"...It seems I am very selfish, more than I'd like to admit…"
"...Even though I have a magnitude of subjects that would throw their lives away on the whim of my command… perhaps no one would understand, but…"
"...I feel quite fulfilled as the Emperor of the Eidryn Empire… strangely enough…"
"...Though I held the strongest and greatest titles of my world through my experiences… When the Empire was formed, I mainly dealt with management, business and regulation… as the time of warfare had passed and I was no longer the young warrior I once was…"
"...But right now, fighting these adversaries gives me a spark of my past… I feel as though I am back on the frontlines… fighting for my beliefs…"
"...It may just be self-satisfaction, but… that is my pride as a man… despite how almighty I may seem, I am merely human…"
"Come at me, the Host of Dominion, Sovereign Executor of Solmira."
Cassiar whipped his radiant, sentient platinum chain as he invoked its abilities now that his power was unrestrained by the former lock upon Seliora.
The Chain of Heaven then glowed with ethereal script as it enacted judgment, wrapping around Cassiar like a haloed crown.
"Radiant Constriction." When Radiant Constriction is called, the Chain of Heaven manifests as radiant bands that extend infinitely. Each link pulses with divine judgment. When unleashed, it can restrain entire armies, strangle celestial beasts, or anchor wayward stars. Its wrath is surgical yet absolute—those judged unworthy are crushed under divine gravitation.
The large radiant bands emerged from beneath the ground and midair, as they attempted to restrain and strangle Valen's physical body.
As he was still physically enhanced and buffed by the Crown of Embers, he utilized his overwhelming speed to dodge the incoming chained bands that attempted to capture him, running as the underground Sanctum around him began to utterly collapse.
"Phoenix Rebirth."
The phoenix-wing crossguard upon his weapon is not mere ornamentation—it contains a soulflame, the magical heart of the Dark Aetherion. When Emperor Valen Arthas Eidryn channels immense magical energy into his blade, the phoenix-shaped crossguard awakens its latent power in a transcendent surge known as Phoenix Rebirth.
Phoenix Rebirth is a temporary resurgence ability, wherein the sword does not simply defend or strike—it resurrects purpose, reknits shattered will, and reignites Valen's full strength after a critical moment. It is a spiritual and arcane resurgence that can reverse the tide of battle.
The phoenix-winged crossguard glows fiercely, molten gold and deep sapphire light coursing through the blade's veins. Blue and silver arcane fire erupts from the wings and encircles Valen, forming a radiant flame-aura shaped like a rising phoenix, with some of the divine radiant bands suddenly repelled when coming in contact with the phoenix aura. The trail of every movement begins to shimmer with ethereal plumage, embers floating behind like sparks from a divine forge.
Boosting Crown of Embers, Valen activated Wings of Rebirth, where he gains enhanced agility and the ability to aether-step short distances more rapidly, with shimmering wings of flame flickering briefly behind him after each movement as he moved much more quicker then the radiant bands that tried to apprehend him.
"Reclamation Slash." Valen unleashed several full-force cleaves that channeled the purest of the arcane energy within his blade, using Adaptive Resonance to infinitely fuel his strikes, as the Dark Aetherion sapped the ambient arcane energy in the air. Each of the slashes creates a phoenix-shaped arcane shockwave that scorches enemies in its path, dispels magic, and leaves a trail of smoldering light. Enemies caught at the center suffer soul-deep damage that ignores conventional resistance.
He used his Reclamation Slash to strike through each of the radiant bands with his mirror-slice effects that allowed him to strike instantly through space itself across short spans of time. Radiant Constriction was dispelled and the Chain of Heaven repelled back into its original form.
"Lawmaker's Authority."
"** ***** ***** **** ****." He then whispered words in a language that Valen could not understand.
Valen continued forward, hearing the spell he just casted, and charged forward and struck Cassiar in half, vertically.
However, the very fabric of reality winded Cassiar back together. It seemed as if the very concept of death did not register in the space around him. Through the Lawmaker's Authority, Cassiar can declare temporary divine mandates, shaping reality in accordance with the faith-structure of the Dominion. For example, he may declare "no death shall pass here," and death itself will be suspended in that space. These laws persist as long as his will endures or it is overruled by the Apostle of Dominion or the One God.
"That is not regeneration. What did you do?!" Valen said as he leapt backward.
"Don't be so surprised now, Valen Arthas Eidryn."
"Absolute Binding." Through Absolute Binding, the Chain can bind anything that possesses will—be it mortal, divine, infernal, or conceptual. It does not rely on physical contact but instead responds to Cassiar's invocation of divine law. Once bound, the target cannot act against the will of the Holy Dominion unless it can overcome the weight of Solmira's divine authority.
