"GET OUT OF HERE !, YOU HAVE DISGRACED OUR FAMILY NAME". A woman in her forties screamed in anger.
The woman stood beside her partner as they confronted a young female. The young female wore a goggle, a black vest, messy white shirt, leather gloves, a blazer worn over her shirt like a cape, skirt, long stockings, and tall boots. Her hair is a beautiful shade of mulberry, complimenting her beautiful sapphire eyes. Her face is etched with rebellion. Behind the girl's ears feathers are visible, and she has a tail reminiscent of a swallow protruding from her back.
"I HAVE NOT, ALL I DID WAS SHOWCASE THAT THEIR BLUEPRINT IS FLAWED AND SHOWED THEM AN ACTUAL TEST OF THEIR HYPOTHESIS WHICH RESULTED IN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE !". The young girl shouted back.
"YOU HAD INSULTED THE GUIDING LIGHT OF OUR NATION, YOU ARE NO LONGER A RUNDINA, GET OUT AND NEVER COME BACK !". A man with similar hair colour shouted in anger.
The man is standing beside the old woman with his hands clenched into fists as they confronted the younger woman.
"FINE, I NEVER THOUGHT OF YOU TWO AS MY PARENTS ANYWAYS. FOR ALL I CARE YOU TWO CAN SCREW YOURSELVES !". The young woman walked away in anger with a small handbag in her grasp.
Rotonda, the capital city of Havenhelm. A nation where magic and religion reigns. Citizens pray and place tribute to a primordial named Erlkönig. The city however is not only deeply rooted with magic, they are also deeply rooted to scientific studies of the world. The city, filled with workshops and magical sanctum where different races gathered to hone their craft. Havenhelm citizens and ruling party majorly consisted of Valkryies, humans with bird tail and feathers interwoven between their hair.
The Rundina family, a noble family consisting of Valkryies, They are also known to be inventors. Elise Rundina, the youngest of the Rundina heir at eighteen year old is such a person. And right now she is being disowned by her parents for an incident which, she is the center of.
_____
Rotonda City Grand Hall Meeting Hall, 7 Hours In The Past.
Seven hours ago, within the royal palace meeting room. The Rundina family is gathered with other scholars and nobles from all across the world. Vendela Rundina, the matriarch of the Rundina family held a meeting between nations and Havenhelm's top scientist and scholars regarding a new project to build a new energy generating infrastructure.
"As you all know, our cities requires more ways of producing energy. Our wind turbines are falling behind the energy demands of this nation". Vendela spoke, her voice booming with intense focus at the issue at hand.
"Your honour Ms. Vendela, we have a proposal. Our nation recently had been developing a new machine we planned to utilize Runitite as a fuel source. We believe that Runitites could be used as a fuel due to its magic converting nature". A man spoke.
The man has a medium length pale green hair with horse like ears and tail. He is well dressed in a tidy and vibrant red outfit which screams royalty. On his right hip a scabbard with a cutlass could be seen attached. This man is Luzdowyck Matryoshka, an equestrian, humans with horse like features.
"Would you care to show us the details Mr. Luzdowyck ?, if your blueprint is correct, we could solve our nation's potential energy crisis we would face soon". Vendela responded.
"I feel honoured. As the representative and the president of Krakenwize, we would like to employ your expertise in machinery in conjunction to our nation's runitite mining industry to advance both nation's industrial sector." Luzdowyck replied as he unfurls a roll of papyrus paper filled with detailed sketch of a complex machine.
"Our machine works by pressurizing runitite metals into a chamber and have workers converting their energy powering the city". Luzdowyck explained.
"So Runitites will work as a way to store the energy of our workers and use it to power our industry section ?". Vendela asked.
"Sorry mother but this blueprint is flawed". A young lady interjects.
The Lady stood up from her seat. Her hair is a beautiful coloured dark purple tied to a ponytail that slowly transitioned into a braid at the end. On her left and right sat two similar looking woman, one with twin braided hairs and another one with straight and smooth hair. The lady had a fierce yet calm look in her face as if she is facing a tough adversary.
"Runitite is not a fuel source nor is it capable of storing energy, it won't work". The young Valkryie told the group.
"Elise, silence. You shall not run your mouth in this conference, I had enough of your insolence". Vendela spoke firmly.
The young Valkryie gritted her teeth in silence feeling frustrated. She opened her mouth slightly. It is obvious that she was about to retort.
"Wait lady Vendela, let this young lady speak. I'm intrigued". A man with a medium build and amber coloured hair said right before the young lady could utter a single word. The man looks like a normal human compared to the rest of the attendee within the conference. He wore a dark brown regal outfit with gold accents and a red cape. This man is what the people of this universe called as a warlock.
"Sir Benjamin, forget what my insolent daughter had said, she is in her rebellious adolescent phase". Vendela replied.
"No let her speak, as the king of the kingdom of Avalon and one of the representative of the conference of nations I gave her permission to speak". The man spoke.
"Tch, what do I expect from a king who married a demon...". Vendela muttered under her breath with a volume low enough that the other representatives couldn't hear her.
The young lady gleamed with appreciation at the King's words.
"I apologize for my brash and rude interjection, but as I said, Runitite is a material not fit to be used as a fuel source. We all know that the nature of this mineral is to convert mana into magic which is why we used it for magic crafts such as runestones and rune enhanced weapons but, the material itself doesn't act as a power source". Elise spoke.
"And what are your sources ?". A scholar asked.
"I run multiple test to discover what is the best possible fuel to be used in machineries and here is the result". The young Valkryie explained as she chanted some words into a circular device in her hands.
The device produced a hologram recording of her testing multiple materials to be used as fuel sources. The hologram displayed Runitite, a mineral found in Havenhelm which were used for arcane practices and creating runestones. This mineral is shown being used as a fuel to a simple electric generating machine. The result is the machine smoked and broke down during the energy conversion.
"That is a rather interesting tech young lady, this small device could display such detailed and moving imagery. Such technology is unheard of". King Benjamin spoke in amazement.
