Gathering Beneath the Storm. (Prologue)

*kaw* *kaw* *kaw*

Finding myself on a familiar beach. I move my feet left and right creating a sort of rhythmic waves with my footwork as to test my skills. The sun was shining, the waves crashing, and the birds are singing, I don't mind Mary's choice for this is a pretty nice place to be around. It was when I look ahead to seeing another version of me laying down on the sands, resting her head on her arm while eating some sort of snack all around her like some bum. It was none other than Mary.

(Seeing my self laze around like that never cease to hurt me. But thanks to that, I'm more diligent than ever).

As I wonder where Mary even knows or get these things, I walk closer, seeing her lazing around watching some sort of moving painting with my own face is still weird. I crouch down behind her and she finally gives me some attention asking:

"Sova, you again? What do you want? I know I told you to dream about me but not this much you know. Don't you know the meaning of personal space? And when I say it like that, I guess it's a bit narcissistic."

*nom* *crunch* *crunch*

Mary takes another bite of what seems to be a crunchy brown thing with dark brown syrup inside...

(It looks yummy).

Entrance by the meals she brings, I quickly shake my head and get the thoughts out since I have an important matter. I lean towards her asking:

"Mary, please! I need you to teach me storage magic!"

"Nah, too lazy. Not in the mood."

*nom* *crunch* *crunch*

Rejected just like that, and by my own face while she lazes around... Not wanting to accept this, I shake her up shouting:

"Please! I thought you told me that you'll teach me the next time I visit!"

Mary who's wearing a weird baggy coat with a hoody pulls her hood up and cover her face by pulling some strings as the hoody seem to swallow her shouting back:

"I did, but not today! Can't you see I'm too busy watching?"

"Watching?"

Curious by what she says I try to lean on the moving painting with voices coming from the sides. Seeing some very familiar things I can't help asking:

"What are you watching?"

Watching the box with moving paintings for a while longer, I soon realize it's someone's point of view. Mary opens her hood and sits beside me with a bag of her snacks answering with another question.

"You want some?"

"Oh, yea, thanks..."

Mary gives me some yellow crunchy meal that seems to be filled with flavours. It was now that I was spending time watching this moving painting beside her when I too enjoy the snack she gives.

"This is pretty good. You know your snacks, Mary. It's small yet packed with flavours, where did you get this?"

*nom* *nom* *crunch* *crunch*

I compliment her choice in snacks while asking her and enjoying the meal she places between us. Mary in return to my question looks at me with surprise asking:

"They don't sell this? Don't the convenient stores have them?"

"The convenient store? They mostly sell loaves of bread, sweets, quick lunches and such for snacks and food. Most meals we have them at diners and homes. Especially breakfast, but I usually eat breakfast at my workplace or not in my landlady's room since they give me free meals when I help them clean."

"Man, your life must've sucked. Or maybe I'm just living the life of luxury! Haha!"

*chomp*

(Maybe I should go back to the convenient store and see. I am also curious as to what happened to Aunt's friend as well. I hope she's safe).

Mary answers back gleefully as she takes a huge chomp of a hand-sized brown snack. When we continue to watch the moving painting again, I was greeted with a familiar face, with clear blue eyes, face with freckles and a cheerful smile that makes him look like a pup...

"Nicole?"

As I call out his name, so does the box calls his name and in my old voice as well. Nicole then answers cheerfully and would cling to me with a smile. When my suspicions reach the roof, that's when Mary answers with:

"Your memories."

"Wait, what!? Don't you know what privacy is-oomph!"

Slapping my mouth with food to shut me up, Mary picks her ears with an irritated face and lays down replying:

"Sheesh, shaddap! I thought I'm one of your closest friends and since I live inside of you too, why not give me this much liberty. In fact, why don't you think of this in another way? With this, you can view your long lost memories or something."

"It can?"

I tilt my head as I wonder how much it could bring when Mary continues explaining:

"Ye, do you want to remember something? Like some of the weirdest dreams you had, or maybe your first wet dream as a jerk material. Besides, before I can teach you anything I need to learn more about your strength and weaknesses that you don't know about so come visit me in a week until I found something."

(Wet dreams? Jerk materials? What's that? And long-forgotten memories huh? Maybe I could ask her to show me my times when I was travelling around from places to places with Aunt and May. Or maybe I could ask her to show me my times spent in my old home? But even then... Right now, I need to look forward).

"No thanks, what I need now is guidance for the future. Say, do you have any tips and advice you can give me?"

Mary tilts her head in surprise saying:

"Really? Hehe, that's cute. But Nah, not yet. I guess I could tell you something."

