《The Devil King》Chapter 15
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A Skeleton made up of Orichalcum and wore a white robe stood in front of a pair of large, golden double doors which depicted the many faces of those who were dying in gruesome detail upon the left, whilst the right held the imagery of glutinous nobles who feasted upon the bodies of those who were dying. When the doors were commissioned, it was believed the monarch wished to express his desire for equality, and show the world that only the nobles prospered from the death of their charges. This thought was given credit due to the dissolution of many “Noble” houses since the very beginning. Where these would always try to use their charges and reach to better themselves upon Terra, whilst those below suffered greatly. Of which was not allowed within the world of the God King.
However, even though such laws existed, the truth of the matter with the doors was far from accurate. For Brutus, who was the Lich King of Necropolis and right hand to the Ageless in all things, only wanted to show off his latest project with the world. Because, before he became a Lich King, he was long ago a torturer of great renown, and would often times retreat into his dungeons, currently, in order to experiment with those who broke his and his God's laws. The door was one of them, but he did not voice his opinion to strike down those who thought otherwise.
In any case, the Skeleton, who was in fact Brutus, had two retainers standing next to himself, each holding a clipboard whilst scratching their writing upon it as those before themselves ran about a grand courtyard of marble, cleaning it as well as they could. This was due to their knowing of the Goddess Queen Sarah and her son arriving soon. Therefore, they were to present the best of the best in order to keep them comfortable.
Though, the night prior, Brutus had the pleasure of hosting Nox's twelfth cycle of his birth. Of which was entertaining enough for the old Lich. On top of that were the twins, who were also invited for this day, but declined due to them having to appease their tutor after their abrupt absence. This led to the Skeleton chuckling at the thought, the blue flames in his skull flaring once, which led to the attendants to catch such a motion.
Believing that their Lord was displeased with something, the pair dashed off in order to begin shouting with a harsher tone towards those who were working. Whereas the other, who watched such an event, just shook his head with a sigh. Every so often, there are always those who believe the slightest movement in their Lich King's head was of disappointment. These would be told off later, but for now, the misunderstanding was to his advantage.
For within a few moments after the pair began their tirade, the guards atop the westernmost gate released a low horn call. From there came the crackling and swirling of energies within, as a vertical oval of a dozen metres in height and half as wide sprang forth, revealing a world with only a little little. One where only perpetual midnight reigns supreme over a land which was so alien to the world of Terra, many who were not used to it would simply turn away an invitation to journey to such a land.
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However, the western gate was an area where those traveling by portal would enter into the courtyard of the Lich King's castle, whereas the eastern one was used for exiting. Everyone knew of this, and knew full well of the schedule that was meticulously kept in regards to Immortals and Gods who desired to enter Necropolis this way. So to see the land of Perpetual Midnight in the background, it could only mean one thing.
The Lady Goddess Sarah, her son Nox, and whomever else was coming through.
And indeed she did, as her horseless carriage wreathed in shadows and trimmed with gold and two ancient styled Living Armours hung from the sides, drove through the portal, which also closed behind them. From there, it weaved itself in a small arc until the right side faced itself towards the golden doors where Brutus stood before it, and watched as the Armours detached themselves whilst standing at attention with their gauntleted hands keeping a tight grip on their shields and spears. For although their charges were relatively safe within this castle's confines, it was still a very different world to them.
As denoted by the colours which they were not wholly used to, and the approaching gawkers that were the guards and staff. What was more worrying to them were the whispers they heard, starting with, “Who do you think it is?”
“I dunno, but they have to be special if they're to use the Western Gate.”
“Think it's another God?”
“Seriously? Do you think a God would travel in something as tacky as that car? I mean, it has a great smoke effect, and the trim ain't half bad, but it's still a tacky car.”
“Not to mention it's really outdated. I mean, that model hasn't been around for over uh hundred years.”
“And did you see the LA's? We've read about those in class a year ago. They're supposed to be extremely ancient and there aren't any around.”
The moment one spoke up about the pair of Living Armours that were present, the multiple staff and guards ceased their dribble about who it was that rode in on the carriage, or “car” as it were, and instead focused on the Legionaires which were currently wondering when their Lady and young master would exit. Which wasn't for very long, as Brutus slowly drifted down away from the golden doors whilst snapping his right fingers to grab their attention. Without any words, he directed them to stand at attention next to a door leading up toward himself, and had them open it.
The first to appear were the exciting words of a child's voice of, “UNCLE BRUTUS!” Followed up was a streak of darkness as a small bundle of black fur with nine tails and wearing crimson outerwear attached itself to the old Skeleton. Of whom was pushed back to the point of him almost falling over from the speed and strength of the boy who was currently embracing the other. This led to the Lich King to release a soft chuckle as the lights within his sockets glowed with a great warmth that would have startled anyone who was not close to himself. As well as him petting the child's head, who released a slight purr as he buried his face into the Skeleton's robe.
