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Chapter 9 - king vs king, all or nothing

Elven King: So… the King of Light has come to visit me… It's a shame that all that's left of my kingdom is this space… timeless, directionless… I no longer know where to go...

King of Light: That's not my problem. Power blinded you since the age of the alliance—you were consumed by your ambition… and look what became of you.

Elven King: What the hell are you talking about!? My kingdom was destroyed because of yours. Do you expect me to admit I'm the blind one and that you're right? That's not fair!

King of Light: Ah… lost creature. Today is the day of your death. The sentence has already been signed.

Elven King: I've died once and defeated death. Do you think that will change?

King of Light: Oh, it will… because I'll send you straight to the Realm of the Dead.

Elven King: We'll see who dies first…

Azrael: King of Light… Nevaeh died because of an Anubis. My beloved Nevaeh… this fight is mine, your Majesty.

King of Light: What did you say? Nevaeh died…? (The King of Light's eyes glow golden and blinding, shaking the infinite void of nothingness.)

Elven King: Argh… yet another problem. Azrael, the one death dares not claim… Do you even know what it means to protect a kingdom?

(At that moment, a gigantic portal of white light opens. Nevaeh appears, her eyes glowing with pure white. Her mere presence strikes fear into both kings… and Azrael.)

Elven King: W-What is that girl supposed to be…?

Azrael: Nevaeh!

King of Light: Mmm… I can't truly sense Nevaeh's presence in that body…

(Nevaeh begins to levitate before them. Her voice transforms into a divine tone that makes the void tremble.)

Nevaeh: I am the first and the last in existence… Zareth-Kai.

Azrael: What are you saying!?

Zareth-Kai: Be still, insolent, lesser god. Nevaeh lives… in a plane beyond your understanding.

Azrael: A plane I wouldn't understand?

Zareth-Kai: A perfect world of my own creation. A dimension infused with magic far beyond your grasp. I can restore the kingdom… but Elven King, that will cost you an arm.

Elven King: Are you mocking me? I bet you're still just that weak girl…

(The king raises his hand, but before he attacks, he is instantly transported to a completely unknown world.)

Zareth-Kai: Welcome to this world called Velum Aeternum—a mental, dreamlike plane shaped by my imagination. If you prove you can defeat yourself… you'll leave. And then, you'll consider my offer.

Elven King: Defeat myself? What the hell are you talking about, lunatic?

Zareth-Kai: I chose this body because it has exceptional potential. It can barely contain five percent of my essence… and that's more than enough.

(From nowhere, an identical clone of the Elven King appears—same presence, same power.)

Elven King: Elven Dimensional Slash! World Devourer!

(The attack hits the plane directly… but it doesn't shatter.)

Elven King: I see… Not even with that technique can I break this world… Interesting.

Zareth-Kai: Remember, foolish king… I am the highest authority. I decide what's right and what's wrong. As long as it eases my boredom… do you understand?

Elven King: Damn you, girl! You were hiding your true power!

(Suddenly, the clone appears and pierces the original king's chest with a divine elven spear.)

Elven King: D-Damn it… even my… o-own spear… puagh…

(He coughs blood and falls to his knees.)

Zareth-Kai: I'll be gone… but I'll still be here. My omnipresence will watch you closely.

(Zareth-Kai walks away slowly, the plane trembling with each step.)

Zareth-Kai: Azrael… dark being created for my amusement… do you wish to have Nevaeh by your side?

(She pauses while staring directly at Azrael.)

Zareth-Kai: But after that, a small portion of my power will remain in her. She'll surely be sick for a few days. I won't heal her… but she'll be stronger than you.

Azrael: You're giving my beloved Nevaeh powers!?

Zareth-Kai: Don't misunderstand… and bow your head when you speak to me. It's a small gift… for using her body. I am a neutral being in your dull story. You don't know me—and you won't… not yet. I'll be waiting, Azrael. You will be my servant… and my pet.

Azrael: H-How d—!?

(Azrael's mouth vanishes instantly.)

Zareth-Kai: I said bow your head when you speak, lesser being.

(Azrael begins to tremble in pure fear.)

Zareth-Kai: I'll return your mouth, but if you disobey again… you'll die.

Azrael (bowing his head): Y-Yes… I understand…

(Zareth-Kai raises a hand, and an explosion so colossal occurs that the entire kingdom, even the dead Anubis, are revived. Everything is restored within seconds.)

Azrael: W-What is this absurd power that can rebuild such a vast kingdom?

Zareth-Kai: You could do it too… but all you know is how to lash out at those around you, lesser being. I'll call you "Little Rail," my pet.

Azrael: D-Damn you…

Zareth-Kai: Alright, I'm leaving. The Elven King is suffering enough, I'll bring him back now. Just know… next time, I won't help anyone. I rebuilt your kingdom. You should be its new king.

Azrael: I-I see…

Zareth-Kai: Good… this body will collapse if I don't leave it. And I'm not in the mood to strengthen it. If I did… it would truly be powerful. So I'll give no more favors. I'm leaving.

(Nevaeh collapses to the ground, unconscious, but her soul has returned to her body intact.)

Azrael: N-Nevaeh! Hang in there… I'll get you out of here. You'll be okay, you'll see… just hold on…

Meanwhile, in another dimension:

Elven King: D-Damn it… we were evenly matched!

Zareth-Kai (appearing again): Well, well… I see you're having fun…

Elven King: W-What? Now you look different?

Zareth-Kai: That's none of your concern. I rebuilt your kingdom, so I'll be taking one of your arms.

Elven King: W-Wait!

(His arm twists and violently tears itself from his body with a supernatural crack.)

Elven King: AAAAAGHHHH!!!

Zareth-Kai: No magical method will ever restore that arm. Let that be clear.

(The king screams in pain and suddenly appears back on his throne, through a magical hum—arm gone.)

Elven King: AAAAGHH damn you!!!

(All the Anubis appear before the throne, resurrected.)

Anubis (in unison): We're alive, your Majesty!!

Elven King (with tears and gasping): M-My children… thank goodness…

(Nevaeh awakens in a bed, her golden eyes faintly glowing.)

Azrael: Y-Your eyes… they're golden…

Nevaeh (opening her eyes slowly): I… don't feel good at all, love…

Azrael: I know… Everything that's happening is so strange. Sometimes… I feel like this is all a nightmare…

(Crescent Sun 1 appears, his body already healed.)

Crescent Sun 1: Friends… I'm okay now. I healed thanks to my magic. And Nevaeh… my God! —he says, stunned— she has golden eyes… just like that time… but she never managed to do it again. I don't know why…

Azrael: For some reason… my omniscience doesn't work on her. It's strange…

Crescent Sun 1: Yeah… That part impresses me too.

Nevaeh: I think… I feel faster… and stronger… but still… I'm very sick… everything hurts…

Azrael: Don't strain yourself trying to talk. You'll get through this…

(In the Realm of Light.)

King of Light (gazing at the sky): Mmmhh… Who could that being be…? That incredibly powerful being… Could the legend of the Supreme Creator… be true? I still can't uncover anything… so for now… we wait.

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