Odin was reading a book in his library on a single sofa chair when he received a message. He was uninterested in conversing with anyone, so he ignored it. Then another message was sent after a few seconds. Odin readjusted his posture and continued reading. After a few minutes a third message notification went off. Ethan walked in silently and made his way to another sofa nearby. One that was large enough for him to sit in comfortably. "Are you not interested in who could be trying to contact you?" asked Ethan. Only the sound of Odin turning to the next page was heard. Then after a few minutes Ofin finally said, "if I was to respond to every message quickly, I wouldn't get to enjoy this type of quietness. Some moments are worth ignoring the world over." Ethan gave a small nod and just picked up a book of his own fit foe his own size.
Eden was a little impatient after sending her first message, which was "Greetings Odin, I'm reaching out to see if you could shed some light on some things I have questions on." Then she quickly felt she should have sent her question too. Her second message said, "I would like to know if you know of any glitches on the system that would help increase my power and defense?" Then after no reply for a few minutes, Eden sent her last message, "I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience and if there are other ways to achieve the same result, I would be very grateful if you shared." Then Eden left her study and decided to go on a boss hunt. She was wearing an off white dress with gold lace on some of the edges. Although Eden was in a world full of war, she still liked to dress feminine.
Eden went to the training quarters to observe how the training of the generals were going. Erza moved extremely fast from her position to avoid getting hit. She was told to stay within a circle Eden had drawn on the ground herself. It was only 7 feet in diameter. Sir Tristan was training, had long red hair in a ponytail and 3 layered braids on each side of his bangs with a navy string that wrapped at the end to hold them from coming undone. A small totem would dangle from the braid. Sir Tristan would charge and Erza would step out of the way and tap him lightly with the end of her sword, indicating he failed. Then another attempt, each new attempt would result in the same way. Eden asked out loud, "would you fight this way if my life depended on it?" Tristan, who just failed another attempt was facing away, but Eden could see his shoulders stiffen. The rest watching had shocked faces at the question. They were going to protest at the thought of betraying Eden, but Arthur raised his hand to stop them from speaking up. Eden asked again, "If you learned that Erza was chosen by the elders to one day betray me, would you let her go that easily?" Sir Tristan's began to exhale and inhale more rapidly. The sweat from his forehead that was dripping began to evaporate as his body temperature began increasing from the sudden thought. He had sworn to himself privately he would fight until death if he had to, to never see Eden in the condition she was when they returned. Her determination to stay alive had kept them all alive. They all felt when she was in danger and when she activated her shield of protection, a shield also activated around them. The shield meant retreat and live. This is what Eden instructed them if they saw it activated during a battle. He also saw the broadcast after leaving the infirmary. They all did. As a general, it was his duty to fall before she did. All these emotions and thoughts triggered Sir Tristan's heart to increase blood flow. His muscles now pumped with adrenaline, he said "I will die fighting for you Eden." He then turned to attack Erza again. This time, he had counted on Erza to tap him on a vital organ. Midway through his charge he twisted his body to face upward. Then he moved his blade to the spot where his blind spot was and heart. With his other hand he covered his lungs. Erza was halfway to tapping his sword with the back of hers when she moved up towards his neck. With the arm covering his chest over his lungs, Sir Tristan repositioned his forearm to protect his neck. Erza's sword bounced off the vanbrace. Then Erza moved her other hand that was holding her shield and slammed Tristen down with it. Sir Tristen hit the ground so hard that the ground had cracks and dust blew through every direction. Erza stood up straight to face Eden and said, "This is the first time I had to use my other hand." Eden smiled and said, "Sir Tristan, my chest swells with pride at this display of loyalty. Please continue to improve your skills and lead by example." Everyone began to cheer. Gabriel was already helping Sir Tristan get up. Sir Tristan was still trying to catch his breath, but said outloud, "what are you all cheering for! I got my ass kicked, this is not enough!" Eden nodded in approval and threw a recovery potion at Gabriel to hand to Sir Tristan. "Not Enough!" yelled Eden and looked around at everyone who settled down.
"Repeat those words to yourself and remember Sir Tristan's accomplishment. He forced Erza into a defensive reaction. So far she had been toying with you all as if you're children, but Sir Tristen changed. If Erza had not used her shield to pound her opponent to the ground, Sir Tristan could have raised his sword towards her. Erza was wide open for a few seconds. We will all shout internally, Not Enough! To keep going and push our limits higher!"
