Victory

"Leviathan is… defeated?" A deep voice questioned, "When did this occur?"

"A matter of hours ago. It was said that the sailors' cheers could be heard before the fleet was visible on the horizon." Another answered, "I imagine Onaffor will be busying itself with merriment for the next couple of days, so do forgive me if our trade routes aren't immediately restored."

"Please, do not bother your people with matters of business when they have earned their rest." King Granda rejected, "It is no secret that Fleecia possesses a mastery of the ocean far in excess of our own, but even so--to hear that a single fleet was able to slay such a beast is incredible."

"That leads me to the purpose of this evening visit." God-King Emir moved on, "I imagine Lady Dorma is present for this hearing? Considering she will no doubt be pleased with this piece of news, I would like to deliver it to her personally, if His Majesty would be so kind."

"By all means." The King turned his head, "Lady Dorma?"

Rising from her podium at the edge of the council's dias, Dorma bowed before moving towards its centre, taking Granda's place on the magical circle which had been engraved onto the floor of black marble. From Emir's perspective, who sat within the lordly hold of Onaffor, it would have appeared as if Granda had disappeared from view, only to be replaced by Dorma. Through the creation of two incredibly precise magical circles sharing identical designs, it was possible to transmit one's movements and voice across large distances, requiring much less magical power and concentration than a Gate spell.

"Your Excellence." Again, Dorma bowed, "It's an honour."

"Raise your head, my lady. You know I detest being appealed to." Emir replied, beckoning with his hand, "Considering the revelations of these past few weeks, perhaps I should be the one kneeling to you? There would be no Fleecia to lead were it not for the efforts of you and your comrades, after all."

"Thank you for the compliment, but I'm only a simple sorcerer at the end of the day."

"Hah. Gria's poor state hasn't dulled your gracefulness, I see." The God-King responded, "I am correct in recalling that Barion was not the only ally you accompanied on your quest to slay the Demon King, aren't I?"

"Yes. Our third was an Onda, as a matter of fact. A girl named Shilahi."

"As I thought…" Feeling pleased with himself, the gargantuan man stroked his beard, "I've intruded upon your schedule today to inform you that Shilahi is still alive."

"Shilahi… is alive?" Dorma blinked, a warm smile forming on her face "...I see. That's wonderful… I wouldn't want to discredit your claims, but how do you know this?"

"Lady Shilahi has been enshrouding herself in meditation since your victory over the Demon King 500 years ago." Emir explained, "In that time, she has gone by many names, imparting wisdom to the God-Kings of generations past, most commonly as the Great Hermit, or Great Sage. It was only when I travelled to the highlands with the intent of requesting her aid in slaying Leviathan that she finally emerged from her ascetic solitude."

"Then… is she there right now? In Onaffor?" Dorma asked.

"If only. I had planned to welcome her back with festivities the likes of which Fleecia has not seen in centuries, but it appears celebration means little to her." He replied, "-Her destiny is greater than the brilliance of our nation could ever accommodate. She sails for Tor, to meet with you all in the halls of Gria."

"That does sound very much like something she would do." Dorma paused, "If that is the case, I dearly look forward to seeing her again. Barion will also be delighted to hear of this."

"The Three Heroes…" Emir crossed his arms, "-That they all yet live must be a sign. A sign that this merciless onslaught of Demons will no doubt be quelled. Once the merriment of Onaffor has ceased, Tor will receive our full support. Expect your ranks to be reinforced with some of the finest warriors this world has ever seen."

"Thank you, Your Excellence." Dorma expressed her gratitude, "We can only hope that Pale will return with similar news from the Lunar Dominion."

"The Shah who shares my name is a generous man. Provided the sun still rises tomorrow morning, I would count on his support." He assured, "As for myself, I must be going. Now that we are reconnected to the mainland, I fear that my workload will be increasing tenfold in the coming weeks. Farewell."

There was little else to say on the matter. Tor's trade routes with Fleecia would be resuming within the month, and the nation itself was free to roam the seas once more. Not only that, but Emir had confirmed what Dorma hoped had been true for 500 years--that one of her dearest companions was still alive and well on her way to Gria. Considering the torrent of terrible news the kingdom had been receiving lately, it was a refreshing change from the norm.

"Two Heavenly Kings have been defeated…" After the council was dismissed, King Granda summoned Dorma, Lotte and Yula to discuss the ongoing circumstances of the nation, "And yet, without the Sword of Light, both Tiamat and Leviathan are destined to rise again in a matter of years… to say nothing of the two remaining Kings."

"Atroma and Lilith…" Dorma muttered, "Both of them are far more active than their brethren. Atroma--the so-called Fiend of Fire, who lays waste to all with unending flames, and Lilith--the Lady of Ice, who possesses the ability to coordinate and control Demons of all varieties…"

"How fortunate we are to have someone so well-versed in the art of defeating such foes." Lotte commented, "Weeks have passed since the Demon attack, and there have been no signs of another on the horizon. Furthermore, our efforts to relocate the evacuees from the camp outside the city are progressing smoothly."

