Thalamik was walking in a cemetery, bringing along flowers, dressed in all black clothes. Beside him were Addison and Momoka, who dressed accordingly to the occasion. Arriving at their friend's grave, Thalamik knelt to put the flowers.
"Illias Angelina Grace"
The tombstone reads.
The grave was simple and is quite spacious since the establishment is reserved for fallen heroes of the United Front. Grand Saint Veuz said that it was the least she could do for her. Considering, Illias also didn't have any other family members left except her cousins.
For the past month, Thalamik had been frequenting the grave along with Momoka and Addison. Yet, every time they visit the grave, Momoka and Addison couldn't help but shed tears.
After a moment of silence, Thalamik rose once more and turned to face Momoka and Addison. "It's time to leave." He said with a warm smile, walking away from the grave.
"Bask in this scenery one last time, Momoka and Addison. This is the reality of our world." He said, walking straight.
His footsteps slowed down until coming to a full stop. Thalamik's eyes became a bit relaxed as he saw two figures standing in the way. "Welcome back, Raymed and Carmilla," Thalamik said with a full smile.
Raymed and Carmilla moved closer as they pulled Thalamik to a tight embrace. "I am sorry for everything," Raymed said before seeing closer at Thalamik's face. Dark circles were forming on his eyes, a sign of sleeplessness. "I know you are not here for me, meet me at Psytelier's old shop, once you two are done."
Raymed and Carmilla both nod before going away to visit Illias' grave.
Thalamik went away along with Momoka and Addison.
Raymed and Carmilla knelt, putting their flowers on the grave.
"I know we haven't known each other for very long. But, Illias, you left a very strong impression on my life. You have become the literal hope for everyone. You serve as a reminder that anyone can help in our world's trying times." Raymed spoke, knowing full well the only person listening was Carmilla. But he needs to speak his mind.
Sparks of red mana flicker around his body.
Carmilla put a hand on his shoulder without saying any words.
Tears went through Raymed's face as he let out his frustration.
But he did not dwell in it.
Raymed rose, looking above to the sky.
He remembers the growing threat of Demon King Ars.
Belial didn't die. No demonic core of his was found by anyone.
Paimon and Baal must have been waiting all this time for the perfect moment to strike.
There's not enough time to grieve.
He had picked up the mantle of Hero.
Therefore, he is obligated to push through no matter how difficult the situation is.
At least that is what he believed.
***
Later, Raymed and Carmilla arrived at Psytelier's old shop.
On the way, the road was protected by fiend soldiers who were standing on guard, making the people in the neighborhood quite weary.
With a push, Raymed opened the door, revealing the inside of the Psytelier's old shop. The color of the interior stayed quite the same, but no magical items. Instead, everything was replaced with documents attached to pinboards.
"Welcome, Ray and Carmilla." Thalamik greeted them, holding a coffee and a paper document.
"Momoka, please bring your biscuits here," Thalamik asked Momoka nicely before looking back to Raymed and Carmilla. "Coffee or Tea?"
"Tea would be nice." Raymed a soft smile.
"I would like coffee, please," Carmilla said with a smile.
Momoka made a weird salute with a cat mouth expression before putting on her apron and going to the kitchen.
"I am sorry. She is kind of an odd one, isn't she?" Thalamik said before sipping his coffee.
Raymed shook his head and said, "No. No. You have a wonderful wife."
"PFFFT!!!!!!!!!!"
Thalamik spat out his coffee. "Damn you, Ray. That was not the right time." He said cleaning his nose off the coffee.
"Eh?" Raymed was confused.
"It's not that kind of relationship!" Thalamik said.
"Eh? But she looks perfect with you!" Raymed said with an innocent face.
"STOP THAT!" Thalamik nudged before pointing at Ray.
"My bad. My bad. Chill." Ray said, putting both of his hands up as if the police caught him.
Carmilla giggled, seeing their banter before Momoka came back.
"I have your drinks and snacks!" Momoka said with a happy face.
"Let's drink first. But I want to brew another coffee first." Thalamik said as he gestured for Momoka to give him her apron. She understood and took it off before handing it to him. "Also, do you want a parfait? I'll make one for you also." Thalamik offered to her.
Suddenly, stars appeared in the fox woman's eyes, "Please make me a parfait! Master!"
Thalamik nods before heading to the kitchen. "Please don't talk about anything embarrassing with Raymed and Carmilla.
Momoka then gestured for them to take a seat on a sofa with a coffee table. "Please let's sit and chat while my Master is brewing coffee."
