CHAPTER 4

AETHER NIGHTBLADE

The air was cold and the once distant snow caped mountains were right in front of me.

It was a sight to behold, I could see a settlement in the distance with people in white clothing moving in and out, seemingly they were in a hurry to do something. I could hear a waterfall somewhere around here but I couldn't see it.

I followed Erika to the settlement, although my body was moving forward my eyes had stopped at the entrance of a large door.

It was a large black door with patterns of gold in it. "It's a dragon."

I was pulled back from my trance to see a young girl, perhaps my age in front of me. "Erika and the others noticed your curiosity and so they told me that I should show you around here, my name is Viviane Lapis." she let out a smile and looked at me eagerly, observing me from head to toe.

"Aether Nightblade here, it's nice to meet you."

She's 'her'.

She showed me around for the next few hours, we saw the coniferous forests on the mountain slopes, the city where I would be staying, the temple where the monks were earlier and also our rooms.

For a settlement in the mountains, it was fairly advanced. There was a train that ran from the western boundary to the eastern boundary. It went around the mountain range. The houses were all built on a platform, made of a strange type of wood.

It was stronger and more flexible than any wood I'd ever touched before.

(Not that I've touched many…)

Almost all the houses were white in colour, covered in snow. They were made of wood as well.

Since the architecture interested me, I decided to map this location.

I visualised the possible layout of this settlement.

Hmm…

Top view: A long chain of mountains that resembles the number 8. Area completely covered by snow.

Horizontal view: Misty skies with no clear view when standing at the western boundary.

Spatial view: Massive forest at the base of the mountains. Unnatural growth? Accepted as possibility. Forest acting like a barrier? Yes, plausible.

Settlement division: Into 2 levels, lower level assumed to be for the general public while the higher level for the…? Leaders? Possible. Military might…Yes. Capable of aerial and terrestrial combat.

Religious roots: Establishment of a single large temple at the very centre of the mountains.

Unknown factors/variables: Yes, many. Strange black door with a dragon pattern. Audible sounds of a waterfall but the waterfall itself is nowhere to be seen. Pillar of Descender also missing, location not known. Level 2. Unexplored.

I finished my brief analysis and continued looking around.

There was another entrance inside the temple and it was massive with four pillars, on each pillar was carved a symbol and the figure of a dragon looking towards a lion, there was a large deity made of gold, it was decorated with ornaments of gold, and garlands of flower.

"The Great Lion.", A monk passing by me muttered and bowed his head in respect.

I did so too, considering my position here as an outlander. Behind the lion was a wall made of emeralds and jade and although I wanted to go further in, the temple monks seemed busy so I didn't bother them.

But I couldn't get my mind off the door I saw when I got here, she hadn't told me anything about the door.

As if reading the disappointment on my face she said, "That door is beyond your access, I've only ever seen the head of the temple, Erika and my father go there, I don't think they will allow you in there, not for now at least."

"But what lies beyond that door?" I asked, assessment of all structures in this place was vital to ensure safety.

"According to the story told in my clan, that place is a training area, a sort of extradimensional space. Time passes differently in there and only the strong are capable of being sane inside."

(An extradimensional space? I want to see it for myself but I guess that has to wait for now)

"Now then, it is getting late, you must be tired so try to take some rest. I will come wake you up tomorrow."

"Wait, you will wake me up?".

"Yes, I have been appointed as your personal attendant during your time here by my father, you should be happy that a 'Lapis' will be your attendant."

"A 'Lapis'?"

The way she said it conveyed that the name invoked respect.

"My family is the ruling clan of this place, I am Viviane Lapis, the daughter of the lord of these mountains. The Lapis family has ruled this place for several centuries now, the monks of the temple, the Free Mystis Army and the Mystis Sky Troops are all under our control, it was on my father's orders that Erika and her team came to rescue you."

So it wasn't Trojan?

"I see, then forgive me, your highness." I said slowly while taking in all the information that was coming to me, I looked at her and observed her.

The clues were always there, she was an extremely beautiful young girl with pink hair and golden eyes, her skin was more of a creamy white complexion, she was a head shorter than me but the way she carried herself was refined like that of nobility.

She had black eye lashes which complimented her golden eyes well. I felt emotions, which I had never before, rise within me. I felt my body heat up.

