"If you don't pick up on your studying, you will be working the forge with me instead of attending the Academy." Osmund stated as he pounded his hammer against heated metal on an old worn anvil. His son, Kael, swinging a training sword mimicking his uncle's stance, however, maladroitly. Osmund finished hammering and placed the sword back into the stone forge. "I don't need to study with books!" Kael cried. Osmund walked over and hoisted his son upon his shoulders. "A magic knight has a lot more responsibility than just swinging their swords and expelling aura. A knight must know how to tend to the wounded when a healer isn't present; A knight must know what types of magic can counter others and so on." He chuckled as he wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. A gust of wind carried autumn leaves across the courtyard as Osmund paced with his son still on his shoulders. "Looks like Cliff will be joining us tonight.
Tell your mother we will have guests." Osmund sat Kael down. A burst of excitement came across the young boy's face. "Uncle Cliff is coming!" He grinned as he began to run but was stopped by his father. "Remember to study the chapter over Aura expulsion and admission." Osmund kneeled down and met his eyes. "Yes father." Kael hugged his father and took off, heading towards his humble home. He ran past the special saddles that hung on the fence that served as a safe resting place for their two gryphons, Lucian and Abraxas. "Kael." Abraxas came from the sky, his wings stirring the ground as he descended. "What has got you into such a hurry?" Lucians voice cracked into his head as he followed his Brother. The two gryphons were born on the same night but were totally distinguishable; Lucians feathers and body were the color of everlasting light, like the sun. While Abraxas was the color of the starry night sky. "Cliff is visiting!" Kael coughed as he ran backwards. The telepathic beasts looked at each other in confusion as he made his way towards his home. Kael burst through the front door, he was met with the scent of lemon and berries. Kael made his way into the kitchen to see his mother dressing wild rabbit. "Kael, slow down and bring the carrots and turnips please." Her voice may have been soft but carried weight. "Mother, Uncle will be joining us!" His excitement could not be contained as he rushed through the kitchen towards the cupboard. As he raced, he lost his footing and began to fall towards the corner of a nearby counter. "Be careful." Her voice became more eloquent as she lifted him using her gravitational magic. Kael straightened himself. "I'm sorry mother." He said as he paced into the cupboard, gathering the ingredients for tonight's feast. "What's this about Cliff joining us?" His mother asked as she began removing the innards of the rabbit. Kael brought the ingredients and sat them on a nearby counter. "Father felt the wind and said he knew Uncle was coming." His smile shone brighter. She stopped for a moment and focused. The dull metallic banging coming from the forge became more perceptible, like a faraway fire in the middle of night. "I'll make sure to make a feast then." She looked over to see Kael had gone back outside and started down the road. He ran as fast as he could, the wind and leaves blowing against his face; The smell of the musky-sweet scent of fallen leaves and fruits being oh so intoxicating. "Kael!" A young boy's voice called out to him, far in the distance. He stopped in his tracks and looked into the forest. "Where are you Aziel? I have incredible news!" He called back to his best friend. A minute passed; Kael began to sense Aziels magical aura. "I've been waiting for you Kael." Aziel hunched over, his hands on his knees. "I had to help my father with the forge before I could come see you." Kael walked up to his friend and gestured. "That's besides the point, My uncle is coming to eat dinner with us this afternoon." Kael had the biggest grin Aziel has seen since they pranked his older brother, of course that was before his elvish features began to show. "So does that mean he will let us attend the magic academy together!" He grabbed Kael by his shoulders, His deep amber eyes began to shine. "I'll convince him." Kael promised. Aziel became overwhelmed with happiness, his aura began to grow. "I have good news too!" He looked back at Kael. "I can sense aura from further away now, I've been working on it since last night!" Kael's eyes began to widen further, Aziel has always been talented at detecting magical aura. "How far did you sense me!" Kael was shaking him out of impatience. "From the ruins." Aziel mumbled. Kael stopped and dropped his hands. "That far!" Kael hunched over with his mouth agape. "This is incredible, Uncle will surely let you go with me!" Kael started pumping his fist into the air from excitement. They began to walk towards the ruins, a humble spot for them to train or daydream of becoming a part of the kingdom's defenders, the magical knights. As they started towards the ruins, Aziel began fumbling his hands together, like he was trying to think of how to word it. "I found something interesting under the ruins but I didn't want to go in without you." Kael glanced over to Aziel, his elvish features began to show. The blue markings around his arms and neck began to glow slightly. "They're glowing again." Kael pointed at his arms. They both knew the markings only glowed when they were close to certain magical sources. "There is something under the ruins, it started glowing when I was in my home." Aziel looked at his arms. "I had to get out or the light would have woken my mother." He continued. As they were walking, getting closer and closer to the ruins, the markings began to shine brighter. "We should wait for your Uncle just in case it's something dangerous." Aziel looked concerned as they approached the ruins. "We will be fine, even if it was a Dragon, imagine the awards we could get if we slay it, I bet we could even become a battalion commander starting off." Kael got excited whilst his friend continued to be uneasy. Something was pulling Kael to the ruins now, it plagued his mind and he couldn't resist his curiosity. The trees around the ruins were dead and the leaves were blackened as if they were dyed in ink. "The trees started getting like this last night and the leaves the same, I really think we should wait." Aziel began to sound desperate but Kael didn't listen. His curiosity began to pool over as he stepped into the ruins. "When i arrived here last night it was as if someone had came before and then that's when I found this." Aziel pointed towards a used rune and a secret passage leading under the ruins, his hands were shaking. "I don't think we should go any further." Aziel grabbed Kael's arm. "If we run into any trouble, we will run back." Kael turned to Aziel. He nodded but