Eden's speech resonated in all their hearts. Then Gwaine, another general, stepped forward. "I will challenge Erza next." Gabriel straightened his posture, "I will follow his challenge." Then more soldiers began to volunteer. Erza was simultaneously taking record of the list of volunteers and their queue. Eden then raised her hand to bring them to a silence. "Before you do, we will go on a boss hunt. Bring that attitude with you." Then they began to get ready for a boss raid.
Upon arriving at the location that Eden had marked, an uninvited party arrived. CallanRok showed up with his army. Eden's Generals surrounded her and her army tensed up. Callan smiled and said, "wow, you have them trained to the point you don't issue out commands to do it. Quite a skill of yours. How about you teach me how you do that and I can teach you how to increase your power and defense. Hmmmm" Eden tried to not show any reaction and looked in the direction of the cave. "This is our boss raid and beyond your normal hunting grounds. Why are you here?" Callan moved in a little closer with his horse, but was stopped once all of Eden's men pulled out their swords. Callan wasn't there to pick a fight and felt he could take down Eden if he wanted to. She wasn't impressive like others in combat, but the fact that her men acted without a command intrigued him. If he was to fight with her now, he wouldn't get any information from her encounter in server war or how she managed to get her army to respond without commands. He cleared his throat before speaking, "I heard there was a new boss added to the server and I wanted to try out my skills on it. Eden announced, "stand down men." Her army relaxed a little and slowly placed their swords away. But Eden whispered to Erza, who was invisible, stay on guard.
"The path splits after a few feet, decide which path you want now and there won't be a quarrel among us of who defeats the boss and gets the rewards," Eden as she nudged Thunder to move forward. Callen furrowed his eyes as he thought, who did this woman think she was? She is fucken nobody, just another useless woman meant for entertainment. "Is there a problem?" asked Eden as she turned to look at Callan's expression. "Yes, I heard this new boss was really strong and most needed assistance to defeat it. We would be too far to aid each other." Eden looked at the cave and said, " I would naturally retreat if it's power level was beyond my capabilities. If you need aid, I could send a scout with you to report to me if you need it." The thought was appalling to Callan, to imply he needs help from a woman. How presumptuous of her. "Oh Miss Eden, I was just trying to be a gentleman by offering you help if you came across the boss on your own," Callan said sweetly. Then he said, "I'll take the right side.
They were about to enter the cave when another voice was heard from a distance. "Eden! Where are you sneaking off to now?" said DBoots as he got closer. He looked back and forth at them and then added, "Oh, Expat is going to be heart broken." Eden smacked her forehead, how did she manage to get herself into such an ambiguous position. "The tunnel splits in two a few feet in," said Eden. "hmmm sure it does," replied DBoots and winked. Eden rolled her eyes and said, there's only two ways, pick one and then figure out if you're willing to share spoils. "What, no threesome?" said DBoots with a grin. Eden started heading inside on her own when DBoots followed her and said to Callan, "sorry to break your heart, but I don't go both ways." Callan laughed and said, "your good man!" After they were both out of sight, Callan stopped smiling and said with a serious tone, "that guy is getting in the way." A thick raspy voice responded from behind him, "she won't get away. She'll be groveling at your feet as well." Then Callan's gargoyle glided closer to him from his back. "Are you sure you couldn't get any closer?" asked Callan. "Yes," answered the gargoyle.
DBoots caught up to Eden with his horse as he called to her again. "Are you in such a hurry to get yourself in trouble?" said DBoots with a laugh. Eden smiled and replied, "trouble follows me, oh look it just caught up." They both chuckled a little before Eden asked DBoots, "are you here for the new boss as well?" DBoots shrugged his shoulders and said,
"I was exploring the area out of curiosity and saw a golden stag running around the hill. I followed it and as I turned the corner I saw you and CallanRok by the entrance of the cave. So pure coincidence I guess. Then I decided to tag along after you told Callan he wasn't needed. Ha ha ha that was funny."
Eden smirked and said, "So you like punishment, isn't that what you call a masochist?" DBoots chuckled before cunningly responding, "I take pleasure in watching, there's a difference." Eden turned to look at him to see him wiggling his eyes. She laughed and said, "Alright peeping Tom, I'm pretty sure that's illegal." Dboots replied, "Not in this world, King still hasn't issued the decree to outlaw it. So I'm gonna cash in for now." They both laughed and Eden said, "Aren't you just full of bright ideas." DBoots answered, "that was many many many brain cells ago. My last great idea was with a toaster in my bathtub." Eden shook her head with amusement.