"Don't be fooled Sir Benjamin, It's clearly illusion magic !". An attendee from Havenhelm said.
"Wrong, this is a record playing device I created using Runitite as a catalyst. The runitite served as a catalyst for the display as it turned magic into image with a specially carved spell sigil". Elise explained.
"That doesn't prove anything for all we know you could just carve a sigil for an illusion magic before you channel your mana to cast the engraved illusion magic". Luzdowyck countered her explanation.
"This is foolish Elise". A man spoke.
The man has a similar coloured hair as Elise and Vendela, his hair is long with thick and luscious deep purple moustache covering her upper lips. His face is showing extreme disgust at the word of the young lady.
"This device is a holographic player, it works in a simple manner. I created a device that would capture ongoing events in fine motion converting the image through a Runitite catalyst as a small record which could be inserted to replay it". The young Valkryie stated as she reached to her pocket and brought out a rectangular object with a circular glass attached to it.
"Nonsense, Its just illusion magic". A scholar retorted.
Elise then took apart the device and extracted a small sphere from within it. She opened a compartment within the holographic record player and took out a similar looking sphere before inserting the one she took out from the rectangular object. Her finger pressed a button and another holographic recording played displaying the moment the scholar retorted her claims.
"No it must be illusionary magic there is no other way to explain this !". Another scholar spoke out.
"Silence ! you are a disgrace to science". Luzdowyck snapped at the scholar.
"The principle of science is to discover the truth, that's what Krakenwize believe in and if you have doubt in something then you study it until you understand its fundamentals". Luzdowyck added.
"Hand me that device over !, I'll have a look". Luzdowyck spoke in an angry tone.
An attendant then took both device from Elise and brought it to the leader of Krakenwize.
"I never knew Havenhelm is blessed with such a genius inventor". King Benjamin spoke in an amazed tone.
"Thank you sir Benjamin, it is something I learnt by continuous experiment instead of following my parents- no instead of following the leader of Havenhelm's order to dive into the occult and followed that stupid statue known as Erlkönig". Elise stated bluntly.
"What did you say ?". A scholar gasped.
"OUTRAGEOUS ! HOW DARE YOU INSULT THE GREAT ERLKÖNIG !". A scholar said out loud.
"BLASPHEMY ! HOW DARE YOU SPEAK LIKE THAT !, YOU ARE THE HEIR TO THE RUNDINA HOW COULD YOU SPEAK OUT OF LINE !". A noble yelled.
Her father, Caelus Rundina is visibly upset by her interruption and so is her mother as she had spoken out of line and embarrassed them in front of the world greatest minds.
"YOU ARE A FOOL !". Another scholar yelled.
That last statement caused something inside of Elise to snap.
"A FOOL ? I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT FROM ANY OF YOU. ALL OF YOU ARE SO FIXATED ON WORSHIPPING A FIGURE WHICH HAD NO OFFICIAL RECORDS !". Elise retorted.
"Lord Benjamin, should we leave ?. This conference yields no beneficial discussion". A red haired woman asked the king of Avalon.
The woman is in a white and burgundy coloured armor. She has a pair of horse ears on top of her head. Her hair is tied to a single fishtail braid and her built is medium. She is a Equestrian, a half horse human.
"I believe so Dai-".
"This conference is ruined, my time will be more valuable back at Gunsnare". A woman spoke, cutting off Benjamin.
The woman had her hair tied on the right in a side pony. Her hair is in a shade of beige. She is heterochromatic with her right eye having the beautiful colours of a sapphire with hints of emerald green sparkling while her left eye is an intense shade of crimson with half of it shaded in dark red. Her clothing is as enigmatic as her facial features with her dress being coloured black with shining glitters and her head is covered in a black veil.
An annoyed look had manifested within Benjamin's face at the interruption amongst the chaos.
"Tanya Messerscmhit... didn't they teach you manner back in that prone to drowning city of yours ?". Benjamin snarked.
"I don't have the time to deal with you Benjamin, get lost". She fired back as she walked towards the exit door of the conference accompanied by her guards.
"Sir. Benjamin do you perhaps recognize that woman ?". The Equestrian asked.
"She is the Queen of Gunsnare... the nation that floats within the Asgardian Sea. And probably the most isolated nation to ever exist". Benjamin explained to the woman.
"That nation is secluded and technologically advanced, that every other nation became wary of them as they could easily annihilate an entire country. Not our nation though...". Benjamin continued.
"You seemed to held a grudge against her Sir Benjamin". The Equestrian woman said.
"Daiwa, She was the one responsible for nearly destroying Avalon. She nearly killed our queen...". Benjamin spoke with visible grudge in his voice.
"Would you like me to take care of her Sir Benjamin ?". The Equestrian said with a cold tone in her voice as she drew her rapier.
"No, even though you are the captain of the royal guards, you are no match for her Daiwa. Even our queen Fae barely made it out alive from a fight against her". Benjamin said.
Benjamin then turned her head towards the commotion.
"I COULDN'T CARE LESS ABOUT YOUR STUPID GOD, HE IS NOTHING BUT A FRAUD". Elise yelled.
"Enough Elise, you had embarrassed us enough". Vendela snapped.
Caelus stood up and walked to the young Valkryie before he yanked her arm and dragged her out of the conference room.
"LET ME GO !". Elise screamed and kicked.
"Silence, your imprudent attitude requires disciplinary actions". Caelus responded. His words is laced with venom.
One of the woman who looked similar to Elise chased after them as the attendees are all outraged by her claims and begun to shout and scream at them.
"Father this is a rather undignified response...". The young woman spoke.
"Elena you know that insulting our god is the worst crime that could be committed in our nation". Caelus spoke.
"Shut up old man, your deity brings nothing but fanatism and dangerous blind faith". Elise replied fiercely.
Enraged Caelus tossed her out of the conference room.
"We will discuss this after the conference". He spoke in calm anger. The two of them glared at each other before he closed the door.
