Chapter 42 - Kezzes Indrath.
So I forgot to post chapter 42. This chapter comes before chapter 43 which you've already read
(Arthur Leywin)
As the feeling of being instantaneously transported dissipated, the image of Helstea Manor faded into the background, replaced by a serene scene.
A polished, marble path stretched out before me, flanked by vibrant cherry blossom trees on either side in their fullest and most exuberant display of blooming beauty.
"Welcome to the Home of Asuras, Epheotus." Windsom said with a proud smile as the scene of otherworldly beauty and tranquillity rolled before me in a vibrant display of colours.
I took in a deep breath feeling everything around me. Tranquillity reigned supreme.
Every inch of this realm seemed to be infused with a sublime energy from mana that soothed the soul and inspired the heart. The amount of mana in the air was baffling.
In their delicate and ephemeral grace, the cherry blossoms were a sight to behold, their soft petals creating a sea of pink and white that stretched as far as the eye could see. The air was perfumed with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, and the gentle rustling of leaves and chirping of birds provided a serene soundtrack to this idyllic paradise.
Rolling hills, verdant foliage, and crystal-clear streams completed the landscape, all infused with a serene aura. Indeed, the Land of Deities is a place of profound natural beauty, where one can truly connect with the essence of life itself.
It was worthy to be called the home of the asuras.
"Let's not keep Lord Indrath waiting. He is eager to meet his granddaughter and you as well." Windsom said, looking at the top of my head where Sylvie slept without a care in the world. She would be sad knowing that she wasn't able to meet Ellie one last time but there are more pressing matters at hand right now.
"Sure," I replied as I followed Windsom closely. Soon we arrived in front of a huge infrastructure.
It was, by all means, a magnificent fortress, a monument to the sheer power of the King of Asuras that called it home. The castle was perched atop a towering mountain, its imposing silhouette visible for miles around.
The walls were made of gleaming black stone, intricately carved with complex designs that speak of a long and storied history. The castle's ramparts bristle with turrets and towers.
Two massive dragon statues stand at the entrance of the castle, their bodies intertwined in a fierce embrace, emphasising some sort of bond between them. It was ironic since in many studies it was shown that dragons were greedy creatures, who used to amass gold and other valuables all for themselves. And that their tears were not really tears but a method of cleansing impurities in their eyes.
This seemed to be an accurate description of how no one came to help Sylvia out when she was in her worst state. Not even her father. This explains a few things. Asuras have some kind of deal between them which forbids them to interfere directly. It is evident from the opposing continents' actions as they had half-breeds between humans and asuras. Since they are not pure asuras they can participate in the coming war.
Looking back up, I saw each statue that was expertly carved with intricate scales, sharp claws, and powerful wings that seemed ready to take flight at any moment, almost feeling alive.
If what I think is true then this means that the king of asuras is nothing more than a sturdy rock. If he had the wits to outsmart his enemy, he could've done so. However, it seems like he lacks the wits to do this but has enough power to make up for his shortcomings.
Just as we stepped on the multi-coloured bridge that led to the entrance of the castle, I felt a pair of scrutinising eyes fall on me. It was as if a foreign presence was probing into my entire existence, gauging my every move. Activating Realmheart in minor bursts, I saw that the bridge was infused with purple motes. However, they weren't stable. It seemed as if they had been weaponized. It was strange.
Passing by the enormous doors and the hallways, we finally reached in front of the door that led to the throne room where the King of Asuras was. Two guards were stationed in front of the door. One of them looked up to me and then at Windsom, "Is it okay for the lesser boy to be holding the princess like that?"
"The princess is his bond. Let them be. Now, will you let us pass or not?"
Both of the dragon guards exchanged glances and nodded as they opened the doors. The two guards each held onto one of the door handles and pulled it open. I could only imagine how heavy it was since the two guards were struggling to pry it apart. Finally, with a loud clack, the towering door slid open, revealing what I assumed to be the Great Hall... and staring right at me, seated on a blazing white throne, was a man who looked to be no older than twenty.
Windsom immediately stepped past me into the room and kneeled.
"My Lord," the asura addressed, bowing his head.
Kezess Indrath wasn't what I had expected him to be like in the least.
He had a cool, almost mellow feel to him, sporting a silvery cream-coloured hair that was neither long nor short. He would be considered an attractive man by any means, but he wasn't exceptionally stunning either. I couldn't really tell what his build was underneath his white robe but he didn't look particularly robust. His eyes reminded me too much of Sylvia, but while Sylvia's eyes were still compassionate and warm, his were hard. His eyes were purple as well, but even from here, I could see the colours change shades.
