Previously..... On The Big King
Near the great falls, Hardoy soon realizes that their power is greatly withered thanks to a powerful magical spell. Meanwhile, a massive distance away the young trio come across Ermai and Twilight in hopes of a peaceful conversation to have Kane join in on their alliance. Then, same wizards that attacked the fleet continued their onslaught for vengeance of their fallen brothers. While they showed their combat prowess and magical power well they were forced to retreat when Twilight revealed thirty percent of her true power against the lead wizard. Quickly, they realized just how outmatched they truly were against an elder witch.
In the ruins of Cathiolonne
King Cathiolum stood on top of the remains of his fallen castle. Underneath the rubble laid his now dead opponent, the wizard who had been completely eviscerated. "I told you to not underestimate one's spirit..." The king said as he took in the forever burning area. "Quite the mess we made..."
"MY KING!" Cathiolum's lead knight called out to him stopping only a few meters away from him. "MY KING! THERE ARE TONS OF CASUALITIES! WITH A LOT MORE INJURED!"
"I am aware of that, I tried my best to avoid such devastation but my large size and his powerful magic made it virtually impossible."
Going down to one knee, "For a moment I thought he had me. My endurance has withered away over the past few years. Any longer and I would have reverted back to myself and died instantly." King Cathiolum would then tell his lead knight to gather up remaining forces and begin to evacuate the people. From above he saw unfamiliar creatures beginning to land and eat at the remains of the now deceased wizard remains. They weren't the usual vultures that he had been use too. These creatures were slightly bigger and rather hideous having the face of a disfigured cat and the body of a bat. "Let's get going.... I have a really bad feeling about this."
Over in an deep cavern
The young trio along with Twilight and Ermai all were in a deep cavern that was barely tall and wide enouigh to fit both Kane and Ermai. Stopping at a blockage Ermai stepped forward and placed his hand on the massive rocks. "This is where it is. The weapon that was said to be the most powerful in existence. There is only a few that can wield it and the requirements needed to uphold this weapon can only be accomplished by a select few. I am sure that not even your friend here can wield it with his outrageous strength."
"It is said that the weapon and it's owner has a similar relationship to that of the great Thor and Mjolnir. At least, that is what my dad had mentioned to me a few years back." Prince Zachara added.
"Precisely...." Ermai replied as his hands began to emit a yellow essence. Shortly after, the rocks collapsed and repelled backwards creating an opening. In front of them, a small bit of sunlight shined down upon a great sword that had been almost completely submerged deep into the rocks. Leaving only the grip that could be seen.
"Well, I can see one of the biggest requirements that he obviously doesn't meet." Stella commented, "that blade is meant for a regular sized human! Ermai! I don't know if your sight has failed you but he is nearly the same size as you! How can he possibly wield this weapon?"
While Stella and Ermai talked, Twilight had noticed that Kane had walked towards the blade kneeling down to one knee. The size difference was indeed noticeable and Kane himself could obviously see this. Using only his thumb and pinky finger to grab a hold of the grip Kane began to pull on the sword as carefully as possible.
The sword didn't budge an inch.
Now with a little more strength Kane tried once more to pull again and yet the same thing had happened. The few that had been talking in the background stopped and took time to notice what exactly he was doing. Stella and Prince Zachara's eyes had widened realizing just how hard he was trying to lift this sword out of the rocks. This was the same person that had lifted and thrown a 30 billion ton mountain with relative ease. Yet here he is struggling to pick up a weapon that barely weighed nine pounds. "The size is not the problem young Stella. The sword is its own separate entity. Just like Mjolnir, the sword will not just be used by anyone. No matter how strong a being may be, if Excalibur has not chosen you... it will refuse to be used." Despite the explanation given by the dwarf giant Kane was still trying to lift the sword. The veins in his arm and head look like they were going to burst in any second as he tried his hardest to get the sword out. He had been trying so hard he began to embed himself into the ground below him.
