After reinforcements had arrived at Fort Dralis, Ethan had expected his team to stay and help push the undead back. He hadn’t understood what seasoned specialists were capable of. The group that arrived were a mix of Dusk and Dawn rank, and uniformly specialized in wide area attacks–some even having specific anti-undead powers.
They began lobbing balls of fire and so-called ‘holy’ magic across the ravine, decimating the enemy in short order. No individual attack was quite so spectacular as Ethan’s Supernova had been, but these twenty-odd Hunters were able to use their spells continuously, like a firing line, slowly pushing the mass of undead back. In retrospect, Ethan should have realized such tactics would be designed for these fights, but he’d given the undead next to no thought since his arrival.
That turned out to be a larger blindspot than he’d realized. He’d dismissed the undead threat to the East because it didn’t seem real to him. He’d interpreted peoples’ hesitance to speak of it as dismissal, and didn’t begin to understand until he’d seen the threat personally. His team tried to explain on the journey home, that it was actually a constant fear people didn’t like giving voice to. A bit like nuclear war back on Earth–something you knew was possible but never wanted to really think about.
Now he was witnessing the reality first hand, as he was awkwardly drawn through the streets on a wagon, hundreds of people gathered to cheer. The team had averted undead nuclear war, and people were treating it like the miracle it apparently was.
Cara and Ethan spent the ride sitting awkwardly, with no idea how to react. For Ethan it was the very concept of positive attention in this world, but there was more to it for the Archer. The group had decided to fully bring her into the circle of trust after the battle, finally telling her about Revan, the prince, and the duel. There’d been hesitation, especially from the knight and Rift Hunter, but ultimately both trusting her and putting her life in danger from the secret felt trivial compared to the doom they’d faced together.
Her reaction had been muted, as it so often was. She acknowledged it explained a lot, and promised to keep the secret, then went back to staring out at the landscape. Like the rest of them, the victory had been too close to defeat for her, the consequences too dire, and more than anything they needed rest, and a chance to distance themselves and find perspective.
The cheering, grateful townspeople obviously made that more difficult, their unrestrained joy being a stark contrast to what the team had just witnessed. Each member dealt with it differently. Cara and Ethan were quiet and confused, neither ever having thought of their deeds as heroic. Valanor and Savilar apparently had gone through it before, and handled it with the stoicism expected of them. Selina, on the other hand, kept seeing people she knew.
“Hi Martha! Us? Yup, killed all the undead. I helped! Oh is that Tom? Hi Tom! Thank you! Yes I made quite a few of them explode, and even more fall to a gruesome death. It was amazing! Say hi to the kids for me!”
At last their team broke away from the procession, allowing the injured Border Guards to take their well-deserved credit. The group went to Selina’s house, almost by habit, and shared a quick toast to getting home safely.
“I know we’re all eager to get home,” Valanor said, “but we truly should celebrate this moment.”
“Here, here,” Savilar said. “We went out to learn how to work as a team, and I’d say we took some damn good strides in that direction. To the Brightsouls!” They all clinked glasses, and sipped at the bright liquor Selina had lying around, which turned out to be outrageously sweet.
“I’m afraid I’ll need to leave you for a time,” Savilar announced. “My duties require me.”
“Be safe out there,” Valanor said. “Let us know when you’re back; we need to get some more Notices in.”
Savilar smiled at him. “My parting gift is the news I was given on the way in. We received over two thousand points from our part in clearing the undead. I’m happy to announce that once you add it to the other monsters we took out, we’re in the top five of the tournament!”
The team cheered at the good news, relieved that some of the pressure of catching up had been taken away. “Well, we can’t grow lax, but that’s damn good to hear,” Valanor said. “I suppose…I suppose I’ll take a few days for myself as well. There’s something I’ve been putting off that I need to take care of. It’s a private matter.”
Wisely no one prodded, understanding they wouldn’t get answers, but they would get a furious Valanor. Selina spoke up next. “Cara and I are going to relax for a couple of days, then head back out together. She’s offered to help me get a couple of new abilities for my Familiars. I plan to be a lot more prepared before we face our next army.”
Ethan smiled. “That’s great to hear–but you definitely pulled your weight out there, don’t doubt that.” Selina appeared to blush, but as usual the naturally red skin made it difficult to tell. “That leaves me, I suppose. Less than a month now before my duel, so I’ll be focusing on training as much as possible. Don’t leave me behind if you go Hunting though.”
The group chatted briefly, but it was clear that after so much time together, they could all use a bit of space to recuperate…and bathe. Finally Ethan left, seeing that he had enough time to share some good news with the prince. He and Tomo had spoken and experimented a great deal since the demon evolved, and that had led to a valuable discovery in terms of what Tomo was now capable of.
It was effectively what had happened months ago, outside the haunted tower. The group had walked past massive, overgrown gardens to reach the tower’s entrance, which had turned out to be illusions. But they’d stabbed them, and felt it. That was apparently the conjuration side of the Mystic affinity, like what allowed Ethan to create his weapons.
