ETREUM

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Prologue

The Grail.

The one sought prized treasure. Each year, a team of the most powerful warriors would assemble to do bloody combat to win over the grail and fulfill one wish.

These battles would be great and mighty, but incredibly violent. Their violence spreading across the world. Causing massive catastrophe and disaster.

My name is Ethereum, Ether for short. I am what you can call an Etreum, a shadow based mage. I specialized in spy and reconnaissance missions. So upon hearing that the item I needed to complete my mission was a grail, you know what that means.


"You're going to steal the Holy Grail?!" Ashley yelped.

"Absolutely!" I said, standing tall and proud.

"How can you say that all high and mighty?! What happened to the grail being sought after by the most powerful warriors through bloody combat?" Jake asked.


"Well, you see..." I laughed nervously.

"I'm not exactly a fighter..."


Jake grabbed me by the collar.

"You idiot! But you said you were a damn Etreum with shadow magic powers. What do you mean you can't fight?!"


I suddenly dropped my airhead act. My grimoire materialized in front of me, opening and flipping to the page I wanted.

Shadow Magic: Umbral Bind

Black chains erupted from within the shadows of the room as Jake was tied up.

"Jake!" Ashley cried out, as she instantly burst into red flames.


"You dare attack my beloved, human?!" She snarled, as she leapt at me.

I reached within my trench coat and drew my Garrison M55. I took aim and fired, shooting her square in the chest and sending her crashing into the couch. Her wounds were already starting to regenerate. Made sense. I wasn't using Black Bullets. If I did, she would be dead. Which would instantly terminate my contract. Which would mean my sister was going to beat me up for failing to bring food to the table.


I broke open my gun.


"Let's not resort to combat!" I said, cheerfully.

I reached into my grimoire and pulled out several glowing dark bullets, loading them into my gun.

"I could easily kill you with my Black Bullets, succubus." I said, coldly.


Ashley calmed down.

I let go of Jake.

"Right now, what we're looking for is the Grail to turn her into a human. There doesn't exist magic that can change a succubus into a human. The only way is the Grail. And to speak the truth, I'm not a fighter. The only thing I can do is bind and shoot with regular ass guns. So realistically, the only way we can get a hold of it is to steal it!"


Ashley began to sob as she buried her head into Jake's shoulder.

"Oh Jake, I just... I don't want to be this thing anymore. What are we going to do?"

Jake stroked her head.

"It's going to be okay. It's okay. Ether is a moron, but he's a cunning one. He can help us."


"Hey, who are you calling a moron?" I asked.


I stepped into a shadow and began to dissolve, my body slipping into its subconscious as everything began to melt. Concentrate on that point. Concentrate.

Everything began to gain form, as my vision returned. I was in a dark closet. I creaked the door open as I peeked out.

No one in sight.

I slowly opened the wardrobe as I stepped out.


Shadow Magic: Shadow Walker

My feet became one with the shadows, lowering the sound of my footsteps as I snuck around the room. Suddenly, my foot got caught on a piece of fabric. I looked down.

"EEEUGH!!!" I yelped, nearly tripping over.

A bra! Oh god. Where the hell was I? Was this really the Grand Commander's Room?


Then it hit me.

The commander's name.

Oliviera Rentrace.

Oliviera.

I was in a woman's room!

Shit!


Calm down. Calm down. I can't let my shut in life get the hold of me. Just think that bra belongs to my sister. Not turned on anymore are you? Yeah.

Now I'm disgusted!


I cleared my throat, regaining my calm composure. I glanced at the door. I needed to keep watch of that door. The last thing I wanted was to be caught snooping around in a lady's quarters. I didn't even care if it was the Commander's. There are worse things than death. Like that time I Shadow Walked into my sister's room by accident. I had an ice pack on my face for a week.

I opened my grimoire.

Shadow Magic: Umbral Copy

The darkness in the room gained form, until a copy of mine took shape. The copy went to the door to keep watch. Drawing its Garrison.


I opened the cupboard. So where was her log. I sifted through papers as I tried to look for any intel on the Grail's location. Of all the factions battling for the Grail, Rentrace's faction was leading by a long shot. There had to be some kind of intel on the Grail's location.

There it was. I opened the logbook and skimmed it. One of the great skills I learned in high school. Correction. One of the only skills I learned in high school. Reading tons of stuff and picking out only the details I cared about.


The Grail was being kept in a room, sealed by a ton of traps. A guardian blah blah blah. I took to the location with Shadow Magic.


The Guardian was huge. He looked like one of those angels from Diablo. If anything, fighting that guy was essentially suicide. There was also no evading him. In fact, I wasn't the only one who had found this location, obviously. Rentrace's troops were already there, engaging the Guardian, being slaughtered left and right.

I hated up front fighting. It was never my style. In fact, being hasty is the stupidest thing ever. Guts and manliness, one of the core traits to a meathead, are also core traits to a fool.


I made sure no one could see me, as I slipped through the skirmish. These guys could hold off the Guardian for me. I was getting my hands on that Grail.

The room was elegant. But ethereal. Decorated with golden drawings of war and myths. My boots knocked on the ground as I approached the Grail. A golden cup, suspended in thin air.

I guess this is it. Job well done. After what seemed like weeks of stalking Rentrace's army, her generals, and even going as far as checking the barracks, I had finally achieved what numerous warriors would have only dreamt of having.


By cheating.

I held out my hand, as my grimoire materialized in front of me.


Shadow Magic: Umbral Copy

A clone manifested in front of me, as I melted into shadows, becoming one with the darkest parts of the walls.

The clone stepped forward and held out its hand to touch the cup, when suddenly, a spear appeared, piercing him. My clone shattered into a black mist.

"I guess it wasn't gonna be that easy." I muttered.


"Ethereum, to think you would go so far as to use us for your own personal gain." A woman's voice appeared from my side.


Rentrace approached the cup.

"I know that wasn't you. You sneaky little shit. Come out and face me."

I sighed. I guess this was unavoidable.


I stepped out of the shadows, my hands in my pockets as I regarded the commander.

"Mi'lady."

"Oh shut up. We both know you are a traitor." Rentrace took out her sword. Six feet of murderous steel.

"I'm going to cut you down. My army has no place for traitors like you."


Oh yeah. By the way. I may or may not have enlisted my services to help Rentrace. I guess she didn't like my treason too well.

"I don't suppose it's too late for us to talk this out?"

Rentrace walked to my direction, her face full of disdain.

"Um, new hairstyle? Looks good on you. Makes you ten years younger!"

"That means you think I'm old."


The hell? Sis, you told me that worked on women!


There was no way around it. I had to fight. I usually didn't like fighting, I'm more of a laid back kind of guy. But Rentrace wasn't giving me much of a choice.

I held out my hand as my grimoire manifested.

Shadow Magic: Shadow Moon

A black orb appeared above me, as my surroundings began to darken. Dimmer and dimmer, until I could barely make out our figures in the everlasting darkness.


"So, the traitor has some tricks up his sleeve after all. But nonetheless. This battle is decided. For you are just a mere scout. While I am a commander. A warrior!" Rentrace shouted, as she charged.


Shadow Magic: Umbral Bind

Several chains erupted from the shadows of the ground, as Rentrace was pinned down.


I calmly closed my grimoire as I walked up to the grail, and plucked it off its pedestal, throwing it into the shadows. Contract completed. I guess it was time to dip-


CLANK


"Heh?" I turned around, narrowly dodging Rentrace's sword swing. That was too close!

I put my hand inside my trench coat, pulling out my Garrison. I took aim and fired. The high penetrating round soaring in the air and cracking Rentrace's sword.

Rentrace scowled, as I leapt backwards.


I took aim again and fired, but Rentrace was already charging forward, deflecting another bullet.

I fired again, and again, the bullets deflecting off of her sword.

Damn.

I reached into my coat with my other hand, drawing out my sidearm. My FN P90 submachine gun, as I took aim and fired a stream of bullets in her direction.

This time, Rentrace couldn't block them all, as some of the bullets hit her square in the armour. Although not as powerful as my Garrison, the P90 was still a gun. Rentrace slowed down, as her face contorted in pain.


"You little-"

Shadow Magic: Umbral Bind

Rentrace was once again wrapped in chains. Even with the dark boost of the surroundings amplifying their strength, I knew it wasn't going to be enough to keep this beast caged. I put my P90 away.


Gun Magic: Black Bullets

I reached into my grimoire's pages, retrieving a handful of obsidian bullets. With my other hand, I opened my Garrison, loading the bullets in. Even the power of the Garrison M55 wasn't enough to completely shatter her sword. I'd have to resort to my black bullets to take her down.


I took aim, just as Rentrace snapped the chains, and fired. The bullets shattering her sword and hitting her square in the chest. I fired again, taking out her arms. Then her legs. I lowered my firearm as the Great Commander fell to her knees.


I turned around and melted into the darkness. But not before hearing Rentrace's final words.

"Ethereum. You truly are... the scum of this world."

I smiled.


"You're damn right."

