Chapter 69: Chalu’s Journey (45)
Petra, the knowledgeable teacher of history and magic, folded her arms, her brows furrowed. "Aurathos the First was said to have been defeated by the heroes of the past. His death marked the end of the first calamity. If what these students are saying is true, then we may be dealing with an even greater threat than we imagined."
Lerona, the knight teacher, shook her head in disbelief. "A monster returning to life, bearing the name of the first calamity... It's unthinkable. But these students—they survived. They're the only ones who have faced him and lived to tell the tale. We can't dismiss their words."
Darius Borne, the grizzled warrior from the Raven Squad, spoke up next, his voice gruff but thoughtful. "If this Chalu kid really did fight this Aurathos the Second and survived, he's stronger than you people ever gave him credit for. But still what this teacher (Aro) is saying is right—he's still a beastfolk. A student who lied about his identity. Why would he risk his life for you all?"
Roki hesitated for a moment, looking down at the ground as he recalled the scene. "Chalu... he didn't fight for himself"
Colerio turned his gaze to Aro, his expression unreadable. "I know Chalu is fighting for something bigger than just himself. He's willing to risk everything to protect those who are prejudiced against him, That's why you all should rethink your stance."
Aro clenched his fists, his body trembling with a mix of anger and frustration. "Don't you dare take his side, Colerio! This isn't about some idealistic dream—it's about survival! That beastfolk lied to us, infiltrated our ranks, and now you're acting like he's some kind of hero?"
Before the argument could escalate further, Elara Moon, the calm and collected strategist of the Raven Squad, intervened. "Enough, Trash. This isn't about choosing sides—it's about finding out the truth. If Chalu really did save these students from this so called monster, then we need to know what he's capable of. Those Monster is our true enemy here, not each other."
Petra Haws, who had been silently analyzing the situation, nodded in agreement. "The ancient texts speak of Aurathos's power being beyond what any mortal could comprehend. If Athos truly bears his name, we're facing something far more dangerous than we anticipated."
Aro shot Elara a glare but said nothing, clearly still seething. Darkin Vlen, the half-beastfolk member of the Raven Squad, silently observed the exchange, his own feelings torn between loyalty to his squad and understanding the prejudice Chalu must have faced. Darkin knew firsthand the pain of being treated as an outsider, and part of him couldn't help but feel a kinship with Chalu, even if they had never met.
Bax Wood, his voice shaky but determined, spoke up. 'He fought like no one I've ever seen. That monster... The more he fought, the stronger he became.'"
Colerio closed his eyes, processing everything that had been said. When he opened them, there was a renewed sense of determination in his gaze. "I have a plan....."
.......
The battlefield was a scene of chaos and despair, with Eldoans and Beastfolk alike lying slain or severely injured. Athos, the twisted embodiment of malevolence, continued his rampage with ruthless efficiency, his dark energy consuming everything in its path. The air was thick with the stench of death and the cries of the dying.
Amid the chaos of battle, a scared Eldoan mage dropped to his knees in front of Athos, his face full of fear. "Please spare me!" he begged, his voice shaking as he reached out his hands, pleading for mercy.to understand
Athos's response was merciless. "Blame Rowena Lomius for not showing up here!" he snarled, his voice dripping with disdain as he drove a clawed hand through the mage's chest. The Eldoan's scream was cut short as his life was extinguished, his body collapsing lifelessly onto the ground.
Nearby, Ash Minse watched the scene unfold with a mixture of awe and reverence. "You are truly the embodiment of strength, my lord..." he said, his eyes shining with admiration as he gazed at Athos. The dark monster's power was undeniable, and Ash was thrilled to be in the presence of such a formidable being.
Athos, his form shifting and writhing with dark energy, merely grinned in response to Ash's praise. His satisfaction was evident, but his focus remained on the battlefield and its latest developments.
1Suddenly, a voice filled with anger and determination cut through the chaos of the battle. "Bastard!!!!"
Athos, the twisted and malevolent being, turned towards the source of the voice, a sinister smile spreading across his distorted features. "Finally, you are here, Rowena Lomius!" he declared, his voice resonating with both recognition and anticipation.
Rowena Lomius, the strongest mage of the Eldoan race, emerged from the chaos with a fierce determination in her eyes. Her presence was commanding, and behind her, a contingent of powerful Eldoan mages and knights stood ready, their eyes filled with resolve.
Ash's expression changed from confident to scornful. He sneered at Rowena Lomius and said, "Looks like you've got some help after all. So much for being the strongest, huh?" His words were meant to undermine Rowena's reputation and instill doubt in her mind.
Cevic, a devoted follower of Rowena and a skilled Eldoan mage, was furious after hearing Ash Minse's taunts. Ash had mocked Rowena, his idol, and Cevic couldn't tolerate it. Filled with anger, Cevic yelled, "You bastard! I'm going to shut you up!" His anger was intense, and he was determined to fight Ash and defend Rowena's honor.
Then Cevic's eyes widened in recognition. "Wait, I know you!" he exclaimed, glaring at Ash Minse. "You're a teacher at Magux School, aren't you? How could you betray us?"
Ash Minse's smirk grew wider. "I never claimed to be one of you," he said coolly. "I've always had my own path."
Rowena stepped forward she was too focused at Athos to the point that the only thing she cared about is Athos as her eyes locked onto Athos with a fierce intensity. "Monster," she said, her voice cold and commanding, "you won't escape this time. Your reign of terror ends here." Her magic crackled around her, an aura of immense power emanating from her as she prepared for the confrontation.
