Chapter 22

GREY

"An ancient mage?!" exclaimed Caera as she studied the tiny man. "Yes, my name is Bruce. I would like to train you Grey," the man admitted.

"Train me? But how!? My mana core is broken, I can't be anything anymore!" I yelled with the feelings of despair I've been putting off finally creeping up on me. "I do not have a mana core either, but I am in charge of this zone. How do you think this works?" Bruce questioned.

"Then how-"

"Aether, I can train you to use aether. But I only have a year of my life left so that means I will be unable to have the girl with you," Bruce explained.

"I understand, I'm fine with it," said Caera, much to my surprise. "But Caera-"

"Don't 'But Caera' me, I'm your girlfriend now, I can wait for you to come back. But you need to be able to go on ascents with me, okay?" asid Caera as she gave me one final hug before Bruce teleported her away.

I turned to Bruce. Caera had just left, now my girlfriend and the 4th person to accept me for who I am. I felt relieved but at same time, terrified to find out what training Bruce had in store for me. "So, what do you have planned for me?" I questioned, I wanted to know how he knew my old name but that could wait.

"That's simple. We'll need to create you aether runes so that you can use aether," explained Bruce. "And how do we do that?" I inquired. "That's simple, I need you to take a meditative position and I'll insert the runes onto your body," Bruce replied.

I did as I complied and I noticed a small black will-o-wisp inside of my body. "Don't worry, it's just me buddy," said Regis. I was amazed he could do that but I ignored it. Soon I felt itchy all over my body. I began to feel a sort of power surge through me. It was purple, I could only assume it was aether.

I then heard an annoyed grunt coming from Bruce. Without opening my eyes I asked about it. "I haven't done this in ages so I'm a bit rusty," he replied, although I don't think that was the reason. I soon found out the reason why. It seemed the aether was being gathered to my new companion.

I tried to stop it only to find out I could manipulate it but only to an extent. That's strange, I thought I would need all the runes, is Regis interfering in some way?

"Yes I am, I just wanted you to think you were special," teased Regis. I sighed at my companion's antics.

"So Bruce, now that you're done creating the pathways what do I do now?" I questioned. "That's simple, we'll need to get you your first god rune," said Bruce with a smile on his face.

I shuddered, I don't know what a godrune is but if it's much stronger than a rune then I can't imagine what I have to do to get it. "Don't worry, it won't be anything combat related, we are a peaceful race after all. Or, we used to be at least," trailed off Bruce. I couldn't help but to feel bad for him.

"Here, I have this for you," said Bruce, throwing me a small cube. It was unremarkable but surprisingly heavy. "What is this?" I questioned, turning the cube around in my hands in an attempt to understand what it is.

"It's a mindstone. By putting aether into it you'll enter a mind realm that will allow you to gain insight into this rune. Unlike spells you need insight to use a rune, these mind stones help greatly with that," explained Bruce.

"I will leave you alone for 3 months. I will see you then," said Bruce as he suddenly disappeared. Then the room around me warped into what looked to be a living room. It was my living room from my past life. Only Bruce had removed everything that could be used as entertainment, from TV to books. "Well Regis, looks like we'll need to get working," I said as I sat down on my old bed.

CAERA DENOIR

I just left the Relictombs without Grey. Once I was through the portal I saw Seris there waiting for me. I ran up to her. "Hey master," I waved. "Where is Grey?" Seris demanded. "Don't worry, I'll explain everything. Just know that he's safe," I answered.

She nodded and we made our way back to the Denoir estate, in complete awkward silence. It was one of the hardest drives in my life. Couldn't she just use the tempest warp? She's doing this on purpose, I just know it!

We soon got back and we went into a private room. "So, what is the problem with Grey? And why isn't he here?" questioned Seris. "This sounds unbelievable, but to put it simply we found an ancient mage," I explained.

Seris's eyes went wide, "You did? How?"

"Honestly, I don't know. But he said he wanted to train Grey. Bruce said Grey will come out after a year in our time," I explained. "Bruce?" Seris raised a brow. "That's his name," I clarified.

"I see, thank you for explaining," Seris said before she was about to leave. "Wait! Is it possible for me to talk to Nico?" I questioned, I could probably get answers from him since I heard king Grey shout his name. I'm sure Nico is from the same world as Grey.

"I can try, I'll need the High sovereign's permission though," said Seris before leaving. I took a deep breath and took out a tub of ice cream. Since Grey's world had a ton of new flavors I was desperate to try at least one of them.

Honestly, despite accepting Grey, the revelation about his past life and the fact that there are other worlds is rather shocking. I can understand why his old friends and family did what they did. Some ice cream will help, it always does. The tub was huge but since I wanted to savor it I only took a bowl full.

It was heavenly, is this the food of another world? If only I didn't have a limited supply, I could eat all I wanted.

My thoughts drifted off to Grey again. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I was putting up an act earlier. Yes, I understand everything and I prepared myself for this but I'll still need to comprehend everything. Maybe if there's someone other than Grey who can give me answers.

