3rd Pov
Laying the two bodies on the cold ground of the Jura Forest, Obera who had previously fled the battlefield to take care of Milim and Velzard.
She halted her march since Velzard's condition suddenly got worse, settling them in a cave she coated the surroundings with her angelic aura while trying to stabilize the ic dragon's condition.
Though all were in veins as in the end, she is but a primordial angel...the difference between her kind and the mighty true dragon is vast, vaster than one would expect.
Obera : Dammit, I should have taken a healing class...
The grounding resonance of the ever growing chaos outside the cave warned Obera, explosion after explosion, show of aura and fights.
All happened while she remained hidden there, making sure to hold onto Velzard's life and Milim who constantly shifted uncomfortably.
Obera : Though it seems the situation has calmed down a bit, the natural flow of mana is a mess so I can't tell exactly what is going on.
This was making her anxious, at least she was sure that the world wasn't destroyed so the light of hope will remain lit.
But that didn't mean they weren't losing, frankly Obera didn't believe at all in anyone's victory over the world destroying dragon.
And she couldn't even leave to check, seeing Velzard's body glowing in a transparent shine...she had to stay put in case the frost dragon truly disappeared.
Obera : I can at best supply her with magicule but even that hold barely any effect.
In fact she was feeling drained, perhaps if she were to sacrifice her current life, she could replenish a portion of Velzard's power, enough to call back forward her consciousness.
At the cost of her life however, thought she will resurrect at a later date...
Obera : (I need to take care of Milim but Velzard-sama will be much more valuable fighting wise even in a weakened state.)
It was a dilemma she had constantly in mind while attending to the dragon duo, a cooldown startled Obera when Velzard's body reacted to a pulse.
The fading of her existence accelerated suddenly.
Obera : Did they fail ? This reaction must be directly bound with her core...
Rushing to her side, Obera increased the output of her magicule feeling the strain more than ever.
But no matter how much intensity she added, Velzard's condition kept decreasing toward the worst...
Obera : No no no...
Spreading her wings, she resorted to all the last resort she had thought of while waiting.
One by one, her cards were displayed and used before failing...the angelic threads of aura linked with the vanishing body.
Obera : Ugh-
Her head spinning, golden blood escaped her skin...she gasped when the last bit of usable magicule left her body.
Falling on a knee, her breath ragged feeling her consciousness being assaulted by a heavy headache.
Obera : This is bad...the recoil for lack of magicule...
Supporting herself with raw physical strength, her aura that has been warming up the surrounding died leaving the cold cave into a field of darkness.
Her wings retracted weakly, the realization that her limit was reached...Obera started closing her eyes in frustration.
Another layer of darkness veiled her pupils, only then for a shade of orange to illuminate the darkness set in motion.
Replacing her power, another source of light came in to clarify the cave, a comforting power surged in refilling Obera's magicule.
Obera : This...
Dawn : You held on for long enough, you have my thanks Obera.
A delayed reaction, Dawn appeared within the cave with a silent step...only after he had landed, the wall behind him collapsed, crumbling into a pile of moving rock.
In the rush of hurry, he acted rashly opening half of the small hill Obera had chosen, the air flooding in...it didn't take long for Dawn to take notice of Velzard.
Rushing to her side, he brought out the dragon core...a bind of frost raised as the core shook, feeling the near connection with its body.
Flying out of Dawn's hold, the dragon core towered above Velzard's unconscious form before falling and disappearing into her chest.
Her fading figure regained its tangibility, the bland color returning to a cold warm touch...Dawn smiled softly, catching Velzard's hand in his own.
As if he wanted to make sure that she was in no pain or any possible after-effect.
Dawn : Good, she should be waking up soon...
He was always sure of succeeding in saving Velzard, but this didn't stop the sensation of relief after actually achieving it.
Obera : So it's really you...should i say it has been a while ?
Dawn : Our reunion is a bit warmer than the one I had with Dino earlier.
Another companion of his when he trained under Veldanava, Obera in contrast to Dino never forgot the individual Origin Averion.
Because compared to Dino, she wouldn't be present in the central world...she is much more emotionally stable and has a judgement of her own.
The star king who was once omniscient, all knowing as one to his will...he knew that Obera will always follow a judgement that would benefit the development he wished for the world.
Obera : Dino...he was starting to act weird for some time now...
Dawn : That's normal, his memories sealed...they began to reawaken forcefully.
Obera : Seal...i see, no wonder every time I tried to engage in a conversation he would react awfully irritated.
