss of a great man who had saved lives.

I took some parcel and begun to write my thoughts to the Pontiff and wrote it down:

‘Your Holiness, I’ve acquired the City of Avilla. Indeed, our investigations of the space storms had led us to this route. Although it was heartbreaking, I had made sure to have spread the news of the ruins of Progenitor to the Bali and Cagan fools. As expected they tried taking the city. They were unsuccessful and we have taken their resources of runes. The Alva’s, however, was smart enough to take advantage of the situation. Having no choice, I had to play fool towards the degenerate yet competent daughter of the Alva Lord. She’s a bright young woman if she only had the pride and honor of her father.

The ruins of the Progenitor were something we did not expect. We have seen machines that were far greater than the Vileguards. I’ve seen the Vileguards but that machine that was brought by the Hero of Avilla was dangerous. I dread on what would have happened if our enemies took possession of such thing. It would be the end of us all.

As for the lost Princess of Maltius La Fende, I have not seen her or have found a single trace. A green brooch for a clue is just not enough. Not to mention this Princess that you speak off blends well with the common people for her common appearance.

In any case, I have stopped my scouts from searching for this Princess for now. I am more worried about the Progenitor’s ruin and that the Hero of Avilla, Archie. Was lying to us and there is a missing piece. It would have been over if we captured him, but the crazed bull had interfered with us. It is my shame to have let the Warlord of Avilla escape. She would bring trouble to us and I fear that she might interfere when we are to face the growing forces of the Maltius La Fende.

Their machines and firearms are far better than us. Our slow integration has led us to this state. Thankfully, a man named Joshua had given ideas of a design that suited for us to reveal our technologies. They do not suspect a thing and now we are free to arm ourselves with repeating rifles.

We have also contacted various artificers that will help us in developing steam battle wagons and tanks. I fear even if we do the walking machines of the Maltius La Fende will still fend us off. They have greater technology and what makes matter worse is that the Vileguards have gone missing. My scouts have started looking for them. And I’ve heard rumors of an abomination plaguing a certain town. I’ve sent my men to investigate.

Your Holiness, I fear that the Progenitor that haunted us will get us. The Isolist are holding the Vermin’s from below but I fear that those tribes will not on for long. The space storms have been frequent in the city of storms and we have received news of various beings that have been awakened by a loud tremor that shook the earth. We do not know if it was the natural moving of the earth or something else. Yet in the end, I fear that there are going to be more troubles.

Your Holiness I have lived my life knowing that the Holy Midland might just be ready to face the dire monsters outside the Livia Continent. The Gigantes Sea separates us from them. The Maltius La Fende are willing to help us when those hordes of monsters come to us with wanting of war. We’ve tried to negotiate with the Bali and Cagan’s yet they do not listen. They bring war not knowing anything at all.

I do not enjoy all this slaughter and trickery. To partake in this heresy of our faith brings me nothing but disgust. However, for the good our people I endure and stay vigilant. The Freelands is barbaric yet its untamed wilderness holds potential for greater growth. The Alva’s have grown strong. Their factories are countless and their forces have grown tremendously as well. They are the only forces of this godforsaken place that might bring this land together. Their practices have been slowly culled from our teachings.

I hate to bring more war than it should. The Livia Continent has bled for too long. But what can we do? To let it burn to ashes? No, I cannot let such thing happen and thus I strive to achieve our goals despite the looming darkness that befalls us.

Our enemies are just beyond the giant sea. They bring the Progenitor’s curse, the technology brought forth by machinations of curiosity and conquest. I despair that we have to turn ourselves into these monsters that brings nothing but destruction and death. Yet if we don’t stand to fight the enemy and let our people suffer. Then we are worst than monsters.

I’ve taken Avilla. The trade of all of the Freelands is ours. We shall let the Alva do what they can to take these lands. They may have different cults of personality but at least they understand our reasoning’s for wanting to take more lands. Our plans have gone well. From the first space storm in the desert and to the taking of Avilla, I hope that Luci Fera may guide and bring us more fortune. We need it.’

I stopped my writing. I grab hold of a tube and rolled the parcel inside. I closed my eyes and prayed that chaos shall not engulf these lands. We are doing the shedding of blood. But I hope that all sacrifices and deaths will lead us to the greater good and peace.