"Caera!"

I almost jumped right into the ceiling. Mayla burst into my room. I suppose I should be happy my blood is okay with having friends enter our house without prior notice but Mayla should be monitored.

"Where is Grey?! I was told he didn't return!" Mayla screamed, terror and desbelief in her voice. "Calm down Mayla, he's still alive, let me explain," I said. She calmed down and sat on my bed, still shaking.

"Do you remember our first Relictomb dive some odd 3 years ago?" I asked. She nodded in confirmation. "Do you remember when the zone said Grey was a descendant?" Mayla nodded again. "Well, we found an ancient mage and he took Grey saying he wanted to train him."

Mayla just looked at me deadpan, the only thing she did was blink. I waved my hand in front of her face to make sure she was still there."Alacrya to Mayla, Alacrya to Mayla. You alive in there?"

Mayla snapped out of her confusion. "Seriously? I thought the ancient mages were wiped out?"

"So did I, but we found one. He said he'll train Grey for about a year in outside time," I explained. "I don't know if I should be upset about that or be happy," Mayla sighed. "How in Vritra's name did that even happen? Didn't the false gods kill them off?"

"Supposedly one of them survived all this time," I explained. "There's probably something in the zone which allowed him to live that long," pondered Mayla. "Man, I wish I came with you, I would've gotten to see so much cool stuff! Who knows, he might've wanted to train me too."

"Well you're getting pretty good with those shotgun's right?" I asked. Actually, Grey totally took the idea from his old world didn't he?

"Yeah, I even made this," Mayla held up a small black shotgun. It had a small trigger and short barrel, the loading part was on the top rather than the bottom. "I call it a handgun, much more effective when it comes to aiming but it's not as strong. It's best against small targets," Mayla explained.

I should probably change the topic before she trails off for the next couple of hours

"So Mayla, how are you and Seth doing these days?" I asked.

"Oh, we're good, I want to know how you and Grey are doing?" Mayla asked with a sly smile.

"We're finally dating!" I exclaimed. Mayla's eyes lit up.

"Finally! Who confessed?" She pressed for details.

"I did, he didn't know it but his face was even redder than Seth's when you guys first started dating," I giggled, remembering his face back then.

"Well that's to be expected, I don't see him as the one to confess," Mayla sighed. Grey probably would have confessed if not for his eternal conflict with himself. "I'm going to tell everyone else, I'll talk to you later," said Mayla as she left. She's still running around everywhere, I wonder how Seth manages her.

I then waited for Seris to return so that I could speak to Nico. I could just wait for Grey to answer my questions, but I would rather know the answers sooner. I could also possibly help reduce the bad blood between the two. While not as promante, I can still tell there is some hatred in the air.

***

"Caera, I have returned," I woke up to someone shaking me. It was Seris. "Hello master, what is the matter?" I asked, slowly waking up.

"The High Sovereign has given you permission to speak to Nico. I suggest you come with me as soon as possible," said Seris. I lit up. Finally

"Master, why do I need the High sovereign's permission to see Nico?" I inquired, it was a question I wanted an answer to. "What is happening is much greater then you or I Caera, even I do not know much about Nico or Grey," Seris answer as we made our way to a teleport gate.

Upon going through I was amazed. We were in what could only be described as luxurious. I followed Seris through the halls, keeping to myself. I felt aura's that made even Grey's realmheart seem like a child's attempt to intimidate, the only reason I was still standing was because I was a silver core. If I had to guess– using the fact I needed the High sovereign's permission and the sheer aura's here– I can confidently say we're where Agrona is.

As we kept walking I saw two giant red wings that looked to be made of fire decorating one of the doors. It didn't look like any mana beast I knew. "We are here," said Seris as we stood in front of a giant door. She knocked on the door and I heard some metal clanging on the inside. Suddenly the door flew open. There was Nico, staring at Seris. "What do you want Seris, I'm busy."

"Caera Denoir, my student, would like to speak to you," said Seris, a tone of annoyance in her voice. Nico turned to me with his brow raised.

"Why are you here? Shouldn't your boyfriend be with you?" Nico asked.

"Hey Nico, I would like to know about Earth," I said, knowing that he would understand what I was trying to say. His eyes went wide before contorting into slits.

"Seris, please leave us alone for a while," Nico asked, or, demanded rather.

Seris was about to retort when I stepped in," Please, I'm okay with being alone with him for a while." Seris nodded, but I could tell she didn't like the development. "Come on in," said Nico as he opened the door for me. Once I was in I saw artifacts strewn about, different kinds of swords laid everywhere.

"So, it's obvious you know the truth. I'm guessing you couldn't handle the truth or are just angry at Grey so you came to me. I'll answer your questions, but I won't let you treat him the same as the others did. Despite my anger, I don't want him to go through that again," said Nico, releasing some bloodlust towards me.