"What is it?"

Mary reacting to my question press my heart with a smile saying:

"Don't visit me next time until next week when I'm ready to teach you, your body can't handle too much of me yet."

"Huh?"

*************************************

Hazy, wet, and confused. Drenched in sweat, I felt my parched throat seeking for moisture. Waking up, I grab the water bottle on the small table beside the bed. Heavier than I thought, I continue to gulp the water until none is left. Taking a closer look around and see the deep blue glow seeping through the curtains.

*tick* *tock* *tick* *tock*

The machine in the wall that I use as some kind of hymn to sleep keeps ticking as I wonder,

(What time is it now? Am I late I wonder?)

I get off the bed, and as my feet hit the ground, I try to stand but my knees felt weak as my arms felt limp to even lift my self. My fingers numb, my breathing becomes heavy while my vision still blurs. I grab the walls for support, my body shakes wildly as I try to exit the room to find Yuria for help.

(I wonder if this is what Mary told me about? If this happens the 2nd time I visit her, this could be dangerous).

*bump*

"Oh?"

Bumping to someone, my weaken body bounce away like a rubber ball to a wall. My fingers try to reach for the door but I was too late.

*grab*

"Are you okay, Sova? You look... Weak."

(That voice... Kokkan).

In the nick of time, Kokkan holds me in his arm as I felt him supporting me up. His warmth and strength leave me relief as I could let him support me.

"That's Sova? Wait, what's going on here Kokkan!? What kind of weird kinky fetish did you do to her!?"

"I did none!"

That's Hanami's voice. Hearing them argue with each other also relieved. Their crystal blue eyes seem to glow in my blurred vision. A shadow looms over to me as I felt someone holding my forehead. His or her arms are cold and feel good on my head, as I try to keep it there by holding it with my weakened arms.

"She's burning! Kokkan, we can confirm it later. Bring her to bed, I'll call Yuria."

"Yes, nee-san."

Hanami screams out loud as I hear someone running away and Kokkan holding my back knees before lifting me up on his arms. There was shaking for a while before my head touches upon something soft and a cold, wet, and soft feeling touch my head. When I hold it, I could feel a hand filled with scars as I remember who's hand is like this... I try to muster up my voice saying:

"Thanks, Kokkan..."

My voice was not only small as well. But Kokkan holds my hand back saying:

"No need thank me, Sova. Just tell me if you need anything, okay?"

"Okay..."

Kokkan reassures me once again as he seems to be taking care of the sickly me...

*tick* *tock* *tick* *tock*

The sound on the walls echoes. In this serene moment, I close my eyes and prepare to travel deep into my mind as my breathing seems to be unstable as well.

(I'm just going to sleep... I have to thank him later... Good night?)

*************************************

It was dark when I gain conscious. As I try to open my itchy eyes, what greeted me is an unfamiliar ceiling of white and serenity. Blinking a few times, I move my heavy hands to clean my eyes when someone holds my hands with the toll of bells.

*clang* *cling* *clang*

The hand that holds me was soft and warm, from the frame and smoothness it is clearly a girl's hand. From her jade white skin, beautifully decorated nails, and the purple clothing that accompanies it is also very exquisite with bells attached at the long sleeves. It looks familiar as only one person would wear such things...

"Sis... Yuwei?"

I whisper softly as I push my hand up and our fingers intertwine. The thought of holding her hands like this cross my mind multiple times when I could hear someone saying:

"Yes, good evening, Sova."

(That voice... Wait, no way!)

"Sis Yuwei?!"

I pull my hands away to rub my eyes and clean my sight. When I turn my head to where the voice comes from. Sitting beside the bed on a white chair is Sis Yuwei in her Empress attire. As she places her hat on the table beside my headband, revealing her face filled with heavy make-up.

*clang*cling* *clang*

I try to get up and greet her but Sis stands and gently pushes me down with a pleasant smile saying:

"There's no need to get up, just lay down, Sova. For the vaccine is still taking effect."

*cling* *clang* *clung*

With the toll of bells, she lets me go and takes a sit once more.

"Vaccine? What's that?"

I face to her side as I ask, but Sis Pats my head gently as she plays with my hair replying:

"Let's just call it a miracle medicine. But other than that..."

She raises my bangs and leans forward...

*cling* *clang* *clung* *smooch*

With another toll of bells, Sis kiss my forehead as I feel my face burns, she continues to caress my head with a gentle smile and continue saying:

"I'm just glad you're back."

I close my eyes and cover my face to hide my shame saying:

"D-Don't do something like that so suddenly!"

