Showdown with the False Goddess:re
In the climactic final showdown between Estella, Nova, Tim, Dorothy, and Chocola, the tension in the air was palpable. The ruined kingdom of Mythlandia bore witness to this epic confrontation, with the fate of all involved hanging in the balance.
Nova and his companions had fought valiantly, pushing themselves to the limit in their quest to end Estella's reign of manipulation and darkness. They were armed with their most potent spells and weapons, determined to strike the final blow that would put an end to the chaos.
But just as victory seemed within reach, the Mad Hatter, known for his cunning and illusion spells, unleashed a series of bewildering mirages that disoriented the heroes. As if from the depths of a twisted dream, a gigantic Cheshire Cat avatar materialized, its grin sinister and enchanting.
The heroes found themselves ensnared within the magical grasp of the Cheshire Cat, unable to land that decisive blow. And in the midst of this chaos, Estella seized the opportunity to whisk Astra away to safety, leaving Nova, Tim, Dorothy, and Chocola in a desperate struggle for their lives.
The battle had taken a tragic turn, and the outcome remained uncertain as the echoes of magic and the maddening laughter of the Cheshire Cat filled the air.
Astra tried to use his shadows yet felt Estella casted a mana draining spell so Astra can't cast his magic and cuffs him as he screams in agony amongst the magical fog that most of them are dead until he notice his brother with a tired Chocola tried (Especially Nova) uttering with a tired smile that Astra can only read his brother's mouth and his emotional detachment cannot help to understand why Nova with his injuries and awakened avatar kind of form that changes his hair color , outfit and starry eyes suddenly got killed and stab by Estella and the Mad Hatter cackles ending his spells as it also revels Chocola with bits of her mana and her staff with a mageress casted a warp gate for her and Astra while freeing him of the chains to the GREAT library a pocket dimension Estella can't access.
In the midst of the magical fog and the chaos of the final confrontation, Astra desperately attempted to wield his shadows, seeking to break free from Estella's grip. However, he felt the oppressive weight of Estella's mana-draining spell, rendering his powers useless. The cuffs of magical energy restrained him, and he cried out in agony as he watched the battle unfold.
Amidst the swirling fog, Astra's vision was blurred, but he could make out the figures of Nova, Chocola, and his allies. Nova, with a weary yet strangely content smile, mouthed words that Astra struggled to comprehend. His brother's injuries, the transformation of his avatar-like form, and the starry-eyed gaze left Astra bewildered.
Then, in an instant, the scene turned tragic as Estella drove a lethal blow into Nova. The Mad Hatter's cackling laughter filled the air as his illusions dissipated, revealing the grim reality. Nova fell, his life slipping away, and Astra's heart sank as he realized the depth of the betrayal.
In that harrowing moment, Chocola, with her last reserves of mana, crafted a warp gate. The gate offered a slim chance of escape, and with a burst of her power, Astra's cuffs were shattered. Chocola beckoned him toward the gateway, and in a last-ditch effort, they both fled into the Great Library, a mysterious pocket dimension where Estella's reach could not extend.
The battle had taken a devastating toll, and Astra was left with a profound sense of loss and confusion, grappling with the betrayal and the sacrifices made by those he had cared for.
As the warp gate sealed shut behind them, Astra was consumed by a tumult of emotions. With tears in his eyes, he screamed into the void, "Why? Why couldn't she heal or save them as she usually does?"
The absence of Chocola's healing magic, which had often mended their wounds and kept them safe, left Astra in a state of profound despair. The unanswered question echoed in the silence of the Great Library, and he grappled with the reality that they had lost those they had fought so hard to protect.
Chocola's voice trembled as she explained, "My powers are weaker in this mortal body, and my other half of goddess power and soul is with Estella. I can't consume all my mana just in case..."
Astra, his anger seeping through his emotionally detached exterior, interrupted, "In case what? What could possibly be more important than saving them? Tell me!"
The tension in the Great Library was palpable as Chocola hesitated, then softly whispered, "In case we need it for the final battle, for the ultimate confrontation with Estella, Astra."
As Astra knelt in exhaustion, his mana depleted, he angrily questioned, "Is it really true? My family survived back when I was kidnapped at four years old here in Coloria by Estella, by bringing them to another world, this so-called Other Urban World? And I just met Nova... he was actually one of my lost triplets and family members, and he was so willing to catch up, only for me to realize that my family had assumed he was dead?"
The weight of these revelations hit Astra hard, leaving him emotionally shaken and struggling to come to terms with the truth.
Chocola attempted to provide some reassurance, saying, "Yes and no. Your family did assume you were dead, but Nova was given a small silver of hint about your existence. He was sent here, not through a typical summoning, but in a discreet manner that allowed his body from the modern world to adapt to the flow of time in this world."
The complexities of the situation began to unravel, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the despair that Astra was feeling.
Astra, his teeth gritted in frustration, expressed, "I know I can't join them to escape using that rare event of Mana-Summoning distortion that caused random people to vanish into other parts of Mythlandia. Unlike me at that time, I assumed my family died and abandoned me when I was just 12 years old." He cried, tears welling up, and the aching feeling in his heart was almost unbearable.
