Aurora Scroll

The Grandia Campaign and Tower of Remorse’s Raid are done, now I’ve got to figure out what’s next.

Healing is a given, then I’ve got to get stronger. My wound is pretty severe, even with the healing factor, it will take time. The good news is, I’ve got plenty of loot, especially from the jailbreak. Rewards from the war merit are pretty substantial too. Ciel’s dad is more generous than I thought, or Ciel pulled some strings? Either way, I’m grateful. Members of the Arcanum Club are scattered here and there, they can help me to get things I lack for healing and cultivation both.

Fuhuhu, and expected, I’m living in an interesting time. The Age of Heroes that Freya ushered... According to the legends, it will become a cultivation happy time. It’s like the double or triple rewards period in gacha games, except it will last for 300 years. Well, perhaps not so significant of a bonus in the early days but it will become more prominent as time goes on.

With his knowledge getting more and more expanded thanks to soul searches of the people that become customers of his Nirvana Transportation Service, voluntary or otherwise, he pieced things about the legends together.

Viers planned on making another big cultivation jump. His injuries provided the perfect opportunity for some closed door cultivation.

What might be the most important info to him was that the path to Level 6 was open during the Age of Heroes.

Viers wasn't exactly sure what that meant, but it would be moot if he wasn't a Level 5 peak. He didn't know how long it would take; preferably, he didn't need three centuries to become Level 6. At any rate, he had begun that journey long ago and now a Level 4 mid.

I became Level 4 mid not long ago, but the many battles accumulated quite the experience and Pathseekers treasures. I wonder... after this closed door cultivation session, will I accumulate enough to reach Level 5? That’s got to be some MC-tier feat, Hm? Hehehe.

He had the resources and experience. He had the knowledge and epiphany. He had the time and security. There was nothing stopping Viers from leaping over the dragon’s gate.

After that... I want some more traveling. See new lands, have new adventures. I’ve been in Latias for long enough, I think. Although... I swore to serve Croix until he’s king. With the current political climate of Latias, it’s becoming quite complicated.

I’ve also shown my dragon form to Croix at the Battle of Grandia Castle. To keep my monster transformation ability a secret, I should make Avel’s backstory a dragon from the start, hinting at a mysterious connection with Athos, Croix’s ancestor. Memo, memo, so I don't forget.

So, who knows if Croix can be king even in ten years. It’s too long... I’ll do it my way then.

Viers smirk was downright draconic.

After all, don't I now have six Level 5 peak Pathseekers under my command?

With a force such as that, he could storm to Crimson Capital and fell it in a day.

Khukhukhu... Oh, to have such power on my beck and call... No, Viers. Don't be complacent. They might obey you, but it’s not because of loyalty. I must be vigilant. They are dangerous. I’ll keep them separate from the rest of my allies for the time being. My real allies. Besides, the prisoners need time to recover their strength. We ain’t going to topple cities anytime soon.

Speaking of real allies, they need to grow too. I am showering in enough benefits to trickle to them. Yes, Faiya, Futon and Dia. Zerri too. Must not forget about the juvenile Xerg Queen. And of course, the ones with seats on my table.

Viers’ head was rife with ideas.

There are a lot of preparations. Let’s get to work.

Viers contacted the Arcanum Club via the Arcana Cards.

***

Zetel Sultanate.

Somewhere near Rashin City.

“...I have to say, the way back is much easier than I imagined. Getting there was a handful,” Paina walked the sandy path with her staff in hand.

“The rain cloud above us is very helpful when crossing the desert. Thanks, by the way. It won't be long now, the city Viers conquered is already in viewing distance,” Clarissa said to Paina as they walked side by side.

“Don't mention it. I’ll hold a while longer.” It was tough, but Paina didn't show it to Clarissa. The lamia wearing human form knew but didn't say anything. The appreciation was conveyed both ways between the two close friends.

“Conquering a city... He’s come a long way since we three were but souls inside his soulscape,” Clarissa looked nostalgic at a distance.

“I’ve got a feeling this won't be the first or the last city he conquered.”

“Not the first?” Clarissa tilted her head.

“Hey, who knows about his past. Can you blame me for doubting him?” Paina looked defensive. “If you tell me he’s actually a Level 10 monster taking on the guise of a human, I’ll believe you.”

Clarissa didn’t say anything, only smiled.

“At any rate, this city at least serves good use. The beastfolk and other demi-humans have it tough in Zetel. I know more than most... In Viers’ city, they can live like decent people. There's still hope for your people yet.”

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

After hearing Paina’s words, Clarissa looked behind her.

Four hundred lamias followed their trail. Women and children, slithering their snake lower body to a new home.

...This is what’s left of my race. A once mighty people, reduced to this.

Clarissa would be lying to said her heart wasn't feeling heavy.

The two of them came to Zetel to seek other lamias.

The search was difficult but Clarissa was determined. They finally found the hidden lamia village in a valley deep in the desert.

The lamias were naturally wary of the two human strangers. At this time, Clarissa was disguised as a human and had feet. The lamia village was surviving, but their condition was not good.

Paina and Clarissa helped around, doing what they could. Bit by bit, they gained their trust, learning their way of life and history.