"Are you sure you aren't Thalamik's wife?" Raymed asked.
"I HEARD THAT!" Thalamik from the kitchen spoke.
Momoka and Carmilla laughed at their banter.
Not long after their playful talks, Momoka gives the general information about her relationship with Thalamik as a student and master. She also explained what has happened so far, along with some facts regarding Addison's training.
"Here you go, Momoka, your parfait." Thalamik served Momoka her parfait.
"YAY!" She said before drinking it. "YUM!"
Thalamik sat beside her before giving a document copy to Raymed and Carmilla.
"This is..."
"All the information I have gathered this past month," Thalamik said before opening the document himself. "Artifact War will be held next week, and there will be 128 participants. Diko's whereabouts, and Zuatha Il Zikmel."
"I assume there are connections among the three things you mentioned," Raymed asked with focused eyes.
"As you might already know from Momoka, the Artifact War is a tournament where a pair of Vanguard Academy students, particularly a year one student, will be paired with a senior student or special auditor to compete. The prize will be an artifact that will grant you a status of Hero, much like Blastur."
"I see, so it's to choose the wielder of the artifact." Raymed nodded.
"A plot to disqualify me is at large."
Carmilla and Raymed said, "What?"
"From information that I have gathered from the Lupache household, they have heard the competition to have a predetermined winner. Since it's a pair-on-pair battle, the judges will be rigged from the start. Which brings us to Diko's missing in action."
Raymed adjusted his seat while Carmilla stared, confused.
"When I was still fighting in South Jaka, Diko suddenly vanished. What's worse is that everyone seems not to even remember him. So before I continue, Ray. Carmilla. Do you both have any idea who Diko is?"
"I do. I remember full well." Raymed said with conviction.
The two then looked to Carmilla, who was closing her eyes.
Thinking hardly.
"I am sorry, I have no memories of him." She said, caressing her head.
Raymed and Thalamik looked to each other, "What does this mean?"
"I already guessed what might happen," Thalamik said. "It was due to Alterity. Back when he vanished, both you and I were inside a Dimensional Field. At the time, we weren't affected due to that."
"By Dimensional Fields, you mean the one cast over the Bermuda Triangle and your Alterity?"
"Precisely. It was due to this that we were made immune to that memory wipe. That can't be just a coincidence now, can it?" Thalamik said.
"I am not following. What does memory wipe have to do with the Artifact War?" Carmilla asked.
"It's because no director of humanity means there won't be anyone to defend humanity's honor in terms of politics inside the academy. Further making my position clear, which was to be banned from entering."
"Then does that mean Diko is..." Ray asked the bitter truth.
Without batting an eye, Thalamik answered, "We can only assume the worst."
Raymed gritted his teeth in anger.
"Which brings us to the mastermind. I am most certainly sure she is playing inside this. Zuatha Il Zikmel. Proof is that I found her name in Diko's journal." Thalamik presented a book showing Diko saying he received a call from Zuatha Il Zikmel as far back as the first time the three stepped into Vanguard Academy.
"From all the way back then? Then, why didn't he?" Raymed asked.
"He must have his reasons for hiding it."
"Sorry, Thalamik and Raymed. Are you saying Zuatha Il Zikmel, the person behind the South Jaka City Incident, has actually been spying on us and devising a plan against us? Moreover, she had the ability to erase or at least make people forget about someone as important as the Director of Humanity?"
"Do you find it hard to believe, Carmilla?" Thalamik asked with a sincere tone.
"I find the fact that Zuatha was spying on us quite believable. Even without any proof, she would definitely try to slow down both your and Raymed's rise to ranks. However, somehow, Raymed rose to the rank of Hero fairly easily, which undermines your suspicions. On top of that, if she had the ability to erase people's memories, why do it now?" Carmilla explained.
"I can't blame you for thinking that way, Carmilla. But you should know, Zuatha Il Zikmel is a scientist through and through. She was also one of the ones who developed the biochemical weapon back in the second outbreak of Corona (Corrosive Mana) in 2022. Someone of her caliber, after all these years, may look at our current happenings to be fairly easy to achieve. Diko's journal clarifies the fact that she wasn't held behind bars. If she were, how could she hope to disturb Diko's communication? Why is it now? Perhaps she was aiming for something. My guess is to take the demonic core of Raum. But after all this time..." Thalamik replied, occasionally scratching his head.
