[Music] hey i f figured I would find you here are you all right well no you've seemed different lately I carry the dark magic we encountered within me it was a heavy burden oh Maz and I tried to dispel it today he coded intractable and I would agree I'm sorry it's not your fault phone both of us were caught unaware but it's fine I can manage it are you all right I'm still disturbed by what happened but I'll be okay I'm more worried about tomorrow I'm not looking forward to it either May did have
a point though what do you mean rad is a threat obviously the magic can spread and take more souls by force and for all we know the Val marians could be involved the work of a powerful wizard no doubt I'm not so sure anymore what else could it possibly be while I struggled with this magic I've had Visions visions of some kind of cosmic Force what are you saying those people called me spawn of an and so did the voice in my head so you think you're the descendant of an old God I don't know maybe
what if it's just a confusion tactic it still makes me wonder especially since I don't know who my birth mother is Adriana never told you Adriana never found her she discovered me alone in the woods with an infant I think the magic is just running circles in your head and you're lacking sleep too but I understand your path of thought it might be best though to hold off on making conclusions before knowing more ah yeah you're right the two remain remained by the pool's Edge for many hours enjoyin
g each other's company as the low hanging Sun disappeared behind clouds and the temperatures began to drop just before nightfall they joined Maize at the cabin to have their evening meal and prepare for travel the next morning the group was mostly silent the thought of imminent battle causing the rise of nerves Mae tried his best to lighten the mood a little and though he didn't show it he too was [Music] [Music] nervous [Music] they flew for many hours through the day heading towards the rendev
u point Casper needed multiple breaks however as he was just barely large enough to carry the three of them Nao watched the trees Rush under them his thoughts wandering over various scenarios that might occur when they reach Rad but all were speculative and without Foundation all he could do was guess by the time it was mid-afternoon they spotted in the distance a large encampment in a clearing with many tents attention was quickly drawn at the sight of a dragon and a handful of soldiers closed
in with their weapons drawn as Casper landed at the edge of the clearing hold your steel men these are friendlies sir Gordon apologies if we are late worry not though I didn't expect you to bring a dragon can it fight he is not trained for battle no right follow me then we've some things to discuss sir Gordon led the three through rows of tents passing by hundreds of soldiers who were either resting or conversing the group attracted many strange looks and even some Whispers for they did not expe
ct to see a woman in such a place finally they reached a large tent inside were candles and a sturdy table holding Scrolls and Maps currently we are set to march on the town tomorrow by Dawn as is customary protocol perhaps 2 hours ago I sent out some Scouts to see what else we might learn of the situation they should be back any time now so we're going to march in and start cutting is that the plan we're intending to give the residents a chance to surrender before any cutting occurs if my info
is correct you're able to tell if they're hostile or not more or less since you three are only experts in the Arcane we'll keep you towards the middle of the Battalion if the situation goes sour then sir sir oh yes step to the table lad what is your report not good the town is occupied by the Vol marians are you certain I they fly the flag of New volum I estimate perhaps 2,000 soldiers you did not tell me there was an Army there there wasn't one last time we were there well there is now and the
threat we face has increased twofold they outnumber us two to one how many soldiers do we have 200 Cavalry 200 archers and 800 infantry another thing sir what it seems they were preparing to move further Inland blast ride out immediately bring word to all the nearest outposts that still have reserves then continue on to the capital yes sir we are ill prepared for this battle but we are the only Bastion in the area to stop them are we still to march on RAD no we'll set out soon just down the road
there's an open area where we can keep watch and meet them if they decide to March the Knight dismissed the three and after nearly an hour the entire encampment was in formation and making their way down the road maize Nao and Evelyn marched along beside the Cavalry in Silence the sound of horse Hooves clopping and armor clinking filling the air Evelyn reached out and held nao's hand in an attempt to quell the fear and anxiety their fingers interlocking they reached a bend in the road where the
number of trees dwindled and the Battalion filtered out into a large clearing where a small Creek bubbled through the middle under the guidance of Sir Gordon and other leading officers the Battalion assumed a formation just behind the trees where they had a clear view of the area and were somewhat hidden and as the many soldiers around them settled into their places sir Gordon made his way over to the three we will wait here to the north is a rocky Ravine and to the South are Foothills that are
difficult to Traverse if the Vol marians decide to March they will come through here and and I hope to the gods they don't until our numbers are fortified how long do you suspect for reinforcements to reach us perhaps a few days no more than a few at the most where do we sleep worry not I have a spare tent you may use follow me the three Mages followed him and passed many tents that were being set up as the soldiers prepared for the night down line of trees resided two large tents that had just
