2 Prologue II: Broken Shackles

"The magic is pulsating with mana and running... That's good."

The speaker whispered onto himself while facing his palm against a fertile soil and caressed it for a while. Feeling the ecstasy of the swirling dense Magic activity and confirming its present condition.

"The spell is far from being broken or from its time of passing. As expected of the Ancient magic spell that belonged to the epoch of the Deities." The man muttered to himself and caressed the soil even more while giving himself a hearty sigh. "... The old man was truly correct..."

"There was indeed an old magic activity languishing beneath the notch."

With the affirmation of the Magic activity, the man nodded in satisfaction before he raised his hand off the loam of the world. He tucked his hood on before he started climbing- off this sixteen-meter deep crater. This deep inverted mound is not unique in this area as there are numerous craters as deep as this geological disposition splattered all around this field. Not only that but there are also shiny stones that pulsate with high amounts of Holy Element distributed around the open plains, and swirling berserk mana dancing around the air that is still apparently active even years and the battle have long passed.

After all, this is the final resting place of the Twelve Heroes against the almost unbeatable shape-shifting abnormality that a certain old man told him about.

Or the valley that deserved the name 'End of Deities' or Grimayus, derived from a sublime famous tale of the Wicked written years ago in the Kingdom of Triton.

After climbing a steep plane, the man finally arrived at the surface of the green crater-decimated plains that haven't yet flourished. No figures of beasts were found within miles, a single speck of flying leaves from tall trees nor grasses taller than waists. Only withered towering trees, geologically formed surface similar to that of a moon, and blooming bright flowers are only found in this vast expanse of green wastes. Such a waste of beautiful fertile plains, this could've looked better if there were farms around the area or any kind of man-made structures complimenting the excellence of this prairie.

In the books of the old people, the Grimayus Valley of the past contained a vibrant nature life, picturesque and lush woodland, home of pretty fairies and spirits. Everything was pure once in this area, tales and songs of the bards sing about the elegance and grandeur life that existed in this green mire.

Until the being was discovered and released its surging strength that turned the beauty into a spoiling marsh, and until it was defeated and sealed into the depths it regained its original green scenery.

The man took out a stone from his pockets and examined it twice. A blue box originating from the fascinating system of this world appeared above the stone and identified its properties immediately.

>> Alcatraz's Hearth Stone (Rank SSS+)

> "A carved material from the remains of the Soul-eating Dreadnaught, normally found in the chest area of the being. If overfed with Mana, it will release the contained profound power of the Soul-eating Dreadnaught within and reveal every Magic Spells ranking from F to SSS+ in a small area around the beholder. Will reveal the origins of the area and invalidate C+ rank magic incantation."

Although the box had appeared, the man was illiterate and couldn't read the note addressed within the box. He could only read simple things written in his status menu but reading elaborate words like this on the box was impossible for him. The box would only appear if the person had an Item appraisal, and the man had one in its possession, a rank D variant of Item Appraisal.

The stone was given by an old man back in an odd village that would disappear once you leave it... Or a lost village if one is to think of its odd properties.

The stone is quite mesmerizing and outstanding. It looked like a luxurious round glass stone with a lovely starry night sky swirling within it. Its appearance is so spellbinding and looked like it could fetch a fortune if one is to sell it to either the nobles or the King himself.

He could have bought himself a nobility if he wishes to sell such eccentric stone.

But the man didn't do so.

This was a gift, an invaluable gift that couldn't be replaced.

After all, once he sold such treasure... It couldn't be brought back.

… And the old man emphasized that he must put all of his life in this stone.

For it would judge the fate of his life once the Magic Activity beneath his feet cannot be felt anymore.

The village that he had gotten it from is the rumored 'Village of the Unknown'. A certain village or a phenomenon that would appear once in million years and where the dead souls of the old war that didn't manage to get up into the Holy Kingdom of Divine Star flock altogether. He was just lucky that he encountered the Village of the Unknown throughout his journey to the West of the Central Continent and lucky enough to get something out of it.

Since not everyone who encountered the Village of the Unknown managed to bring back an item or two outside its thick mysterious eerie mist.

He released some Magic power into the odd stone, a quarter pound of his total mana pool capacity. Upon feeding the stone, it brightened into beautiful purplish white light and twisted the atmosphere around him; Revealing the discrepancies within his area. All of once invisible swirling ancient mana revealed itself to the eyes of the young man, including the Magic Circle of the Ancient spell that rested beneath his feet. The craters are nowhere to be found all except flourishing imaginary wildlife made out of blue mana.

The antediluvian past unconcealed itself before the man. Albeit it is only made out of flickering blue mana particles.

"Astounding."