"Elise Rundina... I'll remember that name. She will someday became a formidable ally if given the chance". Benjamin thought to himself before he stood up and left the conference through another exit given how chaotic and unproductive it had become.
_____
Back in the present, Elise slung his backpack and walked through downtown Rotonda. She is visibly upset that her parents denounced her in front of the scholars and disowned her afterwards.
"Elise ! wait up !". A voice called out from behind.
"Elena ?, what are you doing here ?". Elise said in shock.
"Well my brash and short tempered sister had been evicted from our house. She won't be surviving long in the streets would she ?". Elena said followed by a small giggle.
"Besides I had enough of our parents with their stubbornness". Elena responded with a sly smile.
"I believe in your theory and invention, you are always correct when it came to scientific studies". Elena added.
"But you are their favourite child... you had it all... there is no benefit or any logical sense for you to follow me out here". Elise pointed out.
"I know, but some things can't be explained with logic. We decided didn't we ? us three sisters will be there for each other through thick and thin". Elena told her sister.
"You say that and Elira is not here with us. She sure is very faithful". Elise sarcastically commented.
"Don't worry about her, she will follow suit but she said there is some business she needed to take care of right now". Elena stated while fiddling with her sword hilt.
"Well what do we do now ?". Elena asked her younger triplet sibling.
"Honestly I do not know, the only thing I brought with me is just my collapsible wand and the silver pendant Mr. Heimdall told me to keep". Elise said as she flicked her wand extending it.
"Well, lucky for you before I left I took father's wallet". Elena grinned.
"Are you serious ?, he will be livid". Elise responded with an equally wide grin.
"He wouldn't care, he had the entire nation's treasury with him". The girl with the long straight hair chuckled.
"And you said I'm a troublemaker". Elise snarked playfully.
"Well we have quite a bit to stay at a decent Inn, so let's start with that". Elena suggested.
The two siblings giddily walked to a well established Inn downtown. They booked a twin bed bedroom and settled in for the night.
"You know Elena that felt relieving". Elise murmured.
"A huge source of burden and stress had been lifted from your shoulders. I could see why you would feel that way". Elena chuckled softly.
"No, well... I mean that does feel relieving to be freed from the grasps of those two. But what I really meant its relieving to have my own sister accompanying me by my side". Elise responded.
Elena's eyes widened slightly at her younger sibling's words. Her lips curved upward in a gentle smile hearing those sentences.
"If you have a hotheaded little sister, wouldn't it be your duty to take care of her through thick and thin ?. Even if they are disowned by their parents". Elena chuckled.
"Shut up, you are only older by a few minutes". Elise replied with annoyance in her tone.
"Still though, eventually we need to find a way to make money and have a clear goal in mind. We can't really just keep on living on Inn's aimlessly with stolen money. Eventually we need to be able to fend for ourselves". Elise mentioned.
"You're right. We had a decent amount of budget but eventually we need to figure out where to settle and what to do to make a living". Elena responded while looking at the wallet she stole.
"Well, since we are now also free I would like to do something that had been lingering on my mind for a long time". Elise spoke as she picked up her silver pendant and rotated it around, gazing at its intricate details.
"Heimdall's pendant ?". Elena asked.
"Yeah, it had been disturbing me for a while". Elise spoke, her tone is unsure mirroring her expression.
"Forget about him Elise, we had been over this conversation for a long time. He is a Demon, an enemy to mankind". Elena told the young Valkryie.
"And yet he is the only person who treats me as a human being aside from you and Elira". Elise stated.
"For all we know he could be manipulating you". Elena said as she sat up.
"But it doesn't make any sense, why would he manipulate a clueless child ?. All those years ago all that I see is a human teaching a toddler science and compassion. The least I could do to repay him is to fulfill his last wish and discover the secrets to this pendant". Elise spoke again.
A lingering doubt crept up into Elena's mind. The elder Valkryie lied down in her bed again in silence pondering, is her sister correct ?.
"Well no use in dwelling on it right now, our main focus should be surviving as we are no longer a member of this nation's royalty". Elise told the older Valkryie.
Elena lets out a sigh.
"Blunt, logical, short fused and steadfast. You are indeed my sister". Elena chuckled.
"Well then Ms. scientist what do you propose we do ?". Elena asked.
"Well, I'd suggest we go through the market district tomorrow to find for a job or something". Elise stated.
"The world is vast you know, we are finally able to free ourselves from our family shackles". Elena spoke before Elise interjects.
"More like we are both are both disowned and expelled from our home off for rebelling". Elise bluntly said.
"Can you really call that huge mansion home though ?, even though we are shackled by strict rules". Elina questioned.
"No you're right, that place is a prison". Elise responded.
"Well we are now free, shouldn't we just leave this city and venture on our own looking for new horizons ?". Elena suggested.
"We would require quite a large amount of funds for that you know... ". Elise told her sister while removing her goggle and laid down on the bed.
"Well we can manage with our budget somehow right ?, I am well trained in the art of swordsmanship and your intellect probably rivals those of Havenhelm's top scholars". Elena mentioned looking at her sword beside her bed, slumping against the wall.
"You suggesting us to become a mercenary ?, Elena you don't even have any experience living in the wild outside of the comfort of our homes". Elise retorted.
"It will be a process, I may not be like you who are used to hanging out around the Flintlocke's workshops and could adapt to the life of hard work but, don't underestimate me". Elena told her sister as she shuffled in her bed facing her sister.
"Well you are our parents favourite child for a reason, quick learner and easily adapt to anything". Elise chuckled.
"Well then genius, what do you propose ? what should we do tomorrow ?". Elena asked.
"Well, the marketplace is a good place to start, I reckon we could find work or maybe buy materials to create a product to sell". Elise suggested.
"Good idea but you are competing against the best craftsman in the world you know". Elena told her.
"What other choices do we have ?". Elise asked.
"Well I won't argue, let's get some rest and figure it out tomorrow". Elena spoke before yawning.
