Myrlin Samael Wyllt-Garyushi
Walpurgis Nact
"So, by my understanding," I began, "our actions in the slave trade diverted the timeline so drastically it triggered the quest."
"You're making it sound too easy," Minerva said with a sarcastic tone.
"I am," I responded, "the real tea is the quest has a higher chance of triggering if one has one of three Wise Signatures." The room we were in grew heavy in silence, between the three of us, only Minerva and I possessed one of these signatures. Minerva has complete dominion over the spatial attribute, while I held the power to control time; and because of those two factors, our odds doubled.
"You mean the three strongest signatures, Chaos, Space and Time, right," asked Renata.
"That's correct," I replied, "I, myself am still new to this but I'd imagine that it's a rare phenomenon." The whole quest hadn't seemed so complicated to grasp, it was the fine details that made it a challenge. "The quest itself is really straightforward, liberate the enslaved, evolve them to Majin and build a nation; it's the little things we need to figure out to make this a reality."
Minerva raised her hand to grab my attention, "what if we had our subordinates infiltrate the plantations, I think sending an espionage unit to learn the layout of the plantations and luring the captors into a false sense of security would be perfect."
I hadn't given an espionage mission any thought, it does make sense that Minerva would be the one to have the idea. Miryudōra is renowned to have the best rouge and spy units in ShanGriLa, and with Mini as their own empress, I'd expect nothing less.
"Yeah," Renata began, "I see what you're saying, but which plantations do we target?"
Minerva closed her eyes and began to ponder; since we were planning this operation two hundred years in advance, it wasn't exactly easy to predict things. These were the fine details I mentioned.
As Minerva sat in thought, Ayosaki leaned over my sister's shoulder and whispered something in her ear, much to Minerva's delight. Ayosaki gave a cheeky and snide grin as she assumed her previous position.
"Is there something you'd like to share," questioned Shinar Jade. "This is a very pressing matter and I would advise you to present any and all scenarios that lead to your evolutions." Although she had a point, I felt like Jade took her job a little too seriously, and somewhat reminded me of Jasper.
"Ayo," Minerva began while raising her hand, "please, tell the class your idea."
Minami Ayosaki, my younger twin sister's first subordinate; she along with Ogunosuke were members of my sister's Royal Guard, Tesseract. Ayosaki could only be described as a bit taller than your average petite dragonman, her official royal guardsmen attire was a simple black and red short kimono, usually worn by kunoichi. Her hair was pitch-black with straight cut bangs and a perfectly cut bob that reached her shoulders and her pointed dragonman ears peaked from the sides of her head. With her being in charge of the Reconnaissance Division, specialized in espionage and intelligence gathering, so I'm sure whatever she had up her sleeve was going to be a good plan.
"Thank you m'Lady," Ayosaki began, "I propose you heirs pull the strings of influence and enact real-time scenarios that will lead to your desired outcome."
"Please elaborate," I commanded with genuine curiosity.
"Since the Cache of an heir is vaster than that of their subordinate," Ayosaki began to explain, "we'll have the opportunity to manipulate the humans, nudging them closer to their demise—."
"I see," Renata interrupted, "what you're saying is sew the seeds of liberation by manipulating the enemy."
"There's a reason m'Lady chose you to be her best of friends," Ayosaki cockily smiled. "Yes, you must think of it like a board game, that's what my father, your late uncle would say."
The room fell into a somber silence as we reminisced on the time when we were just kids, and our parents, our predecessors were still with us.
CLAP—! CLAP—! Shiner Jade repositioned herself and quickly gathered our attention, "this plan of yours could work out, the only thing to note is how exactly you plan to pull something like this off?"
"It may be easier than you think," alerted Stellaphona, "we know that this is happening because of white supremacy, and if we're leading them into a false sense of security, I think it's only right that Renata's group do the heavy lifting on that front."
