Happy new years to everyone.

I am starting a character and lore sheet for this story. Here is the work in progress if you're interested in reading the character profiles.

Spoiler : Character Sheet

Christopher N. Schweitzer: “You mistake me for a better man.”

Debut: Chapter 1

The main character of the story. The former Celestian commander of ------, eight Exquisitor seat of the Holy Celestian Empire. He is the third and youngest son of Sir Alphonse, the 19th head of House Schweitzer.

Attaining one of the top ranks in the knight’s academy, he took over ----- upon the recommendation of his elder brother, Philippe. There he led a small group of highly trained elites and liquidated heretics from all over Scaldus.

Though born in a pedestal even among those of the highborn, he is a man who values his own principles more than anything else. After the events that changed his life, he enrolled at Rosetta with reasons only known to himself.

Cecilia Sieghart: “In Valstrath lies the temple of the Dark. You cannot use your Diviner around its walls. And an Exquisitor without his Diviner would only be a liability.”

Debut: Chapter 1

A girl of demon origins who goes on the same class as Chris. She likes to keep silence as company and values the history of her ancestors to a fault. Because of the ‘Blood hunt’ that started 1500 years ago, she bears a deep grudge against Exquisitors and the Order of the Divine.

Raven Phylix: “True success is not granted from above; it is attained after mountains of hardwork and perseverance.”

Debut: Chapter 1

Hailing from Rolfgar, an oasis village located in the deserts of Kasata, Raven aspired to live the better life one day. His mother’s smile and positive outlook in life gave him the strength to endure the hardships of being poor. He worked hard as a mercenary to gather enough funds to travel north. He was later admitted to Rosetta because of his inborn capabilities as a Lynx and his background as a mercenary.

Because he grew up admiring his single mother and the waitresses that she worked with, Raven had taken a liking towards older women.

Arthur Solan: “

Luana: “Good medicine taste bitter to the tongue!”

Katalina V. Seraphine: “I only follow my heart; and my heart decrees that I remain at his side. Scaldus be damned!”

Debut: Chapter 7 Part 2

The Celestian commander of Rosenbaum, sixth Exquisitor seat of the Holy Celestian Empire. Hailed as a prodigy before even graduating in knight’s academy, she later succeeded her mother’s territory, Rosenbaum, at the young age of twenty-three.

Serious to a fault, Katalina met the young Christopher over an accident that she couldn’t reprimand. Together, the two pursued the unknown and performed various plays in their nightly rendezvous. Christopher captured her innocent heart then, but her feelings strayed on a different path when the two pursued their own careers.

Lilia Nerfil

Debut: Chapter 6

A simple cleric who’s task was to wipe Marrieta’s statue in the cathedral of Reinbark every morning. Although she would go about her days shirking her duties, she adored Marrieta like any other, for her servitude in the church gave her meaning in life. Lilia wanted nothing else but to live in peace and enjoy her days in leisure, but her early awakening to her demon origins caused everything to crumble.

Philippe N. Schweitzer: “Pledging life-long loyalty; that is the Schweitzer’s way.”

Debut: Chapter 7 Part 2

A devout follower of the Goddess Marrieta. Valkyries hoping to be wooed by the handsome knight were often left disappointed, as he could manage less than a smile. First born son of Sir Alphonse, and the current head of House Schweitzer.

Chapter 10: Valstrath: Lower Levels Part 1

~ Cecilia

“What did he mean when he called you demon worshipper?” Cecilia grabbed Chris by the arm. Maybe he really had a reason to leave the Order? She had to know, else her display of antagonism beforehand would be hard to stomach. She wouldn’t be different from those who scorned her for having crimson eyes.

“That is none of your business.” Chris sent her a glare that chilled her to the bone. More than enough to loosen her grip, Cecilia took a step back.

Wasn’t it him who asked her to set her anger aside? Forget it. Gladius wanted them to get along; it was why he paired them together. But she couldn’t just accept someone who murdered her kin for whatever reasons they find convenient, whether previous or not, as an acquaintance.

After drinking in silence, Chris began walking towards the next room.

“Where do you mean to go? Shouldn’t we wait here till dawn instead?” Cecilia asked.

“Not going to happen. That man made it clear to follow him deeper.”

