The Ballad of Crystl

Epilogue

"It's truly unexpected," Lord Voix walks along the halls of his son's domain. "At least I've taken care of some of the issues regarding his sudden awakening at your hands."

"Is leaving them a part of your plans?" a heavily cloaked Caine, who is walking along with his father, asks.

"Of course," Voix nods. "It is in our unbreakable vows as Supreme Being to bring serious injury to my own creation."

"If so, how did you mess up the memories of the new Cyrrus?"

"The vows are strict," Lord Voix shows him the deep wounds from his bandaged right arm. "It would take time for me to heal. Call it simply as 'father's love'."

"It does look painful," Caine nods at his father. "Thank you, for giving me a chance."

"You've been binge eating, haven't you?"

"Yes, father," Caine removes his cloak revealing a monstrous appearance like that of a cannibal. "I needed more men and more power. This is nothing compared to what I will show that mistake of a reaper when the preparations are completed."

"At least let me do this as a good-luck gift," Lord Voix waves his left hand to cover his son's monstrous appearance. "Now you look like royalty again..."

"Well, I was getting used to looking like a monster but," Caine checks his appearance out, "this isn't so bad. How are you going to assure that we'd win the invasion?"

"You will win," Lord Voix grins. "You won't need to mobilize your army for they might come here."

"Is that another of your deductions?"

"Seeing that I've put my plans into place, it would bear fruit once the war takes place."

"What kind of plans were those anyway?"

"I left the kingdom and without my godly directions, who else would try to lead the war?" Lord Voix proudly expresses his satisfaction of his work. "Is it your sister Strotus Darling, or is it the architect Nymbus Livanne, or is it perhaps... Cyrrus Crystl? I caused them to have uncertainties, doubts, and insecurities."

"So you've made them fight amongst themselves," Caine grins. "However, how sure are you that they will come here?"

"They will come," Lord Voix happily strolls, "and they won't be as prepared as you are."

"My generals looked monstrous as well," Caine stares at his father. "They might want to retain their previous appearances as well."

"Of course," Lord Voix gives him five gems. "Take those and give one gem to each."

"But I only need three..."

"You said generals, right?" Lord Voix grins. "Turn two of your strongest cannibals into our likeness and you'll have complete five generals. I've seen those two and I bet they're close to their prime. As for me, I guess it's my time to exit."

"I won't disappoint you, father. Besides, it's my turn to reign supreme to this death verse." Caine clenches his larger fist.

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"I know it's awkward," Crystl walks around a round table prepared for the eight knights and the four slayers while speaking to those who are currently sitting, "some of you haven't yet accepted me as a part of this circle while some of you haven't yet accepted the kind of awakening that I have, but still I thank you for coming here to discuss a pressing matter."

Everyone in the room is dead silent. Even so, Crystl still urges them to speak.

"Let me introduce myself, and I will ask for your full names in return. I, as you know, am Cyrrus Crystl. As of now, I have a title in my mind but for now... I will not add any titles. May I know your full names?"

Fugn looks around and notices that none of them would like to start so he stands up and introduces himself to help Crystl, "I am Fugn Junto, god of time and space. I knew that you've lost your memories because of an accident with the suspect you have in mind. I hope that you remember our names this time. Just so you know I fully accept the fact that you are one of the twelve and also a god slayer."

"Geez, you talk too much old guy," Smowk grins and stands up as Fugn smirks at him while sitting down. "I am Smowk Aargon, god of sky and earth. When you think of those awesome golems with wings, think of me. Of course, defeating me meant that you have earned a spot in this circle." He then kicks the leg of Claad, "That's your cue."

"Fine," he sneers at Smowk, "I am Claad Moir, god of light and darkness. I can't accept my defeat from you, and I'm unwilling to do it but I accept you as part of this circle. Just remember that after the war is over, I would like to schedule a match with you."

"Hold on just a minute," Jet stood up. "Before you open your mouth about scheduling a fight with that guy over there, let me remind you that I want to have a rematch with him before you spout yours!"

"Excuse me," Claad sneers at him, "is it your turn to introduce yourself? Because I think your introduction sucks!"

"b***h," Jet growls at Claad.

"Enough," Livanne, still feeling bad about what happened, slams her hand on the table, "shall we continue with the introduction?"