After a few more minutes, they noticed that their light crystals began to dim which they had pulled out of their bags when the sunlight was fading into the cave. It was odd because the description of the crystals were ever lasting light. Unless, Eden paused as she moved the crystal closer to her eyes to see it more clearly. As she inspected the crystal, she noticed black particles around the crystal. The darkness was produced by solid particles and it was also entering their lungs because they were breathing it in. Eden looked behind her and noticed there was moving space in the shape of a globe that wasn't affected by the particles. The soldiers surrounded by the globe could be seen because of their crystals still shining. That must be where Erza is. Eden then turned to look at DBoots who was now curiously looking at the same spot. "Do you trust me?" asked Eden. DBoots answered in a deeper voice than normal, "is this where you say, come with me if you want to live?" Eden couldn't help but smile a little but then shook her head and said, "promise you won't say anything to anyone just yet." With hesitation DBoots replied, "I'm not sure I can make that promise, but I'll give it some thought." Eden groaned a little out of frustration, but decided she trusted him regardless. She then said, "Erza, uncloak and expand your forcefield." Erza emerged from being invisible and the globe around her pulsed outward until it covered all of them. The phoenix that was sitting on DBoots shoulder was pushed off him with force, that it only flapped its wings once the air around it stopped moving. Then it stumbled into a glide in front of them. The phoenix began to light up with the fire that came from its wings. At the same time, the particles that had entered everyone's lungs came out. They felt their chest, throat and nostrils tingle as it left their bodies.
Erza was practically floating in the air in the center of the group. The rest of the soldiers were coughing from the particles leaving their body all at once. Eden wondered how long they have been inhaling that substance. Then she asked Erza for a status report. Erza said, "everyone's health has dropped to 30 percent. The time of exposure to substance began once we entered the cave. Would you like me to transport all injured to the infirmary?" Eden replied, "No, use recovery potion as necessary to regain health to 100 percent." Eden and her army began to recover. DBoots said, "Seraphina, use recovery magic." The phoenix answered in soft but aged voice, "Of course my liege." Then a fire from the ground raised and enveloped DBoots and his army. The fire didn't burn them, but gave them health instead. Eden looked at DBoots with awe, and then said, "I guess we all have our secrets don't we." DBoots smirked and responded, "I guess we do." After they verified they were all back to 100 percent health, they continued forward.
Eden cleared her throat after a few more minutes and said, "So are we going to talk about it?" DBoots responded," ladies first." Eden narrowed her eyes at him. DBoots then said in Callan's tone, "I was just trying to be a gentleman." They both laughed and then DBoots said, "I found out Seraphina can do more than just guide me through the server while I was in purgatory." Eden raised her eyes, "purgatory?" DBoots scratched his head a bit as he answered, "it's a place where catholics believe they go to cleanse their soul. I'm not religious, but I figured you would know more since I sometimes catch you in prayer." Eden then said, "Ohhh, I forgot about that but we have one here?" DBoots nodded before saying, "Yeah, I guess we do. It's basically going through unpleasant memories until your 5 minutes of cool down is up and you can respawn." Eden looked puzzled because she still didn't understand what it had to do with Seraphina.
DBoots continued,"anyway, I was in purgatory for longer than I would like, but that's when I saw Seraphina as a little bird appeared and aged before my eyes. Then she was injured and bursted into flames. Besides being caught by surprise and possibly unlocking a new trauma, I noticed Seraphina using recovery magic. When I came to, I was surrounded by flames. Panicked a little, then realized it was Seraphina's flames getting me back to health," finished DBoots saying with an awkward laugh. Then he just paused and waited for Eden's response.
Eden took a moment to think how to explain her situation. She didn't really know how to put in words. Then she finalized her resolve and went for it, not caring if he thought she was crazy. "Yes I believe in God and yes, that God is Jesus Christ. I have faith in a loving and all good God. And he is not weak. Everything has a consequence. The truth is I don't know what Erza is. Just that she is connected to him. I believe that there is a spiritual realm and we either can't see it, refuse it or we don't have the gift of sight. I'm just as confused as everyone else, but there's this spirit we believers feel. It's the Holy Spirit. The helper was sent to guide us. So far what I do know is, Erza is unique because she isn't a mythical creature and has unknown powers. That's what the man I faced in server war told me. I might be gullible in believing him, but I don't have an alternate explanation for the things she can do. Plus, when I originally picked Erza, I just wanted a double. Also, I don't know everything there is to know about my own religious beliefs, I'm a student. Maybe the worst kind because I haven't done anything that could classify me as perfect or good. Shit, I stabbed someone in their throat not too long ago. It's a constant struggle internally. I don't know how to be perfect, but I'm counting on my God to show me. So that's it, my whole story and I still couldn't tell you much about Erza. Just that I use her for battles sometimes and I keep her hidden until I know more."