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From within the vehicle, however, came a pair of metallic beings. The first was the skeletal Wolfwoman Sia, and the latter was the Orichalcum Bear Beastwoman called Shauu. Both of whom wore the same robe as Brutus, but made for their size, and both offered their clawed hands towards the final occupant within. Which led to many to wonder who it was, as the crowd was unable to view the interior. More still was the lack of reaction when the being was pulled out.
This was due to the fact that the masses were rarely, if ever, told about she who was their Goddess Queen, as the Ageless was a secretive and jealous God King. Therefore, he allowed only a few to know of her and only his inner circle knew about his son. For he had many enemies, and although his reach was large, this did not mean he could be anywhere and everywhere, despite what many would claim.
Despite all of this, the crowd was soon amazed as they noticed it was a Wolfwoman in a one piece dress which stepped out of the vehicle, and more than a few commented on her beauty. Not only this, but they were each surprised as her fur, hair, eyes, and dress swirled with ever changing colours that were never the same one twice. Unfortunately for themselves, the view to herself was blocked by the Beastwoman, who turned to glare at the crowd with a menacing gaze that only the few brave or foolish souls chose to ignore. The rest, on the other hand, dispersed in order to return to their tasks just as their king was able to detach himself from Nox and embraced his Goddess Queen.
“Ah,” he sighed with some joy, “Lady Sarah, so good to see that you have escaped your home to visit us and our world of Terra. Come, tell me, what is it you wish to view first?”
Before anyone was able to voice an opinion, Nox chimed in with his nine tails wiggling in every direction, “Why not go to Lee'ahnyo's restaurant?”
“Hmm,” the Skeleton's voice hummed as the Goddess's posture was of question, as she was not familiar with the area due to a long absence. “That would be... Very well,” his eyes flared once, and promptly summoned a shambling Skeleton to his side. One which appeared to have a pair of fleshless wings attached to its shoulder blades, and was then given the order, “Go. Tell him we shall be there within the hour.
“For now, though, let us walk this way towards the car park and procure a vehicle for our travel.”
“Um,” came the voice of Sarah, whose eyes were full of uncertainty, “What's a 'Car'?” To which everyone stopped in surprise, and slowly turned to stare at their Goddess Queen with amazement, resulting in her own colours to become a little muted from the stares.
It was here that they realised how out of touch she's been whilst within the land of perpetual midnight, and how sheltered she was from the slow advancements of technology. For example, the world outside, though the structures were of stone and clay, transports were of horseless carriages. However, there were also the populace who were able to fly, teleport, or run at high speeds from the use of their magicks or inventions.
All of this, and more, was explained to a now wide eyed Sarah as they awaited the arrival of a violet coloured and slender vehicle which was able to house the Lich King, Nox, the Goddess Queen, and their four retainers with little discomfort. After climbing inside, which was covered in a blue velvet that led to the child to purr as he rubbed himself all across the surface, the vehicle lurched forward towards the southern gate.
Upon reaching it, the occupants listened as there were a few muffled calls to open the gates. After which, there was a short rumble as the gates slowly flung themselves outwards to reveal a colourful world full of many sounds those who were cloistered for so long, like Sarah, would not be used to. This led to her eyes widening greatly, as they were filled with so much awe and wonderment from the world below which steadily grew larger as they continued on, and she had to wonder to herself, 'When was the last time I stepped out of our Castle of Perpetual Midnight?'
Thus leading her to believe that it was too long, as a male Wolf Beastman flew by their vehicle with his mouth open and tongue hanging out from pure exhilaration. What was strange about the sight was not just him flying, but that he had a chest piece made up of Mithril with a pair of great and stiff wings in the shape of a dragon's attached to his back with a gout of flame erupting just above his tail. Thus leading herself to gawk and point at the male and his contraption in amazement. Whereas the others, save for the Living Armours and Nox, just smiled or flared the lights in their eye sockets with enjoyment over her wonderment.
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Macabre Mim
*Note: This story is on hiatus. I intend to pick it up again, but the mood of my life has shifted for the time being and I'm going to be working on a side project for a bit.* What would you give to live the life of your dreams? What kind of deal would you make? And when you were there, forced to stare your dreams in the eye and live them every day, how long would it be... before they broke you? Author's note: This is my first excursion outside the realm of villain fan fiction and I welcome feedback. The thing I've loved most about RRL so far is the potential for writing to be an interactive experience with excited readers. That said, also, the primary genre this is intended for is the blossoming realm of LitRPG. Namely, a slice of life tale in the manner of Grimgar or Re:Zero. So, likewise, I don't expect there will ever be a clear beginning-middle-and-end type of pattern to this story. It will likewise always be a bit more of a reactionary, exploratory novel into realms unknown - much like the 1800 travel-novel theme used by Jules Verne. Or, at least, that is my ambition.