Renata's jaw dropped and she stared daggers at her cousin, "now why would you go and volunteer us like that," she whined and interrogated, but Stellaphona's suggestion was welcomed. "I suppose you have a point," Renata smiled as she rested her head on the back of her left hand. "Since most of us beast folk have fair skin when in hyuman form, we could act as double agents and infiltrate The Order of En's "Colonial Expansion Division". That way we can directly influence The Order right under their noses."
The plan was really starting to come into full bloom and we had only barely started planning for it. It was clear that it wouldn't be exactly easy, but the odds were in our favor. "All this planning is getting me so stoked," I exclaimed with a chuckle, "so it's settled, we'll deploy you all in waves. The first part of the mission would be to have Renata's group pose as low ranking nobles that recently joined The Order of En. After some time has passed and colonies become established on Turtle Island, we'll enter the second phase, planting the seeds of liberation in southern plantations. Lastly, once enough information about the plantation has been gathered, we'll enter the third and final phase, complete liberation." I looked around the room and everyone's eyes blazed with excitement, although us heirs wouldn't be able to directly interact with this operation until the end phase, it was still a worth while experience.
"Young Master," Yasuke whispered as he leaned over my shoulder, "do you think the descendants of the enslaved may harbor resentment towards you and the other heirs for making them wait?" It was a genuine concern that needed to be acknowledged.
"Yasuke has a good point," I announced, "as sovereigns, we will be questioned about our absence, and because of that we'll need to devise an explanation. Preferably one that would satisfy them and won't cause them to distrust us." Yet again, the room grew silent, it was clear that none of us really had that fact in mind.
"We tell them the truth," Shinar Jade stated, "there's no point in being vague, the humans are intelligent enough to understand your circumstances." Jade was right, lying to them would cause even more damage.
"I agree," Yasuke stated, "being the only human in the room, I can bring a different perspective to the table. When I first met The Young Master, I had this odd feeling, I could only describe it as my ancestors within began to dance with excitement. Later on, The Young Master explained that it's a human phenomenon called Ancestral Resonance and how he explained it made it seem like it was intuition."
"So what are you saying exactly," asked Ogunosuke.
"Their ancestors that were originally captured will remember us on this day," I answered. "We have to leave a grand impression on them and assure them that they won't be forgotten; and if we do that, their descendants will instinctively follow us."
"Ancestral Resonance," repeated Minerva, "how come I've never heard of this?"
"Because I'm the only one with subordinates that just so happen to be human," I replied. "My first experience with it was when Solomon became a subordinate, he said that his heart began to race and any thought he had that his ancestors opposed, he'd instinctively knew."
"So what you're saying is we gotta make this final mission before the two hundred year refresh cycle begins one no one will forget," Shinar Jade effectively summarized. "I believe crafting a grand myth about the three sovereigns' efforts will further strengthen their hope and desire."
"I think we're all on the same page," I remarked, "we'll call this myth 'The Hourglass of Liberation' and the three sovereigns, or the Three Great Heroes will be code named: Renata Timandra Faust-Bestahla, 'The Gardener', Minerva Cosmina Wyllt-Miryushi, 'The Network', and finally I'll be code named 'The Sand Master'." The faces of everyone in the room let me know that they were all ready to take on this mission, it was to be expected. Minerva, Renata, and I did originate from a version of Earth that was completely barren of mana and bore a striking resemblance to the Earth we currently found ourselves in.
"Now that we have that settled," Shinar Jade clapped, yet again. "Let us begin planning for the 'Hourglass of Liberation'. According to Arthur Pendragon, the Order has deployed three of their Paladin-class generals to the dockyard." The Order of En is a mysterious cult that poses as a monotheistic religion, they're responsible for most injustices the world faces, in both past and future. They're set up somewhat like a church, there's the one they follow, who we only know as En, and beneath him, the power structure branches out to three sectors, The Rite, The Facility, and The Corporation. Each sector is ran by high ranking and extremely powerful devotees known as Paladins.