Eden was looking at the cave wall when she was done saying what was on her mind. Then she looked at DBoots and he was snacking on some popcorn while watching her. "Where the fuck did you," responded Eden as she tried to snatch the popcorn off his hands. He laughed, and said, "I'm just lighting up the mood hahaha , are you done with your monologue?" Eden looked away and at the direction they were traveling. "This is why I have trust issues," she said with a hmph. DBoots chuckled a little and said, "You know what, if you can keep your faith in this shit hole, then I think you're all right. No punt on the hole since we are in a tunnel." They both smiled. Then DBoots added, "that was quick thinking, we would have been down on health halfway by now." Eden thought to herself, but he would have been fine, his recovery magic would keep them alive until they got back home at least.
Then a heavy breath echoed through the cave. A male voice was heard from the darkness, "turn back now or die." A growl followed. DBoots said, "we came this far for a talking dog." Another growl was heard and the voice said, "idiot! You dare insult us for mere dogs." Then pairs of different colored glowing eyes could be seen in the dark. Eden knew right away it was intentional, the dark particles had to make room for their eyes to be visible. "Ready yourselves," commanded Eden and the men quickly got into formation. It's an entire group of them and there wasn't a clear indication of how many there actually are. Then Eden dismounted Thunder and looked at it in the eyes, "you get back to the entrance. Stay safe, that is an order you stubborn horse." Thunder snorted and then turned to leave, before it took off, it looked back one last time before it ran. DBoots chuckled a little as he dismounted his horse and smacked it away. "Get out of here Bullet! Go!" DBoots commanded. Then DBoots turned to look at Eden, "I guess it's talking dogs were fighting."
Eden instructed Erza to find the source of the particles quickly and engage in whichever style of fighting she saw fit. DBoots had told Seraphina to find a place away from them but to keep shining her light over them. Erza moved quickly through the figures in the darkness. She came to a halt and said, found you. The figure was about 5 feet high on all four legs, but it grew twice its height as he stood up. It was a lycan male with blue eyes glowing in the dark. The particles retracted from the cave and formed armor and weapons around him. As soon as his particles stopped distorting the view, the crystals gave light to the cave. The lycans then shifted into a humanaid form. Each one had an individual power and style of armor that matched them. Erza and the black particle lycan began to exchange blows. That's when the rest of the lycans charged in to fight as well.
Eden and DBoots swiftly moved through the crowded cave to find the leader. They knew that in a pack, there was always a leader they had to defeat to win. This was more difficult than expected because lycans had super powers. It was already difficult enough to fight one alone, but an entire pack at once, it was nearly suicidal. Still, Eden had made the decision to engage in combat and DBoots didn't want to look like a bitch, so he joined as well. They barely dodge a few attacks from different directions. Lightning, wind slashes, rock throws, fire balls, all different types of magical attacks were aiming at them both. Arthur, Sir Tristan and Gabriel stayed close to Eden and covered her in the three directions she wasn't looking. Sir Lancelot and Gwaine were fighting and commanding the rest of the army. Every man that fell, Eden would say, transport. It was almost as if she was chanting. Eden had no desire to lose anyone on this boss hunt. They both got close to a large door that was heavily guarded. Eden and DBoots assumed that is where they would meet the boss.
They both weren't done defeating the guards by the door, but still managed to open the door slightly. A snout peeked through the crack and sniffed. Then DBoots swung the door open to stab the beast that was creeping out. From the corner of Eden's eye she saw it. It was a beast but a small one. So tiny in comparison to the big ones they are fighting. She saw DBoots sword aiming at the small creature. Eden's body just leaped in front of the little beast and landed on the ground with her shield raised to stop the sword. A woman with glowing white hair was running after the small beast and grabbed him immediately. She covered him with her arms to shield his little body. Eden was getting up from the ground when a lycan leaped toward her. DBoots managed to stop the lycan in its tracks with his own shield. Then Erza at lightning speed appeared next to Eden.