hesitated once more before following Kael into the darkness. Aziels markings were still lit, providing ample lighting for the two children. "It smells like rotten eggs down here." Kael held his nose. Aziel and Kael walked slowly, passing unlit torch sconces and the eerily familiar smell filled their lungs. Aziel kept trying to discover any aura below and above the depths but found nothing. "This is unusual Kael, If someone did come down here, remnants of their aura should still be here." Aziel walked beside his friend. "Maybe they clouded their aura." Kael rubbed his hand against the cold stone walls, dust fell from the cracks. They walked a little further until they reached an open area. The smell was more potent than before and overwhelmed the slight undertones of iron. The two kept walking further into the area. Aziel began to sense an aura from where they entered, it was approaching fast. "Someone's coming!" Aziel screamed at Kael. The sudden burst of noise awoke a deep slumbering creature deeper in the labyrinth, a deafening roar called back to Aziels scream. In the darkness, a malformed being rose from the shadows, its deep crimson eyes glared at them. It leapt at the boys from under the cover of darkness. Kael looked back just in time to see its arm rearing back, his aura spiked and created a small wall made of ash to protect them. The malformed beast slammed a fist the size of a horse's haunch against his barrier of ash, hitting not only him but Aziel as well. The boys were sent hurtling towards the stone wall, crashing into it. Kaels body refused to let him stand as blood began to drip from his nose, Aziel screamed in pain as he writhed on the cold floor. Kael gathered all of his will and paced to Aziel, shielding him as the creature jumped onto the back walls, clinging to it and making a noise similar to a chuckle. As the demon rushed towards the boys, Kael felt an intense wind come from the entrance. It leapt towards Kael but was stopped mid air, as if a wall was made right in front of it. A man flew through the entrance at abnormal speeds, carried by an intense pressure that was fueled by anger. "Damned beast!" The man slammed his sword into the demon, slicing through its arm and flinging it to the back wall with air pressure. "Uncle!" Kael cried out as he held his friend. Cliff glanced back and flew back towards the boys to shield them. The demon roared and rushed towards the angry knight. "Shield your eyes!" He gestured his hand back towards them as his grimoire appeared with brilliant embers shedding from its canvas. It was a delicate combination of green and gold, with a willow flower in the middle. It moved at speeds that could rival any normal wind user, Cliff was different. He pointed his hands towards the demon and almost instantly, it stopped mid air and began to be crushed, slowly. Its cries were hauntingly human as its body slowly collapsed in on itself. Its lifeless body smacked against the floor as soon as Cliff lowered his hands, its thick black blood oozing from the mangled mess of its corpse. As Cliff's grimoire faded into nothing, the demon slowly turned into ash and dissipated. He turned back while pulling out a vial with a flickering liquid within. "Quickly, take this." He kneeled down and held Aziel up as he gave him the potion. "It will soothe your pain." Aziel drank half and pushed it away; Cliff understood and handed the rest to his nephew. Aziels cuts and bruises began to heal, however, slowly. Kael could feel the invigorating sensations running through his body, but it was very taxing. "You will be fine." Cliff reassured, as he caught Kael falling from exhaustion; Aziel had already fallen unconscious. Cliff carried Aziel on his shoulder and used the guidance of wind to levitate Kael alongside him. They made it to the top, back into the ruins and were met by two other magical knights donning the white-gold armor of cliffs faction. "We felt your warning, sir." The woman nodded. The other magical knight, a man by the name of Orland, was already investigating the hidden entrance. "I've got these boys, I want you two to scout the place inside and out and report anything you find back to me.." He waved his hand and stopped in his tracks to look back. "There was a demon inside of those ruins." He glanced at Orland. "There could've been more in there so when we get these boys home, i'm going to scan the area for any that could have left prior to our arrival." He stated, his wind magic beginning to swirl around him. "We'll see what we find sir." The woman called back. Cliff flew towards his brother's home with Kael alongside him. "Why now, Why here?" Cliff thought to himself, glancing back at his nephew. He approached the estate and was accompanied by Abraxas. "What has happened" Abraxas voice cracked into cliffs mind. "There was a demon underneath the old war ruins." He called back to the gryphon. His eyes widened. "I need you to be my eyes in the sky while I'm away." Cliff gestured back. Abraxas did not respond back but flew towards the ruins. Cliff arrived with Kael still unconscious beside him. "Kael!" Osmund called out, running from the forge. "What has happened?" Osmund yelled to his brother. Cliff guided Kael to his father with his wind and gestured back. "There was something under the ruins, Kael and his friend are fine." Wind began to swirl around Cliffs body. "What happened to my son?" Osmund gripped Cliffs arm and pulled him back. Cliff glanced at him. "It was a demon." He pulled his arm away. Osmund stood there stunned. Cliff took to the sky with a ferocity to crack the air, piercing the air like a comet. The door burst open to Kaels mother, unaware of the situation; inside finishing the feast for that afternoon. "Luna!" He hollered. "Watch over Kael, I will return shortly." He carried Kael's unconscious body in his arms. "What has happened!" She sat beside Kael, feeling his forehead with the back of her hand. "Cliff said it was a demon." He said hurriedly as he grabbed his sword and scabbard from the wall rack. "I will return shortly." He paced towards the door. Luna sat beside Kael, tending to the slight bruises and scrapes the healing potion wasn't able to recover. The door slammed shut behind an infuriated and worried Osmund. "Lucian!" He boomed as he tied his hilt around him. He rode north, carrying with him the hopes of preventing another war. Meanwhile, Cliff shot through the sky in a perimeter around the ruins. "It seems there was only one." He was fuming with anger. Anger with himself and how he could allow such sloppiness. He pushed past the little village, Dagrun, hoping what he thought was right. He stopped midair and strained his eyes on an abandoned dirt path, following a mother and daughter with his eyes. They were on a walk, unaware of the possible danger around them. Cliff gripped the hilt of his sword and wavered.
