The Legend of Tantus - Book 3

Chapter 8.1 - The awakening of the Goddess

    After the destruction of the first essence of Gaia, Armus, already free from restraint, arrived accompanied by his servants, he saw up close the golden aura of Sumith, the aura of Tantus, imposing as the great God he was:

- You really are a great god, Tantus. – said paying a respectful bow.

    The Ragnahawk was perched in the distance and the time traveler simply knelt with his hand on his head, which hurt tremendously, but this time he was not unconscious, he remembered everything perfectly, as if he did it instinctively, automatically, but he had no control over that power, and he knew, deep in his mind, that the great God was there, within him, guiding his body, the receptacle of Tantus. Sumith was now beginning to understand everything Garai said, first the great gods had not really died, they just disappeared from their physical forms, and their spirits returned to him and Iris, but the former summoner died, so Delta came out of the curse of Leand-garai, and when she was reborn in Yasmine he was already free, but Sumith, despite having died, was resurrected by Anarky, did not dive that deep into the other world thanks to Taria's planar life, so he stayed on the curse and stayed alive until today, this was his basic theory, but he was probably right.

- Get ready. – said Armus to his troll servants. – Dinner is served.

    The six-headed dragon, even without the heads, was still writhing, agonizing, and at the behest of the god of protection the trolls advanced on him and began to devour him barbaric and literally, a violent scene, but necessary exactly for that essence, according to Armus, because she was defeated, but not dead, and if left that way sooner or later she would recover, so that entire immense body should be consumed absolutely, to release her spiritual strength and be taken back to Gaia. After all that, watched in a frightened manner by Sumith, a light and simple flame floated among the trolls, the god of protection conjured up a small crystal flask and imprisoned it there, then keeping it in his blue armor, the first part was accomplished:

- The ship called Ragnavolk arrived in our world not long ago. – said Armus.

- What?

- That is what you are thinking. According to the crew, they were on a space exploration mission. I must admit that I was particularly impressed with that transport, I never saw anything like it, not even in dreams, and more, it was the life force I felt in them that helped me to discover the way to this world, long forgotten since Arthus punished Gaia.

- So their mission was a great success... – said Sumith thoughtfully. – This can mean a future union between our worlds, and an immense learning opportunity for both.

- No doubt. We can successfully evolve our world with your help. Now Tantus, Gaia and Darkan have a chance to be forever connected.

- You... are right...

    When Ragnavolk arrived in Gaia, the crew was quickly harassed by orcs, unfortunately they were far from their ship, so their elemental weapons were vitally important to their resistance until the help of humans and elves arrived, the friendship grew rapidly between them, who were so similar in so much. The common language of Tantus, which was also the popular language of Darkan, was in many ways similar to the universal language of Gaia, so their understanding was swift, and both learned with incredible ease, their extremely advanced technology, considering that Gaia was still in the iron age compared to Tantus, made them be taken as an omen of a prosperous future by the gods, who were indeed right. Among all of them, Mássimus and Armus were the most interested, considering that the others still had great concerns about the crises that were happening, called "Drakonic Wars". Even in a short time they showed that they had a lot to teach, but it was time to return to their world, with the desire to return soon to consolidate this union. Already close to Tantus, Ragnavolk was welcomed, but due to the global crisis caused by the Laguna war, they were ordered to head straight to the battle in aid of the allies, and so things arrived at this point, a triumphant and opportune return.

- I sincerely thank you for your strength, great Tantus. – said Armus.

- What are you going to do now? – asked Sumith.

- I must take this back to mother-earth, and soon, when the other essences awaken, we will be here, and we will depend on you again.

- So count on me.

- One more thing, it should not be my business to interfere in your world more explicitly, but go north from here and look for the sealed force in the subterranean city called Terra, the relics of Tantus. That has been there for a long time, in a way, I must say, out of idiocy... But it's time to wake up, because a powerful ally will then be at your side.

- Thank you.

    Then Sumith boarded his ship and returned to Partus. Stupendous Ragnahawk technology never ceased to delight Armus, but something else had also caught the attention of the god of protection that day. The traveler was clearly concerned about what happened in the floating kingdom, but he had no doubts of victory, as he no longer felt any battle tremor, just the extraordinary power of his best friend now in a peaceful way. For a moment he remembered the heads he had cut off in the battle and headed to the place, but only saw the remains of them slowly unraveling, a sign that they were really dead now, a relief.