The lycans suddenly stopped attacking and retreated to the door where they surrounded the 3. Eden was prepared to tell Erza to be her shield, but wasn't sure if she could cover DBoots. Then Eden looked at the frightened cub in the lady's arms. Her heart ached a little for the small creature. "Eden, you're going to get us killed," said DBoots as the lycans formed a wall around them, effectively separating them from their army. Eden looked around, then said, "it was maternal instinct. The small ones are innocent." DBoots replied, "I really wish you are right about that because right now it looks bad for us." Then the lady spoke, "I'm sure, allow them to retreat." There was a second lycan, female in silver fur, that took a step closer to the lady. They were making eye contact and looking at them. Eden knew they were probably talking through a mind link like she read in those novels. To see it happen in front of her was another thing. The lady asked them both, "Will you keep silent about what you have seen here?" Eden, nodded in response.They looked at DBoots, "I guess I can, but others will come across you in the future. " Then the silver lycan said, "You see, you can't trust them. It's best to silence them now." The lady shook her head in disagreement. "He only stated the obvious truth." "Then send someone to monitor them to know for sure they didn't betray Alpha Queen Celeste," said the silver lycan in protest. Celeste pondered and then said, "will you make a binding contract with my pack members who will be monitoring you?" DBoots sorta shrugged, but Eden firmly said "No." Celeste tilted her head, "Oh, and what do you suggest instead." Eden said, "Erza be our shield, transfer all wounded except my generals." In that instant a force field covered DBoots and Eden while her army was transported. Eden's Generals stood in place unphased. Then Eden directed her next words to Celeste. "Whether you accept my word or not, I keep my promises. As for binding contracts, I don't want any that I'm knowly making. I have a God who I depend on, Jesus Christ." Celeste gave a face, but then said, "what about your men?" "They are still here so that I don't rob them of the choice to stay behind and fight. But also, to serve as a witness to my resolve. No binding contracts for them, not until I have a chance to speak to them alone. Celeste realized DBoots had done the same with his army, transporting all of them to his castle infirmary. "Fine, then no contract but my pack members will still follow you and stay near," said Celeste. "You dare?" asked Erza and her forceshield expanded, pushing the lycans farther. Celeste raised her chin up and said, "I see," as she observed Erza's show of power. The silver lycan was enraged at the sight. "How dare you? The King will not let you leave unscathed. He is already returning from the other side." Eden then remembered Callan took the other route. He must've encountered their king. Celeste raised her hand to silence the lycan. "My son was spared, not by gain, but by her internal nature. I will not force her to take our members with her."Celeste paused, then continued, "Perhaps, you can settle for hiring able warriors?" Eden replied, "How is that different from a contract with the devil?" Celeste responded, "didn't Enoch do a favor for the giant that went to plead for his help?" "Enoch was a prophet, he did not hire the nephilim or watchers," answered Eden. "Then allow them to be near your castle to receive the message they need to hear." Eden took in a deep breath, she didn't want to agree, but also didn't understand why Celeste was pushing so hard. Eden looked at Erza and whispered her question to her, "Is this allowed? Without a contract or alliance pledge?" Erza was silent for a moment. Eden was about to answer thinking Erza couldn't give a reply. "There is no rule that they cannot be members of your alliance. General Maximilian is an example of an outsider contract without your knowledge." Eden took a moment to process what Erza said. It wasn't a definite yes, but there was a loop hole to the realm. "I will not treat them as hostile and will silently protest." Celeste smiled in victory and five lycan men stepped forward with the silver lycan female. "They will be stationed nearby and out of sight unless directed otherwise. Sylvie is one of my lieutenants. The rest are my able warriors, Gideon, Lewis, Kane Murphy and Oscar. This squad will be assigned to you." DBoots nodded and shrugged, "Okay." Then Celeste corrected herself, "assigned to Eden." DBoots face got a little pink and he chuckled nervously. Eden scowled and said, "I don't need a squad. One messenger will be more than enough to act as a liaison." Sylvie's tongue clicked at Eden's words, "you should be honored Queen Celeste appointed a royal squad." Celeste raised her hand again to silence Sylvie, "One is enough for binding contract, but you don't have one."
Eden placed her sword away as a sign of peace. Then another Lycan emerged from the crowd, he was in his human form. Tall with a muscle built and short black hair, but long enough to cover part of his eye. His colored green eyes were bright. There was a small visible scar on his left brow. He bowed to Celeste and walked towards DBoots. Eden's breath was slightly taken, but then thought about books she read. Those darn novels full of stupid descriptions that made her face bright red. It's like a character from her favorite smut just walked in the room. She would skip most parts of the story when it got to those details, but just the thought would make her temperature rise. Thank God he was not assigned to her, it would be embarrassing to make eye contact. She began to pray with her eyes closed. Celeste giggled at Eden's reaction, and then said, "You can stop your praying here, we follow our own deity and I believe you know a bit more than most. You must've been an avid reader before coming here." Eden's face got even more red, How embarrassing! She screamed in her head. No one knows my guilty pleasure for those types of books. Then she cleared her throat, "I was surprised at the facial features. Something I only saw in magazines or TV. It wasn't as common as people think it is." Celeste smiled and said, "Ohh, do you find Duncan handsome?" Eden's blood almost drained from her face. "Please, don't ask these questions. I have no trouble acknowledging when a man is handsome. It's that he is a lycan that has me flustered." Celeste laughed out loud, "My, you have read a few fantasy books regarding our kind." Eden swallowed the spit in her mouth and made her hands in a fist. "Transport generals to infirmary," said Eden and she turned her heel. Sylvie clicked her tongue again and took a step towards Eden, but was stopped by Celeste through their mind link. "Let her go, you have your orders."