I try to make a comeback by leaping my upper body at her, giving her a surprise hug as I felt my head diving between two large soft things.

*cling* *clang* *clang*

"Revenge! And your bell sure is noisy."

I shouted as the ever noisy bells in her sleeves ring once again.

(I wonder who thought it was a good idea to put bells on your baggy sleeves was a good idea?)

"Pfufu, annoying isn't it? But I hope you can endure it for now. Still, didn't I tell you to lay down?"

Sis Yuwei exclaims that yet she still hugs me back and caresses the back of my head. I look up between her chest with a triumphant smile and try to change the subject by saying:

"Haha, did I do good in my first mission? Shifu said it was a great success."

*cling* *clang* *clung*

She covers my eyes and puts me back on the bed as the bells ring once again saying:

"Yup, it sure is. Good job!"

Sis pats my head some more before she holds my cheek as I feel the warmth of her hand. It might be magic or her own body but it's comfortable none the less.

"Hehe, I'm just glad I could help, Sis!"

I hold her hands in return before I continue saying:

"And I'm very happy that you took your busy time to visit me, Sis... Thank you. Since now I have decided to take things slowly and surely. I'll try my best to work my hardest and learn from my mistakes! So I'll take any mission you give me Sis and learn more before I finally bring my family together. But before any of that, if you have time, let's catch up on some things, like family."

I pound my chest softly as I said that and Sis merely smiles, brushing my bangs aside and touching the scar she made before replying:

"I see, you sure have grown. And it seems my lips have left a mark."

"Hmm, what do you mean?"

Sis shakes her head and lowers my bangs saying:

"Why don't we talk about something else while I'm here?"

"Sure!"

Sis caress my head again as the bells in her sleeves rings, asking:

"So, you finally awakened? You've reached the realm of True Martial Arts now."

"Yea! But... I'm still inexperience. I mean, I may have power, but I still don't know how to use or utilize it."

"That is true. But don't worry, I'm sure with enough training you will soon learn how to use it."

I pump my fist saying:

"Yea! And also... Well..."

Sis nods with sympathy replying:

"I can hear and see. It seems we have something else in common now."

"Yea... Awakening transformation is weird."

Sis stops patting my head as she leans on her chair and opens her hands asking:

"So I was going to ask, do you want to change your voice at least?"

"You can change voices!? W-Without magic I mean."

I clench my blanket as I ask and Sis nods saying:

"Of course, I try to avoid any operations so I was planning to use a tool."

Feeling excited that I can achieve something new and get a stepping stone to my dreams, I quickly ask her saying:

"A tool? What is it? What is it?"

Sis looks up, holding her chin as the bells on her sleeves ring again, pondering for a while before she looks at me replying:

"I was thinking of installing a sound converter for your armour."

(Armour huh... And talking about armour).

I scratch my cheeks as I will soon reveal or disclose something by saying:

"Haha, well... Sis while you do that, do you mind finding me a new armour?"

"Hmm?"

Sis tilts her head while with a heavy heart, I continue explaining:

"I destroyed both my armour and weapon during the mission."

"Pfufufu, really now? No remains at all?"

Surprisingly, rather than getting angry Sis merely laughs a little as she hides her mouth and I shake my head replying:

"Not that I know off, sorry... But at least the medallion and my C.C card are still intact. And I got a soul weapon now, so I only need the armour."

(Right, I still need to take my card from Saya).

Sis nods with a smile saying:

"I see, I see. I guess no normal armour could suit you now huh? It would be wise for you to form your own soul armour soon."

"Soul armour? Do you mean like the armour counterpart of my soul weapon?"

Sis looks up for a while as her long purple mixed hair sways like she's a living art before her purple eyes look at me saying:

"Yes, but for now, let's just give you the best armour you can fit, and what we have in stock."

I jump from her news as Sis pulls me back down yet still my excitement keeps me saying:

"Really!? I'm going to learn how to get my soul armour? Yay! I wonder if it'll be cool? Will it be like your phoenix armour Sis? Oh, I can't wait to get my soul armour!"

Sis who seems to be influenced by my joy nods along replying:

"Of course it will. Since you already formed your soul weapon. It will still be long before you can form your armour, so train a lot okay?"

"Of course, Sis! I'll cultivate a lot. So just you wait! I'll blow your mind with my cool armour!"

I make a chopping strike and a couple of fist form combo to relief my excitement but Sis Yuwei's smile disappears as her eyes leers away replying:

"Cultivate huh...? That will be hard for you now. But I'll excuse myself first. Make sure to take better care of your self okay?"

"Sure!"

Even if she lost her smile my excitements still burns bright.