"Are you done drinking your fill of me with those blood red eyes of yours?", she said with a smirk. I stepped back and gave a wry smile.

(Looks like I ended up staring.)

She was dangerous, my instincts said so, I had to be wary of her in the future I thought to myself.

VIVIANE LAPIS

I headed out of his room and headed for my own.

As I got into the elevator that went to Level 2, I was immersed in my thoughts.

(It was a fun spending a day with him, though I am a bit sad I didn't get to see his sword)

The elevator stopped and the doors opened. Beautiful architecture of the second level came into my range of vision. But, I was used to it.

"It doesn't impress me anymore."

As I said that, I headed towards the fortress of the Lapis family, my family.

The ramparts standing high as always, enduring the cold and frosty weather of these mountains as if paying respects to its architect.

A familiar banner was hanging at the entrance of the main tower. All the clans that were directly subordinate to the Lapis clan lived in this fortress. I entered the main tower, made of Mountain Glass and started to ascend the stairs that were made of corals, brought from the continent of Aisah a long time ago.

"Your highness.", A servant called out to me.

"What is it?"

"Your father has requested you to meet him in his study."

(At this time of the night?)

"Fine, I shall meet him at once."

***

"So how is he?", the voice of a man with grey hair and golden eyes seated ahead of me reached my ears.

"He is a nice person, but he seems cautious of us."

He waved his hand as if to say 'Go on, tell me about him in detail.'

"With a single look, anyone could make out that his combat abilities are good. His muscles are very well developed and he has an intimidating presence, one that exudes an attractive and refined aura."

"I didn't ask him his FV yet but I am sure he is somewhere around the level of a Rank-A User. He uses a sword but I couldn't get a look at it today, his friends have nearly recovered and they should be back on their feet tomorrow, I suggest sending other attendants to learn about them too."

"Good, this is good. You have done a good job Viviane, continue this and make sure to stay in Aether's good side, for the times that are to come, we might require his strength."

"As you wish father.", I bowed slightly and turned my back to the man, heading towards my room.

"Viviane", he called out just before I left.

"Yes father?"

"You will be getting married after 5 months."

"To whom?"

"To Albaine Degarmo, The Prince of Rainier. I have made negotiations with House Rainier of the Western Dominion, they are one of the only noble houses that still has humans. With their help we might be able to drive the demons out of the Human Kingdom in the future. We have allied with the dwarves too. Your elder brother will be marrying the dwarf princess Ernsta Earthwald at the same time as you- 5 months from now."

"And if I were to refuse?"

"You cannot, a blood pact has been made and joint operations have already begun, I am sorry child but it is our duty as people of the Lapis clan to drive out the demons of our continent. Rest assured, Albaine is a good man for a woman such as yourself. I'm sure you will fall for him as soon as you see him again, he has turned into a fine young man, his green eyes and blonde hair set him apart, he uses a greatbow as his weapon too."

"I see, as you wish father."

The House of Rainier. Rainier was one of the 5 provinces in the Western Domain. Rainier, Windbreaker, Earthcarver, Watershaper and Carbone.

These were the 5 noble houses of the Western Domain. House Carbone had the greatest influence over all the other houses and were the royal family of the Western Dominion, formerly known as the Human Kingdom.

The Carbone clan was originally the royal family there, but they lost their influence because of the demon takeover. They were still given authority over the 5 provinces and their houses.

I rushed out of the study with tears slipping from my eyes, my speed increased to long strides and then I was running.

I reached my room and I cried without bounds, I knew who Albaine was very well.

I remembered the last time I saw him- 2 years ago when I was 13 and he was 18, I remembered his gaze. I retched uncontrollably at the resurfacing of that memory.

"I don't want to marry him."

VENTI DAWNBREAK

I woke up panting, I looked around. It was still dark, the moon was out. The memory of Aether slaughtering all those people resurfaced in my mind. I felt uneasy, so I decided to take a walk a calm myself. We were at this place called the Mystic Mountains.

I had heard of it before but I hadn't ever thought that it actually existed. Nevera and Arthur took the news surprisingly well and Aether was out exploring this place huh.

I walked around the fortress in the mountains, the climate was cool and there was snow. As I stepped out to the balcony I saw a figure gazing at the moon, it was a stunning young girl with pinkish hair and from what I could see, she had deep golden eyes and-

"Tears?", I muttered slowly.

