—————No Point Of View———————
Vladimir and Elena stepped through the blindingly bright hallways, Elena having a sense of relaxation, while Vladimir still felt uneasy. Vlad stared at the ground with widened eyes, his breaths heavy and in constant streams, Elena had a bored expression while her breaths were light and relaxed.
Vladimir glanced at Elena in concern as he asked "So, I'm still confused what do I need to do here?" His eyes squinted slightly at her.
Elena carelessly looked to her side as she responded "You'll just be dealing with someone causing destruction, but first we'll get some equipment for you" Her head turned back to face forward as she finished.
Vlad looked forward as he confusedly asked "Are you sure it's guaranteed someone that is bad, what if there is a reason?" His cheeks tensed as he looked firmly forward.
Elena bluntly responded "We do have negotiation missions, however because this is your first you'll likely have a simple one where you just defeat someone evil" She stomped down to ground herself as she stood at the end of the hallway.
Vladimir looked downwards in thought, were they sure that was the case? Kill someone evil? What proof do they have it is evil? What if that person is just...Surviving, attempting to live in a cruel world all alone...Just like...
The door before Elena and Vlad opened in a grand manor, Vladimir found his eyes beat down by the blinding lights of the sun, its smile was a parallel to Vlads uncomfortable frown. He held a backhand against his forehead as he stared outside, the very same hand he had received the mark.
His eyes soon adjusted and he stopped in place, a gorgeous small town lay built before him, birds and other avians flew high above them in a graceful pattern like flowing water. Vladimir took a few tentative steps out as he looked in the beautiful landscape he stood in.
Elena followed swiftly behind, her eyes widened in surprise as she saw his reaction to the town. Elena looked off to the side as she pressed a finger against her cheek, she wondered what could've caused him to be so amazed, but soon she closed her eyes as she looked forward, now uninterested in the reason.
Vladimir took a breath as to focus himself, though it just caused his eyes to widen in shock as he felt the fresh air enter his lungs. His body wasn't aware how to react to something so soft like a clouds touch, and so clean like a bottle of soap.
His eyes widened as he began coughing out the fresh air, his lungs rejecting the clean, natural oxygen as it wasn't used to it. He inhaled deeply and over and over, causing more coughing as he attempted to breathe normally, but his body wouldn't allow it.
Elena squinted in confusion as she saw him coughing harshly, she didn't see anything like asthma with him prior. She pinched her chin as she looked away, her gaze focused, but not outward, instead inward into her own brain.
Vladimir gasped constantly as the coughing slowed down, his throat managing to stabilise itself. He inhaled constantly over and over as he attempted to let some oxygen enter his lungs, he succeeded soon enough as he felt his chest grow more relaxed and less tensed.
His attention slowly went to the surrounding area, his eyes catching gaze of everything again, but also his attention went to his other senses. The feel of the ground was nothing like anything he had felt before, it was hard but had a sense of softness in its nature, it was like he could fall asleep on it.
Elena leaned down next to him, her hands landing on her knees as she leaned over while looking at him. Her eyes were calm and somewhat distant, her gaze fell on him while he slowly rose from the ground, her legs following as she stood straight while keeping her unintentionally condescending gaze.
Vladimir glanced at her before he nodded firmly to her, she nodded back as she slowly returned walking, Vlad felt a wave of embarrassment suddenly hit him as he realised what just happened. He nervously kept his head down as he thought of that, he had just walked out of the building and then faceplanted onto the ground.
His face hid the sun from any features as he stared onto the ground, Elena barely taking into thought his nervousness and concern. Her eyes glanced to the side at the building they were off to, the two stopped firmly at the door, Vladimir slowly raised his head to look at the entrance.
It was a normal sized wooden door that seemed like it would barely be enough for Elena to squeeze through. Vladimir nervously approached the door alongside Elena who looked bored like she was shopping in a place she didn't want to be.
Vlad tentatively raised his fist to knock while having no clue how to speak, he soon came to a realisation he didn't have any money for any equipment. Elena didn't care as she swiftly knocked twelve times in thirteen milliseconds, Vladimir leaned back in surprise at how uncaring she was.
The sound of clattering metal echoed from behind the wooden frame, though soon the door was slowly opened to a face poking out with a visible frown. It was a man with brown beard hairs dotted all across his chin while his eyes were a shinning yellow colour as his hair was nearly gone with only a strip of brown hair on the back of his head.
Vladimir felt his breath catch in his throat, though Elena spoke for him "Hey Nikolai, we're here for some equipment for him, think you can get us some stuff?" She bluntly spoke while tilting her head to the side.
Nikolai glanced at the two in surprise before his expression relaxed, he took a few steps back and opened his door wide. Elena walked in swiftly while Vladimir calmly followed her close behind, Nikolai walked past the two while sparing glances at Vladimir stature, his eyes having a focused and scanning feel to them.
