Chapter 27

Meanwhile in a far-off world hidden from all those who are not welcome, a dark mansion stood tall within a maze. A dark figure wearing a hooded cloak stood in front of the double door entrance. The doors were slightly open and so the figure stepped inside as if he lived there. Inside this mansion it was just as dark as it was outside, almost nothing was visible except for the red carpet on the floor that was illuminated by the moonlight.

The red carpet stretched out towards a grand staircase. At the foot of the staircase was a man sitting in a wooden chair. At the top of the staircase on the wall, was a portrait of a beautiful woman with long platinum hair, and a white sundress. Her smile seemed to slightly illuminate the area around the painting.

The figure removed his hood to reveal his identity as Arthur. “I don’t think you’ve moved from that chair since the last time I was here.” He sighed.

“Not much else I can do from this planet.” said the figure in the chair. He sounded as if he were in his mid-thirties.

“Is that so, Mr. Phantom?” Arthur tried to hold back laughter. “That was a lame name too, couldn’t think of anything better?”

“Joking aside Arthur, I was there because he needed to release his emotions. He reminded me of myself when I had lost everything. Locking emotions away thinking it would reduce the pain.” The figure looked upwards at the portrait; his face hidden from the light.

Arthur sighed, realizing he was in the wrong “Fine. Don’t forget, if you continue to use your phantom, it will interfere with his synchronization with Bahamut. So, remember this Esper Arden, if you wish to see my siblings and me prevail over the evil you brought into reality, then let us grow on our own.”

Arthur turned towards the exit and closed the doors behind him. While Esper sat in the chair staring at the woman in the portrait.

“My Arden, how much you must struggle to prevail over the curse that I have brought upon our blood. How many years have passed since that fateful day? I do not recall. Yet I am still riddled with guilt and sorrow. I only wish that the rest of my bloodline will not fall as I have.” He reached his hand out towards the portrait as if gently caressing her cheek “Tell me Aeri. When our children learn the truth of their existence, will I be forgiven?”

End of Volume 1

Hello Readers,

I hope you enjoyed the first volume of Arden/Risen Warrior. A second volume is currently up and active as well!

I know this volume seemed short, which it was, but the next volume will be much more exciting with much longer.

I hope you did enjoy this volume and if you are interested, please do check out the artwork for this story here at this link (https://www.pixiv.net/en/users/20002694)

there are also paperback and kindle copies of the book on amazon, so feel free to purchase a copy there. Any and all support is welcome!

After the second volume I will be uploading a 3rd volume. This story is pretty long and split into multiple parts for easy reading and to present each new arc. Currently the first three volumes will be the tournament arc. Plenty of secrets have yet to be revealed.

I originally wanted to provide readers with a little bit of lore on the Arden family, but I feel it may be best to experience them yourself. Although my writing abilities are fairly average I do strive to do better so my readers can enjoy the quality and story that I have imagined. I know I don't update chapters very often, and I would like that to change. Unfortunately I have many things I have to work on and this story is not the only big item on my list. I will however do my best to give you one or two chapters a month. Artwork is also updated every few months!

That is about all I have to say. I hope you all enjoyed the first volume!

I hope you all enjoy the second volume as well.