Without looking back, Eden grabbed DBoots hand and pulled him towards the way they came from. Due to Erza's forcefield, none of the lycans could get near them and the ones blocking their way had to move. Eden kept walking fast until they reached the entrance and she let go of DBoots. She was still furious at how she was mocked for reading fantasy books. They were all fantasy books, but now they are real and it bothered her. She didn't know how to respond to it. Especially because it collided with her faith. Then she furrowed her eyes, she didn't realize at the moment, but Celeste referred to Enoch when making her request. So she was aware of the scriptures too. Eden was so captivated by the lycans in the moment she didn't realize it then. She was still in her head and mounting Thunder that she didn't pay attention to the squad following her and DBoots. Probably because being under the protection of Erza made her feel safe. Sylvie had turned into her human form as well and was wearing a tan military uniform. She had high black boots and a cape slit double breasted cape coat. Her long silver hair shined. Her bright blue eyes made her appearance magical. She had a slim waste, wide hips and was busty. Eden looked at her for a moment and turned to face the direction of home. "What, did you expect a tail and ears to pop out so you can live out your furry fantasy," said Sylvie mockingly. Eden scowled and said, "I'm not into beastiality." Then she rode off leaving behind everyone. DBoots approached Sylvie and said, "I'm not either, but I can't tell at the moment. So you can take advantage of this innocent man." He winked and rode off as well.
In the cave, a large black wolf with a white chest arrived. He has gold eyes and ears. Behind him were many other large wolves. One wolf carried a dead body and laid it in front of Celeste. It was the body of a teen boy with long white hair. The large black wolf shifted into human form and said, "Sylvie's younger cousin. He was caught by the human's gargoyle's fangs. The gargoyle sucked the life from him faster than he can heal. While trying to retrieve his body before the gargoyle ended the process of devouring him, the human got away. Where is Sylvie? I must wish her my condolences." Celeste kneeled down to caress the boy's face and tears fell from her face. His body glowed a little and then it dimmed. "Not even my tears of restoration work. Those gargoyles are vile creatures!" said Celeste before she dried her eyes. Then she answered Cerberus, " I sent her on a mission along with six other warriors." Now clothed in royal apparel, Cerberus sat down next to Celeste on the ground. "What was so important that you needed our royal guards to do? They were left behind to protect the pups and my pregnant queen." Celeste kissed the boy on the forehead before instructing some guards to take him. "That's precisely what they are doing, ensuring the future." Cerberus placed his arm around Celeste, "is that why you let the human female and male leave alive? I could smell them and it irritated me. I didn't see their blood on the floor already." Celeste pulled her legs close to her as she hugged them and looked at Cerberus, "that human female has someone powerful on her side, the living God." Cerberus growled internally before saying "He is not our ally or is he?" Celeste laid her head on his chest, "how can he if we pray to another? But we can cling to hers for the sake of our young. She protected a curious pup that escaped the room. He was about to be struck by her friend, but she protected him. Even called him innocent." Cerberus inhaled and exhaled, "don't you mean mate?" Celeste smiled and answered, "No, she would have had his scent. She got flustered at Duncan's sight. Her attraction to him was obvious but she wore it off through prayer." Cerberus tightened his hold on Celeste, "What is so different from this one that the previous one's didn't have?" Celeste recalled Erza's threatening tone, it actually caused fear in her. "She brought a powerful ally to battle. A celestial being." Cerberus let out a breath of air, "we've seen what happened to celestials who opposed the elders. This is how we became captive." Celeste placed her hand on his chest to calm him down and said," have you seen a celestial being from the divine order of the living God lose?" Cerberus, placed his free hand on his forehead before combing back his hair. "No." After a few more minutes in silence, Cerberus finally asked, "What does this mission intel of?" Celeste plaid with her hair before answering him, "befriending the human girl and her friend. To also protect her from a distance if needed." Cerberus pressed his lips into a thin line, "You're telling me she didn't agree to a binding contract before letting her walk?" Celeste looked at him straight in the eyes, "she refused, her celestial aid gave me a daring challenge and she walked out without a fight. Ask our members how it felt to be helpless against the forcefield and unable to penetrate the shield or activate their powers. We were just training puppets for that human girl to level up. If I am right, she will tip the scale or maybe has already. We must pick sides early on." Cerberus looked at the surrounding lycans, they nodded in shame and some mind linked him to the details. It was described as if the celestial just shut off access to their magic entirely and their super strength was like a baby. They just walked out.