Elise nodded as both of them closed their eyes and allowed the darkness to creep in as their consciousness drifted to a deep slumber.
_____
Rotonda Central Market, 11.40 AM.
The central market, the commerce hub of Rotonda City. A bustling market filled with all sorts of goods and wares from cheap metals to high grade wine and spices, you could find everything you will ever need here. Merchants and traders who made it here are always guaranteed to earn good money.
The two Valkryie sisters went around the crowded market district looking for a job and opportunity to make a living. The sisters wandered around as they face rejection after rejection after rejection as they offered their expertise to the vast line of merchants and shopkeeper. It was a struggle for them as no merchant or businessmen will take them in.
"Why is it so hard to find a job ?...". Elise complained.
"Well, in all fairness we are the heir and daughters of the nation leader, they do not want to get into any trouble by hiring us... especially after the spectacle you put on during yesterday's nations conference". Elena told her sister.
"Don't remind me...". Elise muttered in annoyance.
"I'm still surprised even with your engineering skills, genius mind, and good reputation amongst the workers no one will still hire you. At the very least, I thought that they would stop to consider". Elena mentioned.
"..." . Elise walked in silence feeling annoyed by her sister's words.
The two of them then stopped and stared at a dilapidated building at the end of the street. A moss covered plaque is visible at the gates. The words "Heimdall's Workshop" is etched into the barely readable sign.
"Sometimes I wished Mr. Heimdall is still around... He would've known what to do...". Elise sighed whilst gazing at the building.
"Don't mention him, he is a criminal remember ?. We discovered his plans...". Elena reminded her sister.
"...".
"It's been five years...". Elena spoke with a melancholic tone.
"Five long years...". Elise said whilst inspecting her pendant.
"A demon hiding amongst us humans... Who would've thought...". Elena responded.
"He might be a demon but he is more human than any of us...". The other Rundina sibling stated.
"Elise, you are holding onto a nostalgic illusion... He planned to cull so many innocents...". Elena replied.
"I doubt it...". Elise spoke in a indifferent tone.
"Look Elise... I know you can't move on... You are the closest one to him... and yet don't you remember his last words ?". Elena asked.
Elise seemed hesitant whilst listening to her words. A distant painful memory seemed to resurface as the young Valkryie's hands trembled.
"Look at the facts Elise... most nations purged demons for a reason, as much as I hate agreeing with father and mother.... they are at least into something regarding this issue...". Elena spoke.
"Yeah but not all nations... Avalon and Gunsnare doesn't participate in the crusades...". Elise replied.
"Well...". As Elena was about to respond, Elise spotted a familiar looking figure in the alleyway to their right.
It was a young lady. She looked exactly like them with the only difference is her hair is kept in a twin braid. She noticed the two sisters and make a dash for it, vanishing deeper into the alleyway.
"That's Elira !". Elise exclaimed, nudging Elena and pointed at the direction where the figure once stood.
"Where ?". Elena questioned as she saw nothing.
Elise tightly gripped her sister's arm and begun dragging her as they give chase. Elena caught a glimpse of the figure running away from them. Elise noticed that Elena also saw the figure and released her hand as both of them give chase.
"Elira !". Elise shouted but the figure paid no attention towards them.
Suddenly the figure then ran towards a dead end. She turned around to be confronted by the twins who finally caught up to her.
"What are you two doing, you need to get out from here !". Elira stated in a panic.
"Why ?". Elena asked raising her eyebrow.
"It's not safe here, I-". Elira got interrupted by the sounds of loud footsteps.
"Hide !". Elira whispered as she shoved both of her sisters into a small crevice behind a rubble.
Two hooded figure appeared and approached Elira.
"There you are Elira". A male voice could be heard.
The hooded figures then revealed themselves to be Vendela and Caelus Rundina, their parents.
"Yes father, mother". Elira said as she followed them into the abandoned building.
"I thought we told you to meet directly beside that wretched demon's workshop". Vendela spoke.
"I was being followed...". She responded in a low tone.
"By who ?". Caelus questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Beggars...". Elira lied.
Her parents looked at her with skepticism. Caelus cleared his throat.
"Well no matter, as we said before, you are our only daughter now and we have plans for you". Caelus spoke with a serious tone.
"I couldn't believe that Elena would also rebel with that failed daughter of ours. I had misjudged her, because of her obedience we planned to place her as the future puppet leader of this country". Vendela spoke.
"Puppet leader ?". Elena thought to herself.
"I trusted that we could trust you Elira ?". Caelus asked the young lady.
"Of course mother, father, I am not like those two fools. I would never betray either of you". The Valkryie answered.
The Rundina parents gave a prideful smile to their middle child.
Elise and Elena clenched their fists as they overhead the conversation. They are both consumed with anger at the betrayal of their sisters. Didn't she told Elena that she will join them shortly ?, what happened to that plan ?. All of these thoughts ran wildly through the two sisters minds.
"Elise". Elena whispered with anger.
"I know, we will leave that bastard after this, I don't want to have anything to do with her ever again". Elise responded with a whisper.
"I couldn't believe she would so easily turn her back on us". Elena whispered back.
"Follow us Elira, it is time for you to awaken your innate magic, we will fulfill our promise of giving you powers beyond your imagination". Vendela spoke as she gestured her to follow them.
Elise ears perked up as she listened to their words.
"They are gone, let's go. I don't care if you disagree but we will get out of this city. I'm sick and tired of this family". Elena spoke in anger.
"No, let's follow them first". Elise told her sister.
"Are you out of your mind ?". Elena responded in disbelief.
"Elena, something tells me if we flee now, we will never get close to the truth". Elise said as she went out of the rubbles and begun trailing them.
"Elise !". Elena loudly whispered in frustration.
But the eldest Rundina sibling's words fell into deaf ears.
"Fine, ignore me. I will leave the city myself". The frustrated Elena said as she got up and walked away.
Elise followed the trio until they reached the back alleys behind the grand city central hall.
"What are they doing ?...". She murmured to herself.
