At the same time...
Eryn Village.
As an undercurrent began to sweep around the Osborne Villa, a different scene could be seen taking place on the western half of Erebonia. Deep within Isthmia Great Forest. Several people could be seen gathered around outside of Roselia's Atelier.
Amongst them was a little girl with plum-colored hair. The very same girl Naoto had become friends with these last couple of years, Emma Millstein. Unfortunately for Emma, Naoto will soon be off-grid once these events take place. She will not be able to have more playdates with Naoto for the foreseeable future. She was holding onto a long blue witch-like robe of a taller woman with worry in her eyes.
"Is Grandma going to be alright?", Emma asked, obviously worried. Hearing this, the purple-haired woman beside Emma simply smiled, and gave a pat on her head.
"Of course Mother is alright. She is simply preparing a rather complex incantation. She cannot be disturbed right now. And if it goes well, we might have another member joining our family.", The woman answered. She was Emma's Mother, Isola Millstein. It would still be a couple years before her fateful clash with the Black Alberich takes place.
"Grandma is casting a big spell? Really!?", Emma excitedly asked.
"That's right. I am unsure of the time frame, though. It is just a little too much for you to understand right now Emma dearest.", Isola said, looking down at Emma.
"It's okay. I understand. Is it going to be similar to Big Brother joining us?", Emma asked. Along with Princess Alfin, she also sometimes refers to Naoto as 'Big Brother'. Unlike with Elie, Naoto has spent quite some time in Eryn Village. Enough where he is treated just like a real family.
"In a way.", Isola responded, nodding her head. "For now, try not to get in Mother's way, alright?"
"Okay!", Emma happily said.
Presently, Isola and Emma and the rest of the Hexen Clan were helping Roslia prepare a large formation. Emma made sure not to disturb everyone as they moved out and about. If one had a close look, four members of the Hexen Clan could be seen at each corner of Roselia's Atelier. They were all squatting down in front of large stakes that were driven into the ground. On top of that, they were actively channeling their Mana, just like how Naoto had learned while staying here.
It wasn't just Roselia's family that were Witches here. Every single person inside Eryn Village was a Witch in their own right! They all knew how to wield Mana in one form or another!
Some were Alchemists while others knew how to tame monsters. But utilizing Mana. Now that is something everyone knows how to do. It was the basis of all things related to Magic, after all. Because of that, Roselia's Atelier was presently showing quite a scene. It was lit up entirely blue.
It did not take long for another older member of the Hexen Clan to come rushing toward Isola.
"Isola, Roselia's Soul Purification stakes have been successfully planted. We have our Witches currently maintaining the flow of Mana as we speak. The incantation is now underway, and cannot be stopped.", The Witch said, only to have a hint of worry in their eyes. "Is it really alright for us to perform this incantation, Isola? I have not seen Roselia this serious in quite some time. This disciple of hers must truly be special to her."
"I understand your worry, as I share the same sentiment. It is not like we can go against Mother's wishes. Apparently doing this doesn't affect the grand scheme of things, so I personally am not against it. Mother will be weakened for a while afterward, so please look after her, alright?", Isola asked, still worried. She then looked toward her daughter. "Emma, we are all helping out here. Naoto gave us this information, so it is only proper that we follow suit. Do you think you can help out and cast your Mana too?", Isola said, asking another question.
"Alright.", The Witch nearby said, nodding their head.
"Okie-dokie!", Emma happily said. They both gave their response to Isola, causing her to smile.
"Excellent. Then let us move forward like this.", Isola stated, causing everyone nearby to nod. As Emma got busy using her trainee magic wand, the others took to their position. The Mana covering Roselia's Atelier intensified. It spread quickly, and converged together. All four stakes lit up, and ancient-like runes started appearing on each wall of the Atelier. It soon became a gigantic barrier.
Seeing the barrier take shape, Isola's gaze turned serious.
"Soul Isolation Barrier Incantation...You really do know some crazy spells, Mother...", Isola said, and sighed. Still, she revealed a smile on her lips. "Still, we are doing just one part of it. I hope Naoto's new little friend will do her job. She was taught knowing what to do. All she needs to do is not mess it up...", Isola continued to utter. Isola too joined in on the fun, and swung her own staff around.
Isola's staff began to glow brightly, and joined in with the other Witches...
Meanwhile, a different scene could be seen taking place inside Roselia's Atelier. Roselia could be seen standing in its center while in her small form. She had just finished drawing out an exquisite formation on the floor, which consumed a lot of her Mana. She will have to remain like this for a while from here on, which should be fine considering Naoto's plans that are now in motion.
Seeing the completion of the incantation, Roselia nodded her head in agreement.
"Umu. Looks like everyone has played their part. It is only thanks to Naoto's new Familiar that I can cast such a complex incantation right now. She only has one tail too. A Silver Nine-Tailed Fox, eh?", Roselia murmured to herself, only to have a small silver fox appear in her mind. "I can't wait to see what she will develop in the future. I think Naoto named that fox, Tamamo?", Roselia continued to ask, keeping her voice to herself.