Dawn could only give her a warry smile, at the same time a tilt motion graced his skin...the hand of Velzard had moved just now.
Dawn : She is regaining consciousness, I should wake up Milim as well.
Obera : I still have some more questions but I guess this isn't the time for that.
Dawn : A question is ultimately bound to be answered, if it isn't that just means that question has no need of a public answer.
Obera : (This is a kind of saying that he just doesn't want to answer...)
Releasing Velzard's hand, he tried to get to Milim but the frost dragon didn't let go...in fact her firm grip only further increased, enough to crush any human's wrist.
Dawn : (How affectionate, fine i'll just stay by your side until then.)
Velzard Pov
I always wandered the world as a sort of mediator, watching things evolve and go without ever taking a true interest in them.
Like an unmeltable pillar of ice towering in the vast creation made by Veldanava, I was satisfied with just that.
Only for all this stillness to fade like a washing current, a boy weak enough for me to ignore appeared in my territory, changing my vision of the world.
And above all showed me what a true bond of friendship was...from then onward, everything that was cold before was set ablaze to a much warmer scenery.
My toxic relationship with Guy ended, I became closer to Veldora and Velgrynd...even Milim somehow opened a little to me.
I found a new home where I wanted to stay, a companion albeit much more insignificant than me...I still found a tiny joy in observing from this new insight.
And even as my chest was pierced, the very core that based the foundation of my existence stripped brutally.
I felt no sense of loss, almost at peace...I don't want to die because I finally found a purpose in staying alive, yet in this moment of crisis.
I simply waited, knowing full well that there will be a tomorrow...deep down, I knew that the light that was cleared by the world once will shine once again.
Ahh, how funny...to think me out of all the true dragons would have such thoughts.
Perhaps Veldanava had such vision as well...the knowing sensation that you can die for real, without a chance at resurrection.
Only then you truly start appreciating the world given to you...
Velzard : (I can feel it already, you came to save me right?)
Stretching my hand forward, the sensation of being pulled by a much greater force...a singular voice calling me, as the coldness of that was previously robbed was returned.
I smiled almost brightly feeling my dragon core back, closing my eyes to let myself submerge in this bath of relief.
Only to reopen them, this time full of anticipation...the cloudy figure of that brat I had met so many centuries ago cleared my vision.
I grabbed onto his hand tightly before shaking my head, a soft grain escaping my throat...I was then assaulted with a surge of sadness.
Velzard : You took your sweet time, huh.
Dawn : Sorry for that, my lady.
Ignoring Obera and the rest of the world, I stared almost glared at him...the reason ? Because I now know what he intends to do.
The power he is currently sourcing himself in, that strength is awfully familiar...as it is in fact the very power that created us true dragons.
Even if it's only a small part of it, my dragon core has taken in that energy...and as a side effect, I saw into some of Dawn Arceid's memories including the sense of his abilities.
Velzard : Why must fate be so cruel ?
Dawn : ...
Using my remaining free hand, I grabbed his collar...bringing my face closer, our eyes met again.
Those blue eyes annoyed me in this very instant, because the reflected shine belonged to a man who had accepted his fate no matter how gruesome it was.
Velzard : You are really an idiot...
I decided to match his expression, Dawn or Origin...whoever he really is, he underestimates my obsessiveness and overestimates my composure.
Velzard : Take my dragon core...
Dawn : What ?
It seemed that he really didn't expect this from me...my eyes gleamed threatening to devour the light before me.
Velzard : You are planning to die on your own...with the pretext of saving others, I cannot accept that.
And I also can't stop you, this is the first time I felt so powerless before destiny...when I said I could understand Veldanava more.
I really mean it, right now if it's for this man I consider as a true family...then I'm ready to follow him to the end of the world.
There is no romance involved, but I am indeed following what my heart truly wants...
Velzard : So don't be fucking selfish and die alone...don't you dare leave me behind.
Dawn : What do you mean by that ?
Completely breaking my composure, he simply gave me a sympathetic smile...his hand reaching for my own, he freed himself from my grip.
Standing up, he offered me a hand...for a moment, I thought he was going to ignore my pleas-
Dawn : Who said I will die ? I won't leave so many cherished people behind, for as long as I will have a home to come back to, I will fight and win.
My eyes widened for an instant, his words were devoid of lies...he was telling the truth ? B-but, I clearly saw the plan he had been following.
Even the power that is eating his existence away...it cannot be stopped at will, a mortal borrowing the power of a god superior to even us True dragon.