After all, to these guys, I was the biggest asshole in the world. Someone who only cared about myself.

But in reality, I was Ethereum. A magus who specializes in shadow magic and gun magic.

Taking on jobs, unseen. Untouchable.

Infiltration, subterfuge.


The Recon support, to Captain Dekani Price of the Lotuscraft.


Champion

I left a now human Ashley to Jake. I didn't bother asking Jake for the crown just yet, since it didn't feel right to tell him to fork over the goods after everything those two went through.

I guess it isn't my style to pry into other people's businesses. But since I was hired by Jake, well actually. Deka was hired by Jake, that made his business our business too. Ashley Barnes was initially a succubus, who was thrown out of the underworld because she was "different" from her kind. Jake took pity on her, and the two became a couple.

Or something like that.


Ashley hated her nature, and wanted to become human. Jake sought the Grail, but after failed attempts, and nearly getting himself killed, Ashley convinced him to seek for other help. Deka and his crew happened to be around at the time, and Deka, the good natured tool he was, volunteered to help, offering his services. But after realizing that his gear and Lance, Umbra, were vulnerable to magic, Deka tasked me with retrieving the Grail.

I watched as the two embraced, crying tears of joy.


Meh.

You could say I have a cold heart. But I've seen so many of these already. Wholesome moments, that it's almost become cliche for me to even bother describing. Long story short, Ashley became human, and Jake now owes us.


"Ether, about the reward..." Jake handed me his necklace.

I took it, glancing at Ashley, who was hiding behind the door.

"No point eavesdropping. Especially when you're so bad at hiding." I said. Ashley opened the door and stepped in, embarrassed.


I looked at Jake. He looked kind of sad. I guess that would make sense. The Crown was one of his most cherished possessions. And I happened to be that guy who said the reward of turning his girlfriend into a human was just that. Deka didn't want to go that route. But we needed the Crown for the Lotuscraft. This was the only way.

"Thanks, Jake. We won't let it go to waste."


Jake smiled. "Yeah. You better not. I guess this is goodbye."

I waved as I stepped into the shadows, putting on my hood.

"Yeah. Look after Ashley. Starting now, you two have a new life ahead of you. Go and make that slice of life anime a reality."


"Did... did Ether just say anime?" Ashley asked.


I shadow teleported to the Lotuscraft. The place was bustling with life ever since Deka had recruited more people onto the ship. I kept myself dissolved in shadows as I looked around. But no one was there.

But just to make sure.

Shadow Magic: Stalker Sense

My eyes inverted colour, as my scleras darkened. I sensed two presences from behind the walls. Marked by dark trailing wisps.

Flippy the Doggo, Umbra, and... a little girl?


How long have I been away from the Lotuscraft? Who's kid was that?

Whatever, I just needed to drop off the crown.


I emerged from the shadow of Deka's pedestal. I took a walk around, admiring the decorations. The place still had the good old spaceship feel. Even after recruiting Shane Mayen, and expanding his crew, some things stayed Valian. Good on him.


I approached his desk and put the Crown on the table.


For a few minutes I shadow walked around the Orbiter, my footsteps obstructed by the shadows in the ship. I hadn't fully mastered the Total Eclipse spell yet, so as of now, it was Half Eclipse, which makes the spell caster half invisible. Which is useless.

Much had changed. From what I heard while I was away, Deka had recruited some girl who was also a Valian. At this point, he might as well have held a daycare for defective people of the Star System on the Lotuscraft. Because apparently, the girl didn't know how to fight, despite being a Valian.

I glanced at the new living quarters that Folock had made for her.


Cute.


CLACK CLACK

I quickly dissolved into a shadow as I watched Deka and some girl, who I presumed was the defective Valian emerge from the Landing Craft.

"Good work on today's excavation, Rinne." Deka said, as Rinne stretched her back.

"Thanks. I'll see you in the meeting room."


I watched as Rinne walked dejectedly to her living quarters, while Deka resolved out of Umbra and approached the Foundry.

"No point just staring at me, Ether. I know you're there." Deka smiled.

"Ah, you got me!" I said, cheerfully, as I emerged from the shadows.


Deka watched as my body melted out of the shadows and gained form.

"You know, it wouldn't hurt to come visit us more often. You're still a member of our crew. I'm sure you'll get along great with Rinne."

I readjusted the collar to my trench coat.

"I'm needed in the field." I replied, bluntly.

"I know, it's just, you're kind of family to me now-"

"We're not family." I replied a little too quickly. Deka jumped in surprise.


"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." I said, as I walked across the Orbiter.

But it was true. The only family I had was my sister. Ruby is all that matters to me. The only reason why I took on Deka's offer to become his Recon support was because I needed the money.


"It's fine." Deka replied.

I followed Deka to his room as he inspected the crown.

"Damn. I didn't think you would manage to get this thing. How is Jake?"

"He's fine." I replied.


Deka sat down as he continued inspecting the gem. I glanced at a busted up mask that was sitting on his desk. It was Shane's version one Toron mask.

"Where's our little Javlok?" I asked.

"Shane? He's with another Valian right now. But lately, I haven't been able to contact him, don't know why. Maybe it's static."

I clenched my fist.


It sure as hell wasn't static. I knew everything.

Shane Mayen wasn't what these people believed him to be. The gutsy kid who would charge his enemies head on with big guns and big swords. I was there when that Severen monster SHADE slaughtered the Valians. Deka had requested I check up on Shane, after Quorra had informed the team that she was under suspicion from the Council. I was going to report to Deka right away, but then the biggest plot twist happened.

Shardis Licita. Shane Mayen was no Severen. At least not now. But what everyone didn't realize, was that this kid and SHADE were one and the same.

People can't escape fate. No matter what you do. No matter what you say or how you warp the story.


This kid was going to grow up to become SHADE. We were literally nurturing a monster that would kill us all in the future.


Of course, I didn't feel like telling Deka this. He grew real fond of Shane during the years. I didn't wanna break that bond.


I picked up a little bobblehead of an Excalibur off of the table.

"You're into bobbleheads now? Cap?"

Deka laughed. "No, it was a gift from Quorra. She loves collecting those. Thought it would be a funny joke on Umbra."


I put the bobblehead down as Deka continued fiddling with the crown. We were silent for a few minutes.


"Captain, I'm going to the Severen mothership to investigate Nero."

Deka stopped fiddling.

"Come again?"

"You heard me." I gave him a thumbs up.

"I'm the only one in this crew who can do it."


"But... if you get caught, it's over for you. None of us are equipped to fight Nero. Even with Quorra's help I couldn't beat him. I forbid you from doing something so reckless."


I smirked.

"Yeah. Which means I have to add some more spells to my grimoire. I'll be taking a pit stop to a special place first. Don't worry. I'm not going in without a plan."

Deka still didn't look satisfied.

"Look. Just go in, get enough intel, and extract as soon as you can. Promise me that, at least."


I nodded.


"Hey, Deka. I was just-" Rinne's voice appeared from behind me as I heard the doors slowly open. I quickly melted into shadows as I dissolved into the corner of the room.

Rinne paused. "What was that just now?"

Deka raised his eyebrows. "What are you talking about?" He said, nervously.

"I could have sworn I saw someone... nevermind."



I resurfaced from behind the building of Mercy Hospital. Champions Universe.

If it meant finding spells. There were a couple of people I could ask. But by far the best and largest variety of spells I could locate in a single region would have to be Millennium City.

This place never ceased to amaze. Flying hover cars, high tech buildings. The place was brimming with life. Almost every civilian had some superpower of some kind. Meaning there were plenty of mages residing here.

And because of that, the ones who stand at the top, the ones who worked the hardest.


I could steal their tricks for my own.


First target: Bethany Duquesne. Codename Witchcraft (I'm not joking, that's really her codename).

Specialization in sorcery and flight, Witchcraft made a name for herself for her heroics. But really, I don't give a shit about that. The only thing that stood out to me, was that her family had experience in dark magic. Which is the progenitor of my shadow magic. If I could gain access to her grimoire, I could copy her incantations and possibly find ways to upgrade my current spell set.

The only problem was... what I'm doing is technically mage theft. If I got caught, I'd be labelled a villain and criminal.


So nothing out of the ordinary.


Shadow Magic: Shadow Walker

I dissolved into shadows as I travelled around the city, searching for magic residue.


It took a few hours, but I managed to track down the witch. I had two options. Either I take her down and obtain her grimoire by force, or I put on my airhead persona and let her teach me directly. Time-wise, the first option would have been better, but Witchcraft was a very well respected figure in this city, being an iconic hero. If I did that, I would risk making an insurmountable number of enemies.


I decided to go for option two.


I spent the next few weeks under the tutelage of Witchcraft. It was surprisingly easier than I thought.

"What was your magic affinity again?" Witchcraft asked.

"Dark magic. My mom told me not to pursue it, but I want to show the world that even if I use dark magic, I can still make a difference."


That really hit her in the feels. I did my research from infiltrating the PRIMUS archives. Witchcraft was born in a family who used dark magic. Ritualistic weirdos, she wanted to go into sorcery for the better of good.