Nikolai asked Elena calmly "Is he a new Champion?" He spoke loudly, his voice speaking naturally like it was his normal tone.
Vladimir stopped for a moment before responding "Yes...I have become a Champion Of Ennzoll" He glanced to the side before looking back at Nikolai.
Nikolais eyes widened for a moment but they soon relaxed again as he continued scanning Vladimir body structure, much to the cost of comfort for Vlad. Elena looked at the two without a care as she looked at the equipment Nikolai had in store.
Vladimir coughed to himself as he whispered to Elena "Um so, slight problem, remember how I was a criminal? Well...I did that because I didn't have any money...And I still don't" His throat quivered concernedly as he told her this.
Elena calmly responded out loud "You don't have to pay" Her eyes were barely open, her gaze still staring him dead in the eyes.
Vladimir looked at her in confusion as he asked "Wait, you're going to...?" He didn't know how to respond as he had never had anyone give him anything for free.
Elena shook her head firmly as she responded "Oh no, Nikolai gives us this stuff for free, that's why he's here, he is our smith" Her head slightly tilted as she finished.
Nikolai nodded firmly as he yelled out to Vladimir "Yyyyyep! I'll make anything you want free of charge...Though don't have it be too complicated for me" He scratched the back of his head with a chuckle.
Vladimir relaxed swiftly as he realised he could have anything that was offered, his eyes glanced at the equipment with an excited feel in his soul. Though at the same time he couldn't bring himself to move, he wasn't used to such freedom or choices.
Elena placed her elbow onto Vlads shoulder as she asked "You good? If you need help picking I can be the one" Her thumb rose to point at herself.
Vladimir looked at her in surprise but nodded firmly as he took a step forward, his eyes scanning the room, though he felt a wave of unease as he felt Nikolai still stare at him. He wondered if it was because he wanted him not to take anything too good.
Elena slowly approached the section with weapons all across it, she glanced at Vladimir who was scanning armour and other defensive items. Nikolai took notice of something as he saw Vladimir pick up and observe a small shield.
Vladimir looked in awe at the clear metal shield so polished it would shine the suns gaze at the same glory as before. He looked across it as he felt its weight, his eyes widening in surprise as he felt it was easy to handle despite its clear density.
Nikolais eyes widened as he saw Vladimir carry it so effortlessly, though his gaze was less on the shield itself and more on Vladimir, more specifically on his arms and shoulders. His fingers pinched his chin as he pondered the physical strength the boy held.
Elena called out to Vlad calmly "Hey, come over here, I found something good" Her voice echoed across the small building straight into Vlads ears.
Vladimir swiftly turned to see Elena, he quickly placed the shield back on its rack in the same way he found it with such precision you wouldn't think it was moved. Vlad approached Elena who seemed very interested in what she found, much to his excitement.
Elena swiftly picked up the item she had found, Vladimir taking a surprised look at it, a long razor sharp sword. Vlad cautiously took hold of the handle as he saw Nikolai look a bit unnerved, in another moment the weight kicked in and the sword crashed onto the ground, much to Vladimirs difficulty.
Elena looked at him in surprise while he looked at her in confusion and slight fear. Elena squinted her eyes as she reached for the swords handle, much to the dismay of Vladimir. The blade was ground into the floor with the nearby area crushed by the weight.
Elena barely gripped the handle before casually picking it out of the ground with one hand, she scratched the back of her head calmly as she handed it back to Vlad. Vladimir tentatively reached his hands out to grab it.
Elena however was sick of waiting, as she just dropped it into his hands much to his dismay. He grasped the handle with all his strength as he felt the weight kick in, however this time he found it, lighter? It was like the weight had never activated.
He swung the blade to the side only to see it still felt the same, he could conceivably toss it around without difficulty. Elena crossed her arms as she watched him test the weapon out.
Nikolai spoke up firmly "Whilst I do believe a blade is a good weapon, your stature seems to be far more suited for something else" He scanned Vladimirs body up and down as he spoke.
Vladimir looked at him in surprise as he asked "Well uh, what do you think is right?" He pressed the tip of the blade against one finger without any showing of pain.
Nikolai looked at him impressed with how quickly he is utilising the weapon, though he soon turned around and began to shuffle through equipment. Soon he returned his gaze back to Vladimir while holding in his grasp a small curved dagger.
Elena pinched her chin as she curiously asked "Really? I personally would believe a dagger would fit someone with a smaller stature…Well I guess…" Her eyes tilted to look at Vladimir while half closed.
Vladimir looked at her in confusion as he defensively stated "Hey, I'm five foot and eight inches!" His crimson gaze squinted at her.