(As hard as it may be, I'll still try! I wonder why Sis Rubeca never told me about soul weapons or armour? It was only when Nanny teaches me about how to control qi that she told me about it. If she told me that I can custom made my own weapon and armour if I practice qi I would probably try so much harder during my first days of training and let her beat me up even more! Not that I like getting beat up of course!)

Sis Yuwei pats my head one more time saying:

"Don't break the new armour now okay?"

Before she leaves. Leaving the echo of chiming bells and loud steps before the closing door. When I look around, seeing this new place. That's when I realize...

"Where is this?"

The entire place is white, from the walls, the ceiling the table, chair, light, bed and even my pillow. Unlike the room I sleep which is dominated by the colour of brown and the bed having a roof. I try looking around and realize I'm in some white room with a tint of blue, green and gold. With half of the walls on right made of transparent glass that reveal more empty rooms the same as this and corridors that lead somewhere.

Even then, knowing that Sis is the one who puts me here makes me at ease. I lay on the bed once more as I was barely able to contain my energy. I try my best to sleep and dream about what kind of armour will I get in the future.

*************************************

My conscious returns once more. Wondering how long has it been since I woke up without an alarm, I open my eyes again. It was still the same white room as before, but... The lights seem to be turned off. The gold, blue and yellow lines seem to mould with the shadows as blinking red light dominates the room and all around it. And a subsequent unease takes hold...

I look to my side where the wall of glass is supposed to be, and to my surprise, a glowing bright red message written in the common tongue appears as it moves from one wall to the other. It says,

[Alert! Alert! Containment breach detected! All unarmed personnel are advised to stay in your rooms!]

The white room that I woke up to seems like a dream now. Wondering if I should stay or move, I try moving my arms and legs when,

"Greetings, Son of Blessed Sofia."

A women's voice greeted me. Wondering how she got there or even how long she's been there, I look to my right seeing someone sitting on the white chair Sis Yuwei sits before. A lady wearing multiple layers of a thick and baggy white robe that covers her whole body along with a black helmet to cover her entire head with the exception of her long white ears and blonde drill hair protruding out of her helm.

(Oh? Isn't she one of the people Yuria calls Chancellor? The one I met at the entrance of the bath).

In the midst of my thought, she stretches one of her arms to me. Her coat gets pulled behind, revealing her slender hands that are covered by black arm sleeves...

(For once, this is the first time I see someone wearing so many clothes that it feels... Excessive. I mean, if you're going so far to hide your hand why aren't you covering your ears too?)

Her hands went over my head as the shadow of her hand looms over. Pinching my cheeks with her thumb and index finger from above, I soon realize her fingers are longer than it's normally should. With enough force, she forces me to pucker my lips while she stands and stares down at me with glowing mismatch eyes of red and blue. Her face gets closer as her eyes shine bright among the darkened lights when gets close enough till our nose touch she speaks saying:

"Truly... You remind me of your mother, Sawyer Ovalon."

(Huh!? Who is she? How did she know my name?! And she knows my mom as well!?)

Still in shock from both her weird action and surprising words. She lets me go and sits back. Pulling out small brown fruit with scales and she starts to peel it. Curious by not only her actions, I take a seat and lean on the walls as I open my mouth to speak she puts one of the peeled fruits in front of my mouth saying:

"Eat it, it'll help you heal faster."

"Umm..."

"Eat or I won't talk."

"O-Okay... A-Ahh..."

Coerced by her, I hesitantly open my mouth and seeing the opportunity, she just shoves a fruit in my mouth as I unintentionally swallow it whole.

"Cough! Cough! What was that for! Cough!"

I shout in anger as my body reacts as it tries to cough it out but she just continues to hand me more to my mouth until I push her hand away saying:

"Enough, I'll eat it by myself! Just put it in the table already."

She stares at me for a while with the fruits in her hands as if ready to feed me. Taking a defensive position, we stare at each other for a while. It was as if we're in a staring contest, I keep staring at her as her mismatch eyes behind the helmet don't even flinch while my eyes start to water as I wonder how long will this take. It was only when I almost blink that she nods and place the peeled fruits at the small table beside me.

I look at her for a while as she just keeps pulling out more fruits from under her sleeves as the small stack soon turns into a pile. That's when I remember what Sis told me.

"So... Did Sis send you here?"

She stops putting peeled fruits and nods replying:

"Yes. I'm here to bring you bad news and worse news. Which do you wish to hear first?"

(Why are the choices getting worse?)

Not really given any good choices, I choose the least unpleasant of the two saying:

"What's the bad news?"

