Story/Chapter 45: Difference between revisions

*{{StoryIcon|AS}} '''Aisha:''' ''... I was exhausted because it's so slippery here! Sigh. I didn't think it would be easy to find, since it's a secret base and all. I mean, it's not like they're going to have a secret base out in the open!''

*{{StoryIcon|DB}} '''Add:''' ''I'm saying there's no purpose in us going around in circles when our final goal is to stop Berthe. We can just go directly to the location we got from the demon engineer to obtain the soul fragment, then head directly to the capital and take the fragment from Berthe.''

*{{StoryIcon|ES}} '''Elesis:''' ''Ara is right. It's dangerous to move about this snowy mountain when the only information we have is centuries old. Plus, even if we do manage to find the soul fragment, that in and of itself would prove problematic.''

*{{StoryIcon|Chv}} '''Ciel:''' ''At the very least, they should have eyes on the suspected location in case Berthe seeks them out. Rather than us trying to seek them out, we can force them to seek us out.''

*{{StoryIcon|Min}} '''Rose:''' ''Ah... You mean we should act as bait to lure them out...... since they will be on high altert to stop anyone approaching the soul fragments.''

*{{StoryIcon|Blu}} '''Ain:''' ''If we manage to communicate with the demons from Rigomor, it won't be too bad. Mr. Dog should be able to clear any misunderstandings. So don't worry too much, Ms. Knight-Captain. You'll lose hair if you stress all the time.''

*{{StoryIcon|ES}} '''Elesis:''' ''Ah! We should decide on that soon...... But I guess that 'soon' is now.''

*{{StoryIcon|CEs}} '''Eve:''' ''Yes. I sense multiple vital signs following us from a distance. I thought they may be wild animals... but their movement seems to suggest otherwise.''

*{{StoryIcon|Asella}} '''???:''' ''...! Winster? You're... a strange group. Demons, humans, and... is that an elf?''

*{{StoryIcon|Asella}} '''???:''' ''You will tell us everything you know, even if we have to force them out of you! Men! Capture them!''

*{{StoryIcon|Asella}} '''???:''' ''If you thought we'll let anyone from Elrios leave unscathed, you're delusional. Go! Take them down! We'll only need three at most for interrogation!''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''These are the ones that came by Rigomor.... Hey, El Search Party. Are you alright?''

*{{StoryIcon|Asella}} '''Asella:''' ''... Understood. We'll talk more later. Hey you! Follow me!''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''Yes... For now. It's a little complicated. Well, you should come with us for now. The base I've mentioned is really close by.''

*{{StoryIcon|Asella}} '''Asella:''' ''So... The El Search Party, you say? Nichel just gave me a full report. I would have never guessed you'd actually know, not only Winster, but Calonne and Deborah as well... I apologize for my rudeness earlier. You may stay here in Aurora however long you'd like. I will personally make sure you are safe within these walls.''

*{{StoryIcon|Asella}} '''Asella:''' ''We've yet to find crucial evidence that they're together with Berthe, but we were on high-altert due to a recent report of their officer entering the central area. Appearances like your are hard to come by in these areas, which is why I suspected as such, Steel Queen.''

*{{StoryIcon|Asella}} '''Asella:''' ''Yes. He knew information that was only shared by a trusted few. But the biggest assurance was his knowledge of Aurora's location. If Berthe knew of our location, he would have already sent his army. He doesn't need a justifiable cause to send in an army...... because Berthe has the ground completely under his control. The message was definitely sent by an ally.''

*{{StoryIcon|Asella}} '''Asella:''' ''Moving on, according to the information sent by Winster, the White-Ghost Army has been acting suspiciously for the past several days. That, along with the reports we've received from our agent in the White-Ghost Army, seems to suggest that the White-Ghost Army has found a way to find the soul fragments and begun a full-scale search.''

*{{StoryIcon|Asella}} '''Asella:''' ''A map? Hm, mmhm... I see...! We were also aware of the vague location after years of searching, but as expected for those responsible for hiding this fragment! he location in this map is much more precise.''

*{{StoryIcon|Asella}} '''Asella:''' ''Sure. But this is not enough. Although the location is clearly marked in this map... The path shown in this map can't be used. It's too outdated.''

*{{StoryIcon|Asella}} '''Asella:''' ''Not careful enough. If you walk around like that, you'll end up being swallowed up by the land itself before you could even get a glimpse of the soul fragment. Huhu, unless you plan on making this your grave, it would be wise of you to accept more of our assistance. We will provide you with a guide.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''I was planning on doing so from the start. That's what Winster wanted me to do. El Search Party, I will lead you to the location of the soul fragment.''

