Chapter 75: Another Day In Paradise

The air in the square was thick with tension, the oppressive silence broken only by the soft whimpers of the child clutched in the witch's trembling arms. Her wet, black hair clung to her face, and her glowing red eyes darted frantically between the clerics, the onlookers, and Sugred, who now stood before her. 

Sugred knelt slowly, lowering himself to the boy's level. His glowing white eyes softened, and his tranquil smile remained as he extended a hand toward the child, palm open and inviting. The glow of his horns bathed the scene in soft, golden light, casting his presence as both comforting and commanding. 

"Shhh," Sugred said gently, his voice smooth and calming. "It's all right, little one. You're safe now."

The boy hiccupped through his sobs, his wide, tear-streaked eyes locking onto Sugred's. He shook his head slowly, his tiny body trembling. 

"No darkness can hurt you here. Not while I'm with you." 

"Don't listen to him!" the witch hissed, tightening her grip on the boy. The dark magic swirling in her hand flared violently, crackling with energy. "This is no sanctuary! It's a prison! Let me and my sisters go, or the boy dies!" 

The clerics around the square smiled, their expressions calm and serene as though the witch's words were nothing but idle threats. Their glowing eyes never wavered, their hands still folded in silent prayer. 

"Why are you smiling?!" the witch screamed, her voice shrill and breaking. "You're all insane! You're all—" 

Sugred didn't react to her outburst. His attention was entirely on the boy. His glowing third eye blinked slowly as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I need you to trust me, little one. Can you do that for me?" 

The boy sniffled, his small hands clutching at the witch's arm as his gaze flickered between her and Sugred. His lips quivered, and his voice came out in a shaky whisper. "I… I'm scared…" 

"I know," Sugred said softly. "But do you know what we do when we're scared?" 

The boy shook his head, his tears still falling. 

Sugred's smile widened slightly, glowing faintly in the golden light. "We speak the language of light. It's ancient. Powerful. It will protect you. Will you say it with me?" 

The boy hesitated, but something in Sugred's tone—something gentle yet commanding—made him nod slowly. 

"Good," Sugred said. He began to speak in a low, melodic voice, the words flowing like a song: 

"Veythar lumnis, thalor en drax. Lumnis kai shalar." 

The boy blinked, his lips parting as he tried to repeat the words. "V-Veythar… lumnis… th-thalor…" 

"Stop this!" the witch screamed, her magic flaring again as she tightened her grip on the boy. "I'll kill him! I swear I'll do it! Let me and my coven go, or his blood is on your hands!" 

The clerics continued to smile, their serene expressions unwavering as they looked on. Some of them even began to whisper the mantra under their breath, their voices blending into the tense air like a distant hymn. 

"Why are you smiling?!" the witch shrieked, her voice cracking with desperation. Her red eyes burned with frustration and fear. "You're all insane! Do you hear me?! You're all *crazy!*" 

Sugred's voice remained calm, his golden horns casting light over the boy's tear-streaked face. "Keep going, little one. You're doing so well. Say it again: *Veythar lumnis, thalor en drax. Lumnis kai shalar.*" 

The boy hesitated, his breath hitching as fresh tears spilled down his cheeks. He closed his eyes tightly and repeated the words, his voice trembling but growing steadier with each syllable. "Veythar… lumnis… thalor en drax. Lumnis kai shalar…" 

At the exact moment the boy finished the mantra, Sugred's smile vanished. 

In the blink of an eye, faster than light itself, Sugred and the boy switched places. 

The witch froze, her red eyes wide with shock as she realized she was no longer holding the boy. Her arms were wrapped around Sugred, who now stood in her grasp, his calm smile replaced by a look of almost casual amusement. 

The boy, unscathed, stood a few feet away, blinking in confusion as the clerics immediately moved to shield him. 

"W-What?!" the witch stammered, her grip tightening instinctively on Sugred. Dark magic flared from her free hand, the swirling green and black energy crackling as she tried to unleash it on him. 

Sugred's third eye opened fully, its golden glow piercing and unyielding. The witch's magic fizzled out immediately, her body trembling as light began to seep from her skin. 

"No…" she whispered, her voice breaking. "No, no, NO!" 

Sugred tilted his head slightly, his calm smile returning as he spoke softly. "You wanted freedom, didn't you?" 

The witch screamed as her body was suddenly teleported high into the sky, golden light lingering around her like chains. She floated there, helpless, her dark magic dissipating as Sugred's third eye glowed brighter. 

Then, with a single glance, it happened. 