This is unheard of...could it be that he had found a solution for all this...or was he simply lying ?
Dawn : Let's get going, the world isn't waiting for us to get ready...time is as cruel as fate.
Velzard : I...at least mark my words, from this very moment my power is yours to exploit.
Dawn : ...ahh, I can only accept if you look at me with such devotion.
Ruffling his hair, he once again stretched his hand forward...the smile he displayed was bright, no perhaps cold would be a better description.
I couldn't get a read on him, but that still left me with only one option...I grabbed his hand allowing myself to be pulled up standing.
The previous atmosphere melting away, I grew silent when all the built tension in both body and mind were cleared...the overwhelming power of [God's Authority] completely put me at ease.
Velzard : What are you planning...
I asked directly, I had seen through my core what he wanted to achieve...yet I was put in that spot where I knew nothing.
Dawn : The actions of the present are influenced by the past and will build the future, there is no point in sharing my plan as revealing them would simply make them not happen.
Velzard : I'm not joking...
Dawn : Me neither.
He declared in an aggravated tone, from this moment onward I knew I wouldn't get through him...if he doesn't die in battle, he will ultimately fall victim to his own power.
But in that case, I'm sure by using my own existence...one that is of the closest standard to [God's Authority], he will surely find a solution.
Dawn : There is no need of pushing it further, I told you already...I won't die.
Velzard : Still-ouch !
Hitting my forehead with a flick of his finger, he let out a dry chuckle before turning around, facing the open part of the cave.
His gaze lightened up to the sky, his expression softening...he clearly wasn't much bothered by the ongoing war anymore.
Dawn : Obera...I changed my mind, rest here with Milim.
Obera : Huh why ?
Velzard : (Obera...right she and Milim were here too...)
I shifted my attention to my niece, her sleeping form was honestly relaxing...so innocent, I could almost forget all the pain and suffering she experienced...
Dawn : Rimuru is currently out of the picture, if Milim wakes up now...she will most likely go on a rampage (I actually need Obera and Milim but asking too much would be detrimental, let's leave them at bay for now)
Obera : I see...this makes sense, then should I just guard her ?
Dawn : Please do so, right now the last remaining threat is the world destroying dragons and that insectar whore.
Dawn Pov
There is no need for Velzard to worry, life is a previous thing gifted to all...you only realize how precious it is when you are facing with death.
Just like you learn what true hope is before despair, those contradicting concepts are what make the world so perfectly imperfect.
I have lived long enough to experience it all, even if I were to disappear in the near future...I would only ever have a few regrets.
Dawn : ...
At the moment, I sat motionless on top of Velzard's back...her dragon form exuded a powerful aura shifting the natural flow of this already messed up world.
The afterbirth of destruction is reconstruction...this scenery filled with chaos, death and conflict will be reborn into a new world with newfound ideals after this war.
I was serious when I announced that I will not die...but the word dying holds so much more meaning than simply one's lifespan being extinguished.
Dawn : Ne Velzard...you already met my daughter, right.
Velzard : Indeed, she is quite the lovely girl I must say...I can surely tell from who she takes after.
A flash of vision extended past my mind, people often say that there is no bond that surpasses that of the blood.
But I beg to differ, blood is meaningless if the intent behind it isn't pure...I had this experience several times, as Dawn Arceid and Origin Averion.
My family was never described as good...I had only one I could consider a parent in the duration of two lifetimes, the ratio was quite negative I must say.
That is also precisely why I am so adamant in saving the one I consider my successor...I don't want to be like that bastard.
Dawn : I wonder how Catherine would react to see our daughter inheriting her impulsiveness from me.
Velzard : Is that the mother of your child ?
Dawn : Yes...
The fresh air swirling through my hair, I helped myself by laying down on my back...sure enough the scales of a dragon is hard and uncomfortable to sleep on.
But as a natural cold user, I enjoy the freshness of the winter that is passively released from Velzard.
Velzard : Do you want to tell me more about your past ?
Sure enough, I noticed how her pace had suddenly slowed down...our destination was the holy empire of Ruberios where most of the world's power should be gathered by now.
All the destruction around seemed to be gone in this very instant...there was just me and Velzard.
Dawn : What would you like to know ?
Since Twilight Valentine is gone now, there was no reason for me to hide anything from her...Velzard is my family.
She was once like a second mother but now, she feels more like a close sister...in a way both of us were born in the wrong family.
