Ravissant

Chapter 8

Genus Electum - Chosen

The five chosen soldiers to enter the Old World were presented to the King and Queen. After the race, the people of Omnia gathered around them, congratulating them and sending them blessings and wishes when they set foot in the mundane world.

After a few minutes with the people, they were instructed to enter the palace, to be formally introduced to King Adamaris and Queen Belvedere. They all stood in front of the people at the massive throne room outside the castle. The five Elves faced the people, while the King and Queen stood behind them, slightly elevated for the whole kingdom to see.

“Omnia,” King Adamaris began. There was a hush in the audience as the people silenced to listen to the King. “I present to you Ominia’s Champions who will enter the Old World to defeat and capture Gilgamesh.”

The crowd roared in celebration. They clapped and shouted the names of their champions. They all went silent again when King Adamaris raised his hands.

“Milos, daughter of Cassius and Estelle, may you have the strength and courage to bring glory to Omnia. Strike Gilgamesh on its hide and let the blood of the beast be the redemption of your name.” King Adamaris said as he placed his golden sword on Milos’ shoulder.

“Petram, son of Danaus and Accalia, the defeater of the Primis Terebris. May your strength help pull out Gilgamesh’s scales, a source of his evil magic, and bring Omnia to the celebration as you defeat one of the most formidable enemies of your people.” The King continued. He walked towards Lux.

“Lux, son of Elexus and Jerolin, whisperer of Omnia’s fauna. Bring pride to Omnia as you gauge Gilgamesh’s eyes, blinding him to defeat and taking him back behind the golden bars of the prison waiting for him here in Omnia.”

“Ferox, son of Pious and Jae, the fiercest of the Elvin army, defeat the monster with your sharp mind, lure it to its defeat and return back safely to be celebrated and praised by Omnia for generations to come.

King Adamaris walked towards Neonella. Her face expressionless, like what Elvin soldiers were trained to be.

“Neonella, daughter of Cassius and Estelle, beloved niece of the Queen of Omnia. become the leader that you were born to be as you slew Gilgamesh with your arrow, pierce it with your sword into its heart.” The King paused. “For more than a century of my reign as King of Omnia, I have never seen a soldier as powerful, wise, and dedicated as you are. Become the pride of Omnia. Lead my champions with your pure heart. Slay Gilgamesh if you must. Omnia will be forever in debt with your greatness.”

The crowd roared and clapped for Neonellla. They all shouted her name. She is the most respected soldier in the land. And just now, King Adamaris gave her the responsibility to lead the champions.

Milos was defeated with the uproar of Omnia. They all loved Neonella. She was the Queen’s niece after all. Even Though she was also thrown to serve the army like she was, it was favorable for her. She was born to lead and become a warrior.

And what did King Adamaris just say to her? That it was her chance for redemption. Although it was true, the King could not have been more obvious.

She stood there and pretended not to hear the praises that Neonella received from the people. All were cheering their favorite champion’s name.

Milos was a champion but just like she thought, she was overshadowed by Neonella’s fame and greatness.

She knew that Neonella was not the only one responsible for what happened in the past. It was the three of them who agreed to go to the Old World.

It was Olethea who enticed and pushed them to go the second time around.

There were a lot of moments in her younger years that she blamed Olethea for everything. She was the reason why she was left in the mundane world. She was the reason why their magic failed and why the monsters in Omnia escaped.

If she didn’t use her magic to charm her and Neonella back to the Old World, none of this would have happened.

She wouldn’t have lost her friends. Milos would still have Olethea and Neonella by her side.

There were a lot of moments back in the training grounds where she wanted to talk to Neonella. Be friends with her again. But she was surrounded by people who adored her talents and skills and fighting.

While the rest of the kingdom hated and blamed her for every monster attack in town.

How can she be friends with Neonella while people glorified her friend while despising her at the same time?

She chose to be alone instead. Milos had no time to be friends with anyone else.

Milos focused on her training. She might have lost Olethea and Neonella but her father celebrated her for being part of the Elvin army. The castle started to get more weapons from his father. Cassius became the official weapon master of the Kingdom.