Caelus then opened a cellar door directly behind the grand hall and the trio went down into the cellar. The light footed Elise followed suit, silently lifting the cellar door and entered the dark undergrounds. However She is surprised to see that the room is empty, there is no sign of Elira or her parents.
"What ?, impossible". Elise spoke in a baffled tone.
"This is illogical, they couldn't have disappeared just like that". Elise thought to herself as the young Valkryie inspected the walls of the cellar.
Suddenly the Cellar door opened, surprising Elise who quickly scuttled to hide behind a stack of barrels.
"Bad timing, was that a guard ?, Am I screwed ?". Elise's mind raced as she looked for any item she could use to aid her escape.
"Elise come out, I know you went in here, I saw you". A familiar voice called out.
"Elena ?, I thought you don't want to give chase". Elise responded standing up from behind the barrels.
"Something felt wrong, I feel like if I didn't go after you now something terrible might happened". Elena explained.
"Nice of you to care but I doubt something will happen to me. Elira and our parents disappeared after entering this cellar". The younger Valkryie told her sister.
Elena pondered before noticing a torch hanging on the wall. The torch is bent outwards and its not lit.
"This torch is rather bizarre...". Elena mentioned before inspecting it closer.
Elise went closer to inspect the weird torch as well. Elena tried to pull the torch away from the holder but to no avail. It's firmly stuck.
"Can you pick it up ?". Elise questioned.
"No, it's firmly attached". Elena muttered.
Elise noticed that the torch end is attached to a small slit at the wall. She realized that this torch is not ordinary.
"Elena pull the torch down, this is a secret lever". She explained.
Elena's eyes widened. She obliged and pull it down. Slowly the walls beside them shifted and rotated revealing a dark secret passage. Attached to the walls of the passage are well lit torches. The two sisters looked at each other and nodded as they entered the passage. They are surprised as the wall shifted and rotated back into position sealing the entrance.
"Wait ho-". Elena was cut off by Elise who shushed her.
"Elena be quiet, we could not speak too loud or our voices will echo through the hallway and alerts them". The younger Valkryie whispered.
Elena nodded before whispering back.
"How are we supposed to get out of here ?".
"Take a look at your right, there is a similar looking torch like the one on the other side". Elise explained as she pointed at the weird looking torch attached to the wall.
"That must be the lever to open it from thi-". Elise is interrupted by the sounds of loud footsteps heading towards them.
Elise and Elena's eyes widened as they scrambled to hide however, the passage is narrow and there is no hiding spot. Thinking quickly Elise blows the torch near the passageway to extinguish them. Elena realized the plan, they needed to create a dark spot where they would not be spotted by whoever is coming to inspect them.
Not too long after the completely extinguished the torches near the entrance, two hooded figure appeared from the end of the hallway to investigate. Both of the figure wielded halberds as they approached closer to the sisters who were shrouded in darkness.
"Why are the torches extinguished ?, there must be an intruder". One of the hooded figure said.
"Grice, if someone did infiltrate this place we would've encountered them in the hallway already". The other hooded figure responded.
"Yeah but Caelus and Vendela said they heard the passage door being opened and the torches are enough proof that someone indeed had entered". Grice mentioned.
"They could just leave from where they came from, not everyone has the bravery to explore a dark passageway like this". The other hooded figure said.
"Skirk, for all we know they could be hiding in the dark spots in front of us. Your nonchalant attitude will be the death of us". Grice complained.
"Relax I have good night vision, I'm a Feline after all". Skirk boasted as they encroached towards the darkened passageways.
With no hesitation as soon as Skirk and Grice entered the dark spots Elena and Elise bashed the back of their head with loose bricks they took from the old walls, knocking the two hooded figures unconscious. Elise then grabbed a torch.
"Who are these guys ?". Elise whispered.
"I don't know, I have never seen this outfit within the guards or army before". Elena responded.
Elise crouched down to inspect the unconscious figures to unmask them.
"A Feline and a Antlean... I don't think we can steal their outfit... It will be too obvious...". Elise muttered.
A shiver ran up Elena's spine.
"You can't be serious about wearing someone else's clothes like that right ? what if we got scabies". Elena whispered with concern.
"Relax we can't even disguise ourselves because their clothes accommodates for their unique feature like antlers and ears". Elise responded with slight annoyance.
"In any case let's just follow the passageway silently". Elise told her sister who seemed relieved they don't have to disguise themselves.
The duo made their way through the passageway silently until they spotted their parents and sister in front of a large iron door. Vendela knocked on the door three times.
"Elan, open the door. We are here to awaken your sister's magic. We need to see the Erlkönig". Caelus spoke.
The door then opened revealing a short haired man that looked a lot like the siblings down to the feather in their head. The man wore a dark robe with crimson accents. His face emits a cold gaze as if he had lived through thousands of wars.
"The lord was expecting you.... The young man said as he lead them.
"Mother, Father who is he ?". Elira asked, pointing at the man.
"That is your elder brother, our firstborn Elan Rundina. The Erlkönig has appointed him as his personal assistant". Vendela spoke as they entered.
Elise and Elena was shocked to hear as they closely followed them.
"We have an elder brother all this time ?". Elise whispered.
"Don't look at me, I'm as surprised as you". Elena responded with an equally quiet whisper.
Elan guided them to a large chamber with blood splattered over the walls and floor. Across the entrance of the chamber sits a throne with skull and human bones. The room had a distinct aroma of death enveloping it.
"Don't be scared now dear little sister, our lord Erlkönig will greet you soon". Elan said as he stepped to the side revealing a huge ritual circle. Vendela and Caelus followed Elan and stood beside him.
Elira is terrified yet fascinated by the strange room. Behind them Elena and Elise trailed silently hiding behind a pillar.
"I think I'm going to be sick... this place smells foul...". Elena murmured.
"Hold it in Elena". Elise whispered.
"Easy for you to say, you are used to the aroma of Flintlocke's workshops which had unpleasant odors". Elena complained.
