Esterbraun's journey home took less than a day to return from what was Intergis to Nycon, this was due to his newfound ability. He gained the power to open up his own gates and leave them when and wherever he wanted a "pocket dimension."
Esterbraun's arrival into Nycon was met with an audience like no other, but not one of enthusiasm, one of apathy. He witnessed a crowd filled with people of all races and ages looking up at him from a platform raised above the ground; Esterbraun was on trial for the atrocity that was Intergis; what he was in was a hanging.
A message had been sent to the Capital "Nycon" from a group of merchants on their way to Intergis for business, only to come and see that it had been reduced to rubble. Esterbraun's body lay on the ground still alive, showing the mark of Greed as well as a family crest for the 1st class of the church around his neck. The merchants alerted officials in Nycon, telling them what they saw and how Esterbraun seemed to be the only one left, having a face of dread all over himself as if he was regretting.
King Jerous stood beside Esterbraun and began to speak, "For your crimes in aiding the Devil known as Greed, as well as your involvement in the Intergis Calamity, I hear by sentence you to death by hang, Esterbraun Filtelo, what do you have to say?"
Before Esterbraun could speak, the crowd emerged with a noise that could only be described as a war cry after hearing what King Jerous had to say.
Esterbraun refused to speak, believing this was the best course of action. He thought, why should he live even though in his heart Esterbraun had the urge to live?
Jerous: No words are fine, so the executioner pulled the lever.
The false bottom underneath Esterbraun opened with Esterbraun's neck wrapped in a rope, forming a noose; as he began to fall, he witnessed his life flash before his eyes, causing him to cry out for help, a greedy cry to live.
Esterbraun: I don't want to die; I want to repent; let me atone for my sins, but not like this. It's unfair, please.
As Esterbraun's neck was being choked by the rope, he slowly felt a step forming right underneath his feet, making slack on the rope, helping him free himself from the noose. The crowd could not see the step and simply saw Esterbraun walk on thin air and free himself; to them, it was a feat that only "One of the chosen" could do. He then looked at the crowd with a blank face and lost consciousness, but he didn't collapse Greed had taken over.
Greed as Esterbraun: HEAR ME CITIZENS OF NYCON I ESTERBRAUN FILTELO AM THE MAN WHO OVERCAME GREED.
He then lifted his shirt to expose the marking on his chest that had scarred over it, showing the face of Greed and its miserable appearance.
"I WILL NOT DIE HERE TODAY; HEAR ME, I WILL LEAD THE CHARGE IN THE WAR AGAINST THESE DEVILS; WHAT HAPPENED IN INTERGIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN."
Greed had been successful in causing an uproar of support within the crowd, bringing him down off the Gallows and escorting him into the palace, following behind the king.
King Jerous: Greed, long time no see, how have you been?
Greed in Esterbraun's body: Jerous, you're looking…..well, I'm doing wonderful. I've found myself a new host, and let me tell you, he is pretty ambitious.
King Jerous: Wonderful to hear, Greed what do you want? Why have you chosen to sink your dirty, ambitious claws into this 1st class officer? He is a man of great respect. Why let your wilds take control?
Greed: Listen to me, Jerous, enough of this bickering. You WILL tell the people that Esterbraun was a hero who valiantly fought against Greed, managing to overcome my wilds. Still, in the battle, the Empire of Intergis was destroyed due to Mikalo's men and how they used an unsanctioned spell that obliterated the whole Empire.
Jerous, this isn't an ask. It's an order; if you want your precious Empire to keep thriving right now, you will tell the people what I have just told you and leave this host and me alone.
King Jerous: Fine.
Reluctantly, the king's arms had been tied since, at this point, no warlords had been in the area capable of combating Greed.
With that, Greed returned to Esterbraun's body, pulling Esterbraun's consciousness back to earth. Then King Jerous proceeded to do as Greed had told, and the Mosscrest family became the scapegoat.
In a last-ditch attempt to save their name as well as lives, the Mosscrests excommunicated the rankings that Mikalo had served, among which would include Garius down the road.
