Chapter 1005: Paradise Lost

Chapter 1005: Paradise Lost

After the rain stopped, Leon and his ad hoc team didnt linger in Yu Nok Tor. They avoided the black puddles of water left behind, the aura leaking from the dark water filling Leon with dread. On the brighter side, the darkness in the environment had lessened a bit. Leon and Tiraeses still couldnt fly, but they were still able to move more quickly with the omnipresent pressure somewhat alleviated.

Given Maris previous experience dealing with cities like this, Leon knew that it was only a matter of time before the Devils cult returned and set up another focus, but for the moment, he was happy enough with the lessened magical pressure he felt.

To his mild surprise, Mari also walked alongside them, though in her Ulta suit. Hed expected her to fly, seeing as the suit was certainly capable of that, but after asking about it, Mari explained that flying was power-intensive and that she could move farther without charging the suit if she remained on the groundthe storm crystal and thunder wood hadnt yet been installed as that wouldve required a few days of engineering to make work, though both Leon and Mari were eager to see what they could do if they found the time.

The group moved southeast from Yu Nok Tor, following an old road as best as they could. Unfortunately, they encountered another dusty wasteland less than a day from Yu Nok Tor that took two days to get through, during which they were only able to navigate thanks to Tiraeses familiarity with the local geography and Leons navigational skills. Mari had simply gone around the wastes to arrive at Yu Nok Tor, though shed indicated that doing so again would be a lengthy detour adding at least a week to their travel time.

They passed by several other cities as they made their way further into the core of Arkhnavis civilized lands, including one half-buried in the dusty wasteland. For the most part, they avoided these dead and desolate places, even though Leon could sense more Devilish foci within them. This meant that the brief respite from the Devilish aura permeating the plane they enjoyed around Yu Nok Tor had come to an end, though the pressure wasnt so great as to override Leons determination not to stop again unless they absolutely had to.

So, around the cities they went. They werent attacked even once during this time, despite signs that they were seen from at least a couple of the cities, as well as a few large monsters living out in the increasingly desolate region they trudged through. This prickled at Leons paranoia, but he supposed not being attacked was a blessing more than a curse.

Still, he knew that the Primal Devil had seen them after they destroyed the focus in Yu Nok Tor, and he couldnt help but wonder why there wasnt more of an effort being made to stop their advance.

After more than a week of travel, they eventually reached a large chain of hills of comparable height and density to those that they had to cross to reach Yu Nok Tor, and there, Tiraeses stopped to look back, a look of deep melancholy on his face.

Leon intended to give the man the time he clearly needed, but Mari was less patient.

Whatcha waitin for, Fake Name? she asked, her Ulta suit looking almost comical as it cocked its head and stared at Tiraeses with its arms crossedtwo human gestures that put the thirty-foot-tall suits dexterity on display, as well as Maris ability to control its finer movements with the mind-to-enchantment link her father had designed.

Tiraeses sighed in obvious annoyance. While hed been quieter and quieter the longer they traveled and the more they saw of Arkhnavi, Mari had been rather exuberant the whole time, pestering Leon with questions about Aeterna and Tiraeses about his monastery. Leon had been happy to answer her questionsmostly about the kinds of magical engineering that could be found there, with her line of questioning eventually coalescing around MALLs, arks, and golemsTiraeses had been considerably more tight-lipped.

I only wish to see this land from another angle, Tiraeses growled.

MariKha, Leon said in a reprimanding tone. He didnt need to say anything more than that, with Mari shrugging with her Ulta suit and going quiet.

Leon allowed Tiraeses as much time as he needed, and thankfully, the ninth-tier mage only needed a few minutes to compose himself and turn back around.

You alright? Leon asked.

By the Mother Above, I still have my health, Tiraeses replied.

Thats not what was asked, Mari complained.

Tiraeses glared at the bubbly womans suit and didnt respond.

Youve been quiet these past few days, Leon added as they fell back into a good walking cadence. The hills were bleak and devoid of all plant lifeas was just about everything else Leon had seen on the planebut they were also steep and jagged, meaning that the only good way through them on foot was through several wide valleys. Those valleys were largely controlled by local cities and forts, but Tiraeses had led them to one of the few that wasnt.

A scowl passed over Tiraeses face before it morphed into one of deep melancholic longing.

Do you remember what this place was once called? he asked.

Leon cocked an eyebrow, but he didnt need to think hard to recall Tiraeses telling him of his planned route to Tell Kirin.

