Chapter 9: The Hero King and The Witch Queen

…

24 hours later.

Planet Atheria, outside Guardian Stronghold, within another dimension.

<Void Invasion has ended.>

[The Void Invasion will start within: 30 days, 24 hours, 59 mins, 31 secs.]

Shing!

A beautiful sword was brandished, causing the blood clinging to it to splatter on the ground.

With an experienced gesture, the beautiful sword was sheathed into its rightful scabbard.

"That's all of them." A man with soft blond hair muttered. With a heroic temperament, he strode near the woman who is not at all inferior to the man's disposition.

Behind him, are black mountain ranges that span across the area.

But upon closer look, these 'mountain ranges' are actually dead bodies of various grotesque monsters that are stocked upon each other, forming what seems to be black mountains.

Ten dead bodies of huge whale monsters that are identical to the one that was killed before, can also be seen impaled by multiple giant spikes made out of ice and earth.

The place seems to be so desolate with all the dead bodies.

The woman who has the appearance of a 19-year-old girl, wearing a crown made of leaves and branches, nodded.

With a hand gesture, the exquisite wooden staff with gemstones, runes, and other ancient languages engraved on its body, glowed.

The black 'mountains' instantly turned into glaciers.

A second passed, and cracks started to form on its surface, and then…

CRAAAASH~

They broke apart into countless chunks of ice that scattered upon the land.

"As expected of the Witch Queen, Selene Moriethy, your skills have grown once again."

Looking at the blond man dressed in his caped platinum-colored battle armor, along with the extraordinary sword at his waist.

The blond man seemed to smile ever so kindly at her, paired with a handsome face and his heroic and gentle aura.

He seems to be the ideal male for all females, he looks like one of those main characters that directly came out from a fantasy tale.

The girl nodded neutrally at his praise, unfazed by the beauty of this man.

"... You seem to be doing well too, Arthur."

"Ahh, it's been a while since I've got a good exercise, I think I've grown a bit rusty… As the guardian of humankind, this is a big problem." The Hero King rotated his shoulder joint as if he had a good warm-up.

Gazing at the beaten-up dimension, and the sky where the multiple distorted holes used to be, his eyes glinted with a serious light.

"What exactly happened…? Where did these things come from? Is it a plot from those evil gods? Perhaps, a plan from a hidden faction?" The Hero King came up with all sorts of possibilities.

"...That's highly unlikely."

"Hmm? Do you know something?"

The Witch Queen didn't say anything, instead, she tapped the rear end of the staff that she was holding to the ground.

A ripple spread across the area near them, and soon projections of different cities, civilizations, races, and beings appeared before them.

Looking at the different scenes in which they are being invaded by countless of these monsters, the Hero King opened his eyes a little, clearly a bit surprised by the number of these abominations.

Just with a quick estimation, these things are summed up in billions!

"Just how many of those monsters are there, and where did they come from…" Arthur mumbled, it is clear that the suspicion he had about the evil beings being the cause of all this is quite impossible.

He can see that right now, as the evil beings who are on his lists have also been attacked by those monsters.

Literally, all of the factions and races regardless of their enemies or not are in chaos.

Lifting the extraordinary staff, the image slowly disappeared like a dispersing fog.

"It is evident that this is a surprise attack… Although we don't know the beings behind this, one thing is for sure…"

"The Goddess of Fate has the answers to our questions." Selene suggested in a neutral tone, while Arthur nodded.

It is too hard to theorize who is behind this, they clearly lack information.

"Arthur, we'll be going. The outside still needs a lot of help from us, the danger may have come to pass, but the chaos it brought is too big to be left alone." A man dressed in black heavy armor carrying a large greatsword came forward along with the other three heroes.

"Roland… alright. Sigurd, El Cid, please assist the other heroes." Arthur gestured at Selene and looked at the other heroes who assisted them.

Selene made a circling gesture with her hand and a portal from the dimension was created.

"Yes, you don't need to worry about it, King. We'll be back before you even know it." Roland made a confident smile, as he tapped his divine weapon, Durendal on his shoulder.

Sigurd, a serious and cold-looking man, suddenly stepped forward as he did a heroic salute, a gesture of high respect and honor where he stabbed the sword in front of him with both hands and did a respectful bow to the Witch Queen.