"The bad news is that you'll be released tomorrow."

(How is that bad? Well maybe she's just joking then).

I nod along and continue asking:

"And the worse news?"

She puts what seems to be the last fruit on the table before casually saying:

"The worse news is that you can't cultivate any more."

"Oh, I see, I can't cultivate- hold on, what do you mean I can't cultivate anymore!?"

Before I knew it, I was leaning towards her, grabbing her shoulder as I pull her close demanding for an answer. What drop from her sleeves seem to be more of that fruits when she stops me with her hands and shakes her head replying:

"I don't know and I don't fully understand the concept of qi either. The only thing I know is the Empress just told me to tell you that."

(Then what about her telling me to make my soul armour then!?)

I let her go and lay down once more when she put a fruit in my closed mouth saying:

"And I have another surprising news."

Feeling my spirit breaking as the happiness of my life wither away, I look at her asking:

"Surprising news? You mean the whole thing going on outside?"

She looks at the glass wall and then back at me, shaking her head in denial replying:

"No, that's none of your concern really. What I'm trying to say is that since you can't use qi nor Common magic. You seem to have developed a new type of power inside of you. A power unique only to you and it seems not even the Owlian curse could absorb it. A one of a kind."

"W-What do you mean?"

I cuddled my blanket as I try to let the conversation going fater and end soon when she explains:

"We call your type of power, unique powers or Vestals. Or in our studies and research, it seems you're part of the Chaos Vestals."

Feeling needing to retort back what she said, I look back at her with replying:

"It seems you lost me there. And so you're saying most power-holders are women? But aren't I a man?"

She stands, placing the peeled fruit on top of the blanket where my joints seems to be saying:

"W-Well, that would be the case with other religion. But let's just say with Libera, you're free to call whatever you want and choose whatever power you wish. Like how people often mistake witches as only for women since many tales depict them as women and all pictures of them are also females but in fact, man can be one too. I mean within the passage of time, meaning can change as well, like how the colour purple in the Phoenix Sector once meant health and prosperity but thanks to some huge events, it has changed to become death and disorder ever since the rise of the colour of Gold and Jade..."

As I watch her voice cracking trying to explain in detail as she makes multiple hand gestures before she looks away and continues saying:

"Ahem, once more, let's just say you can still grow stronger but not the same way as everyone else."

(I wonder if she's the one who made the name but everyone seems to disagree but she keeps explaining things and everyone just agrees with her just to shut her up- Wait what am I thinking? Anyways...)

"So you're telling me, I can still grow strong without qi? Or I can still make my soul armour?"

"Yes. It won't be long before the New World Order. So rest up, and eat the fruits."

(New World Order?)

I shake my head as ignore those unknown terms. I turn my back to her saying:

"Yes, thank you for telling me and for the fruits um... May I know your name?"

I look back at her again when she sits down saying:

"Ptelophy Melpomene. It seems we have to teach you how to utilize her light as well. Now, before I leave, I need to tell you one more thing."

"What is it?"

"Starting today, I will be the new governor of this Sector and your new teacher as well. And starting tomorrow, after breakfast, visit me at my new office for your lessons. Now please excuse me. The next time I visit will be the day you will leave."

"Yes, thank you again, Ptelo- ptelo... Ptelovy- Ptelophy!"

She nods and soon opens the door when a very loud sound of

[Oooooooeeeeeeeeeee!]

Forcing me to close my ears. When the door closes, the loud noise stops in but a moment. Seeing her walking beyond the glass wall, watching her long spiralling hair bouncing and merging together. My eyes can't seem to peel away until she disappears out of sight-

*pong*

"What the!?"

Something fling into the large glass wall in my room from where she went. The black slime moves, it jiggles and convulse. That's when I could see a young girl emerging from the tar-like pile, like the emerging or birth of someone new. With black goo pouring out of her skin. She leans her hand on the glass wall, tainting what she touches, covering some of the views.

She turns her head as I finally got to clearly look at her face. With red eyes, black hair and that black goo, I can't help but be reminded of a certain event.

*pong*

She slams her first to the glass as she seems to look at me with a desperate face.

*pong* *pong* *pong*

The black slime girl keeps banging on the glass wall, pounding it even harder as she seems to shout something. That is until she looks beside her and her face loses its colour. Maybe due to panic, fear or both. She starts to punch and kick the glass wall and when she looks beside her one more time she starts to run until she got lifted upside down. Thanks to her hitting the glass and the whole mess she made, most of the glass wall seems to be sludged by her black goo making the glass almost covered and making my room darker as well. But maybe it was thanks to that that I wasn't able to see the thing that grab her leg and rag her away as the slime girl plunge her claws at the floor leaving claw marks everywhere as she cries...

