Period 0: Awakening

The Averruncus opened her eyes in a cold dimly lit room. She knew instinctively she was in the Grave keeper's palace in the ruins of old Ostia. Her petite body was lying naked on a stone slab, engraved with magic circles and glyphs. She slowly began to acclimate herself, registering the sensation of stone against her skin and temperate in her body.

"Good morning." She turned her attention to the two figures at her bedside. Both wore long dark robes with hoods covering their faces and were observing her intently. "How are you feeling?" the first figure asked.

She sat up slowly, testing whether or not she'd been created with a sense of balance, fortunately she had. She stood up and took a moment to examine herself. She was small, probably only a few feet tall, as her two companions towered over her. She looked down. Her skin was pale, almost ghostly white. She had a pair of modest breasts, a slim waist, and a slight curve to her hips. She flexed her fingers and took a few experimental first steps.

"Everything seems to be functioning properly, Lifemaker-sama." The name came to her almost without thinking. There was no question; this was her master, the one who had created her and this entire world, the mage of the beginning.

"Incredible," said the other robed figure. "Despite such potent magical ability, she still retains such a high level of cognitive function. I daresay she could even pass for human."

"Fu, fu, fu. behold Dynamis, this is no mere construct or doll, she is my crowning achievement. The first unit of the Averruncus series. Shaped by ancient magics, and given life by my own blood, this is my daughter."

They were talking about her. She knew what they were saying was true, she could feel it. She carried the blood of the creator within her, she was more than a mindless drone animated by magic. Magic She had a vast library of spells and knowledge installed into her brain, and she could sense she had incredible reserves of magical energy, with an affinity for water magic. She held out her hand, moisture in the air began to condense and collect in her palm. In a moment she was holding an orb of clear liquid. In it's reflection she saw her face for the first time. It appeared human, no horns or fangs of any kind. Her chalk white hair reached down to the base of her neck. Her starling blue eyes were framed by bangs hanging over her forehead and along the sides of her face.

"Your magic pathways seem clear," said the Lifemaker observing her spell.

"Yes," she said dispelling the water. "There are no abnormalities."

"Excellent. Come let us assemble." Her master held out a hand and a magic circle appeared at her feet. She was bathed in violet light, and clothes began to materialize on her body; a simple uniform of orange sneakers, blue slacks, and a matching long sleeved shirt.

She and Dynamis walked with their master through the palace of the grave keeper, until they reached the outer terrace where they were greeted by a small army of Demi-humans. She looked into the crowd and saw cat folk, dryads, and even some dragon folk. Most were young girls like herself. She presumed they were war orphans from Hellas. Two girls stood apart from the crowd, one with blue green robes and long sea green hair that covered most of her face, and the other a short dark-skinned girl in a simple black dress and bright blond hair that reached her thighs. Averruncus recognized them instantly: the seventeenth Adad of water and the second Atur of fire. Just like her they were true disciples of the Lifemaker, created for the sole purpose of achieving their noble goal. No that was inaccurate. The entirety of Mundus Magicas owes their life to the creator, however there was a distinct separation in the group. Firstly there were about a dozen girls from Hellas orphaned by the war and rallied to their cause, the Adad and Atur stood before them, and finally Dynamis and herself stood at the left and right hand of the Lifemaker. The taller of the two girls bowed her head as they approached.

"Master, esteemed generals, I trust all is well?"

"Indeed" Dynamis replied.

"So this is the new girl?" The shorter one said with mild interest, as she walked up to the white haired girl. A moment later that interest completely evaporated and she occupied herself with whatever snack she was chewing on. The crowd whispered and murmured. They all either snuck glances and pretended not to look at the Averruncus, or blatantly stared at her. Doubtless they had herad rumors about her creation for weeks leading up to this moment. They were instantly silenced when the Lifemaker spoke.

"My loyal followers, my Cosmo Entelechaia" Her voice was that of a loving mother addressing her children. "We may have suffered losses in the years past, our ranks may be reduced and weakened, but make no mistake, this our day. We will succeed in guiding this world to the eternal garden. Though that very world may oppose us, never forget that this is the only path capable of saving all souls." The crowd erupted into applause. She dismissed the others and addressed the Adad and Atur. "Septendeciem Nii, you will command our forces. We do not have the numbers we once did, so we must make sure we are prepared when the battle comes."

"It shall be done," the taller girl said, bowing her head.

"As long as I get to burn something I'm satisfied." The blond said with a bored look on her face.

"Dynamis, you will see to Megalomesembria. They will be our biggest threat. Do not underestimate them."

"Understood." The general responded. This all made logical sense. The Hellas Empire or Adriadne Knights were not likely to get involved, even if they caught wind of their plans, and Megalomesembria was considered the world's greatest military power. Dynamis would be the perfect choice to cripple their forces before the coming battle. But that begged the question . . .

"What of me, master?" The mage of beginnings turned to her newest disciple.

"You child, have the most important role of all. Of course we have secured this grave keeper's palace, however there is one more place of power we must bring under our control to execute our plan." Averruncus blinked. Obviously her master could not be mistaken, but the statement made no sense. All the mana in Mundus Magicus flowed through this palace. It was the magical center of the whole world. There was no other place of power. Her master seemed to read her expression exactly. "Do not be confused child. Our target is not in Mundus Magicus, but the old world. It's location is somewhat fortified, but it shouldn't pose much of a problem for you. A place called Mahora academy.