"We thank you for your assistance, Ms. Moriethy… Today, we shall remember your help and owe you a great favor on behalf of mankind." Sigurd's face seemed cold, but respect and gratitude can be felt in his tone.

El Cid and Roland soon followed, which made the Hero King smile.

"... That's fine, just make sure to aid the witch's side if ever we need help…" Selene replied with a hint of emotion, after pausing for a bit.

In the past, the witches suffered from a great witch-hunt. It is the dread that the witches all suffered from their own kind, the humans.

With the spread of the rumor, they were hunted as evil beings.

The hunt was ordered and spread by the past popes of the Vatican.

The hunt of their kind made the bonds of the witches closer and also became the biggest reason why they felt hostility toward humankind, especially the mastermind behind the hunt… the Vatican.

Years of hunting passed and at the brink of the extinction of their members, they were saved by the heroes.

The King of the Hero then offered the daughter of the deceased warlock and the remaining survivors a place to live.

A country for them to prosper. A place they can call home and heal themselves from the trauma they suffered.

Hundreds of years passed, and that hatred towards humankind significantly lessened, but like they say…

'A once crumpled paper can never be returned to its original look.'

They felt neutral and numb toward others, while a hint of loathing still appeared in their eyes whenever they saw the members of the church.

Sensing the warm look that she's getting from Arthur and El Cid, she quickly regained her stoic face, she then added:

"... Besides, we also needed your help in diverting those unknown monsters, and for being the 'clean-up' boys."

Arthur smiled wryly, while the three heroes just nodded.

After discussing a few matters, the three heroes went through the portal.

"Madam Selene. The representatives of the US, Vietnam, and Philippines are ready to negotiate." A girl dressed in an extravagant pure black witch's robe suddenly appeared near Selene, as soon as the heroes left.

The Witch Queen nodded, sniffing with her nose, she looked at her natural dress, that's not too extravagant but brought out the right features of her body.

Seeing it stained with the black rotten blood of the monsters, she thought to change her clothing first.

"My queen, do you need to…?" The dark-dressed witch wanted to suggest if she should take a shower and prepare first.

"No need…" The queen stopped the girl, as she tapped her staff to the ground.

"Igneous." Muttering a word, flames swallowed her body.

A few seconds later, the same 19-year-old girl, appearance-wise, came out of the fire now dressed in a flaming-orange gown.

Responding to her change, the 'forest' crown on her head, started flickering with wisps of orange flames.

"We'll go." The queen gestured at the Hero King to accompany her with the negotiation.

"Alright." Arthur walked beside Selene as they walked outside the portal to meet the guests.

Seeing her queen leave, the dark-dressed witch soon followed them behind.

…

"Mr. President, I have used the device that the lady gave us." An old man dressed in a modern suit reported to a middle-aged man who sat in his luxurious chair with a pale face.

Rubbing his forehead, the middle-aged man seemed to have aged a lot. He looked so done and tired.

"...sigh."

"Albert…What happened…?" The middle-aged man asked his assistant.

"...well. Mr. President, I think it would be better to just show you." The man placed a mini-device on the president's office desk.

The device blinked a few times while the mini magic circles worked their magic before it started spewing smoke at the top.

"What–!"

"Mr. President!"

Surprised, the President of the US was almost thrown off his chair, while the old man Albert defended the president instinctively.

Before they even started panicking, the smoke slowly showed an image.

Like an illusory fog, the image it showed is a luxurious room, at the center sat an exceptionally beautiful teenage girl.

Dressed in a flaming-orange dress, the hem of her clothes seemed to move as if alive, while the crown on her head emphasized her authority over others.

In contrast to her teenage appearance, her facial expression seemed very cold.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Frank Houston… I am Selene Moriethy, the queen of witches." The Witch Queen spoke in a melodious but distant voice.

"O-oh… I am Frank Houston, the current president of the United States… It is my pleasure to meet you… Ms. Moriethy." The president quickly coughed away his embarrassment and regained his composure as he sat down on his chair.