"He won't accept that he can't lift it..." Stella said as she flew towards him overhead. "Hey, I don't think you need strength big guy... you just need the right qualities... which you seem to do not have." She commented.
Twilight in the background could only think too herself how pointless this trip had become. Ermai told her that this weapon would indeed be a powerful assist if Kane were to possess it in his arsenal. With it essentially not wanting to accept him, they would have to suffice for something else.
"Damn it all..."
Kane still tried to lift this ancient sword only to no avail and with everyone telling him that he had no chance of lifting it due to not having the right qualities that the sword seeks. He was determined to take this sword out. As Stella could only watch her friend struggle with this sword she saw a glimmer of light in the distance. "Huh?" She questioned. "WHAT!" She then panicked moving her head to the side to avoid a speeding arrow barely grazing her.
Seeing his friend nearly get hurt Kane stopped himself standing to his full height looking in the direction the arrow came from. "So, you seek the legendary great sword hmmm? Well, let me inform you on something child." A elderly man walked out with several others holding a variety of weapons. "Not just anyone can leave with my sword!"
Before anyone could even realize a forcefield had already been summoned blocking out everyone leaving only Kane and the several other warriors to face off. "You fail to have any of the qualities that my sword is looking for. Yet you think you can waltz in here and use that strength of yours to finally uproot it? Ha! Excalibur! Let's demolish this brute together!" As the elderly man commanded the sword had released itself from the rocks and flew into the man's hands. Seeing this action surprised Kane along with everyone else that had been standing outside the forcefield. "A man without his weapon is just as useless as a dog without its teeth!"
"We have to help him!" Stella exclaimed as she began to glow.
"I am afraid we can't child.... If Kane wants that sword so desperately he will have to defeat each and every one of them." Ermai stated.
The elderly man rose Excalibur above his head as the sword began to emit celestial power, far more powerful than normal. The others behind him also rose their weapons mimicking the same as Excalibur. "The birds have told a lot of about you brute... You are a construct of Dawn, that witch.... You have killed sea creatures the size of massive ships with one blow, battled grandmaster fairies, took on ancient beings who were known for being far stronger than their modern counterparts. With all that noted I have came to only one conclusion, your a child brought into this world with immeasurable power that needs to be exterminated."
The elderly man would leap into the air with such quickness that Kane was even surprised. "EXCALIBUR! GREAT CELESTIAL SLASH!" With a great swing, Excalibur released a huge wave of celestial energy. Same as the others who were behind him. Kane's eyes widened being hit by several attacks making him stumble back.
"BLASPHEMY!" The elderly man bellowed, "NOT EVEN A SCRATCH FROM THE MIGHT OF EXCALIBUR!" Kane took on a full sprint lunging forward in a attempt to strike them down. "YOU THINK YOU CAN HANDLE US!" The warriors all dodged Kane's attack. Now above him the old man used his enhanced sword to literally phase through Kane's incredibly tough body. "This is the advantage of being blessed with Excalibur! CELESTIAL SHOCK!"
From the inside destructive celestial energy released intensively throughout Kane's body. The behemoth of a human reared his body back in pain as he nearly fainted from this power attack. "Your body reminds me of an ancient giant! From the outside almost nothing can harm you! But on the inside you are as delicate as a rodent!" Kane fell to one knee coughing up blood. "This is quite interesting... your insides should be destroyed and you should be dead... yet here you are coughing up blood..."
"I don't think they understand..." Ermai commented. Everyone turned to look at him. "The capabilities of an elder witch's creation...."
From all angles the onslaught had continued, Kane's body had been bypassed and together they all released explosive celestial energy throughout his body. More blood came out of his mouth his eyes rolling to the back of his head. "NO!" Stella yelled as she watched her friend get to all fours. The other men unleashed more celestial attacks striking Kane on the back. He was being hit with this onslaught and even though he was fighting to stay conscious Kane refused to lay down.
"I am going to finish this false giant off!"