However, that adoration from her father was short-lived.

During her first year as a soldier, Neonella single-handedly defeated Fenriz, the wolf-monster son of the god Loki. It was the third most powerful ever in Omnia and Neonella managed to defeat it on her own.

“Aren’t you skilled enough to kill or at least catch a monster on your own,” She couldn’t forget those words that her father told her the day the kingdom celebrated Neonella’s triumph over the monster?

She was never enough. Milos was so far from what Neonella is and what she can be.

Milos focused on fighting and becoming the best soldier possible. She was very good at that. But not as good as Neonella.

Neonella, surprisingly, had the talent for weapons and battle.

Who knew that the frail girl who spent most of her time reading in the library or painting in her room would turn out to be one of the most formidable soldiers in Omnia history.

She tried to forget the fact that no one was celebrating with her. The fact remains that she is not able to go inside the Old World once more. Maybe she’ll be able to find Olethea.

Milos saw Oros and Damian in the crowd of spectators. Those sneaky two. She almost lost her chance to enter the mundane world because of those two.

She could not help but look at Neonella. If she didn’t scream in her mind to get up, she might have lost that chance. It has been years since Neonella connected with her.

The day they lost Olethea and the monsters were attacking the castle, Neonella attempted to talk with her through their mind. No one knew that they had the ability to do so. It was a secret among the three - the two of them together with Olethea.

However, she told Neonella to die instead. That she would only forgive her if she died.

It was the last time that Neonella ever attempted to mentally reach out to her, not until today.

The uproar of the people began to fade when the King announced the start of the festivities. It was after all the Spring Solstice. It was a time of celebration for the Kingdom.

There was food, dancing, games, and entertainment in the kingdom.

However, instead of joining the festivities, they were immediately called by Fortem, Neonella’s brother and leader of the Elvin army to the war room.

They were congratulated by their fellow soldiers.

The five champions gathered around a round table, together with Fortem, a map covered the table.

Milos looked at the map. She was familiar with the place.

It was the same area where they entered the Mundane World. She looked at Neonella who caught her gaze.

“Neo and Milos.” Fortem started. “I know you are familiar with this place. Can you tell us more about it?”

Neo, being the higher ranking official of the army answered. “This is where we entered through the portal to the Mundane World. It appeared on the same spot thrice. Twice when we opened it from here and once when we opened it from the other side.” She pointed to the familiar small alley where they emerged in the mundane world.

“Mundanes lived here,” she added, pointing at the residential area that Lucas told them about back then. “Meanwhile, people held their business here.” She continued. She looked at her brother, “That was the farthest we ever got to see.” She took her soldier stance once again.

“And where was Olethea taken?” Lux asked.

Milos gave a sharp breath, it was inappropriate.

Neonella looked at her and answered, “Here,” pointing on a spot on the map. “Here where the portal opens.”

Lux realized that he shouldn’t have asked that question. He chose to stay silent instead.

“Milos and I shall enter the Mundane world tomorrow to scout,” Fortem said. “We haven’t been in the mundane world for almost a decade. We need to know what to expect.” Fortem said.

“Milos, stay here, the rest of you can join the festivities and report back to me a day after tomorrow.”

The four soldiers left the room leaving Milos and Fortem behind.

“Meet me at the Silver Rock tomorrow before dawn breaks,” Fortem told Milos after the four had left the room.

“Pardon me Captain but why me? Why didn’t you take Neonella instead.” Milos could not help but ask.

“Because Neonella will definitely look for Olethea once we enter the Old World,” Fortem replied.

“And what makes you think that I would not do the same?” She asked sarcastically.

“I know you would too,” Fortem said, smiling. Their leader rarely smiled. Even when they were younger, Fortem was always the serious one. “But I know you’ll have a hard time defying my orders,” he said, winking at Milos.

Milos felt her throat dry up. Fortem has always been nice to her despite her rivalry with Neonella.

“As you command, Captain.” She replied.

“Now, let us go to the needlewoman, and let’s have something ready to wear for tomorrow,” Fortem told her as he began to walk towards the door.

Milos followed.