Cerberus growled at the disrespect towards his queen. He was releasing his aura when Celeste suddenly tapped him out of his thoughts. Then a small snout touched his chin. It was the small pup that was saved earlier. He was able to transform into a wolf pup due to his royal blood, but not the hybrid form because of his age. The pup mind linked Cerberus, "Dad, I'm sorry for breaking the rules. I wanted to see our warriors in battle." Then the pup yelped a little and bowed his head down in submission. Cerberus was irritated, but watching his pup yelp made him pull him close into his arms. Cerberus closed his eyes, furrowed his brows as tears escaped his eyes. "I'm sorry son, I could not give you the world I promised and are now in hiding until we find a way." The king felt a pain in his chest as he remembered their last battle when they were once free. Now they are hunted for rewards. Cerberus would often leave Celeste and his pup alone for days to find his scattered kin. He needed his pack to survive and all who survived the war with the elder's armies. He found each Lycan in dungeons or deep in the forest, forced to fight and not leave that area. There were runes that kept them in place. As king, Cerberus possessed a lot of power still. With every Lycan he found, he would notice there were symbols tattooed on their necks like necklaces, no, more like collars. It would enrage him. Celeste still had their son in the womb and the added motherly protection broke through the bindings. That is why she had more power reserved and their son, Aaron. Celeste caressed Cerberus face and then dried it. She then said, "Aaron lives, because of that human girl." Cerberus, opened his eyes in disbelief, and looked down at the pup in his arms and at Celeste. He felt his heart sink, he almost lost his son too. Then he tightened his hold on Aaron as he asked, "who attacked Aaron, I'll rip him to shreds." His anger flared up instantly. Celeste grabbed his arm and looked at him in the eyes. "This was a battle ground, the male instinctively went for what was behind the door peaking." Celeste's eyes shifted to Aaron, then continued, "it was in that same instant the female covered Aaron with her shield. I was one step too slow to pull him to safety." Cerberus felt his anger stop growing and asked, "Why didn't you tell me it was our pup to begin with that was in danger!" Celeste stared at him in defiance before she answered, "because you would have rushed to find and kill them. Then exposing us to the elders' punishment for breaking their rules. I've been working day and night to break the restraints on our pack's necks and haven't found a solution yet. So far any human has been dealt with in the dark by Blake and Ciara, who weakens them with their dark particle control." It was rare for the Lycans in their pack to have the same power unless they were twins. But somehow Blake and Ciara were not twins. They actually belonged to different packs like some of the others, but now they were recruited to one. The only conclusion Cerberus and Celeste had for this placement was that the elders saw them as pawns in their game and felt they would never meet. "Of course I would crush the one who dared to attack my son!" Cerberus yelled furiously. "And what would you accomplish then? Get us back in chains and separate your pup from his mother, and from you?" asked Celeste inquisitively. Cerberus growled internally and paused for a few minutes thinking of all his options. Not one seemed logical, most ended in him releasing his fury. He took a deep breath before asking, "Where is Blake?"
Celeste answered in detail, "He is recovering from his fight with the celestial. He woke up at the end of the battle and fell back to sleep after only uttering a few words, 'The Living God, she's part of.' I had someone check his condition while I spoke to the human girl. His organs are stable, but his recovery has been slowed to human speed. I ordered my tears of restoration to be administered, but they had no effect on him. The rest of the Lycans that faced her felt their power and strength fade away with each blow. It's described as if their magic left like a spirit leaving their body. After the intruders left, our members reported their power returning like a battery being charged again. Why the celestial didn't kill them is a mystery, I don't have those answers. I only spoke to the human girl."
Cerberus groaned as he was about to say something he despised. "Does this human girl have a name?" Celeste smiled as she took a triumphant posture. She knew Cerberus didn't like dealing with humans or refer to them by name because they have outlived them. To him, remembering their names was unnecessary and he hasn't met that many he wished to know their name. Humans in his past, were expendable creatures and many only sought the power and prestige of the royal blood. Only the few he did wish to remember, he saw them as pets that sometimes had good ideas. "She is called Eden. That is what I heard the man call her," answered Celeste. "And what of the man? Did they not have the manners to give out their names themselves?" Cerberus asked, irritated.