"Still, you say some things can't be changed, Naoto. I must say, this does look like one to me. Whether or not for the better, only the Goddess herself knows the answer to that. I do not even have a container ready to contain this soul. I will have to find something soon. At least I have the ability to do so, considering who I am after all.", Roselia said, containing a hint of pride in her voice.
"Either way, no doubt the Twilight will come about from doing this. You say that old man of yours called it a wretched fairy tale. It matters not what story will play out from here. Should Naoto want it to continue as I had seen it through his memories, then this is very much the way, I suppose.", Roselia continued her little monologue.
"In the end, we will have a new person joining the Hexen Clan. I'm sure my cute granddaughter is very happy, even though the vessel isn't quite yet ready. That's partially why you're willing to enter such a devilish place, isn't it, Naoto?", Roselia questioned, recalling what Naoto is planning to do from here.
Even Roselia wouldn't dare to enter the DG Cult willingly. And yet, Naoto is proceeding to do as such, using these events what are now unfolding to act as a facade. Roselia then observed herself for a moment.
"This complex incantation will likely drain the rest of my Mana. I will not be able to move from the village for a while, I'm afraid. You are already having some fun without me, Naoto. Those Jaegers really do like cropping out of places they shouldn't be poking their noses into.", Roselia said, grinning. "I do hope your Familiar will be ready for when the time comes."
Unlike other blue swirling Mana encompassing her Atelier, Roselia suddenly unleashed a bloody red aura, pure crimson in color. She was now ready to start her part of the incantation. She began swinging her staff around, and began to chant...
"I sing to thee, an ode to the Wanderer above the Skies. As your faithful servant watching over Man. To escape the laws that bind Causality, I beseech thee your Grace, for one that may soon be Lost. Please grant them your Mercy in hopes to become a beacon. Become their Guiding Light...", Roselia chanted.
Roselia began her own incantation, and her Mana condensed. She no longer stood still in the center of the large magic circle. Taking steps slowly but surely, she started moving in a particular pattern...
While Roselia's incantation was now under way, back toward the Osborne Villa...
Some time had passed since the Red Constellation and the High Priest arrived near the villa. The peaceful evening had long ended, quickly turning to the worse.
Every so often, scattered gunshots would disturb the trees as the Jaegers fought the personal guard assigned to General Giliath. Unfortunately for their villa, General Giliath was currently away. By the time he arrives at this place, it would be too late. Naoto knew this was key to the whole plan, so he didn't tell his Father that this would be the night of the villa raid.
The villa itself was no longer shrouded in the darkness of the night. On the contrary. It was now lit up in a fiery inferno, smoke puffing out of several windows. Every so often, planks would collapse in different directions. This slowly revealed what was happening on the inside. It was as if the entire place was blasted away by a bomb. For some reason, the first floor remained intact.
Presently a couple people could still be seen in the living room. One was a black-haired boy. He ignored the smoldering embers crackling around them, and was at a loss for words. Just earlier today, he was playing around without a care in the world. But now, his whole house was set ablaze. His home he once knew was no more. He saw a woman smiling at him nearby.
"M-Mother?", Rean called, Rean called out, seeing Kasia before him. He stared at her with a blank look in his eyes. Blood splatters were around her entire body, but more around her chest. There was a large chainsaw-like jagged sword currently pierced through it. Kasia coughed up more blood while trying to look at Rean.
Despite having such a large wound on her body, Kasia still attempted to smile at Rean. As she did, Kasia tried opening her mouth. More blood splattered onto Rean's face, which paralyzed him.
"Mother!", Rean exclaimed, seeing Kasia attempt to crouch over him to protect Rean from the blazing fire. Kasia struggled, but she managed to speak some words to Rean.
"Rean...my child...", Kasia tried to say. "You must stay strong, and live on...", Kasia continued, quickly feeling any remaining strength leave her body.
"B-But...!", Rean tried to respond back, but only tasted iron on his lips thanks to the blood splatters. Kasia had enough strength to place her finger over Rean's lips.
"Shush now...", Kasia said, only to turn toward another boy nearby who had violet-colored hair. "Naoto...I entrust...Rean...to...you...", Kasia said, saying her parting words.
After Kasia said that, her arms went limp, and no longer covered Rean's lips. The large chainsaw-like sword stuck in her chest retreated from the wound, and Kasia's body soon collapsed, next to Rean. Dead.
That was me, who felt sad seeing this play out before my eyes. I had come to accept this woman as my Mother. And now, she's gone...
I would be much more sad if I hadn't prepared Roselia's incantation beforehand. I decided to save Kasia's soul. She will not be immediately reborn into a new 'vessel', but the technology exists. I'm referring to the Homunculus technology that the Gnomes hold. I need events to play out to acquire that.