Am I a scumbag to use her horrible past to get what I want? Absolutely. Am I bothered by it? No.


"Your magic is bound by your mana. Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best way forward. Take for instance, your binding spell."

Witchcraft pointed her stick at the chalkboard drawing of my spell. Obviously, when I showed her my magic, I only showed her a very small portion of it. So only one chain manifested.

"You don't have a lot of mana. So at the moment, you're bound by that one chain. Usually, I would advise you train to increase the number of chains to better its effectiveness. But in your case, I would advise something else."


Witchcraft opened her grimoire and summoned a spell, binding the training dummy with pure magic.

"Try going for a pure mana spell. Rather than expending your mana on a chain medium, try using pure darkness."


Pure darkness spells. This witch was good.


"Hey, Miss Duquesne, I prepared tea!" I bounced in, cheerfully, as Witchcraft smiled, taking the cup.

"You're such a sweetheart. Thank you, Terrance."


I joined Witchcraft as we sat together in her living room. Terrance was the name of my father. He died from cancer when I was six.

"I haven't had an apprentice for so long."

"Why's that?"

"I never wanted someone to carry the burdens of a superhero. But I guess with you, I just see so much of myself. Dark magic. A foul magic known for being evil. Yet, you strive to become a kind and gentle soul. Something that I wanted to go for as well. I will keep guiding you until you see it through."


For the next few weeks, I learned to hone in my Umbral Bind spell, gaining a stronger variant of it. This variant was dependent on its application. If I wanted to use it in a similar manner as restraints, it would require more mana than my usual binding spell, but in exchange, better effectiveness. If I wanted it to just grab things, it would be more efficient.

I gave it the name Prominence Umbral Bind.


But it wasn't enough. During those weeks, I discovered that Witchcraft was capable of something called "Anti-Magic". This power would essentially erase the magical powers of mages or even beings who used it offensively. I needed to learn about it, but there was no way I could ask her to teach me. The reason being, was because anti-magic was so powerful in the mage community, it was considered taboo.


One night, I had decided to sneak into Witchcraft's quarters, and learn Anti-Magic on my own. Eventually, I managed to figure it out, but at the cost of being discovered.


"Terrance, what are you doing?"

I paused, my face shrouded in shadows. I knew this day would come. There was no point in me trying to be all touchy feely.

We may have had what appeared to be a student master relationship. But there is nothing genuine in something that was built from a lie.


Shadow Magic, Prominence Umbral Bind

Witchcraft was suddenly pinned down by dozens of shadow arms.

"What is the meaning of this?! How are you able to summon so many binds at once-"

I glanced at her grimoire, which was glowing with mana, attempting to return to its user. I summoned a dark tendril from the shadows of my vicinity to restrain it.


"No... you were playing me all along..." Witchcraft muttered.


I said nothing, as I glanced at the pictures of Witchcraft and her hero squad on the wall.

So she had a loved one.


"I'm sorry, Miss Duquesne. But this is the end of the road for this relationship."


"What are you talking about? Why are you doing this?!"


I guess option one was always the option I was going to go with. No matter what I did. How nice I was. Things would never go my way. I guess that's just how it is.


I put on a big smile.

"There's no other way. I guess this is how the world works!"


Witchcraft tried to struggle and call upon her spells, but her grimoire was no longer in her possession.

I opened it up and stared at the incantations for her Anti-Magic spells. I had already figured out a way to integrate it into my magic arsenal.


"There's no point trying to wield that type of magic. It's incompatible with your dark magic."

"No. But it is compatible with something else."


I closed the grimoire as it dissolved into ash. I really wished there was another option. But because I was caught and had to use take her spells for myself by force, I had already become an enemy to the people of Millennium City. Meaning there was only one way to move forward.


After all, I can't be an enemy if I'm not discovered.


And the only way to do that is to eliminate the witnesses.


I pulled out my Garrison M55, cracking open its barrel and reaching into my grimoire.


"Even if you kill me, what's in it for you?" Witchcraft muttered.

"Absolutely nothing." I said, coldly.

Witchcraft stared at me.

"What?"


Gun Magic: Anti-Magic Bullets

I took out three bullets, slipping one into my Garrison, then aimed the barrel to Witchcraft's head.


"There is nothing to gain out of this."


I fired a bullet, which nullified Witchcraft's protection field. I slipped the second bullet inside the chamber.

I fired another bullet, which cracked open her armour that she had secretly kept invisible.


One more bullet.


Into the chamber.


"I thought you of all people would understand how I feel." Witchcraft said, her eyes getting teary. "What it's like to be suppressed from greatness just because you were born."

I paused.

To be suppressed from greatness, huh. That was exactly what Javlok had said to Deka.

I never agreed with Javlok's personality. Being bitter and brooding about the world just because he couldn't have his way. But just because I didn't agree with his views, didn't mean I didn't agree with his belief.

This world is unfair. It treats certain people so badly that you might even wonder why the hell you're alive. Why you were even born.


Javlok continued resisting. Every day, I would see him training hard, pushing through every barrier fate had put on him. Willingly letting that grotesque monster of an infestation destroy his body so he could become a hero.


But I was different. I was better. Because I fully understood that no matter how hard I tried, this world would find ways to ruin it.

After all,


I was born cursed. Just like Mayen. Just like Witchcraft.


If this world was going to treat me poorly,

wouldn't it be right to treat it back the same way?


It was unfair for Witchcraft to die like this. To have her feelings played with. It was unfair for Defender to watch the love of his life be killed.

But this world was always unfair.


I pulled back the firing hammer, as I cocked the gun.

"That's just how it is." I said, pulling the trigger.



"You... why?" Witchcraft gasped.


I held out my gun, the barrel still smoking from my last shot that intentionally cut off the magical runes around her feet. I had identified those runes during my monologue. It was faint, but it was very obvious. It didn't take a genius to realize she had summoned a beacon spell. I erased them just before they could let loose a signal.


"Why indeed." I muttered, staring at the photo of Witchcraft and Defender. She didn't deserve death. There was no reason to execute her like this. I had what I came for. Even if I was an enemy to this world, I could still get what I wanted using the spells I currently had.


I approached Witchcraft, and knelt down.


"I know that you are capable of summoning runes. Your magic is independent from the grimoire."

Witchcraft glared at me.

"Tell me, Bethany." I said, as my own grimoire materialized before me, its pages flipping to another section in the book, separate from the other spells. I pulled out a magical gem from within my trench coat.


Shadow Magic: Abyssal Summoning - Pack Leader

Four hunting dogs gained shape from the shadows surrounding the room, as they glared at Witchcraft, snarling, foam coming from their mouths.


"These are my Abyssal Hounds. I have instructed them to avoid killing you. But there are worst things than death. These fellas haven't had the luxury of eating non-abyssal flesh. I will deactivate my relic, if you tell me...


"Where Lawrence Wright of Darkstar is."


Darkstar

There was no point in using Witchcraft anymore. Even if she was capable of Rune Magic, for one thing, she hated my guts. But the other, is that her magic, though formidable, was not the best. I needed the best.


And there was no other rune magic user that was better than Lawrence Wright. The Deputy Leader of Darkstar.


In the end, I wasn't able to extract the information from Witchcraft, so instead, I threatened to kill Defender. Obviously, she wasn't too thrilled about that. But I instantly made her change her mind.


"You won't be getting any information from me, you worm!" Witchcraft shouted.

I stood up, fingering my relic.

"Return."

The four beasts backed off, returning back to the shadows.


I held out my grimoire again, the pages flipping to another section.

Shadow Magic: Umbral Copies

Two clones manifested. One on each side, as they regarded Witchcraft.


"If you do not give me my information, we will hunt down Defender."

Shadow Magic: Shadow Walker


My clones melted into the shadows, searching and locating Defender as I held out my hand. Showing Witchcraft an image of my clones, who were dissolved in the shadows of James Harmon's lab. Defender was doing maintenance on his suit, as one of my clones approached from the corner, completely undetected in the darkness of the corner.

Slowly, the clone reached into his coat, pulling out his own Garrison M55, and loading in a bullet.

The clone took aim, while the other clone followed suit from the other side.


"Defender doesn't have 360 degree vision. Even if he catches one of my clones, the other's bullet will still catch him." I said.


Witchcraft's eyes were wide in terror.


"I shall... give you his coordinates." She said, staring at the ground.


I snapped my fingers, as my clones lowered their guns, dissolving into shadows.

I got up and left, deactivating the shadow binding spell I had on her.


"Terrance."

I stopped at the door, turning around. Witchcraft had her hands clenched.


"There is no atonement for people like you. There is no future for those who manipulate and harm others."


"You're absolutely correct." I replied, as I left the house.


"I'm home, honey!" Lawrence shouted, as he closed the door to the penthouse. It was quite extravagant. I guess the legend was true. Lawrence Wright. Saviour of Croft. The Lazarus. Focused on healing magic and rune magic. The guy became extremely proficient in rune magic after he had given up his soul link creature.