Tomo was now capable of utilizing that ability to a limited extent. It had some practical applications, but most importantly it solved an issue that Prince Calevaro had rightly raised. Ethan’s Ghost Among the Reeds could copy the prince’s abilities, but would be revealed as illusions the moment they were touched. That was no longer the case. The royals could now be convinced that the duel could take place.
While Ethan had mixed feelings about this, it was key to part of his revenge against Ellevaro.
As he walked toward the castle–it being around the time the prince trained–he pulled up his status, thinking about how to make the best use of the training time he had left.
Ethan Bishop [Assassin] (5th Dawn: 40%)
Ruin Affinity: (3/4)
- Knife in the Dark (8th Dawn: 23%)
- Fleeting Shadow (7th Dawn: 14%)
- Assassination (5th Dawn: 29%)
- Gain 2 more abilities to unlock!
Devee [Mind of the Devourer] (9th Dawn: 47%)
Dimension Affinity (3/4)
- Rift (8th Dawn: 7%)
- Dimensional Mantle (4th Dawn: 87%)
- Hydra's Reflection (6th Dawn: 42%)
- Locked
Revan [Body of the Guardian] (9th Dawn: 13%)
Flare Affinity (4/4):
- Volatile Infusion (6th Dawn: 34%)
- Internal Combustion (8th Dawn: 17%)
- Volcanic Bolt (3rd Dawn: 26%)
- Nova (First Dawn: 85%)
Onitomo [Soul of the Mystic] (First Dusk: 0%)
Mystic: (3/4)
- Trick of the Light (7th Dawn: 76%)
- Many-Faced Blade (9th Dawn: 45%)
- Ghost in the Reeds (5th Dawn: 62%)
- Locked
Additional Status
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Skills: (3)
- Wall Climbing (8th Dawn: 54%)
- Predator’s Gaze (4th Dawn: 87%)
- Hand of Apollo (Locked/Broken)
Titles
- Fools Rush In
- Checkmate
- Flaw Seeker
- Synergist
“We’ve made some real progress,” Ethan said.
Tomo’s spectral form appeared, floating next to him. “Indeed, you have made great strides.”
“There’s a few abilities I need to train actively, though. Dimensional Mantle is excellent, but I only use it when I know I’m about to get hit. I think I might have to stand in the yard and let you stab me for an hour a day.”
Tomo nodded. “I would be willing to make that sacrifice.”
Ethan smiled at the demon’s rare, dry humor. “Only two more abilities to Hunt, then my last Ruin one will manifest as well. It also looks like Deevee is getting close to Dusk.”
“I would suggest you prioritize reaching First Dusk with Many-Faced Blade,” Tomo suggested.
“Oh? Will it give me a new weapon? With my level of experience, I kind of think I should stick to mastering one for a while.”
“That is not the power you need,” Tomo agreed. “You mentioned your frustration against the cancrorum, do you recall?”
“Of course, because they seem to be frequent frustrations. So many monsters are built with natural armor, and they’re only getting bigger. My weapons are small and precise–and I can’t just be relying on Internal Combustion to damage them. Am I getting a Mystic Ax or something?”
“As I said, a new weapon is not the solution to this challenge. You will never have the strength of an equal-ranked ax-wielder, therefore you must follow a different path. I would not have granted you this ability if it merely saved you the trouble of purchasing weapons.”
“You’re getting me excited. What does the next rank do?”
“You are nearly there, and you will see for yourself. But I assure you it will be worth the trouble,” Tomo said.
Ethan narrowed his eyes. “Why won’t you just tell me?”
Tomo looked at him, and spoke earnestly. “I really like surprises.”
***
Walking through the palace was an odd experience. The guards had always watched him carefully, but now many gave slight nods. One even banged his halberd on the ground in a kind of salute. Ethan truly didn’t know how to feel, and hastily made his way to the prince's training area to escape the confusing attention.
He absently wondered how close Calevaro was to Dusk rank. The man trained every day, and was obviously quite proficient with his other Affinities. The only thing that might be holding him back was mastery of his newest Bond, which he’d had since shortly after Ethan arrived. Perhaps he’s holding back, knowing the duel is meant to be between Dawn rank Bonded? Or like so many others, maybe he was struggling to commune deeply with his Familiars.
Ethan put the thought from his mind as he entered the training area, awkwardly returning another nod from the guard outside. The prince was in the middle of some kind of speed training, using his wind powers to dart rapidly between several dummies. Rather than attack, he seemed to be forcing himself to stop his blades at the last possible moment, so it was an exercise in precision and control.
He waited patiently, watching the man at work. Ethan was proud of the progress he’d made since arriving, and had slain enough monsters…and men…to be considered a true warrior. Still, there was a difference between competence and polished experience, and he saw it whenever Calevaro truly unleashed himself. Rather than being disheartened, Ethan actually found it inspiring.
If the prince could do it, so could he.
At last the man came to a sudden halt, only a few paces away. “Welcome back,” he said simply.
“Thank you. For a while our return wasn’t a certainty,” Ethan replied.