Realising that I had been staring for far too long, I followed suit and kneeled as well.
While my head was down, though, I couldn't help but peek around the room. Standing to the side of the great hall were figures of all ages and sizes staring at me.
Some looked at me with newfound curiosity like a kid who has just found a new toy while the others looked at me with... admiration? I am not sure what is there to admire but eh, who cares about them right now? Right now, all that mattered was the King of all of them. His eyes were dead set on and I could feel his gaze and pressure looming over me like a tactile veil.
"Stand." His voice was soft and silvery, yet sharp like a knife in a way that it was both gentle and imposing.
Rising to our feet, we walked towards the throne, with Sylvie still in my arms. I could feel the eyes of everyone following me, judging my every movement.
Seconds slowly ticked by as we waited for the man on the throne to speak, yet he only stared wordlessly at me and Sylvie with an expression I couldn't interpret.
My senses suddenly screamed at me and just like how a natural defence system triggers in humans, Realmheart flared to life on my body in all its glory as I stepped back. To my own surprise, I could see Kezzes' outstretched hand as he stood in front of me, his face a mere inch away from my own. Looking around I saw the others frozen in time, devoid of any movement.
The motes of purple trembled and I felt Sylvie's presence disappear. Blinking, I saw Kezzes back on his throne with Sylvie in his lap. I could feel her struggling but it was like her own body was made to betray her commands as she sat still there.
"Impressive. For a lesser, you have already achieved more than what you were meant to. Although Sylvia's will play a bigger part in it, it is still impressive. As for my granddaughter, you have raised her well. I see you haven't just turned her into a glass trophy due to her being the last thing that reminds you of Sylvia."
I could hear everyone's gasp and muted murmurs. I wasn't sure if it was because of my sudden transformation or because the stoic, silent king had spoken so much.
"Can I have her back?" I asked and I felt the wrath of others that seemed to be from the Indrath Clan fall on me.
"You may meet her every once in a while. I will be personally training her." The wrathful glares turned into excited chirps as the women started to talk to each other in muted volume. After a while, he spoke again, "Leave me alone with the boy." Lord Indrath said.
"B-but-" Windsom tried to speak but a soft yet razor-sharp gaze from Kezzes was enough to make Wisdom's imposing figure flinch and his chest cave in. "Yes." He said and he along with the others left the room. One of the women took Sylvie with her, leaving me and Kezzes alone in the hall.
We looked at each other for a while, shrouded in silence. I could feel the atmosphere tense up, a morbid unease welling up in the air.
"You weren't the one who summoned me into this world," I said as he let out a long breath.
"You are quick on the uptake, Kiyotaka." He replied as I shrugged my shoulders. The purple motes that I was able to see in Realmheart were able to defy norms by stopping time and bending space. The way the whole palace was engineered along with the bridge, I knew the purple mote would be able to reincarnate people as well. However, Kezzes wasn't the one who did it. Because if he did, I was always in his grasp. He could've just collected me the moment I was born.
That leads to one possible conclusion.
The enemy continent. Their leader was the one who reincarnated me but failed slightly.
"I have an offer," Kezzes said as he took a step towards me, his steps resounding in the empty halls. "All you want is a peaceful life, no?"
I stayed silent. He knew a lot about me. But not everything. I knew that much.
"Help in this war and you can finally have it. The life you dream of."
Lies. If I am powerful enough to eliminate the other continent, he will see me as a threat.
"I am not strong enough," I said and slowly began to mask the presence of Dawn and other relics I had received from the Djinn.
"That is why you are here. I will provide you with the best training, ones that even asuras dream of for the next 4 years of your meagre life. Utilise it to the fullest." He said and waved his hand at me, motioning for me to leave.
As I turned I heard him speak one more time, "But remember. Try to do anything heinous and know I will destroy you and your world as it is. We have existed long before Kiyotaka Ayanokouji was born and will continue to live on long after Arthur Leywin's bones turn to dust."
That was a dramatic and mildly edgy dialogue. However, his strength was something I shouldn't mess with as of now. But I knew one thing... he wasn't aware of my full capabilities nor was he aware of the project I had left in Dicathen.
Giving him a bow, I left the hall meeting Windsom who was already outside as we began to walk towards my training ground.
Kezzes Indrath.
He was much dim than I thought he was.