It was best to avoid fighting this guy. Not because he was a strong mage, that wasn't it. His skill with rune magic was probably the best in this city, but in terms of pure magical power, that honour would go to...


"Welcome back, Lawrence!" Calliope Ariandal leaned in and kissed her husband.

I always felt weird watching couples display affection. It wasn't any better that I was basically stalking them from within the shadows of the crevices in the apartment.


Calliope Ariandal. The princess of Croft. She was famous in that country for being quite possibly the most powerful mage in history. Her soul link creature, the Seraphim, and her magic affinity: Celestial Magic, was by far the most powerful type of magic in existence. My magic stood no chance against someone of that calibre.

Against Lawrence, my magic was still inferior, but I had spent years honing in on alternatives. Gun Magic, for instance, was a type of magic I had learned after I realized I was shit with Shadow Magic. Yes. That's right. For an Etreum, I am below average. Spending hours studying in the academy, just to get outdone by my classmates.


I had accepted that I would never succeed as a full power shadow mage, so instead, I sought other methods. So I could be useful. My own way.


If I could get Ariandal out of the picture, I could beat Lazarus easily. But I would have to be smart about it. One mistake could be deadly on me.


I spent the next few weeks inspecting and analyzing Lazarus' schedule. He was usually out doing some kind of housework. Calliope was often found in Croft. If I attacked Lazarus now, it would take a few minutes for Calliope to arrive. Meaning I had that window of opportunity to defeat him. But if Lazarus managed to pull out a portal, then it would be over for me.


I watched as Lazarus kissed Calliope goodbye as she left the suite.

"Go get em!" He said.

"Ugh. So many meetings." Calliope muttered.


I waited an hour in the darkness after Calliope had left to make sure she was gone for good.

Shadow Magic: Umbral Copy

I nodded at the clone, as he nodded back, dissolving into shadows and kept an eye on Calliope. Through the clone's eyes, I could see what she was up to, and to make sure she wouldn't come back for her husband.


Lawrence began sweeping the floor as I watched. A whole day of housework? Doesn't this guy ever get bored.


Suddenly, Wright put the broomstick on the ground.

"Come out. I know you're there."

A chill ran through my blood.

How did he know?


I didn't answer, but Lazarus put up his hand, and a rune manifested, revealing a single dot in the radar. It was me.

"I'm guessing you're the Mage Hunter. If you're going to go against me, you'll have to try a lot harder than that."

I needed those rune spells.


I slipped out of the shadows as I slowly revealed myself. Lazarus didn't look surprised. I closed the door and locked it.


"Lawrence Wright. Darkstar's Lazarus." I said.

"You know who I am? Well I know who you are. You made quite a foolish choice betraying your teacher like that. Are you not ashamed?"

What? How did he know about this? I made sure to deactivate Witchcraft's magic with my anti-magic bullets. There was no way she could have alerted-

The phone. Dammit.

I should have trapped her in a shadow binding spell or thrown her in the Abyssal realm. But I was hasty. And overconfident that I had taken down a world class famous mage.


And now my plan was off the rails.


Lazarus held out his hand and summoned another rune, but in one swift motion, I pulled out my Garrison and fired an anti-magic bullet, dissipating it.

"So that's what you wanted out of Witchcraft, huh." Lazarus muttered, as I took out my submachine gun with my other hand, aimed, and sprayed a stream of bullets in Lazarus' direction.

Lazarus leapt back and summoned three runes, which formed a force field.


With my other hand, I slipped in another anti-magic bullet as I switched guns, firing and dissipating the field.


Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind

Several chains wrapped around Lazarus, but suddenly, he dissipated into green sparks.

I spun around in shock, as Lazarus had materialized behind me. I held out my P90 and fired behind me as Lazarus evaded, forming another shield. But the bullets were starting to crack it as he landed on the ground.


Not good. I was at a disadvantage. I was already desperate with my attacks, and Lazarus didn't look fazed at all.

I thought I could take on Lazarus because he was seemingly the weakest out of all them members in Darkstar, but I guess I was wrong.


I slipped in and out of the shadows, as Lazarus sent dozens of fireballs and lightning bolts at my direction.

Rune magic.

The type of magic that calls upon other affinities through incantations and symbols. By fighting Lazarus, I was fighting someone who had basically every magic affinity in his kit.

I was never a fighter. But if it came down to it, I had to learn. After all, this world is never forgiving.


Shadow Magic: Umbral Copies

Three clones manifested, as they drew their grimoires, reaching behind their backs to take out a larger firearm from the rest. The Argent BAS X170 shotgun.

Gun Magic: Black Shotgun Shells


The clones each loaded in their bullets into their guns as I materialized from underneath Lazarus' feet, taking out a different relic.


Shadow Magic: Abyssal Summoning - Serpentine

A huge snake erupted from my grimoire, as it instantly wrapped itself around the mage, holding him in place from the waist down, pinning his arms.


The clones all fired as Lazarus flew in the air, and crumpled on the ground, blood splattering the floor.

"Black bullets, huh." He muttered, as he tried to heal himself, to no avail.


My clones dissipated as Serpentine slithered on the ground, wrapping itself around Lazarus and baring its fangs.


"Serpentine is capable of Abyssal Poison Magic. Those Black Shotgun Shells will keep you from regenerating and healing. If it so much as bites you, you're finished." I said, as I reached in my coat and took out my Garrison. I took out my grimoire and loaded in an ordinary bullet into the chamber as I aimed the barrel of the gun to the mage's head.


"I'm afraid you're in no position to make demands." A voice appeared behind me.

I spun around and fired several bullets with my P90, but nothing came out. I stared at my hand, which was frozen in ice.

Trill Cohen, The Coldarrow.


My clones took out their Garrisons and fired, three bullets converging on the mage, but their guns were also frozen in place.

"Who are you." Trill said, as a large glowing cyan wing erupted from his back, slicing my clones as they dissipated into black mist.


I held out my hand.

Shadow Magic - Shadow Moon

My spell cast all around the room, as the place flooded in darkness. Now I was at an advantage once more.


Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind

Dozens of shadow arms latched onto the Avatar, as I took out my shotgun, grimoire out. This guy.


Trill Cohen. He was one of the mages in the Mage Academy, the same one Lazarus was in. Apparently, he was soul linked with a Hyperborean, which explained his ice powers. That ice, it needed to go.

Gun Magic: Anti-Magic Shotgun Shells


I loaded my gun and fired it with my main hand, the shells racing to his location, when suddenly, they stopped. Suspended in mid-air.


"A fight? And I wasn't invited? Rude!"


What is it now.


My eyes widened as a massive force cascade came flying my way. I instantly dissolved into shadows as all my spells were obliterated by the sheer force of Dennis Wagner's attack.

This was bad.

Against just Lazarus, I might have stood a chance. But against three of Darkstar's members, this was extremely one sided.


Lazarus looked at me.

"Never underestimate a team. We've been through thick and thin. If you think cutting out my coms with your anti-magic bullets was enough, then you're sorely mistaken."


I emerged from the other side of the room. I had to get out of here. There was no telling how bad I would be if I-


I paused. What was this ominous, terrifying feeling?

What...

What is...

The dark realm. It was always my home turf. I would always travel in it, be bathed in it. But this time... it felt...


Dangerous.


I slowly looked up, as I was face to face with a gargantuan monstrosity. A massive dark being with long hair, and demonic spikes all around it. Towering over me, its claws, surrounding me, keeping me from moving.

"You're not going anywhere, Etreum."


Standing on its shoulder, was The Black Jason.


"So you specialize in gun magic, huh." Jason said, as he took out his own gun.

"I never thought I would have to use Sentry's powers again. Ever since my father died, I swore to only see Sentry as a friend."


I had no choice. It didn't matter if it was a Hellspawn. I could still take it down.

I held out my grimoire, swapping my shotgun with my Garrison.


Gun Magic - Black Bullets

I loaded my gun and fired, the bullet soaring to Jason, but Jason held out his own gun. It looked incredibly advanced. Almost like it was from the future. The gun imbued with darkness as suddenly, my bullet was split in half, a streak of darkness cut my face as I stumbled back.


"Nice weapon. I like the old fashioned polished wood look. But in terms of firepower, it will never match mine." Jason said, as Sentry brought his fist down. I narrowly dodged.


This was bad. I couldn't escape. Not through shadows. Not through the real world. I knew attacking Team Darkstar was a bad idea, but I didn't think it would be like this.


I tried firing again, but Jason destroyed my bullets before they could even get close. How was he this fast? There was no way his reflexes were human.


Jason regarded me from above. Six feet of pure muscle, and silver eyes that made me want to curl up into a ball and die.


"SPART205. The second eldest of us. This was his last gift to me before he gave his life. Against all firearms, I have trained with this gun to the point where it will always be at the top. No matter who I am up against."


No option. I had to do it. I had to go all out against the Black Jason.


Shadow Magic: Umbral Copies

Four clones manifested as we all took out our shotguns and P90's.