(I wonder why she would be crying.)

"Uhm hello there miss!", I called out to her, "Are you alright? you seem to be crying…"

(Calm Venti…stay calm…)

I felt my heartbeat quicken and my body heat up.

It was my first time seeing a 'girl'.

"Ahh-e", she clearly hadn't expected anyone to be here.

"I'm fine thank you. I believe you are one of Aether's friends yes? You should go rest."

"No, sleeping all day is an interesting offer but I would rather spend time doing something I want to do than what I should do."

I've had enough of following orders and having to undergo the same damned routine for over 10 years.

"Is that so?", her voice trailed off.

"If you don't mind me asking, I am Venti Dawnbreak and you are?"

"Viviane Lapis."

She's the girl from the mail!

"Nice to meet you, Miss Lapis"

How should I address her???

"Likewise.", she replied with a smile.

It seemed that she was tormented by something, I wanted to help but well I couldn't.

There were no girls in our battalion after all.

"It seems like you two are having a good conversation," I heard Nevera say while approaching me from behind.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance Miss Lapis, my name is Nevera Daylight."

Woahh! Talk about smooth!

"Same here Mr Daylight."

"Could I ask your reason to be out here?"

"No reason in particular, but it's just that the full moon nights here are very beautiful.", she said as she turned back to look the moon.

She rested her chin on her palm and gazed at it, her eyes were shining like molten gold.

(I think I'm in love…)

NEVERA DAYLIGHT

Morning had finally come and it was time to explore this place. I heard Aether was already done exploring and was doing something else now.

"Man… it's difficult to believe that he's a special grade huh?", Arthur said letting out a sigh.

"Yeah, I don't know how but it's true, well I guess we should be happy to have him as our friend."

"Both of your turn it down, we aren't alone here and the attendants will be here any minute, keep Aether's FV a secret for now."

They nodded silently in response, I could already tell that this would be a thoroughly exhausting day.

"I wonder how my attendant looks, is she tall or short, her hair colour? oh and the size of her bo-", I smacked Arthur on the head.

"We aren't here for women you idiot!"

"Yeah, sorry Lord Neveraaa….", he said with a downcast look. Venti, on the other hand, seemed to be caught up in his own thinking.

(I wonder what is running through that head of his).

"Esteemed guests, let's get going.", the voice was coming fro-

"NOOO! What happened to getting female attendants, like the one Aether has, aaaaugh hey let me-", Arthur couldn't hide his disappointment and thus received a slap.

The monks let out a little laugh and then they showed us around. They were wearing white dresses, probably ceremonial. It made them look very diginified.

"This is the Mystis Temple, where all of us monks do our daily duties"

"But what duties do old geezers have anyw-", I knocked Arthur unconscious and carried him on my back.

The monks flashed a smile and said, "It's fine, we don't take any offense from his words."

"Please, you are too kind, I am sorry on his behalf.", I said while bowing slightly. They returned my bow with their own.

We then headed over to the training grounds.

"This is where we monks train to channel our 'Ki' and perfect our breathing".

I saw over a 100 monks training in the grounds ahead of me, their voices in perfect union as they did their exercises while chanting the form names

"NEXT! FORM 9 -FROSTFLAKE HERON!", I heard a man shout while others followed suit.

Noticing my gaze, one of the monks said, "That is Guru Yagi Atsushi, he has over 2 centuries of experience in teaching, he is 5th eldest here."

"2 centuries!? How is that possible?"

"Our ways of living are completely different from yours, unlike you non mystisans who keep progressing without mastering the basics, we mystisans first perfect breathing and concentration, we then focus on honing our movement abilities and then we devote our selves to our goals, moving ahead without mastering all that lies before can help in the short term, but it creates a limit which becomes very difficult to surpass in the long run."

(Do I have a limit too?)

My thoughts were trying to collect themselves.

"You too have a limit, but for you, it should be easier to break through."

I was surprised by who said those words, it was the Guru Yagi Atsushi.

I bowed to show my respect, and he bowed in return.

"You possess great innate talent, why don't you train with me during your stay here, these 5 months will definitely make you stronger. I will teach you the Lapis art myself."

Lapis arts. The arts that were created by the ancestors of the Lapis clan.