(This place is safe, right? This place IS where Sis probably brought me).

I lay down on the bed, wondering what just happen here. Getting myself comfortable and eating one the tasteless fruits Ptelophy gave me as I try to forget what just happened. I try to think of something else and I soon realize something.

"Wait, teacher? Well, I guess that's okay... But I wonder what happened to Nanny?"

Seeing the black smudge left behind. I grab the blanket and hide inside, closing my eyes trying my best to sleep.

*************************************

In the ancient past, a country embroiled in an internal and external conflict of the prince and princess warring states. When peace is but a haunting melody in play. Through all of this chaos and strife, a lady who would unite the fractured Sovereign into a single nation by bringing in 4 individuals. These 4 would help her unite to what's to them, the world. And later when the 5 mortal perish through their old ages, the people would call them the Supreme Deities.

Each time one falls, another Deity would take up the task to govern these ever immense ever expending nation and bring it afloat and soaring through the skies. A task the 16 great noble families can't even accomplish for thousands of years, these 5 individuals did it with ease. That was a story from more than thousands of years ago and is still going till now...

In a secret chamber beyond the knowledge of any common man, 3 people gathered to discuss something of great importance. Each standing beneath a pseudo-reality created by the empty Heaven's throne. They are none other than the supreme deities or commonly known as the Ansei a Jusei by the common people.

*crack* *shatter*

As they all look at their reality shattering beside them, another person enters the scene. With flowing long black hair, brown tan skin, sparkling golden clothing and the most notable feature are his chiselled jawline that's not common to the people here. He walks forth and gathers in the circle formation they laid out for him before beginning with:

"So, I heard the Phoenix has finally been reborn. Though, I have to admit. Hahaha, why is that even any significant to us?"

He is none other than the one with insatiable greed, a never-ending desire, the unending will of all, the sins and virtue of that is alive, and the Custodian of All that is Resource, the deity of unending wealth and prosperity, heaven's eternal glory and wealth.

"It seems we are all here, I too am curious as to why?"

To ask his curiosity is a man of immense size and godly aura as his eyes exudes a stream of light like a dragon's whiskers, a giant shining ring on his giant back, ancient scars all over his face, wrinkled skin, weary eyes that has lost its pupil and his ever long grey beard and hair that speaks of his archaic age. The only one to wear a battle gear for war no matter where he goes, and the flag of his country on top of his shoulder at all times as a symbol of victory. He is none other than the leader of men, the Deity of War and Victory, the commander of all, The Heaven's Commandant, the Blade and Shield of Heaven.

"To be honest, I couldn't care less about this. But as I am a part of this nation, I am obliged to follow wherever it goes. Oh and also, also, the New Eastern Aologi Empire or the United States of Aologi has ceased any diplomatic ties with us and declared to manifest destiny on the lands we have owned."

"Oh, really? I thought it was a joke, they must be foreigners to the new geopolitical climate. We're gonna be so rich! How much is their population now? 1 billion? That's a far cry to the previous 13 billion when they're still an Empire. What a shame~ If they're just going to kill each other they should've just import their POW's and get rich trading their own people, what a waste of perfectly good lives. Idiots, all of them."

"You gotta give it to them though, they give us a pretty fun show to watch for the past 30 years. At least, the new independent Grand Ancient Lunor Academy and it's 3 moon colonies are good partners."

"That I agree."

The one having a friendly conversation with the Deity of wealth is a man with unworldly blue skin, gold hair and 4 black eyes, coupled with six arms and an inhuman voice... He is truly someone from the void and abyss. Someone different from his blood to even his name. He is none other than the strings of the outsider, the deity of hell and earth, and the voice of the people to the outside world.

"And it would seem everyone has gathered. Thank you for heeding to our wishes."

Speaking in a worried echoing tone is what seem to be a lady. With long flowing black hair and a dirty peasant robe, her small stature makes her seem meek and sickly as she's been sitting on her side leaning on a wall, unlike the others who are standing on their feet. But what differs from a normal person is her shining white skin, merging legs, long arms and having no face at all. She is the voice of the people, the ruler and Deity of the smallest of law till the highest order, the keeper of peace and war in the people, the master of internal affairs and manifestation of the people's will, the Heart of Jade.

"Well, I'm glad you're not coughing anymore. I guess my new policy worked."

Commenting on her health is the Deity of Wealth and the Deity of Law nods subtly replying:

"Yes, thank you for your effort, we are all happy by your kindness unlike the previous one. But we have more pressing matters at hand."