Her cold heart that awaited to be melted, chasing endlessly a shine of attention didn't fit the proud solitary true dragon...while my story just spread by itself.
Velzard : How about you tell me how the land you ruled felt like ?
Dawn : Mmh...it was truly beautiful, perhaps not for all but the Averion that I developed was the splitting image of my ideals...
Would I change the course of my life if I was given the chance to ? The answer would be no, after all I am the current me because of those hardships...
Velzard : Then have you never thought of rebuilding that paradise of yours ? I could help as well...
Dawn : You know I'm still human in heart, even though I have a ton of greed coursing through my veins at all times...but as a duke, I have failed in protecting my people and ideals...this also marks the end of my life as a ruler.
Velzard : Isn't this your second life ? I'd say a second chance could be justified that way.
Dawn : Haha, you might be right but I'm not cunning enough to twist it that way...I like my current disposition, a knight serving a wonderful master.
And without those challenges, I would have never met the same friends that I have today...I have come to accept the effect of time and the value of life.
Now is just a question of concluding a story to let another prologue to flourish.
Velzard : Luminous...i had seen what she is capable of as a leader and person, but anyone could tell that she is undeserving of you.
Dawn : You give me too much credit, I personally believe that I'm the one who is lucky to have such friends.
Velzard : You are too modest, I guess that's the human part of you...be proud, as I the strongest true dragon alive acknowledges you as really strong.
Heh, acknowledging me now ? I guess I should be proud, the number of people that the mighty frost dragon considered as strong might not even hold on a single hand.
Dawn : And you sound much more human while conversing now.
Velzard : Is that so...
Keeping her eyes forward, I could already feel the many familiar presence growing closer...
Dawn : I honestly think you and Catherine would have hit it off.
I muttered one last line before straightening my back, kicking my legs and I stood up observing the nearing holy city.
It seems like the number of insectars has decreased significantly...Peliod who act as the main core of this endless army should be in the clutch of the primordials by now...
Velzard : It must be true if you say so.
Responding, she lowered her stance preparing herself to land gently...her draconic form must have attracted a ton of attention since a crowd could be seen gathering below.
Velzard : Your name has reached a completely different level of fame it seems.
Dawn : Don't jest, anyone would be attracted to see a giant dragon approaching.
With a whistle, I jumped off from her back...the natural law of gravity applying itself, it took me a long second before crashing into the ground.
Looking past the veil of dust generated by the landing, I stood there waiting for Velzard who reverted back into her human form.
Her own entrance cleared the air of its impurity, she was in her teenager form...surely to save some energy even if i was constantly supplying her power through the Authority.
Dawn : I'm really getting used to dramatic entrances.
Velzard : It's you who is being over dramatic for something like that.
Dawn : Haha.
I chuckled while watching the first few people who came up to us...I smiled fondly meeting the cold blazed eyes of Luminous.
For them it has only been a few weeks but I had gone through so much before coming back here...
Luminous : Well well, look at who's back.
She wasn't injured but I could easily tell how exhausted she was from spotting some minor details she tried to conceal.
Her eyes particularly betrayed her cocky attitude as they revealed a big strain of stamina, she must have pushed herself to the very limit to protect Ruberios.
Even more considering how Chloe wasn't there when i met her...
Dawn : What ? Not happy to see me ?
Luminous : Don't be stupid.
Closing the gap, she lightly punched my arm letting out a sigh of relief.
Luminous : You put up quite the show earlier, anyway welcome back-huh ?
Dawn : Yeah...I'm back.
I ignored the last part where she froze, knowing full well what she tried and failed to say...even though my action was quickly caught on by the two ladies surrounding me.
Fortunately, they didn't question it...for their own reason.
Dawn : And you all too, it has truly been a while.
Finally taking account of the rest that followed Luminous, I met with two of my subordinates and the child I raised upon their arrival in this world.
Flora and Shuu, by that time the genesis knight must have crumbled...Horizon turned out to be a traitor, even if he had his redemption i wanted him to meet Mirai to decide his fate.
Since he was judged by my daughter, by extension Lucas's loyalty to our group and Mirai's own hesitation became poison for the team.
Flora : Glad to see you in shape, boss.
Shuu : Yeah...
Contrary to Luminous, those two were in bad shape...signs of intense battling in continuous flow could be seen on the fabrics of their clothes and tattered skin.
But Shuu was particularly down, his eyes shifted sideways, clearly showing signs of hesitance to speak his mind.
