PART 1 OF 2
[Nowo's POV] I really hate hearing this sound, it can be compared to a kind of music that is making me feel uneasy instead of giving me some kind of excitement. It kind of reminds me of the sound of the bell we used to hear when the break time is over. Like I can literally hear it telling me to go back to work, your fun is over now. "What a really bad timing." Lane pouted. "Yeah, Lane. I am actually thinking the same thing." I responded. I began taking a few steps towards my door without paying too much attention to the alarming sound of that trumpet. I mean what can I do about it? As if panicking would help me ease the kind of feeling I am having right now. Lane, without having a second thought, quickly followed me out of my room. I was a bit surprised seeing both Moha and Talaa outside, looking at the direction that leads to the training room. "Hey." I greeted them. They quickly moved their gaze on us and started greeting us back with a smile. Moha shrugged his shoulders a
[Nowo's POV] I thought everything was already at its worst, but I was wrong about that. Everything is just getting started to be bad, and we don't have any option but to face it without fear. We are supposed to take away all of our scary thoughts in order to fulfill our mission and end it in the smoothest way possible. There will never be a chance for us to temporarily forget about our responsibilities and do normal things like we used to before this gloominess even started. In short, each of us doesn't have that luxury to do the things that we wanted to do, which would honestly allow us to finally be happy. I envy how Fraise and Raiden got to grab that chance I was aiming for—the chance that I knew I would never have again. I mean, how am I supposed to accept the confession of a man whom I can't fall in love with? It's kind of a tragic story, isn't it? I even inherited being in this kind of situation like what my mother has experienced. From my position, I slightly tilted my head a
[Luna's POV] The meeting is over, and until now, I still can't believe that they have put all their trust in me regarding this very serious matter. After all that I have done to them, especially to Nowo, I didn't expect that she would still defend me like she did back then. She really is a wonderful person, and I regret causing her too much pain just to feed my greediness. Now, I don't want anything but to do the best that I could to pay for my sins or at least lessen them. Before I went back to the room where I brewed that kind of evil potion, I walked to the room where Arphen investigated my guardian first. The moment I opened its door, my poor griffin was inside the cage, and it seems like she has no plan on going outside even if it's wide open. I think she's staying there on purpose. Like me, she was also ashamed of the mess that she caused and of the failure she brought to me. "Hey," I whispered gently, taking tentative steps towards her. The air in the room felt heavy with the
[Narrator's POV] Another meeting was called by the heads, but it was due to Luna's request. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the current progress in Luna's unfinished potion, so everyone gathered in the headmaster's chamber as expected. "Go ahead and explain what you have told us," the headmaster commanded Luna while flashing a smile. Luna nodded once, summoning all the courage she had, and started facing everyone else. "Crystal and I are almost done with the potion. We just need one more ingredient so that we can finally finish it completely." "What is it that you need, Luna?" Nowo asked, creasing her forehead. "I need this small plant that can be found somewhere in the dark realm. But I am still not sure about the exact place where it grows. And wherever that place may be, I believe that no single spot in the dark realm can be considered safe," she explained. "Well, any one of us could go, but can you please be clear about what this plant looks like?" Maison asked. Lu
[Nowo's POV] I find myself at a juncture where I'm nearly losing hope in fixing Blaze and Fraise's relationship issues. I had never seen them like this before, perhaps because I was preoccupied with my own concerns back then. It was a relief to know that the strained relationship between Jack and Blaze had been resolved during the test, but unfortunately, the curse of endless arguments seemed to have transferred to the girls. Even though I knew about Fraise's considerable patience, I couldn't predict how much longer she could hold herself back. After the meeting, I decided to take a walk without a clear destination in mind. Lane had chosen to part ways with me, expressing her desire to assist Luna and learn about sorcery magic. So, I found myself alone, and strangely, it felt good. During my peaceful moment, someone unexpectedly appeared from behind and began tousling my hair. I hadn't realized that Moha had been following me. "Hey. Why didn't you wait for me?" he asked, his gaze f
[Narrator's POV] Neither of the two sides is experiencing peace of mind. This is simply because they all knew that the war could begin at any moment. In the defenders' base, emotional problems seemed to escalate as they focused on improving their physical and inner strength. The stronger they became, the more conflicts arose among them. On the other hand, the dark realm was also embroiled in conflict. The dark lord hesitated to seek Algea's help, well-aware that she wasn't a person he could easily trust with his life. However, he found himself with no other option. It became apparent that Algea was the only one capable of aiding him, as his newly-appointed right hand proved ineffective. Summoning Algea, the dark lord noticed a smirk on her face. Her expression conveyed that she had anticipated this moment eagerly, waiting for the lord to reach a point of desperation where he had no choice but to seek her assistance. Without second thoughts, Algea, in the form of a white snake, slith