Kael awoke in his bed, staring at the lilies that were handpicked by his mother the day prior. The petals were already wilting. It was dusk, the sun was beginning to be covered by the forest around the estate. His body and mind was exhausted as he sat upright on the side of his bed. The door leading to the hallway outside his room creaked open. "You're awake." Luna strolled inside holding a plate with warm rags and common healing herbs. Kael attempted to hug his mother but fell short, his legs couldn't bear his weight just yet. She sat beside him and leaned in for an embrace. "Where did you go?" She asked with a hand on her little boy's shoulder. "Aziel said there was something underneath the ruins and his marks started glowing." He stammered as he spoke. "It came out of nowhere-" Cliff came into the room. "Do not make him relive those moments." Cliff spoke monotone staring at Luna. The air shifted and flashbacks of the monster's face plagued Kael's mind. "Is Aziel okay!" Kael remembered his friend's body writhing on the floor surrounded by his own blood. He held his head, it was pounding. "He was taken back to his home and is recovering while Orland watches over them." He reassured as he patted his shoulder. The sun began to creep behind the trees, leaving god rays shining through Kaels window. Even though the savory smell of the stew had already spread throughout the whole house, Kael couldn't forget the pungent scent that was inside the ruins. "Where is father?" Kael looked at his mother. The air stood still, as if anticipation was in the air. "He rode north to the capital." She folded her hands. "Why did he leave when he should be here?" Cliff sounded almost concerned. Kael glanced at them both and then looked outside towards the capital. The tip of the spire, the tallest manmade structure. "The king needed to know and he sent for Alva." Kael jolted his head. "Alva is coming?" Kael had a tiny smile. He hadn't seen his brother for a couple years since he became a magical knight.
Luna bit her lip. "I sent Alva to the west in the badlands." Cliff arched his brow. "I hadn't got the chance to tell him that." He palmed his head. "Why did you send him there?" She was worried of her son's safety, even after he was donned the title of sword saint. "We have been having more and more trouble; The refugees from the elven kingdom are causing unrest and rebellion. The war between the black mire and the dwarves is starting to affect our traders, some were slaughtered the past couple days." Cliff paced. "The flames of war are beginning to spread." He covered his mouth as he glanced back at Kael. "You will keep those matters away from my son." Luna spoke softly but was stern, nonetheless. Kael's attention was elsewhere, he gazed towards the spire and flashbacks of the beast and blood plagued his mind. Cliff glanced at the two of them and closed his eyes. "Then I may take my leave." Cliff walked out of the room as Luna followed him. "Your father will be back." She turned to reassure Kael. She closed the door behind her, Cliff was already down the stairs and to the front door.
"I will have Orland and Ness watch your estate and the other boys home." Cliff's sharp eyes were complemented by his shedding aura as it swirled around him, stirring up dust. Luna and Kael both watched Cliff as he pierced the sky and a boom followed behind him. One sat in admiration and the other stirred in worry. "Stay here Abraxas, I will return shortly." Osmund made it to the Gryphon stables near the barracks. Osmund arrived in the capital, he walked and reminisced as the smell of the bakeries flooded him and he remembered the days he and Luna would be caught at too late an hour. Kids ran past him as he passed the stained glass windows of the Church. "Alvas not here, I cant sense his aura." Osmund placed his hand on his beard as he walked towards the king's palace. The massive doors were shut as he was accompanied by two guards behind him. He walked up the steps and was met with the hope of Mankind, Emperor-God Malik. His advisor stood beside him clutching his chin. As he approached closer, he remembered the size of the man that was Malik. "Leave him be." Maliks deep, imposing voice cracked through the halls. The two guards that followed Osmund walked back to their stations just outside the palace doors. "Would you like some wine?" Malik offered as he walked up and postured himself. "No need for that." Malik ordered as Osmund began to bow his head before him. As Malik stood, Osmund raised his head to meet his eyes. They were a golden color with heterochromia bits surrounding his pupils. "I apologize for the unannounced intrusion, my king. This matter is of utmost importance." He reported.
