Tale of Eldramir

In the middle of the ocean, two young women were resting on the small boat that they had stolen several days ago. It was larger than the rowboat that they had taken previously. Being a small sailboat, it was mostly meant for coastal travel, not the open oceans, but there was no choice. Two people couldn’t man the larger ships by themselves.

They had also been careful not to get caught at the port they had stopped at and were now fully supplied and on their way home. However, their previously jovial mood had taken a turn for the worse when the message from the Cult of Light had been conveyed.

“We can’t afford to take our time anymore,” Wendy declared, her face set into a frown. She glared at the Com-Slates as if it had personally wronged her. “We stop as little as possible. The map we have has several routes that should take us back to Sanafalls faster. I wouldn’t suggest them if it wasn’t important, but we can’t afford to take as long as it would to use the normal routes.”

She took out a map, comparing where they had last confirmed their position to where they now needed to go. Yet before she could mark anything down, Ellen grabbed her hand.

“I don’t think that’s the best idea...” Ellen looked over the map, and Wendy could tell that she was thinking about something she had missed.

“... Then where would you suggest?” She tried to keep her frustration out of her voice, but she had a hard time doing so. Luckily for her, it seemed like her sister didn’t mind.

“Morncrest.” Ellen pointed to an island that was much closer to their current position than Sanafalls. “It’s more dangerous, but it’ll take us through the last place they’d expect us to pass.”

Wendy goggled at her sister, who had just suggested that they pass through the Desolate Ocean, in a small sailboat. One that would probably be torn apart in the first major storm they got stuck in.

“Look here!” She said, drawing Wendy’s attention to a chain of islands that had question marks on them. “If we follow this route, we can reach a point where the Desolate Ocean is incredibly thin. It takes us south, and around the islands that are most likely to be on the lookout for us, so we’ll avoid the hunters coming after us as well. They all think that we’re headed to Sanafalls, so it’s obvious that they’ll set up traps along the way. Yes, this route is only slightly shorter than going home, but taking the straight path would mean several days to a couple of weeks in the Desolate Ocean. This path only means we’ll be there for a single day at most, before we get to Morncrest. There, we can get sanctuary from the Forest Spirit, and maybe even the Void Remnant.”

Wendy looked over the map. It was, unfortunately, true that this path would take them away from their pursuers and was still shorter than going directly to Sanafalls. Yet they had only just entered Legendary. To go alone into the Desolate territories was incredibly dangerous.

Not impossible, but beyond anything they had done before.

Worse yet, a thought crossed Wendy’s mind.

“... I will agree to this path on one condition.”

Ellen looked at her with a confused expression on her face.

“Let me see your soul.” Wendy felt her eyes turn black, and her shadow crept up the walls.

Her sister’s eyes widened in shock, before falling in despair, but she relented, nonetheless.

“Very well.” She held out her hand, and Wendy reached forward.

The twins’ souls touched, and Wendy felt nothing but guilt as she realized that her sister hadn't been twisted, or corrupted like she had feared. She hadn’t known if it was possible for the Cult to grab hold of her again through their display with the Com-Slates, but the fear that had been born from this path being suggested had been too much.

“I’m sorry...” Wendy and Ellen, both knew her words were true, but it would be a while before the pain born from doubt would face away. “Let’s do this. We’ll take your path and get whatever help we can from Morncrest and their Void Remnant.”

She could tell that her words had somewhat lifted her sister’s Spirits. Now, with their plan in place, the twins changed their heading, and turned south. The first island on their new path was two days away, so they needed to get moving.

----------

On the island of Sanafalls, where the matriarch of the Luminance family was currently confined, things were not going as well for her as they were for Riley and the twins.

However, even though the world had turned against herself and her family, Evelyn didn’t allow it to take advantage of her. Not when it had already taken so much away.

“Find her! We need to take her into custody. Quintessa has sent a full fleet to ensure that she is brought to the continent safely. We can’t allow them to know that we don’t have her!” One of the newer Grand Scholars, a Cavern Mage who was only a couple years older than she was, barked out orders as he and several others ran past her position.