The man let out a gasp of admiration upon the sight, the scenery before him beaten the wonders of Magic Kingdom one to two, with the indescribable mysterious inscriptions of the old Magic Circle floating mid-way up in the air and the mysterious materialized Mana auras that made out of the reminiscence of the era of bygone.

The formerly invisible mana became visible to the eyes of this man, it looked like branches of trees entangling with each other and each time they made contact with other branches, they split and converge with other separate from other branches away from the one it made contact with. Such a fascinating marvel...

The scenery distorted and faded into the afternoon skies after a moment but that was enough for the young man to learn about the power of this stone.

"The power that this stone released is quite similar to that of Mana Congealment." He thought to himself and rubbed the stone twice with his hands. "I wonder how such stone would help me in the future."

The stone could reveal antiquated magic circles and even the history that belonged in the area.

… If by chance, the being that the old man spoke about is an entity belonging to that of the olden era. Then... Perhaps.

This stone is much more valuable than any thrones in the whole world combined. If that is the entity that he was told of is to arrive in this world, the fearful lunatic that defied the Gods and bring about the unprecedented catastrophe that almost every average folk is foreign around.

PACK.

Suddenly, a slam of armored gauntlet hammered his shoulders, breaking the train of his thoughts the instant he felt the pain.

What in the cock's name..? The man asked before examining the gauntlet at the corner of his eyes.

… He felt shocked the moment he saw the eccentric inverted golden cross symbol laid on the back of the owner's palm.

"Hey, you."

Looking at the source of the voice nervously. His forehead started to profusely raining sweat and his foot shaking, he knew once you have been caught by these people. You will wound up in either temporary jail or eternal damnation of being a slave. After all,

The speaker was clad in Church patrol armor, his head is covered by an iron bucket and his facial features are covered by an elegantly made visor of a golden cross.

These, these people are responsible for keeping the Grimayus Valley safe and sound away from the influence of the Demon race since the borders of the Demon race and Humanity are nearby in the East and they are also people who prevent illegal immigration from happening and passing through the tightly secured borders between their Kingdom of Alglorious and their enemy; Empire of Sunchaser.

… Of course, it is obvious that these people wouldn't just stop and prevent illegal immigrants from crossing the damned borders. I bet this person whose hand is slammed onto me right now, had at least enjoyed hundreds of each of immigrants' wives or daughters or even killed some of them just for fun.

Oh Shit, thinking about the possibilities of this group doing such inglorious deeds to the weak I might end up being slain by the hands of these maniacs. The man thought to himself before breaking a sweat. Not to mention they are equipped with magic imbued equipment such as the Aura-concealing and Sound suppressing wind magic spell. They are a force that cannot be detected with just senses alone.

And the man let his guard down, he has forgotten the Church patrols the plains regularly to prevent the immigration from happening on the other side as it is the safest route to cross the border since it lacked the presence of merciless demonic monsters.

"What was that magic spell earlier about..?" The armored church member said while gripping the shoulder of the man. "Surely, that wasn't some sort of suspicious contemporaneous 'witchery' that would weaken the lingering ancient Magic spell laid on this area. Am I right, or not..?"

The man bolted from the words of the church patrol member.

They could see it too..?

So it is not just only me... But others as well?

Then that would undoubtedly mean I attracted the attention of these people? Oh, god no... Activating the stone in this area is the worst decision ever made!!!

"Aa.. Yes- Yes, you are right. That was just, uh... Mana Congealment." The man muttered staggeringly, trying his best not to make eye contact of the church member as it'll only make him much more nervous and prevent him from making concrete lies. Even though nervousness has long risen inside his heart, he still managed to make his shaking knees stalwart and calm.

Mana Congealment, or the properties of his reason, has the same behavior as this stone as it temporarily changes all raw invisible mana into a solid state that could be absorbed as sustenance for one's use in ten breaths. Albeit less flashy than this one.

And he kept on thinking of possibilities to escape the grasps of these maniacs and unconsciously pumped adrenaline onto his veins.

He must live on, for the stone and the promise he made to the old man before he left the village.

… And to fulfill such a request. He must make amends.

"Alright. What would you say, mate?" The church member looked to his fellow. "That magic spell, what was it about? Did something happened to the state of the ever lingering ancient Magic Spell, tell me, yeah?"

"Can't recognize it. It's either an original or an ancient spell." The latter person said while shaking his head. "Although I recognize some of the parts of the activated magic spell since it was like a Magic Chimera-type spell. I think rank A Anti-Mana Congealment was also a part of it."

Anti-Mana Congealment??

Wait for a second... If that was the case, then... That would explain why I didn't get any mana from the surrounding visible swirling energies!

