The Power of The Unknown

Kingdom of the Elves, Vegas Fortress

" How is the report looking? What is our current situation?"

"The Northern area is secure, no prospect of enemies at all. Neither elves nor monsters have been sighted."

" Nothing new to report in the west. The hunting unit has had no incidents recorded, no disturbances in their work."

" On the east, there are indications of fresh enemies. Approximately half a day's march distant, corpses of animals and these ferocious hybrid creatures have been sighted. Their blood trails lead further away from the accident site. Most likely, a fight broke out among them which resulted in casualties on both sides. Based on the blood traces and halved cadavers, we can assume that some of the monsters survived."

" In that case, a small squad of you will be positioned outside the fortress for surveillance. If there are any signs of danger, you will report back immediately. If things get too risky, you'll retreat, we will not take any chances. And the situation in the south?"

"No reports have been made in that regard. They haven't returned here yet..."

It was most strange that their elite forces took longer than a day. Never before had they been delayed in 5 years of operations.

"We shall wait until tomorrow morning. Should none of them arrive by then, we will call in a search party. In the meantime, everyone will stay at their posts, tonight the soldiers will take over the guard. However, if you remain restless, you are free to join them. But keep in mind tomorrow will be a long day, fatigue will affect your stamina, so think carefully about your decision. Whoever performs poorly will not participate in the next mission."

The fortress withstood whatever the enemy threw at it. Even when Vega and her troops returned home there was no sign of any attacks or damage to the walls and buildings. However, it wasn't long before they noticed enemies approaching for a very long time. Again, it was elves, though now liberated from Yrasil's dominion. But even Vega quickly realized that in spite of their own thinking, they devoted themselves to the deeds and ideas of their deceased ruler. This was a sad sight that enraged the leader. Whatever she did, she failed to make her father proud, or at least not from her point of view. It was once a peaceful home which welcomed travelers, but now it was a symbol of resistance against the deluded of her kind.

On this night, she dreamed of her father as she did so many times lately. His peaceful voice supported her in times of struggle despite the war being over. Unlike Carleen, she had hope that time would make the wounds and blind hatred disappear. Together with the thoughts of father, she clung to this belief.

("Am I doing the right thing father? Would you have done the same? Does what I am holding on to really have meaning?")

She suddenly woke up and glanced out of one of the windows. She watched her men going about their normal orderly guard duties. Many of them were exhausted, tired from the voyage and the scenes of war they had to witness, and yet everyone was doing his best. Their loyalty and resolve inspired confidence in their leader's past and following decisions.

As she was about to go to bed again, she spotted a bright glow in the southern region. With each passing second, the light spread until it abruptly halted and extinguished. The soldiers too observed this unbelievable event. None of them really knew what it meant, but all of them were put on alert. Vega headed for the wall and awaited further glows. She saw a broad cluster of air on the horizon rushing in her direction.

"GET OFF THE WALL! TAKE COVER IN THE HOUSES!"

In the next instant, a huge blast wave slammed into the thick south wall. It shook the structure, stones began to crack but despite minor damage in the upper area, it withstood. Besides Vega, her bodyguards were already standing by, waiting for her order.

" Check for injuries. Tell the remaining soldiers to treat them and bring them to the barracks, safety is top priority."

It suddenly lit up briefly right outside their gate until a voice spoke up.

"I see, a type of defense. Taking cover behind objects to gain time for escape or offense...interesting yet in a way cowardly."

Vega stood on the wall and saw who was standing in front of the fortress. A man, unarmed with golden armor was watching the structure curiously.

" Cover in all directions, a reassurance around the state of one' s people...it holds potential."

"I don't know who is standing before me, but I am sure he is responsible for the lightshow off in the distance. By what purpose did you come here?"

"It is true that I am the source of that act, but you' re more concerned with the implications, aren't you? The reason I am here...to learn about this world, to put its principles and understanding to the test..."

" Then I take it that you are not from around here. With what intent do you give your answer?"

"Hoho, an eloquent one...I am fond of you. My intention after that test... there is only one answer: domination, domination over all that exists. Only so can I attain all the wisdom, can seize the concepts of this world into my hands and alter and shape them according to my image. Such is the answer of the emperor."