“Evelyn! Please come out! We will ensure that nothing happens! But we need to know that you’re still here with us!” Even Scarlet was looking for her, though in a separate group from the other Scholars that wanted to capture her. “Please! If you don’t go back, they’re certain to take much more drastic measures!”

A part of her was actually glad that there were those that were concerned for her wellbeing. But she couldn’t go back with them. No matter how much she wanted to. There was no chance that she could take that risk.

She had been hiding for some time now, having slipped out of the monitoring Artifacts and enchantments right as the message from the Cult had begun. Most had missed it, but she knew what had hit the city that had been destroyed.

Personal experience with another just like it had been ingrained in her for years.

While she had wanted to cry for the death of her old friends, she knew that doing so wouldn’t be helpful to her situation. Instead, she had dove into the shadows, reaching a deeper depth than she had ever gone before. Something that could only be done safely when you had a [Domain], or the Shroud family’s [Pseudo-Domain], to keep yourself from being absorbed by the darkness.

In the back of her mind, a silent question, asking if she was alright, made her, currently feline, ears twitch. She smiled sadly in response to her partner’s worries.

“I’m fine, Reya. Rather, I will deal with this and move forward as best I can.” She gazed upward, the silhouettes of several other Hunters, Mages, and Scholars, passed by, completely missing her presence. “It’s a shame we will never reach Tier five, but at least we still have our own advantages.”

This trick had been something she had learned yet hadn’t shared with anyone. Not even her son, nor her daughters. A secret that had only been known to the Shroud family. One that only those taught by their patriarch, the only known Obscure Mythic in modern history.

The shadow realm that all Obscure magic users traveled through when [Shadow Walking] was not restricted to a single level. Most said it was like walking upside down, just under the surface of the water.

That was only true for the first layer. If one sunk deeper into the shadows, they could swim in a darkness that no one else could find them in. However, only Mythical beings, or, apparently, those with mutated souls, could touch these deeper layers. Their attunement to shadows being that much stronger.

Even then, she had only learned this trick a couple years ago. Having experimented with Reya regarding their new abilities after their strange mutation.

“We should descend to a deeper layer. That way we can get out of the area of the Cathedral.” She felt Reya’s agreement. A moment later, she began walking down an invisible staircase. The figures and voices above faded away and she began to walk forward.

She wasn’t sure where she would end up when she ascended to the surface once more, it would be on the island, but for now, she just needed to get away.

“Perhaps, when the time is right, we should return to the continent as well.”

Thoughts of her husband being taken flowed through her mind. For years she had considered him dead. Lost to the corruption of the Cult of Light. Now, however, things had changed. It seemed that there was something happening. Bait for her son. Such a thing could not be allowed.

For the moment, she would rest and recover what strength she could within the shadows. But she had a feeling that she wouldn’t have to wait too long.

----------

In depths of Quintessa’s wilderness, Wolken and Strom were staring down the might of three Spirits, each one more powerful than they were, even with their Spirits aiding them. Though, the effects of their Spirit Armor would be able to offset some of the differences in strength.

Not that it would matter, since Wolken knew they were also outnumbered, and the Spirit Haven itself would have natural formations built into it that would let the combined army of Legendary Spirits fight with the might of Mythical Spirits as well.

For the moment, Wolken was doing his best to remain calm, even though there was a burning rage bubbling up within him. He knew exactly which city had been destroyed, and it had been one of the ones further north and hosted several hundred Void Mages that had made significant progress as members of the Prime Guild.

Glazing to the side, he could see that Strom was building up to burst. All he needed was a slight push, and just like an earthquake, all that pressure would just explode.

“Strom... If you fight right now, you will lose, and won’t be able to fight the Cruor, and get revenge for what has happened.” Wolken kept his voice steady and relaxed, while also specifically tightening his fist. A display of anger he allowed to leak out, because he needed Strom to know he was just as angry.

It worked, and after a terrifying moment where Strom eyed the Spirits that surrounded them, he locked onto Wolken, and after staring him down, the Cavern Hunter relaxed, much to Wolken’s relief.