"Can he tell us which Paladins were sent," asked Renata.
"Paladins Jeanne D'Arc, Iskander the Great, and Mansa Musa," Shinar Jade answered with a resentful tone. The other heirs turned their attention towards me as I took a deep inhale and leaned back.
"I knew the day would come when I'd have to confront you," I said to myself with my eyes closed.
"Am I missing something," questioned Renata, "do you know one of the Paladins?"
"Mansa Musa is a former subordinate of mine, turned traitor," I answered, "he's one of the reasons this whole slave trade is even a thing—." Before we found ourselves in this situation, I met Mansa Musa and made him a subordinate, dubbing him "The King of Gold". Much to my chagrin, he was bought out by The Order and was promised complete immunity from prosecution and enslavement. "I am responsible for Mansa Musa, I'll make him pay for taking advantage of my generosity and time," I had a fire in my heart that raged at the thought of his betrayal.
What made this even more of a challenge was the power system The Order uses, the 'Virtue Series'. The Signature system has two distinct series, the 'Aspect Series,' which is the series we heirs use and the 'Virtue Series,' the Aspect series allows the user to pull their power from their respective Aspects, allowing the user to perform spells and attacks that are closely related to that Aspect. Similarly, 'Virtue Series' users can also pull from their respective Virtues to perform what they call 'Miracles' and 'Blessings'. Essentially it's the same power, give or take a few differences.
Mansa Musa was probably the biggest threat we have to face, considering he still has access to the 'Aspect Series'. When he served under me, I'd bestowed him with a 'Conceptual Signature' called 'Fortune' that allowed him to have an unfathomable luck stat. The idea was to prevent him from having the thought to sell out his people, and it was just MY luck that he'd end up betraying us.
"Well personally, I have a bone to pick with Iskander," Renata chimed in, "The brute is responsible for disrupting the peace I built in Persia."
"Yeah, I'd like to give Jeanne a piece of my mind," Minerva snickered. "Something really sinister about her that I can't quite figure out." With each of us having our individual enemies assigned, the planning phase seemed to be just about over.
"If we're all finished," Shinar Jade continued, "then I believe this would be a good place to end this Walpurgis Nact." We all agreed and as the meeting was coming to a head, Jade acknowledged us heirs one final time, "From the Southern Beastman continent of Besteria, Demon Lord Heiress of Life, Crown Princess Renata Timandra Faust-Bestahla. Hailing from the snow capped mountains of Miryudōra, Demon Lord Heiress of Space, Minerva Cosmina Wyllt-Miryushi. And lastly, reigning over the western crags of Garyudōra, Demon Lord Heir of Time, Myrlin Samael Wyllt-Garyushi. This concludes this 'semi-Official' Walpurgis Nact."After the meeting we communed with each other a bit more in depth about what we were planning next.
"I'd suggest the subordinates we have here be the frontline while the three of us can take the vanguard," I recommended. "That way the grunts won't get in the way of our fights."
"Young Master," alerted Gilgamesh, he'd been unusually quiet during the meeting, I could only wonder what was going on in his head. "If I may, I'd like for Arthur to take my place in the frontline, seeing as he and Yasuke have twin signatures and they're both human, I feel they would have a lasting impression along with the one you'll leave."
"You're right," I replied, "In that case, Gil, you'll act as the rear, any objections?" There was silence, which let me know that no one opposed the idea, "very good, meet up with Trent and Solo and advise Art to come here so he can be filled in." Gil nodded his head as a shoji manifested in front of him, he walked through the door and almost immediately Art stepped through. Arthur Pendragon was one of my newer subordinates, and yes, he's THAT Arthur Pendragon.
"Young Master, I'm here to aid you," Art stated as he knelt down on his right knee. "Gilgamesh informed me that you'll need my assistance, please, I am at your disposal."