"Of a delirious emperor. A single man who wants to rule over everything, to dominate all with his power...such a thing is fundamentally impossible. Even the most powerful being cannot stop the world' s proceedings. A total dominion over everything is unattainable in this context."

" By that interpretation, you are speaking the truth. However, there is one thing you are mistaken about: the processes of this world can be ceased. The mightiest being has the power to shape this world even without all its knowledge. Impurities will arise, but these are matters that can be easily resolved. Besides, time is not my enemy and limits of nothingness. But enough with words, actions will seal the judgment faster. Count yourselves honored to be the first token of my reign."

Before she could answer, the sky above the fortress cracked open. Horrified, she witnessed the strange man's power. All the soldiers were frozen, none of them was able to speak even a single word, forced to watch the inevitable.

Feel humbled to have seen my face, the face of Malignus, Emperor of the Sky. Marvel at my power, in front of another trial to this world!"

Those were the last words Vega received from Malignus before a huge blast obliterated her legacy. It was one great testament to the power of the Celestial Emperor that would be followed by many more....

The morning after, North of the fortress.

"Get up Ellie, we gotta keep moving!"

"Ugh, I know we're in a hurry but I feel so weak without sufficient sleep."

"No wonder, it' not a requirement for survival in Evos. You' ll have to get used to it."

They both resumed their journey south until Ellie stopped again.

"Let me take a break for a minute, my legs are about to fall off."

"ELLIE, WE DON'T HAVE TIME! EVERY SECOND IS PRECIOUS!"

She had never seen Leo so worried. His serious piercing gaze reminded her of the moment she brought up Syra in front of Leo. However, Ellie wasn't going to let the man undermine her.

"THEN TELL ME WHY THOSE SECONDS ARE PRECIOUS! DANGER HERE, DANGER THERE. WHAT EXACTLY IS IT THAT WE ARE HURRYING FOR?! JUST SAY IT, WHAT IS THERE TO LOSE?!"

Leo knew she was right. He himself did not have anything to be lost, but neither did he want to change Ellie's perception of Evos just yet. Nevertheless, the inevitable moment had come. If he would continue to keep it a secret, she would soon be going her own way.

So he sat beside her and told her everything.

"You know that Syra is responsible for the creation of beings, that it is supposed to be her so called "destiny". Having said that, there is away to replicate her process to a certain extent.

"What does that mean? Everyone knows that she is in charge of the creation process. How is it possible to copy her destiny?"

"You heard what I did in Evos, or at least tried to do. But have you ever asked yourself why?"

" Everybody knows your actions over there. You wanted to strip Syra of her purpose, to rob her to be able to use it yourself. You would have ended up killing her to some extent by doing so."

"You are all mistaken, I never intended to be anything more than I am. Are you really of the belief that her existence is tied to this seeming 'destiny'? No one knows for sure, even your teacher Alastor is unsure what would happen. You disciples have no idea what a luxury you have. You may enter this world, often more than once. Even Alastor knows its history, after all, he is partly responsible for it, just as Noxus is. Yet what about Syra? Despite the eternity she spends maintaining the population of this world, she has never gotten a glimpse of even a single one of her pieces. You say my actions would have killed her to some extent, but she has long been dead inside.

Her restrictions are cruel: she is not allowed to cross over...at least not in her regular state."

Ellie became silent for a moment. Her expression showed remorse as well as sadness right up until she realized his words.

"So that's why you tried to get her to-"

"Yes, I tried to save her from this cage. I had the help of Noxus in the process, he was able to adopt her power in part even if only for a moment. Thus, there was hope that perhaps she might have a chance to see this world as an "incomplete" component, if only for a mere moment. However, my hope was shattered as a barrier to the portal appeared in front of her. While Noxus was successful in absorbing her ability for a moment, it was to no avail, it wasn't enough. In the end, I only made things worse, sinking her spirit and drawing the hatred of all of Evos towards me for this endeavor."

"You tried to oppose the impossible...why did you go so far?"

"... You wouldn't understand it yet..."

"This fact, however, does not explain why we are in a hurry here. Surely you don't intend to make such an absurd attempt again, do you?"