"No matter, i had matters i needed to speak with you about myself." Malik walked down the throne steps but still towered over Osmund. "Let's take a walk then." Malik gestured him to follow. The flowers and trees in his courtyard were blooming and filled with life as all the different birds flew from tree to tree. "What has you worried child?" Malik could sense something drastic had happened. Malik didn't look a day older than when he was in his prime but he has been alive for more than a millenia. "My son was attacked by a demon." Osmunds voice was shaken. Malik stood with a flower in his hand. "My brother is hunting them down as we speak." Malik listened. "Is he well?" Malik tossed the flower off the balcony and was guided by wind. "Hes home and resting." Osmund stood behind him. A crack in the air signaled that Cliff had made it. "That fast?" Osmund thought to himself. They walked back towards the throne room. "What's the enemy as of now?" Maliks brain worked as he thought to himself. "Sir?" Osmund heard what Malik meant to keep quiet. Cliff and Malik entered the throne room at nearly the same time. Osmund followed behind Malik and was met with his brother. "Why are you here-" He was cut off by his brother tossing a mangled demon head on the floor at his feet. "It's been dealt with and as for your family, they are safe." Cliff was always two steps ahead of his brother. Cliff stabbed the head and finished off the demon as it dissipated into ash. Malik looked down to meet Cliffs eyes. "Where is Alva?" Osmund crossed his arms. "Hes in the black mire, protecting our traders." Cliff glanced at his brother.
Osmund stepped closer. "You sent my son to war!" He clenched his fist. "We needed skilled spellblades in order to deal with their ambushes." Cliff scoffed, he knew Alva handled himself well. "Why didnt you go then?" Osmund felt the air shift. Malik placed his hand upon his shoulder, it was as if a dragon had perched on his shoulder. "Thats what i needed to speak with you about." Malik glared down.
Osmund was taken to the consultance hall, Cliff following behind him. "What is all this about Malik?" Osmund took a seat beside him as Cliff stood against the wall just behind him. "There has been an information break, the war with the black mire and its lizardmen is the result of it."
Maliks voice boomed throughout the hall and then fell silent. "You believe it to be me?" Osmund questioned. Malik clasped his hands together and placed his chin upon them, leaning on the table. Osmund Stood abruptly. "This is preposterous, i wanted no dealings with the military or aggressions anymore!" Cliff held his hilt; Malik waved his hand, dismissing him. "It is exactly for that reason." Malik stood and turned away from Osmund. "I believe you but its best to not be hasty, You left the kingdom right after defeating the Alberra, Right before that battle you and along with many others were entrusted to that information." Malik paced around the table. "They know about the Anomaly as well." Cliff sat beside Osmund. "We need you to remain inside the capital until we know for certain who the traitor is." Malik reached his hand out to Osmunds. Worry grew in Osmunds eyes. He shook Maliks hand and strided towards Cliff. "You will watch my family." Osmund asked his brother. He nodded. "Of course brother, i already have some knights stationed in the ruins near the estate." Cliff grasped his shoulder and reassured him. "Traitors, demons and war. Was this the second shift?" Malik thought to himself. "Just to reinstate, i dont believe the traitor to be you, child. When this is all over, i would like for us to feast together once more." Malik walked towards the two. "Id like that sire." Osmund met his golden eyes and knew everything will be fine.
Lucian flew back to deliver the news of Osmunds detainment and the stipulations on the estate.
"Cliffs soldiers arent that far, you all will be safe." Lucians voice cracked into the minds of Abraxas and Luna. Abraxas shook the dust from his feathers as he looked towards the ruins.
"I will stay with Osmund until all of this over." He turned to prepare his liftoff.
"What happened in there?" Luna was worried, clutching her silver pendant.
"I have no clue, Cliff shot off towards the eastern isles. I suspect its more than any war." Lucian called back as he hopped off the ground and flapped his powerful wings, throwing dust onto Abraxas's feathers once again. "He's worried." Kael came outside the house, watching Lucian leave. Abraxas walked in front of Kael, heading to the stables. "No Kael, Lucian and I were bred for war and so naturally his instincts have made him a bit giddy." He reminisced as he gazed back at Kael. "You would be safe even without Cliff's soldiers keeping a constant gaze on us." He reassured and acted like he anticipated trouble. Luna and Kael paced into the house, night was arriving and they grew restless. Luna laid in her bed, colder than usual. She reached over and hugged Osmunds pillow. "What is going on?" Luna questioned as she nodded off. Kael kept watch from the windowsill near his bed, searching for red eyes in the dark. "There's nothing out there." He said to himself as he attempted to roll over and catch some sleep.