“What will it take to have you let us see him?” he asked, once more addressing Brun with his question. “We never got a chance to discuss it before, but now that things have escalated, with the Cruor siding with an entire human Empire, we can no longer afford to wait and let things pan out.”

Brun, much to Wolken’s concern, wasn’t smiling, and was seemingly focused entirely on him. He knew from experience just how disconcerting it was to be the target of the Mythical Tempest dog’s attention.

“... It’s a shame. If you had managed to convince me just a few hours ago, you would be able to speak with him.” A small smile spread across the Spirit’s face. “As it is, Ezekiel’s presence won’t change anything. If you hand him over, the world ends. If you keep him away, the Empire and the Cruor will destroy city after city. It’s a quick death, or a slow death. But with the slow death, at least there’s a chance that things will end in the death, or resealing, of the Broods.”

A quiet grinding sound filled the clearing. Wolken didn’t have to look at him to know that Strom was clenching his jaw hard enough to crack a tooth.

“Why is that? What could he possibly be doing that would prevent him from meeting with us?” Strom grit out through his teeth.

Wolken sighed, disappointed at his old Vice-Leader’s decision to ignore the logic in Brun’s words. Ultimately, while he wanted to argue against it, he knew that his old mentor was right.

Even if a city was destroyed, it was better than the end of humanity. Best to bide their time for as long as possible. Not that anyone else would, since very few people would’ve been able to recognize the massive feathers used to turn the city into rubble.

“Summoning him here and now would kill him. As for when he’ll wake up... I don’t know!” Brun’s smile grew into a toothy grin, one so big he was forced to close his eyes. “Thus, you can’t get what you want, no matter whether we help you or not.”

Wolken barely had time to react, and it was only due to his years of tutoring his fellow Hunter that let him take to the air moments before the clearing, and half the mountain next to them exploded into a forest of massive stone spikes.

The only reason the area outside the clearing that wasn’t a mountain didn’t suffer the same fate was because Kork had prepared defenses beforehand. Something that Wolken wasn’t surprised by, given his previous experiences with the crocodile Spirit.

“Don’t kill him!” he called out.

He didn’t know if his words were heard, however, since the ground began to shake in a visible manner. Spirits from all over sent what ranged attacks they could toward the angry Cavern Hunter.

“Don’t worry. He won’t die.”

Wolken felt a chill run down his spine. He didn't bother turning around, but he could feel Brun’s head resting on his shoulder. His bonded Spirit hissed warily but made no offensive actions.

“However, once your friend has been knocked out, you will need to leave. He is no longer welcome here, but Kork will accompany you. He is strong and subtle enough to defend at least one of your major cities.” Brun’s words were somewhat reassuring, but as he watched his old friend get tossed around, Wolken couldn’t help but wince.

“May I at least know what Ezekiel is doing that would prevent him from leaving?” the curiosity in his voice was blatant, since he knew he wouldn’t be able to hide it anyway. “I’ll explain your words to Strom later, while still keeping Ezekiel’s training quiet. But I need some sort of assurance that he will actually be able to get strong enough to defeat the Cruor. Otherwise, there’s no point in simply holding out. The current back and forth war for territory will turn into a total war of annihilation.”

“Oh Wolken,” Brun sighed into his ear, “Given what we already know, how can you say that your war isn’t already one of annihilation.”

Wolken stayed quiet. Not wanting to admit that Brun was right, but also incapable of arguing against the Spirit’s words.

“He will awaken sometime later this year. With his soul greatly enhanced. For now, we must keep him safe for as long as possible.” On that, Wolken agreed with his old mentor. “I can’t know for certain whether or not his claims regarding the timeframe we have are correct, or just his assumption. I am not a Void Spirit. However, I do think that, if not ten years, then sometime in the next century for certain. Regardless, he is our best bet at defeating the enemy. Of that I actually am certain.”

With a slow nod, Wolken bowed his head. By this point, Strom had been buried under several tones of bedrock. So, with a heavy heart, and a desire for more information that he knew would not be fulfilled, he descended to pick up his friend and leave.