"No, the reason lies with Noxus himself. He was enabled to make use of this slight portion of Syra's abilities momentarily without restraint. Alastor didn't tell you about why I'm here, did he?"

"No, he didn't discuss you. I figured you got kicked out of Evos because of what you did, didn't you?"

"No, it was for a completely different reason. You are aware of what Noxus is going to do to this world soon?"

Ellie knew of his responsibilities and the things Noxus was able of.

"He's not going to try an overdrive, is he?! There's never been anything like this before!"

" There has never been so many abnormalities either. His work is constantly rising and nearly reached its maximum. Alastor still sends his students on explorations in this world but not nearly as often and for as long as it used to be. That's why it's even worse and more tragic that you''ve escaped. While it is true that Noxus has his eye on an overdrive, I managed to buy some time. There is one way to stop his measure: Prove to him that all the major errors aren't purely of this world, that they aren't completely due to the "course" it has taken. And with everything I have witnessed lately, we are on the right path. The fact that people turn into monsters or that magic can still be invoked despite being nullified is proof enough. But proof is not adequate without finding the culprit. As far as he is concerned, the overdrive will save him the trouble. Why do additional work when everything can simply be destroyed and remade? Efficiency is his top priority, and even if anomalies arise after the overdrive, he has plenty of time to investigate the source of the problem right from the start. It saves efforts by carrying out the annihilation and re-creation of all beings. It may be a normal thing for him to wipe something out, but death is significant to all the beings in this world. In favor of me, he allowed me time but maintained a certain amount of his influence. By using Syra's abilities, he was able to design beings with the potential to eradicate this world by themselves, they would do the work for him. These are his four "pillars", entities that transcend beyond all. The implementation of these four has begun. And if I remember correctly, Malignus was the first one he was able to complete. This is everything I can remember about it. As to how exactly he approaches things, what exactly his particular goal is...I have no idea. Noxus himself can't give them orders, but at least he can influence their personality. Considering Noxus objective, I wouldn't be surprised if they all have their sights set on world domination."

Ellie was taken completely off guard with all of the information Leo was giving her. She understood the gist of it and why he was worried.

"But how do you know it started, that he unleashed his first creation? Did you assist him with the production, by any chance?"

"I didn't, its design is solely his work. Nevertheless, I can't say that I'm not in part responsible for it. After all, it was I who convinced him of my plan to rescue Syra, ultimately it was because of me that he obtained the possibility to build these pillars. Therefore, it is even more crucial that I can feel their presence. However, I can't predict how powerful they really are, we'll have to find out for ourselves.

"And this Malignus has been released in the southern part of this kingdom...but how do you know that he is even powerful? Noxus alone couldn't possibly give him power."

"That is correct, your teacher is the one in charge of that. Alastor would never say no to a new addition to his laboratory or a test of his progress. Thus, he gave him a hand, or at least a part of his assistance. At the time, he didn't know that his one experiment was intended for this use. Although he's probably blaming himself right now, he ultimately wasn't to blame for this situation."

" So he did give Malignus powers? Then again, every student knows about his abilities and creations, after all, we are his supporters. I may not be the brightest student but perhaps I am able to understand and analyze his powers. He has to have a weak point."

"I'm afraid that no one really holds much information on his strengths. Noxus would never deploy these creatures if he wasn't convinced of their utility and power. We should expect the worst."

"Still, Alastor knows best what he has bestowed upon them. If we can contact him, he can help us."

Leo appreciated her optimism but he knew that it was in vain.

"Ellie...do you know what a stigma is?"

"Stigma...he has mentioned this term before but did not give us any explanation."

"Yeah, I thought so. To be honest, there's no proper definition for stigmas. They' re a mixture of various pre-existing components of magic combined with his imperfect attempts at experimentation."

"That can't be, he would never let others even near his unfinished experiments!"

" Not even if Noxus gives him the chance or orders him to do it? You see, Alastor is also bound to certain matters."

"No... there's no way he would... never act so recklessly as that..."

