Chapter 105: When the world was ours

She remembered it so vividly. When the world was still theirs, no pesky humans, demi-humans, just them and only them.

Perched precariously on the edge of a moss-covered cliff. The wind, redolent with the scent of a thousand unknown flowers, whipped through her hair, carrying the melodic chirps and whistles of unseen creatures. Below her sprawled Aethel, their utopia that unfolded like a living beautiful painting. Sunlight, filtered through a swarm of leaves that shimmered with an otherworldly iridescence, bathed the land in a warm, ethereal glow. Rolling emerald hills, dotted with vibrantly colored wildflowers, stretched towards the horizon.

Crystal-clear rivers, their waters alive with luminescent fish, snaked their way through the landscape, eventually merging into a vast, sapphire lake that mirrored the endless blue sky above. Beatrice's gaze darted across the scene, taking in the incredible diversity of life that thrived in Aethel. A group of Sylphs, winged humanoids with shimmering gossamer wings, flitted amongst the trees, their laughter echoing like wind chimes through the air. A lumbering Treant, a sentient tree with bark like aged leather and leaves resembling emerald flames, ambled through a meadow, its roots gently nudging aside the wildflowers. In the distance, a majestic Griffin, a creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion, soared effortlessly above the clouds, its golden mane glinting in the sunlight.

Even the smaller creatures held a captivating beauty. Glowing butterflies, their wings an array of colors, danced amongst the flowers. Tiny, furry Sprites, with eyes like polished sapphires and mischievous grins, frolicked on a bed of giant mushrooms. And in the crystal-clear streams, schools of fish shimmered with an iridescent sheen, their scales reflecting the dappled sunlight. Beatrice sighed, a sound that seemed at odds with the vibrant world around her. Aethel was a paradise, a place where magic and nature lived in perfect harmony. Yet, despite the breathtaking beauty that surrounded her, a gnawing loneliness gnawed at her heart. She was not like the others, the magic she wielded was only meant for destruction. The others, with their gentle nature, had taken her in, raising her with love and kindness.

They taught her the language to communicate with the world itself, the secrets of the flowers, and the stories whispered by the ancient trees. Yet, she never quite fit in. Unlike the others, she couldn't benefit this realm and dance with the others. She felt like a misplaced puzzle piece, an outsider yearning to belong. She spent her days exploring the wonders of Aethel, her loneliness a constant companion. Today, however, the feeling was particularly acute. The others, her closest friends, were celebrating the Festival, a vibrant celebration of new life and growth. But Beatrice, still a child on the cusp of becoming a woman, couldn't participate in the festivities.

She felt adrift, unmoored from the joyous celebration that echoed through the woods. Tears welled up in her lime green eyes, blurring the already fantastical view before her. She sniffed, wiping away a stray tear that traced a glistening path down her cheek. Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice startled her.

"Why do you weep, little one?" Beatrice spun around, her heart hammering against her ribs. Towering over her, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, stood a man, he was huge with arms and legs the size of tree trunks and dressed in a white robe. His hair was long and dark and his eyes were a dull gray but his expression seemed so kind. His voice, a deep rumble that seemed to emanate from the very earth itself, vibrated through Beatrice's body. Beatrice, momentarily speechless, found her voice.

"I... I don't belong," she stammered, tears threatening to spill again. "Everyone else is celebrating, but I... I'm different." The man remained silent for a moment, the wind flowing gently. Then, in his same deep, resonating voice, he spoke.

"Difference is not a curse, little one. It is a gift. You may not have feathers to fly amongst the clouds or roots to delve deep into the earth, but your uniqueness is what makes you special." Beatrice listened intently, her heart swelling with a flicker of hope. The man continued, his voice seemingly holding ancient wisdom. "Look around you, child. Aethel thrives because of its diversity. The strength of the Treants protects the delicate flowers. The swiftness of the Griffins keeps the skies clear. Even the playful Sprites have their role to play. You, too, have a purpose, a unique song to sing in this grand symphony of life." Beatrice's gaze darted across the landscape once more, now seeing it through new eyes.

She saw the web of life, the interconnectedness of all things. The Sylphs, with their grace and agility, pollinated the flowers. The Treants, with their deep roots, filtered the water that flowed to the vibrant meadows. Even the mischievous Sprites, who often teased the Sylphs, spread laughter and joy throughout Aethel. A tiny spark ignited within Beatrice's chest. Perhaps the man was right. Maybe her difference wasn't a flaw, but an opportunity. But what was her song to sing? What unique gift did she possess?

As if sensing her question, the man spoke again. "Your strength lies not in the earth or the sky, but in your connection to your uniqueness. You, child, have the gift of changing my and the others' perspective on it all, this realm. You may be different but you've purpose." Beatrice's eyes widened. She was so different from the rest, she knew but destruction yet could she have a place in this world?

"Can I truly belong here?" she asked, her voice filled with newfound hope.

The man tilted his head, his hair swaying. "Of course child, and I look forward to seeing a change in perspective from you." A thrill shot through Beatrice. Maybe she couldn't fly amongst the clouds, but she could soar through the knowledge on an entirely different view from the others. Maybe she couldn't coax flowers to bloom, but she could learn offer a new perspective.