"Hey their workshops doesn't have a rancid aroma like this place". Elise retorted.
Suddenly shadowy mists enveloped the throne and slowly, a distorted shadowy figure begun to materialize. The shadowy figure eyes is glowing red, its face is distorted, and from his head grew antlers. A sinister smile formed on the distorted part of its face where it's mouth should be at.
"Vendela, Caelus, what brought my two accomplices here". The figure spoke in a hoarse tone.
"What is that thing ?...". Elise whispered.
"I don't know...". Elena replied.
"Erlkönig, It is time, for our daughter Elira to serve you". The triplet's parents spoke.
"Hmm ?, only Elira what happened to the other two". The Erlkönig questioned.
"They rebelled, we can't trust them with our plan. We had quashed most of the demons, now only a few of them remained". Caelus spoke.
"Soon we will awaken him... The Elation himself... and with his prowess we could finally beat Gunsnare and Avalon and conquer the world". Vendela added.
"Yes, it's all according to our plan. We will create new Primordials to destroy the seal". Erlkönig stated.
"What are they talking about ?...". Elise asked.
Elena shrugged in silence.
"Yes, The Elation. The oldest primordial and harbinger of laughter. With his power we will liberate the world from suffering". The Erlkönig said.
"We must have five primordial soul to awaken him into this world. However, all of the world primordial refused to join our cause. So we shall create our own Primordials". Caelus stated.
"Indeed, soon our incantation circle will be complete and we will trade the lives of this nation to turn all of you into Primordials". The Erlkönig explained.
"Must we sacrifice the lives of so many people just to achieve that ?". Elira asked with an indifferent expression.
"Why yes it is our family goal is a noble one. We will unite the world under the banner of The Elation, we will form a land where no one had to suffer and they will smile eternally". Vendela told her daughter.
"We just need to destroy the Demons who had been guarding the catacomb where Elation is sealed in Avalon, and make sure to have enough primordial soul to awaken him". Caelus explained.
"Young one you had seen me, and heard about our plans. Will you join our cause just like your brother ?". The Erlkönig asked.
"What if I refuse ?". Elira questioned.
"Well, I am afraid I must extinguish your soul here. But if you do join, I will grant you power beyond your imagination. I will awaken your innate magic". Erlkönig told the young Valkryie.
"I have no other choice do I ?, I will join your cause". Elira spoke with an indifferent tone.
"...". Elise listened with silent fury. Her hands curled into fists.
"We can't trust her...". Elena whispered, her voice is deep with mixed emotions.
"Great decision young one, we shall now awaken your innate magic". Erlkönig told the young valkryie.
Suddenly the ceilings of the chamber opened revealing a chained up valkryie citizen who had a vacant stare in his face. The citizen did not attempt to escape or struggle as he is lowered.
"Step into the middle of the ritual circle child". Erlkönig commanded.
Elira obliged and stepped into the middle of the chamber where lines had been carved on the ground.
"A soul sacrifice... necessary to force your magic nodes open... to awaken the innate power within you". Erlkönig explained as he raised his staff.
Slowly The Erlkönig begun to chant in a foreign language. Darkness engulfed the helpless citizen as shadowy mists grab hold of his limbs and begun twisting it slowly as blood dripped and begun to fill the ritual circle. Elena and Elise who hid watched in horror as the helpless citizen mercilessly mangled by Erlkönig.
"NO STOP IT !". Elise screamed revealing herself.
Elena who is also enraged stepped out with her sheathed sword finally drawn for the first time.
The Erlkönig had killed the citizen as the circle glows a shade of crimson. All three sisters eyes had begun glowing. Elise's eyes glowed in a shade of orange. Elena's Eyes glows in the shade of Violet, And Elira's eyes glowed in a shade of deep purple.
"ELISE, ELENA HOW DARE YOU SHOWED YOUR FACE HERE". Vendela screamed.
The Erlkönig was surprised at the appearance of the two siblings.
"They know too much... Elan, we must silence them". Erlkönig said as the two of them approached the two siblings.
"As you wish...". Elan spoke as his eyes glows a shade of violet. The man drew his sword and begun inching closer to the duo.
"Unforgivable". Elena spoke with anger as her sword begun glowing in a shade of violet mimicking her eyes.
The two of them crossed swords. Elira is in shock as she saw both of her sisters.
As the chaos ensues, The Erlkönig shifted into mist and his tendrils begun to swirl around Elena restraining her.
"ARGH". Elena screamed as the tendrils begun squeezing her limbs in an attempt to twist them.
"NO !". Elise screamed.
Suddenly as she reached out to her sister flames begun to form and sputter dissipating the shadowy tendrils freeing Elena and pushing Elan away. In one swift motion Elena grabbed Elise's hand and they both ran away.
"How did you do that without chanting a spell ?". Elena asked, puzzled by her sister's new power.
"I-I don't know...". Elise stammered.
"We'll figure this out later but right now, we need to get out fast !". Elena said as they ran through the hallway with Erlkönig and Elan hot on their trail. They arrived at the wall where they had came from. Elena pulled the lever as the wall slowly begun to shift and rotate.
"Can you create a flame wall to cover our escape ?". Elena asked.
Elise nodded and reached out her hand in an attempt to cast the fire spell again but to no avail. The Erlkönig and Elan caught up to them.
"Elise !". Elina screamed.
"I'm trying !". Elise struggled as they inched closer and Elan launched himself preparing to strike his youngest sibling.
With no hesitation Elena jumped with her sword glowing and struck Elan's sword cleaving it in half. An surprised Elan jumped back as Erlkönig tendrils begun to approach at an alarming rate. Elena proceeded to strike the ceiling of the passage way, causing it to collapse and bought time for them to escape.
"Hmmm so the two little birds had escaped...". Erlkönig spoke.
"No matter, we will make sure they are taken care of". The triplet parents stated as they approached their son and Erlkönig.
"Make sure they are dead. They knew too much". Erlkönig commanded before turning his gaze to the figure behind them.