----------

In the city of the Void Temple, Wilma and the other Grand Scholars of the Church of Ten in Quintessa were gathered once more. This time, the tone of the meeting was much more solemn, and the image of the Void Remnant more subdued than it had ever been before.

“... We need to know where he is. Send out word to all the Hunters in Quintessa. Given the options that we have... Ensuring that he cannot even be capable of going over to them is the only option.” The Void Remnant’s words were filled with sorrow, and a stark distaste for the decision it had made.

“How can you say that? If we don’t hand over the Void Exalt, then what will happen to our cities? Countless people will die to the Empire and the Cult due to whatever super weapon they now have.” One of the Grand Scholars that was all for keeping Ezekiel trapped voiced his discontent at the situation.

“It is not the Empire that we need to worry about... I know that there were doubts before, but it is clear that at least the information regarding the connection between the Broods and the Cult of Light was true. We cannot allow them, and by proxy the Empire, to obtain Ezekiel.” Wilma disputed her fellow Scholar’s claim. “I know you wouldn’t have recognized it, but I am certain that the impacts that destroyed that city were feathers. Only one Mythical being in the world has such might in that form. The lack of elemental effects also speaks volumes of the figure that destroyed it.”

“You speak of the Winged Broodlord... I thought that the Remnant denounced the Void Exalts claims. Did they lie?” Another Scholar asked, not once looking away from the image of the Remnant.

“Given the amount of panic that such information would bring to the world, I felt it best to only let a few of the most senior members have that information.” The Void Remnant remained unrepentant in the face of the Scholar’s scrutiny. “It is also irrelevant, since the moment we have a Void Mage strong enough to reseal the Broods, the Cult will ultimately die out.”

Only Wilma and the three oldest Grand Scholars remained still upon this revelation. The rest began murmuring between themselves.

“I am done here!” One of the Grand Scholars released her mana and stood from her seat. “Constant secrets are being kept from us, and now the world may very well end within the next decade. If that is to be our fate, I would rather return to my home, and take action to ensure that such destruction is not brought upon it, rather than sit here squabbling like children to please a being that has lied to us.”

“That is an unfair declaration! The Remnant has always had the best interests of humanity at heart!” Wilma called out from her seat at the head of the room. A heavy pressure filled the chambers, and the other Grand Scholars released their own mana to defend themselves.

“Enough!” The Remnant’s voice filled the meeting chamber, and the Grand Scholars all sat down. Except the one that had stood to leave. She fell onto her rear.

“You will send out word to Hunt down Ezekiel Luminance and kill him! That will remove the temptation of handing him over and ensure that he cannot be used to free the Brood.” The eyes of the Grand Scholars all widened in shock at the shift in the Remnant’s choice. “At the same time, as many Void Hunters as possible will be brought to me. I will begin training them as fast as possible, to get them strong enough to reinforce the seal. Wolken or Strom will also remain here indefinitely, while the others will move to hunt down the enemies within Quintessa. That will be all!”

The Grand Scholars all flinched as the Void Remnant raised its voice. Its mana pressure cracked the reinforced stone walls, and with a flicker it disappeared. The Artifact that was projecting it shattered with explosive force.

“You heard it! Send word to all the Guilds and Churches. Recall both Strom and Wolken to reorganize our forces and begin tracking down the ones that will be destroying our cities.” Wilma stood from her seat and began giving orders. “If you don’t like it, leave! Word will be spread regarding your betrayal.”

Silence fell upon the room, and the Scholars could do nothing but watch as their leader left. Her threat had been left hanging in the air. All of them would need to make a choice.

Ultimately, it didn’t matter what decision they made, since the will of the Void Remnant would be fulfilled either way.

----------

Unaware of the turmoil happening around the world. The decisions made by his friends and family, as well as the choices made both for and against him, two masters of the Void experienced the lives of the Spirits that came before them.

There was a constant flow of memories and emotions tied to a multitude of events.

The life of a small Cavern mouse was the first and fastest life he experienced.