Dawn : There is no need to feel anxious, what's on your mind ?
I covered his head with my hand, slightly ruffling his hair...as our youngest, he has fought the best he could and is a companion of the highest importance.
Shuu : L-Lucas was injured protecting me...and our friend, our family is crumbling apart.
And what makes him worth so much is also the heaviest burden on this young child, his genius allowed him to understand the situation clearer than most adults.
He learned about human relationships but never experienced all the facets of those relationships...
Dawn : I'm sorry for that...i can't give you an answer to those question-
His eyes gradually grew more confused, in the end I also used him for my own gain.
This kid is the very representation of a human genius, limited only by his race...my final plan, the salvation I seek for, could only work because of Shuu.
But that does not mean I only saw him as a tool, this kid deserves happiness...for him I was a sort of older brother and for me he is a child that I have to protect.
Dawn : Be a good boy for now and sleep, once you wake up everything should have been settled.
Shuu : Huh-
Cutting his consciousness short, I forced him to sleep with fate...his frail body fell backward as I caught him in a swift motion.
Flora : Was that really necessary ?
Dawn : No children should bear witness the cruelty of war, Shuu was forced into a conflict that he had nothing to relate with because of a bad adult like me, it's time for him to rest.
Flora : If you say so, I will carry him to a safe place.
I nodded, my gaze never leaving the boy's face...did I feel guilty ? No, I actually don't deserve to feel guilty at this point.
Dawn : Still take care of yourself, you are destined to a bright future.
Muttering to myself, I got up facing back Luminous who patiently waited with her arm crossed.
Luminous : You want a general resume of the situation right.
Dawn : Yes please.
Sighing, she waved her hand asking us to follow her back into the city's wall...her lips twitching on the way as she summarized what she knew.
Luminous : The number of casualties are still being counted but we estimate it as an overall of around 35 % of the world population...
Her toning turned grim, even Velzard who walked side by side with me looked a bit uncomfortable.
As for me, I hated how the casualties actually fitted the range I expected, in fact it was slightly lower.
Luminous : On that part Ruberios took it pretty well, the other big nations are also in the positive...the true disaster lay in a major party of the western nation and some other smaller country.
Our march halted for an instant as we crossed the entrance gate of the holy city, the inside was maybe even more chaotic than outside.
No destruction but rather a sea of business, people running around like crazy...
Luminous : After the loss of their army, many fled to Ruberios for protection...we had to accept them because eventually they are still a source of faith we could exploit but as you can see, the process in between is rather rubbish.
A large wave of immigration thrived by survival instinct...Ruberios no matter how big it is, there won't be enough houses to hold a large percentage of the world population.
The situation must be similar albeit on a lower scale in other human nations like Ingracia or Falmuth.
Luminous : Fortunately, people are conscious enough to not cause a ruckus in a foreign territory...the show you did fueled most of the capable warriors to go outside and fight.
Walking through the crowded road, all sorts of noise could be heard...the injured fighter, the crying baby, the despairing mother.
I was horrendously aware of all these, and Velzard must have noticed the subtle shift in my expression.
Dawn : You've been keeping a keen eye on me...should I feel embarrassed ?
Velzard : You can't really empathize with these humans, right.
Dawn : ...
Heh, so she noticed...from when I arrived to now as we neared the church, my vision of guilt changed a bit.
I'm a coward on that point, killing those emotions so I wouldn't succumb to guilt and my own compassion.
As a hero belonging to the human realm, and a ruler...i had to take extreme measures, [God's Authority] is devouring my memories.
And by twisting its flow, I fed it my compassion and guilt for others...to the point where only that remained enough for me to look at my friends.
Luminous : Now for the other nation, Tempest held even bigger wave of immigration...it seem like the festival of theirs was really successful on that note, Benimaru that red haired oni is leading the troup there...he also extended their army to rescue and protect the people all around the world.
Ignoring the worried gaze of Velzard, I walked past the gate to the church...two guards at the front protecting the entrance.
Their expression brightened upon seeing Luminous then me, their hand raised for a salute...even as they weren't expecting any reaction from us.
We set foot in the front court where another wave of familiar faces came into view.
Luminous : As for Sarion, the so-called guardian of the labyrinth went there with Ramiris, as the result the barrier above is smoothly working...Elmesia also confirmed that their nation was safe for now.
Since Sarion is a closed nation hidden from the rest of the world, they must not have been affected by the general panic and immigration.
