Chapter 18: The King of Ruin
ERAKINO and the two Saints were going over their results from the last battle in St. Amritate Cathedral, which served as their base of operations.
"We succeeded in securing Witch Atou," Fenne said. "We also eliminated the King of Ruin, so suffice to say, we achieved the best possible results despite a few hiccups along the way."
"We did. We now know we made the right choice going after
Mynoghra," Soalina agreed. "No one could have imagined
Mynoghra's Witch harbored such illogical abilities…"
The Brainwashed status inflicted by Slurp allowed Erakino to change her target's affiliation to her own, putting the target under her complete control. They had uncovered a great deal of Mynoghra's secrets by interrogating Atou. Of course, she offered nothing freely, so they had to guess at what questions to ask. In other words, they gained access to all the information Takuto Ira and Atou were privy to, including their backgrounds, achievements, and worst of all, knowledge of the game Eternal Nations. All that information was equal parts overwhelming and astonishing.
"Seriously! What kinda overpowered ability lets you steal skills from the enemies you kill? That shoulda been nerfed by the devs! And they coulda summoned even more of these Heroes, right? Man, Soali, your decision to get rid of 'em first was on the money!" Erakino joked around, her gaze trained on a dead-eyed Atou standing motionlessly beside her.
Atou's mind was completely under Erakino's control. She didn't even try to release a piece of her mind to have a conversation like she had with Soalina. She treated Atou like a tool, a puppet, from the moment she gained control. She wasn't going to risk giving the Sludge Witch an inch after nearly getting her brains impaled on a tentacle. Besides, both Saints staunchly advised her against it, insisting there was no way to win Atou over.
Atou's undying loyalty to the King of Ruin was the real deal. Even if she was incapable of breaking loose and killing them, they'd be in for a round of getting cursed out if they gave her back even a fraction of control.
"We've finished dealing with the King of Ruin and his vanguard witch. The Dark Elves still worry me, though. There's no telling what Mynoghra's remaining forces will do next. What do you plan to do about them, Erakino?" Fenne asked, bringing potential problems to their attention, since the other two were too giddy over their last success to think that far ahead. She often kept people at arm's length, but her isolationist personality allowed her to calmly point out details regardless of what people thought of her.
Even Erakino found herself approving of Fenne and how she drew attention to things they hadn't noticed, so she seriously engaged in those conversations.
"Oh, we've got that covered already! Master placed the enemy characters he's summoned in the area between the Southern Province and Dragontan—uh, the Dark Continent, was it?"
"You mean the unintelligent monsters you told us about before?"
Tabletop role-playing games are full of enemy characters to make the campaigns more entertaining. These enemies can be anything from a goblin waiting for the adventurer in a cave or a dragon protecting unimaginable treasures deep in the mountains. The game master has the authority to play these enemy characters whenever they want to within a campaign, especially if they are a storyteller who likes to entertain their players with unexpected twists. Every twist and turn is up to the game master. It's also up to the game master to deploy these characters to defend certain story elements from the players.
"Will they be strong enough?" Soalina asked. "We could also deploy some of our Paladins to be safe…"
"Nah. No need, Soali! I mean, we can't have our lovely Paladins wasting their time cleaning up small fry! Master's monsters are more than enough to handle a few of Santa's elves~♪!"
In all actuality, the Game Master had placed the largest number of monsters at the highest levels allowed in his campaign. Given the limited management resources a TRPG game master has, they had to deal with certain drawbacks, such as only being able to deploy general monsters existing within the campaign's rulebook rather than creating a unique monster with special settings. They didn't have the ability to check on the monsters or control them from a distance, but that didn't matter when they'd set them loose in the Dark Continent.
The monsters could handle whoever came from the south. The Southern Province's Paladin Order had more important matters to attend to.
"That's true… What with seceding from Qualia, we need to keep our Paladins as close to home as possible," Soalina agreed.
Defeating the King of Ruin was the achievement upon which they were founding their new empire. They still didn't know what kind of external interference was awaiting them, so they wanted to keep as many Paladins on hand as possible to protect their new country. "The King of Ruin is no more. The Dark Elves are too powerless to rise up and threaten our country even if we leave them to their own devices," Soalina concluded.
