Chapter 2

13/4/1610:40

It's really troublesome; the Astra beasts are creatures that appear in response to anomalies happening on Earth. I've heard from the soulders that it's similar to the body's immune system when an unknown threat invades the human body.

So, I can't protest what they are doing because they are just playing their role to maintain the balance of power on this planet.

However, humans are a factor outside of their calculations, as they don't seem to care much about humans that aren't considered important to Earth. Luckily, I have a Cross Driver to protect myself.

And most importantly, why am I spending time in a cinema watching a 2D animated movie titled "Erenigska"? It's a film set in the modern era, telling the story of terrorism following the discovery of a new energy source called Miranium.

In this plot, the terrorists intend to monopolize this new power to control the world, a classic hero tale from cartoons I used to watch as a child, so I won't comment much, remembering that I also used to enjoy similar cartoons as a kid.

"Consider this as proof of my sincerity in repenting from the wrong path after you saved me. Since you like two-dimensional animated cartoons like anime, I've invested a little of my wealth here to employ humans who can't use magic in this entertainment industry. I heard some of the voice actors are of mixed race, representing both sides." A soft voice from Anastasia could be heard.

"So that's how it is, the animation isn't bad, and the plot is pretty good to follow. I think this film will have some loyal fans after its release," I replied very softly.

"Really, it's rare to hear you praise something. But I heard that you are also a Knightmare like the enemies we face today because your source of power is the same," Anastasia responded quietly.

"That's right, after being expelled to the land of the creators in the south, my body became a subject of experiments, with a forbidden object from the old era called Darkseed being implanted in my soul to create a powerful monster. I have managed to handle this issue, though removing the Darkseed is a different matter as I still can't get rid of it."

"Interesting, because you can contain something that sounds extremely dangerous," Anastasia responded seriously.

On the screen, the animation of the female main character with bright blue hair, wearing a light blue dress, holding a spear hovering in front of her, spinning slowly as her body is wrapped in white snow, forming white armor around her, could be seen.

The snow spread around, revealing dark blue clothing with white armor, and her head slowly got covered by a helmet resembling a dragon with a pair of red eyes.

"Oh, so the climax moment has begun. This is the part where the animators worked the longest to ensure the beautiful representation of the dragon race like mine. I mean, I don't mind, because they gave me the animation sheet, which can truly be described as a priceless masterpiece," Anastasia said softly.

The female character grabbed the spear with her left hand, and the scene shifted to a heavily damaged building slowly enveloped in white snow.

The protagonist then faced off against the leader of the terrorist organization, who was also a dragon-man. They exchanged golden and white energy slashes from a distance. The animation was not amateur; every stroke was incredibly beautiful and mesmerizing to the eyes.

Finally, the antagonist clad in white armor with golden accents appeared to fall onto the street, with the female protagonist landing in front of him.

The music became intense as the female lead offered a chance to coexist with humanity. The antagonist stood up and lowered his sword to the ground.

"So, they chose this ending. I thought they worked for a full month just to animate the extra scene funded by the director and producer themselves," Anastasia said seriously.

The scene shifted to the antagonist stabbing the female protagonist in the stomach, causing her armor to disappear, and her spear was taken from her hand. He raised both his sword and the spear into the air.

An explosion was seen, throwing the white-armored figure backward, dropping both weapons, and the intense music gradually turned to silence.

A black-armored figure holding a long rifle tossed his gun to the ground before being ambushed by the white-armored one, who held him back.

A fierce fight ensued, with the black-armored figure appearing overwhelmed until his head was grabbed by the left hand of the white-armored antagonist, causing the helmet to crack, revealing a young man with a bleeding head and an angry expression directed at the white armor.

In the silence, the young man kicked the white-armored figure in the stomach, freeing his head and tossing it far away. Blood continued to pour from his head, but the black-armored figure stood up, took a fighting stance, and charged toward the white-armored figure, landing both feet before it ended with a large explosion of golden energy for a few seconds before the screen went dark.

Then the cinema lights came on, and I looked around at the audience, which was filled with people from various backgrounds. Although I could see some families with small children who looked confused.

I then turned to the blue-haired girl sitting beside me, who remained silent with a neutral expression before finally turning her gaze to me with a serious look.

"The animation is beautiful, but what's with this story? The antagonist should have been given a painful death after betraying the protagonist, especially after the latter offered forgiveness. According to dragon-human laws, he deserved to die. Why was he allowed to live at the end?" Anastasia asked seriously.

"Maybe the studio just played it safe, considering the magic race. Especially since the magic association holds great influence, they would likely complain, and the templars might revolt if witches were portrayed in a negative light. Remember what happened in Australia," I replied flatly.

"They... I think you're right about that. I'll give them some tolerance this time," Anastasia responded seriously.

The audience began to leave their seats and exit the theater in silence.