Anti-Mana Congealment may have similar properties of Mana Congealment, the only difference was that it prevents everyone in the area to temporarily consume the visible Mana, even if they use a Mana Congealment spell, and the other difference was. It is signified harder to cast and skies higher in tiers. The man deeply pondered on his thoughts, his expression became askew and stiff.

"Heh. What did you say earlier, a Mana Congealment, huh?" The church member who gripped the man's shoulders tightened his grasps even further, granting the person in question an irresistible groan of pain that made him fell weakly onto his knees. The church member that held the man removed its grip and stepped onto the ankles of the latter to prevent it from escaping. "Yeah right. As if that was a Magic spell Congealment, such unforgivable crime of lying to your maker is not tolerated!"

"... Sir. I think there's some sort of anomaly happening to the construct of Ancient Spell." The other church member suddenly spoke out and knelt down. "... Something... Strange?"

"Strange? In what way of strange?"

"It seems... to be in decline?"

"Care to elaborate?"

"... it is weakening sir." The latter person said in a tone with a slight incredulity.

Wea... Weakening!? Shock immediately took onto the figure of the held young man, although he is pained of his shoulder and could have escaped by casting wind magic to knock the church member out. He insisted on staying when he heard the other church member's words.

Words of the old man echoed through his ears once again. The rule he must not forget even though he is in peril.

*******

"Never forget the rule that you must follow thoroughly, even it causes your life to end for naught. Warn people about its return, prevent everything from coming in contact with the monster for it grows stronger every time it slays a living."

"And most importantly. Never trust anyone and everybody except yourself. Let me repeat myself, young lad. Do not ever trust anyone. Even the Church that patrols the Valley of Grimayus and even your Parents or Wife if ever you're taking them with you Never give faith in anyone, young lad. Never do."

*******

"And? Does that make any of importance-"

"You must warn others about the weakening!" The young man baffled out of the blue that interrupted the Church member's word. His words surprised both Church members a great deal. "This is dangerous, really dangerous!"

"... Dangerous?" The church member that held his shoulder tilted his head in confusion and pressed its soles harder onto the ankles of the latter person. "Oh. Yeah, really."

"What are you-!?"

"It's a dangerous matter that the Inquisition must get their hands on about." The church member said and gave the man a kick. "After all, if this matter is to be left loose, I doubt about the safety of our farms that sustain the living of our Holy Sanctuary of Divine Star."

GAH. The man groaned in pain and rolled around the grass before his face laid up against the scene of approaching church member. Fear suddenly rocketed inside him.

"Speak up, I don't care if the kick hurts or not. After all, that came from a powerful Level 32 like me." The church member bellowed aggressively and unsheathed his sword. "Or if you refuse, obviously, you will face death!"

They... They are definitely maniacs who kill people for fun!

Shit. I did the wrong decision of not knocking this person to his bum when he was stepping on my ankle... No, I could have knocked him down to his back for higher chances of escape!

I could have gained a chance of life with the fastest movement-type wind magic I had in my arsenal since they don't have a Magic Inhibitor Crystals with them. I could have run them out easily without breaking a sweat!

Damn my mother for granting me such awful decision making..! The man thought before he slowly crawled away from the church member and whispered his spell incantation, the Church member followed him slowly. As if he was waiting for the man's answer.

Since Church Members are known to be equipped with Magic Resist enchanted armor to make amends for their lack of magic power and sometimes carried a Magic Inhibiting Crystals, trying to burst them away with a non-combat magic element such as wind is like blowing a wisp of air to a boulder.

But... They aren't resistant to knockbacks.

And aren't resistant to balance toppling magic such as Wind Burst either, getting up from that heavy armor is like telling your grandmother to get up from her bed!

I must do this for the sake of the stone and my promise.

The promise I made must be achieved at all cost before the unkillable entity is resurrected! All hopes are lost if I am unable to restrain the entity from its conquest of attaining near infinite power!

"Won't speak? That's GOOD." The church member gave himself a laugh before he brandished his sword from the air. The man waited for the moment the church member lowered his guard, and within the sweeping slash of the Church member is practically the best time to topple his balance.

He could cast his spell right now, but that would only put the church member into his bum but not to his back.

And that would be disastrous, the worst outcome of them all for the young man.

These church members could run as fast as the Rank B Movement-magic spell after all. And that was the rank of the young man's fastest Movement-spell. Obviously, if he couldn't put the man on its back, he would be running with high chances of being caught or worst of all be 'accidentally' killed with their violent reactions!

… Though the church member didn't make its move. This shocked the man greatly, by the time he knew of their intentions, it was too late.

The other Church member gleamed in blinding light, beneath his feet lies a small magic circle that the man is totally unaware of.