Elena sighed but didn't say anything else on the topic, instead she shifted her focus back to Nikolai who was slowly approaching Vladimir. Nikolai held the dagger in both hands gently as he presented it to Vladimir, he looked at it in awe both at the craftsmanship and also the fact he was offered it.
Vladimir nervously said "Well I'm not sure what I should choose out of the two" He scratched back of his head softly.
Nikolai squinted at him as he responded "There's nothing stopping you from having both, try them both out and learn which one is more suited for you" He held the dagger higher towards Vladimir.
Vladimir nervously took it from Nikolais eager hands, the weight like a feather but the firmness of the sheath was only incredible. Vlad felt his hands grip the sheath and handle with such a grip it couldn't be pulled from by a black hole.
Elena looked in surprise at how interested he was in the weapon, her eyes darting from the sheath to him constantly. Nikolai placed his hands together as he handed Vladimir a sheath for the sword too, Elena taking hold of the dagger for a moment.
As he was putting the sword in the sheath Vladimir spoke to Nikolai "Your craftsmanship is incredible, I've never seen anything like these" His eyes marvelled at the equipment in his grasp.
Nikolai put his hands together as he chuckled before responding "This is just some light equipment, it is pretty easy to forge, you should see the Weapons of Ennzoll" He clapped twice as he thought of those items.
Vladimirs head perked up as he asked "Weapons of Ennzoll?" He felt a childlike wonder enter his mind.
Nikolai smirked as he stated proudly "Weapons of Ennzoll are weapons crafted by the man himself, they're a signature weapon of the Champion, each one has their own unique one" He glanced at Elena who was observing the dagger.
Elena stayed interested in the dagger for a few moments before she noticed Nikolai looking at her, Vladimirs attention moving to her too. Elena looked at them in surprise for a moment while Nikolai raised his eyebrows at her.
Elena asked confusedly "Do youuuu…Want the dagger back?" She glanced at Vladimir before returning her gaze to Nikolai.
Nikolai shook his head as he stated "No, I would like you to show Vlad here your Weapon" He nodded his head towards Vladimir.
Vladimir felt a tinge of surprise upon hearing him call him Vlad, he only knew his actual name and insults up to this point. He felt his heart beat faster as he thought of the idea of having a nickname, it wasn't a negative feeling however.
Elena sighed as she reached her hand out, her palm outstretched as she blankly stared forward. Suddenly a flash of light expanded from her palm to then disappear in a moment, however now her palm wasn't empty.
There was a massive sword with the hilt covered in what looked like gold, its blade was shining but clearly every end was extremely sharp. The length was at least two metres with a golden crescent moon emblem on the handle right before the blade.
Vladimir looked in amazement at the weapon that had just materialised in front of him, Nikolai chuckled as he observed Elenas weapon. Elena held it out for a few moments before suddenly it turned to red sparks that flew upwards before dispersing.
Nikolai stated happily "That's a weapon of Ennzoll for you, especially for the strongest Champion" He smirked happily.
Elena calmly asked Vladimir "Got everything you need?" Her head turned with a slight curious expression.
Vladimir looked at her in surprise but firmly nodded, Nikolai closing his eyes calmly as he turned his head slightly to the shields. His eyes reopened as he slowly approached the shield Vladimir was admiring.
Nikolai calmly stated "If you wish, I can forge this shield into a smaller one to let you carry it with you while being nimble" He turned back to the two.
Vladimir looked at him in surprise, though it soon turned to shock, but a sense of gratitude was present as he smiled and responded "Thank you, I would appreciate that" He nodded to Nikolai calmly.
Nikolai and Elena looked at Vladimir in surprise, which confused him, though Elena soon returned to her blank expression as she handed back the dagger. Nikolai still retained a surprised expression even as the two began to leave.
Vladimir looked at Nikolai and calmly stated "Thank you, I've not really met as many people as kind as you" He flashed a slight accidental smile at Nikolai who returned it.
As the two exited the building, Elena swiftly looked to her side while Vladimir was trying to hold the two weapons with much difficulty. The sword required two hands while the dagger needed something to hold it from the handle due to how sharp the blade is.
Elena took no notice as the two began to walk to the next location, the bright green leaves flowing gracefully alongside the two. Vladimir wobbled as he walked while Elena was more focused on what his mission was going to be about.
The two took a right turn which was difficult for Vladimir as he could barely see with the sword and dagger in his grip. Though luckily for him the two came to a sudden stop, Elena stared calmly at the building they were outside of.
Vladimir moved the weapons to see a large building, it looked like a miniature warehouse compared to the other ones. Elena calmly approached the door with her hands waving by her sides, Vlad stopped at the base while waiting patiently for Elena to knock.
Much to his surprise, Elena just swung the door open like she owned the place, which slightly unnerved him. Elenas golden gaze traced the building before falling on a man sitting off to the side in a swing chair, his eyes half open like he just got out of a gang fight.