The Mosscrest's name had been run through the mud, smearing it with a layer of corruption for the rest of the time. As Garius had said, "Growing up, I was forced to live a life of theft and crime." He had to do what he needed to do, even if it caused him to break his morals. Until very recently, before Aoto entered this world, Garius had been called up by the head of the family, "Sir Paul Mosscrest."
Paul had called Garius to meet in his chambers.
Paul: Garius, is it?
Garius: Yes, Sir Paul.
Paul: How would you like to be let back into our ranks? How would you want to be a Mosscrest?
Garius: Sir, I would love to rejoin your prestigious ranks. We no longer identify ourselves with that traitor Mikalo.
Paul: That's great to hear, Garius. I have signed the papers to allow you entry into the family, but I can also sign up more for each family member. How does that sound?
Garius: I am not worthy to be showered in this much luck; if there is ever a moment that you need assistance, feel free to call upon me.
Paul: Good, very good, because I do have something that I'd like you to do. A boy was found within a gate; before you ask, the Gate was from the town square, and the boy was found in the void.
He is around your age, Garius, so I've chosen to give you and your family another chance. From here on out, your job will be to find the boy and gain custody of him, ensuring that BOTH of you become bounders. During this time, I will allow you and you alone to enter our ranks and use our name to help you along this mission. Spread the name that both of you are Mosscrest's once you become bounders and do good work; if you fail, I will ensure your bloodline ends with you.
Garius: I can not say that I am not confused about this whole situation, but I will follow your will. Sir Paul, I will ensure we become bounders the next time the test rolls around. I will do my best to watch over the boy, but may I ask what makes him so special?
Paul: He is a vessel for Sound.
Garius' body visibly tensed when those words were uttered out of his mouth, though he kept calm and did not turn away at the Sound of a devil.
Paul: Is there something wrong, Garius?
Garius: No sir, not at all. I apologize for my body's movement. It was just a mere twitch.
Paul: Very well, the Curator's party found the boy during an expedition into the void in hopes of finding items for his upcoming auction. I'm sure you're aware of that. He is planning on selling the boy to a high-ranking member of the 1st class in Zesa; he is notable for the fact that he seemingly has control over the Sound; I have a theory he may be like the great Esterbraun. Our family needs this. Since your grandfather's calamity occurred, we've been outcasted to this nation, only among the 12 due to our longevity. I trust that you can handle this task, Garius; take this bag.
Inside the bag was a large sum of money for purchasing the boy "Aoto" and enough money to live off of for some time.
Paul: Go now, Garius, do well, bring pride to the Mosscrest name, and make sure he becomes a hero. If you do that, your family will survive, and I will see that you and your family will join our ranks.
In the present, Garius had made his way into the holy district of Nycon, where he had already arranged plans with the priest who runs the church Hogard of the 3rd class.
Garius had arranged to be let into Arcad to meet with the Curator to retrieve 2 chutes that were found on Aoto's body, or so the Curator said. Hogard welcomed Garius into the church guiding him into the back and leading him to a wall that didn't seem special.
Garius, confused, questioned Hogard if he had an anterior motive; Hogard snickered to himself and cast a spell on the wall, revealing a staircase that seemed to go downwards for more than the eye could see.
Hogard: Best of luck, Garius. May God's light shine down upon you in the place the light never dares to touch.
Garius nodded at Hogard and placed his left foot forward, beginning to walk down the staircase. As he continued to walk down, he could catch glimpses of the even deeper cCityArcad through the old stone brick walls that seemed to have chipped off holes to see through over time.
Before he knew it, Garius had reached the bottom of the stairwell and met the Curator face-to-face.
Arcad didn't always exist beneath the streets of Nycon; there was a time when everyone, no matter class, lived on the same level; while more dangerous, the City was more intact. Due to the ever-growing population of Nycon, excavations have become more regular throughout the city to combat the growing size. One day, a group of workers stumbled upon a massive sinkhole that seemed to go even deeper than what was thought to be possible.