"True… We can only hope they get absorbed into Phon'kaven and cease to be a separate faction. We just don't have the time to deal with them right now," Fenne agreed.
None of them realized they'd already disregarded Mynoghra as a finished problem.
"…Which means it's finally time…"
"Yes, it is, Saint Fenne," Soalina replied.
They needed to direct their attention toward the next step that would take them closer to achieving their dreams. The Southern Province was in a precarious situation. Central had already learned about the numerous acts of political overreach and authoritarian purges that had been carried out thus far, and it was no longer possible for them to fend off an investigation with bribes. A barrage of inquiries requesting an explanation bombarded them daily, driving the messengers crazy.
Since they had already used and abused their authority as Saints to stop Central from conducting any audits, it would only be a matter of time before Central took equally heavy-handed measures to put them in their place. They wanted a little more time to lay the groundwork for their new country. But time wasn't on their side.
The time had finally come for them to secede from the Holy Kingdom of Qualia and establish an independent country truly blessed by Arlos.
"We're out of time," Soalina said. "I would like to announce our secession from Qualia and the establishment of our new empire on the next blessed day of rest."
Yet another wheel of fate was being set in motion. The Saints and Witch pushed on toward their dreams, not knowing what awaited them.
"Eh, we got nothin' to worry about, ladies!" Erakino exclaimed. "We've got the ultimate tag team of Eraki, Soali, and Fenny on the job! And we've even got Atouy to do our bidding, too!"
"Yes. Yes, that's absolutely right, Erakino," Soalina responded. "Everything will go perfectly if we work together. No one in this world can stop you and me."
"Things are going to get busy," Fenne interjected. "Come along.
Let's move into phase two."
The women stood up. They had a staggering amount of work to do. They needed to fill in High Paladin Fjord Vysterk, Captain of the Southern Province Paladins, and they also needed to hastily notify all the clergy involved in the provincial government. They also needed to work behind the scenes to win over trustworthy businesses in every sector, and then there was the extensive paperwork waiting for them.
Oh, I just realized we haven't even decided what to call our country yet, Soalina giggled, surprised they were too busy to think of a name. Erakino was giving her a funny look for suddenly laughing, so she promptly brought up the subject.
◇◇◇
WIND pressure from closing the door behind them caused one of the documents on the table to fall to the floor in the meeting room. Written in sloppy handwriting on brand new parchment was a transcription from The Ancient Saints' Book of Oracles. Soalina had transcribed the section herself to show it to Erakino. However, when she finally did show it to Erakino, her reaction was less than satisfactory. She'd appraised the prophecy as "A confusing poem that doesn't make a lick of sense."
In the end, Erakino and the Game Master determined it was insubstantial and lacked bearing on their endeavors, so it was tragically left aside.
With what intentions did the Holy God bestow that poetic prophecy upon his Saints? It mattered not to the women who'd already destroyed the King of Ruin, and so that piece of paper vanished along with their wariness.
◇◇◇
"HMM~hmm~hmm~hmm~♪"
A man walked through the barren wasteland humming to himself. The tune he hummed belonged to a song unlike any musical stylings in this world. It was the type of song that would immediately catch the attention of anyone who knew it when they heard it.
The song in question: Mynoghra's theme song "The King of Ruin" from Eternal Nations.
Takuto had heard this theme song more than any other in both lifetimes. It accompanied him as he overran countless empires and worlds, reigning supreme time and time again. He hummed that tune, nostalgic for the glory days made possible with his own wit.
As he went on his way, a mountain of dust suddenly appeared, and a monster sprung out to block his path.
"HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!"
"…Blegh."
Leathery bat wings flapped on the back of a giant serpent standing over thirty feet tall. This magical beast brimming with raw power and bloodlust had emerged from the ground—and it wasn't alone. A floating orb of flesh with a large mouth, a single central eye, and many smaller eyestalks on top joined the winged serpent along with a lizard with a face and fangs reminiscent of deep-sea fish.
These monsters, who didn't look like they were of this world, stared at Takuto with gleaming, unintelligent eyes. There was nowhere to run. The monsters followed their instincts and rushed to devour Takuto.
Takuto merely glared at the fools who dared stand in his way.
◇◇◇
ALL the preparations to establish a new empire proceeded without a hitch. Sure, Central and the other provinces eyed them with suspicion. They were undoubtedly considering what iron-fisted measures to take against the Southern Province, which wouldn't respond to any of their inquiries.