Elena and Vladimir walked up to him swiftly while Elena had a look of annoyance and irritation on her face. Vladimir had a look of confusion and slight worry for him as he seemed out cold.
Elena however simply grabbed his brown and purple jacket and began shaking him violently, instantly waking him up. As he was placed back down his head spun as he grasped his temples and forehead while fighting the impacts of being tugged at Mach eleven speeds.
Vladimir looked in worry and was alarmed by Elena actions, he whispered to her "Was that really necessary? He seems very disoriented" He attempted to scratched the back of his head, but couldn't because of the weapons in his grasp.
Elena returned the look, her golden eyes staring into his crimson ones as she responded "Nah, that's pretty much the bare minimum to wake him up" She looked downwards calmly.
The man groaned slightly as he raised his welding glasses off his face, his eyes looking down towards the two. He sighed as he saw Elena standing there, though his eyes widened as he caught eye of Vladimir.
He swiftly sat up as he asked "New Champion?" His hand rested on his knee while his elbow held his head up by the chin.
Vladimir looked at him in confusion as he took notice of the man having hair that was a mix of deep purple and blinding white. The mans eyebrows raised as he saw Vladimirs confused expression, his eyes glanced at Elena before returning to Vladimir.
Vladimir coughed to himself as he responded "Yea, I'm a new champion, my name is Vladimir Nikito" He tentatively reached his hand out for a handshake.
The man stood up firmly from his seat before giving a handshake with an iron grip, the blood in Vlads hand squished together as the veins closed tightly while his hand was gripped. Vladimir managed to take notice of the height of the man before him, being several inches above him, though still a bit below Elena.
Elena reached out and pulled the mans hand away from Vladimir much to his relief, Elena sighed as she took a few steps away, glancing to her side towards a few racks of clothes next to a small room. Vladimir and the man took notice of Elenas gaze, though the man only sighed as he took a few steps past her.
He calmly stopped in place as he rested a hand on his hip as he stated with his back turned "The names Boris, I'm a clothes designer for the Champions, as a matter of fact, I made the ones you see both Elena and Ennzoll wear" He scratched the back of his head as he looked over his shoulder.
Vladimir looked surprised as he watched the two standing far at the racks of clothes, Boris tilting his head to the side as he saw Vladimir stand away. He shrugged his shoulder towards them which Vladimir understood, he swiftly approached the twos side.
Elena looked at the clothes in surprise as she didn't recall there being this many types of clothing in his ownership. Boris raised a finger to his chin as he looked Vladimir up and down, Vlad looking at him over his shoulder nervously.
Boris nodded to himself as he looked at Vladimir, his eyes squinted as he stared at him. In an instant Boris had turned away and snapped his fingers in the air, a smug smirk on his face.
He happily exclaimed "Alright, I can easily fashion you an outfit, now all I need is what you want" He pointed a finger towards Vladimir who recoiled in surprise.
Vladimir nervously muttered "Y-You'll make an outfit? I-I don't know honestly" He scratched the back of his head nervously.
Boris scratched the top of his head with a single finger for a moment, though he soon responded bluntly "Well, you'll need something other than that shaggy cloth you've got on"
Vladimir raised an eyebrow as he asked confusedly "What's wrong with my jacket?" His eyes slightly squinted at him.
Boris shrugged as he responded "It's torn and dirty, anywaysssssssss…What would you like your outfit to look like?" His expression jumped up as he diverted the conversation.
Vladimir looked down as he thought of the question, his eyes squinted as he thought deeply. He would need something that would protect him, but there was also what Nikolai said echoing in his head…He fit a dagger and a smaller build…
Vladimir slowly raised his head as he asked firmly "Could I have something that is concealing, but easy to move around in?" His hands slightly tensed as he asked.
Boris looked at him in surprise before he smirked and responded "You know…I actually have an outfit that perfectly fits that request already" His hands lowered behind his legs as he smiled at Vladimir.
Elena had sat down on a small stool while watching the two curiously, though she felt her attention constantly be diverted by the tiniest thing. Vladimir nodded firmly to Boris who nodded back to him, his boot making a sharp twist on the ground.
He turned around and walked to a small wooden box stacked next to several others leaned against the small room. He picked it up and gave a firm blow on it, the dust waving up around him though he seemed unaffected.
He walked back to Vladimir before placing the crate in front of him, his hand reached down as he grasped the wood firmly. He pulled it in an iron grip, only for the crate to not break off, he looked at it in surprise before both his hands reached to pull it.
He placed a boot onto the top as he pulled it with all his strength, his throat making a groan sound as he pulled tightly. Vladimir nervously approached the crate as Boris stepped off it, his breaths heavy and his eyes strained.
Vladimir kneeled down next to it before reaching to the side of the box, Boris looked at in confusion until he heard a click and saw it slowly swing upwards and open. He stood there in confusion while his brain caught up, when it did he felt his blood swim in his veins as his embarrassment had no bounds.