"Relax, Art," I stated in a casual tone, "yeah you'll get put to good use. I want you, Yasuke, and the other subordinates here to be our frontline in the next battle." Arthur rose to his feet and stood with a disposition that could shake any boat, "my only instruction to you two is to give them hell, show 'em what it means to serve one of the new generation of Demon Lords."
Art gave an excited smile, "I won't let you down, Young Master."
•••
Arthur Pendragon
Later that same day at the Snake Island Dockyard
"The Young Master's instructions were clear, Twin Brother," Yasuke chuckled, "leave one hell of an impression!" He'd just barely overcome his uncontrollable blood lust, and had it been any other mission I'd call him out for it. This was different, we each have our roots from this continent, so it's our obligation to give them a fight to remember.
"Make sure your fangs are sharpened, Ya-chan," I reminded, "Although, I'm sure you'll only need to use one." After The Young Master declared Yasuke as a subordinate, he named him "The Snake King," so true to his name, Ya-chan refers to his swords as fangs. He has a total of six fangs: The Ryuko, The Ryukii, Zephyr's Edge, and Nagana are all katana and he has two Ida swords, those are the Yin Ida and the Yang Ida.
"Oh I just might have to use them all," Yasuke replied, "in fact, it looks like a thousand grunts are already headed our way." Yasuke pointed inland toward the horizon, and I couldn't really make anything out; whenever I need to enhance or sharpen my skills and abilities, even more practical things like my eyesight, I can do so using my Blade Signature.
The signature allows me to have complete weapons mastery, as well as the ability to hone any and every skill I have. The Young Master had bestowed me a divine sword, one that would be fully capable of withstanding the might of my signature, Excalibur. Upon gifting me the weapon, he mentioned that he had it forged by and blessed by the dwarven giants of his world. The blade itself was one of four Diamond-Bladed swords, with Gilgamesh in possession of Ea, the Diamond Sword-Spear, and Yasuke in possession of the both the Yin and Yang Ida swords. Each weapon is capable of defying the rules of logic, assuring our victory.
"Blade Signature: Diamond Scope," I chanted as my vision's sharpened. I was then able to see what Yasuke was talking about, there had to have been at least three thousand of The Order's troops approaching us. Just beyond that, I could clearly see the three Paladins; Jeanne D'Arc and Iskander were both gathered around a few hundred troops giving direction, while the traitor Mansa Musa was closer to the rear, as if he's anticipating a confrontation with the Young Master.
CLAP—! CLAP—! CLAP—!
I heard the sound of 'Gates' opening revealing a much welcome sight, our reinforcements: Lady Ayosaki, Sir Ogunosuke, Lady Stellaphona and Sir Gonzalo, however, they were also accompanied by Lady Jade and Lady Akinyemi.
"We're here to give you a bit more support," Lady Jade remarked, "it not like you'll be going up against an army or anything." The comment was met with a hearty laugh by the rest of us as we prepared for battle.
"Well I'm not really one for waiting," Yasuke huffed, "anyone who wants to dive in head first, follow me." He slashed a portal into the air and leaped through it, and without a second thought, each of followed suit. Unlike the Young Master's 'Gates,' Yasuke's Shango-Step is more instantaneous, so there is no "hallway" experience, you're just spat out at your new location. The new location in question being directly in front of The Order's Troops. The landing from the teleportation was smooth and orderly, and when the enemy realized exactly who we were the began to panic and attack.
"Finally! I can let my fangs out," Yasuke yelled in excitement. He unsheathed his Ryuko and Rykuii and plunged into the fray, and as if he were a gust of wind, Ya-chan blew through his enemy. He wasn't the only one that was filled with excitement, Lady Minerva's three top subordinates, Lady Ayosaki, Lady Akinyemi and Sir Ogunosuke were each occupied with fending off waves of troops.