A brutal explosion of light erupted inside the witch's body. It didn't tear her apart; instead, it tore through her. Golden light burst from her eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, her screams echoing across the land. Blood poured from her orifices as the light seared through her insides, rupturing organs and forcing her to cough up blood and fragments of her intestines. 

Her screams were cut short as the Serpent of Radiance emerged from the clouds above, its massive glowing form coiling around her. Its radiant eyes locked onto her broken body, and with a single, fluid motion, it devoured her whole. 

The square was silent for a moment, the tension thick and suffocating. Then, the clerics began to clap, their serene smiles unbroken as they cheered for their lord. The children joined in, their small hands clapping enthusiastically as they looked up at Sugred with awe. 

Sugred floated above them, his glowing white dragon wings spreading wide as he addressed the crowd. "Bravery," he said, his voice carrying over the square, "is not the absence of fear. It is the strength to stand in the light, even when darkness threatens to consume you. This is what it means to serve Lancelot. This is what it means to be free." 

The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers echoing through the golden streets. 

Xyenn and Yuuna stood frozen, speechless. Neither of them could find words to describe what they had just witnessed. But Xyenn's mind rushed immediately.

'That's his power…? I bet that's not even half of it…'

A slight thought of doubt hit Xyenn, but he kept himself together.

Suddenly, Sugred's gaze shifted to Yuuna. His glowing white eyes locked onto hers, and before she could react, she felt a sudden pull. In an instant, she and Sugred were gone, teleported to a new location. 

Yuuna blinked, disoriented, as she found herself in a beautiful garden. The air here was cool and fragrant, filled with the scent of blooming flowers that glowed faintly in the soft golden light. Crystalline streams of water wound through the garden, their surfaces shimmering like liquid sunlight. The trees were tall and majestic, their leaves a radiant mix of gold and silver. 

Sugred stood a few steps away, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed out over the garden. 

"Why?" Yuuna asked, her voice sharp but controlled. "Why did you bring me here?" 

Sugred turned to her, his tranquil smile returning. "You don't have to play the role of a weakling anymore, Yuuna. I'll send you back to your vessel, but we need to talk." 

"…You knew."

"Walk and talk." Sugred nodded as Yuuna followed him down the garden.

"Speak."

"What are you doing here?"

"Why? Aren't you just gonna fight us anyway? You fucked Illyana up. She came to me, and sent clerics after those who followed her. And you were gonna sacrifice her to that bastard Lancelot."

"You're the goddess of darkness, Illyana only followed you because she didn't wanna die."

"You're wrong."

"So I ask again, what are you going here? In my realm? Surely it's not to avenge Illyana, is it? Did you sense the ritual? The darkness flowing from it? Did it attract you?"

"…I.."

Yuuna stopped herself, thinking, 'He knows about my past, and how much of a monster I was. I can use that. He clearly wants something from me, I have to play into my old role of being evil. A time that I can't stand to think about, I have to tap into I guess. To protect Xyenn if I fuck up, and to not screw the mission up. Everyone back at the orphanage is counting on us. Xyenn put his all into this role back in the throne room. It's my turn.'

Yuuna's face darkened, and she said, "I couldn't have detected it, since it's in a separate realm. I came here due to word of mouth, one of your clerics has been getting information on this place and what you were doing. Saying about how you are using a ritual, taken from a pixie witch from Soulcaris, and you are gonna open Hell for one second. And conquer it."

"Oh? They must've been in and out of here secretly, but it doesn't matter. That doesn't explain why you've come? Even with your vessel."

"I want to go back. I feel I have cultivated enough power to take down my father..the First Monarch."

Sugred grinned, "Even after spreading so much darkness and paved the way for witches to dominate the lives of the weak, you would turn your back on your origins?"

"You're an elder vessel. You know Lancelot has never liked me, none of the draconic deities did. Seeing I was from Hell, they didn't trust me. But my mother gave me an amulet to reach Gabriel's realm in the first place. Which led me out. And I wanna head back."

"Ahhh. You're bent on revenge? Is that it?"

"…No. Redemption."

Sugred grinned, "Hehe. This is why I wanted to be alone with you and discuss terms. My Siren's are fully obedient to me, but if I get caught dealing with you of all beings, they will seek Lancelot and he will forcefully make them turn on me."

"Tch. I don't care."

"You will be my guidance. You will guide me through Hell and we will reach where your father is."

"Even a demon monarch is as powerful as an elder dragon god. Why are you so confident?"

"Me, you and your vessel, and Lancelot are enough. Alongside my Sirens. For hundreds of years I have cultivated my light to at least be on par with King Samuel's. And then after I conquer Hell, I will use you unseal King Samuel so he can be proud of me, to see me achieve the dream he wanted to achieve."