Ermai, Twilight, Prince Zachara, and Stella eyes all grew in bewilderment as Kane eyes grew still. "Oh no...." They all said in unison as the eyes of Kane shifted from blue to red. Slowly he rose to his full height. The men also saw the sudden change in Kane taken back by it.
The only one who wasn't bothered by this was the leading man that held Excalibur. "What's this? Did I offend boy?"
The elderly man leaped into the air with Excalibur reared back. "I can certainly say your aura has changed!" Kane looked up seeing the attack coming. With powerful celestial energy the old man struck Kane's forearm who used it to block it. "Predictable!" Celestial energy transfered into the tip of Excalibur and shot out directly into Kane's eyes. "CALIBRATED SHOT!"
Down to one knee, the squad again penetrated through Kane's outrageous defenses and unleashed celestial shock. "Why did that group of yours show concern! I have yet to see why I must fear you."
The squad of attackers retreated from their onslaught proud of their work. This would be short lived as the squad noticed that despite their attacks working at full effect. Kane had stood up no longer bothered by the attacks they had done. Taking a step forward Kane reeled back his fist slamming into the earth causing an earthquake. The squad took to the skies and unleashed a celestial assault. Kane didn't bother to block nor dodge the attacks instead he rushed forward and nearly grabbed the leader who wielded Excalibur. It was clear that Kane's primary focus was that sword and he wanted it for himself.
"He's after Excalibur!" The old man bellowed, "keep him away men!"
"You will not get his sword!" One of the soldiers rushed forward behind Kane's flank. "DI-" The word's of the soldier was cut short as Kane turned instantly with an open palm slamming him into a nearby stone wall. The impact was so hard Kane smashed through multiple layers of stone before launching the man deeper into the ground. Pulling his hand back to him he looked at the bloody stain in his open palm.
"By the gods..."
Kane focused on Excalibur once more beginning to advance toward it. "This bastard just doesn't know when to quit does he!"
Two more members hit an individual calf muscle of the towering man with celestial shock making him fall to his knees again. The main man grabbed a hold of Kane's head pointing the sword directly at his face. "DIE!" Phasing the sword through his head hitting him with another celestial shock.
Kane reached up toward the leader again nearly clutching him in his grasp. "MOVE MY KING!" Another squad member pushed him out of way being grabbed instead. "KEEP HIM AW-" Instantly he was crushed dying before he could finish his sentence.
Two down, only four more to go. Kane would focus on Excalibur again walking towards the man who wielded it. "Tell me, what is your purpose..." he demanded. "You waltz in here disturbing our home and for what! Just so you could take my sword that rightfully chose me!"
Kane stopped only a few meters away. "Two of my brothers in arms are dead because of you!"
Looking beyond the forcefield the elderly man saw Ermai in the background. "Explain yourself Ermai! Why did you bring this false being to my home!"
"Your no fool Arthur, I know your aware of the events going on above it is why you have seeked refuge in this cavern. Ancient giants and wizards have returned and are wreaking havoc. The current world's races are no match for them as they have never dealt with them before. This human, is the only current living being who can combat them! We need him until the rest of the world can properly prepare!"
Kane stopped just a few meters away from the elderly man, he looked up to the towering man not bothering to even move. "This human huh?" Looking over at his fallen comrades the man looked down closing his eyes. As soon as that happened, everyone that had been killed started disappearing. "I have seen them die countless times and I still find myself tearing up every time."
Looking up, Kane had stood looking down at him. "Excalibur is not just an ordinary sword." He started, "it is a sentiment being. It doesn't just let anyone wield it. I am sure the elder giant has already informed you of this matter though. There would be no other reason why you are here."
"Exactly." Ermai replied.
"I see. Placing the Excalibur on the ground he took a step back. "I am aware of the current world status. It is rather disgusting that nothing I do will change it." The sword enlarged itself meeting the requirements for Kane to actually wield it. "I must warn you, just because the sword has increased its size for you to hold it doesn't mean the trust is fully there."
Kane grabbed the sword holding it with both hands but he was straining the entire time.