His voice instantly restrained Valen where he stood, as he saw as the Chain of Heaven restricted his movements, down to the bare atoms that composed him.
"Please do not think I am cheating. For it is the will of Solmira that you bear fruit to the power of Dominion, given to me by the Apostolic Synod and the High Pontifex!"
"Perhaps it is proof that the Apostles are truly superior to you."
"...Fall, and rise brighter…"
Valen could not physically move his mouth but he tried to laugh. Through his will alone, he then invoked the full force of Phoenix Rebirth, the wings of the Dark Aetherion's crossguard blaze to life — not metaphorically, but literally, conjuring the awe-inspiring arcane entity known as the Phantom Phoenix.
The Phantom Phoenix is not a creature of flesh or fire—it is a manifestation of pure Aetherial essence, born from Valen's will and the sword's latent divinity. It is the symbol of his resurgence, the echo of forgotten power, and a harbinger of cleansing flame.
A fragment of the Phantom Phoenix was released. It had a wingspan of ethereal flame, stretching 7 feet, composed of blue-white fire streaked with silver and ember gold. However, when properly released, it is at least 20 feet wide. Its body is semi-translucent, formed of shimmering arcane particles—a celestial outline in the shape of a regal phoenix. Its eyes are twin stars of light, brimming with intensity, and its talons leave behind gashes in the veil of magic wherever it flies. As it rises, its feathers flake away into glowing motes, only to reform in a continuous cycle, representing the undying spirit of Eidryn.
The Phantom Phoenix used its Soulflare Dive, which quite literally shattered the Chain of Heaven's hold upon Valen as he was promptly released. The phoenix let out a streak of heavenly incandescence that staggers magical entities and dispels summoned creatures, inflicts soulburn — a lingering pain that cannot be healed by normal means and shatters magical constructs, seals, and barriers.
Cassiar screamed out in absolute agony, screaming at the top of his lungs, as his body and soul were incinerating. While his Lawmaker's Authority prevented him from dying, the soulburn remained as it continued to burn every time he died.
"How is the taste of death, Cassiar Althoros?"
Cassiar did not respond as he fought against the eternal pain, as he had died at least a few times already. He tried to utter his final words before his next substantial death, as his Lawmaker's Authority was temporarily broken due to his shattered will.
Valen launched forward, appearing before him before he could even speak or register the spell.
"Soul-Wound Edge."
Through Phoenix Rebirth and the amplification of his spells by the presence of the Phantom Phoenix, Aetherial Surge is an enhanced phase of Aetherial Channeling, where Valen's spellcasting speed and potency is increased and triggers a mirrored effect of the same spell.
When used against enemies of high magical essence or corrupted souls, the Dark Aetherion deals wounds that resist any form of magical regeneration or spatial rewinding — injuries that persist in the soul as much as the flesh, through one of his Aetherial Channeling spells: Soul-Wound Edge. The strikes inflict lingering aether dissonance, sever the target's connection to arcane energy and cause hallucinations or echoes of past sins, exploiting guilt or fear.
He slashed through him, horizontally. The mirrored effect caused another perceived strike to cut through him vertically, as if Valen had struck him twice, when really he once physically slashed him once. Soul-Wound Edge forcibly broke through the divine mandate that prevented Cassiar's death and severed his connection to his relic.
"...All hail the Foretold Threat… the Manifestation of Chaos…"
*
While the battle between Valen and the Three Numbered Hosts took place, lasting barely an hour, the obsidian spires of Mournveil crumbled under the pressure of heat and unreasoning hate, their sacred inscriptions shriveling into ash. The very air became thick with screams—not only of the dying, but of the sanctum's spirits, torn from their eternal vigil and cast howling into the aether.
The sanctum's once-hallowed gardens, where the relics of martyrs bloomed in silverlight, were reduced to a field of molten glass. Statues of saints wept molten tears before collapsing, twisted mockeries of faith. The Solmirans—those who weren't instantly consumed—fell to their knees as blood seeped from their eyes, overwhelmed by the psychic agony unleashed by the reliquary. The entire Host of Apostolic Execution had fallen. The Hosts of Dominion, Wisdom and Valor had perished at the hands of Valen Arthas Eidryn, while the Hosts of Discipline, Sacrifice, Judgment and Purity had all been incinerated by Lord Kael, the Reliquary of Wrath. Their dead bodies were now bound to his body like exosuits, joining the immense amount of revenants that fought and burned for him.