But this was the Holy Kingdom of Qualia they were dealing with—an antiquated empire bogged down by gridlock politics and a habit of never passing statutes. With their government, they would be forced to restlessly look on and wait to dole out a response after the Southern Province had already acted. The Southern Province had a speedy legislature on its side with its magically unified government.
And now, the day of reckoning had finally come. The blessed day of rest set aside by the Holy God.
Since Saint Soalina had notified the provincial government in advance that she was going to give an important announcement on this day, the area around St. Amritate Cathedral overflowed with crowds that spilled over into the streets surrounding the main plaza.
Soalina emerged onto the cathedral's balcony and addressed the people in a voice that mystically reached everyone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have good news to share with you. I, Saint Soalina, along with Saint Fenne, have succeeded in eradicating the King of Ruin, Takuto Ira, whose evil existence was prophesized in
The Ancient Saints' Book of Oracles."
The crowd stirred. The Ancient Saints' Book of Oracles was often the source of rumors. On the other hand, not every believer was aware of its existence, so only a few people correctly understood what Soalina meant. But with a title as evil-sounding as the King of Ruin, even those out of the loop reeled in shock at the Saint's announcement.
Since the dawn of time, Holy God Arlos and his believers have been fighting against a myriad of enemies. Things had been more peaceful in recent years, but unspeakably terrifying beings ran rampant during the Mythological Era, and every generation since had been taught through the holy book that their god had purged the enemy.
The people took Saint Soalina's announcement to mean the second coming of the Mythological Era was upon them and that she had squashed the seeds of ruin before they could take root.
"It was no easy feat. The King of Ruin possesses tremendous power, and if left to his own devices, he would've inevitably become a being even we could do nothing about. It is nothing short of a miracle that we defeated him."
Cries of awe rose from the crowd. No one, not one, doubted her.
Such was the tremendous influence the Saints held over the masses. And beyond that, everyone was under the strong impression that liars wouldn't be chosen as god's Saints.
"God's will was done."
Words of praise for the two Saints and prayers of gratitude toward Arlos filled the air. The crowd put their absolute trust in Saint Soalina, who'd rebuilt the Southern Province in a short amount of time and overthrew even the mythical King of Ruin.
"Yes, everything I have done is as God wills. Until now, I have tried to right the injustices that plague this province, to punish the wicked who disobey God. I pride myself on the efforts I have put into trying to make this province a better place for her people. Therefore, I understand that this has been a test from God, and at the same time, it is His divine revelation to establish a country that truly embodies His will."
Anyone who listened closely would hear the inconsistencies in her illogical statements. But was there really anything logical about their religion in the first place? There was always something fanatical about it, and conversely, it can be said by outsiders that religions exist because they share values that cannot be explained by reason or logic.
In the end, thunderous applause and praise was the only response.
"In order to bring about a welcoming peace where no one has to fear the morrow…" Soalina began.
The crowd had reached peak enthusiasm. It was an inescapable fact that the injustices of a few corrupt religious leaders had taken a heavy toll on the masses. Soalina's Great Purge had gotten rid of most of them, leaving only clergy who truly cared for the people to take their place, but the people hadn't forgotten their trauma or fear.
Everyone wondered not if but when they would be forced to return to those miserable days. They were fearfully waiting for the moment when those wicked clergy, masters of intrigue and trickery, would return to their positions of power and oppress them again.
"We have removed a great threat to our peace from this world. It is upon this achievement of eradicating the King of Ruin per God's holy command that…" With all the fear they felt, Saint Soalina's words were a boon to the people. "…I hereby declare the Southern Province's secession from the Holy Kingdom of Qualia and the establishment of a new empire in Arlos's name: the Divine Nation of
Lenea! Holy God Arlos, please guide your followers!"
The people gave a standing ovation and extolled Arlos's name in sonorous voices. They then witnessed a miracle before their very eyes.
[GM: Message
Exercising Game Master Authority.
Oh, what a sight to behold!
Shafts of light shine down from the heavens to bless Saint Soalina's proclamation.
]
Cheers erupted from the animated crowd.