That is good, since the world tree is our last line of defense...no matter how powerful i get, protecting an entire world from Ivarage is mission impossible.
Dawn : So all that is left to see is the report of the primordials...
Since the insectars are still coming, even if the intensity is lowered...they possess no fear, Peliod is still alive.
She is somehow managing to escape death against 4 primordials boosted by Rimuru's blessing...impressive in itself.
Luminous : So ? What's the plan now ?
Dawn : We recover a maximum of strength and get ready for the final showdown.
My words are covered with mystery. I didn't want to disclose that piece of information yet because of the moral.
Being aware of things doesn't always result in positive results...with that said, I approached the group of knights gathered in the court.
My gaze briefly met with Hinata's, as she commanded the holy knight to keep order between the internal struggle and outside battle.
Hinata : Team 4 and 6 go to the southern gate, retrieve the injured and shift over the surveillance ! Team 1 and 7 to the 9th's district, another wave of migrants are approaching !
It took her a long minute before freezing, fully taking in my presence...and it took yet another moment for her to dismiss the knights.
Before coming our way, I however couldn't help but merveil at her evolution...
Hinata : It has been a while, sensei.
Giving me an uncharacteristic smile, she held with a firm grip her sheathed rapier...
Dawn : You became stronger, at this rate I fear you'll surpass me soon.
Hinata : That's...not very realistic after this you know.
Pointing to the sky, she shook her head with clear signs of fatigue...i would honestly like to spar with her right now but unfortunately time isn't right.
Dawn : Anyway, have you seen Mirai ? She should have come back here...
Hinata : Lady Mirai ? Yes, she stopped by sometime ago leaving that woman who identified herself as the scorch dragon...
Signaling toward the church's building, I gave a side eye to Luminous and Velzard...receiving the following nod.
The two of them left first to go check on Velgrynd. I had healed her but also relinquished some of her power...so she shouldn't be in any threatening condition.
Dawn : And Mirai ?
Hinata : She left soon after, saying that there was something that she must do.
Dawn : Hmph, I see...could you do me a favour then ?
Hinata : Huh ? A favor...
Dawn : Yes, gather a unit with the remaining elite and gather them to the plain on our east border, send this message to the other nation as well.
The fight isn't over, this shall also be my last command as the supreme commander of Ruberios's army.
Hinata : If it's commanding the army, then you could do it yourself...why ask a favor ?
Dawn : Well...it's a bit complicated but I'll leave my seat to you.
Placing my hand over her shoulder, I feigned ignorance to her stiff expression while walking away.
Dawn : Do a good job carrying the mantle of command, my successor.
Hinata : Wait ! What do you-
Hinata Pov
I watched sensei's figure fading into the church completely bewildered...even my knee wouldn't bulge as if they were stuck telling me to pursue this matter further.
What did he mean by that ? Me his successor ? Ever since I joined the holy knight...i had never once expected or wished for this seat of his...
Because it rightfully belonged to him, the culmination of 300 years worth of history...
Hinata : But he wants me to take over...
My arm still stretched toward the church, I slowly started calming down trying to assess the situation...
What would happen to sensei then...why does he feel so foreign now...
Knight : Lady Hinata ! Report from the west front, we have 31 injured knights and over 70 civilians !
Hinata : Civilian...
Yeah, I should focus on my duty first...the west front, that's where the most enemy flooded toward.
Hinata : Then Miss Eleonor should be back, where is she ?
Knight : She is currently attending to the injured...
Hinata : I'll go see her then, priests and healers with me !
Taking off, I couldn't be more grateful to the genesis knight order...they have been tearing themselves up on every front.
Participating in every task, no wonder they were acknowledged as a trump card for our nation.
And even now, they kept going on ignoring the pain and wounds.
In a way I pitied them, the sight of a trail of injured people lining the street near the church...
Hinata : Prioritize the soldiers !
Giving out a directive as soon as I arrived, my words might appear cold but that is the most rational way.
A soldier's recovery is more important since he will be able to carry out his duty right after...potentially saving another few lives.
With that said, I still didn't like leaving the civilians unattended...but as long as they weren't in a life threatening condition...
Hinata : (But even with all that prevention, there are some people we can never fully save.)
Arriving at the destination, I stood behind Miss Eleonor who was treating another one of the genesis knights.
A warrior that I must acknowledge...Lucas Schwarz, as he had literally given his all for this battle.
Eleonor : Don't move anymore and I will have to amputate this arm as well.