Calevaro nodded, removing his helmet. “We heard what your team accomplished. You’ve done this realm–and its people–an enormous service.”
“I’m just a Hunter,” Ethan said awkwardly. “Put me in front of monsters, and I’ll do what Hunters do.” He wasn’t comfortable with how he was being treated. He’d gone from a mission of survival, to a mission of revenge; heroism was the last thing on his mind.
Surprisingly, Calevaro’s mouth quirked into a slight smile. “I’m counting on that. Have you come for training? Surely you’ve earned time to rest.”
“Not exactly, I came to inform you that I’ve solved the issue with my illusions. I can make copies that feel like real people now.”
The prince nodded. “That is good news. Is that the only reason you came?”
Ethan’s eyes narrowed, and he couldn’t keep the irritation from his tone. “I thought you’d want as much time to prepare as possible, knowing that the plan can actually work now. I expected more of a reaction to hearing that I can finally face Thavin in your place. Shouldn’t we tell your sister? Your father?”
Rather than answer, Calevaro seemed to evaluate him for a long moment. At last he nodded. “There’s no need for that. My family is already convinced.”
Ethan shook his head in confusion. “What do you mean they’re already convinced? I thought this was what we were preparing for. We needed a way to prove the plan was possible, then you were going to bring out the weapon you have to kill Thavin. What the hell changed?”
If the prince was bothered by Ethan’s tone or obvious anger, he showed no sign. Instead he smiled again, moving back toward the window he seemed to favor. Ethan let out an exasperated sigh, then followed. Calevaro dismissed his armor, standing with his hands behind his back as he looked out on the kingdom. Eventually he spoke.
“When you first stood before my father, I was conflicted. You had taken Flagras–intentionally or otherwise. I saw immediately that my sister wanted to use you…there are few that she does not look at as potential tools. I heard your words, your challenges, your feints, and then my father finally put your life in my hands.”
He looked at Ethan. “Do you know why I chose to spare you? I tried to explain it once, but I’m afraid I lack your mastery over words.”
Ethan was already confused by the exchange. The prince often seemed like he was speaking more to himself than others, and this was no different. Something about the way Calevaro looked at him suggested he had a better understanding of words than he let on, however. The quiet ones often did. Ethan went with plain truth.
“I made it a question of whether or not you could become a champion on your own.”
The prince shook his head. “That was what convinced my father. But for me, the decision was simple. Easy, in fact. You saved my life.”
“What? How?” Ethan asked.
Calevaro smiled again, turning back to the window. “I have told you of the destiny of Viridus princes, that we are all trained to become Chosen. But that was never supposed to be me. Kentevaro was the one meant for Flagras…I think they understood each other. But my ambitions are different. All I wish for is a life of my own,” he pointed past the distant mountains, “out there.”
Ethan looked at the man in surprise, not sure what to say. After a moment Calevaro continued. “My father will live for hundreds more years. There is no throne here for me. There is no life here for me. And that truly thrills me. I have no wish to be chained to this kingdom, sitting in someone’s shadow, achieving nothing.”
He gestured at Ethan. “Then came the possibility of a life bonded to Flagras. As a Chosen, my destiny would be set. Your destiny is set, though I doubt you’ll find yourself quite so shackled as I would have been.”
“Alright,” Ethan said, wishing the prince was more clear and less of a poet, “then why go along with the rest of it? If I saved your life, why were you willing to use me in the duel? When Thavin challenged you, surely you knew who would have to face him–whatever he might have said about your brother.”
“His words meant nothing to me,” the prince said, surprising Ethan again. “Thavin is a killer, and if I didn’t duel him, someone else would. And they would lose. As to why I was willing to use you? I didn’t know that I was. I needed time.”
“Time? Time for what?”
“To find out who you really are. You were a stranger to me. How could I know if you were any more deserving of life than Thavin? But what you did deserve was a chance, and you were given it. Then it turned out that you were a healer on your world…that was a complicated truth in an already complex situation. It left me uncertain.”
“So you stand with the Church?” Ethan asked. “You think I should have left your knights to die?”
The prince sighed. “Perhaps you still don’t understand our world. ‘Healer’ is not just a heretical path, it is a curse. It’s not something we can easily associate with good–many would say you’re no better than a demon. I am a product of my upbringing, as are we all, and I confess I needed time to consider it for myself.”
As angry as he was to hear the words, Ethan found he couldn’t argue. He understood what indoctrination could do. Even on Earth, where religion didn’t actually provide ready miracles, people were taught to believe things no better than this. “So what now?” he asked, sounding resigned.
“Now? Now I think I have a sense of you who really are. Or at least who you’ve become. Perhaps I delayed this decision longer than I should have, but what you have achieved with your team has finally settled the matter.”
“And what does that mean for me? Will you give me the weapon to defeat Thavin or not?”
Calevaro smiled once more. “I told you I was confident we possessed a weapon that could defeat Thavin, and we do.” He gestured at himself. “I am that weapon, and I have been sharpened for decades. Thavin dies by my hand.”