been assembled and there they waited like every other Soldier huddled around a small fire as the sun diminished and the cold air rushed in utter silence was the main stay for the group and sleep was unknown to them but as hours went on and the moon Rose to shine its silver light upon the trees they achieved some sleep wrapped tightly in provided blankets within the tent [Music] a heavy Mist lay over the land wafting through the trees like the Calm before a great storm so it was before the sun r
ose after the moon disappeared behind the mountains prior one could only see by the dim pre-dawn light Evelyn woke from a light sleep the warmth of nao's embrace having left her she went in Search and found him quite quietly standing just past the tree line watching the forest across the field she greeted him with a hug noting the weariness that resided on his countenance his eyes never wavered from the field did you sleep no she reached up the warmth of her hand staying The Frigid chill in his
cheek and turned him to face her within his eyes she saw his exhaustion yet a bolstering resolve a persevering determination we're going to be okay when we go into battle stay behind the front lines with the other archers tell me you'll be safe I will fight where I need to fight I will go where I need to go I can't lose you don't worry worry about me Nao studied her blue eyes and she gazed back to match the intensity of his stare mere inches from his face and together they shared a kiss their he
arts [Music] fluttering [Music] [Applause] [Music] a [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] e [Music] they're here the V marians are coming the V marians are coming [Applause] rise assume battle formation gather your metal Lads sir Gordon's voice carried through the ranks and quickly the area was bustling with movement as the Infantry took positions just behind the tree line the Cavalry lined up before them and The Archers Reed their bows as discussed the three Mages took their place near
the middle of the Battalion the field barely visible just beyond the row of horses a hush settled over the Battalion and they waited as the first rays of sunlight began to spill over the horizon Illuminating the field in a brilliant golden hue the sound of 2,000 soldiers marching grew louder and closer and closer until finally it stopped and the Mist parted and there before them across the field was the army of new valtim their proud red and gold colors shining in the light of dawn the Regal fl
ag holding the Royal Crest the rows and rows of armored soldiers a contrast to the green and black colors of orison steady steady hold your ground a stalemate the sound of the Little Creek flowing through the field was deafening as both armies stared at each other holding as still as statues in complete silence [Applause] Church [Applause] [Applause] in the clamor the three Mages were separated Mae worked his way along the front line his staff a blur as it spun around his body his movements were
almost danike Nao fought along beside the other soldiers of orison casting violent spells that managed to take out swaths of enemies while Evelyn hung back and picked off volaran that made their way through the line despite being outnumbered orison held true against the onslaught while the Cavalry made quick work of wandering enemies and the battle raged on as more volians and orians fell alike blood ran free along the soil and the creek turned a c crimson red and as Nao fought and fought the a
drenaline rushing through his veins his mind numb the dark fragment within him awakened once more and he stumbled back an enemy rushed him and knocked the sword from his hand and they tumbled to the ground the man wrapped his hands around nao's neck and suddenly a plume of dark magic billowed from his mouth but Nao quickly deflected it and thrust a bolt of energy through the man's core he flopped over dead and Nao scrambled away from the front line dazed Nao opened his mind and peered at the bat
tlefield before him it was like staring into the abyss the light of oris's army surrounded him holding back the darkness of the volaran army like the waves of a lake lapping away at the shore but as he gazed further into the deep he found the source of it all thousands of lines in the Ethereal plane all converging on a single point Nao opened his eyes and picked up his sword he knew he had to get to that point mace mace Mayo clambered over the various bodies his eyes rapidly scanning the area fi
nally he found the old Wizard and Drew closer Mae swung his staff about a font of magic gathering at the tip and he thrusted it forwards into the the ground Jagged spikes of stone erupted from the earth and impaled several soldiers killing them instantly Maz there is a source what boy why aren't you fighting there's a commanding unit behind their ranks we take that out and I'm certain the Army will collapse Maize opened his mind and examined the battlefield he shook his head perplexed I don't se
e what you speak of but I trust your Insight come let us find sir Gordon their numbers were dwindling and time was not their friend Mae and Nao found sir Gordon in the fight and explained what needed to be done the Knight then mounted his horse and called the Cavalry to his side moving to cause a distraction to divert attention as Nao and Mae receded from the battle he paused to look for Evelyn and saw her in the distance slinging arrows it only brought him a little Rel Lea and the two continued
away and into the trees they carefully made their way further around the flank keeping a close eye on the field I think I see what you mean Mae pointed and nao's eyes followed one man one Commander he wore no armor and held no weapons as he faced the battle a wizard of sorts the Ethereal line that Neo saw converged on the very spot he stood suddenly a horn echoed from across the field and with a great uproar the army of orison shifted and the ranks of the Vault Marian Army followed in suit the