Out of all the Inhumane looking deity, the Custodian of Resources is probably the most human-looking being. As he himself the youngest of them all wondering what might comes next and sometimes he too wonders if he would look inhumane as time passes as well?

"As you all may hear, the Phoenix has been reborn to a new power to be reckoned with. And now, suspicious movements have been sighted as many forces are coalescing in the Northern Peninsula."

"And like I said, what does that have to do with us? It's just going to be another huge battle, big deal. Sure we may lose tens of millions in the process but do you know how big our birthrate is now thanks to the Deity of wealth? I think the saying,

"Kill me and ten more will take my place,"

sounds familiar yes? Stop beating around the bush and get to the point."

The Heaven's commandant pressures the Deity of Law for a simple answer and "she" in return nods subtly replying:

"Very well, as you all may know, the Sage of Enlightenment position is still empty... And if this keeps going on, it will be empty forever."

They all stare at the empty circle in the formation and wonder as well. The Sage of Enlightenment. The second Deity to appear after the Sovereign of all Life. The Deity who find the other 4 Deities and unite the Confederation. Every time one appears they would rock the world by storm, one famous example is the first Deity of Knowledge forming the Confederation to stop the World Invasion and the creation of this city as well is largely thanks to the first Deity of knowledge making the blueprints.

In fact, the last one to appear was more than 600 years ago. And the system implemented by the previous Deity of Knowledge is so good and simple that it is still being used today and followed by foreign countries as well. Like the Reniya policy that keeps the Confederation from breaking apart and fractured, the Resource system that lets both our Buffer nation and us to benefit making them evermore loyal as when we keep expending our influence the richer they get as well, and the logistics system that most Sec Lords and governors outside the city still use today that helps them thrive and much, much more without any demerits from the system. And that is only because back then they need stability and prosperity, we can only imagine what he can do if he directs his knowledge somewhere else or just in one field.

Even back then, the Grand Ancient Lunor Academy, the best research centre and school in the whole known world would always break their rule of selection and extend a direct invitation to all 4 Deity of Knowledge to attend there. And one of the biggest reason why the Monster King was able to grow to such a world menace is simply that it manages to acquire the corpse of the first Deity of Knowledge before the world gathered and agree to burn all the dead as of then. Safe to say, The appearance of the Deity of Knowledge is simply an event the World has to watch over. And so secret and dangerous was the Deity of Knowledge's origin that not even most the Deities gathered here, knows how they were picked.

"I see, forgive me for my rash words. It seems there are more to be said than done."

The Heaven's commandant who has lived to see all 4 Deities of Knowledge extends his apologies as he knows the full extent of how important this is. So much so, the Heaven's Commandant will muster Heaven's army and even the God Slayer army to arms as well. For if we lose the Sage of Enlightenment, this Confederation will fall into an age of eternal stagnancy.

"It's okay, Heaven's blade, we understand your concern. I shall now tell you all a secret the people kept."

When the whole pseudo-reality warps and change, they are all transported to the skies as they all stare below the mortal world with the empty throne still beside them. Standing below their feet is none other than the Northern Peninsula. A large protruding landmass that extends from the mainland and located north of the Rucina City. Filled with hills, forests, rivers, farmable hills-cliffs, lakes, unnatural landforms, and most of all, rich with natural resources such as sugar, spices, herbs, minerals, ores, and so much more that could make a captain capitalist have a wet dream. But it also acts as a buffer land between the Rucina Frontier and Indara Frontier which they are allied with for the Baratai treaty. Lastly, a land of note is the forest separating the city and the northern peninsula is the Witches forest or more famously known as the Forest of Trial for that's where most Hunters become real Hunters.

The Deity of Law zooms in on a collection of kingdoms and nations on the Northern Peninsula. With a swipe of her finger, the lands are now marked by their respective flags on each city and colour to signify their positions and influence in their land. Some colours are sitting still and some are moving constantly as they are in conflict. Probably rebellions, civil wars, classic wars, alliance wars and et cetera. A normal or even an experienced strategist wouldn't understand the chaos happening below for the colours are not even that distinct and sometimes would fuse with each other. Like watching an artist randomly throwing the same shades of paint at the canvas.

But not to the Deities and definitely not The Heaven's commandant who have already form a plan to end all of the conflicts and unite the land for a hobby. Or the Deity of Wealth who merely wonder why are they all finding trouble when the systems and resource gave by the previous Sage of Enlightenment and their land could easily feed and supply for more than the people living in that peninsula and that's already counting the illegal immigrants, non citizens and more. While the Strings of the outsider scoff at their greed, ambition and how easily they are easily tempted by hate when all the conflicts could just end with a simple conversation, understanding and forgiveness.

