~O~O~O~
Chloe stayed at the Crystal Falls with only Neptos and Hemera as her company. She counted the days and nights in her room, each day reflecting on what she achieved so far.
Four days after she started her training in the Crystal Falls, she was able to hit the eyes of the moving target 15 feet away. Three days after that, she was able to stay in the surface of the lake until she reached the center before she goes down the pressure of the water. Chloe was not contented with the improvement and even trained at night.Thirteen days after she arrived in the Crystal Falls, she received a letter. Sending letters vary on the capability of the sender, not their abilities. Normal Kryst with limited magic power on their inner core, such as the soldiers, were given an eagle as their messenger. These eagles have wide black wings like that of a normal raven, white head and a metallic beak to kill those undetermined who will intercept the message chain.Some used Faeries. The"Hey, guys. Chloe here. Crystal Falls is a magical... Well, like any place in Demetrius... But this one needs the permission for entrance from the Knight of the Wild Beast whoever that was. Neptos said that he was friends with this Knight and he can go whenever he pleases. So, I don't think you can visit any time. But don't worry, we will see each other soon. I'm doing good here, I have a friend named Hemera. She's the guardian of the Crystal Falls. She was like a nagging mother. No one can still beat my best friend, Jucel Greyn.I'm still not able to master the meditation, Lulu-chi. But Neptos said I will be able to after a series of tasks to strengthen my inner core for the Blood Element. Who knew what that means? And, hey, Zab! Go easy on Master Xeinmi. He might go insane if you continue teasing him like that.I might not be able to come home on my birthday or send a message to you again. I still have a lot to learn here and conserving my magic power is a must. If not, I'm
HEMERA was sitting at the huge rock near the falls while Neptos and Chloe stood in front of the showering water.When Neptos talked, he was almost shouting. "You need to sit under the falls, feel its pressure while you meditate. If you're able to carry the burden of the water, you will be able to enter your inner core." Chloe nodded vigorously. She was clearly excited in this that Neptos had to put a hand on her shoulder to catch her full attention. Chloe turned her head to him. "Careful. You will experience more of the sufferings. Worst, you may die."Chloe pursed her lips. There's no turning back now. She nodded her head before she walked towards the falls.The pressure was indeed heavy. As soon as Chloe positioned right under the waterfalls, she immediately felt the burden. Her body was slammed to the rock that she was supposed to sit on, the water pouring down her back. It's as if someone had slammed the whole land on her back that Chloe could feel the bones on her back
A red-haired young woman was sitting in a black space with stars and planets surrounding her. Her bronze-like skin was replaced by a pale, glassy skin. She has just been pulled in this place, facing the greenish-white planet. It oozes magic and life in it. She knew that it was her home and Demetrius is somewhere in there. The planet grew bigger and bigger until she realized that it was actually getting closer. Chloe quickly stood and moved away. It gravitated past her, and continued into the void.As she walked around, a bluish-white vortex glowed beside her. She turned to it and realized that she was standing next to the star she represented: Bellatrix of Orion. It made a whirring noise and the vortex glowed brightly as if it's going to burst, as if getting excited to finally meet her. So this was the inner core of a Blood Star.The vortex became a mirror, showing her the face of a young woman with medium-length disheveled red hair cascaded on her shoulders, some of the baby
The comeback of the Selection was anticipated. Soldiers and Krystalline students prepared for it, trained for it, and worked hard for it. Even those who graduated from the academy went to register themselves in it.Who wouldn't? The prize will be a marriage with the crown prince or the princess. Whoever will win, a female or male, will win such prize for a lifetime. And to serve the Blood Star is a great honor.When the big day came, the whole kingdom of Demetrius was filled with excitement. Men and women, old and young, from all over the kingdom went to Vestia to watch the tournament. The Lewelyn Tribe who specialized in business all over Vestia decided to take the opportunity to open all of their business. Since the event will mostly take place in Vestia, they opened all of their stores, even those for the nights - clothing, food, even hardware - and hired many workers. It has been estimated that the tournament will last a week.Lucian Liu and his friends passed by the bu