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    Seth, now seeing the kingdom on the ground and only slightly damaged, understood that it took away much of the city's splendor, but seeing it standing and, especially, its people safe, was much more important. The darkanians were decisive in avoiding that tragedy, and now old friends who had spent so much time without contact were reunited, but maybe this is a strengthening of friendships.

- Omega. – said Seth, bowing to the king of Darkan.

- How are you old friend? – asked Omega.

- Glad to see you again. – Seth also showed a lot of respect for Leand-garai, obviously he had already observed him from Plane. – It is an honor to meet a legendary arch sorcerer.

- You... You are a man capable... of guaranteeing the future of a world... – said Garai looking into Seth's eyes and using his powers of prediction.

- ...

- Ignoring me Thorgele? – Ultima asked, finally breaking her silence.

- No way, princess.

- Majesty. – Garai to Omega. – Has your highness Ultima finally decided?

- Are you surprised too? – Omega.

- I know that hundreds of pretenders courted her exhaustively, but I heard that the most they could do was get knocked out by her.

- Haha... That is true. I still remember the destroyed walls of the palace.

- A unique princess in the entire universe. I suppose we should give them some space? – asked Garai, and Omega just shook his head positively.

- Ultima, I...

- Do not speak. – said the princess, taking his hand. – It's been so long since I saw you, just let me look into your eyes for a moment.

- ... – It was awkward moments in a way, but hilarious too.

- I... You know... I have been waiting for you for a long time...

- Ultima, I do not want to disappoint you.

- And you will not, just... Just let me be close to you.

- Temptation of the devils... – said Seth, but very quietly, to himself just.

    The princess of Darkan could no longer hide her passion for him, something that had been kept for so long wanting to leave desperately, now evolved into something more... She reminded Shayera in many ways, in strength, aggression, willpower, her charms were terribly attractive to any man, it was enough to look at her for a few seconds to feel the heart pound with that irresistible beauty. But Shayera was the great love of Seth's life, as well as a woman as venerable as the princess of Darkan, maybe that is why the two did not get along, even though they never knew each other deeply, and for the immense respect she showed him for his whole life the lord found it extremely unfair not to show the same, but the temptation to fall in love with Ultima was also great, a pressure to t*****e anyone's mind, just as Sumith felt about Yasmine, who even being an outstanding warrior was helpless in the face of a force like that.

    It was then that the time traveler returned aboard the Ragnahawk, and the entire population of Partus greeted them and showed gratitude for the strength of the warriors who saved them, but this still did not mean the end of the battles.

- Lady regent, are the people all right? – asked Seth to Ciel.

- Yes, my lord, none of us were hurt. – replied the regent.

- Nice entry you made, huh, old friend? – said Sumith approaching.

- Liked? Did it look good? Did it too fast?

- Hahahaha...

- Hahahaha...

- Curious... – said Omega watching the two. – According to my father's old diary, he and his best friend, who was actually his stepbrother, used to treat each other the same way. And remembering more, he also mentioned about the personality of Tantus, which seems to me quite like Sumith.

- Now that you mention it, Thorgele has a technique similar to our father's, but only that. We also never really met our uncle, we were born later. – said Ultima.

- True, but friendship is exactly the same.

- There are many things capable of crossing great distances. – said Garai. – And feelings are the main.

    Ciel, who moved away from them briefly, came to them to report on new movements of Laguna's armies, received from Arkan through the Kingdom of Anarkandy, as everyone was already properly informed of what had just happened in the floating kingdom, although it was still hard for the kingdoms to believe that enemies from the past were returning to destroy them, but luckily the heroes of the past were also there. In fact, against three golden darkanians and the time traveler, Kraven would never stand a chance of winning, although the risk the city took was unquestionably great, so why was he brought back and put into battle so casually? The answer came quickly with the help of Leand-garai, Laguna, or rather, the time devourer for Sumith, was playing to simply buy time, but that was where the powers of the arch sorcerer were stopped, he could not see any further about this, in no way, and Ultima's power of perception over the region continued to show her a great power in formation, but confused.

- Sorry to have abandoned you that way. – said Sumith. – But I...

- I know. – said Seth, and after a few seconds they understood each other. – Count on us all.

- Thank you. – In addition to the gods of Gaia, only the lords knew the mystery behind the abandonment of Tantus, but never being revealed to the world, and should always and only remain in the right minds.

- We still do not know what Laguna's next step will be. – said Ultima. – But that guy is very strange.