[Narrator's POV] Alasdair called out both Fraise and Blaze to clearly inform them about some things they need to know before they went to the dark realm. They were both walking through the balcony, not even trying to speak with each other. Seems like they don't have a plan on making up with each other even until their mission ends. Once they reached the headmaster's chamber, the centaurs who always guard the door quickly opened it to let them in. They both took a deep breath before they finally went inside. Fraise flashed a smile on her face like she always does, while Blaze's blank reaction stays on her. On the other hand, both Arphen and Alasdair were already sitting there, waiting for them to arrive. The two female defenders lowered their heads and said, "Greetings." "Please take a seat," Alasdair told them. They both sat down and waited for the leaders to finally spill the instructions about their mission. "I will be honest about this thing; your mission is harder than the jou
[Narrator's POV]The assigned defenders, Fraise and Blaze, were now completely prepared to fulfill their task. Both of them were about to go to the front of the base's gate, the place where the heads commanded them to wait. While fixing armor on her hand, Blaze suddenly heard a knock on her room's door. Without having thoughts about who that person might be, she started walking towards the door and opened it right away."What brings you here, Raiden?" She asked him, stammering. She couldn't help but wonder why the male defender suddenly visited her at times like this. This is also the first time he went to her place since the day they were all sent into this gloomy land."May I come in first?" He asked her. "If that's okay with you," he added as he shrugged his shoulders once.Blaze was left dumbstruck for a few seconds, and then after a snap, she suddenly came back to her usual self. "Um, sure. Come in," she responded to him.Blaze was more than surprised at how she acted towards the
Like a tragic story, my path didn't end well. I fought in a way that I believed was my best, only to find out that nothing was sufficient. Even one's true self couldn't serve as a ticket to alter fate. The memories of that war are still vivid in my mind, from the moment we prioritized our duties as defenders over everything, including our hearts, to that specific instance when he finally did what he needed to do to save the land. The profound sorrow visible in his eyes remains unforgettable and painful. Although we never had a chance to bid a proper goodbye, at least we knew we did our best for what is right.After that, my messy but joyful life seemed to come to an end. It feels like everything happened just yesterday, yet I know it's been a long time since the terrifying war with the dark realm. I can now feel my entire body lying on a soft bed, which I guess is made of swan feathers. The sweet floral scent in the air suggests daffodils. My hands grip the smooth texture of their ste
[Nowo's POV]"I didn't know you had that kind of courage to betray us," Algea told me.She became mad at me because of what I did to the dark lord. With the use of the queen's soul, I tried to harness her power to cleanse the evilness inside my father's heart. I wasn't even finished when she suddenly entered my father's chamber and pulled my hair.The dark lord woke up, seeing her pointing a knife at my throat."What do you think you are doing?" he asked her."Why? Is your heart getting soft now? This defender is a traitor!" she exclaimed."Kill me so that you won't be able to use that damn stone," I teased her.She pulled my hair tighter, and then she said, "Who are you to order me around?""I'm the daughter of the queen whom you were envious of and the dark lord whom you loved the most but cannot have," I teased her once again."Do you think you can take all the bad spirit inside your father's body?" she asked me. "Let me tell you something. No black witch has the kind of weak power
[Nowo's POV]After they took her for some treatment, me and Lane went to our room to finally take some rest. We only have a few hours to spend here before we go back to the dark realm, like what I have promised to my father. Algea let me drink a potion, which will soon take me back to that place, like a bubble that pops out from this base."I'm leaving everything to you, Lane," I told her."Can I just go with you?" She sadly asked me.I started to lower my gaze and took a deep sigh, "I won't let them have anyone that is precious to me ever again, and I don't want your life to be in danger," I told her."But, Nowo," I didn't let her finish her sentence."Here," I interrupted while handing her a bottle of potion. "Drink it, and you'll be free from your contract.""What do you mean?" She asked me, stammering."You have to take this potion so that you'll stay alive no matter what happens to me," I explained to her.Lane started crying, and that punched my heart so damn hard. My tears were