Gun Magic - Abyssal Sharpshooting

Dozens of magazines and bullets flew from our grimoires as we unloaded a barrage of bullets, all five of us, as the bullets instantly replenished. Firing everything we had.


"You like spells, huh. Then I'll show you a fraction of mine!" Jason said, as he leapt from the shoulder of the giant, landing on the ground, dodging all of the bullets as his body sparking with demonic black energy, his body glowing blue. Jason drew his katana, taking a deep breath.


Kaiju Boost x400000 - CONTINENTAL SLASH

A massive wave of darkness blasted me and my clones away as we were ripped away from the shadow realm. Just from the pure force of his attack. I flew right out of the shadows into the real world as I smashed into the city.


I got to my feet. I was screwed. There was no escape. My only means of protection was guarded by quite possibly the most frightening dark mage in existence.

Jonathan Crypt. The Black Jason.

The Remnant of Decen the Paladin of War.


I turned around and managed to dodge a sound blast, following by more dark magic bullets from a girl and guy. Reya Park and Toby Rufus.


Everybody was coming to get me. I needed to eliminate myself as a threat.


Shadow Magic: Abyssal Summoning - Pack Leader


Several hounds appeared at my feet, as they snarled at the two, rushing forward, but suddenly, Toby got on all fours, transforming into a massive white wolf.


My hounds whimpered. Right. Toby was the son of Fenris. How could I have been so stupid.


I took a step back, but suddenly, stopped. My feet were stuck in the ground.


"What business do you have with Lazarus?" A girl's voice appeared behind me.

I clenched my teeth. It was all over.

A beautiful woman with black and silver hair approached me. That brown aviator jacket. And beside her, was an extremely muscular man, even bigger than Jason.

Amana Cross and Ferris Wheeler.


I said nothing as Amana stood in front of me, her tail turning bright red, her orange eyes regarding mine critically.


"You might want to say something." Jason said, popping up beside her as he brushed off his t-shirt.

I couldn't. I was going to die anyway. Also why would I be intimidated by The Fox of all people? She was always the rational smart one. There would be no way she would scare me.


"My son was sleeping peacefully for once. Endless days and nights he would be crying. I've lost a lot of sleep. Then you had to ruin it by attacking one of my closest friends. So not only have you decided to mess with Lawrence, you took away valuable sleeping time from my little boy." Amana's eyes became murderous.

Holy shit!


Jason raised an eyebrow.

"Shadow magic huh. You decided to pick a fight with us, I can't for the life of me, understand how people can be so reckless."


I struggled against my restraints. I had to get out of here, but the only thing I could do was give into their demands. There was nothing I could do right now.


"I need his rune magic. My friends and family are in danger from an unspeakable threat in my universe. If it means giving my life to protect them, then so be it." I replied.


Jason took a deep breath.

"Giving your life, huh." Amana said dangerously, as she stepped closer to me.

"Do you really think that's going to change anything? If you died?"


My eyes widened. Since when was Amana Cross this cold? Didn't the stories and legends say she was the most accepting of all the members of Darkstar?


"Amana..."

"No, John. I'm going to lay it out for you straight, kiddo." Amana held out her hand, as her tail projection grew larger and spikier, her body began glowing red.


"You can do whatever you want. But if you so much as lay a hand on my friends and family, I will destroy you. I've had enough, Sam."


Sam? Who the hell was-

Was she talking about Samuel Mason?


Amana suddenly paused, her eyes widened, as she became paralyzed. Her orange eyes began forming tears as her tail projection dissipated.


"Huh? What am I- what am I saying..." She muttered, as the restraints around my feet loosened. Ferris put his arms around her as Amana stared at me, her face had gone completely pale.

Ferris turned to Jason.

"I'll take care of her. You deal with this delinquent."


Jason nodded, as he regarded me.

"I still don't know who you are, aside from the fact that you're an Etreum who decided for whatever reason it was a good idea to fight us. But right now, you're coming with me for questioning."


Noctis

"Why did you attack Lazarus?" Jason asked, as I found myself in meta human cuffs. My grimoire was confiscated by Lawrence himself.

I glanced nervously at Amana, who was at the door.

Jason turned to her and waved his hand.

"It's okay. I can handle him."


Amana shot me a glare and left the room.


Jason noticed my sweating.

"Amana wasn't always like this. These past few years have been really hard for her."

"I would have guessed that out myself. Stories said she was the most rational and level headed of the team."


Jason leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"As scary as Sentry is, he is a good person. And I'm not a violent gunslinging maniac people like to make me out to be. When I fought you, I sensed desperation from your movements. What's got you all tied up?"

"These cuffs."

"Funny guy." Jason chuckled, as he got up from his seat, putting his hand on the window.


"No wonder Amana hates you."


"She mistakened me for one of yours. Me and The Blackflame have nothing in common."

"You're right. You're nothing in comparison to Samuel Mason. He was the greatest and best of us."

I shouldn't have gotten myself involved with their problems. If I had kept my face covered, this wouldn't have happened. But then again, I looked nothing like him, so why was-


"You're probably wondering why she did it." Jason read my mind, as he turned to me. His face, though calm and objective, was mixed with a little bit of sadness.

"Was it something I said?"

Jason sat back down.

"What about Blackflame do you know? The stories and legends that circulate around here."

"He was the guy who defeated an entire Aspect army on his own and saved the multiverse. Fought and held his own against the Prime Aspect Deimos, who had the power to literally alter the natural laws of the universe. The guy was strong enough to decimate an entire country with one chop. What else is there to not know about him?"


"I'm not asking about his accomplishments. We all know about that, even if it is slightly inaccurate."

"Inaccurate, how?"

"Answer my question."


Jason's hypercritical eyes focused on me, like he was analyzing how to take me down.


"Legend said that he was selfless, rarely thinking about what he was doing and charging ahead on instinct.... oh."

Jason's expression confirmed it.


"Amana loved Sam like family. After all, she had lost her blood relatives from an Infernal attack. Sam was with her from Day One. His death shook her to the core, and even after all these years, she never got over it. Because he left her so suddenly. Left us so suddenly. All because he made what Amana believed to be a selfish choice in sacrificing his life for us."

Jason reached to his side pocket and ran his hand over his combat mask.


"Since then, she's been suppressing it. I thought she was happy again when our son was born. But I never knew it still haunted her to this day. Then you came along, with the reckless goal of attacking one of us, for the purpose of protecting your loved ones. It rubbed her the wrong way."


I clenched my fists. Getting involved in other people's drama. This was not how I was supposed to go about things. I was the guy who slipped in and out without a trace. Who did things in the shadows. In the background. Why was I suddenly in the spotlight? I hated it.


"Look. I didn't mean to bring up any past traumas. I'm just here to learn the necessary magic to complete my mission. If I can't gain anything here, I'm going. So please, just let me go."

Jason put his hand on his chin, as he took out my grimoire, flipping the pages.


"Lazarus is a remarkable mage. Known widely as one of the best. But in terms of magical knowledge, I would have to say Trill Cohen and I are the best. Since he was the only one of Darkstar who fully completed our degree in the Mage Academy."

"Wha-?"

Jason continued flipping the pages.

"Your specialization is in shadow magic. But judging from the way your spells are oriented, they look inefficient. Cross spell amplification - Shadow Moon and Umbral Bind limits your casting speed. Not to mention almost half of the main shadow spells, like Total Eclipse, and Death Flood are not even inscribed in this book. I'm guessing you're not too proficient with this affinity, which explains why..."

Jason flipped to another section.

"Your grimoire possesses dual magic attributes. Gun Magic with Bullet Alchemy. You tried to seek an offensive attribute to offset your lack of offensive spells. Am I correct?"


What the hell was this guy? He completely saw through me.


"What are you getting at." I grumbled.

Jason gave the book back to me, as I felt my restraints crumble.

"I'm offering to help you with increasing the power of your spells. Lazarus may be a good mage, but I'm a dark affinity mage just like you. I can offer you a few tips."


He held out his hand.


"I used to be just like you. I wanted what I wanted without a care in the universe about what happens to others. But I want to set an example for my son, and maybe for you too."


I stared at the hand. Was this really a good idea? Should I trust this guy? He seemed nice enough. But the moment I start developing bonds, it always comes back to bite me in the ass. I had to be careful with this guy. No getting attached to his group. Everything came down to getting the job done.

Remember that, Ether.

Remember.


Everything you're doing is for Ruby.


I took Jason's hand.


* * *


"Welcome to Eldia, home of the pixies." Jason said, as he spun around. Then he looked at me with a deadpan expression.

"Ether, if you're going to get yourself one, can you at least look like you want to be here."


I emerged from the shadows of a tree with a scowl.


"I wanted my spells to be stronger. I didn't ask for Tinkerbell."


Jason shook his head.

"There is currently no way I can think of that will amplify your strength other than a familiar."

"Then give me a wolf or something. Besides, I have tons of familiars." I opened my trench coat, revealing my relics that I used for Abyssal Summoning.

