Resurrection Arc 9

Kaizo patiently waits in the bar with a drink in his hand. The sun has just risen and the bar is still empty. Ardyn promised to pick up Kaizo and take him to the Apostle. Shortly later, Ardyn arrived at the bar.

"Good morning," Ardyn greeted cheerfully. He leaned on the counter beside Kaizo and looked at the glass on Kaizo's hand. "It's a bit early for a drink don't you think?"

"The last time I checked, you're the one who was supposed to drive me. Not the other way around," said Kaizo.

Ardyn laughs. "That's right. Ready for a road trip?"

Kaizo nodded. He followed Ardyn outside to the parking lot.

"Quite a beauty isn't she?" said Ardyn as he showed off his car. "This exquisite mustang is my pride and joy. She'll take us through our journey," said Ardyn. "Come on!"

Kaizo gets into Ardyn's black car. They drove through the lonely road. The trip took a whole day. They stop by a few times to rest. By sunset, they arrived at a forest area.

Kaizo looks around the humid gloomy forest. It's a rural area where people are hardly seen. The road is still harsh with fresh soil and bits of pebbles. They arrive at an old stone castle.

Kaizo got out of the car and looked up at the stone tower at the top of the castle.

The castle is dark and gloomy. It doesn't seem well maintained. The yard is filled with lush grass. Some dry bushes and dead trees add up to the eerie air of the castle. Kaizo can hear various night animals begin to chatter as the night grows.

"Majestic isn't it?" said Ardyn. "It may be old. But it's rich in stories. Anyone who loves tales would wonder in awe. Although most would shriek by the voices of windy ghosts," Ardyn jokes. "Come. Let's go."

Kaizo followed Ardyn inside.

Two Umbran mages greet them and lead them into a dressing room where they are told to wear the Umbran robes. The two mages help dress them up before presenting them to the Apostles.

Their steps echo through the cold walls. A few torches dimly light their way as they walk the stone floor. As if the cold air pressing them, they walk without a word. Soon enough, they arrived at a grand door that led to the main hall.

The door slowly opens with a loud creak, showing the grand hall. A red carpet extends to the center of the hall where the seven apostles stood waiting with their hoods on. Behind them, a big altar with hundreds of lit candles stood. At the center of the altar, a symbol of Umbran is drawn on the wall. Beneath it, a thick book with leather covers, which Kaizo assumes as The Necromantia, rests on a podium.

They walk on the red carpet adorned with scattered autumn leaves, passing through a few pillars. They stood in what seemed to be a wide round shallow pool with no water. Upon closer inspection, traces of a magic circle are drawn on the pool's floor.

"Greetings, holy apostles. As promised, I present to you the messenger of The Queen of Darkness," said Ardyn as he bowed and stepped aside.

Kaizo takes a step forward. Facing all 7 Apostles with determination.

"Greetings, messenger. On behalf of all the Apostles, I welcome you to the hall of the Lord." said an Apostle. His voice was deep and calming. He stood in the middle, so he must be the leader.

"So you are the one who bears the crown of the Queen," said one of the Apostles.

"Yes, I am."

"We heard a lot about you through Ardyn."

Ardyn lightly bows proudly.

"Did you bring the crown?"

"I do," said Kaizo. He pulled out the crown and raised his hand for all to see.

The seven apostles were mesmerized.

"Bring the crown here. We need to take a closer look at that crown," said an Apostle.

"How do I know you won't steal it?" Kaizo asked.

"How bold!"

"You dare question the Apostles?!"

"Don't you think your place is higher than mine!" Kaizo yelled back. He infuses a little magic into the crown, and the crown is dimly lit.

The apostles watch the crown with fascination.

"I've met the Queen. I spent years with her. I've witnessed her power. You! are nothing," he said as he glared at each of the apostles.

"I watched her freeze the living and burn the angels. My Queen is fearless. All of heaven and hell knows her name! And you…" said Kaizo as he looked at them with scornful eyes. "You don't even have the guts to show your face or tell your names… And you have the audacity to look down on me!"

Tense filled the room.

"Indeed. You are right. I can see you're a truly faithful servant," said one of the Apostles. He pulls down his hood, showing his face. "My name is Adamalech. To my right, my trusted companion, Moloch, Miloch, and Xeneth. And to my left, my loyal subordinate, Sechmet, Yeneth, and Dalech," said Adamalech.

One by one, the Apostles pull down their hood. 5 men and 2 women.

"You're here for Necromantia, no?" said Adamalech with a smile. He stepped to the altar and took the book. "How about this? You can read this book and I will see the crown," said Adamalech as he walked towards Kaizo. "And neither of us will leave this circle until we're finished."

"...Agreed," said Kaizo with an intimidating tone.

Adamalech calmly handed over the book with a smile. Kaizo gave him the crown, still with hostility in his eyes. They both inspected each item.

"I hope you know how to read," said Admalech.

"Don't worry about that," said Kaizo coldly.