Lucian and his friends once again stood at the sky arena for the 2nd day of the tournament. He noticed that there are only half of the students that registered passed the first test. The other half were either incapacitated or imprisoned. Thankfully, there were no deaths in the first match. Somehow, the Healing Krysts arrived before someone could die.Blaise told them when he visited last night that Bloom could be Chloe. Why she introduced herself as Bloom, they don't know. They haven't able to talk to her yet. She seemed to appear and then disappear. Lucian made sure to approach her later."Krysts!" Master Froilan called their attention. He had a wide smile that creeped even Lucian out. "Welcome to the 2nd level of the tournament. Today, we have our rankings with a freak named Bloom in the first rank! Where in the stars is that freak?" Master Froilan joked and laughed along with others.Lucian rolled his eyes at the dry humor surrounding hum. They were met with silence. "B
They were stunned. None of them were able to say a word as the girl called "Bloom" showed her face to them.If not because of another set of footsteps coming in, they didn't snap from their shock. The door to the room opened again and seven figures entered. They all had hoods over their heads."W-w-wait, what in the name of the stars is happening here?" Zabdiel was the one who protested. All seven figures simultaneously ripped their hoods from their heads.Jared Dale, Lord Neptos, Jucel Greyn, Prince Ciaran, Princess Zillah, Vivien Li, Drake, Theo Jōn, and Tara Jōn stood in front of them, completely unaware that the group of friends paled.Kieran tilted his head. "Drake?"Drake looked at the blind man and let out a small smile. "Hello, young cousin." The moment Kieran heard his voice, he dropped to his knee and his fist to his heart. If Drake is here, then..."Wait! Hold your horses!" Barbie raised her hands and walked in front of them and pointed at each one of th
The weather was hot and humid. Barbie kept on ranting how sticky she felt with the Krystalline robe uniform they're wearing.They were currently sitting at the cabin of the bullet train that will transport them to their next game venue, Markus. Inside the cabin, she was with Clive, and Zabdiel. The two - Lucian and Kieran - were at the other cabin. The first class cabin were occupied by the Krysts who are going to participate in the fourth game. There are only 30 of them left. Out of hundreds."Do you think Chl-" Zabdiel stopped himself, glancing at the person who was beside Clive and sitting in front of Barbie. Since the cabin was a four-seater, they're mixed with a Kryst who was basically a first year scholar from Markus. "Bloom made it here?"The female Kryst huffed loudly which made Barbie look at her with distaste. She has a dark long silky hair, cascaded in careful curls. Her face was powdered and full of make up. She looked like a clown in the market of Galenus that
She knew that there's an eye somewhere that transmitted the whole event from Markus to Vestia where people are eagerly watching. Probably not just one or two but many of them. She had to be careful moving around.Chloe Liu a.k.a Bloom was sitting at the highest fortress that was located near the train station. The Chiyo Fortress.Markus has four watch towers and each tower is located in all directions of a compass. Nishihara Fortress of the North. Haku Tower of the West. Miko Tower of the South. Chiyo Fortress of the East.She knew that she doesn't know much about Markus. All she knew is that General Dana founded this land, this was the general's pride, and this was the original place of the Rein Family. As she sat on the top of the fortress, she was wondering which place was the Rein Residence.She still have three days to complete the game but if she wanted to win this tournament, she'll have to find her weapon first. Chloe's eyes scanned the whole east region of the m
The ceremony was short and rushed as everyone were exhausted and distraught. They paid tribute to every single fallen Kryst and then buried the Knights of Shaula in their own monuments. Neptos was buried in the cemetery for the Rein Tribe while Vivien Li in her own tribe. Kieran Lornn was brought to the Lornn Tribe in a closed casket, never to be opened.Those who led in the war were given rewards. Barbie Lewelyn, Lucian Liu, Zabdiel Lewelyn, Clive Travis, and Jared Dale were hailed as the new Knights of Bellatrix."I know it's late. But this is how I wanted to honor her," Queen Elisa told them in a hushed voice.Barbie regained her strength two months after and it was enough for Zephrain to make some sentiments with the Krystalline Palace.Zephrain was standing right in the middle of the vast graveyard, the horizon looming ahead and the Mountain Ranges surrounded him, as if looking over on what he had been gazing at for many times in a day... everyday.He heard a rus
When the Knights positioned outside the barrier, Chloe removed her armor from her body. She wore a plain red shirt with gray pants. The young Blood Star sat on the ground, her legs crossed under her.Lucian positioned behind her, standing with his right palm pressed behind her head. "Are you sure about this, Chlo'?" he asked."I must be asking you that, Lulu-chi." Chloe smiled. "I never had the chance to thank Demetrius for this."Lucian gritted his teeth to control his tears. He didn't say anything at all, afraid that his voice might give away his sorrow.Jucel brought the Bellatrix sword to Chloe. The latter shook her head. "You must do it."The freckled woman let out a deep breath. "You're cruel."Chloe just smiled. She stared at the back of a familiar duo. "Mē, Zē." She swallowed. "Thank you."Outside the barrier, Faline Liu and Iwaoka were trying their best not to cry. They neither answered her nor looked back. The three inside wouldn't hear them, anyway.