"Excalibur can increase its weight exponentially. You probably feel as if you were Atlas holding the heavens. I must admit it's pretty impressive that you can even hold it as long as your holding it. That in itself is phenomenal strength. However, as shown earlier Excalibur can simply choose not to be wielded. This is the first test and you will need to pass it. There are two test after this before the sword truly trust you."
Kane would suddenly find that a sheath made for the sword appeared on his back. The sword freed itself from his grasp and placed itself in the sheath. "The weight of the world." The old man said silently.
Weight of the world was Excalibur's first test. When the individual first takes a hold of it, the sword can detect just how physically strong that individual is and will multiply its own weight over the maximum the individual can hold. The test purpose to push the wielder well beyond their limits. Not many withstand this test and many have died to this very test. Kane with each step created a crater. He'd fall to his knees baring the sword's weight looking at the old man he sweats.
"Incredible... holding that much weight on your back..." He commented, "once you pass this test, you will have two more. I hope you are ready for it...."
Several hours would pass and the group has slowed down exponentially due to Kane's reduced speed. Twilight would attempt to use her magic to transport them but the sword would make it impossible for Kane to teleport. Zachara would attempt to pick him up and fly with him which he should have known wasn't even going to come close to remotely working....
"I think this sword is fascinating and all but can we ditch it? We haven't made no progress!" Stella said with frustration.
"I understand the frustration young child. Your friend Kane, has very little to worry about when it comes to overall brute strength. But you shall know it will take more than purely strength to handle the old world." Ermai said. "Excalibur, when it fully trust Kane will be a powerful addition to his arsenal."
Twilight stopped and looked behind the group, quick visions would pop up in her mind thinking of what Ermai said the other day. Also, she did find it impressive just how much Kane was able to hold on his back. Going off what she saw in the swords energy, Excalibur had increased its weight to over to the equivalence of the largest of mountains.
"Just how strong is this monstrosity..." she asked herself, "it's like he's holding two large mountains on his back."
The largest volcano, Great Ragnarok
Deep underneath Ragnarok, the wizards and ancient giants all resided along with other ancient races that have been revived over the course of the last few weeks but remained hidden as it was not time to be made known yet. Trolls, orges, onis, goblins, fishmen, and many more that went extinct long ago in the great war.
In the middle of it all a singular giant pillar stood tall. "I can't wait to take back what is rightfully ours!"
"Don't be so optimistic now troll. Dawn has brought us all back for a reason. A reason that I have not gotten a conclusion for yet." An oni said. "Centuries ago we'd all be battling for the top yet now we need to work together. Why is that?"
"I don't know... I am just excited to see these humans that Dawn has us waiting for. I never thought I'd be standing side to side with such a weak and frail creature." A fishmen commented.
"Well, I wouldn't exactly something weak if they can stand with the best of the best. In a world with races such as ours.... you cannot simply be weak."
"You're right." A voice echoed throughout the volcano making everyone go silent. "For an centaur, you're not as dumb as you look."
"Ignorant witch...." The centaur said.
Standing hundreds of feet above the rest was none other than Dawn, the elder witch. "My comrades...I know your patience grows thin. However, in 24 hours we will be making ourselves known and you will take back what is rightfully yours." An uproar echoed throughout the volcano.
"My personal projects are currently wandering the world right now... but they'll be joining us shortly. My final one, he's actually in this volcano and when he awakens.... we can officially start!"
"I'm ready to see this..."
Dawn looked over to the wizard who had severely been injured after encountering her sister, Twilight.
"Hmph, not as easy as you'd thought now was it?"
"I thought you said she was not as nearly as powerful as you..."
"She isn't. It still doesn't change the fact she is an elder witch. You should have known that."
The wizard cursed her underneath his breath looking away.
With a point of Dawn's finger, the wizard's body began to heal at an accelerated rate. All previous damage that had been done had now disappeared completely.
"I need you at your absolute best and now that you lot know what my projects and sister are capable of. I expect nothing but the best from you."
A great war was about to commence!