Jason raised an eyebrow.


"Abyssal Summoning can only get you so far. They consume mana. With a pixie, her power will add on to yours, amplifying your spells greatly. Besides, you seem like a lonely guy for your age. Having a pixie girl sounds nice."

"The last thing I need is an annoying pixie chatterbox by my side when I'm doing recon."


Jason paused.

"Believe it or not, Samuel Mason also had a pixie. But she was more of a Guardian than pixie. They didn't get along too well at first, but over time, they became close."

I didn't hear about that. I knew Samuel Mason had Sentry, then passed it on to Jason. What was this pixie he was talking about?

"What happened to her?"

"She sacrificed herself in his struggle against Deimos."

"Oh."


"It's here." Jason said, pointing at a grove. It was the one place where the sunlight shone down in a circular region. It kind of looked magical. Actually, it probably was magical, with all the pixies here.


The asshole part of me wanted to pull out a can of bug spray and see how they would react.


We stood there, as little orbs of light began to gather. The orbs began to grow until they were the size of a smartphone. Pretty ladies with wings of different colours surrounded us.


"Ooh, who's this cutie?!" One of the pixies squealed.

My eye twitched in annoyance.

"Don't call me cute-"

"Haha, I appreciate the compliment Seras!" Jason held out his hand as the pixies perched on his shoulder and all across his arm.


Typical.


Jason turned to me.

"During the pixie binding ritual, the pixie chooses her master. But sometimes, the master can choose the pixie, but must engage in combat with her."

"I don't mind shooting up these bugs."


One of the pixies gave me a raspberry.

"Wow. You clearly don't know how to talk to girls."

The other pixies chattered amongst themselves, calling me an incel.


Jason nervously scratched his head.


"Look, Ether. You need to be more friendly with them. The whole point is to get them to like you. Maybe just-"

"If they don't like me for who I am, in what way am I obligated to put on a fake mask to please them?" I responded.


"A prophet. How amusing." A voice said, from the corner of the grove. The pixies turned to the source of the voice. I narrowed my eyes to locate her.


She looked stunning. Long silver hair, pointy ears, and critical cyan eyes. Her wings were beautiful, cyan but translucent, like glass. Unlike the other fairies, who wore dresses, she had what looked like several appendages from her hips that almost reminded me of Deka's Archwings that decorated her full body black leather.

She kind of reminded me of a biker.


"Ugh. Noctis, you're always such a tomboy. Why can't you be more graceful like the rest of us?" One of the pixies said.

Noctis glared at her, but said nothing.


I stepped forward. "She can be whoever she wants to be-"

"Stop." Noctis held out her hand, cutting me off. She crossed her arms.

"Just because I don't fit in with the rest, does not automatically make me compatible with an oddball like you. The other pixies are still right. You have no respect for us. You will not be my master."


Well, I guess it was never going to be this easy. But looking at Noctis, I realized she had power unlike the others. She was an ice based fairy, but her ice seemed almost ethereal.


"You're a Cryo-abyssal Pixie." I said.

Noctis raised an eyebrow.

"And? I'm not interested in serving a half baked Abyssal mage."


I smiled.

"Then I guess that's that. Noctis, I, Ethereum Lux, challenge you to a bout for mastership."


A large rune appeared in the grove, as the other pixies moved out of the way. Jason leapt back as he gave me a nod.

"Good luck." He said.


Noctis clenched her tiny fists as she fluttered into the air.

"Unbelievable. After everything I said, you're still delusional enough to choose me. This isn't one of your stupid fantasies where the weird girl becomes your lover."


My grimoire manifested in front of me.

"I only chose you because you know when to shut your trap. That's all you are to me." I said, coldly.


Shadow Magic: Umbral Bind


Several chains manifested, but Noctis zipped around elegantly, dodging every chain coming her way.


"A binding spell on such a small target? Pathetic." She said, as she zoomed in, manifested two icicle daggers.

"This is over, foolish magus." She hissed.


Shadow Magic: Shadow Moon


An orb manifested, as the entire place flooded with darkness.


Noctis paused.


Shadow Magic: Umbral Copies - Fivefold Umbral Bind

My chains manifested, in an even greater frequency, chasing down Noctis as she was blinded by the darkness.


"Tch!" She muttered, as she flew into the air, spinning and releasing a shower of frost, freezing all of my chains and clones in place.

"You're the type of man who uses underhanded methods. How repulsive!"


Noctis fired hundreds of icicle daggers as I leapt back, dissolving into shadows.

I watched as Noctis dispatched all of my clones, one by one.


"Are trap spells all you can do?" Noctis taunted, but suddenly paused.


"Not quite." I said, as the surroundings became flooded with a different kind of darkness. Thank you Witchcraft. I didn't think you would have this kind of rare magic for me to use.

"You're absolutely correct, Noctis. I'm the kind of man who uses underhanded methods. I'm complete scum. But at least I'm honest enough to admit that."


Shadow Magic: Emotional Extension - Flood

Noctis' memories exploded from out of her body as the darkness lit up with ethereal projections of her memories. Her emotions. All of her insecurities. I saw them all.


"No... stop this. Stop. Stop now!" Noctis pleaded, as I saw everything.


Noctis was born a Cryo-abyssal. Her powers, were labelled as disgusting by her mother, who abandoned her from the nest. I watched as Noctis spent her childhood away from the other pixies, learning to become tough and fighting off predators all on her own.

"Leather makes me harder to kill." I saw a child Noctis say, as she put on her leather suit for the first time.

"Ugh, look who the cat dragged in." One of the pixies said, as Noctis joined the others in the grove dejectedly. One of the mages, a handsome man, had a ton of pixies all around him, asking for his hand in marriage.

Noctis approached from the back, but was too shy.

"I... I like you too..." Her timid voice squeaked.

"You wish, No Husband Noctis!" One of the pixies said, as the insult rippled through the assembly."


The present Noctis stared at me in horror, her eyes wide and teary. Her mouth trembling.


"No more... please..." She begged.


I melted out of the shadows.

"Not until you submit as my servant." I said.

"Otherwise, your whole life story is going to unfold for me to see."


"I... I can't. I don't want to... I don't want to.... to..." Noctis stammered.

"Then let's keep going." I said.


The projections continued, as the pixies continued jeering a teenage Noctis. The mage parted the pixies aside as he knelt down in front of a crying Noctis.

"You like me? I think you're kind of cute too. Be my servant."

The pixies stared at Noctis.

"Her?! Why her?! Hey! Come back!"


Noctis perched on the shoulder of the mage as they walked off. She clung onto him desperately.


I raised an eyebrow.

"You were chosen by that mage boy. Yet... you're..."

Noctis stared at the ground, her face empty, as tears streamed down her face.


The memories continued as I watched a teenage Noctis spend time with the mage. And I finally understood why Noctis was back in the grove again. I watched as the mage abused Noctis, forcing her to clean his house, whipped her, had his fun with her.

"I didn't think I would find a pixie so damn submissive!" The mage bellowed, as he and his asshole buddies took turns bullying and tormenting the pixie.


This continued throughout her teenage years, until one day, a young adult Noctis was forced into her full size, tied to the bed.

"Looks like you're legal age. So there ain't nothing illegal about what I'm going to do now. After all, you're my servant." The mage said, as he began to undress.

I clenched my fist. Even though this was a memory, I felt full of rage. This man. I myself am considered a scumbag, but this man was the worst of the worst.


"No... stop! Stop!" Noctis screamed, as the man paused. The mage stared at the dozens of icicles that had pierced through his body.

"You... little bitch!" He gasped, as the mage doubled over, dead. Noctis frantically escaped her restraints as her body began to sparkle with cyan light. She was dissolving. I watched as Noctis fled back to the grove, barely making it back alive.

Throughout the journey, I watched as Noctis became more and more resentful. Angrier and angrier. But also in pain.


I closed my eyes and held out my fist.

"Deactivate."

The projections dissolved, as I looked at a sobbing Noctis in the corner of the battle ring.

"Of all the mages to have come here, you're the absolute worst piece of garbage I have ever seen." She heaved.

"You can say that. I'm complete garbage. But at least I'm garbage who knows what you're going through." I said as I knelt in front of her tiny body.


"You were born into this world cursed. There's no such thing as looking at the bright side of things, when even fate doesn't allow it. After all, you can't fight fate."


"Shut up... you don't know what it's like. To be defective. To be... to be..." Noctis muttered.


"I'm not going to lie to you. Your life isn't going to get any better when you're with me. I'll use you like a tool. Because that's all you're going to be. But at least it's better than whatever the hell that psycho had in mind."


Noctis glared at me, her eyes puffy from crying.

"I'll kill you!" She screamed, as hundreds of icicle daggers manifested in front of me.


"Ether!" Jason shouted.


I reached into my coat, as Noctis held out her hands, more and more daggers formed, ready to turn me into a magus shish kebab.

"Die like the rest. Die like the other men." She snarled, as she let loose with a yell.