"He had neither the knowledge nor probably even a choice. While he didn't have specifics on stigmas, they still shared certain traits. Fundamentally, Stigmatas are modes of abilities and skills perfectly customized to one individual, no one else is able to use them. Due to the fact that they can't really be given a definition of their detailed abilites you actually can't call them pure magic, they're unpredictable in every way."

" I don't see how that can be.. that means they don't have a limit either?"

"Not according to the previous conception. However, since we know it is a result of fragmented fusions, it is extremely unstable. This might be our advantage, if we succeed in damaging it, both the stigma itself and its user might be destroyed."

"To fight an unpredictable and immeasurable powerful threat... it's insanity."

"And yet we have no choice but to attempt this insanity . You can hate me for leading you into the dark, possibly into an abyss, but I feel that you can help. Originally I was going to force you to do this, but that's a mistake, so now that you know all about it, you are free to either stay with me or stay out of this fight."

It was a lot for Ellie to process. On one side was an almost theoretically impossible fight, on the other was a journey on her own packed with both current and possibly new dangers.

"Ugh, why am I only ever given two bad options? Then what about Darian...is he even alive with all that bad news?"

"Darian, so that's his name. If he's really still in his transformation phase, chances are very good that he's still around. Nevertheless, there is a problem: I can make out the presences of people from Evos nearby, but the tremendous presence of Malignus keeps me from using the ability on others. Unless you have more specific information about him or can feel his aura, we're running in the dark."

" I can determine his whereabouts within a certain radius. Alastor has made sure that each group is equipped with magical sensors. That way, we can prevent any individuals from getting lost."

"And you disabled yours for that reason and purposely ran away...you know, If you ever go back to Evos, you can expect a whole lot of angry stares. Although you may not have had bad intentions, you ultimately betrayed Alastor's trust...not that I'm really allowed to judge anyone. Anyway, I suppose to locate his sensor you'll have to reactivate yours, don't you?"

"Only if I''m close to him, and only briefly. When I leave it activated, they soon know where to look. I'm still holding on to my wish: I want to stay in this world longer, with someone important to me."

This was a big problem for Leo. Ellie had a device that might be of great use in case of emergency and just wanted to use it for her own purpose.

"While I do respect your wish I will say one thing: Should things go out of hand and our efforts aren't enough I will use that sensor to seek support. Like I said, I dont think Evos can help us with these dangers and I don't want Noxus to know where exactly I am, I consider this sensor as a possible last resort. If I die then all the efforts are in vain and the world is doomed. I need to seize every possible opportunity even those which will hurt my plans."

"We'll see. You won't steal my hope!"

"I presume this means our journey is not over yet...thank you Ellie."

After the short break, their path was further into the heart of the kingdom. Off in the distance they both saw that the forest suddenly ended, it looked like a huge clearing. Leo didn't remember any such place on this path. Recalling their time of travel and the route in his mind, he remembered what was nearby and its surroundings. All of a sudden he shifted into his awakening, took his sword and dashed towards the clearing.

"Hey, what are you doing?! Will you wait for me!"

When Leo caught sight of what the clearing really contained he couldn't, in fact, wouldn't believe his eyes. Once Ellie arrived, she too saw what was not far away.

"Wow, what happened here? It's all wrecked."

"We're too late, the disaster has begun..."

Stretching out in front of the two were the remnants of the fortress no one has ever been able to conquer. Pieces of timber and rubble covered the ground, there was nothing left of any buildings. The ground was stained black all over with wood that looked scorched. Underneath all the remains, Leo spotted the remains of the soldiers.

"Ellie, help me remove the beams, maybe there are survivors."

However, Leo quickly realized that it all seemed like the worst. Their lifeless bodies had been completely charred and their faces were barely recognizable.

"What the hell happened to them? It looks like a bomb hit here."

"No bomb has the explosive power to do this. This place is simply burned down, everything is unrecognizable, and there are deep holes in the ground. I think Malignus has started his plot. He most likely went straight west, the trees have been destroyed in this direction."

"Then we must move on, there is nothing left to save here. Look at the remains, nothing left alive in this place."

"Wait, let's search once all around. All may not be lost."

By Leo's expression, she realized he cared more about this place than she thought. Both of them walked all around the piles looking for signs of life. All they found were more bodies of soldiers. Already believing that all were dead, Ellie unexpectedly began to hear a rustling under one of the piles.