The wind blew around Cliffs aura, shielding him from the freezing air. "There is one more thing." Maliks words repeated in his head as increased speed. "I need you to investigate the eastern isles, specifically Halagbast, the port-town." Malik was troubled. "Of course sir, what for?" Cliff called. "Sellis was murdered." Raging air grew pass Cliff as those words infatuated his mind. "If someone was able to defeat a ring-bearer, I may have trouble." Cliff Gritted his teeth. Sellis was a powerful soldier and one of the five ring-bearers, Second only to Cliff in wind magic. He approached Halagbast at daybreak and was greeted with guards and civilians in an uproar. "You have some gall coming here after whats happened." A guard blocked Cliffs path as he walked off the docks. "Im not here for trivial talks, where is the problem?" Cliff kept his composure but was noticable aggravated. Halagbast was a major portown for the Shull isles, after the embassy attack, trade has went down and many people wont return in fear of the rogue mage. They walked Cliff to the town hall, the faces of the common people was full of anger and fear. "The battle took place two days ago at the embassy, your soldier and that lunatic mage killed seven of my people and damaged more than a quarter of our business district." The towns elder was enraged but kept tensions low. "Did anyone see what magic he wielded?" Cliffs question brought silence until it was broken by a small child. "He had many!" The kid cried out. Cliff gazed and walked towards the child, kneeling down to meet his eyes. "What did you see, Child?" Cliff placed his hand on the kids shoulder. "My brother, he tried to protect mom but we wasn't strong enough." Tears came to the child's eyes. Cliff grew angrier. "His magic is like nothing i've ever seen, its like he can control the elements!" The kid grew fearful and the adults around consoled him. "Control the elements? Tales of a traumatized child." Cliff thought to himself as he stood. "I will find the culprit and stop him, I promise you that." Cliff looked down on the small child and began to walk outside. "I want you to kill him." The kid resented his weakness. Cliff kept walking. The smell from the battle was lingering as he passed the remnants of the burned building. "He's a pyro user, explains how he defeated Sellis. The wind must have combined with his fire, engulfing the building and Sellis himself." Cliff envisioned the battle in his mind. He looked over to dried blood splattered everywhere. "This must be where he finished Sellis off." He rubbed his chin. He investigated closer and spotted a trail of dried blood leading out from the town into the nearby forest. "What have we here?" He smirked. He followed the trail into the woods, going up the small hill leading up to them. He looked back at all the damage that was caused to Halagbast. "I'll acquire the ring." He thought to himself.
The trail stopped around a little encampment, the embers from the fire was still warm. "They must have stopped here to recover and heal." Cliff looked around the encampment and spotted tracks leading further into the woods. "They aren't alone, at least four different people here." He questioned how the other culprits were not sighted during the battle. He shot through the trees, following the trail. The sickly smell of the sea began to fill his nose. "I despise the Shull isles." He rubbed his face. He felt a strong aura nearby and came to a dead stop, simultaneously lowering his aura so he wouldn't be discovered. "This is definitely the bastard with the ring." He knew from the aura alone, this was the rogue pyro mage. He peeked around the tree and spotted him, he was bigger than Cliff first envisioned. He was taller and more broad than him, immediately reminding Cliff of his brother's stature. He had simple leather armor with a metal breastplate and guards but he looked average. "Where's the others?" Cliff looked around. They had an encampment but he was the only mage there he could sense. On further inspection, the mage had many scars on his body. He had a gnash on his forehead with a burned portion of his neck. "Who the hell is this guy." Cliff spotted the scars and knew he must've served in the demon liberation army. The stranger stood and walked towards the chest behind him, turning his back on Cliff. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew the bases of the trees, uprooting them. Cliff surged through the air, drawing his sword ready to strike. His grimoire shedded its canvas unlocking his peak aura output. He drew his arm back and the blade came close to the back of his neck but Cliffs sword was stopped mid-air, like he had a field around him. "Who the fuck are you?" The stranger reacted faster than anyone Cliff had ever fought, drawing his sword and slicing at him quicker than the blink of an eye. Cliff pushed his hand out as he guarded the attack, it sent a shiver down his arm and sparks flew through the air. He gusted wind towards the mage, giving him some distance. They both stepped back and looked at each other. "Another wind user?" His grimoire shed its canvas beside him, it was massive with many pages and a decorum as a cover. Cliff's aura peaked as he placed his aura around the stranger. "I won't give you the chance!" Cliff's voice bellowed as he made a box of solid air around the stranger, crushing him. The stranger began to laugh hysterically. "Die bastard." Cliff thought to himself as he began to crush him slowly. Suddenly, the mage wasn't inside the box but was behind Cliff, stabbing him in the back. "No, you're different." The man smiled as he pulled his knife from Cliff's shoulder. "What the hell happened?" Cliff anguished as he shot air around his body in solid blades, cutting the stranger's face and sending him away. "What is this?" Cliff's mind was jumbled, he has never encountered this before. "He has the ring!" Cliff noticed the ring on his index finger when they first clashed swords. "What is your name stranger?" The mage laughed. "Doesn't matter, your time is almost up." Cliffs grimoire began to morph. "Mase is my name, Remember it when I make you turn tail and run. That is if i don't kill you first." The stranger antagonized. Cliff grunted as he prepared his stance. "I am Cliff, Leader of the Magical knights and I was sent here to recover that ring and avenge Sellis." Cliff retorted. Mase began to chuckle. "You mean the other wind user?" He rubbed his head. "He was strong but in the end, I won." He bore his grimoire and a whirlwind began to gather around the two. "Wait." Cliff looked around at the magic aura. He knew now this man was no mere pyro mage. "This is Sellis's Magic!" Cliff gazed at the wind gathering around Mase's body. Suddenly, the box of solid air gathered around Cliff, immobilizing him. "This is my aura?" Cliff couldn't move and his grimoire was morphing. "I found you and your friends' magic make a good combination. Don't you agree?" Mase walked towards the box and insulted Cliff. "Fine then." Cliff's aura caused the Grimoire to adapt, increasing his potency. He broke through the barrier. "Amazing!" Mase was ecstatic as he shot towards Cliff, powered by both wind magics. "Usher of death, guidance by wind." Cliff chanted as a dead calm plane appeared around the two.