Gun Magic: Anti-Magic Bullets


I pulled out my P90, loading the magazine into the gun and firing a large stream of bullets that chased down each magical projectile like a homing missile. The bullets erased the daggers instantly, as Noctis kept creating more and more.

She was being extremely reckless. Which was all according to plan.


I continued firing with my submachine gun, until Noctis fell, her wings failing her as she crumpled onto the ground.


I approached her, the sounds of my footsteps echoing as I suddenly realized the other pixies were quiet for once.

I reached into my pocket with my other hand and pulled out my Garrison M55.


Noctis breathed heavily, her eyes barely open as she stared at me.


"You... a mage using firearms? What kind of... taboo... is..."


"I was born with a genetic defect." I said, as I loaded a bullet into the chamber.

"Wha... What?" Noctis said, her voice surprised.


"Whenever I use my shadow powers, my body deteriorates. I'm told that I will die by the time I hit thirty if I keep using stronger shadow spells. Effed up, isn't it? That the one magic I was allowed to use, since it happened to be my magic affinity."

I inspected my P90.

"My little sister had the same disease. One day, we were attacked. My sister decided to use Total Eclipse to help me escape. But the spell took too much out of her body. Since then, she's been in critical condition. I am all she has, and I don't have enough money for an operation."


I aimed the barrel to Noctis' face, which was full of shock.


"To make money, I was forced to take up contracts. But what use is a mage that can't even use their magic to its fullest? So I took up marksmanship, and bought a couple of guns. Everything I do is for Ruby's sake. So I don't have time to mess around with some chatterbox bitch."

I cocked the gun.


Noctis closed her eyes.

"I... I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I don't deserve to be your servant. Just... kill me. I know that bullet is designed to kill magical beings."


"Ether! Stop! You've won, just stop!" Jason pleaded.


I regarded Noctis' defeated stance. Come to think of it, she wasn't cute. She wasn't girly. Or super "kawaii" like those fairies you see in the anime.

She was mature and tough. Been through hell and back. Hardened.

Despite that, she was still on her feet.

She wasn't cute or girly like the pixies.

She was incredibly beautiful. Strong.

She was my type.


I dropped the gun, to everybody's shock. I glanced at my P90 and threw that on the ground too. Both guns clattering to the floor.


"I'm not killing you." I said, as got down on my knees and used my finger to wipe her tears.


"Crying doesn't suit a badass like you. Get yourself together. It's time we got to work, Noctis."

Noctis gasped as she put her tiny hands on my finger. A smile crept on her face.


"Just don't expect me to be like the other pixies, then. And for the record, I still find you incredibly repulsive."

"I don't mind that." I said, as Noctis fluttered into the air and perched on my shoulder.


The rune glowed, dissipating, signifying the pact was set in place.


Jason ran forward and slapped my back.

"You did it! You're amazing, Ether!"

"Meh. Now what."

"Well, I mean. You get to know your pixie. You two are now together for eternity."


Shit. I didn't know that. I thought this was a temporary thing.


Noctis looked at me with her cyan eyes.


"Um..." I muttered.

"What is it?" Noctis asked.

"Do you mind not sitting on my shoulder. It feels uncomfortable."


Noctis got up and fluttered off.

"Thanks." I said, but suddenly, paused.

Noctis fluttered to the top of my head and curled up in my hair.


"Hey! What the hell?!" I exclaimed.

"You never said your head was off limits. I might just go to sleep. This is technically your fault, by the way. Since you made me use up my mana. I have no love for tricksters."


Jonathan Ko

"We're heading back." Jason said, as he got up and left the grove.

Noctis had fallen asleep on the top of head, snoozing away. The fact that she could sleep while my head was bobbing from walking was honestly beyond me.


"Your pixie's pretty." Jason said.

"Whatever."

"Abyssal Cryokinesis is actually a really good magic type that compliments your current spells. You made a good choice."


I put my hands in my pockets. I hated revealing my personal life to people. But for some reason, I felt obligated to tell Noctis. I really hoped this wouldn't develop into anything more than mere colleagues. If I was caught being in a relationship with Noctis, I'd be labelled a pixie con. Or whatever the term is.


"I didn't know your body was, like that. I'm sorry if I pushed you into doing something you didn't want."

"There wouldn't have been any way you would have known. That information is strictly confidential. Do not tell anyone about this. I don't need more people knowing about my weaknesses."

Jason laughed. "Got it."


"But... I guess now that you know a bit about me, mind telling me more about yourself? Equal exchange."

Jason looked surprised.

"You're interested in knowing more about me?"


I looked away. "It's not like I'm interested. I just- I told you guys about me. Figured it was only fair if you told something about yourself."


Jason clapped me on the back. "Haha, alright. Let's see. Where do we start."


Jason showed me to a room in his apartment.

"Amana is staying at her old house in her universe. Figured it would be safer to take care of Benedict there. No hard feelings."

"I don't give a shit."


I reached to the top of my head and gently scooped a snoozing Noctis and placed her on a piece of tissue paper. I hoped that was good enough for a bed.

I put my hand on my chin.

Maybe a few more layers.

I thickened the tissue bed. Noctis moaned as she stretched and went back to sleep. Did that mean she was still uncomfortable? How did Ruby make beds for her dolls when we were little?


I glanced at my bed. Oh. Pillows.


I ripped another tissue and turned it into a wad, gently lifting her head and resting it. Then I took another tissue and wrapped it around her like a blanket.

Bona fide master right here.


"You know, for everything you've said about making her a tool, you sure are treating her like a person."

"I can't have a tool acting defunct in the field just because of a sore back." I explained.

Jason snickered. "Sure. We'll go with that then."


I rested on my own bed as I thought about Ruby. From my current pace, I made around half of the expenses to pay for the operation. Ruby didn't have long. I needed to keep making money.

Hang in there, sis.


I stared at my grimoire.


"Wow, your grimoire looks so shabby compared to mine!" Ruby said,

"It's only shabby because heroes start out at the bottom!" I shouted, cheerfully.

I remembered. I wanted to become a hero. A hero mage. Just like Mom and Dad.

Ruby clutched her grimoire.

"I want to be a doctor."

I busted out laughing. "You? A doctor?! Seriously?!"

"Don't laugh." Ruby pouted. "What's wrong with an Etreum being a doctor? You're an Etreum trying to be a hero. We both save lives!"

"Yeah, but your dream is so lame. Mom and Dad are heroes and cool. I want to be cool too."


Ruby brought her knees to her chin.

"I don't wanna."

"What?"

"I don't want you to be a hero."

"Why?"


Ruby shifted in her seat.

"Because I don't want you to end up like Mom and Dad."

"I won't get cancer and die during a mission. I will become strong and-"

"You're all I have!" Ruby sobbed.


"Ether." A woman's voice said, as I jolted awake.

"Wha- What time is it?" I asked, staring at Noctis' face.

"3am."

"And you woke me up.... why?"

"My neck hurts."

"And how is that my problem?"

"Because you made the worst bed imaginable."

I sat up and glanced at the little tissue paper thing. The pillow had flattened, as did the rest of the "mattress".


"I tried." I said, and turned around, but Noctis fluttered to the other side, grabbing my nose.

"Ow! Cut it out!"

"Let me sleep here."

"Hell no! I'm not sleeping with a woman!"

"That is not up to you to decide."


Noctis curled up on the pillow as she closed her eyes.

"I'm your master, dammit. You will obey my commands. And my first command is for you to get the hell out of my bed!"

Noctis opened one eye, and smirked.

"No thank you. And since you are acting like an incel, I'll do this."


Her body began to glow cyan as she grew bigger. Bigger and bigger until she was human size.

It took me two seconds to realize I was in a bed with a full grown woman.


"Dammit, Noctis! What are you playing? Don't you know how suggestive this is?!"

Noctis snuggled next to me as she smiled.

"Am I suggesting anything?" She teased, as she shifted closer to me until we were only an inch apart. I began sweating bullets when suddenly, she turned around, taking all of the blanket for herself, as my pixie moved to the far side of the bed away from me along with the sheets.



I should have expected this to happen.


"Good morning, whoa. Did you sleep at all last night?" Jason asked, cooking breakfast.

"Did I sleep at all?! Look at me, Jason. I'm a mess. And it's all because-" I stopped myself. What was I supposed to say? That Noctis ended up in my bed and we slept together? I couldn't say that. It even sounded wrong in my head.

"Huh? Where's your pixie?" Jason asked.

"What?" I looked around. She was nowhere to be found.


"She must still be in the room."

"Go and wake her up. Oh, and take this with you." Jason handed me a plate.

"It's breakfast. We'll train early today, so you better eat up."


I took the plate and went to the room. Noctis was in front of the mirror, doing something with her hair until I barged in.

"Hey, it's morning. Come with me... aaaand do I even want to ask what you're doing."

"I'm doing my hair."

"Come on, we don't have time for that."

Noctis turned around.

"My appearance is very important to me."


"It's not like people are going to care. You're like minuscule 99% of the time. No one's going to sit there and admire your hair with a god damn magnifying glass in hand."