Clarissa was sealed during the Age of the Gods. She didn't know what happened to her people afterward.

At any rate, food was scarce and recent environmental deterioration thanks to the Magisterium ruthless corporate exploitation made things unsustainable.

They had to leave to survive, but they refused.

Because they protected a ruin of the lamia civilization of the past. Possibly the only one left in the world. They wouldn't leave until they fulfilled their ancestral mission and the ‘treasure’ inside was returned to the rightful heir. They were tomb guardians and would die like their mothers before them, fulfilling their mission.

Paina and Clarissa went inside the sealed ruin. A lot happened but Clarissa obtained the lamia’s ‘treasure’.

Things got heated with the villagers for a while, especially with the village chief. Finally, Clarissa revealed her true self and heritage to the lamia people. She was a surviving lamian royalty. To them, she was a living goddess.

With their nine thousand years of vigil finally fulfilled, the lamia people were finally convinced to move and seek out a better tomorrow.

But where would these displaced people go?

“I wonder if Viers is going to be angry... Having four hundred mouths to feed all of a sudden can't be light, right?” Paina asked.

They weren't planning on bringing hundreds of refugees at the start, but things developed.

“Well, the lamia sacred ground should entice him enough,” Clarissa didn't sound worried.

“You’re right. Viers likes things that can make him stronger the most. I wonder what he’s doing now. He’s in a war, isn’t he?”

“He’ll be fine. He always will be. Rather than Viers, I think we’re going to give Mr. Carlo a headache. Viers dumped the matters of the city on top of his head.”

“War... I’m worried war will eventually come to Rashin city too. Magisterium and Zetel don't like a human city that is this friendly to other races,” Paina said softly.

“We’ll handle it.”

Clarissa’s reply was short and final, like there was nothing more needed to be said.

“...Yes, we will.”

Their arcana cards pulsed.

“Speak of the devil,” Clarissa smiled. “That’s the saying, right?”

“And he shall appear,” Paina nodded. “Geez. I hope not.”

***

Latias Kingdom.

Near Grandia Castle ruins, Duke Valentine’s Army encampment.

Stratos Gaelos opened his eyes.

“Sir Stratos, thank goodness you’re awake.”

“Princess Celestine, where...”

Stratos’ jumbled memories came back to him.

He went to the Grandia Castle during the battle with his friend, Kyle. Kyle was an investigator that Stratos asked for a favor, to investigate the death of his other friend, Theus Mercea. The suspect was Avel of Javia, Prince Croix’s vassal, who had been captured by the Harkelan forces in the castle.

Then a sudden blinding light destroyed Kyle, everything except for his arm was erased from this world.

Stratos met a strange armored guy who he believed responsible for the blinding light and engaged him. Then... he felt time skipped forward. The next thing he knew, a giant Level 6 demon was trying to eat him. He ran and with all he got, then a powerful shockwave caused him to black out.

“You need not be ashamed, Sir Stratos,” Celestine’s voice was kindly. “Very few can boast to survive being impacted by a battle between Divinities at such close proximity. Is this because of your Aspect that you told me about?”

Stratos very slightly nodded.

Princess Celestine filled in what happened afterward, and Stratos told her what he knew.

“Kyle’s murderer, the armored guy, he’s Avel.”

“How do you know?”

“We exchanged blows. He moved like him. I was too angry to realize then, but now my eyes are clear.”

Stratos brought his hand in front of his face, looking at his empty palm, and clenched.

“Avel of Javia–”

***

Near the Tower of Remorse ruin, Silver Legion’s temporary shelter.

“This Tanael guy sounds quite a villain,” Hunter hummed.

“You must not underestimate him,” Cedric, who suffered ugly defeat at Tanael’s hands, warned his friends.

“Seems a terrible foe,” Casey sighed. “He’s grown very fast compared to the first time Freya beat him, doesn't he?”

“Don't worry,” Freya’s strong voice became a pillar of support.

“Tanael... I will–”

***

Velvet Sea Biome.

Holo-soul projections of three Arcanum Club members sat around a table, hearing Viers’ story.

“Freya again, the Silver Legion girl must be very troublesome to thwart Lord Viers,” Farley said.

“Your clone did all this while you’re fighting a war in Latias, even battling a Harkelan Level 5? How can you do all of that?” Paina sounded mind-blown. “Who am I kidding, of course you can. You monster.”

“Back to Freya,” Clarissa looked serious. “Your clone retreated. I get your reason, but twice now that you've been beaten by Freya. I want your honest opinion. Can you win against her next time?”

Viers closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Freya–”

***

“Avel of Javia! Next time, I’ll offer my victory to my fallen friends!” Stratos Gaelos declared.

“Tanael... I will defeat him. I’ll win and end his menace once and for all!” Freya Marianus’ aura shone like the sun’s radiance.

“Freya, old monsters, generational geniuses, MCs, gods, even the strongest. All of them–”

Viers’ tone was like a gentle sea wind after the storm.

“Nah, I’d win......................by losing if needs be.”

Paina thought: the first part made him look cool. The second, not so much.

It was so... Viers.