Athos's grin widened as he met Rowena's gaze. "Is that so?" he taunted. "You're welcome to try, but I'm eager to see if you can match the power of the calamity I've become." His dark energy surged, readying him for the fight that was about to ensue.
The battlefield was now set for a dramatic clash between the forces of Rowena Lomius and Athos, with the fate of countless lives hanging in the balance. As both sides prepared for the inevitable confrontation, the tension was palpable, and the outcome uncertain.
......
[Joe POV]
From where I stood, outside the universe, I watched the intense battle below with a mix of awe and fear. Rowena Lomius, the strongest mage of the Eldoan, was fighting with everything she had against Athos, a terrifying monster who had killed many Eldoans and Beastfolk. The fight was as incredible as I had expected, but deep down, I knew something troubling.
Rowena was incredibly powerful, yes, but Athos had become something far beyond a mere monster. With each life he had consumed—Eldoan or Beastfolk—his strength had grown exponentially. I could see it, the way his body pulsed with the dark energy of those he had devoured. The gap between their powers was slowly closing, and soon, Rowena would be surpassed.
Her defeat was inevitable, not because she lacked skill or courage, but because of fate itself. This battle was preordained, written in the threads of destiny that even I could not change. Rowena Lomius, no matter how strong she is, could not defeat Athos alone.
The only way to kill that monster was for the strongest Eldoans to unite their strength. Rowena might be the strongest, but even her immense power wasn't enough to stand against the darkness Athos had become. Perhaps, if Rowena and Colerio Sapher—the leader of the Raven Squad—could combine their might, they might have a chance. A slim chance, but a chance nonetheless.
As I looked down upon the Eldan world, my heart sank. I could only hope—no, pray—that somehow the pieces would come together. That Colerio would arrive in time, before Chalu finished his training. I hoped they would find a way to stop this unstoppable force, because if Athos wasn't defeated soon, not just the Eldoan, but all of existence within that world, would be in jeopardy.
"Please," I whispered to the universe, knowing no one could hear me. "Let them survive."
As I watched from my place beyond the universe, then I saw Mandu, the elephant beastfolk, speaking with his friend, a goat beastfolk named Laksan, the healer. They were gathered in Laksan's house, along with their other friends—Raro the cat beastfolk, Lomi the cheetah beastfolk, and Lyro, who was pretending to be a cat beastfolk thanks to Raro's magic.
Mandu and his friends were clearly concerned about Chalu, their comrade who had gone sleeping state. I knew what had really happened to Chalu, and I needed to let Mandu know the truth. But the only way I could do that was by making Mandu unconscious so that I could reach him in his dreams. In that dream, I would tell him the truth about Chalu, so he could explain it to his friends and ease their worries.
Mandu became unconscious after a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him, a result of my subtle influence. His friends rushed to his side, but there was no need for alarm—I was simply guiding him into a dream where we would meet, and I could share with him the truth they all needed to hear.
......
Before everything took a sudden turn, Mandu, the elephant beastfolk, was in deep conversation with Laksan, the healer goat, in Laksan's modest home. Mandu's face was etched with worry as he spoke.
"Is there a way for you, Master, to save Chalu?" Mandu asked, his voice hopeful yet strained.
Laksan, the elder healer, stroked his beard thoughtfully before replying, "Well, in order for me to find a way, I'd need to examine his body. Without that, I can't be certain of how to help him."
"Ah, right.." Mandu said, understanding the practical limitations of healing magic.
Raro, the cat beastfolk, who was pacing nearby, suddenly chimed in, "But Chalu's not here... he's in Teacher Colerio's mansion."
Laksan's expression changed the moment he heard the name. His eyes widened slightly. "Colerio? You mean Colerio Sapher?"
Raro gulped nervously and nodded. "You know him, Master Laksan?"
Laksan let out a deep breath, his face showing a mix of respect and unease. "Oh, I know him better than most. That man, despite being an Eldoan, saved my life when I was just 15 years old. If it weren't for Colerio Sapher, I wouldn't be here today. And now… he's the one keeping Chalu safe?"
As the conversation unfolded, Lomi's shock quickly became the focus.
Lomi's voice trembled, "That man—Colerio Sapher—..... a vassal of the King?"
Mandu, unfazed, simply nodded, "I already knew he was a vassal."
Lomi's eyes widened even further. "But you never told us that the one saving you guys was a vassal of the Eldoan King!"
All eyes turned to Raro, who chuckled nervously, "Well... I thought you knew. Hehehe."
Lomi sighed heavily, clearly exasperated, and was about to respond when Mandu suddenly clutched his head in pain. His face contorted as he groaned, "Aargh!!"
Everyone's attention snapped to Mandu, alarmed by his sudden change. Lomi rushed to his side as Mandu gripped his head tighter, swaying on his feet.
Laksan immediately stood up, his voice filled with concern. "Mandu! What's happening?"
Mandu, struggling to speak through the pain, only managed to groan again, "I... don't know... Aurrg!!"
Without warning, Mandu collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
Lomi gasped, while Raro and Lyro moved closer, their faces etched with worry. "Mandu!" Lomi called out, shaking him gently, but there was no response.
Laksan knelt down beside Mandu, quickly assessing him. "His pulse is steady... but it's as if something's affecting his mind."
Lyro asked, "Could it be some sort of spell?"
Laksan shook his head. "No, it's not magic. At least, not one I recognize."
As everyone gathered around the unconscious Mandu, tension hung in the air. Whatever had just happened to him, it was clear that something—or someone—was trying to send a message.
To be continue