"As you know, the invasion of these monsters came in suddenly without any warning… Well, the same happened on our side." Selene explained the situation, while Arthur, who is far away, scrutinized the president.

Gazing at the multiple figures in different images, the three men are the presidents of the US, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

These are the countries that the witches and heroes were able to help and 'connect' with, in this sudden invasion.

When people lose their way to defend themselves, they start seeking help and protection from others.

When saved in an extinction crisis, the beings who saved them will be their heroes and new hope, never letting go of that light that can save them from this impending doomsday.

In this case that light and hope for them would be the witches and heroes.

As such, it would be rude on the witches' and heroes' part if they do not establish connections with these countries.

The mystical side of the world was exposed to the mortal world, unexpectedly and suddenly. At this point, there is no turning back.

There is a way to make things 'normal' again, which is mass mind and memory manipulation. Gods are capable of doing this, and other strong beings including the Hero King himself and Selene.

An option of deleting the memory of this whole event or injecting false information with the reason being that multiple nukes went off and massacred countless humans.

They can do that… Although troublesome and tedious to do, it is very much possible.

However…

'I'm not sure that's appropriate, and I'm sure, most Gods think so too…' Looking at the red text countdown at the corner of his vision, Arthur's expression turned serious.

That's right, another mass invasion of those unknown monsters will happen again, and they only got a month to rehabilitate and prepare.

Let alone a month, not even half a century can the humans recover what they lost…

Of course, that's assuming that the humans only do it themselves, but with the help of the mystical and awakened beings such as the witches with their diverse magic and the heroes with their unending energy and physical power, the process will be sped up astronomically.

However… that's in the situation where Earth is the only place that was invaded and had casualties.

The invasion's scope was too big, everyone was thrown off-guard. Even the Gods are busy with their own problems caused by those abominations.

"As such, all I can provide is an emergency communication and a conference with the other leaders in other countries."

Responding to her words, images of the other presidents, respectively, Vietnam and the Philippines were seen by the president of the US.

'There are others too?' Frank was a bit disappointed… To be honest, he had a little scheme in his heart, where he planned to make a sole alliance with the witches and the heroes.

The country suffered the greatest disaster that has ever happened in the last several millennia.

Who knew that more than 50% of the infrastructure of the countries would be destroyed within 24 hours?

The economy dropped to its lowest point. Hospitals were filled to the brim, while the whole military, even the reserves were dispatched.

Although most of the monsters were killed, some are still out there seeking destruction.

The sudden biggest record for the downfall of the country struck all the people, and almost made the president and the other government sectors pass out.

Thus, the appearance of the witch and the exposure of the existence of the mystical sides, along with magic, heroes, and witches are considered a heaven's descent of light for them.

Salvation in which the president of the US saw the future of where the country can grow better than ever given the time.

Too bad he's not the only one who thought of this…

The other presidents who were saved by the human faction thought of this… and the human faction did well to lead them to this mindset.

It's a win-win situation.

The countries can now prosper and recover at an insane rate, while the human faction of the mystical world can spread their influences and connections to the mortal world.

"Mr. Huang Thong and Ms. Josiah Aguinaldo…?" Seeing the current president of Vietnam and the Philippines, Frank can't help but raise an eyebrow.

'It appears they made a move too…' The president of the US remarked internally.

The possibilities and the potentials of these witches, heroes, and their powers are a big piece of tasty meat in front of them, especially in times of crisis.

"Well met, Mr. Houston." The Asian-looking man dressed in a similar modern suit greeted Frank in English…

But it can clearly be seen that he spoke in a different language.

So how did it come across to him as English then, and how was he able to understand it?

Instant translation?

Frank felt amazed just by this accomplishment, even in the smallest matters, the convenience these people from the mystical world show, brought them endless surprises.

"Well then, as the Queen of the Witches let us start our discussion and negotiation." Selene was about to start when the president of the Philippines suddenly asked her:

"Wait. Where's the representative of the heroes?"

"In front of you."

"Huh…?"

"The Hero King, Arthur Pendragon asked me to be the representative of the heroes too, as for why is he not here… He has an important matter to attend to." Selene made an excuse, while Arthur, who was listening far away, felt a bit embarrassed that she had to lie for him.