Only a blackened crater, still whispering with the echoes of divine mourning. The land would never bloom again. The name Sanctum Mournveil would be struck from every page—remembered only as a reflection of Chaos.
***
"What is your report, Keeper?" An Archbishop commanded.
"...The Host of Apostolic Execution, the strongest sacred order of Solmira… has been defeated by the Manifestation of Chaos…" He spoke, kneeling before the Seven Archbishops of the Apostolic Synod.
The Keeper is tall, yet not imposing through bulk. His silhouette is elongated, graceful, and deliberate — each motion slow and exacting, as if calculating not just action, but consequence. There is an unnatural stillness about him, broken only when knowledge demands motion.
He is the Grand Commander of the Host of the Luminous Eye, representing the Apostle of Wisdom, filled with operatives whose role consisted of magical warfare, arcane suppression, and field prophecy. Trained to dismantle enemy spellcasters, disrupt enchantments, and counter magical threats. They utilized forbidden relics, ensorcelled blades, and truth-glamping scryers.
"The Sanctum Mournveil has also fallen, Your Holiness. The garrison composed of the Host of Unyielding Chain and the Host of the Inexorable Hand, alongside the religious populace, were completely incinerated. No remains were left."
"...Mm, how should we deal with this?" Another spoke.
"High-Martyr Commander Veyne has yet to return back to Solmira, alongside his escort of Crimson Benedictors. The Luminous Eye believes that he has either perished or has been captured." The Keeper added.
"He is easily replaceable." The Archbishop of Sacrifice retorted.
"...Not only has he defeated one of the Grand Commanders of the Seven Holy Hosts, but also the Host of Apostolic Execution?... we should be more wary."
"The Manifestation of Chaos has made an appearance then?" A voice was heard, gentle and commanding, resonating like a choir echoing through a sanctified cathedral.
"His Illustrious Eminence has entered!" Another masculine voice struck out.
The man was towering and statuesque, clad always in armor of immaculate regal gold inlaid with obsidian glyphs and lines of glowing scripture. A winged mantle of radiant sigils and energy flows from his back like a sunflare, giving the illusion of flight or judgmental presence even when grounded. His face is not seen; it is always masked behind a serene helm carved like a stoic angelic visage—expressionless, eternal. His voice resonates not with sound, but through the minds of all present—calm, absolute, final.
"Thank you, Architect." His Eminence spoke, the Architect nodding in suit.
The Architect was the Grand Commander of the Host of the Ascendant Will, composed entirely of officers that acted as strategists, aerial forces, siegecraft masters, and high command. They were armored in regal gold, trimmed with obsidian symbols and winged insignia. He was guarding His Eminence, flanked by the Ascendant Guard, the personal retinue of the Architect, formed of paladins and battle-priests of immense discipline and mystical might. Served as enforcers of will and protectors of command units.
"Your Eminence!" The Archbishops and the Keeper immediately bowed and kneeled before the presence of the High Pontifex, the highest mortal authority in the theocratic regime of Solmira. Seen by the faithful as the physical embodiment of the One God's will in the Transmigrated World, he is both a divine symbol and a political sovereign—his word law, his presence sacred.
"It is most troubling that my Host of Apostolic Execution has fallen… However, their defeat has shown how threatening the Manifestation truly is, to the stability of Solmira and our god given world. It is our divine right, to protect this realm from harm, as written by God."
"I will release the Unnumbered. I authorize her enhancement with the Seven Host Relics. See to it that it is done."
"Yes, Your Eminence!"
***
Seliora then awoke from her slumber, as she blinked her eyes. She was back at Velkaris, within Eidryn's Crown, the throne room of her monarch. Her hand is still grasping the Velmourn.
"...Your… Majesty?"
Valen stood above her, as he then briefly held her in his arms.
"Thank goodness no further harm befell you, Seliora. I apologize for having an indirect hand in putting you in harm's way."
"No… I don't believe that this incident was in any way your fault…"
"It is impossible for you to make a mistake, Your Majesty." She then changed her position as she got closer to his body and his head, attempting to fraternize.
"...Your Majesty, I believe that Seliora is a bit… exhausted…" Avelina stared daggers at Seliora, as Valen sighed.
"Mind your own business, Avelina!"
"I agree." Valen spoke, as he then released Seliora from his arms. She seemed a bit disappointed that he agreed with Avelina over her.
"By the way, Your Majesty… why am I in your throne room?" Seliora inquired as she seemed confused.
"...It seems as though I've caused some kind of trouble?... considering how you are suddenly treating me."