commander was exposed together they burst from the forest and as they drew closer the commander turned to face them locking eyes with Nao and without breaking his gaze a man hoisted a spell in his hands wait fall back before they could react the commander cast the spell and a giant miasma of dark magic soared through the [Music] air Nao was catapult backward and he hit the ground hard for a moment everything was black but suddenly he came too as Maize violently shook his shoulder get up boy get
off Nao scrambled to his feet and reached for his sword as the man stepped forward in confidence through the Wisps of Icarus magic maze took a defensive stance in front of Nao tendrils of energy swirling around him as he charged his Mana the might of his entire being not another step this is where it ends the Commander's dark eyes flicked between Mae Nao then back to Maize he opened his mouth to to speak and the voice that came forth was not of this world yes this is where it ends Nao watched as
Mae projected a blinding bolt of light colliding with a malicious torrent of dark magic that flowed from the Commander's hand and for a moment ma seemed to hold him off but the darkness overwhelmed him and the old wizard collapsed [Music] maze keep fighting noo the young Mage turned to face the commander fully regarding the man's distorted face his Ashen skin his eyes of pitch The Golden Boy come to die who are you your demise the commander lashed at out and Nao ducked under a wave of dark ener
gy as he hoisted his blade and charged forward the man projected a slender rope of magic and yanked the blade from nao's hands but it was only a ploy as the young Mage had charged a spell and cast it forth the commander tried to raise another hand but the spell that Nao casted did its work and his arm snapped to his sides little Trickster feeling the upper hand Nao projected a beam of energy forward expecting to finish him for good but to his surprise the commander matched in speed and might he
had unraveled the spell like it was nothing he held his ground straining against the immense darkness that billowed from the Commander's being and for some time they were interlocked neither able to completely overpower the other but Ma's words echoed in his mind from teachings past Magic is better off being used to modify or manipulate things he glanced over at the creek that bubbled through the field perhaps 20 Paces away and spared one hand from the torrent with the deafness of hours of train
ing he manipulated the flow of water and watched as the stream launched through the air and collide with the Commander's face the man spluttered and released his magic as Nao rushed at him with another spell but the commander recovered and thrust him backward with a pulse of of energy I Tire of your games surrender or die never and once again they were interlocked where they stood nao's bright magic holding fast against the billowing plumes of Darkness but his strength began to dwindle having fo
ught so much and running on very little sleep he was already at a disadvantage the darkness grew closer lapping away at his skin like a ravenous Beast he glanced over at maiz who remained on the ground unmoving he closed his eyes and thought of Evelyn he hoped dearly she would live through this battle to see another day finally he was engulfed plunged into the abyss the same one he encountered before but as he gazed at it and wandered at it a measure of understanding came to him to wield the dar
kness to behold it alongside the light conventional magic sought to control create and manipulate but the opposite sought absence of such not destruction nor consumption just absence Nao opened his eyes and accepted the darkness it was ravenous and empty yet whole endlessly so hungry impossible Nao collected himself and mustered every ounce of Might he had left in his hand he charged a swirling mass of Darkness but within resided a brilliant and blinding bolt of light flashing through the folds
of dark magic Nao could feel the core of his soul begin to fray never before had he beheld such stalwart streams of light and dark impossible not impossible simply untried desperation flashed across the Commander's pitch black eyes as he realized the magnitude of his impending defeat wielding a frenzied Harmony of light and darkness the first of its kind Nao surged the spell forth swallowing the darkness that emanated from the commander and engulfing him in an explosive burst of radiant energy t
he commander was overpowered reduced to nothingness as the combined forces of light and darkness obliterated him the shock wave carried a ripple of residual magic across the battlefield Illuminating every shadow grass dissolved trees fell and the Earth was scorched the resolve and command of every Vol Marian Soldier was shattered and just as if the Marionette strings were snipped so did they collapse where they [Music] stood victory [Music] [Music] Nao slowly sat up his body battered and covered
in blood dazed he looked around the field was now littered with the Fallen a harsh Testament to the struggle of orison victory was theirs but not without an immense [Music] cost out in the cosmos beyond the sudden release caused lus to reel back stunned from where he lay in his hiding place and his grip loosened enta seized the opportunity and descended to the battlefield her presence surrounded Nao and she made herself known to him my son you have done well the first of many battles but the ro
ad ahead is treacherous are you my she reached out to touch his forehead and instantly he was filled with warmth peace and light she healed his body but could not rid the darkness entirely for it would destroy him so she gave him a world of knowledge and understanding his eyes glowing in Wonder and amazement I see now I see everything you must find the others they are lost without you lxis seeks our destruction and my strength Fades go now my son the darkness does not rest and as her presence re
ceded Nao fell into a deep and dreamless sleep the first in many nights enta returned to her defensive maneuver just in time to meet the force of laros she focused all of her might in holding him back and watched the world below hoping waiting [Music] for [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]
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