Aldan’s Diary

—Entry 2—

Ha, ha.  I now know why it is said power corrupts.  This knowledge exhilarates me in ways I can’t even describe.  By the end of the day, I’m still a scholar.  I may have acquired the necessary tools I need, but it is all for naught if I am unable to act. 

For now, I am a wanted man.  The posters make it difficult for me to travel.  The sum being offered for my capture is quite hilarious.  Almost makes me feel special.  Almost.

It has become quite dangerous for me to keep this record too, no matter how vaguely I write.  Even when I’m tempted to take matters into my own hands, I know I am no match against such powers.  Ugh...

These are far from peaceful times.  The demon population is in decline, which is partially my fault.  I am in no condition to accuse those who took my family.  I’ve been responsible for the of many lives which were lost, so many that I’ve lost count.  That doesn’t take the resentment away though.  It still burns deep in my heart.

These forbidden arts…I fear they may be consuming me in ways I simply do not comprehend.  Burning sensations fill my body more often than not.  It’s like my soul fragment is being replaced with something else.  I would not have imagined this was the price of this knowledge.

*

A woman clad in white robes approached Zelph.  She knelt on one knee before him, careful to show him respect.  Though he looked like an average man, appearances could be deceiving.  Before her was one of the most dangerous beings in existence.

“Sir, I have news.”  He nodded without interest, a sign for her to continue.  “It seems number Seven is receiving outside help.”  Zelph’s expression changed not, in fact, it was like gazing upon a statue.  Sayna twisted uncomfortably, unsure of what to do.  She continued kneeling before this being with great power in fear of her life.

Of all his creations, only Seven didn’t have a name.  Actually, that was wrong.  Seven had a name, but Zelph refused to acknowledge it.  Strangely enough, he was the only one with all his memories.  “Ha-ha.  To think a defective like seven can make it this far.  Makes me wonder what the rest of you lack.  No matter.  I think I have let this go on for too long.  Put an end to this.  Make sure Seven understands what it means to defy me.”

She hurried out of the room to carry out his orders.  Zelph knew none of them could stop him.  Seven, whom Zelph had dubbed useless, had gathered enough power to rival a god.  It was a welcome surprise, nothing more than entertainment for Zelph.  Seven had far exceeded his expectations, breaking past all limitations.  He had turned out the best under his care.  However, Seven was still defective.

It didn’t matter how much he danced to Zelph’s tune.  Exceptional or not, Zelph always got rid of defectives.

*

(1^st day of the 2^nd Month; Year 7787 of the Drystalle era.)

–Elrand Daewynd–

“Well done.  You are all over the media.  Elrand, First Prince of the Elves rescues a noble.  An Elyana Noble nonetheless.  My, you sure have grown into quite the trouble magnet.”

I grimaced. Why did he have to be an insufferable know it all?  I was on a random roof in Utalo, which was ruled by Elyana nobility, when he appeared.  He may be helping me, but I could not help thinking how nice it would feel to punch him.  Over and over again. 

“Mortals have such interesting thoughts.  I always wondered how it would feel to be free.  Though, I supposed it is because of your free will that I have to regularly clean up after you.”

“Is that what Seven told you?”  He let out an over-dramatic laugh.

“See-” he exclaimed, “-that’s why I like you!  You try to coerce my emotions to surface.  Nice try, though.  My emotions are null.” 

I shrugged.  It was not like I put a lot of effort in that attempt.   I was hugging one knee while the other was dangling over the edge of the building.  My mind swam, pondering on everything and nothing at the same time.

“Whatever happened to the bomb?”

I fished it out of my pocket and tossed it to him.  “You’re giving it to me?  Is that a good idea?”  I shrugged.  Let Sarvinia think I trust her.  Still…that went worse than I thought.

The remaining surrendered without much of a fight.  As soon as I ascertained Estelle’s safety, I disappeared.  Reporters swarmed in like locusts, and since I’m royalty, it wasn’t hard to place a name to my face. 

That was not my main concern.  I spare the man beside me a glance.   How did he know she would be in danger?  Come to think of it, he has been helping me more than necessary.  What’s his endgame?

“Hey, I was wondering...  What did Sarvinia order you to do?  You are not after my sister again, are you?”

He shrugged, not denying nor admitting to anything.  I suspected as much.  His nonchalance might as well be confirmation enough.  “Why?  Doesn’t she know I’ll protect what’s mine?  You won’t have your way.  Not again.”

“Relax, Prince Elrand.  My Lady is not after your sister anymore.  While she is an interesting creature, my Lady has her eye on someone else.  Besides, there is much at stake if you fail, so she’ll give you her full support.”  I quirked an eyebrow.

Sarvinia’s full support? If I was not worried about her backstabbing nature, I might have been happy to hear that.

