Should we fear the Ruler junkie?

MAGNUS

"Are you ready fools?" The Rank Ruler grunted.

The Rank Elders put on their masks and curtly nods.

"Good. Your plan on defeating the Faeries better be worth it. I've had enough of your nonsense for some time now. I'm the prophesied Seeker and still you bow down to that half breed fool! You better have said your prayers to the Deities in this battle. If we win, I will pardon your crimes and have you look over the kingdom while I fulfill my destiny in seeking the Eklektos out, if we won't..." His voice lowered as his face darkened. The blue sparks dancing in his staff glowered, letting out an ominous aura that made my skin crawl.

His threat is genuine. He's serious and super pissed this time. I gulped. For a second there, I doubt if my prediction that he'll be reduced to smithereens by the Dark Elf might be wrong.

He's the Rank Ruler for over thirty years after all. His unparalleled strength in defeating the Rank Elders and legion of Rankers is no great feat. That great test was beyond my time so I'm not sure how it happened...

But I'm sure it must be great. Fascinating even. I've never actually witnessed the Rank Ruler in battle. Maybe now I can. Maybe my prejudice against him will change. Maybe I'll come to admire his strength - his power. I think that's one of the reasons why the Rank Elders never stood up against him. Why they take heed of his orders without question.

Was it out of respect..or fear?

We watched the Rank Ruler as he marched - first in line - heading to the great mantle, the barrier.

"Umm can I ask something?" I asked, uncertain if it's welcome.

"How can he not see me? I'm right here." I slapped my chest with a thud. Not one of them paid me attention but someone in the back answered.

"Because the invisibility is already working the moment you put on the cloak. Though we admit it has a strain effect on your body. I'm sure you've realized it now."

"Ah, was it my senses getting dull?"

"Yes."

"Hmm," I clench and unclench my fist. Other than my senses, there's nothing off with my body. "By the way, after this battle how are you gonna answer to him about the..." I lowered my voice to a whisper. "He's not the Seeker part?"

"I don't think we'll have to explain that to you Seeker. Just do what you need to do. Run wild and don't look back. Head straight to the valley. The very place where the sky meets the terrene. Held out the stone towards the sky - and say the incantations which will be revealed to you after. That should transmigrate you to the realm of the Deities."

There it is again. The crippling nervousness of meeting big shot beings made my throat constrict. Just imagining what they look like is enough to split my brain in half. Out of fear. Maybe they'll blast me out of existence. Crumbling my body and soul to dust.

Maybe they figure out the Rank Ruler is a much wiser choice of being the Seeker after all. Because I'm a curious and probably the first half breed that ever existed that's why they decide to choose me on a whim.

Scared? Definitely.

At times like this, I look around the faces of my comrades. Just to see their faces and laugh at their jokes take the haunting fear away. To witness the impenetrable trust they have in me gives courage to my bones. Urging me to step up and be the man they expect me to be.

But no one is here. Not even Roland and Thomas. I'm leaving. For real this time. I never got to say my goodbyes. Hell, I'm not sure if I'll be able to see them again. Will I survive? Being the Seeker and travel around realms...

There's a reason why traveling between realm is forbidden. Especially to us. Not only does the Mark in our chest lose its protective 'blessing' from any harm, it could also open the seal the Deities set up to vanquished the Demons back to their realms.

I shuddered at the idea. In my whole life I've never been so nervous I feel like the adventures, the Beasts and anything I've faced before is nothing compared to the ordeal I'm - I mean we're about to face now.

The Rank Ruler disappeared between the folds of the mantle barrier and the Rank Elders followed him. I did. I'm tempted to squeeze my eyes shut and hope it won't undo the invisibility enchantments they put on the cloak.

And the least I expect to happen is an arm wrapping around my shoulders. As if trying to console me, comforting me that everything will be alright. I've never received encouraging gestures such as these - not even once - ever since I got taken away from my parents.

"Magnus..." The familiar voice of the silver bearded Rank Elder came into my head. As if he's transferring his thoughts directly into mine.

And the way he said my name pang my chest. This is probably the first time I heard his voice shaped the emotion a parent bears for his son.

"If it's any consolation - if this is perhaps the last time we meet I want you to know - that we always had your best interest at heart. how we raised you - how we trained you. We did all that to prepare you for your destiny." he said softly in my head.

I clenched my fist. I'm not the type to be swayed by emotions. But the way the pang in my chest took hold of my resolve to act tough and is determined to crush it right on the spot... Is hard.

"I figured that much." I thought. I'm sure he can hear me too.

"It was your father's choice to separate you from them at the last minute."

"What?!" I abruptly turned to face him. He shakes his head, urging me to look ahead. So others won't find out we're having a conversation in our minds.

"He did it so you could fulfill your destiny." He paused.

When we reach the other side five feet tall Beasts surround us. Standing perfectly still as if there's a ceremony they're attending to. In the middle, is the Faery woman with her slithering tongue and the Dark Elf with his conical helmet removed. Exposing his hairless head with pointy ears and full blown black eyes.