"Oh?"

"King Samuel, a Jotyin. Like your vessel. His seed was the first to sprout, the others sprouted prematurely. Lancelot told him his role as a Jotyin, which was to conquer Hell and defeat the First Monarch. Jotyin's have the power to match the power of The King of Sen, Gabriel and the First Monarch's father."

Yuuna thought, 'Gabriel and My Father…brothers…'

Sugred continued, "Samuel's dream was to bring about the Holy Land. And that's my goal. I won't be kicked under the rug any longer. So are you with me?"

"…Of course I am. If you're opening Hell, let us know when."

"Splendid—."

Yuuna almost fainted, she stumbled as she bumped into Sugred's chest. And Sugred said, "What is your issue?"

Yuuna pushed back slowly, holding her head, even making her real appearance flicker in and out, making her jagged dark pink halo form in and out, saying, "All this damn light…"

She was lying.

"We'll be in your land in no time."

"…Hey."

"What is it?"

"Nothing. Take me back now."

"Of course. Get ready for the feast. The ritual is almost completed. You two must still play the part in front of my Sirens. You will be cleaned up."

"Okay."

"Also do not try to do anything you'll regret. I will not be around much as I must check in on the rituals progress, but my Serpent lingers. Plus, if you tried anything, you know you wouldn't win."

"Don't be foolish. I built up destruction and wouldn't walk into where I can be defeated so easily without a plan. I came here for one reason and one reason only."

"That being said, you could try and turn on me when we conquer Hell together."

"And the same goes for you. We'll just have to see. Also, aren't you worried?"

"Hm? About?"

"Lancelot. Can't he hear and see all of this?"

"He's not omnipresent, and I can shut him out of my head if I want. I can tell when he's around."

FWIP!

The golden streets of the Land of Sovereignty glimmered under the soft light of the crystalline trees, but Yuuna moved quickly, her steps light and deliberate as she darted between structures, looking for Xyenn. Her heart pounded, not from fear but from the weight of everything Sugred had told her in the garden. When she spotted Xyenn standing near a glowing pool of light, his arms crossed and his golden eye scanning the area, she released a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

"Hey," Xyenn said as she approached, his tone casual but laced with worry. "What the hell happened back there? You just disappeared—" 

Before he could finish, Yuuna grabbed his arm and yanked him toward a quiet blind spot behind a tall, golden spire. The light from the structure cast faint shadows, giving them a moment of privacy. 

Xyenn blinked, caught off guard by her sudden movement. "Okay, bossy. What's the big—" 

"Ugh, Xyenn, you don't understand!" Yuuna hissed in a hushed voice, her cheeks puffing slightly as she poured her thoughts out in rapid-fire. "I hate this! I hate having to act like my old self in front of Sugred! That's all he knows me as—this evil, power-hungry witch who wants to destroy everything! He doesn't know about my resolve to not be a villain anymore! He doesn't know I've changed! He doesn't know I'm trying to be better! He doesn't know I'm trying to fix all the things I've broken, and every time I have to pretend to be that person, it makes me want to—" 

"Yuuna—" Xyenn started, holding up a hand. 

"—puke and scream and maybe even punch something!" she continued, cutting him off without even noticing. "And now he wants us to escort him through Hell to kill my father and conquer it so he can build his precious Holy Land because that's what Samuel wanted in the first place!" She threw her hands up in frustration, her voice still low but frantic. 

"Yuuna," Xyenn tried again, his voice calm, "breathe." 

Yuuna froze mid-rant, her hands still in the air. She blinked at Xyenn, then let out a long, dramatic sigh as she slumped against the spire. "Okay, fine. I'm breathing," she muttered, crossing her arms. 

"You done?" 

"For now," she mumbled, puffing her cheeks again. 

Xyenn raised a brow, his delinquent-like smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Good. 'Cause you were about two seconds away from blowing the hell up.." 

Yuuna rolled her eyes, muttering something under her breath, but before she could say more, she straightened up, her expression growing serious. "Do you remember the Serpent?" 

"How could I forget?" Xyenn said, his tone shifting to match hers. "Big, glowing, and ate that witch like she was a snack. Yeah, it's burned into my damn brain." 

Yuuna frowned, leaning closer as her voice dropped to a whisper. "Sugred said that beast is everywhere. If we're going to unseal King Samuel and get to the Ohnupilath Tree, then the Serpent will be there too I think. I'm gonna assume it will be."

Xyenn crossed his arms, his golden eye narrowing slightly as he mulled over her words. "Makes sense. Sugred doesn't fully trust us, no matter how much we play along. He's probably got that thing watching every move we make." 