Celeste shook her head, "It was a curious interaction, while I was receiving reports through a mind link and talking to her to settle a compromise. She was careful to avoid a contract with her choice of words and not reveal her name herself. The male human was more carefree, but they trust each other very much. As soon as she pulled back from continuing to fight he did the same without question. But to answer your first question, I did not get the man's name. Ha ha ha I figured we can figure that out once Duncan completes the binding contract."
Cerberus was thinking of mindlinking Duncan to at least give the man a good beating for his attempt at striking Aaron, but Celeste interrupted that thought when she said, "Don't you dare ask him to do such reckless things. We already have his agreement to cooperate." Cerberus frowned, but this is why she makes a great Queen. She always kept her head level headed in situations he would want to rip everyone to shreds. He couldn't be more grateful for having such a mate.
DBoots caught up to Eden and said, "well that escalated quickly, see what you got us into. You don't know when to back down." Eden looked at him and pulled her lead rope on Thunder that made him stop. "You didn't want to fight?" DBoots stopped his horse too and turned back to look at Eden shocked, "What! Against imminent death? We were surrounded and you dismounted your horse!" Eden smacked her head and furrowed her brows, "holy shit! I thought you weren't going to back down since I didn't see you pull back, so I said to myself fuck it." "Whhhaaaat! I was following your lead!" DBoots replied with a surprised face. Eden grabbed on to saddle for support as she leaned in closer to tell DBoots, "I was waiting for you! You knight and shiny armor!" They paused for a moment and then both laughed. "That was so fucken stupid, to think we both thought the other wanted to still fight," said Eden. "Hey, don't look at me, trouble, you sent your whole army away first. I figured you had a plan, so I followed your lead." Eden chuckled, "Dude, I didn't have a plan, I went on instinct and my gut told me as long as Erza was there, we'd be alright. I didn't know if her shield would extend, so I tested it out right there." DBoots raised his eyebrows and said, "You mean I followed you blindly into a cave with no plan, none you knew would work and we could have for sure been killed. You walk by faith, girl." Eden smiled at his words, "and you followed me there without question." "I told you, toaster in the bathtub," responded DBoots sarcastically and they both laughed. "It's your confidence that does it. But after this, I might have to question it," said DBoots slyly. "You should have questioned all your life choices when you got here," said Eden as she pointed to her surroundings. They chuckled and looked around to see if the Lycans were following them. DBoots looked at Eden and said, "I guess I can't be a peeping Tom with someone always following me around. Getting peaked at while peeping is an odd feeling." Eden let out a small giggle. "You need Jesus," she replied. DBoots shrugged and began to go in a different direction with his horse, "send me his number and I'll leave it in my inbox." Eden pursed her lips and replied, "you know it, you just leave him to read when he messages you." With that, they parted ways.
In Eden's castle, she was soaking in the bathtub when Erza knocked on her door. The bathroom seemed to be the place Erza would respect her privacy. Eden looked at herself and to check if she had fully scrubbed. Then she grabbed the towel and covered herself. "Come in," she instructed Erza. "You have pending messages and mail from your alliance members as well as some private ones from Odin." Eden forgot she wrote to Odin before heading out due to all the excitement of the day. Eden equipped a night gown and covered her hair with the towel to dry. She went to her study and opened the message from Odin first.
"Greeting Eden, the equipment you have can be improved with refines and unlocking special features to them with magic stones. This is something a beginner like you can accomplish quickly. The rest is through constant EXP increase. The fastest way is through battle against another opponent. Boss fights will take longer. As for glitches, there's some advantages you receive if you get killed in battle, but the cost might be too high to pay. As for glitches, you will find that your realm may have natural inhances and some beings that can be sacrificed. Though, you don't seem like the type who would sacrifice the beings for power."
Eden closed his message and sat there drinking her tea meant to relax her. This guy Odin is always cryptic and sounds super old with his way of speaking. There's no details on how to do it. I guess it's like hearing a story and going out to see if it's true. Erza sat at a desk not too far from Eden's with pen and paper. Eden felt weird to constantly have Erza stand next to her as guard. Eden then looked at Erza and said, "please equip yourself with a comfortable outfit while we rest throughout the day and one when we are in our castle grounds." Erza switched into training gear. It was loose and flexible. Eden was hoping to see Erza in something more feminine, but she didn't want to force her. She was just relieved that Erza's presence was not tense anymore. Now, Eden just needed to focus on her alliance duties.