"LIGHT ENTANGLING SHACKLES!" The other church member called out of his magic and summoned forth a blinding light that thwarted all the man's movements. The man expressed a frightful mare, his eyes constricted into pinholes upon the sight, his heart beat faster than ever, and raining sweat constantly drenched his hood.

I REALLY HATE MY DECISIONS! The man cursed inside him and felt like ending his life right here and right now with the magic spell he is still holding onto.

But Wind Burst isn't known for lethality, even more than bringing upon a scratch on a person! This is only used to suppress evil insurgents and laundry! Who in hell's mind would be that dumb to use Wind Burst in a fight? Not unless you use it to turn the odds such as perfectly timing your incantation and flawlessly claiming victory by toppling your enemy into their back. Slowly, the man uncasted his magic spell as it wouldn't do anything more than just a laughing stock and pissing the Church member off his temperament.

"Heh, you'd think I'll kill you?" The church member before the man spoke out and sheathed his sword back. "That's too bad. I won't."

"The Chapter Inquisitor would probably be interested in the magic you made earlier, after all, weakening an Ancient Magic is not possible for Humans to achieve but possible for the vile Demons living on the East, no?" The church member knelt before the restrained man and placed his hand onto the man's shoulders. "Don't fret a brittlesack, my good friend, the Chapter Inquisitor is known for sparing the lives of a good lamb."

"N-No... You, you aren't aware of the upcoming danger..." The man finally muttered. "There's a sealed monster in the depths of the Valley, you... You, as a member of the ever olden church, must have known of the resting behemoth! As your group, the ones that have witnessed the large-scale fight happened in the valley with their eyes, the battle between two god-like forces. The Twelve Heroes and the Monster, you must have been notified by the upper echelons of such happening in the Grimayus Valley!!!"

"... What nonsense are you spouting about..?" The church member said, seemingly dumbfounded by the man's rattling. "You mean these holes around the valley are remnants of a certain god-like fight, a fight that happened erstwhile? Pfft... HAHAHAHAHA!!! Do not be a rawgabbit, crazy head! You'd think we WILL believe in your preposterous story?? GAHAHAHA!"

The man looked confusingly to the loud laughing maniac in front of him.

Was. Wasn't they informed of such happening in this valley!?

No, that's impossible. It's impossible for the church member to not be informed of such happening! This is outrageous..!

This is the Church, the Holy Sanctuary of the Divine Star that existed for almost a hundred thousand years, not including the former ancient sect that formed the Holy Sanctuary, to not being able to know about the happening of the fight between the Heroes and the Monster that dead old man Joaquim spoke about, that is just absurd!

What the heck is wrong with these people!? The man pondered deeply onto his mind.

"Sir. This man must have some loose nails on his head." The other church member held the uprising laughter within. "Won't giving him to the Chapter Inquisitor would be quite disrespectful? Shall we hand him over the Judgment Captain?"

"Yeah. I couldn't agree more." The church member replied after he finished his loud chuckle. "Hey, you. Crazy head. Listen here, these holes are formed from the magic of the ever mighty and holy Lord Cardinal Marxus Fidela in his boredom. Stop spouting jest about these Twelve Heroes or some sort of schism upholding a life-and-death battle against a freak belonging of pagan origin in the valley of Grimayus."

The man was left silent, obviously stupefied by their story.

"... Hmmm, or rather... The Judgment Captain would be interested in your drivel." The church member said and raised its fists up. "Yep. You comin' with us now, crazy head. The trip won't be that long. Stay silent for a while, will you?"

BAM. With one heavy slam to the abdomen of the man, he fell unconscious before he could even speak any words. The church member along with the unconscious man left the area and headed for the North and into the Kingdom of Alglorious- back to their encampment.

Unbeknownst from the young man's knowledge and from the Church members. Underneath their former position, something history changing happened.

The Ancient Magic that held the monster from its awakening has been gradually being weakened. The monster or the calamity has long made the profound primordial spell as its sustenance for revival and nearing its awakening.

And the supposed time of revival became even faster with the activation of another ancient spell within the area. The monster immediately absorbed the familiar ancient spell.

With the enough gathered magic power, it's exquisite profound glass body brightened into a blinding sun-like glare before a galaxy system appeared within its chest...

And its empty body is being slowly fueled with raw magic.

Before long, the monster has awakened from its slumber.

With the swelling rage that came out of nowhere. it smashed the ground below it with all of its strength and freed itself off from the aging shackles of ancient Magic spell and the disgusting dirty soil of the World.

… The calamity that the young man fears of- is finally awakened.

The Fate of the whole world shall dance again in the palms of the Gods.