Actually, the Hero King intends to negotiate along with Selene, but on the other hand, he feels that the Witch Queen is much more experienced in negotiation than him.

It's not that he's bad at it.

As a leader, he must possess the qualities to be one, and that includes negotiations that benefit both sides, especially your side.

Arthur felt that Selene was much more suited in this field, as she can 'squeeze' more benefits and think of a much better solution for the problems the coalition encounters during the negotiation.

"... I see, what a pity." Ms. Josiah knew the queen was lying. What could be more important than having an international alliance that can determine the fate of multiple countries?

The other presidents knew the queen was lying too, and Selene herself intentionally made a lie full of flaws.

She didn't need to make a realistic lie. It's not like they can do anything either even if they knew she was lying or not.

It's just for the sake of formality for these people.

As one of the witches who suffered from the witch-hunt, she's still neutral towards her race… another reason why Arthur chose her as the heroes' representative.

As the guardian of humankind, he felt compassion towards his own kind… and well, in negotiation that's not really a good trait to have.

Having a rational mind in important matters is a must, even more so in business.

"Any more questions?" The Witch Queen scanned their facial expressions.

Seeing no one say anything, she then nodded.

"Let us start our discussion and negotiation then."

…

"That was a good deal." Walking towards the door, she was greeted with the sight of the Hero King.

"Yes. As promised, I didn't go too hard on the conditions."

"Hmm." Arthur nodded in satisfaction.

"Well then, I need to go back. I have things to take care of." The Witch Queen gave her farewell

'Still so cold.' Arthur laughingly remarked inwardly.

But thinking about the mess everyone was still in… The situations and things that needed to be taken care of.

He also nodded as he too would be busy with all the new changes that were about to happen.

It is not an exaggeration that everything in this world will change.

With the sudden invasion, the chaos it brought to everyone, the exposure of their world to the mortal side, and those unknown grotesque monsters…

A new era has begun.

Arthur was about to respond when suddenly, a vision appeared in their minds.

In the vision, came the invitation of the Fate Priestess.

An emergency invitation for all the gods, leaders of the races, factions, and other influential and strong ancient beings.

A few seconds later, they snapped out of their dazed state.

"About time." Arthur gave a knowing smile.

It was about time for them to know the answers to their endless questions, and the only one who can provide that is the only person who warned them all about the sudden invasion…

Fate Priestess Maeia, also known as the Goddess of Fate.

"Hmm..." Selene also nodded, but an expectant look and curiosity can be seen flashing in her eyes.

"Deina." She called softly.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" The dark-dressed witch appeared beside her. She then bowed slightly, waiting for orders.

"Tell Daisy to accompany me."

"My queen, where are you–"

"An emergency conference. All the important beings of every faction will be there… it would be a meeting where our questions would be answered… including where those horrid creatures came from."

"Yes, my queen… Be careful out there." The dark-dressed girl named Deina was about to protest but stopped herself as she knew it would be pointless.

Once their queen made a decision, nothing and no one can change that.

'Just like that day…' Her eyes flashed in nostalgia a bit.

"Yes." Selene nodded in satisfaction and appreciation at the girl's response.

"You know what to do, right?"

"Yes. Defend and stabilize the Witching Well while the queen is not here." Deina replied as if she knew what her queen was thinking.

Selene once more nodded in satisfaction as she looked at Arthur.

"I'm going alone, no need for a companion. They are better off becoming human forces than being a decoration just to show off your position." The Hero King shrugged, making his point.

Selene just nodded, as she knew she was not the target of his statement.

Soon, Selene and Arthur left for the conference.

Deina, who was left behind, made a difficult face.

'Ahh… I should've reported the finding of the new warlock.' The dark-dressed witch felt complicated if she should've reported it earlier.

The reason that she felt hesitant to do so is that the matter regarding warlocks is a sensitive topic for Selene.

She doesn't know what would be their queen's reaction if she knew that a once-in-a-millenia male 'witch' was born.

Although she is 100% sure that their queen would be pleased, it was better to be safe than sorry.

'Oh well, I'll just report it later after her majesty returns. It's not like the man is going anywhere anytime soon… ' Deina just shrugged, as she went to do what she was commanded.

…