Vladimir nervously looked into the crate, his eyes squinted as he cautiously stared at the contents. His eyes widened in confusion as he saw the outfit inside, its design was a far cry to what he imagined.
It was a grey and black outfit with a mask that curved upwards, it seemingly covered every inch of the body aside from the eyes. He raised an eyebrow at it while Boris looked at it smugly.
Boris happily exclaimed "Perfect, it looks great even after two years" He reached into the box and grabbed the outfit in his arms.
He walked over to Vladimir before dumping it into his arms, his eyes wide as he looked at the small pile in his arms. Boris took a step back with a smile before he gestured to the small room to the side.
Vladimir confusedly asked "So do I get changed in there?" He felt nervous holding all those clothes.
Boris nodded firmly as he stood to the side of the room, his hand reaching for the handle but failing to pull it open several times. As the door opened Vladimir cautiously walked in, Boris calmly nodded to him before closing it behind him.
Elena stood to the side of Boris with her hand on her hip, her head tilting slightly as she curiously wondered what he would look like. Boris meanwhile had his arms crossed and was looking forward in expectation.
Elena slowly turned to Boris before asking "Hey so, what's the outfit like on a person? It was difficult to see from where I was standing" Her head slightly tilted as she asked.
Boris calmly responded "Oh I don't know, I've never had it worn" His tone was blunt and uncaring.
Elenas eyes widened slightly but before she could respond the door opened before them, the two turned back to see Vladimir standing there, his eyes looking at the outfit while he wore it. It fit him perfectly, his body completely covered by every inch of fabric.
Boris nodded with a smile as he looked at Vladimir, who seemed quite happy with the outfit. Vlad looked at the thin belt embedded into the trousers, it had multiple holders for small things, and even a hook on the side and back, it was much like a military uniform.
Boris chuckled as he stated "There we go, it fits you perfectly" He looked very proud of his creation.
Vladimir responded bluntly "It's squeezing my pelvic area, but yea I get it, it's pretty good" He stood straight with his hands hanging by his sides.
Boris waved his hand as he stated "That's normal, it'll take a few minutes to get used to you" His tone was slightly rushing, like he wanted to quickly get on with this.
Vladimir looked at the sleeves and noticed hooks on both of them, his confusion about the need for them rose slightly. Though it was soon overtaken by excitement as he realised it had fingerless gloves, something he absolutely adored.
Elena looked in surprise at his childlike wonder while he stared at the gloves, her head tilting as she looked at her own gloves, not showing a pinch of skin. Her eyes darted back to him as he looked at his own fingers in the gloves excitedly.
Boris clapped his hands together as he stated "All right, with that over and done with" He gave an audible yawn and stretched his arm before continuing "I'm going back to sleep, too much excitement for one day" He groggily finished.
Elena looked to her side in surprise, though Boris payed no mind to it as he began walking off, leaving Vladimir and Elena confused. Vladimir approached Elenas side while looking Boris in confusion, though Elena soon didn't care and looked away.
She calmly asked Vladimir "You ready to go now? We've got all you need for the mission" Her tone was slightly upbeat and happy.
Vladimir nodded calmly as he responded "Sure…A-Are you sure doing a mission instantly is the best thing though? I just got all of this stuff, I don't know how to use it properly" His nerves tensed as he thought of what could happen.
Elena waved her hand as she responded "This is basic procedure, Ennzoll….Isn't the brightest, we're usually thrust into a mission on our own, I'm on my own usually anyways…We'll except for this negotiation mission I'm going on" She trailed off at the end as she looked away.
Vladimir curiously asked "Really? Who are you going on the mission with? Another Champion?" He barely had any thoughts of being careful around her.
Elena responded swiftly "His name is Ivan, he's an old champion, he has been here for years, he even made a game to improve our quick thinking" She calmly explained while Vladimir thought of what Ivan could be like.
Vladimir responded "By old, do you mean like eighty? Also what is the game about?" His childlike curiousness was slightly confusing to Elena as she noticed his posture and tone change alongside it.
Nonetheless she responded "No, he's only twenty four, he just became a Champion when he was younger. I'll explain the game when you get back, let's just say it's called Haiero" Her tone became rushing as she concluded.
Vladimir nodded firmly to her, to which she smiled to him. She swiftly turned around and began walking out of the building, Vladimir picked up his weapons and attached them to his belt on the way out.
He attached the broadsword to a belt on his lower hip, while the knife was placed onto his back sideways so he could quickly retrieve it. The two calmly exited the building, the cool and fresh air hitting the two in the face, much to the happiness of Vladimir.
Elena glanced at him before they turned in the direction of the mission, Vladimir clenched his fists as he prepared to go to the missions location. However before they could begin walking a sound erupted from behind from a familiar powerful voice.
