??????'s Point of View

Unknown Location

“Why have you returned?” I asked as I sat in my lab. “I need to finish this experiment as soon as possible.” Running a hand down the container, I smirked. “It needs to be perfect.”

Tor and Flare stood off to the side as they watched me work. “We have received news that Arthur Pendragon is wounded.” Tor informed me.

I scoffed at that. “If he was wounded from Grog, it has likely already healed.”

“Our scouts have reported that he has been unconscious for days.” Flare stated.

Halting, my attention turned to my two generals. “Why have we only just heard about this now?”

Tor shifted in the darkness amongst the green glow of the room. “Many of the scouts were nervous to get too close. After he hunted down all our other operatives, most have come to steer clear or watch from afar.”

Continuing my work seemed to unnerve my generals as I stayed silent. “Shall we send someone to see if this is true?”

Putting my tools down made both Demons freeze. “Mordred has killed or repelled everything that has come after him. If he was injured, he had likely healed by now.” Then I turned to the two before walking over to them. “Unless,” Both seemed nervous as I stopped directly in front of them. “One of you is volunteering to die…”

Either both were smart enough to know I wouldn’t allow it, or they were scared, and didn’t want to risk speaking. My eyes drifted to Tor who was loyal and watching me. Then they flickered to Flare who looked away from me. Neither suggested nor volunteered themselves.

“If you want, send a few useless hunter Ghouls that we won’t miss. It matters not if they die but be ready for if they think Mordred is wounded. If so, then we will address it more urgently.” Walking back over to my project, I continued. “However, we can never be sure if someone else might interfere. Rudnurth has escaped once recently, and I would not be surprised at all if he did so again.”

They likely bowed before Tor spoke. “I will gather a force of Ghouls immediately and have them attack.”

Holding up my hand, I spoke firmly. “No!” Both focused on me. “Send a force for Mordred directly. Do not have them assault Lestrania to draw him out. We’re already going to war with the East. Having the rest of the world bear down upon us at this moment would be pointless.”

Flare nodded. “Assassins are more dismissible than an attack on a city or town.”

Tor smirked. “Very well. I will have them prepped and ready within an hour or so.”

They started to leave as I spoke up one last time. “When they die, don’t bother informing me.” I ordered without looking at them.

Arthur's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

Both Priestesses were silent as they waited for me to explain. “I am the Knight of Lestrania, and I took an oath to protect it. Having everyone transported back here was just so they wouldn’t be in the way.”

“Arthur…”

Frowning, I continued. “I only wish that I sent them back as soon as I realized there was such a powerful Demon present, but that was unlike anything I have ever dealt with before.” Shrugging, both studied me. “Dragons were one thing, but even the biggest Dragon I have ever seen paled in comparison.”

“Yes. We saw the tooth.” Elincia informed me. “But you cannot blame yourself for saving most of the crew. I doubt they would have survived without you.”

Going back to my armor, both seemed to relax more as I gave a tired sigh. “So, I had two choices. Flee and retreat with the survivors of The Drunken Cloud or do what I was meant to do and kill that giant fucker.”

Arceana gave an exasperated sigh. “The more you give, the more you will earn in return.” She stated and looked at me directly. “I believe that with my whole being.” Then she shook her head as her scepter tapped the ground. “However, there is such a thing as giving too much. Are you really willing to sacrifice everything, every part of your soul, life, future, and what makes you, you, just so others can live?” She inquired in a concerned tone.

I knew she was speaking out of worry, but Elincia added her two cents. “Speaking from personal experience,” She paused before looking to her sister for a moment. “It’s not worth it. Because most times, all they wanted or needed, was you.”

Both were worried about me and the decision to fight such a creature alone. “Maybe you two are right. Perhaps I should’ve returned with Lucia and the others.” However, before they could respond, I gave them an empty smile. “But it’s okay because I already sold my soul.”

Both blanched at that and neither knew how to respond as they stared at me wide-eyed. The truth was, I likely gave up my soul to that Star Creature. A new body, new world, and new life without any form of payment? Not likely. That black hole changed everything and put me in this mess.

“Besides, there’s not much else for me to lose. My life?” I asked almost mockingly. “That doesn’t matter after I’ve lost everything that’s most important to me time and time again. I never want it to happen again.” Lucia was who I was most concerned about now. “So, if I have to stay behind every single time to prevent someone, I care about from dying, I will do so.”

“That is very concerning, but also enlightening. I will think on your words, Arthur. However, I would like to say thank you and congratulate you on a job well done.” Arceana stated in a prouder tone. “Not only did you resolve the issue of what was blocking communications, but you also saved Ventari, most of the crew, along with many others who are dear to us.” To my surprise, she bowed in gratitude. “Thank you. Truly.”

Elincia followed suit. “Well done, Sir Arthur. Knight of Lestrania.”

No doubt some new scheme of theirs. Whatever they were planning, I didn’t know, but I wasn’t about to let my guard down. I was hopeful this was genuine, yet it was more logical to assume it was some manner of flattery.

“You’re welcome.”

Both smiled at that as they returned to their standing positions. “What would you say to a reward?” Elincia inquired. “After all your feats, it only seems natural to offer you something in return.”

“A reward?” I asked back surprised.