A solemn and divine light broke through the clouds. It illuminated St. Amritate Cathedral with surreal brilliance and holiness and warmly enveloped Soalina in its radiance.
The people were moved to the point of tranquility, their wild enthusiasm giving way to awed silence. God very rarely showed His miracles. Throughout Qualia's history, there have been very few examples of Arlos directly using miracles. Hence why Saints who could receive His oracles were considered extremely important and were granted the highest authority.
The people of the Southern Province had just witnessed one of those once-in-a-millennium heavenly miracles from God.
A nation whose founding is blessed by God himself. The people could only weep with gratitude for being allowed to witness the first page of a new legend. Just how inspiring would it have been for these people who lived and died by God's word? Everyone in the crowd thanked their lucky stars for being able to come to the cathedral on this day, and they vowed to pass on the story for generations…none the wiser that their so-called miracle was the work of the ungodly.
◇◇◇
THE Holy Kingdom of Qualia was shaken to its foundation. First, they learned of the disaffection of two of their invaluable Saints: Saint Soalina of Blooming Burials and Veiled Saint Fenne. Then there was news of the King of Ruin from their Book of Oracles being destroyed, leading to the founding of a new empire. The worst news of all pertained to the manifestation of one of God's miracles.
The wheels of history in the making were set into high gear.
<-x-X-x->
The Ancient Saints' Book of Oracles: Passage on the King of Ruin Tremble in fear of the King of Ruin.
It is a calamity that destroys the world.
The harbinger of death and terror.
It is a raging inferno.
A ruthless blizzard and explosive thunderstorm.
It is blood and blade. Screams and death throes.
Quiver in fear of the King of Ruin.
It is far from you.
And near to you.
It is the sun that shines at dawn.
The all-encompassing night.
It is your enemy.
Your best friend, too.
Shudder in fear of the King of Ruin.
It is the darkness of the beginning. iT iS YOU.
◇◇◇
AROUND the time a certain Witch and her two Saints had their dearest wish come true and were brimming with hope, Takuto was apologizing profusely to Elder Moltar through their telepathic connection.
"Like I said, I'm sorry! Don't be so mad… Yeah, uh-huh. This is all part of the plan. Whoa, don't start weeping on me for real! I'm safe! Totally in one piece! Everything's all good here."
His nature as a Japanese citizen had him bowing over and over again as he tried to appease the elderly sage lecturing his ear off. Perhaps he felt a bit guilty about the way he handled things too, because he set his kingly dignity aside to sit through his elder's scolding. He couldn't come out strong when he made an old man cry. There was a limit to how awkward and uncomfortable a situation could be.
While Takuto was internally reflecting on the fact he should've laid better groundwork for his departure, the conversation, which mostly consisted of equal parts lamentation and remonstration, finally ended.
"Yeah. I know. I'll contact you after I settle things on this side. Take care of prepping everything just as the twins told you."
Apparently, Elder Moltar couldn't solve the riddle Takuto had left for him, but the twins did pass along Takuto's orders. Takuto was relieved arrangements were being made without delay. Now it was his turn to act. He could just adjust his approach as needed on the spot. He thought it'd be fun to tell Elder Moltar the riddle's answer when it was time to make things happen.
Takuto cut contact with Elder Moltar and let out a small sigh.
"…Time for business," he said to himself, glancing over his shoulder.
What was reflected there could only be described as a child's playground from hell. Monsters had been crushed, torn apart, and chopped to bits. Blood and gore painted the surroundings, and the ground was covered in lumps of charred flesh that had been lacerated and bruised, making one wonder what kind of attack was used. It was a tragic mess that made it impossible to tell what the original shape of anything was anymore.
"Batwing Coatl, Gazer, Devourer…" Takuto muttered, determining the types of monsters from the red, green, and purple blood splatter. "They look like they're from Elemental Ward 4th Edition…"
Only a handful of people in this world would understand what he meant. Aside from Takuto, only Erakino and her Game Master knew. The campaign title the Slurping Witch didn't even share with her dear new friend for fear of it getting out was just uttered by the one who bore the name King of Ruin.
The four little words no one could know was discovered by the last person they wanted to know.
"Hmm~hmm~hmm~hmm~♪"
Takuto turned on his heel and moved forward, humming that familiar song. Darkness blacker than the deepest void of nightmares was almost upon the holy empire.
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