"There's no chance we'll have enough facilities in the city to provide them all with work, let alone enough homes to accommodate them." Dorma replied, "All the more reason to redouble our efforts in eradicating Demonkind from the very source."

"Thankfully we have quite possibly the strongest man alive conducting research into the matter at this very moment." He reassured, "Her Majesty is also making excellent progress in deciphering the Elven archives. We've pivoted our interest towards the enigmatic 'Black Luna' and how it could be related to the emergence of Demons… and the prevalence of the name 'Barion' within heroic legends."

"I couldn't help but notice that you never told Barion about the circumstances surrounding Avl II's assassination."

"Well, I'd like to understand the matter fully before breaking the news to him. I would certainly be a little rattled if it turned out there was another man named Lotte who coincidentally became an advisor to the monarch of Tor sometime in the ancient past."

"I fear most of our questions won't be answered by these archives…" Dorma paused, "With any luck, Barion's investigation will reveal more information."

"In the meantime, Lady Fusala's mastery of the alchemical arts has absolutely left our court alchemists in the dust." Yula joined in, "Not only has she developed a number of defensive magical items for use in the event of a Demon attack, but her understanding of the elements has even helped contribute to the purification of our attempts at advanced metallurgy."

"Make sure the girl is told to rest every once in a while." Dorma decreed, "Barion tells me she can become quite engrossed with her work."

"At first, I wasn't sure whether to trust a Homunculus with our equipment… the forbiddance of their creation has been one of the longest-standing traditions in alchemy, after all." Yula confessed, "But, aside from her appearance, she is as human as can be. More human than some of our colleagues, even."

"Magical items and improved metals are a boon, to be sure…" King Granda interrupted, "-But the fact remains that we have lost too many soldiers to maintain our fighting ability. Even reinforced with troops from Fleecia and Khazman, it's likely that we will only be able to resist a few more Demons attacks."

"We have Barion to aid with that, Your Majesty." Dorma noted.

"I will not claim for a moment that his strength is anything short of unparalleled--especially by your account, Lady Dorma. However…" The ageing monarch began, "Just how powerful can a single man be?"

"Mere words would fail to describe his strength." She answered, "At that time, 500 years ago, we were called 'Heroes', but I would be hard-pressed to recall any one encounter where onlookers were awed by his power, rather than outright terrified. It is the kind of strength that is not coveted, but reviled. It may even be called a curse."

"Those saddled with the burden of heroism--whether or not they command absolute power, are the type I do not find myself envious of." Granda responded, "This crown, too, is a burden, but one which has guaranteed my omnipotent place in history, and one which has followed me through my silver-spooned childhood. To inherit the destiny of a saviour, and thanklessly deliver this world from darkness--it is not a fair lot."

Turning his gaze to Dorma, the King could sense the overwhelming amount of strife she had endured, and the maturity which belied her still-youthful appearance.

"Tell me, Dorma-" He began, "Why is it that you, Barion and Shilahi yet live?"

"To guide the world towards peace." She answered immediately.

"How very noble. Yes, just as a Hero should be…" Stroking his beard, Granda went silent for a few seconds, "Greater trials no doubt lurk in the near future. So, for the time being, I must humbly request you and your companions' aid in bringing salvation to this poorly world. Rest assured that your efforts will be rewarded with any treasure or title you so desire--even the crown, should it please you."

"Barion is no King, I'm afraid. The idea of him on a throne frightens me, frankly." She joked, "You needn't make such lofty promises as if we would disappear without them, Your Majesty. 500 years and more have only simplified my goals--and Barion's too, for that matter."

"Who am I to speak against one who has lived for so long?" He replied, "I am yet to witness the turn of a century with my own eyes, and yet I find the notion of my life ending a not entirely displeasing thought."

"Your Majesty… please don't say such things…" Lotte interjected.

"At any rate, it appears my efforts are best focused on coordinating the evacuees being allowed entry into the city." Granda continued, "Many skilled labourers have arrived from the countryside. We will be in need of their skills if we hope to accommodate each and every family. Sir Lotte and Lady Yula, I hope that I may count on the two of you to continue corresponding with Queen Larion."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The two sorcerers lowered their heads.

"Lady Dorma--as her trusted companion, I would have you prepare for Lady Shilahi's arrival. Make use of the castle's facilities at your leisure to ensure that she has a comfortable stay with us."

"Of course." She accepted graciously, "With Shilahi close by, our defensive capabilities will be greatly reinforced. I do look forward to seeing Barion's reaction to her presence when he returns."

"To think that the fabled Three Heroes would one day be residing within this castle, just as they did 500 years ago…" The King muttered, "The news will be excellent for the city's morale, especially after these recent events."

A hope, however faint, had blossomed with Emir's declaration of Leviathan's defeat. From an optimistic perspective, it almost appeared as if humanity was coming out on top against the Demonic invasion.

However, what those innocent souls couldn't possibly know was that a horrible truth had been uncovered thanks to their meddling in the natural order of the world, deep beneath the soil where metallic artefacts of the ancient past continued to propagate an endless cycle of torment and rebirth.