Chapter 154

Arc 15 - Dead Men Rising - Part 7

London, UK:

In a certain cemetery to the west of the city, a tall man with solder hair and green eyes stood. This skinny tall man stretched his naked body as he groaned softly.

"What is happening here?" he asked as he saw the zombies around him.

Mere second ago, he was just like them, but he quickly regained control over himself, a body slowly formed around him.

Now he stood alone as if he was a normal human among the zombies.

"I died. I was in hell, burning for an eternity, but now I am alive?"

From the corner of his eyes, he curiously analysed the zombies. They were different from undead, so he understood what was going on.

He was the only human with free will.

"This…" the man smiled thinly as curiosity soars within him. "This pleases, Aleister Crowley."

Aleister Crowley, the greatest human mage who ever walked the earth, the man who invented magics that could potentially stand on equal grounds against the powerless demon and his trickery.

"If I am back to the land of the living, I must find my artefacts--"

He swallowed his words as he tilted his head with even greater curiosity.

"What is this magic I feel?"

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The zombies stopped moving a few moments ago, so everyone collectively breathed a confused yet relieved sigh.

However, suddenly, they started to move once again, startling everyone.

No one understood why that was the case, but if people knew a certain someone, then they should have realised his control over magical aspect of the universe is lacking.

"Perhaps…"

Above London, the Emperor of Britannia, King Arthur let out a soft groan. His red cape flourished in the summer wind as he looked down at the country he was meant to protect.

“There is no other way around it...”

When he fell from the timestream into the world, he promised Aarin that he would keep his power a secret. But it is no time to keep superpowers secret from the world, especially since there are more superhumans now.

So, he inhaled sharply as he flew down with his glowing Excalibur.

The zombies were swarming the whole city, scaring everyone, and perhaps even killing people.

So, what was a king meant to do at a time like this?

Other rulers across the world went into their bunkers and tried to think of a way to help, but Arthur was different.

By the definitions of some, he was a barbarian from the early ages.

Arthur never hated that title; he wore it with pride.

"Because if the life of my people is in trouble, then I must do everything to save them and rid them of their worries."

There was no one around him, but he had to assure himself of his purpose in this new world.

He wasn't just any king, he was a living legend and the greatest king of the nation. But more than that, he was a 「Hero」. A hero chosen by greater powers than him.

"Royal Knights," he tapped something in his ear and broadcasted his words into them. "Rally on my voice."

He did not wait for them to answer, he trusted them enough that they would do as be said.

So, he focused on the job at hand.

How many of these miserable creatures can I fell?

A thousand? Two thousand?

But that's far from enough and he knew that.

Force is good, but it's not something he will use now.

Britannia needed something else.

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In Central London, inside a large park that was occupied by hundreds of people on this summer day, the humans were caught in something terrifying.

The humans of this world lived a life free of the monsters that dwelled in the dark red. They were kept safe and secure, but that was not possible anymore.

Everyone who woke up to the dark reality of the world gulped in fear.

"I can't move."

"Mom… Mom. MOMMMY!"

"Wh… Wha is even this?"

"Is it his doing?"

While the people let words escape their mouth freely, the same could not be said for their bodies.

They were stuck among the zombies who were moving forward while growling like best.

Lucky for them, the zombies were slow so the humans could avoid touching them, but for long could they survive?

From the corner of their eyes, they looked at those around them.

As a drop of salty water streamed down their face, they thought; How can I make the other to fall for me?

While they were thinking of demising the others, they heard a sonic boom.

And at one, with great curiosity, perhaps expecting the worst, they looked in the direction of the sound.

Like a golden comet, something was coming down fast.

And they all gulped in fear again and the sweat streamed even faster down their faces.

With wide eyes, they saw as the comet fell not too far from them, creating a shockwave that pushed them back lightly and the ground shook for a split second.

"Is…"

"What is that?"

"Who could it be?"

They saw zombies flying left and right, being thrown away by someone strong.

So, they wondered, who it was.