But the Deity of Law simply points at one nation. The Kingdom of Geomwang. A kingdom located on the top left edge of the peninsula that controls a nation that looks like an upside-down crescent having its right point being chopped and an island in the middle of that. The kingdom position is actually pretty safe with their borders being guarded by a natural barrier of mountains and rivers that leaves only two ways to attack them. And naval attacks are restricted by one way since they must attack the island fort in the middle first before they could land on the inner lands and that is if they can pass their massive sea fortifications around it as they try to land on that small island. But recently since 30 years ago, the kingdom has been suffering under a dark age and is literally called the sick man of Bugjjog.

"Is that perhaps where the next Sage of Enlightenment is located?"

the Deity of Wealth asks and The Deity of Law shakes her head softly replying:

"Yes and no, yes as in she is still there. And no as in, she is not the sage of enlightenment yet."

"I see, so what do you wish to tell us?"

She swipes her fingers again and soon another flags appear above that nation...

The flag of the Phoenix.

The Deities now know what it meant. The Deity of law then proceeds to summon forth blocks that signify the moving armies across the peninsula and with their flags above them and the Phoenix flag soaring through all of the blocks inside the kingdom. And not only that, but they could also see the Phoenix flag armies marching through other kingdoms and nations, expanding the Kingdom of Geomwang's territory and influence.

The Heaven's commandant grips his arms as his face twist in anger and his aura burst wildly. Everyone knows the source of his anger when the Deity of Law continues explaining:

"The Phoenix has been expanding their influence and they're doing it in the name of helping the kingdom who has been suffering from the other nations torment. And the reason they're expending is to reclaim the lands they lost thanks to the aggressive neighbours and unfair treaties when their king is sick and his heirs dying. And their neighbours' forceful policy of installing a puppet king that's not of even royal blood. And the reason we can't do anything is simply that leading this just cause is the late king's youngest son who has reached the right of passage and becomes the king himself. And the Phoenix is the saviour's thanks to providing the resources and manpower needed for their retribution and birthright."

They all nod in silence as they realize if they try to intervene on this just cause, they would have to deal with, ironically... The Deity of Law herself. She then zooms in on the island in the middle of the crescent and continues explaining:

"Worst of all, the current King has agreed to "shelter" his little sister inside the Phoenix Sector for safety. She is still there on that island, but as to when she will be transported... We don't know. And as you can guess, that princess is the potential Sage of Enlightenment."

"Bah! Didn't you heard what Heaven's commandant said!? Don't beat around the bush! Simply put, you want us to play "God" ain't that right?"

The Deity of hell who's been silent through all the explanation finally speaks. And the Deity of Law lay her self down on the "floor" as she rests her head softly saying:

"Yes..."

The other 3 Deities nods to her answer. As they finally had a plan for such a situation. The Heaven's commandant flaps his humongous cape as he exits first answering:

"Very well, leave the safety of this nation- no, this world to me!"

Before he fades from this reality like sand in an hourglass. The Strings of the Outsider nods excitingly as well with a smile before laughing loudly and saying:

"Ahahaha! Oh, this is gonna be so fun! When was the last time we can finally play God? 800 years? I'll see what my rusty skills can do."

His very being warps into something indescribable before he vanishes leaving his echoing laughter behind. Now with only the Deity of Law and Wealth present, the man with a chiselled chin can't help but wonder as he stares at the "sleeping" deity.

Who is this quote and quote "people"? Or how did the Phoenix Sector even acquire the knowledge about the Sage of Enlightenment when even the other deities cannot? Or how did the "people" know about all of this?

Questions swirl on this young deity's head when the Deity of Law questions:

"What is wrong Custodian? Is there perhaps something more you wish to know?"

"Ah, forgive me, it's just some slight suspicions. And I guess I'm intrigued by you too, Sweetheart."

The Deity of Wealth, maybe thanks to his young and brazen attitude or his just good humanitarian nature blurts out compliments without thinking. And the Deity of Law who heard this soon turns her back to him as her white light soon glows bright red.

"Guilt revoked, it is truly dangerous when your words have no lies behind them, Custodian. Remember it well from your elders."

"Yes, thank you for your aged wisdom. I shall be taking my leave. May you get better."

As the reality of the entire pseudo-reality cracks, The Deity of Wealth can't smile at this turns of events. After all, the one benefitting from this is none other...

"Than my Master hiding under the Phoenix' Wing. Do you perhaps know this would happen?"