Was it really so? His sudden change in demeanor concerned her a little bit. Their previous meeting and conversations explained that he was the carefree type, which she hated. How could one act so nonchalant while carrying the weight of his sins? She thought him insensitive. She didn’t want him to grieve about it all the time, but at least show some remorse. It would make his apologies more ‘convincing’.

Cecilia followed and watched him from behind, trying to discern what kind of thoughts were running in his head. Their walking abruptly came to a stop when Chris voiced another question. “You’re not in league with that old man, are you?”

‘This asshole.’ She was as clueless as him. Didn’t she made that clear already? Their partnership was fixed, yes, but anything beyond that wasn’t something she discussed with Gladius.

“And what if I am?” she quipped. “Who are you to doubt me?”

“Can’t even answer a simple question.” Chris snickered before walking again. “You’ve no use other than breeding.”

“Wha— How dare you!” Cecilia glared at his back. “Come back this instant and face me like a man, you jerk! Coward!” several insults flew out of her mouth.

“I am not here to participate in your petty squabbles. Find someone else.”

Leaving her with her hands balled into fists, Christopher waltzed into the darkness ahead.

* * *

~Gladius

“This is not what we talked about!” Gladius slammed the wooden table in half.

For the sake of returning his debt, he agreed to pair Cecilia together with that Exquisitor, but not them getting transported to a labyrinth he hasn’t even heard about.

“Calm yourself, Gladius,” said the Vice-principal. He stood unmoving, gazing at the overview of their academy beyond the window.

“You ask me to calm when you sent my daughter to your own playpen without as much as telling me? I shall cut you down where you stand!” Gladius said, his magic-infused voice shook the entire tower.

But even that wasn’t enough to move the vice-principal. “Think about it, Gladius. What I did is necessary evil.”

“Necessary?” Gladius laughed sarcastically, feinting amusement. “Admit it, Marcus. This is all for the sake of your experiments, isn’t it?”

“The elements are dancing under her thumb, Gladius!” the vice principal retorted. “You should know that already! Have you not heard what happened in Reinbark? Your daughter puts us all into risks here! Or do you mean to defy the council after the sanctuary we have given you both?”

“No…” Gladius bit his bottom lip, unable to finish.

“Then stay your hand and hear the rest.” The vice principal turned. He reached inside his robe and revealed a crystal orb. “Fortunately, the boy is not here on a hunt.”

The vice principal’s words stirred another reaction inside of him. “So, what is he here for?”

“That is what I find amusing. I had a glimpse of his memories upon his entry to my domain, and it seems like the boy is here to learn about the labyrinths and nothing else.”

Just like a proper student? For a Schweitzer, that is unheard of.

Gladius narrowed his eyes. “Explain.”

“The wind of death stalks the boy like a shadow. I am unable to see past that, yet I did acquire valuable information.” The vice principal reached out the crystal orb to him.

Gladius looked inside.

—I AM THE DEVIL.

Death after death, killings after killings, heads crushed like melons. He couldn’t exactly explain what that monstrosity was, but the image inside the orb made it clear: That monster was once a demon like him.

“Awakening,” he murmured.

“You understand, don’t you? The boy is a blessing in disguise.”

Gladius couldn’t deny what the vice-principal said. A Schweitzer who turned his back on his house would be a welcomed addition to their cause. But such a useful tool have its price. Who could contain his strength that even slew the Beast of Judgement? No one in ‘Nosferatu’ is capable of doing such things.

Then realization stabbed him like a knife in the chest. “You plan to use Cecilia?!”

“We will.” The vice-principal placed a hand on his shoulder. “For the greater good.”

“No!” Gladius grabbed the vice principal’s collar and pulled him closer. “I do not agree of this!” The man’s crimson eyes reflected his visage contorted in fury. “Cecilia has done nothing to be involved in our quarrels!”

“Then how do you plan to save her?! I see no other way, Gladius!” The vice principal barked back, returning his glare. “Look, it’s only a matter of time before we find ourselves the target of a heresy investigation! Would you rather see her in the gallows or take chance with me and save her for good?!”

His words rang like honey in his ears. Indeed, the boy joining their cause is the missing key to her salvation. But he cannot. He cannot risk anymore without having a great shot in success. Especially if they still didn’t know what the boy wanted in the labyrinth. He could be searching for a cure like Marcus suggested, but what if it were something else?

Gladius released the vice principal and closed his eyes, weighing his options.

His one and only family, or for the greater good?