*{{StoryIcon|Asella}} '''Asella:''' ''Steel Queen, I apologize for not being able to show you the proper courtesy you deserve due to the circumstances, while still asking you to lend us your assistance. While you are searching for the soul fragment, we will stay here, watching for the White-Ghost Army. We will have Nichel carry a communication device.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''Around this area is the yeti's habitat. They're very vicious, so you must be careful. Plus... There are plenty of trap plants, so approach suspicious looking plants with caution.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''Yetis are aggressive monsters covered in fur. They're quite intelligent, so it'll be troublesome if we end up encountering one. There are not that many of them, but... They have a habit of roaring to call their allies whenever they find other life forms that intrude on their territory.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''Mmhm. The previous leader was 'Meson'. We used to block this entire area because of his notoriety. But it's been a while since anyone's seen him. We suspect that he died or was defeated in a fight for dominance...''

*{{StoryIcon|DB}} '''Add:''' ''If it goes out that there's a traitor, the son of a leader at that, the situation could get out of hand in a second. Since there's no eyewitness, it makes sense that she'd want to keep it under wraps as the one in command.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''Thankfully, no. Plus, it didn't seem like those watching us were particularly enthusiastic about their job either. They kept Rigomor under watch for a while, then one day just retreated after telling us they'd 'allow us to live down here as long as we stay there'.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''... We have two reasons to suspect that way. First, the soldiers that left Rigomor were immediately placed to look for portals.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''It think he secretly studied the relation between the soul fragment and the portal without us knowing. He might have figured out how to find the location of the soul fragments. Second, the White-Ghost Arm is still not aware of Aurora's existence.''

*''Nichel:''' ''Yes. Because we have several Garens from Rigomor working as spied within White-Ghost Army. If they knew of Aurora, they would have started on singling out the spies, but there's no sign of that happening yet.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''That's why Asella thinks it's too early to judge. Thought it looks like he betrayed us... There are still signs that he hasn't... Not completely. Our leader, Winster was captured, and the location of Rigomor was revealed. I think she thought sharing uncertain information amongst the chaos might not be a good idea. If people think we'll be attacked at any moment, they may start to think that an all-out war is the only choice we have, despite our clear disadvantage.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''... I don't know. I think... it's more like I want to trust him at this point. Because when I heard Asella's decision, I was glad there was still a place for him to return.''

*{{StoryIcon|RH}} '''Raven:''' ''... We don't really know him. There's no doubt you know about Haivan much more than any of us. Just as you wish, Haivan might not be a traitor. However, no matter what reason he has, as long as he's under Berthe... We will have to face him as an enemy. You should decide now how you want to react when that happens, if you don't want to make a decison you'd regret at a spur of the moment.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''I... trust him. We're basically family. Haivan always said the White-Ghost King shouldn't be the solution. He always insisted that we have to open a new era, instead of having the strongest always rule over us all. I doesn't make sense to me that someone like Haivan would follow Berthe.''

*{{StoryIcon|Aegirp Soul}} '''???:''' ''A new... era... I, longed.''

*{{StoryIcon|AS}} '''Aisha:''' ''... Hm? ...? I don't sense anything. What's wrong, Nichel?''

*{{StoryIcon|Aegirp Soul}} '''???:''' ''Cold... Barren land... Seeds do no sprout, and even the most fertile trees can only be used to fuel a burning fire. One by one, people learn that it is easier to take from others.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''Yeah, hold on... If god exists, why did god make us beasts that slander, plunder, and murder others.''

*{{StoryIcon|Aps}} '''Ara:''' ''Yes, there's no reason to be afraid of ghosts. Ghosts are merely unfortunate souls who, due to unfulfilling or unfair circumstances in their past lives, failed to pass on and thus linger in this world.''

*{{StoryIcon|Aegirp Soul}} '''???:''' ''Is this the only life permitted to us? Life is too long to be tainted with the stench of blood... Thre must be another way. I searched for so long to find my answer.''

*{{StoryIcon|DyB}} '''Rena:''' ''The sound is moving further away in that direction. The direction we were headed towards.''

*{{StoryIcon|RH}} '''Raven:''' ''The direction of the voice is the direction we were headed to anyway. But... if you're scared, you two can stay here until we come back. Is that acceptable?''

*{{StoryIcon|Aegirp Soul}} '''???:''' ''I didn't think everyone would just follow my lead when I argued for this never-ending war to stop. But... when even my most trusted claimed that my dreams were like a mirage, my heart ached ever more.''

*{{StoryIcon|Aegirp Soul}} '''???:''' ''(I will not fault your flaw. However, your words caused resentment to swell within me. You do not understand that it is I, who understand that fear the most.) We did not walk the same path. They were just seeking the safety that came from staying under my shadow. I was powerful. As such, those with me could secure a semblance of safety. This never-ending war... For those who had to hunt today to eat tomorrow, a better future was an unrealistic dream. You must move forward to escape this horrid life. But hunger and fear drag your feet. A dreadful irony. I was starting to feel helpless. Are we fated to fight in an endless, barbaric cycle until we fade away? But I still had faith. I had faith that this barbaric form we hold when we are cold, hungry, threatened, and scared, does not reflect our true form.... Then one day, the Demon King appeared before me.''