Yuuna hesitated for a moment, then reached out softly, her hand glowing faintly as she summoned a fragment of her darkness. The energy coalesced, forming into a familiar shape—a demonic mask. 

Xyenn's eye widened slightly as he recognized it. "That's…" 

Yuuna nodded, her fingers tracing the edge of the mask. "The mask. The one I took from that witch Parcy back in Soulcaris. It can control beasts, bending them to the will of the demon inside it. If that Serpent gets in our way, this might buy us some time. It was originally created to control demonic beasts in Hell, but yeah. It works for any beast or non human. That's what Hell called non-humans anyway. Beasts

Xyenn tilted his head, "Isn't it unpredictable? Doesn't it affect each person differently? Parcy had the mask and wanted to open Hell just to see her sisters from the coven of witches again. What if the Serpent decides to turn on us halfway through? You really wanna gamble with that?" 

Yuuna shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "If it does, it's still a distraction. Those clerics will have a hard time controlling it, and that'll give us an opening to grab King Samuel's sword and unseal him." 

Xyenn stared at her for a moment, "You're really going all in on this, huh? Chaotic, but I like it. Plus it's the best we could do right now. Don't have any other options. And we have to hurry."

Yuuna smirked, but it quickly turned into a pout as she muttered, "I'm not that chaotic…darling."

Before Xyenn could reply, Yuuna suddenly started rummaging through the large pockets of her oversized shirt. Her movements were frantic, almost comical, as she muttered to herself. 

"Where is it? I know it's in here somewhere…" 

Xyenn raised an eyebrow, watching her struggle, "Yuuna?"

"Shhhh!" Yuuna hissed, her voice still low but exasperated. She dug deeper, her arm nearly disappearing into the fabric. Finally, she pulled out a glowing white shard. 

Xyenn's eye widened as he recognized it. "Is that what I think it is?" 

Yuuna grinned, holding the shard up like a trophy. "Yep! I pickpocketed Sugred." 

"H-How?!" Xyenn hissed, leaning closer. 

"Wellllll," Yuuna drawled, her grin widening as she tucked the shard back into her pocket, "back when I was a villain, I used to disguise myself as a thief all the time. Had to blend in, y'know? Dragon gods were on the prowl, and I didn't want to bring attention to myself. Turns out, I'm really good at stealing stuff. I have some experience with it. I acted like I was being worn down by all of this light, and I fell into his chest, and took the shard. Hopefully it's the right one. I just grabbed what I thought would be a shard."

"And if you had grabbed his—."

"I would've ripped it off. If I grabbed his thingy I would've ripped it to pieces. Only one I want is yours. I would risk this entire mission if that meant proving you belong to ME."

Xyenn cheeks flushed red, and he stuttered, "A-And it was that easy? P-pickpocketing him?"

Yuuna shrugged, looking smug. "For me? Yeah. I'm a pro. You have more to learn about me, darling."

Xyenn smirked, crossing his arms. "So, what's next, oh master thief?" 

Yuuna tilted her head, her expression turning curious. "I was gonna ask you that." 

Xyenn's smirk widened. "Umm..the Library. Time to find those song notes." 

The golden streets of the Land of Sovereignty stretched endlessly, glowing with a soft, ethereal light. Xyenn and Yuuna walked purposefully, their expressions calm and composed as they stopped clerics here and there, trying to stay in character. 

"Excuse me," Xyenn said, his tone casual but respectful as he addressed a group of clerics who were gathered near one of the glowing pools. "We're looking for the library. Lord Sugred wants us to do some research." 

The clerics turned to them, their serene smiles never faltering. One of them, a middle-aged woman with golden runes etched into her cheeks, pointed toward a distant spire that shimmered like a beacon. "The library is that way, just past the Hall of Reflection. You'll find it easily—it's hard to miss." 

"Thank you," Yuuna said, nodding politely as she tugged on Xyenn's arm. 

As they walked toward the library, Yuuna leaned in slightly, her voice low. "This place is so… unsettling. Everyone's so nice."

Xyenn smirked, his uncanny demeanor slipping through for a moment. "What, you don't trust the glowing cult of sunshine? Me either."

Yuuna chuckled, "Glowing cult is INSANE. Still, for some reason I see why Illyana is so ruthless."

"Yeah I've seen her ruthlessness outside the orphanage, and then I compare it to Sugred and the clerics when facing witches, it's not even a difference."

Unbeknownst to them, high above on a nearby rooftop, Siren Rye stood, her wings folded neatly behind her back as she watched them. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze sharp and calculating. She didn't move, blending seamlessly with the golden light that bathed the city, but her focus on the pair was unwavering. 