"You do not remember?"
"No, I do not, Your Majesty."
"You were captured by the Host of Apostolic Execution, sent by the Holy Dominion of Solmira in order to lure me out."
"...You made a precarious blunder, Seliora." Avelina spoke, more seriously this time.
Seliora held her tongue, as Valen then walked back to his throne. The Sovereigns began talking amongst each other, as each reprimanded Seliora for allowing herself to be captured so easily.
Valen sat down upon Eidryn's Crown, as he then had a flashback about the former Seven Sovereigns, his comrades. He subconsciously held out his hand, as he began thinking about each of them. A light and shadow that covered each of the Sovereigns in his vision, replacing them with the former.
"Your Majesty?" Avelina said as she approached him. She then smiled a bit, as she had a realization of why he had such an expression, as she then offered him her hand.
Valen smiled, closing his eyes briefly as the light and shadow over Avelina's appearance faded. A smile was seen before the former Sovereign of Valorance disappeared, whispering words that he understood clearly. "Let the world know of the name Eidryn."
He took Avelina's hand, as he got up and approached Seliora.
"Scold her to your liking." Avelina chuckled.
"Don't hold back at all. Do you have any idea how much your capture would've broken the chain of command? Not to mention we'd have a Sovereign down!" Auren shouted, shaking his head.
"You should have given her harsher words." Cael agreed.
"Accept your punishment with grace, Seliora." Sirkael spoke.
"Don't be too harsh though, she is still one of us." Miriya said.
"I am the one at fault, despite all the information we've gathered. I did not think of the possibility, but I have eradicated one such threat."
"She is not guilty of any folly, the only action she would be guilty of is fighting for the Eidryn Empire, realizing how much of a threat the Host of Apostolic Execution would have been."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." She said, still kneeling.
"However, there is one other task that I believe you would be suited for, considering the Holy Dominion of Solmira is now aware of your existence. I will have Darian explain your new mission and our next objectives."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Maintain the Area of Responsibility that the Seerblades have steadily maintained within the Kingdom of Draevarr."
"Seliora's appearance has been bait and the enemy has been bitten. We have destroyed one of their most powerful groups within their dominion. They will be careful about sending any more forces within the Kingdom itself."
"However, I will not allow the Solmirans to bite again. If the enemy approaches once again, we will take them in full force. I will be sure to pay them back tenfold for laying hands to one, or any, of my Sovereigns and my subjects."
"I would like to take the immediate steps to strengthen our control over Draevarr and eventually, our complete takeover."
"I take that you mean to start with the Five Native Tribes?" Darian inquired.
"I have decided to accept your proposal, Darian. We will use the Ashbinders to determine the strength and weaknesses of the Varnhaal Alliance."
"...We will decide whether they will be destroyed, or absorbed, into my imperial authority…"
***
The Gilded Scar's iron band reinforced doors then opened, as the mercenaries of the Crimson Ledger were silent, staring at the two that entered, in both awe and fear.
As the two walked toward the administration hub, mercenaries continuously whispered.
"...Isn't that…"
"...Yeah, that's the newest A-Ranked mercenary group of the kingdom… The Marks of Purity…"
"...So that's the Hero of Faithful Light, Arthur…"
"...I think behind him is Valea… the Moonveil of Resolve, the Battle Mage of Celestial Elegance…"
"...Hey, I heard they single-handedly defeated an undead army on their own… and to score, Arthur killed Veyra the Smileless… rescuing Mireleaf in the process."
"...Damn, he already captured the Witch of the Withering Root… now Veyra?..."
"...He's not a normal human, that's for sure…"
"...A-Rank mercenaries… a status we can't even hope to reach… the highest class of mercenary…"
"...I wouldn't be surprised if Arthur was the A-Rank of A-Ranks…"
Arthur and Valea then entered the administration hub, where the mercenaries steadily moved out the way and the hub had gotten quiet. After a few minutes, the hub then bustled into sound.
"We've finished the job that was personally requested. Are there any more that we can take on?" Valen spoke to the Keeper at the reception desk.
"...Sir Arthur… I'm sorry, but I really don't think there's any current jobs that would be suitable for your strength…" She said, rubbing her hair.
"I see. Please inform me if there are any."
"Of course." She quickly nodded.
"Off to the Velvet Hollow?"
"Your endorsement, I presume?"
"Naturally." She smirked.
Valen nodded and waved, as he and Valea walked off.
"Inform Captain Wyr-Stable and Sergeant Orchid of their new tasks." Valen spoke, as he used his telepathy.
"...Let us begin the great despair…"