"Be at ease, my people."

From the horde of zombies, a kind and soothing sound came out.

Everyone could hear it as if he were standing next to the person.

"Our world is dark, darker than what everyone thought."

The zombies continued to be thrown around like corn popping in heat.

"Magic, monsters, demons, angels, Gods, heroes, and now even superhumans…"

They could not see that man, but they could catch a glance of a long sword that was glowing.

"For far too long, everyone kept you in the dark but no more. You shall know the truths of this world."

Someone jumped up a few meters high and looked down at the people.

A series of loud gasps left their mouths as they saw the figure floating above them.

"I am a legend, a story that was real."

King Arthur looked at the hundreds of people one by one with a kind and regretful smile.

"Let me tell you the truth of my world. The earth I came from was vastly different."

His voice echoed through to the millions of people across the world under his rule. In every corner of the Britannia Empire, they heard his voice.

"In the past, magic was an everyday thing. We used it to communicate, to fly, to fight, to save lives, to feed ourselves. We used it in everything. But one day, the wonders of magic became a taboo among us, and it went into hiding. With the wonders of magic gone, the horrors of it vanished naturally. But…"

King Arthur's tone gradually turned gloomy.

"Was the cost worth it?"

He jumped down once again at the horse of the zombies and sent them away to the air.

"With magic gone, with its wonders gone, a demon roamed freely among us and took control of our planet after the second World War. He would have sent us to oblivion if not for a certain superpowered individual."

In a country far away, a white haired and red eyed monster thought: What is he doing?

"You see, this sword of mine was built by an angel who lived among us to guide humanity for the better. She chose me as a hero to save the world but sadly, I was sent to this time."

He chuckled.

"Maybe I had a purpose. Maybe there was nothing. But I know the role I should play."

He jumped up once again into the air.

His back was the sun and his cap flapped under the summer wind.

He reached his hand forward.

And the people who saw him from that angel all thought: an angel.

"I should guide you, my people, towards a brighter future. To a world where wonders are not a myth. Where magic is not a child's fantasy."

The people did not understand why their chests welled up, not of anger, but of excitement and hope.

"So, work with me now, stay calm and we will get through this together. Hold each other's hands tightly and everything will be fine."

He gestured with his hand, as if stopping them from speaking.

Of course, no one was going to speak.

"I know, it sounds silly, but we will get through this. We will reach that future of wonders and magic. There is so much waiting, not just for you, but the one next to you. So, stand tall and brave, and save everyone."

The millions of people across the world could not help but breathe a sigh of relief as they tightened with chests with great conviction.

"Now stand still my people, all will be well," he smiled widely at them.

Only a few could see it, but everyone felt it.

And for the first time since its inception, Britannia truly stood united, even if it was for just a moment.

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"That can't be…" Aleister Crowley muttered to himself as he wore a long grey goat and hid himself among the people.

He watched the king as he gave his speech and threw around the zombies as if they were nothing.

Crowley was well known across the nation, some called him a child and others a genius, so he had many connections, but not once did he ever hear the story of King Arthur. He was just a myth, a legend, and a story.

“Could it be…?”

To Crowley, this was all very new, he could not even hope to comprehend how far the world had developed in the last century.

When he was alive, the world was barely able to make jet engines.

However, superpowers were not myths in his world. Magic was used by them for centuries, moving the world forward.

While time travel was still deemed outside the reach of humanity, it was not impossible.

“I see, I see, but why?”

He scratched his chin as he thought deeply about it.

“What worries you, stranger?”

A man spoke from behind him.

Crowley quickly jumped forward, turned his head around and caught a glimpse of the voice.

“King Arthur, I presume?”

The King of Britannia closed his eyes momentarily as he nodded.

“In the flesh.”

“I am honoured,” Crowley threw away his confusion and bowed down.

“But you, are you Aleister Crowley?”

“!!”

Crowley’s face froze while bowing.

His forced smile vanished.