Protecting his friend, the citizen of Ruberios...he was laid down pitifully, an arm rashly cut off from his biceps, his left eye gouged barbarically...and all sorts of wounds scratching his body.
Even then, he stood up with minor healing and fought...coming back here with many more injuries to heal.
Lucas : Whatever, it's not like I have anything to lose now.
Eleonor : ...
He was truly a pitiful man, if there is a sun that brings forward its shine illuminating the world, then there are many shadows that are working without any recognition.
All the eyes are on the sun, completely oblivious of the shadow's suffering...a gruesome rôle.
Hinata : Your body won't hold much longer.
Making my presence known, I glared down at Lucas...a slight tension developing as he returned by gaze.
Just like a wild animal...
Lucas : I can still go on, my right arm still moves.
Hinata : You'll be at best a half meat shield, it's an order...stay within those walls, you are forbidden to go outside.
Lucas : You can't do that...i don't receive orders from you paladins !
Hinata : I-
Suddenly, I froze...my lips started moving on their own independently from my will, words that I didn't mean came out.
Hinata : I received full authority over the army from your leader himself, my words are now your commands so stop with this rebellious act.
It felt so natural to sprout those lines...I found myself surprised by it.
Hinata ; Miss Eleonor, once you're done follow me...
Eleonor : I understand...
Being done here, once again my body acted on its own leaving the tense location...only then, I was able to relax and breathe.
Placing a hand over my chest, this was definitely my own doing but...my mind and body seemed to part way for the action.
Hinata : What was that...
It started after sensei left...wait, sensei ? I always referred by his name then honorifics...but how come I can't seem to say his name ?
Hinata : What is this sense of unease...
3rd Pov
Back inside the church, Dawn arrived to a heartwarming scene where Velzard comforted Velgrynd...on the side Leon and Chloe were also present.
Dino too, in fact most of the world power were there...minus some of the most influential like Rimuru or Guy, even Rudra.
Those that could perform were present.
Dawn : Well then, shall we proceed ?
Gathering the attention of all, the atmosphere naturally shifted toward a war meeting.
Dawn : Let us make one thing clear to start, all of us here have different ideals and goals...but I want us to be working on the same wavelength.
A common fact that everyone should agree, survival before personal interest.
With that point brought forth, everyone nodded quietly...there is no need of pride or greed if there is no tomorrow.
Dawn : Then let us pass to a short debrief, right now there is only a single threat we should be wary of, that being Ivarage.
Chloe : What about the insectars ? They are still flooding in...
Dawn : The primordials under Rimuru should get rid of that...(Though I'm guessing it won't be that easy, perhaps i should have taken the matter in my own hand, well it's too late for that.)
Peliod, that name belongs to the empress of insectars...the daughter of Zelanus but also his wife, she is Apito's mother and by inheritance possesses the ability to procreate.
By consequence of this divine-like ability to form an endless army, she isn't that much of a great fighter...leaving her only few options to survive.
Either run away and hide, find someone strong to protect her or surrender...the two later aren't possible because betraying Ivarage would mean death, and that same evil god only sees her as a disposable weapon.
Dino : Ivarage might be absurdly strong but can't you face her head on with your current ability ?
Dawn : That's...well, as you say currently we would surely go on a stalemate, the odds would be at 4 to 6 for Ivarage..
Velgrynd : That's incredible in its own way...
As someone who fought the world destroying dragon directly, Velgrynd could testify that the gap in power was extreme.
At some point, she even lost hope thinking no one would be able to stop that beast...yet a human proceeded to prove her wrong.
Velzard : I'm against letting Dawn fight that beast single handedly, besides you got a plan right.
Dawn : Yes, for that I need everyone's utmost cooperation and trust.
Dino : And you don't plan to reveal it ?
This question was met with a short silence in which Dawn scoffed, it was just as he had said to Velzard earlier.
Dawn : If I were to tell you, then the outcome wanted wouldn't happen...
Knowledge is a double edge blade that could grant wisdom but also shatter fate, with that in mind all the people present here were carefully interacted with.
The bond that Dawn created left really no room for distrust...even without any memories, Dawn had always moved through fate to get the cards in place.
Luminous : Fufu, is there even a need to ask ? What kind of person would that make me if I can't trust my most trustworthy knight?
Breaking the forming tension, Luminous realized her rôle...in fact, she eyed Dawn with a hint of awe, fully catching his attention.
Luminous : (How scary, just for how long and how far have you been planning all this?)
The convenience where all the powerhouse that would side with him were present, the likes of Guy and Rudra are too prideful to properly cooperate.