*{{StoryIcon|Aegirp Soul}} '''White-Ghost King's Soul:''' ''The Demon King told me, 'Join me, and I will end the tragic cycle of hatred and pillage your kind inflict upon each other.' I thought you didn't play fair. I wonder if you knew I would be unable to refuse you with such an offer...? Of course I followed your lead, with hopes to open a new era by your side. But... when you disappeared, everything crumbled. I didn't know what to think. Did something happen? Did you have a reason to hid away? ... Or perhaps... You never intended to keep your promise.''

*{{StoryIcon|Ish}} '''Lu:''' ''That's to be expected. It's a long time ago... Not many would remember. The Demon King... was someone who appeared out of nowhere when the Demon Realm was under chaos. With power and charisma, the Demon King unified the Demon Realm that was divided into many factions and created structure.''

*{{StoryIcon|Ish}} '''Lu:''' ''Precisely. The Demon King defeated the strongest leaders one by one, taking those deemed useful along the way, until the entire Demon Realm was conquered. Afer that, the Demon Realm was divided into four, with each land given to the four lords, and then, the Demon King disappeared without a trace.''

*{{StoryIcon|Ish}} '''Lu:''' ''Yes, nobody even knows if the Demon King is dead or alive. There's really no way for us to tell. Even now, I don't really understand why the Demon King wanted to unite the Demon Realm.''

*{{StoryIcon|Aegirp Soul}} '''White-Ghost King's Soul:''' ''The Demon King's disappearance was just the beginning of the problem. From then on, the earth became more barren, and the temperature dropped even further, forcing many to leave their homes to move east. The unbearable climate change and the lack of food and resources led to mass exodus, causing an even bigger rift between the two races within my territory. This was no time to worry about the whereabouts of the Demon King. I was the ruler of my land, and I had to find a solution.''

*{{StoryIcon|Aegirp Soul}} '''White-Ghost King's Soul:''' ''The result of our investigation was interesting. The device allowed us to teleport instantly, no matter the distance, as long as we had sufficient energy. I activated the device, as if I was led to do so my a divine power, and soon, a strange new world presented itself to me. We were no longer in the Demon Realm! We have stepped our foot in Elrios. We began investigating, preparing for a fight that could happen at any moment. Surprisingly, they didn't attack us, nor were they hostile toward us. In fact, they welcomed us and treated us well. Everything was... groundbreaking. Was the hostility we held for Elrios one-sided? Did they not see us as enemies? ... I have yet to learn of the whereabouts of the Demon King. But this, this gave me hope that my long standing dream could finally come true.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''Something like, when everything started to go downhill, the White-Ghost King rose with dignity, and single-handedly saved the people. It's... quite different from her perspective. She seems... burdened... from responsibilities. She always sounded like the perfect ruler from the way the elders portrayed her.... Like she was born to be a ruler.''

*{{StoryIcon|CC}} '''Chung:''' ''It couldn't have been easy. Even when Hamel faced unforeseen problems, my father never betrayed his feelings to those under his command. He believed that if those in command falters, those who follow would also falter. He seemed undaunted. Even though inside, he was the one that was most conflicted when the people of Hamel were in pain...''

*{{StoryIcon|Aps}} '''Ara:''' ''Huhu, maybe there's some truth to it. Northern Empire treasured holy beasts and believed them to be good luck. They might have through the White-Ghost King was a powerful holy beast, rather than a demon.''

*{{StoryIcon|DB}} '''Add:''' ''I just want to know what that device was. The Demons from Rigomor also said they 'found' the portal... But we still don't know who put the device there, why, or even what the device is for.''

*{{StoryIcon|Aps}} '''Ara:''' ''Oh! You won't be able to see her even if you look around like that. Eun is a fox spirit who travels with me in spirit form. She always lends me strength and wisdom.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''Oh, sorry. I wasn't trying to give you that impression. It's just, I was thinking... That's kind of like possession, right? If two souls could exist in one body, I thought, it might have been better for the White-Ghost King to possess one of her most trusted followers instead of splitting up her soul.''

*{{StoryIcon|Nichel2}} '''Nichel:''' ''Yeah. It's hard to even imagine.... Oh, we just went off on a tangent. I was just about to report to Asella that we retrieved the soul fragment, and was making sure there weren't any more remaining in this area.''

*{{StoryIcon|Ish}} '''Lu:''' ''It has nothing to do with being a demon. It's actually Aegirp's innate ability. A unique ability, just like my ability to form a spiritual contract with Ciel, or Stirbargen's ability to shift forms.''

*{{StoryIcon|Ish}} '''Lu:''' ''Huhu, of course, there are those with the ability to control souls, but there's are nothing compared to Aegirp's. The reason why we were able to listen to Aegirp's old memories is probably related to her ability somehow.''