[NOWO's POV]Like the flower sprouted in a small amount of land placed at the center of the continuously flowing river, I have no other places to go to either. I'm stuck in a bad fate that isn't going to change. I sometimes ask myself, am I really going to do this? Am I ready to fulfill the mission I just found out from where I was destined to die?But far from before, I can clearly understand my purpose in this land now. Those questions are just a part of a normal Nowo who never ran out of complaints and questions in life.Now that I am facing him, not in a safe place but his dangerous place, I know I should never think about going back to our base."What brings you here, my daughter?" He asked me. Everything about the dark lord is kind of weird for me. I also wonder why he always has that evil witch beside him. It's like that woman didn't want to leave him alone."I am here for Fraise," I uttered. I was so determined to get her out of here that I didn't even have time to change my e
[Nowo’s POV]It was a complete, deafening silence the moment they all left the training ground. I thought I was the only one inside at that moment, but then a glowing creature flew towards my direction."Hiya," she greeted me. One of her hands was placed on her back, and the other one continuously waved at me while she was also lowering her gaze.She almost bumped into me, but then I stopped her tiny body with my index finger. "Oops, sorry, dear," she uttered."It's okay. Will you please raise your head up?" I told her while smiling.She pouted, and then she asked me, "Are you still mad at me?"I shook my head from left to right and sat her on my left palm. "I wasn't mad at you.""But you didn't talk to me for days," she responded.I took a deep sigh and then I told her, "Well, I'm kind of disappointed because of what I have figured out recently.""But you can always talk to me about anything. It just doesn't feel right to be ignored, especially by you, my dear," she responded. I coul
[Nowo’s POV]That was the first time I spent almost the whole gloomy day reading only one book. It might not be for me, but the thing is, it captured my attention. What was written inside, as well as the kind of helpful information it provides, makes me want to put my time into it. It's pretty hard to admit, but I find myself really weird these past few days. I've been so busy thinking about everyone’s betrayal towards me, and I knew at that moment that my decision to just end the darkness is at its final level. I know it is kind of unusual for me to confess it, but I don’t feel like ending someone’s life anymore, even if it’s the dark lord. Given the fact that he is my father, won’t change anything. It’s just that I want nothing but peace, and killing will never be a part of it.“Lane, have you...” I was right about to talk to her and paused until I realized that she’s not here with me, and this is the first time I felt completely alone.No Moha, no Lane, no one that I can possibly
[Narrator's POV]Meanwhile, Helios noticed the unusually quiet person beside him. He creased his forehead and started questioning her, "Cordelia, are you alright?"Not only that she's unbelievably silent, but she was also lowering her head to the point that her chin almost reached her chest. Helios is unable to take a peek at her face because it is hidden, and the dark lord's chamber is too dark as well."Hey, kid," Helios uttered after tapping the female defender's shoulder lightly.Helios found it more strange when her body suddenly shakes, as if she was either crying or laughing. A few seconds after that, Cordelia raises her head and stares at him while flashing a wide smile on her face."Am I being weird if I say that I'm completely thrilled and fired up right now, Helios?" She responded. Her voice was too loud for the rest of the defenders to hear her."Are you being serious right now?" Jack asked her.Instead of answering him, she just stared at him still wearing that kind of cr
[Narrator's POV]Life is indeed full of surprises and uncanny events that will leave you dumbstruck for the whole moment. It is quite hard for them to catch their emotions the moment they all figured out that their female comrade is still alive. They didn't know whether to celebrate the happiness they are currently feeling right now or to put their attention to the growing fear and sadness, seeing her in a very unwell condition.The dark lord went somewhere behind Fraise. He clasped his hands on the female defender's shoulders, and then he his near the side of her face. "Wake up and take a look at those wonderful despair painted on your comrades' faces."Raiden was completely annoyed about what the dark lord did. "Don't touch her or even come near her."Pricus quickly lifted his hands away from Fraise's shoulders, "Oh my, I'm scared." He said, and then he started chuckling. A few seconds after that, he began to flash a smirk on his face and touches Fraise's hair gently, and then he su
[Narrator's POV]"Why did you come with us?" Luna asked Lane. "Aren't you supposed to stay beside Nowo?" she added.Lane couldn't blame her for wondering about it because she also knew that it is completely odd for her to accompany them instead of staying beside her dearest person."She doesn't need me. I feel like I'm being abandoned for no clear reasons," the female fairy uttered while lowering her gaze."Hey, don't say that," Luna responded to her. She started tapping her back lightly with her index finger and then she continued, "Nowo will never abandon such a sweet guardian like you."Lane stared at her and asked, "If that's the case, then how come she keeps on hiding? Like she doesn't even want to talk to me anymore.""As far as I know, dear, Nowo didn't speak to anyone for days. Maybe she wasn't in a good mood these days or something really bad came up, and she ended up losing her will to interact or to do anything," she explained.It is clear that she was trying to make the fe