First Contact

"Not half bad," Aria heaved heavy breaths full of exhaustion towards Ken.

"Oh yeah? Fight without magic then," he smirked. They both knew that Aria wouldn't stand a chance in that situation.

"Technically, you are always using magic to sustain your world-defying body," Aria retorted unlike her how she would in the past.

Both of them noticed how weirdly vocal and cheeky Aria was being and then they had the same thought. "Her personality is rubbing off on Aria."

The sight of an annoying god who seemed to hate work and constantly voiced her complaints about work appeared in their minds. Somebody who acted lazy, but was a determined person who had goals she refused to abandon.

As if she had planned it, that person appeared easily before the duo with an easygoing smile.

"I wanted to talk to you two before the war begins," Celine suddenly had a slightly solemn expression. "Because our peace is ending, I wanted to ensure that you guys wouldn't forget me. That, even if I regress into the next life with all the other gods, this version of you two will still exist with me. So, ask me a question. I won't refuse anything, even if it's personal."

Celine somberly smiled. She wanted peace nothing more but was forced into battle. However, that wouldn't let her forget the small things she had already done in this lifetime and she would ensure it in this moment.

Aria gestured to Ken, saying that he should go first. Ken walked close to her with an arrogant smile. "Did I die like a hero? Do you think I will ever surpass gods despite my limitations?"

Matching Ken's attitude, Celine perked up with an fearful grin. "That's two questions," she mockingly sighed and answered.

Celine called upon the memories of the 10th trial and how Ken had died. He alone had bought enough time for Celine and Aria to make the final move because he fought for the longest. He was one of the most crucial parts of the completion of the 10th trial.

"Yeah, you died more valiantly than most I've ever seen," she thought. Then, she remembered the status of 'Divine Hostages' she and Ken had been given.

"And you will one day surpass even the strongest of gods. It may not be this lifetime but I'm sure of it." She concluded.

Ken nodded, happy with the answers and waited for Aria to ask her question.

Aria lightly chuckled. "You know, I could've asked you anything anyways and you would've had to respond because of the condition my father placed on you."

"I know, but now you won't have to feel bad about it. I'm opening myself up to you this time," Celine nervously scratched her cheek. She was clearly uncomfortable.

"I would like to know more about you. Specifically your life in Valeria and in the human territories," Aria asked.

Celine pondered on that question for a little too long. Eventually, she brought herself to answer the question. "I feel like my whole life was hell. I don't mean that in an egotistical way saying that I've had the hardest life but I mean it as an objective fact. However, I believe that the reason why I survived and some of my happiest moments come from this kingdom. Life as a soldier was rough especially as a human in Valerian territory but it was better than most and I always had a goal."

Celine looked up into the sky while remembering what she had fought so hard for. "No matter what, I vowed to surpass you, Aria. My goal was to overcome you, Aria, and that's why I never forgot you. I saw your unparalleled strength and strong will that inspired me to walk the path of absolute power. I regret walking that path now but I can't deny that it was the only reason I survived."

"However, that was just my life in Valeria," Celine brought herself to a dreadful frown. "Humanity is cruel and only the strongest are allowed free will. I got captured by them as a result of a huge battle and I spent around 12 years as a slave. I stopped counting after that."

Celine's pain was painted on her face as she thought of that time again. She was beginning to resurface those memories until

"It's okay," Aria gently patted her on the back. "None of us are dying today, so we'll find a better time for this story."

Celine regained her usual composure and stopped the feelings from boiling over soon after.

"You're right. I'll meet you after the war," Celine looked at Aria with a loving gaze but she scoffed while strutting away.

Ken saw the interaction and shook his head with a chuckle. "You should try harder," he said to Celine.

"Hmm?" She couldn't help but wonder. She had always ensured that she wasn't pushy on Aria and gave her space but now Ken was saying something different.

"You are giving her space because you think you might push her away, but she has already fallen for you," he superimposed and followed Aria without another word.

Celine was left utterly stunned by the remarks Ken gave. "I think I'm starting to like the smarter Ken more," she wryly smiled.

Celine soon found herself floating above a giant field of dead grass. "This is where it will begin," she thought.

The Kingdom of Valeria were the defending side in this battle, meaning they had the luxury of choosing their battles. The field of dead grass was where the defenses were stationed. Just behind Celine, there was an insurmountable wall and thousands of forces manipulating magic in preparation.

It was decided that the explosiveness of humanities weapons would benefit them if they fought in closer combat so Arthur had specifically chosen this open field for the first battle.

Behind Celine there was a leader screaming at his troops and boosting their morale.

In front, armed tanks slowly rolled their way onto the battlefield from the shifting horizon line and heavy artillery was being prepared by the invading forces.

This was technology versus magic.

This was the "First Contact" between these two races.

This was the start of true hell.