A gentle breeze swept through the clearing, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and the distant sounds of the Spring Festival. Beatrice closed her eyes, clarity hit her and something else – a faint, melodic hum that seemed to emanate from the heart of the forest. A smile bloomed on Beatrice's face. She may have been different, but that difference was her strength it seemed. It opened a door to a world unseen, a world of secrets waiting to be discovered. With a newfound sense of purpose, she turned to the man with a smile.

"Thank you sir!" The man merely chuckled,

"You are very welcome, child."

"Uhm...can I have your name?" She fidgeted slightly. "Your real one, I-I know it's personal."

"Arne." She perked up as she heard the name, she looked at his gentle smile. "My name is Arne, little one. And what say you we stick together, I myself am somewhat different from the others." He almost sheepishly stated, Beatrice vigorously nodded her head.

"O-of course! My name is Beatrice, please watch over me!"

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[Present]

"Arne..." A strangled sob left her throat, he was gone truly gone. Killed by an imitation of her unique magic, what a cruel joke. She could not help but merely stare at the blackened ground as she collapsed to her knees. She heard the approaching footsteps of the boy...no the monster, she never stood a chance. They were always destined to die, she should have heeded Aegraxes words but now because of her Arne was....

She saw a flash of black as someone materialized beside her, the halting from Mikoto stopped.

"You're not a Von Auerswald." She heard him say. Glancing up she saw who he was referring to.

"Aegraxes," she mumbled lowly, beside him hovered the Divine Blade Nihil, on each end of the blade was a red glyph keeping it afloat beside him. Her brethren gave her a glance, even now she could not decipher what those eyes held. He must have sensed what happened to Arne, yet there was no sorrow, then again that is simply how Aegraxes had always been.

"You look rather worse for wear Beatrice," He stated the obvious with such a nonchalant tone. Beatrice pursed her lips as she gazed at the ground, she could not muster a response. Aegraxes merely shrugged before turning to the idle Mikoto.

"Well I never expected Arne and Beatrice to lose to any mortal so quickly, seems I underestimated you." He noted as he took slow strides forward, only stopping when he was a few meters in front of Mikoto.

"What are you supposed to be?" Mikoto asked with a hidden thrown. "That body looks like it belongs to a Von Auerswald yet you still got mana. You're a weird freak of nature."

"My how rude and so forward, we haven't even gotten to introduction and you're already insulting me." He did not seem that bothered by it judging from his dull tone, either way Aegraxes placed a hand on his chest and placed his right foot forward before giving a bow whilst outstretching his free arm. "I am known as Aegraxes, a Chaosmaw or demon as you mortals would put it. You lot do give the strangest of names."

("A Chaosmaw? Guess that explains his abundance of mana, he has about as much as Lucinda. But he looks human, that green-haired chick had those pointed ears and horns at least, and there was that red demon and that blue guy. They all looked inhumane but then there's this guy...") He did not exactly get an irksome feeling from the demon but there was something off about him. His instincts flared at him, urging him to be on guard. Yet Aegraxes merely stood there leisurely, arms hung lazily to the side and not even tensing a single muscle.

"Now it's your turn." He suddenly stated.

"Huh?"

"Come now," The demon rolled his eyes. "You should introduce yourself, no? It's common courtesy." There was something to be said about a demon lecturing him about courtesy.

"Fine, it's Mikoto." He obliged, though he did take a glance at the ominous blade next to the demon. The glyphs on either end of the blade seemed to be sealing its power to some extent, so for now he could ignore that, he focused on Aegraxes. "So you here for revenge or what? Seeing as I killed one of your buddies a moment ago."

"I do admit it affects me greatly, I've known Arne for a long time." He admitted freely yet his expression did not change as he shrugged. "Though not to the extent it did Beatrice, a shame." His red eyes drifted to the sky overlooking the vast expanse of blue littered with clouds. "Arne had taken her in when the world was still ours, given her purpose and familial love, I shall not exact revenge on you, I'm sure Beatrice will want that chance."

"You might as well be sending that chick to her own execution, she may get stronger but I will too. If you demons continue pestering everyone I'll wipe you all out, so how 'bout giving up?"

"I can't do that I'm afraid, while humans, demi-humans and other incomplete creatures plague this world giving up simply is not the way." Aegraxes stated, Mikoto took note of his words. It was barely notable, but there was venom in his tone whilst speaking of humans, demi-humans and other creatures as he put it. "But our goals may be impossible, I have always thought the biggest threats to our plans would be the spawn of that magic Goddess and the Inheritor of the God of strength. Even then there were methods of dealing with them in the long run." His eyes slightly narrowed as he stared at Mikoto. "But then you appeared, besting Asmodai, matching Selwyn Von Auerswald, and now defeating both Arne and Beatrice. Even here I know should the two of us fight, we'll merely end up killing one another. There would be no clear victor."

"So honored you think so." Mikoto sarcastically remarked, this guy was talking too long but still he could gauge some things from this conversation. For instance how he talked on how he spoke, 'when the world was still ours', it was such an odd thing to say. But still did this demon mean that literally? He did not know for sure but still, this guy was a threat and the woman demon would no doubt want vengeance further down the line. So it be best to kill them here and now. "Sorry but it isn't anything personal but I'm gonna have to kill the both of you."

"Oh?" The demon seemed amused. But just as quickly his eyes widened as he sensed a familiar mana surge.

"Familial Arts,"