From that point, all construction and excavation had moved to this newer, much deeper level of Nycon, which was dubbed Arcad. As the construction of the new level began, it was to be that the impoverished would be moved down to the lower level, turning it into a slum. The reason is that no matter what time of day, the level would always be covered in black, so if you could not afford to live on the top of Nycon, you don't have the right to see the holy sun.
The Curator was surrounded by 4 large men, 3 of them seeming to be beast men, all slaves.
Curator: Garius, it's been a little while, right? I have what you've asked for prepared at my abode.
Garius: Thank you, I appreciate it. As you know, I must have this in my possession in the wrong hands. We both know what could happen.
Curator: Of course, Garius, I would hate to see another calamity such as the one that happened in Intergis all those years ago, especially here in Nycon.
The Curator's tone had switched from playful to a more serious note.
Although I do have one gripe with you, Garius.
Garius: And what might that be, Sir?
The Curator snapped his fingers, causing the 4 slaves to circle Garius, slowly closing in on him until Garius was pinned in his spot.
Garius: CURATOR WHAT IS THIS!
Curator: It's simply business, Garius; there is no need for shouting, just let this happen. Then I'll buy you a coffee, how does that sound?
Garius clenched his fist and attempted to jump at the Curator, but he was caught by a beast man and slammed to the ground, knocking him out.
The Curator had been visited shortly after handing Aoto off to Garius by a warlord from Zesa who had come for Aoto but was a day late due to a sand storm that had wrecked through the surface. He met with the Curator expecting to be handed Aoto and go on his way but was met with a rude surprise; since he hadn't shown up to the auction, the Curator was under the notion that the dealer was off, so he was willing to have him over to Garius. This did not sit well with Thadius Siprel, the Warlord of the Empire, who was on direct orders from the king to bring Aoto to Zesa to be a hopeful dog of the military as a way to recoup the loss that was Esterbraun.
He made it clear to the Curator that the only way the Curator would continue to live on was if the boy was back in the Curator's possession the next time he was in the City.
Thadius Siprel is an incredibly busy person who goes out on solo adventures through gates and the world. Even though he isn't a certified bounder, he is still viewed as strong or even more than the highest of high bounders. Due to this level of fame and trust, he is forced to be constantly moving, helping out around the Empire, so he leaves the Curator with that knowledge, stating, "I'll back in around one week have the boy, and whoever bought him ready for me I want to see who caused a smudge on my reputation".
Garius, waking, saw that he was caged in a container very similar to the one he had first seen Aoto in. His vision was obscured by his blindfold being taken off. Garius' blindfold is a blessed item that helps with his vision since he was born nearly blind; without it, he is no better in combat than a dog.
Unable to see, he called out, "Hellooo, is anyone there?"
Curator: Oh sweet Garius, Sweet Sweet Garius, no one is coming. You are in my place beneath the main streets in Arcad. No one is coming for you, and I've sent my slaves after your companion, Aoto.
Garius: WHY CURATOR WHY!
Curator: I'm sorry, Garius, I truly am, but my arm is twisted; you see, you've gotten me in hot water with a certain Warlord who is very interested in Aoto and you, so I can't let you go. Again, many apologies. I just hate to see people suffer. It's not good for the soul, you know?
Garius remains speechless, seemingly giving up all hope of ever returning to his ranks among the Mosscrests.
On the main level of Nycon, the sun was still down, and Aoto was still alone; he continued walking toward the center of Nycon now since there wasn't any gate to fear due to the sun being down; while walking Aoto sensed the vibrations of bodies behind him, closing in on him as he walks.
Aoto, becoming wary, picked up his pace, going from a walk to a jog to an all-out run, but it was useless. The beast men were faster than Aoto could run, jumping right in front of him, grabbing his arms, and putting them behind his back.
With a struggle, Aoto attempted to break free and run towards an alleyway too small for the beast men but just big enough that Aoto's slender frame could fit through, but as he made his break, one of the slaves reached their arm out, catching Aoto's neck. Aoto's body jolted back, slamming his head on the hard stone ground, making him "see stars." Aoto's groaning was picked up by the men leading him towards the town center but not to wait for Garius to throw him into the Gate.