"After all this time, she hasn't made her move yet, right? Raum's demonic core is still in the hands of Vanguard Academy's higher-ups." Carmilla said before putting a hand on her chin. "Well, I suppose her fate after the 2024 incident is quite ambiguous. A blind spot that we can't know since we don't have any contacts within the Fey Kingdom, particularly the Zikmel family." Carmilla declared.
"That is true. The Four Big Clans of White Elf family are Zikmel, Opache, Lupache, and Degurathon. So far, Zikmel is too far detached since they based themselves in the land we used to know as North America."
"Then, we only need to ask someone who coexists with the Zikmel family. It doesn't necessarily have to be White Elf, right?" Raymed spoke out.
Thalamik and Carmilla turned their attention to Raymed.
"I have contacts with Lizwell Von Wistik. The Dark Elf representative. The one who blessed me in the name of Oberon back at the graduation ceremony."
"That is a very good suggestion. Considering... wait..."
Raymed widened his eyes, seemingly understanding Thalamik's expression.
He recalled a memory not so long ago.
-~
"Ah! Puck! Where's King Oberon?"
"The King! Ohh, The King! Obe-Obe-Oberon!"
Puck hails at the mention of Oberon's name. "HOHOHO! The King is absent! He hither to the Elves on the North American continent. The Dark Elves had trouble, so he went there a few days ago.
-~
"Oberon, the king of the fey, supposedly was going to the North American Continent with the White Elves. However, his court jester, Puck, said that the one having trouble was the dark elves."
Thalamik looked confused at Raymed's explanation.
"I heard from the Lupache family that he was on business with white elves? But I didn't understand what it was."
"I think I got it." Raymed nodded. "It's clear that..."
"I see. I think I got it as well." Carmilla said, nodding.
"The Dark Elves had a problem. But the problem was in regard to the White Elves. Hence, they are having some kind of dispute over something. It must've been an important one as well, considering the king is involved. We can be sure it's about white elves since North America is White Elves' territory." Raymed explained.
"It seems we have a lead," Thalamik said.
"We do, but I think I need to think about it further," Carmilla said. "I can't think of Zuatha Il Zikmel as a powerful figure like that. Because what would Morgwynevere stay silent if Zuatha performed that memory wipe?" She continued with a determined face.
"That's right..." Thalamik put a hand on his chin.
"Considering I've met her firsthand, Morgwyn is probably the only one who can at least balance out our situation with The Demon King Ars."
"Demon King Ars?" Thalamik asked. "Is it his official name?"
"From what I've heard from Morgwyn, yes," Raymed said. "Perhaps it is a good idea for me to share my experience talking to the other world leaders as well."
Raymed shared about his experience meeting Alayars, Borreas, Oberon, and Morgwynevere. He didn't explain in detail, but rather made points in regards to each of the leaders' character.
"A beast king that is extremely interested in knowledge, A spirit queen that is infatuated with humans, A pacifist king that seeks coexistence as a whole, and A Queen that has been fighting Ars for more than 2 millennia." Thalamik heard Raymed's explanation, shaking his head. "I didn't imagine the leaders of each country would be this competent if we look at the people running the middle management." He continued with a snarky remark.
"Thalamik, calling people in that 'middle management' incompetent is too harsh, no?" Carmilla put a hand on her cheeks as if she were tired.
"I mean. Well, yeah. I guess I am... NOT harsh enough." Thalamik said, smirking.
Thalamik and Carmilla lock their eyes on to each other.
"In any case, we need to prioritize. The Demon King wishes to rule our world by any means necessary. At the same time, the forces of our own aren't actually compatible with one another. If Thalamik's hunch is true, we might even have someone counting to wreak havoc." Raymed said.
"My priority is..." Thalamik took up the lead and finally spoke his mind. "My priority is hunting down Zuatha Il Zikmel. Whatever you two say won't change my mind."
"Thalamik..." Raymed looks at his friend with a saddened expression.
"Thalamik, I never wanted to call you out. But, by you saying this, I think I can confirm. You have already decided from the start to pursue Zuatha. In my opinion, pursuing Zuatha will only result in you to..."
"I know. It would only result in me getting hurt more and more. It means I am not moving on from my past. But, Carmilla, I have done enough."
Thalamik raises his aura.
"It's all enough. Corona of 2020, Corona of 2022, South Jaka City, Illias, Diko. Haven't I lost enough already?" Thalamik rose from his seat, looking straight at Carmilla.
"I understand your rage full well, Thalamik, but this is all politics. It's enough that you almost killed Cobalt. Any further impulsive action may damage our standing in the whole world." Carmilla rose as well, looking at Thalamik coldly, raising her aura as well.