"Leo, something's going on here."

Even Leo heard the sound and cleared the large pile. At first they found more dead people, from their build Leo recognized the Vegas elite troops. Eventually, he heard a slight groan among the corpses. Upon seeing the eyes, Leo knew who it was: Vega. Her guards were protecting her no matter what.

("Their loyalty was to the death, they saved her.")

"Ellie, come help me clear the body. Her breath is weak but it's still there."

She complied with his request but the sad look on her face told everything.

"Leo...this is not going to work. Just look at her body, it's a miracle she still has the strength to breathe. It's best if you put her out of her misery, I'm sorry."

He glanced at Vega again. Her skin was charred, with only her eyes visible. She was trying to speak but only a faint sound came out of her mouth. Leo understood that she was suffering in this state, and that Ellie was right. Then he saw something shining on Vega, it was the pendant her father left her. It was the only part of her that was virtually undamaged. Contemplating for a moment, Leo spoke to Ellie.

" Step back a little bit from her body. Never tell a soul what's about to happen, always carry it within you."

"What do you mean by that? Tell me what you're going to do Leo!"

"Paying back a favor, I'm going to grant her a little time."

He removed his black thin gloves and placed his hand on Vega's body. A mark on the back of his hand lit up and made her body glow. A few seconds later, her body and clothes returned to their normal state. Still, she remained unable to move or speak. Meanwhile, Ellie couldn't believe her eyes. She was looking at Leo, completely terrified.

"You...who are you? The capacity of restoration...no one ought to be able to do that. No one in Evos is capable of this, what exactly are you?"

"I don't actually have that ability, take a look at her. All I've done is restore her appearance. Effectively, not much has changed on her internal wounds, she's going to die soon in this condition."

" Nevertheless, it doesn't make any sense. The only person who has such knowledge is Alastor. The fact that you are even capable of the slightest approach makes you extremely suspicious. She was almost dead, there was no way to save her. It should not be possible for you to do this, you should not be able to function like this."

"Now calm down Ellie and listen to me. I have told you that Alastor stores unfinished creations in order to test them later, at least."

After a moment's confusion, she realized what he was getting at.

"You don't mean that you were his specimen?! You' re lying, it goes against his number one rule: no experimenting on anyone in Evos. You must have stolen it, I knew you were after her abilities!"

"What are you talking about, you moron?! If I really wanted to do that, I would have done it much differently and sneaky. I don't want to crush your ideal image of your mentor, but even he has things that he keeps to himself. Besides, I decided to do it of my own free will, practically forced him to try it on me."

"I just can't believe this! What the fuck is even true anymore? Suppose you are telling the truth and were a test subject for him, what other kind of abilities do you possess?"

"It doesn't matter now. You want to keep arguing here and have her death on your conscience, or are we going to move on? As time goes on, you'll get your answer to that question."

He stood up and looked at the sky.

("I beseech thee, thou art my wing, cometh to me Yoreu").

An orange star appeared in the blue sky and grew in size. With a shrill screech ringing through the forest, the trees shook back and forth until it slammed into the ground next to Ellie and Leo. As the dust cleared, a huge black bird faced Leo and Ellie. With yellow eyes, it screamed at the man who reached out his hand. The huge creature bowed its head and allowed Leo to stroke it. He then glowered at Ellie and started screaming at her as well.

"Don't worry, she's a friend. I need your help, we gotta get west as soon as possible. A great danger awaits there, remember what to do Yoreu. Brace yourself Ellie, things will speed up from here on."

Leo picked up Vega and carefully placed her on the bird's back. Next, Ellie reluctantly mounted it and held on tightly to the feathers.

" Why couldn't you have done something like this sooner? Then none of this would have happened!"

"I didn't even know if he would listen to my command. Besides, he would never have shown up if Malignus was around. He's not stupid, he knows if his life is in grave danger. We are lucky he is here now, the chances of Vega's survival and much less destruction improve."