“How do you know, my liege?” Crowley stood up straight and looked down at the king with a terrifying look on his face.

“The greatest human mage who has ever lived until now, of course, I would know about you, but I did not expect you to… return like this.”

The people around them were holding their hands, keeping each other safe, but no one was paying attention to the two men out of their time, so they could talk without disruptions.

“I have question; did you regain yourself due to your immense magical power or was there another reason?”

“I presume it has to relate to the will of the person. The stronger the will of a person, the quicker they can regain their mind and humanity.”

“That is interesting. Indeed, very interesting,” King Arthur nodded in an impressed manner. “In any case, I feel another tremendous magical energy in the nearby country, so, I wanted to know, will you help out your country?”

Crowley looked at the reaching hand of the King of Britannia.

“No, this country has never done anything for me,” Crowley shook his head.

“Sad to hear that, but as a gesture of good will, I should tell you who that energy belongs to.”

“...?”

“Faust.”

Crowley’s body froze as his eyes widened.

"In the history of earth, only one person could ever freely control the dead… Faust. Alaric Faust, the necromancer."

“Alaric Faust was a German mage who turned to the dark arts and alchemy and built his name as the most powerful necromancer in the world. As the legend goes, he was equal to our beloved angel.” King Arthur’s smile was the same as usual, a complicated smile that radiated all knowing-ness. “Am I correct?”

“...”

Crowley struggled to understand why this king of the past knew that.

In the old days, Crowley was known among some of the mages as a genius with a cold and calculating brain, knowing everything that came his way. Some even went so far to call him the God of Magic. But now, he started to think maybe he was no different than an ordinary human.

“What will you do-- Oh.”

Before Arthur could speak, Crowley had teleported far away.

Arthur let out a faint sigh of relief.

“And that’s that.”

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Stuttgart, Germany:

Yet in another cemetery, in another place, an old frail man with white hair and a long beard grunted as he stood up.

The naked old man glanced around the cemetery, still trying to comprehend what had happened.

The last thing this old man remembered was when he raised the dead across the world for a split second, but that power was too much for him, so he died immediately.

“Ah, Faust, I did not expect you to be this… old and weak,” Crowley, who popped out of a magic circle in front of Faust like a giant. “The power got to you; it seems.”

Faust growled like a beast at Crowley.

“This is disappointing...”

Crowley glanced at Faust’s abdomen and noticed missing body parts.

It seems he is yet to regain his humanity, unlike I. Is my will stronger than Faust? Crowley thought to himself.

He almost felt pity for the great Faust.

In the world of magic, he was respected greatly, even worshipped by some who tried to be like him, but now, this old man could not even regain his true form.

“I shall put you out of your misery.”

Crowley had an idea that he could not kill Faust at the moment, but he could stop his mind or remove his soul from this body.

So, around both hands of Crowley, small red magic circles appeared.

“But I must do this out of respect.“

He held his hands at this necromancer and shot beams of magical energy.

However, the frail old man raised his hand and blocked the coming beam.

With his other hand, he slapped away the other beam.

“!!”

“Crrrr-ow-leeeeyyyyyyy!” Faust growled like a hurt beast as he munched at Crowley.

Crowley jumped back and saved himself.

He did not realise, but cold sweat was streaming down his face.

“BLLLLLL-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAST Y-OUUUU!”

Dark purple magic circles popped out in every corner of the cemetery.

Like lightning, energy bolts shot down at the zombies.

The roaming zombies in the cemetery only listened to one master: Faust!

“How do you know my name, Faust?” with great curiosity, Crowley asked.

“Y-oouuurrrrrrrrrrrrrr mi-iii-ind is weeeeaaak!”

Telepathic spell?!

“Y-ouuu think y-ourrrrself my suuuu-pe-rior?!”

Crowley jumped back once again as he analysed the zombies in the cemetery.

“Curse youuuuuuuu CRR-OWW-LEY!”

Crowley noticed that Faust’s speech was slowly improving, and the growling was slowly vanishing too.