He glanced back at the relatively flat plains that began at Yu Nok Tor and ended at the foot of these hills. The Plains of Paradise, he said, before turning to look forward, to the barren hills of rock, dirt, and little else. The Many-Flowered Hills.

And this is the Rainbow Valley, Tiraeses bitterly stated. At the end of this valley, we shall find the twin cliffs known as Wise Farangeuns Gates. He paused long enough to take a deep breath before stating with an almost choking sadness, These are These places were once beautiful, the favored lands of Bright Lucaelior and the Mothers Above and Below. He paused again, and when he broke that silence, it was only to mutter a quick prayer that even Leon had to strain his ears to hear. Mulitan, Lord of Memory, take from me my recollections; they bring me naught but pain.

Tiraeses halted mid-stride and fell to his knees, cradling his head in his hands.

Please he croaked. Give me a moment.

Leon looked upon the old monk with pity and gently squeezed his shoulder. We can spare the time. He glanced at Mari, but even she seemed unwilling to mock Tiraeses for his minor breakdown.

Mari put the hands of her suit on its hips and stared challengingly at Leon. The effect was enhanced by the faint features and glowing blue eye of the suits head, though Leon stared back undaunted.

Course I do, Mari stated confidently. Best part of my kit. Gotta get people to think Im a cultured bitch, with good words n shit.

You may need the aid of all the gods working as one to convince anyone of that, Tiraeses growled.

Fuuuuuck off, Fake Name! Mari retorted.

My name isnt fake, Tiraeses shot back. It is the name I go by. That makes it as real as any other I might answer to.

Its stupid, Mari stated provocatively. And dumb. And childish. Are you, like, really younger than me? Cuz thats something that the boys of my home wouldve thought like reaaally cool.

Think of it what you will. I am Tiraeses. The name is not fake.

What was it before? Mari pressed.

None of your concern, Tiraeses replied simply, but sternly.

It was Maris turn to scoff and turn away, which she did quite theatrically.

All right, all right, Leon interceded. Enough, you two. Tiraeses, are you ready to keep going?

Any trace of levity in Tiraeses body language vanished as he cast his gaze about the hills, and then the plains behind them once more.

Yes, he answered. Im eager to get through this place as quickly as we can. I cannot stand to look upon this place any longer. May Just Helior judge me harshly for any lies, but I find myself wishing I had stayed at my sanctuary. I would never have had to see what became of the Plains of Paradise or the Many-Flowered Hills if I had never left.

Its better to know, Leon stated as they got moving again.

Do you think that way cuz youre a King? Mari pointedly asked. Didnt think Id let that one go, didja?

No, I just hadnt found a good way to bring it up, Leon replied with a shrug. But now that you know, theres quite a lot we can discuss.

Like what? Maris voice lowered in pitch as she leaned forward, almost like she was trying to whisper conspiratorially with Leon, though with her thirty-foot-tall armor, it looked almost comical. Youre not lookin for a new Queen, are ya? I mean, youre cute, Lele, but you know what? I could be convinced. Ya look like ya know how to use them fingers.

Ha! Leon burst out. Ive never heard any complaints from my wives. Who Im very happy with, Ill have you know.

Reeeaallly? Mari responded, sounding almost like a complaining child, though every word carried a playful undercurrent that told Leon she wasnt the least bit serious. Ya sure we cant work something out? I could really use a crown, ya know. I think maybe silver would go best with my hair? Gold would be best, yeah, but its too like normal? If crowns can be called normal.

Do not try to violate the sanctity of those in godly matrimony, Tiraeses sternly warned Mari.

Ya still here, Fake Name? Good to know, I almost stepped on ya.

Tiraeses grumbled more and didnt respond.

So, Lele. If youre a King, why dont cha tell us about your Kingdom? After a half-second pause, she suddenly vehemently asked, Is that, like, where your ark skyship things are built?!

Some, yes, Leon confirmed. The Empires on Aeterna also build some of their own, though if I do say so myself, those built in my Kingdom are the best, bar none

As they walked, Leon was happy to talk more about his Kingdom, and the Tribes and Clans that had elevated him to that position. He also decided that telling the two about his Thunderbird blood was fine, though he was certain that Tiraeses at least mightve suspected something already, given the color and obvious power of his lightning.

He didnt mention the power of the Great Black Dragon, but he at least felt better freely talking about the Thunderbird Clan, Aeterna, and the Thunder Kingdom, as well as his friends and family.

If nothing else, it made for better entertainment than quietly navigating the desolate, nearly colorless remains of the Rainbow Valley.