"As for you little bird, I expect you to not betray me or you will be the next flame that I will extinguish".
Elira appeared and nodded silently.
_____
Rotonda east district, 3.46 PM.
Two vaklryie sisters could be seen panting heavily.
"Elise we need to get out of here, mother and father will send the entire cavalry after us". Elena urged.
Elise however however, stood in idle. Her brows furrowed as she remembered how the Erlkönig killed the citizen with no mercy.
"How could they...". She spoke, her tone filled with resentment.
"ELISE !". Elena snapped at her clapping her face.
"FOCUS, WE WILL WORRY ABOUT THAT LATER. WE NEED TO GET OUT OF ROTONDA NOW". Elena said sternly.
Elise finally snapped back to reality.
"Sorry... You're right, let's get our items back in the Inn and bail". Elise responded.
"Forget about our items, we are wanted criminals now in the entire city. We need to leave immediately !". Elena sternly stated.
The two sisters then tried to sneak away but they realized that all of the city gates had been heavily fortified. More guards had been patrolling on the streets as well, spreading wanted posters of Elena and Elise. The two hid inside an abandoned building.
"The guards are already searching for us". Elena spoke, gritting her teeth as she keep a lookout through the upstairs windows.
Elise fiddled with the silver pendant her mentor gave to her.
"Mr. Heimdall... what will you do...". He muttered.
Slowly fireballs slowly appeared around Elise, dancing as if it reflects her sorrow. Elena watched her sister with awe.
"Elise, let me ask you again. How did you do it ? how did you summon those flames ?". Elena asked.
Elise then realized what she is doing.
"I-I don't know...". Elise responded.
"I know". A familiar voice could be heard from the shadows.
Elena immediately drew her sword pointing it at a dark figure. Elise followed by surrounding the figure with fire, preparing to torch her.
"Elira, what are you doing here ? you traitor". Elena hissed at the figure.
"Elena, I am not a traitor". She spoke.
"I would never side with mother, father or whatever that heinous thing is". Elira stated, her face is filled with spite.
"Liar, how could we trust you ?". Elise snarled.
With no word Elira simply pulled out two satchels and handed it to Elise and Elena. They cautiously took it and look at it. Elena lowered her weapon and Elise's flames disappear. Inside the satchels are their personal belongings alongside some supplies. Elise is in shock as she pulled out a coin like device.
"You packed one of my prototype communicator ?". Elise asked.
"Yes, I got the other one so we could communicate. It utilized a Runitite as energy converter correct ? so I just need to channel my magic into it". Elira responded.
"This doesn't change anything, why should we trust you ?". Elise snarled.
"Elise, I know I may not look trustworthy but hear me out. I know Mr. Heimdall is innocent, I had snuck on father's study and read about his entire case. I stole this note written by Heimdall from father's study". Elira said handing over a small piece of paper.
Elise grabbed the note and read it out loud.
-----
"To my dear students, they may have discovered me soon. I am sorry I couldn't stay with you for long but you must know the true history of the Rundina family, the world, and the true nature of my race, the demons. I kept a record in the city of Gearford, north Havenhelm. Look for a strange looking tower, head to the basement and bring the key, the silver pendant I gave to Elise. Please stop them from awakening the Elation, you are the last hope of humanity".
-----
"The pendant ?...". Elise muttered as she gripped the silver pendant, the memento from her mentor and teacher.
"I will act as a spy for you two from within Rotonda. I will alert you of our parents and the Erlkönig's advances through the communicator". Elira told the duo.
"Like I said, Elira drop the act... this doesn't change anything". Elena spoke in a spiteful tone as she pointed her sword at her sister again.
Elira sighed.
"Elena... I know you are distrustful of me... but you must trust me... Mr. Heimdall... He entrust me to keep you two safe... to make sure that you two will be the one to protect the world...". Elira mentioned.
Elise's ear perked up at that name.
"I don't care about what a criminal like him said". Elena firmly stated as her sword slowly touched her sister's neck.
"Elena please listen...". Elira begged as Elena pulled her sword and prepare to cleave her sister's head clean.
Suddenly a wall of flames erupted and separating the two, preventing Elira from dying. Both of them are stunned at the display.
"Elena please, just listen to her... does the past eighteen years worth of hardships and laughter with her means nothing to you ?". Elise begged.
"Elise...". Elena murmured. Her face showed a somber expression.
"Please Elena... I am hurt as well... She was there with mother and father... she betrayed us... or at least that's what we thought... let us at least hear her side of the story...". Elise pleaded.
Elena reluctantly sheathed her sword.
"You two had the right to be angry towards me... I have so many things I need to explain to you two...". Elira spoke.
"Make your point quickly... while I could still control myself". Elena replied harshly. Her hand is twitching above her sword handle.
"I can't explain everything yet, but... I will help you two escape...". Elira added.
"All you two needed to know for now is regarding innate magic... it will be a powerful tool for you two to survive out there". Elira spoke.
"Elise seemed to have flame control. Elise, try to think about summoning a fireball". Elira requested.
Elise silently nodded and tried to focus her mind and will to summon one. Slowly a small fireball appeared in front of them. Elena seemed to be slightly impressed by the display.
"This is Innate magic, to use it you must be able to imagine and think of it. Unlike normal magic where we must use incantations or runestones with carved spell circles, we could use our innate magic without them". Elira explained.
"I read it on father's study as well When a human awakened their innate magic their eyes will glow and the colour of the glow determines the nature of their magic. Someone's innate magic will be awakened during intense emotional state like grief or resentment. Or... they could be forced to awaken their magic by using a special incantation circle". Elira said as her eyes glowed a faint purple.
Slowly both Elise and Elena is surrounded by multiple Eliras. The duo is shocked by their sister's power.
"I control illusion, these images are all fake and not real". Elira stated as her mirror images disappeared.
Suddenly above them more illusions appeared, hanging upside down from the ceiling of the abandoned building.
"I had awakened my magic long ago... and it's how I could follow you two to this abandoned building... right now an mirror image of mine is tracking and following mother and father". Elira explained.