The void has multiple exits, and one just so happens to lead directly into the Curator placate, being the fastest and most discrete way into Arcad; as the slaves carry Aoto's limp body, a voice can be heard but not by the slaves, by Aoto.
Sound: Hey Aoto…. Hey Aoto…. HEY AOTO
Aoto: what? Oh, wise mystical fake voice, is that you?
Sound: Who are you calling fake deaf boy? I am very much real, and I am very much a part of you.
Aoto was concussed, wasn't paying any mind to Sound, and simply played him off as a figment of his imagination.
Aoto: okay then, good you.
Sound: Aoto, are you even paying attention to me? Do you even realize what going on?
Aoto: what? What are you talking about what's going on?
Sound: AOTO, open your eyes.
Aoto's eyes opened back up, opening and closing, letting them acclimate to his new surroundings, and they became ajared. Aoto was about to be thrown through the Gate.
Aoto: WAIT WAIT WAIT
Aoto was thrown in entering into the void that had to spit him into this new world; he was in a free fall, feeling weightless, not seeing the ground in sight. As Aoto was falling, he could see the slaves follow behind, falling alongside him.
As Aoto fell, he turned his body around to face the ground, and he could see a lake form beneath him; as Aoto got closer, he began to panic, flailing his arms all around and screaming until he made contact with the water.
"BOOM"
A loud and large splash was made, and Aoto's body, along with the slaves, plunged deep into the lake; they continued to sink in the lake, seemingly never-ending. As they sank deeper and deeper, Aoto opened his eyes, noticing that the lake's water wasn't water.
The liquid was black, almost like he was swimming in ink. Aoto's pours began to fill up with this liquid, and as he tried to hold his breath, he could feel something dragging him closer to the bottom of the lake.
Aoto, at his limit, could no longer hold his breath and opened his mouth, attempting to breathe, but it was to no use. He was submerged. As he began drowning, the liquid filled his ears, mouth, nose, eyes, and every other place. Right as Aoto was losing consciousness, he could feel something now pulling him up instead of down; it was one of the slaves he had grabbed hold of Aoto, swimming him up towards the surface.
Aoto had lost consciousness.
The slaves had pulled Aoto out of the lake, laying him down on the ground; they began to perform chest compressions on Aoto in hopes of waking him up.
Aoto rose and began spitting out the liquid that filled his lungs violently; Aoto groaned. It seemed as though whatever had entered him was fighting against Aoto's system.
As soon as Aoto finished, a slave picked Aoto up by the waist and draped him over his shoulders. The slaves started to follow the others.
Except for his ears, the liquid continued to flow out of Aoto's pours and orifices. The liquid seemed contained, not being allowed to leave.
As Aoto was carried, he could see an exit in the distance and hear a voice similar to Garius's.
Garius: You son of a b**ch, how could you? I didn't know. YOU DIDN'T TELL ME.
Curator: I know you're mad, but look at it this way. You're certainly going to die when Thadius gets here, so why hold a grudge? Okay?
Aoto became visibly confused that he could hear Garius' voice, especially since he was still far away; he could feel the liquid in his ears swish back and forth.
Sound: You can hear them, can't you, Aoto?
You and hear.
Aoto: What is this? Why can I hear Garius?
Sound: That liquid in your ears is a part of me, Aoto; it's just the same as a liquid that I marked you with.
Aoto: Liquid? Marking? No, that can't be true. Garius said that it was a tattoo given to slaves, something normal.
Sound: You believe what you told right off, don't you, Aoto?
How naive.
The slaves carrying Aoto had finally made it to the exit, passing through the Gate; Aoto felt a shift in his body right before being thrown again through the Gate and landing into a cage adjacent to Garius.
Right before Aoto could speak to Garius, sleeping gas started to fill the room, knocking Garius out and having Aoto on the verge. Still, before he could, he heard the voice again.
Sound: Do you want this to be your end?
Aoto: No.