So they were disposed of, then for the people present...all shared a connection or moment with Dawn, he had cut off all the bad weeds and gathered the fresh one to his side...
Luminous : (To think you would have manipulated all of us without anyone knowing...)
But even after discovering this slowly crafted over time, she didn't feel betrayed or anything...because those bonds are real.
Relationships are meant to be used, one will make friends to not feel lonely...others would make connections to increase their influence, Dawn using everything at his disposal is just all that taking another form.
Velzard : Count me in.
Dino : Ahh, I guess I can only follow then...
Chloe : Yup, me and Leon-nii are on the boat as well ! (Beside this was the decision I made after meeting you 2000 years ago, that I shall follow your script this round.)
Confirming Leon's participation as well, he didn't have much choice and agreed quietly...following the only remaining person he had left in this world.
Velgrynd : I guess I don't have an opinion on this...I'll just follow the flow.
Finally, Velgrynd being the highest possibility for refusal had agreed to follow the unknown.
But contrary to most expectations where she would make a fuss and demand at least an explanation, Velgrynd portrayed a profound expression...
Dawn : Perfect, then everyone should get ready as Ivarage will very soon exceed the current power balance and grow even stronger.
Washing the room with another wave of coldness, a smirk tucked his lips as he viciously revealed the reason as to why he was trying to form an emergency army right now.
Dino : W-what do you mean by that ?
Dawn : Simply Ivarage has been releasing that beam of hers for quite some time now, do you really believe she would continue this masquerade giving so much free time for no reason ?
It was a reminder that Ivarage was now a being with an ego and consciousness, someone with intellect and whose actions are totally unpredictable along her limitless potential.
Velzard : So what is she doing ?
Dawn : Granting herself a name.
Varja and Kyuri...those two names are currently the interpretation of a minor percent of Ivarage's power.
Thus at the moment, Ivarage possessed no distinct name...but with her power, she can easily grant herself one.
And in the process, she will completely shatter the remaining restriction she has...finally achieving a power equal to that of Veldanava's peak.
Eventually, she would break into the realm of the Will of God, and finally conclude by absorbing all remains of the star king to return as all in one.
Dawn : The most difficult fight has yet to come so brace yourself, no one is safe from the embrace of absolute end now.
Drifting his consciousness backward, Dawn ignored the surrounding reaction to focus his thought process on another matter.
Even if everything were somehow going as expected, there are other facts that completely blew out his plan and could ruin his desired future.
Mainly the 3rd Aposte of the Author...another one would be Mirai's sudden departure and the fact that Dawn couldn't contact Kyuri who was with her.
Dawn : (I see now, Kyuri...you betrayed me, huh.)
It is apparent that Mirai had a change of heart upon their reunion, Kyuri was also dispatched to watch over her but grew quiet after some time.
Leaving only the possibility that she shut off their communication stream, Kyuri simply decided to side with Mirai instead of Dawn.
Their plans ? Dawn had a rough idea...and this didn't please him as it might actually involve this 3rd Aposte.
Dawn : (The 3rd apostle...i also can't pinpoint Mirai and Kyuri, they carefully erased all traces of themself, wait...could she be?)
The reason as to why Peliod somehow managed to survive so long, she could actually be the 3rd Aposte...
Through [God's Authority], Dawn received many beneficial powers...but all of them are nothing close to the true power of a God in the proper sense.
Still one of those abilities is called [Limited Omniscience]...the power that grants him the ability to naturally perceive at once all the information of the world.
Just like when he created another entire new world to trap Twilight Valentine...he had to use this taxing ability to create time and space itself...
And also due to this ability, the natural passive of knowing things that will happen all around in the near present were naturally registered in his mind.
Dawn : (But the near present also includes things that didn't actually happen yet...so Peliod might have become the third apostle after I went to hunt Twilight.)
Chiefly, he tried to hunt down an existence that had yet to be born...such a mistake almost made him laugh.
But in the end, he had to clearly focus on Ivarage first...the plan to subdue that dragon isn't as simple as he made it sound.
Splitting his attention and force now would be a fatal mistake as any time now...Ivarage will complete her evolution-
Shin Exalia : (M-master...I can't hold for much longer, the density of her attack increased tenfold!)
Dawn : (I see, you did well until...just keep it at bay for another minute please.)
Shin Exalia : (As your wishes!)
That being said, it is time to hunt a dragon...one that could end the world itself on a whim.