He continued, his voice filled with a mix of anger and sadness, "Yet, why can't you help me beyond indirectly informing me to doubt Estella's words and the way she raised me? Why did you allow me to suffer and be manipulated for so long?" The weight of his questions hung in the air, seeking answers that had eluded him for years.
Chocola's ethereal form appeared to shimmer with a mix of sadness and understanding. She replied gently, "Astra, it's not that I wanted you to suffer. I had to tread carefully because of the Silent rule, the limitations placed on divine beings. I couldn't directly intervene, but I could guide you as best as I could without drawing too much attention."
She continued, "I wanted you to discover the truth on your own and make choices based on your own free will. It was a difficult path, and I'm sorry it caused you so much pain. But now, we have the chance to confront Estella and seek justice. We have the upper hand in knowledge, and together, we can bring her reign to an end."
Astra's anger and frustration began to soften as he considered Chocola's words. He realized that her guidance, indirect as it may have been, had led him to this moment of revelation and potential redemption. With newfound determination, he nodded and said, "Let's confront Estella, and put an end to this once and for all."
As Astra's emotions swirled in a maelstrom of anger and confusion, his assassin instinct took hold. With a chokehold, he silenced Chocola, his once-gentle eyes now glaring with an intense azure blue. He spat out words with a tone that betrayed a lifetime of emotional detachment.
"Yet that doesn't excuse dragging my brother, living in peace, into this... or his companions," he growled through clenched teeth. "I am actually familiar with Dorothy, a Faction Knight, since she was 10 years old... and I recognize her despite Estella's efforts to reset her memories, including the time I sparred and trained with her to become a knight. I was the Unlabeled Cardinal Number 0, AKA the Shadow Knight, who never revealed my identity to anyone, not even comrades. Dorothy, after the Integration ritual, developed a magical loyalty to Estella, but she never got scared or intimidated by me. She saw me as a person, not some heartless killer, as I was tasked with assassination missions that even the knights weren't aware of. I lost a sense of emotions, or even expressing them, long ago."
The weight of Astra's confession hung heavily in the air, a glimpse into the tormented soul of a man who had lived a life of shadows and secrets.
Chocola gasped for breath as Astra released his hold, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and relief. She gently tapped his fingers, a gesture of gratitude, and then spoke to the 18-year-old with the customized Shadow Knight uniform. His distinctive appearance, with the purple-hued hair and unique attire, was a stark contrast to the deadly assassin he had once been.
With a hiccup in her breath, Chocola said, "Astra, there is still a chance for redemption, for you and for those who were led astray. The path ahead may be dark, but together, we can bring light to the shadows that have plagued your past."
Astra's lifeless gaze suddenly ignited with a fiery rage he couldn't comprehend. His words were filled with defiance as he declared, "No, I don't need your plan or help. Take me back to Coloria and the [Central] Holy Emerald Palace."
The intense emotions and turmoil within Astra were pushing him to make a decision, one that could shape the fate of Mythlandia and the resolution of his personal vendetta.
Chocola's voice trembled as she spoke, "Yet what are you going to do on your own, and it may take time to recover and regain your mana? It can't be recharged like Umbral and Luminous type mana sourced from either the moon, sun, or the environment."
She was deeply concerned about Astra's well-being and the challenges he would face alone, especially given the unique nature of his mana. Her words carried a plea for him to reconsider his decision.
Astra angrily flares "thanks for your influence , Indigo Goddess Spinel…the Color Goddess and 6th that is a Goddess of Peace and Unity" Astra's anger flared, and he spat on the ground in defiance, addressing Chocola by her divine title. He clenched the emblem of the Colorian Empire on his uniform, the crest of a power he had long distanced himself from.
"If you won't help me now," he seethed, "I've read about an ancient book on spiritual arts. They train individuals to harness magic and Ecto-mana, born with a longer life span than expected. I've faced death countless times, so my Magi-Reservoir is wide. I just have to cut off emotional attachments or hope for myself altogether."
His resolve was unwavering, and he was prepared to take matters into his own hands, regardless of the cost.
Tears welled up in Chocola's eyes as she spoke, her voice trembling with sorrow. "I am so sorry for being such a useless Goddess. I love mortals dearly, and your brother consented to help me. In return, I hinted that he could reunite with you and find the truth about your family's past when he was alive. Another deity friend of mine helped alter his and the family's memories, erasing any connection to Coloria Empire and Mythlandia entirely."
The weight of her words bore witness to the lengths she had gone to in her efforts to help, despite the constraints placed upon her by divine rules.
Astra, his tone eerily monotonous, used his assassin negotiation skills to gaslight Chocola. He calmly stated, "Hey, it's all in your head and heart... besides, you are a naive goddess compared to the other 6 color deities you have, right?"
His words were meant to cast doubt on her actions and undermine her feelings of guilt and responsibility.
Chocola's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she responded with a shaky voice, "You're right, Astra. I may be less experienced than the other deities, but I still care deeply for the mortals and those I have tried to guide. I may not be all-powerful, but I've done what I can within the limitations placed upon me."