- And with Yasmine captured we will not be able to attack him like this, or she will be in danger. – said Omega.

- Yasmine... If something happens to her...

- Do not worry, Laguna needs her and so he will not risk something stupid like that. – said Garai, bringing Sumith some comfort.

- Sorry. – said Ciel. – The whole continent is ready and awaiting any crisis, Lieben will also receive our support. Whatever they have to do, we will be right behind.

- Thank you lady regent. – said Sumith.

- It's time to return. – said Seth, returning the swords to Sumith. – The balance is strangely confused now, I must remain in focus to maintain it, and our view of the world is also partially obscured because of this, but we will probably see each other again.

- Soon things will get much more serious.

- But we will all be here. By the way, Enghon and Krantenion sent kisses. – And Sumith showed an expression of deep fright.

- Tell them to stay away from me! – He replied.

- Huhuhu... Until next time, princess. – finished Seth to Ultima, leaving her slightly distressed, and reverencing Ciel and the others before disappearing in thunder, back to Plane.

- My ancestor, Kassian Calvera, said that his father came back from the great war extremely proud. – said Ciel. – And this pride was because of Seth. He said that contemplating him in battle and fighting at his side was the most splendid honor he had. A warrior who led us to victory, and at the same time one who chose to give up everything to guarantee the future we reach today, the great holy lord.

- Yes. – Sumith. – His life was never easy. From an early age being put under extreme trials, struggling to survive without even having a clue what fate planned for him. He worked hard and still had great losses, and when life finally seemed to smile at him, having the opportunity to live in happiness, he agreed to go to Plane to continue protecting us. All of them, by the way. My life was difficult, listening to people calling my father a traitor and a coward, my mother died... but when I think about the lords I remember that I do not have so many reasons to complain. – he told this almost as an outburst, as if he needed it, because only his old friends, from the old times, knew about these stories.

- ...

    Valor, honor, loyalty and faith, great things that have always surrounded the two best friends, Sumith and Seth, the strength to rise again as many times as necessary, the will to overcome the insurmountable, as they have proven in the past, and thanks to them all around them were infected by these extraordinary feelings, and carried along the same paths.

    It was clear that the lords were already fully aware of the parallel crisis that was taking place, of the gaians and the essences of Gaia, as Seth saw the first essence, and by the mental link most likely some other lord came down and directly observed the battle, although Armus had the noble intention of not worrying them it would be inevitable to hide something so great, so it was only a matter of time before it was discovered, the lords were willing to help without question, this would be an important and indispensable help, and the great god knew this. Alexander and Laguna, as travelers, had probably already informed the lords about the time devourer, but they continued to judge this as their main duty and wanted to fix it at all costs, but Armus also knew about this enemy. The devourer was causing a very strange imbalance on the planet, he was not as strong as he wished to have the courage to face his most powerful enemies yet, but if there was one thing he was capable of, due to the stolen power of the summons, it was this, this was their camouflage and main guarantee, and Laguna's life was indispensable, as they already knew, the lords could not risk anything like that, in fact they were not willing to sacrifice anyone, regardless of who the devourer was manipulating, all they had to do was wait for him to finally reveal himself, and then be destroyed. It was not known to what extent he could continue harming the world, whether it was only superficial to keep the lords occupied, or whether he could reach a more critical point, but judging by the power he was able to bestow on Kraven, it was better to assume the worst and not underestimate him, because clearly this was a mistake that the enemy did not want to make in any way, he would not be in danger of being intercepted now, his plan was beginning to take shape and something terrible was about to happen, Seth himself, with his keen eye for these things, did not deny this.

    The regents of the countries of Tantus were euphoric after receiving information from the crew of Ragnavolk, about a new inhabited world found, and even more for being so similar and already showing themselves to be friends, but due to the global crisis there was no need to disclose yet, it was better to wait. They decided to divide their combat forces on alert for war, the remaining three ships were placed at strategic points in order to anticipate enemy attacks, Ragnacloud was specially sent to defend Partus, now on the Pandemonius floor, Ragnatar remained on Terra, and Ragnavolk, after due repairs, would be sent to the city of Crastine, where it would be ready for Brambal and Anarkandy, the board was prepared, all that remained was to wait for the war to continue, still unpredictable. Sumith asked the darkanians to return to Wolver, remaining on standby while he would follow Armus's advice, he was going to the Kingdom of Terra to unravel the ancient secret of Tantus's relics.

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