The harbinger of life

This takes place just after Gwen had left the training ground. She walked through the hallway, exuding an unapproachable aura. Everyone steered clear of her and she went into her room.

As soon as she closed the door, she fell down to her knees. Her face was bright red face from embarrassment and she covered it. She was so embarrassed that she wanted to dig a hole and hide inside of it.

"Why did I do something so weird?"

She is flailing her arms while thinking.

"What happened to me back then? I wasn't myself. It was like another person had possessed me."

She knew that something was happening to her but she didn't know exactly what. She has started to become a harbinger. The harbinger of life title has begun its assimilation.

What exactly happened back then was something like this.

The king followed Jupiter's orders and gave Duke Martin the latest spaceship that Jupiter had given to the Royal family. However, Martin had his own agenda. Jupiter never specified what to do. He just gave the oracle and the rest was upto the king.

The king ordered Martin to conquer Gaia. Because Martin had already told the king that it was a barren planet. But Martin was trying to impress the god of intoxication who had become Martin's patron god.

It was a mess. The king thought that a barren planet would mean nothing. But when Martin reported that it was done, Jupiter gave another oracle.

The demon king's soul is needed as an offering or the world would be destroyed. So a hero summoning was done. Now a question remains.

If the heroes were summoned from Gaia which they conquered, why did they not think it to be weird? Gaia is supposed to be a barren planet without intelligent life on it.

It was a simple trick. Just trick them into thinking that the gods had sent them. The king and the summoned heroes thought the same. Although they retained their memories of Gaia, they didn't think it was odd.

Mental suggestion sure is scary. Jupiter was trying to reclaim Gaia. After all, humans drove them away from Gaia. But their most precious treasure which is Tartarus is still on Gaia. They need it back.

And so, they fooled the humans again with the demon king crap. The main issue is Gwen.

Just like Clive, she has begun her transformation. The previous harbinger of life made some troublesome conditions for her successor.

First, the harbinger must be a female. No male harbinger of life would be chosen. Because life by nature is female. At least, it's regarded that way.

Secondly, the harbinger of life must have some feelings towards the harbinger of death. It was her personal obsession. She loved her husband so much that she went as far as to inconvenience her successor as well.

Gwen does see Clive in a favorable way. They get along pretty well without any pretense. They both know each other for who they are. The only reason, Gwen was chosen was because of Clive.

And finally, she has to have a strong sense of affection. Towards life, the harbinger of life must be benevolent. But benevolence alone won't do. The harshness of life must be there as well.

Gwen is still young. No matter how she acts, she is still only 19. But harbingers are basically immortal. She can learn.

Gwen pushed that slight feeling aside and went on with her day. Throughout the day, everyone avoided her. Because she was being unapproachable. Trevor did come and ask what happened. She said that she doesn't know and Trevor left her alone.

She went to sleep and thought that it would be fine. But the next day was different. Gwen didn't wake up. Well, she did but it wasn't her inside.

Now let's change the point of view to Clive's.

We have arrived at the castle gate. The gatekeeper opened the gate as soon as we arrived.

"Aren't you going to ask me anything?"

"That is not needed. His majesty has explicitly stated that if you come here, we are to let you in. And your companions as well."

I see. He probably wants a cooperative relationship with me now that he has failed.

"Did Fay come here?"

"Yes. Princess Fay is here as well."

I thank him and we go inside. But where should we go? Maybe let's meet with Trevor first.

"Hazel, how about we go and see Trevor?"

"A good idea. I have seen him in your memories but meeting him firsthand would be better. I also want to see his elder sister." (Hazel)

She had a smile on her face when she mentioned Gwen. I won't dig deep into it.

I search for Trevor and find him at the training ground. He is swinging a real sword. Nice. How envious I am, of those who practice and train wholeheartedly! For I am a cheat who got everything easily.

"Master, you are thinking of something negative again." (Hazel)

"Sorry. I forgot that you can now sense my emotions as well."

"It is the duty of your priestess to manage you. After all, you are an important person. Your personal assistant will do most of your job for you." (Hazel)

That still hasn't sunken in. But I think it will. We both go to Trevor and he notices us.

He stop swinging his sword at puts it in its sheath.

"Clive, how rare for you to visit me! And you?" (Trevor)

"Don't try to sound mature. We met just yesterday. This is Hazel. She is my trusted and beloved partner."

He looks at Hazel.

"Man, your partner? She must be pretty amazing if she's your partner." (Trevor)

"She is. Where is Gwen?"

"She is in her room. I guess she is in a bad mood. Because she hasn't spoken to anyone since waking up and she seems grumpy." (Trevor)

"A grumpy Gwen? That's hard to picture."

What could it be? I focus a bit more but then it finally hit me. I got goosebumps. My spine is tingling. Nobody has realized it. Not even Hazel.

This is <Spirit >. I am feeling <Spirit >. I guess this is inevitable.

"Hazel, I am gonna need my <Spirit > back."

"Master, I thought you wouldn't use it here." (Hazel)

"It seems that what I feared has come true. I will take back my <Spirit >. Trevor, it's gonna get messy."

Before Trevor could react, I undo my seal and take back all of my <Spirit >. My mana has been transformed into <Spirit >. My mana circulation path has been cut off.

This feels weird but nostalgic. Like those days when I didn't have mana. Feels like my body became stronger. Do I have more <Spirit > than before?

I call Aera and Aegis. Of course I teleported Eden back home so she won't be left alone. I have sent a message to Aura. I am ready.

And soon came Gwen. Her body exuding a white aura.

"Gwen, it seems that our clash is inevitable."

"Clive, I don't know what is happening. But I feel like I need to fight you." (Gwen)

"Trevor, Hazel, get back. Two harbingers are about to fight."

"Clive, let's do it. May the best harbinger win." (Gwen)

Our epic battle is beginning but somehow it doesn't feel epic. I hope I will come out of this battle unscathed.