Chapter 184 - The Ark Of Last Memories

The new force consisted of mafia dwellers within the domain and a few well-abled people. Those that tried to turn their backs against Yan were promptly blown up. Or assassinated by Yan's hand. This struck fear to those that followed him but also gave a sense of belonging.

They knew that Yan had an explosive nature, but his heart was at the right place when it comes to the safety of the people. That was what made him so likable. He could not stand those who only bring harm for nothing and they were eliminated straight away.

He found the authorities and shined the light on the many heinous acts they've done. With them publicly hanged, the domain knew that this Earl was not messing around. Stalls opened once more. Those in hiding could finally see the blue sky. Children started playing once more.

But, the path paved ahead was not pleasant, many obstacles lied ahead. But all in all, he had fun. He met Gab and found a brother in him. Grasping Minwoo's hand was the best thing he had ever done. The journey may be tough but it was his comrades that made it enjoyable.

He stopped loathing the world and embraced the matter of killing. He did not need to kill to make a living. He used his skills to protect the living, expecting nothing in return. It was then he finally understood what the Mages had been doing.

Yan closed his eyes as the memories flooded back to him. The trips, the wonderful moments... He was happy, in the end. He could risk his life for the sake of others. Like how all the people that were once in his life did.

"As the ones left to continue living, it is our responsibility to carry out the wishes of the ones who are gone."

But he didn't have to go out with pain. He could fun while doing so. This thought made the Earl smile. From the filth of the world, he became the domain's Hornet. What's the point of doing your job if you didn't fun in the end?

Back in real-time, the figure threw out his hand and gave a swing. The flames immediately went out, leaving the being unscathed. But despite this little surprise, this setback did not deter Yan. He then gave a flurry of explosives and shots towards the dark figure.

However, whatever he had done, the figure remained still. As if it was halted there to charge up its energy. Well, it looked like it was absorbing the attacks. Its Aura grew ominous, more dangerous. But that was to be expected of such a powerful being.

Yan halted his onslaught and looked at his enemy in curiosity. As he stepped closer, the Valkyrie's eyes widened at the sudden familiarity of Aura. With the Aura finally hitting home, the Valkyrie could finally ease the odd feeling of dread within her.

The second to remember would be Raiyen, but he could not tell just yet. But as the Aura fluctuated ever so slightly, his Time Mage instincts triggered. His mind flashed a scene of Memoria Astrum and the two pieces of information clicked. But Glitch could not save him.

"Stop!" shouted Mavislin, rushing towards the Earl.

As the Earl turned, a large, smoky spike came out from the figure and impaled his chest. As the figure held the spike higher, for all to see, it tossed the Earl away. The body flew across the room, slamming against the pillar with a loud splat.

Gab freaked out when something flew out of the body and rushed to catch his buddy.

"But how? Isn't he?" asked Gab, frantically.

"He was never Baldwin, to begin with. Think about it. You even had the nerve to challenge Mav about it, right?" explained Z, arming himself with his Kunais.

He then pointed one at the figure.

"That misinformation, wrong turns, assumptions. I knew it was too easy to be true, that I've found the solution. The one I met with Jeanne..."

Mavislin stuttered slightly.

"Was never Baldwin, to begin with."

With wide-opened still eyes and a large gaping wound of where his heart had been, Earl Yan was down for the count. Gab began to cry as he tried to figure out a way to reanimate his buddy.

"There's no use. Even we can't stand a chance against that spike," explained Raiyen.

"Leave him be."

That was the only words of comfort he could tell Gab as he laid eyes on the Corrupted One once more. He stood up and clenched his fists.

"Just like a Time Mage. The last time I saw you, you got trapped in a special spell that fractured your entire existence. So, which one are you now?" asked Raiyen, brandishing his daggers.