They took off and flew directly toward the capital. Flying above the clouds, Ellie had no idea where precisely they were or how Yoreu was able to navigate. A mere hour later, they abruptly began their descent. A golden light slowly appeared behind them with a bright beam of light heading straight for Yoreu. He dodged the attack, but more followed close behind. His speed increased, but the light caught up with him. One of the attacks struck the bird on its right wing. The wound began to sparkle and paralyze the whole wing. Screaming in pain, it was forced to land. At the same time, this caused them to become completely visible. Further blasts shot in their direction, yet this time were shattered before impact. Leo put a barrier around Yoreu and shielded them for the time being. Just before hitting the ground, they lost control and crashed into a field. The barrier shattered yet at the same time cushioned their fall. All three passengers were fine, but Yoreu's wound was spreading all over his body.

"Shit, what's happening to him? The wound is becoming bigger and bigger, if this keeps up he's going to end up dead."

Whilst Ellie panicked and tried to think of a solution, she noticed Leo checking on Vega's condition.

"What's wrong with you?! Don't you see that your pet is about to die?! Unless we do something about it we're about to lose him!"

"Don't worry Ellie, he's fine. Such wounds are no trouble for him."

"No trouble...are you blind!? This doesn't look like it at all! I can't fathom that you just ignore him! Don't you care at all what happens after he helped us?"

"You worry too much Ellie. We were ballast for him but now he is free to soar. You see, Yoreu isn't just a giant bird, he's much more than that."

("Thank thee for thy deed, thy time is at hand.")

Suddenly, the black feathers ignited into huge blazing flames. His entire body caught fire, the wound being completely shredded by the fire as two long tails emerged.

Ellie knew only one creature who resembled Yoreu in this state.

"A Phoenix...in this world...how is such a thing possible?"

"Well, by now you should know that nothing is truly impossible."

A gateway opened right above the creature, sending a large beam of light shooting straight at Yoreu. However, the bird launched burning feathers at it, which absorbed the attack. Then suddenly, a loud voice resounded.

"I see my defense is futile against beings of your caliber... most intriguing. I understand that you are out to get me - Emperor Malignus, Sentinel of the Celestials. I shall treat this as your greeting, I am waiting for you in the core of this territory. Prove to me not all beings of this world are feeble."

Yet another portal was opening in front of them, this time displaying no hostile aura. Once Ellie looked closer, she saw the image of a city, the capital of the elves. It was an invitation from Malignus, he didn't want to waste any more time for his curiosity.

"What should we do now Leo? It' s probably a trap or an illusion."

"I don't think he would use such cheap tricks. You' ve heard him, that pride and arrogance in his voice. He wants to fight in person, against an enemy that may match his strength. Moreover, we have no choice, Vega's condition is getting worse and time is running out. It's a direct route to him, though I don't think he can control the entire city. There has to be a way to get her to some place safe. So this is the last chance to turn away Ellie, if you step through with me there is no turning back, a big struggle lies ahead which could cost you your life in no time."

"I already made my decision, I'm not as helpless as you think."

"I see..."

("Yoreu, thy servitude is hereby ended, much thanks for thy help.")

But the bird would not leave his side. The creature was determined to assist Leo.

("This fight is erratic. As long as I don't know what exactly we're up against, I refuse to let you risk your life! I gave you an order Yoreu!")

Leo's eyes lit up as the bird screamed at him. Reluctantly, the beast departed and flew up into the sky until it was out of sight.

"Why did you send him away? He would have been a great help to us."

"I don't want to see him gone so easily. He's inexperienced, just a child inside. I know he'd get in our way, and I'm not going to make him die a foolish death."

"You must have a lot of confidence in your abilities if you pass up on these types of chances..."

Carrying Vega's body on their shoulders, the three of them entered the portal. In an instant, they indeed found themselves at the gates of the city. Within a second, they had covered half a day's walk.

"Don't just stand there, it's time you show me your determination...Leo."

"How does he know your name?"

"Because his skills specialize in it. Just have a look around."

Everywhere outside the city appeared more portals showing images of other areas.

"I guess I know exactly what he's capable of. These various gateways, how much control he has of them and their types...he holds the power of spatial control."

" Spatial control?! What do you mean spatial control?! That would be way beyond any comprehension of this world."