The voice yelled "Wait, Vladimir! I have something for you!" The voice swiftly approached before it revealed itself in front of them.
There stood a gasping Nikolai who was leaning down to catch his breath, standing before the two with a small grey shield under his arm. He looked at Vladimir with as much of a smile as he could muster.
Nikolai happily stated "I finished your shield Vladimir, it's as light as a feather, here you go" He held it out with both hands in a presenting manor.
Vladimir looked in awe at the beautiful craftsmanship of the item, his hands shaking as he tentatively reached out and grabbed the shield. His mouth quivered as he suppressed a smile his eyes wide as he took the shield with joy.
He could barely notice that he was holding it as it felt like normal weight to him, though at the same time he could tell it was sturdy. He reached it over to his right sleeve before attaching it to his arm, an audible click sound could be heard as he equipped the shield.
He looked at it impressed as he waved his arm around, it felt like nothing was there but yet he felt a sense of safety, like someone was embracing him from all sides. Elena looked in surprise as she pondered how he got it complete so quickly, Nikolai just smirked as he saw how happy Vladimir was with it.
Nikolai exclaimed firmly "It may be light, but that thing can withstand the full magazine from a GAU-8 Avenger model" His hands landed on his hips as he smiled.
Vladimir and Elena both looked in confusion as he asked "A what now?" Both their eyes squinted as they looked at Nikolai.
A fairly deep voice echoed from behind Nikolai, followed by soft footsteps with squeaking leather. The voice was firm as it stated "It's the gun mounted on the A10 Warthog, it has so much recoil the plane can barely keep flying though" He stated it without any doubt or hesitation.
The three turned to see a man in a white suit with a black tie, his shoes were brown and pointy while his trousers were black and seemed a bit too big and long for him. His eyes were light blue that seemed to have crystals in his gaze, like stars were in his pupils.
His hair was a bright blond while also being slightly curly, it was thick and covered his whole scalp while having bits that pointed out from the sides. He stood with his torso facing to the side while his knuckles pressed against his hip, his height was just a bit below Elena, though still above Vladimir.
Vladimir looked at him in slight confusion as his head slightly tilted to the side, his crimson gaze staring into the other mans. Elena however looked at him in surprise with a hint of worry, her eyes glanced side to side swiftly before returning her gaze to him.
She worriedly asked "Um, if you're here...Don't tell me that means..." Her lips curled over themselves as she stared at him in concern.
In an instant a finger poked at Elenas cheek, much to her dismay as she stared forward while trying to ignore the person. Vladimir retracted back in surprise as he saw the person, a woman only an inch shorter than the other man was standing poking at Elenas cheek, her clothes nearly the same as the mans but her eyes were yellow and her suit was black while her trousers were white.
Vladimir curiously turned to the man before asking "Are you Ivan?" His body was half turned to Elena while his head faced the man.
The mans eyes widened as he looked at Vladimir in slight anger as he responded loudly while keeping a still stance "Do not even think of me being anything like him for a single moment" His crystalised gaze stared into Vladimirs scarlet one.
Vladimir nervously whispered to Elena "Why do all of the Champions have beef?" His eyes slightly squinted as he asked.
Elena responded bluntly at full volume "Him and Ivan call each other brother, they joke about hating each other all the time, and I only dislike Xeiemia, I don't hate her" Her gaze stared right at the man before them.
The man placed a fist on his hip as he leaned a bit to the side before asking calmly with a slight smile "I'm joking don't worry, anyways, I take it you're a new Champion?" His eyebrow raised as he finished.
Vladimir nodded firmly to him as he responded "Yes, my name is Vladimir Nikito, it's a pleasure to meet youuuu....Um..." He trailed off as he frantically glanced around, though the man only chuckled at him not knowing his name.
The man responded calmly "Merkolax, and the one behind you is my doppelgänger Mirkola" She waved slightly before going back to poking Elena who tried her best to ignore it.
Vladimirs eyes widened slightly as he glanced at Mirkola before returning his gaze to Merkolax, who just looked at him like he was acting panicked over nothing. Vladimir squinted as he looked at Merkolax who returned it, while Mirkola just glanced at the two in slight confusion.
She asked in a moderately deep voice "Is this some flirting ritual this world has?" She tilted her head as she looked at the two.
Vladimirs eyes widened as he looked at her in confusion before asking Merkolax "So..Doppelgänger? What's that about?" His eyes squinted at him while sparing glances at Mirkola.
Merkolaxes eyes widened in surprise as he calmly responded "Ohhh...You don't know about them?" His head slightly tilted as he asked.
Vladimir shook his head firmly as he responded "No, I didn't even know there was a multiverse since like a few hours ago" He scratched the back of his head calmly.