Meanwhile, Barbie ducked under Kirsten's staff and swiped her leg under the latter. Kirsten lost her balance but regained herself, and flipped away before she could reach the hard ground.Barbie stood and twirled her sword while her dagger was positioned in front of her. The electricity from her body was back, recharging her energy through the wrath that she felt.Kirsten charged again and swung her sword before giving Barbie a side kick. The latter crossed her wrists to block another kick but grunted when Kirsten's high heel dug on her flesh. She gripped Kirsten's ankle, electricity ran through the Great Witch who screamed. Barbie hurled her away, the heel ripping her skin in the process.Blood oozed from Barbie's wrists and ran down her fingers then dripped to the ground. She could feel her nerves shaking on her right wrist where a hole from Kirsten's heel dug into. An open wound near her large vein."Tch," Barbie said as she wrapped her left hand around her righ
Snow endlessly falls down from the cloud-covered sky. But despite that, the whole land of Markus was not freezing in cold. The Fire Land was warmer below at the same time colder in the surface. Although the surroundings were frozen in ice crystals and covered with snow, it was not enough to freeze a Demetri.Chloe Liu walked for a few meters to the center and stopped under the tree. Her golden eyes roam around and saw that she was surrounded by Black Shaols.The young Blood Star smirked. "You really brought them out for your gain, Liege."A large man with a black armor emerged from the crowd of enemies, a triumphant smirk etched on his face. He had a golden crown with the symbol of Illinor at the center. He's holding a large sword with broad blade. Chloe thinks he could cut a large tree with it.But, not her.She figured out that the Southern Region has a tunnel underneath it, used by the same enemy fifty years ago to infiltrate the land of Markus. It doesn't fa
The time had been ticking that moment. It runs around the clock day and night. Not even the prince I served, Særi ust Trūx Ciaran, can stop the time all at once. There will be choices to make. There will be memories of pain.The Great Witch, with Kirsten Zūng as its vessel, has ordered a massive hunt for our deaths. The Kingdom of Demetrius, my home, experienced its biggest war in history.Once again, many shall lose their lives for the peace we so wanted. Witches from Illinor began to make their way to the Eastern Region where they will be able to invade the city of Markus.The whole population of the bloodlust witches and traitors of Demetrius bounded off around the Ahn Mountain Pass and made their way to the city of Markus, the city which the great General Dana Rein conquered. The Land rich of Fire Element. There's no mercy, no holding back.I haven't been into this kind of war. None of us have. Bellatrix of Orion, will you save us from sure death?Only I, a Mnemos
Jared landed on the ground face-first. He pushed himself up and sighed softly as he opened his now blazing dark green eyes. He pushed out of the way in time to avoid the axe of the enemy. Jared picked up the fallen soldier's sword and swung it blindly in front of him, cutting deeply on the skull of the enemy.He grimaced as he stood limply, his injury now bothering him than before."Red!" Clive's voice rang through the noise of the battle. He turned and raised his hand to catch his sword. Jared didn't waste time swinging his blade across the approaching enemy's chest.~O~O~O~"Damn it! Where the hell was Kirsten?" Tara asked as she kicked away an opponent and swung her spear to another Illinora.Vivien swung her two white silver swords across the Illinora's face and whirled around the enemy's side before bringing her blade down their injured necks. She put her blades together and ran the blades across each other. The blood was quickly wiped off the blades, clean
Clive and Celine stepped back as another explosion occured at the boundary.Huge dark brown ugly-looking beasts were roaming around; snarling and shaking their heads furiously as blood were oozing from their faces and body.Clive whirled at Celine who was standing calmly beside him. Celine began to bark orders in a calm voice. Fire began to float all around them, courtesy of the Fire Element Krysts."Archers!!" Celine shouted. Clive raised his hands and the fire enveloped him. It made him smile with joy. Being enveloped in fire made him think about the time he discovered his power as a boy.The archers notched their arrows and aimed at the borders. Clive brought his hands towards the arrows, the fire began to lick the tip of the arrow notched.Celine smirked at him and nodded. She looked at those beasts that managed to enter the borders. "Hold!!"Silence enveloped the whole area. Five kilomenters. Four. Three. The archers didn't move an inch.Celine pulled an ar
The Krysts began to follow Ciaran and Zephrain's instructions. The Travis Tribe and the other tribes from the Markus City vowed to help in the war against the Great Witch. They prepared traps everywhere. It took them a whole day to prepare.Lucian and his friends decided to get over the grief they had over Kieran. With Jucel and Celine's efforts, Zabdiel's consciousness came back.Upon hearing about Kieran's death, Zabdiel didn't know what to say. He started to blame himself, but there's no denying that no one wanted to lose Kieran Lornn."Where's his body?""Chloe said he's at the palace back in Vestia," Lucian murmured.Zabdiel could only nod his head and then he went back to his trance, mourning for his older friend. He clenched his jaws and his fists. Zabdiel vowed that he will seek revenge on Kieran's death.Three days came and no Kirsten Zūng appeared. Celine brought Lucian, Barbie, Zabdiel, and Clive to a storage room."What are we doing here?" Clive aske
Queen Elisa stood at the first steps outside the palace. She was covered with wool coat to prevent the freezing cold from seeping through her body. Her white hair cascaded on her shoulder and her crown sat atop her head.The soldiers are already positioned, all of them sitting on the Pegasi - another type of horses used for battle. These horses have the wings of eagles they can fly the soldiers towards Markus and pass the Dark Forest. Because of the vulnerability of the Pegasi under the sun, they had to wait under the weather was colder so they can use them for transportation.Chloe was sitting on her own Pegasi, a jet black horse with stronger, wider wings than the others. Her golden eyes looked up at the Queen and found her staring. Chloe just nodded at her which she answered a small smile and a nod. The Blood Star then took hold of the reins and bounded to the front lines.Jucel and Jared went out of the palace. Jared still looked emotionless as before. Ever since Jucel'