But this sadness quickly turned into anger. Now what played out before me, I did not expect to happen. My eyes landed on the retreating sword, which was held by a long, red-haired boy a few years older than me. I did not expect to encounter this boy in this manner. As two opponents on the battlefield.
Randolph Orlando...!
As my anger soared, a silver fox appeared not too far away, jumping on some furniture that wasn't touched by the ongoing blaze yet. She started channeling her Mana, and began the second half of Roselia's incantation. Tamamo had her own role to play, so I left her to her own devices. She would be the one to retrieve Kasia's soul. Because of that, I could keep my attention on the red-haired boy in front of me. I felt a cold chill run down my spine seeing such dead eyes.
Is this fate playing a trick on me? This for sure didn't happen. It isn't supposed to be the Red Constellation who attacks Father's villa. They're supposed to be a no-name Jaeger corp easily capable of being hired by nobles...
But this is my story, so things are bound to change. My existence alone is already changing events that precede the original story, so I need to be ready for what gets sent my way.
I did not see Randolph back away, so I reached down toward my rapier, and brandished it.
"Randolph Orlando...!", I shouted, letting my voice spread through the remains of our villa. Immediately after, I struck out, piercing straight toward Randy. Light engulfed my blade, and I activated 'Piercing Light'.
CLANG!
Randy easily blocked my Rapier. His health pool barely moved. In terms of weapon size, I was at a big disadvantage, but I recalled what my Teacher had taught me. Even if it was like this, there are ways I can overpower him. Striking where it matters, and keeping up my speed to do so. Unlike other characters, Randolph's speed isn't exactly the greatest. He substitutes that with raw strength.
I was not expecting to enter a battle with Randolph Orlando of all people...
The battle had begun, and I began exchanging blows with Randolph. As this happened, I heard a voice call out to me. I didn't expect to see Father arrive on the scene so soon. Giliath saw me with a look of disbelief, clashing blades with a red-haired boy inside the villa. Giliath's eyes turned wide.
"Just what have you done...", Giliath uttered, seeing his villa now set ablaze. His mind turned muddy, and his eyes soon found Kasia's lifeless corpse. He had just finished fending off the rest of the Red Constellation, allowing him to make it all the way here. He too participated in the fighting.
Giliath felt his knees go weak as he landed in front of Kasia. He also saw Rean still paralyzed in fear, blood running down the side of his face.
"Nooo! Damn you, Arundel! I've looked the other way for so long, and this is how you repay me? By hiring a bunch of Jaegers!?", Giliath roared in both sorrow and anger. Grief struck his body. Yet what Giliath didn't know was that the man who he referred to as 'Arundel', had been beaten by someone else. The High Priest. At least as far as the attack on the villa.
Giliath then saw me block another attack from Randy, which allowed me to create a temporary gap.
"Father! Take Rean and go!", I exclaimed, calling out to Giliath. It took a moment for Giliath to register what was just said. He turned
"Naoto, you...", Giliath tried to respond, only to see me block another attack from Randy. Giliath shifted his head back toward Rean, and saw a big wound covering Rean's heart. The very same wound that would become scar that Rean would show his classmates in Thors. Giliath would offer his own heart to save Rean's. A decisive look appeared in his eyes. He reached down, and grabbed Rean.
"There is no time. Hurry!", I exclaimed again, continuing to fend off Randy. By this point, Randolph was already a fighting machine trained to kill, courtesy of the War God himself. It wasn't hard to see where his next swing of his sword would land.
"But...", Giliath said, finding strength in his lands to stand up. "It is me who they want. If I go, death will follow!", Giliath said to me.
"You must have some way to save Rean, right? Then go! I will handle things here.", I said, still urging Father to leave.
"Naoto...", Giliath said, watching me fight off the red-haired boy. "Promise me you'll follow me once you can find an opening."
"...", I didn't immediately respond, which only caused Giliath to frown.
"Promise me."
"...Just go, Father. I will pray to the Goddess for your guys' safety.", I answered. He saw the resolution in my eyes. Giliath felt strangely calm hearing this. He too felt determined.
"...I see. So you have already started walking your own path. May Aidios be your guiding light, my son.", Giliath stated, keeping Rean close to his arms.
Turning back one more time to look at me, our eyes met in the midst of battle. Giliath then turned the other way, and vanished into the darkness, leaving the burning villa behind.
The villa crumbled more and more as time went on. As for me, I still had my first life-and-death battle. I kept exchanging blows with Randy, using Craft after Craft after Craft. His health pool was being slowly whittled down. I heard so many Gamer Notifications that I grew numb to it all. I didn't review them, as I focused on the battle before me.
But now, with this anger swelling inside me, a question remained. Should I kill one of the future members of the SSS, right here and now?
Or better yet, direct this anger to the one causing Randy to behave like this, the Red Constellation? Right now, Randy is just a tool. He breaks free from their grasp, so I don't mind giving him a push in the right direction...