At The Behest Of Animum

I awoke to the sight of a blank room.

A white ether sprawled out before me, spilling across space and time.

My armour was cleansed, the sanguin stains washed from its leather, yet not from my hide. The venerable Astrum Silver, forged from fragments of the celestial eminence by the careful hands of my master's son, was now unmarred. The scale mail beneath was no longer torn, with the chainmail it sheathed being cloaked once more.

At either side of me was my loyal shield and unfailing blade. My hands reached out, grasping at both. The pads of my fingers, shrouded in cold steel, pressed against and clutched the familiar hilt. The moment I did, I was at attention.

I could not say when, but my shield had slipped across my arm unto my vanguard. My sword was at the ready, and my feet were planted upon the ethereal plane.

Long years of agony brought me to my senses.

There would never be such a peaceful place waiting for the likes of me.

I am not dead, otherwise the devils head would already be at my feet.

"Master? What form of trickery have you brought upon me now?"

"I assure you, this is not a trick. Though your Master certainly has something to do with it."

I didn't even bother to turn around.

"Animum, what do you need of me?"

A abstract body made of light appeared in front of me, a joyous yellow hue separating it from the endless background.

"Master Systin has allowed me to make use of you. It seems your exile ends here."

The being had no face, but I could feel its irksome smile.

"So what would you have me do? Master Systin would never do anything without reason after all. This must be a mission of importance. Especially for the great Animum to be asking it of me."

Animum turned his hand, and the sprawling aether darkened till only infinitesimally small lights brought brilliance to the infinite void.

Before me, the image of a world now sat before me. A swirling mass of storms swept across its seas, barely reaching the craggy outline of it's massive continents. It was a grand sight to behold. Was this how my world, Manerum, look from beyond the firmament?

"Incredible…"

"It seems being an outcast hasn't dulled your sense of beauty."

"The torment I endured was not enough to break me. No amount of dolor ever could."

"I… am sorry. I have never experienced such things, an-"

"It's fine, Animum. I understand you aren't trying to be rude."

"Thank you."

I took a deep breath just a little longer, relishing in the feeling of the muscles in my chest slowly stretching.

"So then, what would have me do?"

Animum sighed, stepping forward as he pointed at a large dark portion of the world.

"This world is infested by powerful lust demons, and the goddess who oversees it has allowed the situation to spiral out of control."

"So you wish for this world to be cleansed?"

Animum looked back at me, a slight incredulity slipping across his empty visage.

"I trust your might my friend, but when I say powerful, I mean it. You will not be able to wage a war in your mortal form alone."

"What I want you to do is to repair the image of the knights of this world. There is a certain… disdain held for them. And without an army, our plan to retake this world will fail. I don't wish to give you any misconceptions, so I will allow you to see it for yourself when you arrive.

Are you willing to finally abandon your exile?"

It was a tentative, yet hopeful plea.

One that I as a knight cannot ignore.

I didn't even need to think about it.

"I accept your summons, what pact would you like to make?"

"Perfect!"

Animum flared with unmatched radiance, returning us to the aether.

"A justices pact will do nicely, the others are simply too destructive for what I'm planning. Let us do the oath!"

My chestplate split and shifted, opening up to reveal a vial made of metal and glass. Within it, a white fire blazed staunchly, unbothered by even the presence of a deity.

"I Animum, have summoned the knight Acros! At my behest, he will fight for the honour of the goddess Firmina!"

I then knelt, cupping my hands below the vial as it floated towards Animum. He reached out a hand, he placed his finger within the flame. From the back of my helm, orange flames spewed out to create a plume. An infernal cape blazed forth from my shoulders and neck, giving me the appearance of an imperial knight once more.

"For Honor! Glory! And Justice!

My shield and sword are at your beck and call!"

The moment my oath was spoken, I rose. Animum placed a hand upon my shoulder, looking straight into my helm.

"Take great care my friend, these demons… they are quite wily, and they follow the will of their master. They will stop at nothing to corrupt everything."

I nodded, and he patted my shoulder before turning and stretching out at hand. The aetherial space before us stretched and tore like hide, revealing a large field.

"Is that my destination?"

Animum nodded, looking back at me.

"It's a location that remains clean of corruption, but is still close to human city. The blessing of Firmina will appear once you arrive, and you'll be granted access to the language."

"That is enough for me."

I walked towards the portal, a sense of childish wonder seeping into my helm. However, just before I stepped through, Animum's voice called out to me.

"Good luck, Acros, keep your mind sound!"

I turned back, giving him a slight nod.

Before stepping onto the plains before me.

...

A/N: Alright lads I'll keep it simple. Read the authors note box that webnovel provides. On rare occasions, they will be nonsense or dramatics like the one below. But otherwise, they may have vital information or maybe some lore. They also may pose questions to the readers about things like art or plot points. This is the one and only time I will put the A/N here.