Chapter 68: Epilogue: Threats loom on the horizon
Knock. Knock.
Someone knocks on the door of Frank Pyton’s private study. He sits at his desk in a large leather armchair. Papers are scattered across it — bureaucratic documents, business contracts, and books on economics.
But the tome he’s absorbed in has nothing to do with any of that. It’s a large, ancient-looking book with a completely black cover, bound with details in an unknown metal. It isn’t from Earth and is written in a language that doesn’t belong to this world.
It is the Rithzargul — a manuscript written by a race from Elyndra, now extinct for thousands of years. Of the dozens of copies created in ancient times, only three from the original print have survived intact. The one in Frank’s possession is just a partial replica, containing only the section about the genesis of the multiverse.
In its original form, the Rithzargul covers both the myth of the multiverse’s creation and spells as ancient as they are powerful and dangerous. But for the safety of the multiverse, those spells were left out of later transcriptions. That’s why the three surviving original copies are still being hunted down to be destroyed.
For many years, Frank has focused intensely on the Chapters about the creation of Elyndra, N’Raeth, and Earth, brought into existence by four deities.
Azkarith, the Dragon of Destruction — tasked with eliminating anything that threatens creation.
Urvoras, the Serpent of Eternal Rebirth — creator of life and ruler of the cycle of birth and death.
Orzyath, the Spider Weaving the Web of Reality — ruler of space and time.
And finally, the most powerful of the four — Zhaethys, the Light-bearing Griffin. He is worshipped on Earth as the God of Light, and the Sacred Light used by the Monster Slayers comes from him.
According to the myth, Azkarith, Urvoras, and Orzyath were killed by a vampire, an incubus, and a human, respectively. There are no written records suggesting that Zhaethys is dead either.
With their passing, the three deities left behind a divine artifact. Two have already been found, while the third still hasn’t been discovered.
Frank is searching the verses of the Rithzargul for clues to its location, just like ten years ago when his studies led to the discovery of the Scale of Urvoras.
"Come in."
The office door opens, and Clarissa Felmon stands in the doorway.
"Go ahead, Blue."
"The last of them is awake too, and the Platinum Death says they’ll be leaving the villa soon."
"I see... Captain Kendrow told me Princess Mia has been ordered to leave the United States. Did the Platinum Death tell you where they plan to go?"
"No, boss. She kept it vague."
"I figured as much. She didn’t ask me for help finding a job or a place abroad, so I already knew she wanted to cut ties with us. A real shame. Anyway, any updates on Tokyo?"
"Not yet, sir. But knowing Orange, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s enjoying the good life at your expense instead of killing that young incubus."
"I agree. So I guess it’s time to... give him a little push. Where is Red?"
"Red is still in Italy with Violet. You know, for that romantic vacation you promised them. Their week off ends the day after tomorrow."
"Perfect. Then let Red know immediately — he’ll leave for Tokyo the day after tomorrow.
Handle the travel and accommodation. As for Violet, tell her to stay in Italy a few more days — I’ve got an important business meeting in Milan soon, and her succubus powers could be very useful to me."
"Yes, boss."
◇◇◇
Kingdom of Mildelar — Royal Castle
A vampire with long, age-grayed hair sits on a black gold throne. King Markus Dulcar.
Two of his young, beautiful wives lie naked on him. They kiss and touch each other to please him and ease the frustration and tension on his wrinkled face.
Despite being just over fifty, Markus looks much older. This is unusual, since aging in vampires begins late and happens all at once, while his is slow and gradual.
Just like with wounds, Sanguis energy regenerates old cells, keeping vampires youthful. Aging begins as a vampire’s Sanguis energy weakens, along with his strength. Yet Markus Dulcar’s strength remains undisputed, and no one can explain his premature aging.
Prostrate before him is a man with pink hair and black highlights — Adrian Dulcar.
"Good news, I hope," Markus murmurs, his voice faint.
"Quite the opposite. The Azuralis have given up on recovering the Tear of Azkarith and killing Mia Valakis. And..."
Adrian hesitates, then lowers his head further to avoid meeting Cassian’s gaze.
"...it’s been days since we’ve had any news of Levreeshka, and I can’t help but think the worst."
"Do you think your sister is dead?"
"I hope not, but that’s what the circumstances suggest. The last time we heard from her was a few hours before she was supposed to start her plan, and there’s been no news since. I tried everything to dissuade her, but when she gets something into her head, there’s no changing her mind. I’m truly sorry for your wife’s death, King Markus."
"It doesn’t matter. She wasn’t much of a loss. She had an excellent Innatus and a bit more intelligence than most, but beyond that she was nothing special. Adrian Dulcar, from now on you’ll take your deceased sister’s place as general of the Scarlet Army — a role that should have been yours already since the Platinum Death stepped down."
"Thank you, King Markus. I will do my best to meet your expectations," Adrian says, trying to hide the melancholy in his eyes and voice.
"I’m sure you will. Now, has the Crimson Requiem special team returned to Elyndra?"
"Not yet, my king. They’re still dealing with that matter on N’Raeth. Unfortunately, there have been some unforeseen complications, and it’s taking longer than expected."
"I hope for their sake they resolve it as soon as possible. Inform them that once they’ve finished on N’Raeth, they must go to Earth and put an end to the Mia Valakys matter. This is already dragging on much longer than my patience can endure."
"Yes, my king."
🔶️END OF VOLUME 2🔶️