"This is bad." Mase realized this was an esoteric art, an ability made by Cliff's will to overcome. Cliff's body moved at imperceivable speeds as his blade, with the guidance of wind, stuck at its target. Cliff pierced Mases Stomach with his sword and gusted him back at the stone wall behind him. Mase smashed against the dilapidated wall with enough force to concuss him. "I want it even more now!" Even on the brink of death, Mase's innate greed for aura consumed him. Blood shot from his mouth as he attempted to stand, using the blade as a pseudo crutch. "Arrogant bastard." Cliff gritted his teeth as his aura poured from his pores at such a force it caused dust and debris to be blown away. His aura gathered behind him, propelling himself towards Mase like an arrow. "You're finished." Cliff attempted to pierce Mase through his eye. "Mase!" A woman cried out as a man slammed a hammer against Cliff's side, thwarting his attack. The other two gathered around their leader. "Vex; Cloud, Where's the others?" Mase asked as the man named Cloud hoisted him up. "Old rune tunnels, We have the last piece." Cloud held his shield up. "I'm outnumbered but my aura is greater." Cliff knew his talent surpassed anything. Cliff gathered his aura once more and shot towards the trio. "Vex!" Cloud called out. The woman's grimoire appeared and her aura smashed against Cliff. Her magic wasn't an offensive type but it caused an area of slowness, making Cliffs imperceivable speed more manageable. "You're a fool, Cliff. I'll seek justice for myself and pick the truth I like." Mase laughed as he attached a cuff around his arm. Suddenly, they disappeared. Cliff spun his body with blades of wind spreading around him, he anticipated a counter attack like last time. Nothing. "Teleportation magic?" Cliff looked around him and could sense no aura. "Damn it." He lowered his guard and sheathed his sword. Mase used his teleportation magic, sending them to the Old rune Tunnels, where the remainder of the viper hid. "Captain!" a woman cried out. Seven others gathered around the beaten and bloody warrior. "We need to leave." Mase ordered, they were too close to the Shull isles and had already acquired what they were seeking. "What happened out there?" A dwarven man lended a flickering potion to Mase. "A wind user like I've never seen before. If it wasn't for the teleportation magic and my own, I would've had a hard time." Mase gulped the viscous liquid down and wiped his mouth. "Your affliction, has it worsened?" Vex kneeled down. The more Mase switches between different aura he has stored in his grimoire, deteriorates his mind nd body. "This cuff, Idhenas brace; should lessen the effects." Mase coughed. He could already feel the puncture wounds from the fight with Sellis before, Cliff only worsened them. Vex scoured his body as the others were packing. "I told you to stop using the bone magic, youll end up killing yourself." She pulled his face towards hers as to get a point across. Mase smirked as he stood, feeling no fatigue nor pain. In fact, his injuries were already healed and the only thing to show still were his scars but even those would soon be gone. "It makes for a good ambush." He recalled the battle two days ago. Sellis apprehended Mase by pure chance, wrapping his arms around him in an attempt to catch him alive. He was pierced eight times instantly by Mase's bone magic, harming himself to kill the enemy. "I don't doubt your ability but we were lucky to escape alive." Cloud stood beside Mase and Vex as he refitted the leather straps on his armor. "That wind user special or something?" Mase glanced between the both of them. "That man is Cliff Borealis, Vanquisher of Alberra and the man gods right hand." Vex knew of Cliff and his exploits, she sensed something terrifying within him.
Mase looked at her and snorted. "He's nothing but a man and a tool of a false god. I made him bleed, he caught me off guard is all." They walked to the inner chamber. All the artifacts and magic weapons they've hunted were put in shipping crates, ready to be dispersed. An Elven man strutted towards Mase, Carrying a special weapon beside him. "This is Carryls knife?" Mase looked bewildered as he gripped the magic weapon. The elfs blue markings around his neck were glowing, highlighting his pale skin and boyish features. "The war gods' weapon was used to harm the man god back in their clash, at least that is what the elders always taught us." The elf hailed from his homeland, the Elven Cord, deserting after a century of loyalty to Illiub and his crown. "I dont know what we would do without your detection magic, Ijii." Mase patted him on his shoulder and sheathed the blade. "Speaking of-" An elven woman stuck close to Ijii, her blonde hair and green eyes complimenting his rare darker colored features. "Ijii located another artifact but its in Kingralis." She had it marked on their map, one of many markings. Mase rubbed his chin. "I can use my translocation magic to take us to Tenver but we would need to cut through the Elven Cord." He looked at Ijii, waiting for an approval. He sighed and nodded. "Lets go then." The band of the viper had assembled for its crescendo.