Merkolax placed his hands on his hips as he shook his head before exclaiming "Ah yea, that's Ennzoll alright, sending someone inexperienced right into a mission" He sighed deeply before stating swiftly "Listen I've got nothing important at the moment, if you want I can accompany you seeing as it would be difficult to do one on your own" He glanced to the side as he finished.
Vladimir recoiled slightly in surprise, but deep down there was a warm feeling inside him, though he soon responded "Actually, Ennzoll got another Champion to help me" His shoulders raised as he slightly tensed up.
Merkolax looked in surprise as he asked calmly "Really? Who? Ivan? Seraphim? Or knowing him he didn't tell you" He looked to the side as he finished.
Vladimir piped up swiftly as he replied "Actually he did tell me..." He trailed off at the end.
Merkolax looked at him in suspicion as he noticed Elena also looking slightly nervous, his eyes squinted as he glanced from one to the other. Mirkola looked at the three of them in confusion but shrugged as she went back to poking Elenas face.
Vladimirs eyebrows lowered as he muttered "It's um, someone named Xeiemia..." He glanced to the side as to avoid eye contact.
Merkolax stayed silent for a few moments before he stated firmly and with full confidence and sincerity "Listen I can ask Ennzoll to swap us out, you don't need to go on a mission with her" He spoke genuinely and seriously.
Vladimir looked at him as he confusedly asked "What's so bad about her?" He glanced at Elena to the side before swiftly returning it back to Merkolax.
Merkolax sighed as he stated "What isn't wrong with her?" He lowered his head as he cracked the bones in his neck.
His head slowly rose as he stated "So you asked about the Doppelgängers correct? Well to put it simply, we aren't the only world within our universe, each one is a different world interjected into our own, in every atom an infinity of smaller worlds play out" A finger rose in front of him as he pointed it upwards.
He stared Vladimir in the eyes as he continued "There is a world called the False World, it is the world where Doppelgängers come from, everyone has a doppelgänger, they're usually the opposite of you in most ways, which means most are evil, luckily mine isn't evil, just mischievous" His mind visualised a world watched by a giant purple eye in a ray of purple rings.
He continued swiftly "There are some other worlds like the Wrong World where everything is...Wrong, everything is different, from a shirt colour to the name of a colour, like red being called pink and pink being called red" He rolled his eyes as he looked to the side.
Elena piped as she groggily asked "Please don't mention that name, I don't think either of us have fond memories of the Wrong World" Her nerves in her wrists clenched tightly as she spoke.
Merkolax nodded firmly to her before returning his gaze to Vladimir who looked confused, his voice genuine as he asked "How many worlds are inside our own?" His tone had a sense of like it was unbelievable how many there were.
Merkolax brought up his hands before counting on his fingers deliberately, before long he raised both his hands open wide as he looked at Vladimir with open eyes. Vladimir felt a sense of unnerve at the action of Merkolax, though he attempted to look away and avoid contact with what he saw.
Merkolax responded firmly "There are too many to count, giving a number to it is downright stupid" As he finished he placed his hands into his pockets before approaching Vladimir.
His walking speed was casual and relaxed but at the same time he made it to him quickly, his hand landing on Vladimirs tensed shoulder. His head leaned close as he stared off to his side, Vladimirs eyes looked at him with a nervous expression.
Merkolax whispered in his ear "Even still, remember, only this world is your home, even if it is cruel, don't abandon it, or hide, or run away, stand strong, remain grand...And forge a greater world" His mouth stayed open for a few more moments before closing slowly.
He slowly closed his eyes as he took a few steps away, his head turned to Elena and Mirkola, he spoke firmly and matter of fact "We should get going, come along Mirkola, let's leave, you should head to your mission too Vladimir, and Elena, you have one as well, you should get moving" His eyes constantly moved to look at Vladimir and Elena.
Mirkolas expression perked up as she heard her name like a dog, she swiftly took a few steps away from Elena to Merkolaxes side. She placed her right hand into her pocket while her left hand waved to the two as the duo walked away.
Vladimir felt a sense of slight relief as the two left, but at the same time he felt a sense of emptiness seeing them go away. Elena placed a hand on her hip as she watched the two walk off, seeing Mirkola happily speaking to Merkolax who tried to brush off whatever she was saying.
Elena brushed her hair back as she asked Vladimir "He's right, I've gotta go to my mission, think you can make it yours by yourself?" She tilted her head to him as she looked him in the eyes.
Vladimir looked at her in surprise but nodded his head, though his motion stopped as he realised something, his voice swiftly echoing as he asked "Wait, where do I go for the mission?" His eyes were like dots as he felt a sense of slight helplessness.
Elena turned to the side as she pointed to a building close by as she stated "In there, you'll find the portal to your mission, Xeiemia will likely be there already" As she finished she waved her hand before walking off.