"Have you forgotten what his origins are? It was obvious that he wouldn't possess an ordinary ability, though to be able to control space...what was Noxus thinking...?"

"You dare make the Emperor wait any longer?!"

Two more portals opened up behind them with rays of light streaming towards them. Their only way to avoid was to enter the city gate and confront Malignus. Seeing the city from the inside, at first glance not much had changed: the houses were undamaged, there was no sign of any big devastation.

("What's his plan for this place, is he not bent on wreaking havoc?")

"How many streets does this town have? What are we supposed to do to find our way around here?"

All of a sudden, the ground beneath them began to shine and cave in.

"Ellie, take her and hide in one of the houses. Unless I fight him, he won't stop using this."

"And what's safe here? He can easily spot us anywhere!"

"Not if he requires all his powers for himself. Now get going!"

"Damn it, why am I even listening to your fucking orders?!"

Leo directed the light on himself and allowed Ellie to escape. Even though she was slow due to her strength, the girl managed to carry Vega into one of the houses. The home was empty, yet the table was set. It was a reminder of the tragedy that had taken place here for a long time.

Meanwhile, Leo eventually faced his first of the major obstacles. His path to Malignus was paved with corpses, the city giving a completely lifeless appearance. Intrigued, Malignus inspected his opponent.

"You...your scent is different. You do not possess the stench I have been smelling up to this point. Thine origin is out of this dimension. Hahahaha, so exciting, your aura can be sensed all the way here. At last, an opponent that is worthy of me, Emperor Malignus."

" Since when did you arrive in this world? Tell me, what else have you been doing?"

"Hmm, you'll get those answers...but only if you impress me. Now this is the first big test, the testimony of my strength and the worthiness to become the master of the space. Marvel in the face of my unbridled power!"

The golden armor lit up, his countenance disappeared behind a big dragon-shaped helmet. The eyes flashed red as Malignus wielded a golden spear in his hand. Additional portals opened around Leo, shooting out chains and pure energy. Leo invoked a barrier around himself to be able to focus on his opponent. It was a battle between spear and sword. Both were equal in talent, but Malignus had greater strength than Leo.

("Tsk, how much did they feed him?").

In addition to the assaults, Leo perpetually kept an eye on the further outside strikes. The strength of the barrier diminished with time. Malignus got tired of Leo's passive stance, his speed accelerated leaving Leo no chance to catch his breath. It was a similar fight against Yrasil and yet so different. Malignus' fighting style kept changing, he was combining each of his attacks in a new technique.

"Is that what it takes to wake you up? You have dared to stand in front of me without using your full strength, you are truly a dishonorable warrior. The more I look at you the more I can feel the fire boiling inside me, there is no value to your existence!"

More attacks crashed into him but this time not on his body but solely on the barrier. This plan caused Malignus to become inattentive for a moment. Thus Leo succeeded in a direct hit on the helmet. A piece broke off and revealed his red glowing eye.

"You...I made a mistake. After all, it takes more to defeat you. Take pride in landing a hit on me. Now, however, there will be an end to this miserable performance!"

The portals turned blood red and flashed at intervals. No chains or light beams shot out this time, Malignus used exactly the opposite. The portals were now being fed by magical energy of the environment. As a result, Leo was slowly but surely stripped of his powers from all sides. There was no escape wherever he went. Ever more portals closed and opened back up right before his eyes. Feeling tired and exhausted, he had no choice but to parry before his enemy finally broke through his defenses. With a thrust of his spear, Malignus struck him right in the side. Leo stepped back and inspected the wound. It wasn't deep yet showed immediate effect. Before long, Leo suddenly collapsed. His awakening was interrupted and he was forced to let his guard down.

"So that's your limit, you have failed to meet my expectations. Now pay the price for your weakness!"

Chains shot out of the portals, binding Leo by his arms and legs. Malignus gave him one last look before punching him hard in the face. Then a ball of flames shot in Malignus' direction. By the time it actually reached only a small burst of flame was left over. Ellie tried to help Leo but without effect.

"Hahahaha, is that all your companion got? A puny little flicker? It's a shame that such a lowly creature like you has survived this long. Or is it because of this wimp that your heart is still beating? I welcome the time for your intervention. Now either your friend reveals what he is still capable of or he will drown in despair before dying at my hands. Thy time is done, begone knowing thou hast no power at all!"