Cliffs attack missed and he had no idea where the viper went. "Coward bastards." He sheathed his sword and huffed. He was in immense pain. "Everything hurts." Cliff kneeled to catch his breath. The wind blowing through the trees carried with it the smell of the ocean not far away. "Who are they?" Cliff stood and wobbled as he held his head. There were remains of documents and a locked chest near. "He stole sellis's magic." Cliff didnt know what to make of it, hes never heard of a plundering magic. He walked to the rubble and cleared it off the chest. He used his wind blades to cut the lock and reveal its contents. A ploy to upend the human empire and for Mase to steal the man gods magic, biokinesis. Cliff saw enough, he gathered all documents he could carry and planted his feet in the ground. His grimoire, the willow, appeared with a new look. The flower had begun to bloom on its cover. Wind swirled around him, his aura had doubled during the fight. He tore through the sky with an imperceivable speed that cracked the sky five times over. The people of Halagbast saw him fly over before his takeoff was audible.
"Malik needs to know." Cliff covered his mouth. "This abnormal magic user will interfere with my own plans, he needs to be dealt with." Cliff gritted his teeth and squeezed the pommel on his sword. He looked down at the sea below him, passing over occasional ships and Golwhales. It took Cliff a day to reach Halagbast from Dragonsfall, after his awakening, he halved the amount of time. "His aura is comparable to mine, even now." Cliff was exhausted but needed to reach Malik. He split the clouds that his mana shot through, He had already made it back to the human empire, passing Urtshelm and the Elven Cord twice as fast as before. He was bleeding, however, pain continued through his body. "That blade." He recalled to the dagger that Mase used to stab his back. "This pain, ive been poisoned." Cliffs vision grew blurry, passing the farms on the outer edge of Dragonsfall. He kept pushing towards the Keep but his mana was fading, his speed slowed as he began to descend. "Malik, Do you still recognize me?" He thought to himself as he used every last drop of his aura to try and reach Maliks detection. It grew and the infectious feeling covered the whole south side of the kingdom, alerting not only the farmers and citizens but also the guardsmen and magical knights. He crashed to the earth, losing all feeling. It had only been five seconds and then, a boom erupted from the keep. It was Malik. He landed beside Cliff mere seconds after. The air vibrated so horribly that the ground had disintegrated from Maliks departure. He landed beside the crater where Cliff had fell, Sword drawn and magic ready. "What has happened!" He kneeled beside Cliff. The farmers were the first to see the visceral image, the knights arrived seconds after Malik. Cliff was unresponisve, the poison had numbed his body. As the knights appeared, they saw their captain on the brink of death. "What couldve done this?" They knew he was the best, for him to be defeated was of national consequence. Clerics gathered beside Malik and began healing Cliff. "Hes been poisoned." A woman looked at Malik. "Take him to the infirmary. I want everyone on high alert until I know whats going on." Malik ordered. "Did he best Cliff?" He knew the man that murdered Sellis was the cause but couldnt reveal it. "Nevermind that, when did he get this powerful?" Malik rubbed his chin. The sun cast god rays through the leaves in the trees shining onto Cliffs armor.
"What Mage could best him?" A young guardsman was horrified at the scene. Malik waved His hand. "Disperse." Malik stood And towered amongst everyone gathered there. The Clerics had already began to fly Cliff to the medical ward in the kingdom.
The next morning, Osmund was visiting his brother in the infirmary Under the guise of two magical knights. "What has happened brother?" He pondered To himself. Cliffs injuries had been healed but his affliction has worsened, veins of black appeared around his face and neck. "What poison is this that not even Claira could not heal?" Osmund Stood from the chair at his bedside. Malik walked through the door, ducking his head as he entered. The two magical knights saluted their king. "Your duty is finished sir knights, check in with Grimmon in the garrison. I'll take it from here." Malik placed his hand on their shoulders. They turned face and exited out the door. The air grew quiet. "What is this affliction Sir?" Osmund sat up and looked at his king with worry. Malik walked towards The nearby window and watched as the magical knights exited the building. "These murderers are the ones who stole Carylls Knife years before. Judging from those black veins running from his neck to the face, he's been afflicted by the same poison that nearly Killed me." Malik rubbed his chin and walked towards Cliff. Osmund grew even more distraught, the life of his brother being taken from him by the second. "What can we do?" Osmund stood and faced Malik. The king stood there and pondered. "I know you are no traitor and very few have seen my magic since the last war hundreds of years ago." Maliks aura grew. "The same way I rid of its poison i can also use on your brother but his body may not be able to contain my power, it could kill him." Malik sat down. "Take a seat Osmund." He tapped the chair beside his. He gazed at his brother, the veins of black began spreading to his chest and eyes. "Malik, sir, whatever you may have to do, please just make sure my brother survives." Osmund sat and looked into his golden eyes. A nurse came through the door with medication and useless suppressants. Malik raised his hand. "We have no use of conventional medical practices, use it on people with normal affliction." He ordered and she bowed her head in understanding. "My aura, my magic as you've known is simple