"I am Comulus Jet, god of division and reaper of mass destruction," he immediately sits down. "I-I accept your application to the circle."

Livanne stands up, "I am Nymbus Livanne, goddess of Death Verse and the reaper of the end of the world. I don't know what to tell you aside from also waiting in line to battle against you after this war is over. You are abnormally strong and I kind of like your style."

"I'm next," the princess stands up as Livanne takes her seat. "First of all Crystl, I am glad that you survived a lot of hardships that came through your way. Secondly, I'm sorry for what I did a while back. It wasn't too 'princess' of me. Thirdly, congratulations for being chosen by the eternal weapon as its new wielder. Finally, I also want to battle against you after this is over. I just want to know who is more powerful. I am Princess Strotus Darling, goddess of emptiness and reaper of genocide."

Crystl nods at her and smiles at both women. Fugn smirks secretly at him as to his dismay.

"Smag Jazz, god of peace and war," he acknowledges Crystl as soon as he stands. "I had no idea that you were attacked and got your memories erased. I suspect that the one that erased your memories didn't want you to remember something important. Also, I've seen your power first hand and I am impressed that your awakening granted you a place in our circle."

"I agree," Myst consents with Smag. "For future preferences, I am Myst Conveya, goddess of night and day. Welcome to the circle."

"I believe we haven't met. My name is Steim Lichten, goddess of plus and minus." She approaches him to shake hands, "I've heard about you, but I have yet to see your true power. Fear not, I've got no grudge against you."

"I've heard that you were recently married," Crystl lowers his head. "I apologize for delaying your honeymoon."

"It's nothing," she waves her hand and takes her seat. "These unexpected things with the cannibals are to be expected. Don't get too worked up..."

"I am Fumi Belille, goddess of fire and ice. It's a pleasure to work with you." After the short introduction, she nods at Crystl and takes her seat.

"I am Gusius Majo, goddess of the sun and the moon... or perhaps just the goddess of the stars," The last night introduces herself to Crystl. "I'm surprised that Lord Voix decided to pass the vacant slayer seat to you when I am supposed to be next in line."

"That is yet to be seen," Claad interferes. "I'm still here."

"Is that so?" she stands up and shakes her head. "And yet, you are defeated by the new guy."

"Are you mocking me?!" Claad yells as he gets up from his seat.

"We shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves," Crystl stops them both.

"Then, how about we fight for your position?" Gusius glares at Crystl. "If I win, we will exchange titles."

"We'll do that after we win the war," Darling decides to get in between.

"Your orders are not mine to follow, princess." Gusius sets her eyes on Crystl, "I demand a battle with you here right now."

"Not here," Crystl glances over at Fugn, "but somewhere far from the civilians."

Fugn sighs as he opens up a portal, "Don't overdo it... we are all allies."

"Kuh," Crystl glares at Gusius. "This is why I hate Voix."

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"Why did you ask for our presence, Lord Caine?" Master Precy asks their cloaked leader.

"We've become critically strong," Caine approaches them and gave each of them a gem. "With those gifts, I bring you great news from father."

"What is this, my Lord?" a cannibal named Mode asks.

"I want all of you here right now to be my generals and as such, you'll need a better appearance," Caine unveils what lies beneath his cloak. "You do want to look like your old selves, right?"

"My Lord," General Subli kneels down, "you are back to your kingly presence!"

"All hail, Lord Caine!" General Evva exclaimed.

"It is an honor," General Groom, the second cannibal kneels down as well, "Hail, Lord Caine!"

"Please raise your heads," Caine proudly expresses his kingship amongst his men. "I received information that the enemies will be coming to us! It would make it easier for us to defeat them in our territory!"

The six of them goes out of the balcony where an army of cannibals look up to them.

"Your crown, my lord," General Evva hands him a decorated crown. "ALL HAIL LORD CAINE, GOD OF DEATH VERSE!"

The army of cannibals roar as their future king raises his scythe up above as it glimmers in an eerie brilliance. All of them kneel down to their chosen ruler who cannibalized with them in order to show them that their future is set.

"Now that is a sight to behold," General Precy grins as he proudly looks up at his Lord.

At the back of Caine's mind, he says, "You will payfor the humiliation you've caused me. You will pay for ruining my plans. I willnot stop until you've suffered greatly and before I swallow you whole I wouldlike to hear those words from you... How did it end up like this?"