Vladimir looked at her in surprise but shook his head as he turned to where she pointed, his chest rose as he inhaled deeply before releasing in a heavy stream of air. He began to approach the building, he took notice of the sheer size, it towered over even a skyscraper in height.
He calmly approached the entrance with deep breaths circulating in his lungs, his head low as he tensed his skull in preparation to meet Xeiemia after all he heard. As he reached the door his hand tentatively reached out to it, though he hesitated slightly as he reached out, he shook his head firmly as he grabbed onto the handle with an iron grip.
He pulled the door open firmly as he walked in assertively, though he wasn't expecting to see what he saw. There was a massive circular portal with multiple beams across the sides, it had a control panel just a bit in front of the frame.
To his side he heard an audible purposeful cough, it had a hint of sass to it alongside irritation. He carefully turned to his side to see sitting in a chair was a woman holding a book with golden sigil across the edges and the cover and back being a dark brown colour.
He nervously gulped before raising an open hand before exclaiming cautiously "Uh, hey there" He felt the blood in his body rush to his neck and head in concern.
She carelessly responded swiftly "Hey, my names Xeiemia, I'm the one helping you, which I'm sure the big man didn't mention did he?" She slightly tiled her head as she finished, though her eyes looked like she was half asleep.
Vladimir shook his head firmly as he responded "Uh no, I was actually told I was working with you um, Ms..." His hands nervously held in front of his upper torso as he glanced around every so often as to alleviate tension.
Xeiemia sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose before responding "Just Xeiemia, you are a Champion right?" Her head tilted a bit as she had a hint of curiousness.
Vladimir nodded firmly as he stated "Yes I am, my name is Vladimir Nikito, it is nice to meet you Xeiemia" He felt some tension slightly arise, but he was still nervous.
Xeiemia rotated her neck around before standing up, clutching the book in her hands, Vladimir was surprised to see her outfit which was...Interesting. She had a tall wizard like hat with a brown shirt that was a mix of a suit alongside multiple pockets lined over it, the top was black while the bottom was brown, the sleeves were white however with fingerless gloves.
Her trousers were seemingly three sizes too long for her and her boots reached halfway up to her knees. Her eyes were pink and seemed like they had stars in them, just like Merkolax, but yet it was like there were nebulas in her pupils.
Xeiemia asked nervously "Why are you looking so thoughtfully at me?" She leaned a bit back from Vladimir.
Vladimirs eyes widened as he retracted before stating "Well I was just um, I noticed you and another Champion both look like you have stars in your eyes...Sorry if that sounds weird" He scratched the back of his head as he looked away.
Xeiemia took a few steps towards the console as he expression relaxed, she gave a calm response while she activated the portal "Oh, that's actually because we do. Actually, did you meet his doppelgänger?" Her eyes were open now as she asked curiously.
Vladimir nodded as he responded in a slight mumble "Uh yea...She was...Strange...She seemed to like Elena" He rubbed the side of his head.
Xeiemia responded bluntly as her eyes closed and she leaned away from the console "That's because Doppelgängers cling to stronger people, you should see her when she met Ennzoll, he had to sit down for a few hours after meeting her" She stifled a chuckle as she recalled Ennzolls meeting.
Xeiemia raised a fist to her mouth as she coughed into it before turning to Vladimir and continuing "Anyways, myself and Merkolax both have six solar systems within our eyes, each individual ones...However, Mirkola has two entire universes within her eyes, which in fact include the Wrong World and a Familiar World" Her head tilted as she finished while looking at Vladimir.
Vladimir stayed silent only for his head to cock to the side as he made a huh sound, Xeiemia looked at him in confusion as her face twisted. But she just shrugged and turned back to the portal, she turned her neck from one side to the other before looking straight at the now opening portal.
Xeiemia stated to Vladimir without looking at him "Don't worry, this isn't dangerous travelling, this is also because it is your first time, we Champions can create portals at will so this will be one of the few times you have to do this" Her eyes slightly squinted as she watched the portal open.
Vladimir stood at her side as he watched in wonder and wide eyed as he saw the pink and blue waves of the portal awakening before crafting itself into a waypoint to their destination. He forgot about all kind of nervousness or danger as he saw this, his eyes shaking in shock.
Xeiemia glanced to the side at him with a slight smile, she gave him a little knock on the arm before stating "Take it all in, this is the third time I've seen this, so you likely won't see it for a while, anyways, ready to go?" Her head slightly tilted towards the portal.
Vladimir looked at her in surprise but nodded firmly, his eyes determined as he prepared himself both mentally and physically for what is to come. Xeiemia looked away as she began to approach the portal, her hands waving by her sides, though the book still tight in her grip.
Vladimir followed swiftly, his breaths heavy as he looked up for once, thinking that this is his life now, now he will be a Champion Of Ennzoll.