control of anatomy but what i have kept hidden is its true power. It's what allowed me to live these past eons. As I grow older, it requires more and more aura." Malik stood and postured his shoulders. "The reason Im Telling you all this is i require constant aura feeding Into my body or I will Simply grow old and die." Malik bore his grimoire, a massive collection of golden Pages and and even more intricate designing of a royal purple and gold Canvas. Osmund was in awe of his aura and equally terrified of the power of his ruler, for it reminded him of that day the Goddess Idhena descended. Maliks aura kicked dust from the room And shattered glass windows. "When I do this, it will be unsightly for just a moment. I need your assistance For this, your amplifier magic will hasten this process." Malik looked at Osmund in reverity. For a moment, he hesitated, taking in the sight of the man they call the Emperor-God. "I understand." Osmunds grimoire appeared, a measly thing compared to Maliks. He placed his aura onto Malik and together they began to cure Cliff. However, as the seconds went by It appeared as Malik began to age by years, his hair began to turn grey and fall out, his skin becoming aged And rugged. "Sire!" Osmund glanced At Malik in worry. "Do Not stop now Osmund." His elderly voice called out. in A moments time, the poison was relieved and the process was over. Malik Stopped and fell to a knee, struggling to catch a breath. "Malik!" Osmund has never seen him this weak, this mortal. He waved his hand and as the Seconds passed, he regained his youthfulness and strength. "I-" he caught his breathe. "I am fine." Malik rose and shrugged His shoulders. "Osmund, this power i have, I believed it to be everlasting when I first rose. I will not be here forever, it may not be now but in due time as more and more generations come and go; when I succumb to this curse, I intend for our empire to thrive and for humanity to prosper." Malik walked towards the door. Osmund didn't understand at all, he clasped his hands together. "When he wakes up, tell him it was a mere poison That was easily cured. He must not know of my power." Malik turned. "I entrust everything to you, I know of your fate. Go see your son and raise him to be a proper Knight. We all have little time as it stands now." Malik sounded concerned but relieved at the same time. "A great war is Upon us all." He Closed the door behind him and the air grew still once more. The sounds of bustling civilians and knights clamored around the infirmary, searching for the cause of the disruption that was Malik's aura.
After the commotion died down and dusk approached, Cliffs Eyes began to open. He smelled the stench of death. "Brother." Osmund grabbed his shoulder. He helped him sit up and handed him a glass of water. Cliff was confused and searching around the room. "What has happened?" Cliff rubbed his head, hard to recollect his memory. "You were poisoned, it took the best medicine in the kingdom to get you how you are now." Osmund lied as he stood. Cliff looked outside to the roads, watching as the traffic of people and carriages carrying general Goods crossed. "Where is Malik, I must inform him-" Osmund prevented him from standing. "You need rest, the poison may be gone but your body needs time to Recover." Osmund was still worried about the power Malik had spoken of. "This mage is like no other and he has a plan to upend the kingdom, to kill the magic knights." Cliff began to spurt. He recalled the battle but had difficulty remembering exactly what happened. All he had was the documents they had clumsily left behind. "We are aware, they plan to head towards Kingham and seek refuge there. We have already mobilized our best, besides yourself and I." Osmund reassured his brother, guaranteeing Their safety. "We read it over, The Band of the Viper, magehunters and artifact Thieves. They are a thorn in our side but stand no match against us in the end. Surely you know that." Osmund chuckled slightly in attempt to halt his brother's nervousness. "They sent Alva to Kingham as well, since you are on temporary leave." Osmunds words infuriated Cliff. "So be it." Cliff was appalled at the fact that his weakness had caused him to relinquish his title of Commander even if its for a couple days.
"Alva, i wonder how my boy is. Traveling from The Black Mire to Kingham must be harsh." Osmund spoke Inside his mind, worried for his Eldest son. Suddenly the door creaked open to Kael. "Uncle Cliff!" Kael ran to his mentor. "I thought you were going to die, we stopped by with Pa before going to the general store." Kael hugged Cliff tightly. "Easy child, he has only just recovered." Osmund pulled him away. "it will take more than a mere poison to take my life, I assure you." Cliff boasted, Looking Strong for his nephew. "I'm just glad all of this is over." Luna Walked in moments later, carrying a basket of fruit. She walked near and handed the basket to Cliff for which he was very grateful. "This is far from over." Osmund stated Under his breath. Luna glanced at him. The air grew quiet. "Lets head home and allow him to rest." Osmund was quick to get home and spend his quality time with his family once more. As they left through the door, he glanced Back at his brother. "When you feel like it, stop by the estate, I would like to start training Kael as soon as I can. He won't give up on his dream and you're the best in the kingdom. I may also need to polish my skills." He chuckled as he shut the door behind him. Cliff sighed and stared at his palms. "Mase, huh?" He scowled.
As the day Went by, hundreds of knights began to leave the capital in search of this Band of the viper and soon night approached. Little was known of what was to come and suddenly the plot began as the assassination of one of the Human empires greatest assets was carried out. The beginning fates Of the empire has arrived