"I can't let you all out shine me," I remarked as I unsheathed my blade and gave a devious smile, "Blade Signature x Excalibur: Gehenna Slash!" As I slashed the air in front of me horizontally, a fan of hellish flames completely obliterated the few hundred grunts before me. In the distance I could make out an enormous indentation from my attack, note to self, hold back on that attack, I thought to myself. The battle was clearly in our favor, most due to the fact that it would inevitably result in a loss overall. However, The Young Master wants us to go out in a bang, and that's exactly what we intend to do.
•••
Mansa Musa
"Madness, absolute madness," Paladin Jeanne exclaimed, "They're letting a group of eight cause this much panic?" Although she had a point, she didn't know these mere eight people like I do, these are witches. The witch's power that was once given to me, I use now to further my closeness to the truth, to the one almighty.
"Paladin Jeanne, you must calm yourself," I coaxed, "these witches are not as powerful as they seem, especially when we have the power blessed by Our Almighty, En."
"Our Lord has blessed us with Virtues," Iskander remarked, "due to our unwavering faith. Whereas you sold your people out for comfy life and The Lord took pity on you by making you a Paladin. Jeanne and I are the real ones blessed."
"Oh Iskander," Jeanne snickered, "you're letting your true colors show."
I couldn't disagree with his statements, I did sell out my people for immunity, but I'd rather that than to live a life as a witch's servant. That man, Myrlin, wanted me serve him and do his bidding, but I've since seen the light, The Almighty En's sacred light and I want nothing more than to bask in his glory and presence. Although I still have the power the Devil Myrlin gave me, I actively chose not to use it, as the blessing of 'Temperance' was given onto me. The ability allows me to decrease my opponent's probability of landing critical attacks, while simultaneously giving me a greater chance of landing consecutive critical attacks. The blessing alone is one that shouldn't be taken lightly, however if I were to use my Devil's power, then I would have increased probability overall. Using that power is something I wish not to do, I should only have to rely on the power The Almighty has given me.
"Your banter is sharp as always, Paladin Iskander," I responded with a resentful smile. I knew my abilities alone could easily make light work of this greasy haired baboon. "But a sharp tongue won't aid you when you come face to face with—."The air was thick with malice, and the three of us looked upward; to our surprise, the three devils had made their appearance.
They stood on the air and looked down at us, as though we were ants beneath them, "you both have your assigned Dweeb," The Devil Myrlin spoke, "let's make this quick." The other two Devils instantly vanished along with my two companions, leaving me alone with Myrlin. "You know, we have a term for folks like you in original earth, it's called a 'Coon'," he spat, "there's nothing more pathetic than a sellout."
"Perhaps you're right," I replied, "but they'll thank me some day, the servitude is but a temporary solution. Like me, they'll be able to buy their freedom!"
The look he wore was that of complete disgust, "you're too far gone," The Devil had the audacity to pity me. To treat me as though I'm the evil one, he doesn't know the danger the people of this continent can cause. For I have seen it, I have seen the evil and he has the gravitas to look down on me?
I closed my eyes and began to pray, "Our Father, throughout the Cosmos, Blessed by thy name, awaken the power bestowed onto thee; Virtue of Order: Temperance Signature: Holy Chant!" A choir of prayers began to blast and the once thick malicious air had come to a gentle breeze. The sound of the prayers are able to shred away evil, and judging by the weight of the air, it was doing its job.
"Tsk tsk, I'm disappointed Mansa," The Devil remarked, "This is a waste of your power."
A waste? He said I was wasting my power, does he even know what he's saying? I've never been so infuriated in my life, "I can vanquish evil with a sound and you're disappointed?"
"Why are you getting so worked up?" The Devil asked, "if you're better off with the Order, why does what I have to say matter so much?" I couldn't answer him, I was frozen. I couldn't understand why I was so upset, and because I hesitated, The Devil managed to land an invisible attack on me. The attack wasn't as effective due to my Holy Chant being activated, however it was clear that I was in over my head with this fight.
To Be Continued...