“Like I said, mortals have such interesting thoughts.  Anyway, why did you kill?  I know you are against the act of taking lives, and surely there were other ways you could have subdued him.   Why did you do it, and why so brutally?”

I let my eyes fall on the streets below.  “When I saw Estelle, it stirred up some unwanted emotions.  My body was moving before I could register what was going on.”  He nodded sympathetically.  “Well…it was not your fault.  No need to beat yourself up for something which happened years ago.”  He paused, light breaths slowly coming out of him.  Could such beings get tired?  Nah, I’m probably overthinking it.  “I came to tell you that your plan is in motion.  They’ve captured Seven.”

Interesting.  That went better than I had expected.  Only a straight path remains, free of all obstacles.  “Good.  I may not know your mistress’ angle, but thank you.” The man disappeared with a smile, and I was left staring at the streets of Utalo.  Sarvinia managed it, huh?  I guess she is more dangerous than she let on.  A new dawn is coming for this world.  I pity those who will be there to witness it…

*

Huh?  He was captured? Uhm…

Sayna came in and knelt before Zelph.  “I’ve done as you commanded.  Seven has been captured.”  Several others came in, dragging the bound Seven into the room.  A large Mandalite crystal was strapped across his chest.  It glowed various shades of purple as it absorbed his mana.

“Seven.  What a pleasant surprise.  For what do I owe the honor?”  Seven lifted his head and glared.  Though he would never admit it, even Zelph was bothered when those emotionless blue orbs stared down on him.  Seven shook as he tried to stand up.  The shackles on him, however, prevented him from doing so.  Only his eyes churned with hatred, Seven’s face was devoid of all emotion.  Huh…

“You think you have won?  This isn’t over!  I obtained the power!  Not even you can stop what I started!”  Zelph laughed coldly.  “You think I want to stop you?  I have no interest in what you do I that world.  The reason you are here is to atone for your one sin.  Your existence.”  The others averted their eyes.  Zelph made note of that before taking a step closer to his bound servant.

“I always knew you were a heartless bastard, Zelph!  In case your ears were blocked, I’ll repeat what I said.  I obtained the power.  Nothing can stop me now.”  He started glowing.  The Mandalite crystal shattered.  “Pathetic.  These Mandalite crystals have no effect on me now.  Don’t you understand?”  The earth below him shuddered.

“Even Ulteria cannot harm me now.  I have transcended even the ancients, I am the greatest deity since the dawn of time!  Your existence is no longer necessary.”  Enough mana collected, intricate runes flashed on his right hand.

“Impossible…” It was astonishing.  Up until that point, Zelph had dismissed his words.  He shouldn’t be able to control it.  Even I couldn’t…if he has this much, there is no way he has not achieved immortality.  He can go on for as long as he wants, he will not die.  Sweat gathered on Zelph’s temple.  I wanted entertainment so badly that I did not check on my own.  He was a defective, but still.  This begs to differ from what I already knew.  The mana around Seven, which was a light shade of vermillion, swirled around him.

The way it moved was enthralling, much so that even Zelph was spellbound.  The highest form of magic was right before his eyes.  His runes burnt brighter.  How can he have this much mana?  “May we never meet again.”

The air burned.  Seven’s runes changed form and began floating in the air.  Draped in light, Seven takes a step back…

…and releases all the pent-up mana. A torrent of multi-colored lights shoots from his body and engulfs Zelph’s body. It penetrates everything, consuming both the walls and the earth, and finally blasting upward into the starry sky.

Then it explodes, swallowing everything in its destructive path.  The light dissipates, and to his surprise, the building had been vaporized.  Zelph was missing his left arm but he was otherwise unharmed.  For the first time, he had felt genuine fear.  If my shield had not held up for as long as it did…I would have met the same fate as this building.  

The only reason he survived was because Seven had not mustered his new power.  Zelph didn’t need to look behind him to know his servants were surprised he had defended them.  He let them think whatever they wanted.  It took years to nature his loyal servants.  Why lose perfectly pawn?

Zelph did not want them to die all at once.  While this was a hindrance, Seven had archived what none had.  He was rebellious now, but that was soon about to change.  “HA. HA. HA.  Remember this day, my faithful servants.  This is the day Seven proved he has much more worth than you lot.  He even managed to pierce through all my divine protections!”

Zelph walked slowly to the floating orb, a smile dancing on his face.  The highest level of magic, one even I cannot command…  “Perhaps I won’t kill you just yet.  Who knows how many centuries till I feel this rush of excitement!  If only one of you perfect ones could have turned out this way.” Then I might have enjoyed this a little more…

Zelph raised his right hand and stroked the massive orb of magic lovingly.  “Oh, how I have plans for you, my lovely.  I await the day you shall awaken all that potential…”