I also slowly got up, followed by Anastasia, who also rose from her seat.

"So, I guess the conversation can start now," I said calmly.

"That's right, we've received special authorization to deal with the Knightmares, and we can even target politicians who will be punished immediately. I think we can dissolve the magic association now," Anastasia said very seriously.

"Hey, don't be reckless like that. I know how much you resent the magic association because of what happened in the past, but since the Astra beasts are also hostile toward the magic association, I think the magic association will be used as an example not to anger them," I responded flatly.

"This is our chance to get revenge on the Righter, who inflicted so much suffering on us. And you're still willing to be patient in front of someone who will torture you?" Anastasia replied, clearly frustrated.

"Angry? Of course, I'm still angry at him. But he has tremendous support from Earth's government, from the senators who use him as a dog to instill fear in humans, forcing them to submit to the government. The media is also under their control, used to spread propaganda to the majority population," I responded with a flat tone.

Anastasia remained silent, casting a sideways glance with an irritated look before letting out a long sigh.

"I hate to admit it, but mass media is no longer safe for us. So, you're saying even you submit to them? Does that mean all the videos you took were in vain?" Anastasia asked in frustration.

"Those videos? Oh, those were uploaded to my social media to increase views and monetize them. The videos reached 10 billion views each, and I earn 10 billion Zenark per month from them," I responded flatly.

"Wait a minute, you said you monetized those videos? So, you're profiting from the suffering you experienced?" Anastasia asked, clearly upset.

"That's all I could do because those videos didn't mean much to anyone else, and I made a lot of money from them. It's just as I predicted, considering my 'Exploration of the Elysium Continent' series was popular enough to bring me a fortune of 40 billion Zenark per month. So, I don't need to deal with the magic association," I replied calmly.

"So, from what you're saying, you're extremely wealthy and don't need to deal with them. As a representative of Earth's Federation government, I will just oversee our operation in responding to the Knightmares," Anastasia replied seriously.

It seems this matter is incredibly serious because Anastasia is so determined to work with someone like me, a sinner. I think this has something to do with the past, though it's not too surprising since she was betrayed by the magic association back then.

I grabbed my backpack from under my feet and put it on my back, with Anastasia following closely behind, wearing a serious expression as we moved toward the exit.

In the hallway, there was an exhibition filling every corner, with large sheets of paper filled with mesmerizing sketches.

"391-100 is just a little jealous of me because I'm far purer and greater than him. What the Savior said earlier was just to please 391-100 because we are much closer and can be considered family," a loud voice echoed from the other side of the hall.

I turned my gaze toward the front entrance of the hall, where a group of blonde-haired, blue-eyed people dressed in all-white uniforms were receiving attention from reporters.

In front of them were mom and dad, standing with a group of elegantly dressed people, also in white, who were slowly clapping, followed by cheers from the crowd.

"For now, can we ignore your family issues? There's something much more important we need to deal with here," Anastasia said very seriously.

She then grabbed my hand and pulled me in the opposite direction, leading me to a corner of the hall where formally dressed people were meeting with visitors.

"You, I paid you to tell a captivating fictional story that would touch my heart, but why did you let that traitor survive and win? He should have been killed on the spot," Anastasia said, clearly frustrated.

The formally dressed people stared at Anastasia before one blue-haired person stepped forward and approached us.

"It's such a surprise that you've come to this simple exhibition, Princess Anastasia Romanova. Regarding your earlier question, this is part of our grand plan for the sequel to the film that is not yet finished. But rest assured, both the main character and the antagonist are still alive. However, we encountered another problem, which forced us to cut a scene," the blue-haired person said seriously.

Anastasia released my wrist and wore a serious expression.

"Really? Which scene had to be cut? I found everything to be incredibly beautiful and already meeting the criteria I agreed upon. Even the fight between the ordinary human was excellently done," Anastasia said seriously.

"That fight scene... We received complaints about it. The government said that ordinary humans are very weak and can't do anything, and the fight was seen as violating the true nature of humanity, which is inherently weak," the blue-haired person replied seriously.

"No, don't follow their request. I've seen for myself that humans are weak, but that doesn't mean they can't fight. In the southern continent, I saw hundreds of humans choosing to fight until their last drop of blood rather than becoming slaves of the Templars. Following the magic association's demands would be breaking my promise to them," Anastasia said with utmost seriousness.

"If that's your wish, then I will follow your orders, Your Highness," the person replied seriously.

Everyone's gaze eventually turned toward me with shocked expressions.

"Oh, right. He is Crown Prince Deharm Milford of the Newtopia Kingdom, located on the Elysium continent. Do you remember him fighting against Prince Durandael?" Anastasia said with a neutral tone.

"Of course, I remember, but he looks like the perfect combination between the Savior and the Sky Princess Ruby. Although, I don't sense any power from him," the person said seriously.