Noctis pouted, as she began to grow to full size.

"Take this." She said, as she handed me a strand of her hair. I took it and sighed.


"Fine, we'll go once this is over."

Noctis smiled, as she continued braiding her hair, forming a braid down the right side of her face.


I sat on the side and ate my breakfast as Noctis reduced to her pixie form. She fluttered next to me.

"You're not gonna eat?" I asked.

"Pixies don't eat." Noctis replied, but then her stomach growled.

"Yeah, sure they don't." I said, sarcastically.

I held out a piece of pancake to her.


"Here."

Noctis crossed her arms.

"I refuse to be fed by a man."

"Okay. I guess I'll eat this incredibly delicious pancake all on my own. The fluffiness is too tempting for me to share anyway."

Noctis' eye began to twitch.

"Damn, look at how the syrup and butter mix together. So glad I get to eat something like this in the morning."


I raised the fork, when suddenly, my hand was suspended. Noctis grabbed my wrist in her full size form.

"Maybe just... a little." She muttered, her face red.

Noctis sat down next to me, with her hands on her lap.


I handed her the fork as she stared at me.

"What? Did I just do some weird pixie custom?"

Noctis' face was still confused. "You're not going to feed... nevermind." She said, angrily, taking the fork and wolfing down the pancake.

She finished the piece then glared at me.


"What? What did I do? Why are you so mad?"

"I wouldn't expect an incel like you to understand. Men like you only care about looks anyway. Repulsive. Disgraceful. Repugnant. Unsightly."

"Do you want the rest of the pancake or not? I'm already full." I said.


Noctis took the plate and turned around, pouting.

I sighed, scratching my head.

Maybe I chose the wrong pixie after all.


"The first step to using your pixie, is to combine her magic with yours." Jason said.

I held out my hand, summoning my grimoire.


Jason drew his katana.

"Your most used ability is your chains. With the combination of your shadow magic with Noctis' cryoabyssal magic, integrate the two together, and form a restraint strong enough to bind me."


I concentrated.

Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind

Dozens of arms emerged from the shadows, surrounding Jason in a large radius. The tendrils of darkness closed in fiercely.

"Do it, Noctis." I said.

Noctis held out her hands, attempting to fortify the arms. I watched as they began to glow cyan, but Jason sliced them into pieces with his katana.


"Not durable enough. Try again."


"Tsk!" I said, as I concentrated again.

Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind

Noctis attempted to strengthen my bind again, but Jason shattered them into pieces.


"Are you even trying to make them harder?" I asked.

Noctis glared at me. "Excuse me? I already enhanced them. Have you maybe thought that your spell was too pathetic for me to even enhance?"

"The hell did you just say? That's a Prominence Umbral Bind."


Jason buried his face in his hand.

"Look. You two need to keep trying."


Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind

The arms were sliced again.

Noctis turned to me.

"This isn't work. We need to-"

I doubled over, clutching my stomach.

"Ether!"

"Shut up. We need to do this."

Noctis fluttered in front of my face.

"Ether, we can't keep this up. Your body will-"

"To hell with my body. We're gonna figure this out, no matter what! Ruby is going to live!"


Noctis grimaced, as Jason crossed his arms.


"It looks like this isn't going to work. I guess you're no Samuel Mason after all."

I got to my feet.

"I never said I was."

"So you mean to tell me that all that talk is for nothing? Show some results. If you want to keep saying you're willing to throw your life away to save your sister, then I want to see results."


Noctis grew into full form, standing between Jason and I.

"My kind were fawning over you. But I see that your kindness is but a mere facade. How dare you demand something like this out of Ether? Can you not see this is damaging him?"


Jason drew his katana.

"It is only when a warrior is backed into a corner, do their true colours show. What separates a man from a coward. If you so choose to grow stronger for the sake of your sister, then reach deep inside..."

Jason's body began sparking with black electricity, glowing a dark blue.

"AND BRING THAT BEAST OUT." Jason roared, as his body began to gain demonic features. His sword arm manifested samurai plating, and his hands became claws. A fang appeared on his mouth.


Kaiju Boost x50000


"Right here. Right now. If you two do not merge your powers, you will die." Jason said, as he leapt into the air with frightening speed, bouncing around and gaining momentum.


Noctis took a step back, her face terrified.

"Such frightening, overwhelming, incomprehensible power. We're... we're going to die..." She muttered.


I clutched my midsection, scowling.

Could we do this? Can we do this?

Can we fight a Remnant of Decen?


Jason positioned himself against the wall of the building, and launched himself forward. Going straight for Noctis, who was paralyzed in fear.


"Noctis!" I shouted, as I ran forward and tackled her to the ground.

I pulled out my P90 and took aim, firing at Jason as he deflected all the bullets with his katana.


Kaiju Boost x50000 - Towerbreaker Smash

Jason wound up his sword, and unleashed a slash projectile to us.


Gun Magic - Black Bullets

I quickly loaded my Garrison and fired back, neutralizing the slash as it soared to Jason, but Jason grabbed the bullet with his clawed hand, smiling at me with his fanged teeth.

"Your normal magic is no match for the power of Connor Shel. Evolve, Ethereum Lux. Or you will die and never see your sister again."


Dammit. Noctis wasn't gonna do jack shit. She was literally finished. Whatever was going to happen, had to be done with my own magic.

I brought my shirt up staring at the black veins all across my chest.

No. There's no time for worrying about that.


"I gotta evolve. Noctis, get out of here." I said, as I took a step forward, holding both of my guns in the air.

Noctis had fallen to to the ground, staring at me.

"Ether?"

I turned to her.

"Go back to the grove. I'll keep Jason busy. That way, he won't come for you once I die. And you won't dissolve away."

"But-"

"I know. You hate your life back at the grove. But... just remember."

"Remember what?"

"Our time together. Even if it wasn't much, you have to admit it was probably better than your time with that dumb shit mage. If you ever feel down..."


Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Copies

Seven clones manifested, as we all held out our guns in unison.

"Our time together, it will give you strength in this piece of shit world."


Jason wound up another attack, as he began to power up even more.


"This is it, Ether. It looks like your pixie was worthless after all. Whatever happens, is going to be your full power. Whether or not you can break through your limiter shells, comes down to this moment."

Kaiju Boost x 5 million - WORLDBREAKER SLASH

A massive glowing black blade manifested, cutting and slicing the sky, as I stood before it.


No running away.

No turning back.


Ruby.


I stomped on the ground, as my clones all summoned their respective grimoires.

Gun Magic - Prominence Abyssal Sharpshooting

I yelled, as my clones and I all fired a huge torrent of bullets at Jason, who brought his sword down, the huge black arc clashing with our bullet storm.


"ERRRRRRRGRAAAAAH" I roared, attempting to hold it off, but we were losing the clash. My chest hurt like crazy.

I was going at full power, but there was nothing I could do.

This was it.


"Heh... I guess... Deka's gonna have to find another recon member." I muttered, as the black veins went up my neck.

And to think I was so confident too.


"Raid." Noctis muttered. I turned to her.

"What are you doing?!" I screamed. "Run back to the grove!"

"Afraid."

"What? No shit you're afraid. Just go! I'll hold him off-"

"Not of him..."

"Is now really the time to get deep-"

"I'm afraid of US!" Noctis screamed, her eyes tearing up.


"Noctis...?"

"I'm... I'm afraid of falling. Of falling in love." She muttered, running up to me and embracing me from behind.

"I'm afraid of falling in love with you, Ether!" She screamed.


My eyes widened.

Well.

Shit.

The one thing I didn't want happening between us ended up happening.


"If you die and I end up back in the grove, I don't want to remember. I don't want to remember our time together, because it will hurt me." Noctis said, as her hands began to glow cyan, covering me with frost.

"Noctis, I'm going to freeze- wait. I'm not cold?"

Noctis began to glow brighter, as she shrunk, fluttering in front of me, as I watched my bullets begin to cover in frost too. My dark magic gaining a cyan glow.


"Jonathan Crypt, you will not take Ether away from me! You will not take my master away from me!" Noctis yelled, as I felt power erupting inside of me. Some kind of power, as my black veins begin to retract, disappearing.

My body stopped hurting, but my spells were getting stronger.


Jason smiled from within the black slash.


"Very well then, Noctis. Then show me. Show your master just how powerful you are. Because now, I will show you just how powerful I am!"


Power of the Guardians: FULL REMNANT REGIMENT

Projections? No. Those things were not projections.

Fourteen ghosts appeared next to Jason. One of them had a gun. The other had a mask. Both items were part of Jason's arsenal. One kid was holding two swords, glowing gold. Another with long hair, had a cool spiked arm that was glowing red.

"Lucius Cassidy, I request the help of our brothers."

Lucius held out a large silver sword which glowed silver, as all the ghosts pooled together. Lucius put his hand on Jason's shoulder.


"Continue fighting on our behalf. My little Jonathan Ko." Lucius dissipated along with the blade, entering Jason's body.

Jason gritted his teeth and smiled.

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