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 thatShe 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 last game of the annual tournament was anticipated by all people in the Kingdom of Demetrius. The spectators doubled, the land of Vestia became overpopulated that the palace had to place guards all over the land to protect the people from hurting each other or making trouble.Chloe, in her dressed-up game as Bloom, stood at the high balcony of the sky arena. This time there are audience sitting at the benches that surrounded the barred battlefield. Participants - barely 20 of them left - were standing at the balconies that lead to the entrance of the arena. Chloe was standing in it with Lucian and their friends. This time Blaise was with them.Amazingly, they were all still intact. Even Zabdiel and Clive survived the game in the land of Markus. Kieran and Barbie proved their immeasurable strengths. For sure, this battle will not be easy."Are you sure about this, Chloe?" Clive asked."Let's just stick to it," Chloe answered without looking at them. She was looking at
~O~O~O~Chloe stared at the young woman in front of her. Thēna, her name, was a few inches taller than Chloe. She's a dark beauty with dark brown skin, big bust and hips, thin waist, very curly and long dark hair braided in pigtails. Her light brown eyes flashed anger in it which was a wonder. Why was she looking at her with such hatred?"Why do you look so angry?" Chloe asked. Thēna was clearly taken aback. Her eyes were wide in shock. "Did I hurt you in some way?"The anger returned and she gritted her teeth. "I thought you're one to uphold justice and avoid hurting people since day 1." Thēna raised her hand slightly and a crystal-like spear materialized in her hand. "But you just had to kick Pyro out of this tournament."Chloe's eyebrows raised. So, this anger was fueled by the defeat of her loved one, huh. She couldn't help but smile. She untied her sword from her hips and held it in her hand. She has no plan to unsheath it until the right time. "Isn't it a favor for
Prince Ciaran found Chloe at the rooftop of the Eshmirald Tower, facing the Agatē Tower. Her hood was still covering her head and she seemed totally fine after that battle with Thēna."Why do you have to do that?" He voiced out as he moved to her side.Chloe didn't look at him but she acknowledged him with the tilt of her head. "It's necessary," Chloe answered indifferently. "It's a win or lose. Have you heard of the prize?"The crown prince smiled. But he didn't say anything.Chloe seemed to turn her head to him. Say that you love me and you want to win this for me, Chloe. For us. Chloe looked back to the empty and abandoned tower. "If I am going to win the tournament, I will be able to lead the Krysts and the soldiers. They will see my power and what I can do to protect this kingdom. Do you see the prize now?"Each word stabbed his heart. Her tone was completely void of any emotion that gives him hope. That she still wanted him. "Chloe..." He began and she tense
~O~O~O~Kieran walked back to the entrance. Bloom was still standing on where she was before while Lucian was at the other side, sitting with his hand on his stomach."That was terrible, Ran," Lucian groaned. "You almost killed me on that quake."Kieran just smiled. He stopped beside Bloom and said, "go easy on her."Chloe gave him a lopsided smile. "I can't promise that." Chloe entered the arena, the crowds began to cheer louder than before.The whole field was destroyed. There were big craters all over the area, sparking wires that were beneath the arena. These two sure went overboard."Winner versus Winner. Who will step up to face our Challenger for Two Years!" Teacher Eric announced. Chloe sighed. He is really enjoying this."You may begin," Master Xeinmi's bored voice cut of Teacher Eric's blabbers.Chloe looked at Barbie through her hood. Barbie's inner core was still calm and concentrated. It was untouched even if she had already emitted large amount
CHLOE woke up at the chamber inside the Krystalline Palace where she was forced to stay after the Selection tournament. She stood up and walked out of her room and saw Tara Jōn standing at her door, yawning. Chloe sighed."You could have rested, Tara," she stated.The woman looked at her with sleep-deprived eyes. "I sleep only at day."Chloe began to walk away from the room, Tara following her. "But you should be awake at daytime."The pink-haired woman raised one eyebrow. "Then, I have no time to rest. That's no problem of yours, you know?"Chloe only shakes her head. Tara eased up on her ever since Prince Ciaran assigned her as Chloe's company. He didn't want her to be alone even at her room."Did Drake and Vivien found traces of Marjien?" Chloe asked as they turned in a corner, Tara leading her."Unfortunately, no. They arrived about half an hour ago, saying that Marjien's traces always end up at the foot of the Ahn Mountain Ranges."After the Select
The moment Jared Dale went to find Blaise and Barbie, Jucel decided to set out to the dungeon alone. Lucian was protesting but she insisted. Chloe allowed her to go only if Drake go along with her. Jucel didn't have any choice.A soldier met with them at the foot of the stairs in the dungeon. Seeing the path towards where Jucel was held once made her grimaced. Upon seeing Drake, the soldier bowed his head slightly."How's the interrogation going?" Drake asked in his hoarse tone."We've been trying to pry some information out of them but they're tough and wouldn't yield to any kind of torture we gave them," he told Jared.The soldier excused himself as another soldier called for him. Drake and Jucel moved to the depth of the dungeon and stopped at the door."Do you want me to get the equipments?" Drake asked."I don't need it. I only came talk to them, not gain some information. It's someone else's duty," Jucel replied. Drake noticed that she didn't hold
Tonight was their departure to Markus City. Late afternoon, the six gathered around the living room, in front of the fireplace, and waited for the night to come. The weather dropped as winter started and the walls of their house were icy cold by touch.Zabdiel put down the stick that he used to poke at the woods by the fire and sighed. "It's going to be okay, Zab," Barbie assured her brother.He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. Jared and Blaise, who turned out to be the copy of Prince Ciaran and the actual Prince Zephrain, were at the palace along with Chloe. There's going to be war. And nobody wanted to lose someone they're closed to.Suddenly, there was a banging on the door and they all jolted in their seats in surprise. They all looked at each other. Zabdiel stood up and went to open the door.Jucel went back to poking the woods in the fire that died down a bit. Her eyebrows scrunched when the fire died down further, the cold atmosphere see
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'