ARCUS I: Prologue

ARCUS I : FALLERE COR PUERI

PROLOGUE

Before the beginning, there was chaos. War and peace stems from chaos, whether it be a fight for good or a bloodshed for evil. The worlds in the center of the universe is nothing without the constant cycle of chaos, destruction, and false healing. And in the Kingdom of Liberta, days cannot pass by unless the sounds of war are heard.

July 7, the day the Cardinal Manors fell to ruins and the day it came back from its ashes. Decades ago, all its Manors were annihilated and abandoned after the Great Anarchist Gehenna. Former Leaders, Disciples, Servants, and all those who stepped on the premises of each manor never lived to see the glory of the rising disciples and the newfound leaders. Before its fall, it was simply just houses of mortal "divinities" guarding over the weak humans who worship their good deeds. However, when Anarchy came, the once bright colors of the sky became tainted with red.

Death was something every common folk heard every day. That bastard killed this, this prick destroyed that, it all went from running for one's life and defending to "Just don't piss them off and you'll be fine." The kingdom endured this for six bloody years after Anarchy's arrival.

This is where the Cardinal Manors truly shined, yet ended up bathing in fire. At first, their confidences were on superior levels, they could easily defeat thousands of armored scums and were able to protect the kingdom. But once they finally angered Anarchy, one by one, she started terribly ripping the manors apart. In the end, once there were no manors left to destroy and no enemies left to kill, Anarchy headed to the Kingdom Castle, killed the reigning monarchs and took the crown, announcing herself as queen. Royalty became hers in just one day, making her the first Dictatorial Matriarch of Liberta. The royal family were killed, all gone with a blink of an eye. None who served the royalties in the castle were left as they were all executed and tortured. And oh, the glorious crown finally belonged to Anarchy, the Kingdom was in her hands and nobody wanted to disobey her. It's as if the world went silent while she earned the last laughter.

Many years later, on the same day the manors fell, a mysterious executioner claiming to be the new leader of the Superior Manor rose to fame. Although they were known for their beastly skills, not for their manor, they ignited hope in some people, and some who were already hopeless could only laugh. Even with such reactions, they remained unbothered and set their eyes on the road they took. Only one goal made them march forward continuously: "kill Anarchy." They do not have the intention to save poor bystanders nor help the poor or those who suffer; they simply want the head of the Kingdom's dictator. The death of one woman matters more to them than the cries of the people they are meant to save.

The devil, a demon from hell, a monster, these words would best describe them. Pain doesn't affect them, nor being ridiculed in the middle of a fight between them and a large brute, you could almost say they feel absolutely nothing. Even when served the most delicious dish, they eat as if they had already eaten the same food for hundreds of years. Because of this, more people came to admire them despite their demeanor and the mystery of their identity, for they have hidden themselves under a black iron mask.

Seven years after marking their arrival, their strength became incomparable. No other magic wielders were able to topple their skills and they devilishly ascended to the top. No one dared to defy them or even try to be on par with their abilities. They became unstoppable. Horribly unstoppable.

Even so, the arrival of a hero was celebrated, devil or not.

July 7, the awaited day finally came, the Cardinal Manors announced their resurrection. Currently, the people of Liberta are slowly regaining their courage and are ready to battle Anarchy's cronies with their ignited spirits. Like the swiftness of the wind, fiery rumors spread and scatter all over the Kingdom. "The Superior Manor Leader is leading an uprising! A revolution!" The excitement roars from the mouths of the people, applauding the executioner's bravery. Finally, their release from the clutches of the evil dictator is certain, and the rise of a new ruler will revive the Kingdom's former glory. This uprising will change everything and save the people. With the return of the Cardinal Manors, liberty will soon rise again.

However, that is what they all foolishly believed.