"Even without power, he is incredibly dangerous. So be careful around him," Anastasia said very seriously.

The person's gaze was directed at me. How troublesome; I just wanted to conserve my energy for today.

"You will be purified, my weak little brother!" a very angry voice could be heard from behind.

I sighed, channeling energy throughout my body.

"How troublesome. Insurrection: Inversion," I muttered quietly as my body slowly became wrapped in white fluid.

I could feel a powerful slash from behind, and I turned around while twisting my body to see a golden-haired figure holding a golden sword raised with both hands.

I directed my tail to coil around his neck tightly, lifting him into the air, causing him to release his grip on the sword, which then fell to the floor.

I lowered my body slightly and approached the fallen sword, reaching for it with my right hand.

"My son, don't touch the cursed sword Sabera, it will turn you into a wicked person. Even someone as pure-hearted as Adam, the most perfect, couldn't withstand its influence," said my mother in a very serious tone.

I straightened my gaze forward before swinging my tail, throwing the golden-haired figure to the middle of the hall, where he lay on the ground, reaching for the sword I held.

"Mom, if this object is so evil, why not just destroy it?" I asked curiously.

"We've tried, but its power is desperately needed to maintain peace in this world. Sometimes compromises have to be made to keep the peace. Once you're older, you'll understand this," my mother responded very seriously.

"There should be no compromise in dealing with anomalies that threaten the world. That is my principle as a soulder. Sorry, but I will destroy this thing," I said flatly.

With my left hand, I gripped the sword's hilt and slowly lifted it. I exhaled, gathering energy in my right hand.

"Come forth, Crosstriker!" I muttered calmly.

Slowly, a weapon resembling a flat dragon's head appeared in my right hand, its horn between its eyes beginning to glow.

[Blade Mode]

As the horn spun forward, I pointed the golden sword ahead of me before swinging the blade of the Crosstriker vertically, causing the golden sword to transform into golden energy that slowly turned red in the air.

I fixed my gaze ahead as the red energy was absorbed into the Crosstriker, its eye lights gradually turning red.

"A noble sacrifice, just like 10 million human souls. So, what do you seek from me?" came a deep, serious voice from the Crossdriver.

"Big Boss, you've really returned. It's me, Black Dragon of the Dark Beast," Nexus said seriously.

"Eh, is that really you? So, you were captured here too?" the deep voice responded seriously.

"Captured? No, my soul was forcibly placed into this innocent child by the magic association. As for you, perhaps it's more accurate to say you were captured here. But rest assured, we are on the same side in this conflict. We are fighting the Knightmare impostors, and it's a task given by Gaia, which we must obey," Nexus replied seriously.

"Ga-Gaia? You mentioned Gaia. I feel a rage building within me; it won't be enough to resist Gaia's will, who is so great and majestic, the creator of us all. So, what should I do now?" the deep voice asked seriously.

"Do not harm our vessel, for he is a soulder, the chosen holy person trusted by Gaia to resolve this issue," Nexus said very seriously.

I dismissed my form and looked around at the people, including Anastasia, who stared at me in shock.

I then focused my gaze forward, seeing my mother wearing a stunned expression as my father moved to stand beside her.

In front of me, a golden circle slowly expanded, revealing a short-haired, golden-blonde figure with bright blue eyes. He wore all-white clothing, his shoulders draped in a white robe embroidered with gold.

The figure held a white staff in his right hand, which he tapped against the floor.

"So, the Master of the Beast has been found and peacefully contacted. It's an honor to meet you here again," the figure said very seriously.

"You... Grand Creator of White. I cannot direct my anger at you because you were forcibly put into a deep sleep when this happened, old friend. But I will not forgive your descendants for the sins they've committed," the voice said seriously.

"They have committed unforgivable crimes, even from my perspective. I no longer care about any of them who sacrificed their peers to enhance their powers. Feel free to destroy the magic association if it satisfies you," the figure said seriously.

The figure then looked around, with my mother and father clearly shocked by what he said.

"Sky Princess Ruby and the Savior, I see. It's been a long time," the figure said very seriously.

"Grand Creator of White, it's quite a surprise to meet you here. The leader of the magic association, the Righter, wishes to meet you and show the peace he has created according to the ideals of the Holy Empire of Unitopia," my mother responded seriously.

"Peace? Wake up, Ruby. Your own son has been stripped of his power and identity, and you still try to console yourself by calling this a holy trial like the Righter said. I never had a son so heartless as him or the Light," the blonde figure said very seriously.

My father remained silent, staring ahead with a serious expression.

"Grandfather, the Light and the Righter are your blood sons, not creations. You cannot unilaterally sever the blood bond that runs through their veins," my father said very seriously.