"You're wrong, I came to you because Grey's in isolated training and I'm impatient," I answered. I then threw one of the pieces of food I got from the recreation of Earth at Nico. "Tell me everything and I'll pay you in Earth food," I said with a smug grin. "I'm sure both of us will benefit from this deal."

Nico's expression turned to one of shock once he realized what I threw at him. "How did you get this?" He asked, I think he was drooling as he stared at it.

"When me and Grey went into the relictombs we entered a recreation of Earth, and I robbed a candy store," I admitted.

"Alright I'll tell you everything, but I want more," said Nico as he unwrapped the candy bar. I then pulled out a couple dozen of them and a tub of ice cream. I had more but I was greedy. Nico went wide eyed and quickly put them away into his own ring.

"So, what do you want to know first?" He asked as he took a spoon to the ice cream.

"I want to know what Grey was like in his past life," I admitted.

"That's a hard thing to explain. He changed a lot through the years," Nico sighed.

"Me and Grey were orphans. No one to help us except for the orphanage director. Unlike me, Grey never knew his parents so he considered the director as his mother. He was a muscle head, a true idiot. However, he was unmatched in combat, even without training he could take on two adults. It was mainly his reflexes that allowed him to do what he did. But, just like now he was still a cockroach, nothing could kill him."

"But, after the director was killed in an incident he became distant, not emotionless, but distant. He spent his entire time training to become king so that he could avenge her. When he was about to become king the incident happened. If you want to know about that you'll need to ask him."

"But because of that incident he finally became emotionless. He didn't let anyone close to him. I only knew this because of rumor's and the news."

"If I'm being honest, he's changed a lot when he came over to this world. He now wears a mask but I know he's having fun. What happened in Dicathen was truly evil of us but I'm glad you were here. If someone didn't help him he might've returned to his emotionless ways, and for that, I thank you," said Nico.

I felt my heart ache for Grey. His life sounded so difficult. "Thank you Nico, you've helped me out a lot," I said as I bowed my head, grateful for his aide. " Is Grey Wilbeck his old name as well?" I asked. Nico's eyes widened in surprise. "Yes, he took the name of the orphanage director. She was the kindest person I ever met, I'm glad he told you. Anyways, you're not going to ask more? Like how our word works or what happened between us?" Nico questioned.

"No, I'll wait for him to tell me," I said as I got up.

"How kind of you to visit Caera."

I spun around to see a man, he had Vritra horns that started at the front of his head and went backwards, they looked like elk horns. His presence was suffocating, even with his aura suppressed I could barely stand. "Hey Agrona, what do you want this time? I'm pretty sure you said I get today off," said Nico casually, as if Agrona was just an annoying uncle who just walked in.

I immediately took a knee, "I greet the High sovereign!" I exclaimed. I didn't know the etiquette for greeting him because who would? Normally no one would ever see him but here he is, standing in front of me! What will happen if he finds out my blood manifested?

"Haha," Agrona laughed. "You may stand, I would like to ask some questions about Grey. I never expected him to come to Alacrya," said Agrona. I somehow managed to stand up but not without my legs shaking like crazy. I gulped as Agrona looked at me.

"What does Grey think of our continent?" Agrona questioned me. "He says he sees it as his home," I answered. Agrona nodded, "What does he think about his old friends and family?"

"He holds nothing but hatred for them," I answered. I was confused as to why Agrona wanted to know about Grey. Then Agrona leaned in close to me, "Where does his loyalty lie?"

"A-Alacrya," I answered, nervous. "Good…Good… Where is he now?" asked Agrona. "H-He's in isolated training for a year. I-I don't know where he is," I answered. "Unfortunate, I was hoping to speak to him soon," sighed Agrona.

"Thank you for answering Caera, Seris has trained you well."

"It is my honor," I answered, giving a small bow. Agrona then got up and left. Once he was out of the room I immediately fell over onto a nearby chair. "You ok?" asked Nico.

"Yeah, just, that was stressful. How were you ok?" I asked, Nico was completely fine. "I'm used to it, I had to deal with him for years. Although he can be intimidating at times," answered Nico.

"Caera!" Seris barged into the room. "Oh, you're okay, that's great!" she exclaimed as she pulled me into a hug. "Uhh, Master?" I asked as she squeezed me harder. "He didn't pry into your memories did he?" Seris asked as she held my shoulders.

"No… would he?" I asked, confused and slightly afraid. "He can and will if necessary," answered Nico instead. I shook. That meant he would've found out about my Vritra blood! That's why Seris was so worried.

"I should bring you back to the Denoir estate now," said Seris. I nodded and followed Seris back.

AGRONA VRITRA

I walked to my balcony that overlooked basilisk mountains. I thought back to my talk with Seris' student Caera.

I took a deep breath. "Those fools. They pushed away the only thing that could have stopped me. King Grey, the strongest fighter from another world. Had he been on your side he might've, might've been able to harm me," I said to no one.

"Not only that but you've also given me what I need for the legacy," I laughed at the absurdity of it all. He trusted them and they cut their hearts off to him.

"What An Expected Betrayal."