8 184The Moonlight Sorcerer
A normal highscool boy got teleported to another world. Not just him, but entire students in the school. All because of 'her'? Follow his journey to find his way back while discovering his true 'identity'
8 149The White Rabbit
In the Urillian Empire, the Empress Xandra rules three-quarters of the planet Xren from her home in the capital of the Earth Continent. Both the fire and water peoples have fallen under her might after a series of wars stretching back three centuries. Earth elves, under Xandra's rule, have spread throughout the planet and established colonies, and are, by all accounts, enjoying what seems to be a prosperous and happy existence. But not everyone in Uril is happy. The holy books speak of elves as the Chosen People of Thesis, tasked with guiding and protecting the lower races. For some people, this scripture has been interpreted to designate their life as one on the lowest rungs of society. Humans have been reduced to a slave class, and serve their elven masters under Xandra's rule, kept at bay by the constant fear of the dreaded Emerald Knight, and their own perceived weakness. Humans do not lead long lives, nor do they possess the wisdom, power, or magical acumen of their elven masters. But there is hope. A group of people have banded together to fight against Xandra, her Knight, and her empire. They call themselves the "Knights of Order" united under the principle idea that Xandra's reign has brought chaos unto Xren, and they wish to restore order. These Knights are led by a man named Xaxac Brigaddon, spoken of as a legend. They say that when the moons are full, some humans transform into powerful beasts. They say that Xaxac is the most powerful warrior on Xren, that in his youth he was enslaved and forced to fight other humans to the death in a bloodsport called "cage fighting", that he could not be touched and held the world championship title for three years running until he faked his own death and escaped his master to join the resistance. They say that he has friends in high places- noblemen, pirates, and the devil himself. They say that if you can find him, he can ferry you to freedom in places where the Earth Elves fear to tread. They say that he is immune to magical attack, and his eyes shine like the silver moon. They say that he is descended from Quizlivian Brigaddon, one of the humans who helped the demon Magnus escape a god. They say that if you want to walk the Path of Order, you should follow the White Rabbit.Come and watch the transformation from human boy to Knight of Order: The life and times of Xaxac OfAgalon OfLangil Brigaddon. Content Warning: This work is based on the real experiences of human trafficing survivors. Xaxac's origins are based on true events, and they are presented realisitcally; this includes but is not limited to: isolation, gaslighting, emotional and sexual abuse, and grooming tactics. This work is meant to hold a mirror up to society; it is based on the real of experiences of people who have experienced slavery and/or abuse. It is an adult work and probably should not be read by anyone under the age of 18. If you are a survivor of human trafficing and/or abuse, your feedback is welcome, but please do not read this if you think it may trigger your trauma. I did not write this with the intention of harming anyone, but rather to provide accurate representation for a group that does not normally get it in the hopes of changing the zeitgeist. I would like to see a world where more people understand what these experiences are like, so that real survivors do not have to deal with microagressions from an ignorant public. Reader discretion is highly advised.
8 1364Photoshop Tutorial
photoshop tutorial and more. c:
8 89Origin of the Best Void Magician
There were five students walking on the way to their own homes. Yet while walking they were flashed with blinding light and a magic cirlces surrounds them, lead them to another world. Is this the what so called Isekai? Being summoned as hero, all five of them first to check their [Skill], ablessing from the goddess. And one of them, Kagerou Ibuki was granted [Void Magic]. But whats this? They gave him a scorned expressions towards him. What? [Void Magic] is useless? Due to that, he was kicked out of the castle. How he will survive with the so called useless [Skill]?
8 170Mujahadah
"Aku nak move on." Bibir milik Qurrotun Inn tak pernah lekang dengan ucapan sebegitu."Aku dah bosan dengan move on kau tu." Komen Farhana yang merupakan kawan baru yang paling rapat sejak Inn pindah sekolah.Bibir mudah menyebut tapi hatinya masih berbolak-balik dek kerana dicengkam dengan perasaan yang mendalam.***"Saya solat 5 waktu Alhamdulillah cukup,tapi saya banyak buat dosa.Saya nak berubah, tapi susah. Ustaz tolong beri tips untuk saya."Luahan itu ditulis atas kertas kecil oleh Ahmad Seth Yusuf sebaik sahaja Ustaz Syafi'e membuka sesi soal jawab setelah selesai talaqi kitab di surau sekolahnya.
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