'What are those two rookies up to? I know Lord Sugred didn't want us to watch over them, but I'm not just watching them. But everything else. Or maybe that's just my excuse. How long is that ritual gonna take? Last I heard, it's almost complete.'

When Xyenn and Yuuna reached the library, they stopped in their tracks, their eyes widening in awe. 

The library was a massive, circular structure, its golden exterior shimmering as if it were alive. The entrance was adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and spires, their designs glowing faintly with runic magic. As they stepped inside, the sheer beauty of the place took their breath away. 

The interior was vast, a mythical wonderland of knowledge. Towering shelves stretched endlessly in every direction, lined with thousands upon thousands of books, their spines glowing faintly with light magic. The domed ceiling was painted with an intricate mural of Lancelot, the dragon god of light, surrounded by celestial beings and streams of golden energy. Glowing orbs floated through the air, casting a soft, warm light that made the entire space feel tranquil and otherworldly. 

Clerics moved quietly through the aisles, some reading books, others teaching small groups of children about the doctrines of the Holy Branch. 

A young cleric sat with a group of children near a glowing pedestal, her voice gentle as she read from a large book. "And so, King Samuel, guided by Lancelot's light, vowed to bring peace to the world, banishing the shadows that threatened to consume it. Remember, children, light is not just a weapon—it is a promise." 

One of the children raised a hand, their small voice curious. "But what if the darkness comes back? What do we do then?" 

The cleric smiled, her eyes glowing faintly. "We hold onto the light. As long as we believe in it, it will always guide us." 

Nearby, a pair of clerics were practicing light magic, their hands glowing as they conjured small, radiant structures in the air. One of them created a glowing golden bridge, its intricate design shimmering with runes. 

"Not bad," the other cleric said, inspecting the bridge. "But try stabilizing the runes more. Remember, light magic is about precision, not just power." 

Xyenn and Yuuna exchanged a glance, both of them momentarily stunned by the beauty and activity within the library. 

"This place is… incredible," Yuuna whispered, her golden eyes wide as she took in the sight of the floating orbs and the endless shelves. 

"Yeah," Xyenn said, his voice quieter than usual. "Incredible and creepy. Let's not forget creepy." 

"Yeah, that too."

They moved through the library, their eyes scanning the countless shelves as they tried to figure out where to begin. 

"This is going to take forever," Yuuna muttered, crossing her arms. "How are we supposed to find anything in here?" 

Xyenn responded, "We'll just ask someone. Play the role, remember?" 

Yuuna rolled her eyes but followed him to the front desk, where a librarian sat. 

The librarian was an older man with deep golden skin, his bald head adorned with faintly glowing tattoos that seemed to shift and flow like liquid light. His robes were pristine white, trimmed with faintly glowing silver embroidery, and his long, thin fingers moved gracefully as he flipped through a book on his desk. His eyes, a soft amber and green, radiated a sense of calm and wisdom. 

As Xyenn and Yuuna approached, the librarian looked up, his tranquil expression warm but unreadable. "Welcome," he said, his voice deep and soothing. "How may I assist you?" 

Yuuna stepped forward, her hands clasped behind her back as she gave him a polite smile. "We're looking for books about King Samuel. Do you have a section for that?"

The librarian tilted his head slightly, his glowing tattoos shifting faintly as he considered her request. "King Samuel… a popular topic among our clerics. You'll find what you're looking for in the west wing." He gestured gracefully to the left, where a large archway led to a smaller, more secluded section of the library. "The section is marked with Lancelot's crest. You can't miss it." 

"Thank you!" Yuuna said quickly, grabbing Xyenn's arm and pulling him along. 

"AH!" He squealed.

The librarian watched them go, his calm smile lingering as he returned to his book. 

Xyenn and Yuuna dashed into the west wing, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet space. The section was lined with shelves dedicated entirely to King Samuel, each book glowing faintly with runic symbols. 

"Okay," Xyenn said, scanning the shelves. "Now we just have to figure out which book has the song notes. Should be easy, right?" 

Yuuna groaned, running her hands through her hair. "There are hundreds of books here, Xyenn. How are we supposed to find the right one?" 

Xyenn smirked, pulling a book off the shelf. "Easy. We read through all of them." 

Yuuna stared at him, her mouth slightly open. "You're kidding, right? We don't have time for that do we?"

"I was definitely being sarcastic, I don't wanna do that."

Yuuna sighed, grabbing a book from the opposite shelf. "Ugh. Fine. You take that side, I'll take this one. Good luck."

"Good luck."

The two of them settled into the task, the soft glow of the library's light casting long shadows as they began their search.