"I most certainly can. Even if my blood flows through them, their actions go against all the teachings I've passed down. It's similar to your decision to disown Deharm Milford as your son, which you plan to announce this afternoon. I know this is under pressure from the magic association, but if that happens, I'll sever my ties with you as well," the figure said very seriously.

My father and mother exchanged silent looks before their gaze finally turned toward me.

"If that's your decision, then it doesn't matter because I have no interest in hindering your sacred careers as heroes in the magic association. After all, you already have a son far more perfect than I am," I said flatly.

My father and mother remained silent, staring at me with serious expressions.

"Deharm Milford, please don't make this situation worse. Do you know who is standing before you? He is the most important figure among us," my mother asked very seriously.

"Of course, I know. He is my great-grandfather, the Grand Creator of White, the purest soul among the Progeion. He is a pioneer in creating synthetic souls, which led to the creation of the Celestar race, the basis for the creations that live in the Holy Empire of Unitopia, including you, Mom," I answered seriously.

"You know that much, then you should understand that you need to behave respectfully in the presence of a creator like the Grand Creator of White," my mother replied seriously.

"Mom, you still don't understand. I have the blood of both sides, which makes me both a creator and a creation at the same time. So, I won't be punished because I'm a creator, according to the magic association's laws," I responded seriously.

My mother remained silent, looking at my father with a very serious expression.

"That's right, then we can register our son as a creator. You heard me, right, honey? This way, he will be recognized by his peers," my mother said seriously.

"My dear, even if that happens, it seems our son won't accept it due to his hatred toward the magic association for what happened in his youth. He is even ready to sever his ties with both of us. I understand his feelings after being neglected due to our busy work, as if we didn't care for him. That's why I said it's time to leave the magic association because I don't want to be a bad parent," my father said seriously.

My mother remained silent, looking around before a woman with long, wavy, golden blonde hair and a serious expression emerged from the elegantly dressed crowd.

"Everyone, rest assured that I will ensure he is accepted by everyone in the magic association. So, there's no need to leave the association. Besides, he just destroyed the cursed weapon that blinded the most perfect Adam. He will receive the highest praise from the Righter, for as a bearer of the Grand Creator's blood, there must be peace between us," the blonde woman said seriously.

I turned my gaze toward this figure, who was looking at me seriously.

"You came all the way here from another world, even though you could be relaxing in the Progeion Empire," I said flatly.

"This is part of my penance to take responsibility for the actions of the Righter and the Light, which led to the creation of the Knightmare Noa. By the way, I've perfected the white driver. You created a special suit for this driver, right? Its specifications seem too high for a suit of your design," the woman said seriously.

"Oh, Solnova must have given it to you. Yes, it's a special model I designed to destroy other suits using exotic materials I found on the bright side of the moon, capable of reflecting light brighter than a mirror. The project's name is NTX-09," I replied flatly.

The woman reached behind her robe, revealing the white belt I made earlier this morning, just before it was snatched by someone. I turned my gaze in that direction and saw my father stepping back.

"I've promised to hunt Knightmare Soulders with you, my son, so don't think I'm a useless parent. Until this issue is resolved, I'll put my heroic duties in the magic association on hold, but don't push my patience like you did earlier. You are my son; let's go to the civil registry office to handle your identity status," my father said seriously.

"That's unnecessary because I've already taken care of it. I'm currently using the name Deharm Milford officially under my great-grandfather's family registry," I replied flatly.

I took out my wallet and showed my ID card to my father.

"Got it. If it's under your great-grandfather, then it makes sense that this was processed quickly. That explains why you've been able to move around undetected by the magic association. But we still need to create a new family registry to show our connection," my father said seriously.

"Dad, I can handle all the administrative and bureaucratic matters on my own. Sorry, but after this, I'm busy with my work," I replied flatly.

"Carrying out your heroic duties as a soulder? As a soulder, you have limits to follow, just like me," my father responded seriously.

"No, not soulder business. I have a meeting with a company I've invested my money in to check on the progress of their projects," I replied flatly.

"Investment? So, you're an investor? Wait, if it's a matter of money, the magic association can provide it through the sacred taxes collected from the people," my father said seriously.

"Money from the magic association? No thanks, I prefer to make my own money. Don't give me that blood money," I replied flatly.

I turned my gaze to the blonde, short-haired figure standing nearby with a serious expression.

"Exactly. We Progeion don't earn money by being tyrants who live off the suffering of others. We must also show them our great strength. By the way, let's head to that important meeting," my great-grandfather said seriously as he walked away from me.

The golden circle behind him disappeared, and I turned my gaze toward Anastasia, standing at a distance, looking at me with a surprised expression.

"Oh, by the way, if you want to contact me, come to the Manari Tower tonight, as I'll be back after sunset," I said flatly.

Then I followed my great-grandfather out of the area.