It was strange to him. The sensation of being born from the earth itself. Taking shape within a simple stone, and not knowing what to do beyond gather mana for months on end.

Endless fear plagued his mind, as other Spirits much bigger and more powerful than himself were ever present. It was something he had thought he was familiar with.

His own past as a Tier one Mage facing off against Legends in a courtroom momentarily passed through his mind. Yet the sheer scope and scale of difference in this memory was greater.

Worse yet was the sensation of being hunted, having no support, and always having to flee. Never resting, never waiting. Simply eating when he could and running at all other times.

This life continued, for years, decades, until finally, a powerful Legendary Cavern snake dug through the earth, far faster than his own body, now Tier three after years of hardships, could move.

There was a squeezing sensation. His whole body hurt, as did his soul.

A muffled ‘pop’ filled his ears, only for him to realize that it had been his head.

For a moment, he felt his mana fade away, pulled from his body by the much larger and more powerful Spirit. Only for his vision to go dark, and for him to pull away from the glittering tree in front of him. His mind in a panic, and his mana flaring wildly.

----------

Ezekiel didn’t know where he was. He didn’t know who he was. Scenes from a life that wasn’t his settled into his mind and soul. As did the thoughts, feelings, and everything else that was stored in the tree as a remnant of the soul of the Spirit he had temporarily been.

The shock of his life and death was so great that the area around him was torn to shreds, with several of the massive trees that protected this grove crying out in pain. A response to the large gashes that now lined their trunks.

“What--!” a heavy impact to the side of his head sent him flying, and he was bound in the branches of one of the trees.

He found that he could no longer breathe. But not because his body was being constricted. Instead, he was able to flail freely, and a bloating sensation filled him as he found his lungs stuffed to the brim with air.

His heart raced, and his vision went dark. The world went cold, but nothing he did seemed to let him escape. Instead, he could do nothing but tire himself out.

Slowly, as his mind settled from a lack of stimulating sensations, and his body grew tired from lack of fresh air, his body calmed down. Something flowed into his mouth. A liquid that filled him with warmth, some sort of Life magic elixir, and as light returned to his vision, he remembered who he was.

“I am Ezekiel... Void Hunter, and Mythical being. Herald of the Void.” The words were correct, but didn’t feel right, and as the fog lifted from his mind, he recited the [Truth].

“I am the Trailblazer that Creates a New Path!”

There was a pulse of mana as his [Truth] was made known to the world. An angry rumble filled the sky, as if it did not approve of him, but he couldn’t care less.

“How long was I out for?” he asked the air, knowing that Brun would hear him.

“A few weeks, but not even a month.” There was a hint of laughter that Ezekiel could hear in the Spirit’s voice. “Your partner was in there for far less time, having woken up a week ago. They were much less destructive than you, but also seemed to gain much more as well. They are Step two now.”

A flash of pride filled Ezekiel, and he reached out through his bond with Shine. The feelings he got back were of anxious worry and happiness.

“I see... Did anything interesting happen while we were out?” That had been one of his most pressing concerns.

“Nope. Wolken and Strom stopped by the day you entered the memories, but nothing happened otherwise. They left when it was explained that you would be remaining here until you were strong enough to actually do something.” This time Brun actually chuckled, some sort of inside joke that Ezekiel didn’t get.

But the feeling in his gut told him that Brun was hiding something.

“... If you say so.” standing up from his position lying on the ground, he began walking back toward the grove, but not to the Tree of Memories. “I’m going to meditate for a bit, then return. Now that I know what to expect, I probably won’t cause such problems when I wake up again.”

For the moment, he decided that he would let the Tempest Spirit have his secrets. Though, that wouldn’t stop him killing his way out if it turned out to be necessary.

With a silent displacement of air, Shine [Jumped] to his side from wherever they had been.

A sense of comfort filled them both, having experienced several years apart from one another, without their bond present to reassure them of each other's existence.

Entering the tree, the two settled down onto a comfortable bed grown from the ground and told each other of their experiences. A nagging sensation that they both ignored poked at the back of their minds. One that they couldn’t do anything about. At least for now.