So, he realised it might get harder to fight and stop him.

“Be damned, Faust!”

I came here to talk, but he wants to battle, this is… Infuriating!

Throughout his life, Crowley looked up to just one mage and that was Faust. He wanted to be like him, if not superior. But no matter how hard he tried; he could never reach that level.*

I am unprepared to battle him.

Faust commanded his armies and they walked towards Crowley.

Without my artefacts, I stand no chance!

He bit his lip as he prepared to take on the legion of zombies.

Dark purple magic flew out of Faust and darkened the blue summer sky, blocking out the sun and the light.

Crowley could not help but wish he had stayed away.

No.

He clenched his fist and focused.

He has come this far, to finally meet the one he idolized, so maybe, he can finally move forward. He can finally surpass his limits.

Crowley created a giant dark magic circle that shot black goo out of it.

The entire cemetery was soon covered by this goo, so the zombies stopped moving.

“Faust, stand down or...”

“You lose, Crowley,” the slithering sound of the necromancer reached into the very heart of Crowley.

Crowley felt like his heart would stop moving any moment.

He felt as if someone’s cold hand was clutching on to it, trying to pull it out of his frail thin body.

“No...”

Crowley clenched his fist even tighter.

He, the one who was once named the God of Magic, mustered up every bit of magic within him.

He grunted as he pulled every magic from around him.

With energies on the verge of overloading him, Crowley flew right at Faust.

When the two of them collided, a large explosion of magical energies shot out, destroying the two of them, as well as the entire cemetery.

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When the dust finally settled, two men grunted as they stood up and faced one another.

Standing face to face as equals, both smiled.

"For eons, the two of us in our own unique ways searched for a state of existence which allowed us to use magic freely. Eternal life. And at long last, it is within our grasp."

"Indeed so, Crowley, indeed so."

"March forward with me, Faust, we shall change the world."

Faust looked around him with his old eyes.

"Aye, Crowley, we Indeed shall change the world."

The two of them laughed victoriously.

"We shall bring the golden age of magic before he does!" Crowley clenched his arched fist with a victorious smile.

"He?"

"Oh, Faust, you will not believe what this world has come to."

Crowley's voice carried great strength and pride. He knew something Faust did not. Perhaps he was already ahead.

Deep down he told himself to put the enmity and competition behind them, but he could not help himself.

"King Arthur is more real than the two of us in today's world. And as it turns out, humans have gained natural abilities which are not magic."

Faust fingered his white beard as he thought.

"That is… complicated.'

"Indeed, but isn't it interesting?"

The two of them walked side by side, as if they were old friends.

"That it is, that is it."

Faust laughed under his breath.

"What a world we have returned to. Just fantastic!"

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King Arthur plowed through the zombies in London while the Royal Knights helped in the other cities.

But in the other regions, they were not behind.

In the lands of Thailand, the Buddhist monks readied for battle against the zombies as they tried to protect the temple and the people around them. With their combat skills and magics, they managed to keep the temple safe for now.

The ninja clan known as 「Amaterasu Clan」 stormed the cities to keep their country, Japan, safe. On that day, the ninjas were no longer a secret.

In Italy, the 「Crusaders of Vatican」 took up their crosses and magical weapons to fight off the monsters.

In India, in the middle of a desert, a lone mage was standing against thousands of zombies.

In Central Mexico, the worshipers of Aztec Mythology looked at the stars as they drew upon their magical abilities.

Throughout the world, people picked up their tools and magics to fight against the horde of undead.

They were not an organisation, but just small groups whose roots leads to one person only.

A lone angel who was stripped off her powers and banished to earth.

She shaped the world in a way to have a fighting chance and now they do.

The world might survive for a little longer.

But will anyone know the name of their saviour?

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But what about this world's hero?

His job was to save the world, but he froze in his place, indecisive about his role.

Can he live with this guilt of risking millions of lives?

Can he continue to live with his failure?

Eddie, holding his head between his hands, cluttered his teeth angrily.