Raymed instinctively moved between them.
"Coexistence can't be achieved if we cling to our desire for revenge. That's given." Carmilla said her eyes were focused.
"Coexistence can't be achieved if a person who obstructs them remains free to do whatever the fuck they want." Thalamik isn't letting down his aura.
"All of this you are doing. You are just trying to find an excuse to hunt down Zuatha and kill her fastest way possible. Isn't that right?"
"What if I am? Would you blame me?" Thalamik raised an eyebrow.
"I wouldn't blame you. But, can't you see that doing this will mean you are just as bad as her?" Carmilla calmly said.
"Can't you see? Zuatha is beyond morals. She treats our suffering as mere entertainment. A one-sided game."
"If you must persist. I won't take part in this."
"Hell. I never want you both to take part. What I want is for you both to stay out of my way!" Thalamik nudged his face closer towards Carmilla with eyes fiery with mana. While she watched with shaken eyes.
"Mik. That's uncalled for." Raymed intervened as he raised his aura as well.
Thalamik took a deep breath, turning away from both Carmilla and Ray.
"Don't you both stop my fire from burning. We are humans. You and I are nothing but temporary. When I win this one-sided game... It is where I will finally be saved. I can't lose again. I can't lose anyone again."
After those words, Carmilla and Raymed finally started to understand.
"Thalamik..." Carmilla's aura slowly dissipates. "I am... sorry."
Raymed expression turned to a frown and said. "I am sorry as well..."
Thalamik turned to face the two and said, "I was the one to blame. I was the one fighting beside her." He speaks with a solemn smile.
Raymed and Carmilla finally understand that the pain Thalamik had been holding this entire time had piled up once more. But, unlike before, he is completely chained to it. Once again, he fell to the abyss. Rather than choosing the temporary light, he is trying to stay and fight back the darkness.
Thalamik is going to kill Zuatha Il Zikmel.
If that's the last thing he will do.
"Enough about me. Tell me. What will you guys do now?" Thalamik asked.
"I will return to the Saint HQ promptly. I will try to figure out a way we can keep the peace. With the growing crisis of Indonexta asking for remuneration from Mermaid Kingdom, things ought to be dangerous. We can't afford another war."
"I am counting on you, Carmilla," Thalamik said with a smile.
"Leave it to me." She smiled back.
The two look at Raymed as if it were his turn to answer.
"Me? I will..."
Suddenly, the image of Kourin flashes in Raymed's mind.
"I will go back to report to Morgwyn first. I'll be sure to help her diplomacy towards the United Front."
"I am counting on you on that as well. You both are just that dependable." Thalamik said, smiling at the two.
"Good luck to you, too, Thalamik," Ray said.
"I guess we should go. It's nice to see you again, Thalamik and Momoka!" Carmilla said before she shook hands with Momoka. "The coffee was great!"
"Thank you, Carmilla. Let's meet again when the atmosphere isn't so tense."
"HAHAHA!" Carmilla burst out laughing. "You are hilarious."
Thalamik stared at the two, annoyed.
Raymed put his fist on Thalamik's shoulder.
Thalamik grabbed his fist and opened his mouth.
.
.
.
"I know you were gonna meet up with Kourin."
"HUH!!!? AM NOT!"
Thalamik smiled silently.
"YOU ASS!" Raymed performed slapstick punches on Thalamik repeatedly, only for him to hit Thalamik's mana field.
After that, both Raymed and Carmilla went on their way, escorted by Thalamik's fiend army.
"Are you sure you want to leave everything at that master?" Momoka asked with a solemn face. "You are going to hurt yourself even more by not being completely transparent."
Thalamik's eyes became dark as he spoke his mind, "Fighting Raum made me realize something, Momoka. The stronger I depend on someone, the weaker I am to solve a problem on my own. Showing weakness to get sympathy from Raymed and Carmilla will help me greatly. But, I will only grow weaker. I will use my own way to kill Zuatha Il Zikmel."
***
Somewhere inside an office.
A newspaper came in the office desk of an elven woman.
A woman who was notoriously known by humanity as a terrorist.
The woman read the news and laughed.
"He made a stunt like that in Vanguard. Sloppy Sloppy Thalamik. Even after all these years, he hasn't learn politics well. But since my 'true' lord had commanded, it's time I play this game again with him. How entertaining!" Zuatha Il Zikmel said while caressing a black moth.
A week from now.
Artifact War will finally start.