(I can't believe he is offering to teach me those arts!)

"Well?", he continued to persuade me.

I knew this old man saw something in me which even I myself couldn't, if he could make me stronger then I had no reason to refuse.

If I could somehow combine the Phantom fist arts with the Lapis arts, the result would be incredible!

"Thank you Guru Yagi, please teach me the way of the Lapis arts!"

AETHER NIGHTBLADE

"Where are we going, your highness?"

"To discuss your next course of action with my father and like I said drop the 'highness' call me by my name, use honorifics like those only if you ever end up in the courts of this place."

"Viviane…then."

"You can maintain the respect though?"

"Shall I continue with the 'highness'?"

"No thanks, this is fine."

The chamber was now in sight, "But do use honorifics for my father."

We reached her father's chambers', I knocked on the door, "May we come in?"

"Yes, please do."

"Greetings your highness."

"Well met young lad.", he stepped forward and pulled me into a hug.

"Your highness?"

"Ah come now, there is no need for formalities here"

"Bu-"

"It is fine, it really is Aether."

If the man wished it to be that way, I had no reason to refuse.

"I see, thank you."

"So then, what do you plan to do from here on Aether?"

"I was thinking if we could stay here a bit longer and exchange knowledge and help each other out. I know things that you don't and you know things that we don't."

"Haha! I like it! Suggesting an exchange with the ruler of these mountains requires some confidence. I like the sound of your idea."

He continued.

"I too thought of persuading you for the same but I suppose it is as the saying goes 'Great minds think alike' hahahahahaha!"

He laughed with great energy.

"I am humbled by your kindness."

"But tell me Aether, why should I shelter you?"

The atmosphere of the room changed, the air was now thick and heavy. My breathing turned rough and the pressure chilled my lungs.

The man was looking at me like how a god would look at an insect. But I wasn't an insect, I raised my pressure and tried to match his own. But the difference wasn't something I could overcome immediately.

"Haha, very interesting", he laughed and continued.

"Aether Nightblade you have certainly piqued my interest and so I will shelter you and your friends, tell me how long do you wish to stay?"

"I think 3 months would suffice."

"Oh, I have just the idea, why don't you stay for 5 months and attend my daughter's wedding and then go?", he said in a very suggestive manner.

"Wedding sir?"

"Oh yes, although the betrothal hasn't been made public yet, she has fallen in love with Prince Albaine of Rainier"

"Wait that human prince…", I continued.

"I am sorry if this sounds rude but isn't the Prince of Rainier a pervert? There have been many cases of him raping women of the Earthcarver clan and impregnating the commoners."

"I don't understand how a princess as dignified as Viviane could fall in love with a lowly scoundrel like him."

At the instant I said those words, Viviane looked into my eyes with gratitude and thankfulness.

(Looks like I said something she couldn't huh.)

"The rumours are all false meant to make people lose faith in him, he is a very powerful warrior too, though he has some impure blood mixed in him, my elder son will keep this bloodline pure, free of demonic blood. Albaine is also said to be able to wield force, it seems that his bloodline was polluted by his mother. A User who married his father."

"How much was his force value?"

"2500."

(Nevera is stronger than this 'prince')

"Viviane will be sent off to Rainier?"

"Exactly young lad."

I looked at the young girl, she was only 15, she was saddened by this fate but she couldn't refuse what her father said so she remained in silence.

"If the decisions have been made and we have nothing else to discuss, I shall take my leave."

"Wait young lad."

I stopped

"Show me your rumoured blade before you go"

"My sword?"

"Yes, your sword."

Without another word, I increased my force output and called out.

"Vajra"

The long black sword appeared in my hand, solidifying out of thin air. Its long black blade shined with faint glimmers of purple and the golden runes in it shined for a moment or so before disappearing.

They didn't say anything but I knew they were shocked, they were unable to say a word in the presence of my blade. The old man nearly laughed in disbelief at the sight of it and Viviane was looking at me with an impressed look.

The old man then gulped hard and said.

"So, it is true, you are the wielder of his blade – Vajra"

I took back my pressure and called back the sword.

"Now that it is true that you have his weapon, the second the Central Dominion realizes that this blade has disappeared from the petrified weapons list, they will come after you to get that blade,"

"You see, it had a very famous owner in the past."