"Ellie, stop this and run! You can't fight him!"

"Shut up! You're the one who can' do anything. Hell, even if I ran, he'd find me!"

"Hoho, not as stupid as I thought. At least you learned something before your demise."

Again Ellie tried to attack him but her unfinished unrefined attacks had no impact.

(" Dammit, I should have paid more attention in class!").

Three fields of light emerged around Ellie, a louder noise booming in her ears.

("What was it like again? First this way and then this way...").

She managed to erect a small barrier. Within the next moment, however, it shattered before her eyes. Malignus was toying with her, wanting to make her feel her hopelessness with his power.

"Now vanish for good, this one will soon follow!"

"FUCK, ELLIE!"

The lights became brighter until beams of energy shot at Ellie from all sides. She closed her eyes and waited for the impact.

("He's right. If only I hadn't been so weak...I'm sorry...")

Malignus gazed in her direction as the beams suddenly began to reflect in all directions. The energy faded and silence returned.

"Well, that truly was the final second. That sort of thing normally only happens in tales."

"We would have been much faster, if Master hadn't held us up so long."

"Who...are you?"

"Former comrades-in-arms of his. We still had to do him a favor."

Standing to Ellie's left and right were two former friends and archenemies who had united by a single truth, fellow soldiers of the war against Yrasil's tyranny: Ryu and Hiyun.

"You over there, you're a pretty strong one, the way you've got him in your grasp. How about us instead of disgracefully targeting a helpless girl?"

"Hey, I'm not helpless."

"But it certainly did look like that, young lady."

"Two more of this world... yet hardly strong enough to take me on. I applaud you, you've managed to piss me off. If you desire your death so badly, I will grant that wish!"

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a dagger was stuck in Malignu's chest. He couldn't believe what he saw as he looked at his own blood.

"Hehe, wishes hardly ever come true in this dimension. Allow me to have some fun playing with you."

"Man, why does he always have to put on such an act...?"

"You really still asking yourself this question after all these years Hiyun?"

Suddenly, more daggers shot towards Malignus. As he fended one off, the next one was already hurtling towards him.

"Enough with these tricks! Show yourself to the emperor, you coward!"

"Easy now, big fella. This battle isn't going to run away from us after all. Why don't we let the spectators leave first?"

Malignus noticed that his three victims were out of sight. Enraged, he fired energy continuously in all directions. The whole city soon appeared as if hundreds of bombs had been dropped.

"I WILL CRUSH YOU ALL! ONCE I AM DONE WITH HIM I, EMPEROR MALIGNUS, WILL MAKE YOU SUFFER FOR ALL ETERNITY!"

" Rest assured, my ears are suffering right now from this shouting. Is making loud noises your specialty? Better show me if your talk has any merit!"

An old man with a gray beard dressed in white appeared in front of them. He ripped the chains in two with his bare hands. Afterwards, he flicked his finger against Leo's forehead.

"Fool, what are you thinking not stepping up properly? You might have really gotten killed!"

Then suddenly the chains on his legs broke apart as Leo's eyes lit up gold. Malignus was correct, his opponent really wasn't fighting at full power.

"Because I have been looking for a weak point. It was all fine until Ellie suddenly showed up."

" You know, from her point of view, she was just trying to help a helpless person. Would have been better to let her know what you were up to. Anyway, no matter now, summon your weapon and help me calm this barking dog."

On hearing these words, a spear shot directly in their direction. The man dodged it, took the weapon mid-flight and steered it back to its owner.

"A sneak attack by an "emperor"? Now who is the coward? Given such a move, I can go two-on-one in good conscience. On we go Leo, for real this time."

"Wait a minute, we can't just charge at him like that. You can't defeat him with regular attacks. There must be some kind of vulnerability!"

"We will find it by attacking him hahaha. Until that's done he will have no choice but to test his skills against me "Ordinary human Hector", no silly title. Hopefully my two students are watching, there's always something to learn."

("So he really is their master...Hector...he must be the one. Is it a coincidence that he's here or a sign from Evos? I have to find out!")