The illusion disappeared again and the real Elira appeared between the two sisters.
"YOU !". Elena shouted as she prepared to draw her sword but suddenly she got pulled by Elira.
However, no harm was done to the two of them. Elira embraced both of her sisters with tears welling from her eyes.
"Elena, Elise, please, take care and survive. I will join you two soon once I am ready I promise that". Tears fell from the eyes of the Valkryie lady.
"Elira...". Elena spoke softly. Her intonation reflected that of sorrow and regret that she was about to strike her own sister out of reflex and spite.
"I know you two might not trust me right now... not after everything today... but I love you two... so please survive and discover Heimdall's research...". Elira cried.
"We will...". Elise responded with a tight hug.
Elena mirrored Elise's move and silently hugged Elira back.
"I can create fake images for the both of you to distract the guards of the east gate. Please... escape". Elira told them, wiping the tears off of her face.
"I can't let my sisters die here. I also brought this so you two can sneak out". Elira handed them a cloak.
Elise and Elena with a renewed sense of purpose nodded and wore the cloak.
"I need to go back to the mansion or our parents will grow suspicious, once again please... don't die... I couldn't afford to lose both of you again...". Elira said as she left the building.
"Again ?...". Both Elise and Elena said in unison.
The duo watched as two mirror image of them formed in the street below and ran towards the eastern gate drawing the attention of the guards.
"ITS THEM ! ITS THE TRAITORS !". The guard yelled as they give chase leaving the gate unattended.
"Elira, what do you mean again ?...". Elise asked.
"One day I will tell you two... Now go !". Elira exclaimed as she opened the door for them.
The both of them make a run for it and left the city of Rotonda. They looked back at the abandoned house they were staying a few minutes before.
"Elena...". Elise spoke.
"I the same amount of question as you Elise, but right now we must survive". Elena said firmly as they made it to the gate. However, a hooded figure blocked their path.
"The guards are incompetent, they just left their posts just so you two can freely escape...". The figure said in a hoarse voice.
Elena drew her sword knowing full well this person is an assassin sent by their parents.
"Move". Elena told him firmly.
"No can't do lady Elena, unfortunately I have to snuff you and lady Elise for treason". The assassin said as he unsheathed his long sword.
Elise pulled out her collapsible wand as they prepare for combat.
The assassin made the first move by leaping towards Elena as their sword clashed. Elise weaved her hands, sending fireballs to the assassin who dodged it easily. The assassin swung his sword from above. Elena blocked it but, the assassin removed one of his hand from the sword and unsheathed another one. Elena alarmed stepped back as her sword fell to the ground.
"Your swordplay is quite impressive lady Elena, but you lacked experience in real combat". The assassin said as he rushed, ready to land the lethal blow.
Just then he stepped back as a huge column of flame erupted from the ground between him and Elena.
"Elena ! grab your sword now !". Elise shouted as she barraged the assassin with fireballs keeping him at bay.
Elena nodded and grabbed her sword from the ground.
"Tch". The assassin gruffed.
Elena then went on the offensive and swung at the assassin with technical grace. The assassin parried her slashes but struggled to keep up as Elise continuously casted fireballs at him with pinpoint precision.
"I underestimated you two, but like I said you lacked experience". The assassin told Elena as he planted one sword on the ground and swung it upwards, sending sand and dirt to Elena's eyes blinding her temporarily.
"You are the bigger issue in this fight". The assassin said as he switched direction and rushed Elise.
Elise tried to dodge the assassin's sword thrust but he is too fast. He managed to stabbed Elise square in the shoulder.
"ARGH". She screamed in agony but, she sees her moment.
The assassin realized too late as a column of fire erupted from under him, scorching him. The man screamed in agony from the searing pain as he fell to the ground. Elena who regained his vision is horrified to see the sword lodged into her younger sibling's shoulder.
"ELISE !". She screamed as she pulled the sword.
The assassin laid on the ground, severely wounded from the flames and knocked unconscious from the pain.
"Come on sis, we had to go". Elena said as she slumped Elise's arm around her shoulder, supporting her as they walked away.
"THERE THEY ARE !". A scream could be heard as the guards returned to the gate now realizing their target is about to escape.
The guards shot their crossbows at the duo as they limped outside. One of the bolt hits Elise in the back as she screamed in agony.
"Elena just go without me...". She said weakly as blood continuously dripped, leaving a massive trail behind.
"No, we promised Elira. We will survive". Elena spoke fiercely as her eyes begun to glow.
As the guard approached Elena dropped Elise to the ground and turned around facing them with sword drawn and palpable anger is visible in her face. Her eyes fully glows an ethereal shade of Violet. Slowly, her sword is covered in a purple aura as she charged to the guards. Whenever she slashed, a wave of purple energy appeared slicing through the guards instantly cleaving them in half.
Elise eye's widened at the sight of her sister's innate magic. After the last guard fell, Elena went back to Elise and dragged her away. As soon as they passed the gate, Elise erupted a wall of fire that blocks the passage from anyone trying to pass. The sister's escaped under the setting sun.
_____
Rotonda's central government office, 5.40 PM.
"WHAT ? WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY ESCAPED ?, WHERE IS THE ASSASSIN THAT WE SENT AFTER THEM ?". an angry female voice could be heard.
"We are sorry, madam Vendela, but the assassin you sent is severely wounded and the entire eastern gate garrison had been wiped out". A soldier said.
"You are all useless, a group of grown men lost to two adolescent girls". Vendela responded.
"Get out of my sight". Vendela shouted.
"So, the two birds had escaped their cage. No matter, I will take care of them". A voice could be heard as shadowy mists materialized behind her.
"Erlkönig, I would like to apologize for this nation's incompetence". Vendela bowed down.
"Save the apologies for later, for now we must snuff those two before their flames grew bigger". Erlkönig stated.
Elira overheard the conversation from outside of the office.
"Thank god... you two made it out...". She said, her eyes filled with unshed tears.