Her admission was tinged with a sense of defeat, her empathy for mortals a core part of her being. She had tried to make a difference, even in her naivety.
Within Astra's internal conflict, a unique duality emerged. His suppressed alter ego, a ghostly manifestation of his 6-year-old self, appeared in a Japanese-based outfit. With ectoplasmic skin and blindfolded eyes, this inner child begged the main persona to stop.
The turmoil within Astra's psyche played out as his inner selves grappled with their emotions and their conflicting desires.
The main persona cackled and asked if there was a bet and agreement in place. He reminded the inner child that he had only been kept to help gain self-control and a sense of identity, as well as to hold back emotions and values, since that's all he seemed to be good for.
This inner dialogue reflected the complexities of Astra's mind and the coping mechanisms he had developed to survive his life as an assassin.
The main persona added that the reason the inner child appeared as a 6-year-old was because it was the only moment left before they lost all emotions and any sense of attachment to life or guilt. This detail illuminated the tragic transformation that had taken place in Astra's psyche over the years, making the inner conflict even more poignant.
Main Persona: "Aldol, you were created to control emotions and values, to make me stronger. That's the agreement."
Aldol: "But we were supposed to keep the good things too, right? Like love and kindness."
Main Persona: "We can't afford that weakness. Emotions make us vulnerable."
Aldol: "I miss feeling things, caring about people."
Main Persona: "It's a luxury we can't afford."
The mindscape of Astra's internal conflict was a battleground of opposing desires, where the child-like persona, Aldol, longed for the return of emotions and the warmth of humanity, while the main persona remained resolute in his cold and calculated approach.
Main Persona: "Aldol, emotions are what got us into this mess in the first place. We can't let them back in."
Aldol: "But we were happy once, with our family. Can't we at least try to get some of that back?"
Main Persona: "Happiness is a distant memory, and we can't afford to be weak. We have to finish what we started."
The main persona, matching the physical appearance of the current body but shrouded in shadows, represented Astra's resolve and the harsh reality he had come to accept, while Aldol, the inner child, yearned for a return to the happiness and love he had once known.
Aldol: "Why do we have to manipulate the goddess who influences our dual conscious existence? Can't we just trust her and let her help us?"
Astra (Main Persona): "Our brother died, Aldol. His allies died. We still haven't put an end to Estella's reign as the Anti-Goddess. If we weren't involved, we could've gone all out. We can't afford to trust anyone now."
The inner dialogue reflected the internal struggle between Aldol's plea for trust and Astra's unwavering determination to achieve their goal, even if it meant manipulation and deception.
Astra's struggle with his inner selves took a toll on his physical state, causing him to puke and gasp for breath. He knelt down, his head throbbing with pain, desperately uttering, "Shut up, shut up, shut up!"
Chocola, despite the gaslight effect Astra had cast on her, saw the boy's distress and rushed to reassure him. She reached out to him even though he cried out for her to stay back. Astra, on the brink of exhaustion, mustered the strength to tell her, "If you don't heed my request to return to the main realm and the Nation of Coloria, I might ruin the pocket dimension."
His plea carried a sense of urgency, and the consequences of his actions weighed heavily on his mind.
Chocola sighed with pity and said, "Good luck on your own. I can't help in my weakened state, and I need to come up with less morally questionable plans and seek stronger allies or conjure up my divine power."
With a heavy heart, she left Astra to face his fate alone, her intentions to find a way to assist him in the future clear in her parting words.
Suddenly a beam of light transport him to Coloria and it's in his eerie plain glass roofed and sheltered isolated walls of his White chambers , a corridor like room that is separated from all faction knight rooms as he recognize the corner plain bed sticking and the child like scratches of a smaller dagger on the corner with tally numbers of how long he was here
Astra found himself suddenly transported to Coloria, specifically to his eerie, isolated White chambers with its plain glass roof and sheltered walls. The room was separated from the faction knight quarters, and as he looked around, he recognized the familiar corner plain bed. The child-like scratches on the corner, with tally numbers marking how long he had been there, were haunting reminders of the time he had spent in isolation. The memories of this place flooded back, and he was once again in the heart of the Colorian Empire, the nation he had been trying to distance himself from.
He scoffs as he ache his heart , soul and head with glisten sweat before finally feeling his aura and mana returning as Recharging Ecto mana is base on someone's mental state and spiritual self-image
Astra, despite the emotional turmoil, began to feel his aura and mana returning. He could sense the gradual recharging of his Ecto mana, understanding that it was closely tied to his mental state and spiritual self-image. As his inner turmoil settled, his mana reservoir slowly refilled, a glimmer of hope in the midst of his challenging circumstances.
Astra, gazing at the sky, called out with anger and determination, making his announcement, "Gods, immortals, and demons, if you hear me, I, Astra, a mortal Archaican, shall swear that I shall never associate with such creatures again!"
His declaration echoed through the heavens, a vow to distance himself from the divine and otherworldly beings who had shaped his life in ways he never desired.