51 Devil King Agmar (1/2)

Rainer halted as the situation changed. The aggressive roots that had aimed at him retreated and began to reinforce the roots that already surrounded the throne room. A string of messages soon appeared in front of him.

His serpent twisted in confusion for a moment. Within its translucent violet body, a mix of Devil and Divine power spun in chaos. Seeing its master no longer threatened, the serpent instantly retreated within Rainer's shoulder.

The Divine Roots gathered and surrounded the room before the rumbling halted. The only noise remaining came from the hum of his [Arcane Blade].

He steadied his breath before canceling his blade and returning the hilt to his belt. Rainer used [Arcane Sight] to study the throne room. He found only the immobile roots that surrounded the room and a strange white golden barrier that covered all the roots.

Using [Void Detection] Rainer sought to see outside the Throne room, but a strange force blocked him. He pushed against it and a slight ringing went on in his head. He backed off immediately. His mana sat at too low of a level to take such a risk now.

A drop of blood fell from his nose as he activated [Arcane Invigoration] to heal any damage.

Sitting down Rainer felt for Gunthar and still feeling nothing alarming from the connection, he sat down. He wanted to recover his Mana before anything else.

He looked at the ring containing Yulia's soul for a moment.

How ironic…

Rainer thought as he glanced at the pure white ring that seemed as if a holy object in its enchanted glow.

After a moment of checking on Luna's condition, and in part simply calming himself with her presence, he looked toward the messages that seemed to have been delayed.

”Must have been a result of taking her soul…” Rainer mumbled.

[Experience Gained: 21%, 101%]

[Voidwalker has leveled up to lvl 20/25. Standard Attributes have been distributed. 1 Attribute and skill point have been rewarded]

[Title Gained: Chosen Slayer]

[Experience Gained: 112%, Deferred]

[Archon has leveled up to lvl 19/25. Standard Attributes have been distributed. 2 Attribute and skill points have been rewarded]

[Title Gained: Queen Slayer]

[Experience Gained: 1.2%, Deferred]

[Title already held: One who Defies Divinity. 10% Bonus Experience gained added to title. 25% Total Damage Bonus against Chosen added to title.]

Rainer glanced back at her corpse that was now fading into Mana. He quickly stood up and ran over upon seeing several of her rings. Some of which improved various facets of wind magic, which he threw into his own Spatial Ring before grabbing hers.

Looking inside, he found exactly what he desired.

[Malia Leaf Mana Regeneration Potion: Increases regeneration of Mana by 520% for 30 minutes.]

Several potions of such a nature filled the ring along with a large amount of Fairy Dust and 3 [Fruit of the World Tree]. After taking out and drinking the potion, he carefully put the spatial ring into his coat pocket.

He glanced back at the now root blocked entry of the throne room. As far as Rainer was concerned an army of Fae waiting for him was not a possibility but a certainty.

Rainer sat on the ground, facing the entryway. He closed his eyes as he waited for his Mana to recover and thought over recent events.

He mentally paid attention to his shoulder. When it came to the little snake, he understood absolutely nothing. Thinking it over the original Magic Beast was created as a challenge to a level 25 Mage. Combined with his Arcane-laden Mana and all it absorbed since then and Rainer couldn't be sure how strong it now became. Or even what it was.

A name…

Rainer thought. Calling the one he not only owed his life to but that of Luna's as It was unacceptable to him.

A serpent that devours Devils and Divinity alike, what else could it be called but that?

”Jormungandr,” Rainer said as he held a hand over the invisible Rune on his shoulder. As if responding to the name the Rune gave off a slightly warm feeling before fading.

”Jor, for short.”

Rainer laughed as he thought over the implications of the name. To him, nothing could be more suited as his partner. He glanced around at the roots blocking him. When the system recognized Yulia as deceased and gave him the experience, the World Tree stopped attacking.

In part, he wondered if the World Tree disapproved of its chosen, but he gave that no more further thought. Just like with the Mana-Well he assumed the amount those of Divinity could interfere had severe limits.

Were that not the case, why not just send him to the bottom of an ocean and steal the Mana-Well directly instead of returning him to his previous world?

Without a chosen to protect perhaps the World Tree simply couldn't attack him, he believed.

As time went on his thoughts strayed to the strange world he ended up in after being attacked by Yulia mid Void-walk. At the time, due to the presence of Arcane Energy, he discerned that he truly ended up within the Omnipresent void. Yet when he Void-walked to Luna, taking advantage of the Loose-space surpassing even the previous Devil-filled World, he still passed through a different place.

Given how much weaker the space was, he assumed it was simply the world much closer to the Void in some way. Whether it was the increased time dilation or the presence of Arcane Energy, something let him fall to that world.

The world among many that could be key to solving the cost issue of traveling between worlds.

Rainer stood up as his Mana recovered to half of its original amount. He needed to see how to get past the barrier that surrounded him.

Every second here was another second his companions were in danger. And every second was another where they might take unnecessary risks to ascertain his own safety. He'd rather not have war declared on them by Fae as they break into here.

Both [Arcane Awakening] and [Arcane Invigoration] reached their maximum as Rainer reached out toward the Void once more. He pushed against the barrier with his senses as the ringing in his head resumed.

A tide of power bogged down his mind as he tried to reach outside of the Palace. Blood seeped from his nose as pain racked him but the injuries healed soon after.

For a moment, he peered beyond the barrier, yet this moment in time was far too short. His mind reeled as he collapsed onto the ground.

”Piece of shit overgrown tree,” Rainer mumbled as he grasped his head.

He took out his [Arcane Blade] and walked forward. He placed the edge of the blade against the Divine barrier covering the roots. The barrier flared and sent Rainer tumbling back.

He thought toward Jor, but the serpent seemed to be saying it couldn't do anything.

For the first time in a long time, his [Arcane Blade] found a defense it could not penetrate with ease. He looked at the humming clear blade. Tendrils of Arcane flowed around it as it drew additional energy from beyond.

But remembering the recoil from a simple touch, Rainer stowed away the idea of using his blade as a last resort.

He then thought over a plan on what he'd do once he faced all the Fae likely to be outside. Fleeing would be dangerous without a proper escape route. Elru's Runes which allowed her to fly far faster floated in his mind. Finally, he settled on a course of action.

In the end, I am an [Archon] am I not?

He closed his eyes as he activated [Void Detection] once more. His view stayed in the throne room as his Mana kept regenerating. After a few minutes of testing where exactly the boundary was that prevented him from detecting out, [Arcane Awakening] and [Arcane Invigoration] reached their maximum once more.

His eyes shot open as he called upon [Void Seer] and [Arcane Sight] in tandem. A blinding light attacked his eyes, but he pressed forward through the pain.

He pushed forward with [Void Detection]. This time he gained just enough to peer past the Divine Barrier covering the throne room.

He Void-walked. Whether to friend or foe, his preparations were set.

Minutes before Rainer's Void-walk, dozens of Fae gathered outside the World Tree's Palace. Roots covered every entrance and the palace's former splendor seemed subdued. As if it slept.

Few Fae among the crowd were old enough to have ever seen such a sight before. But they all knew what it meant; The Queen was dead, and the next trial would commence in a years' time.

Various thoughts went through the Fae attending. They all shared a certain level of happiness in seeing Yulia dead, at least they all did on the surface, but her slayer left much to be desired.

The news of a mysterious [Archon] cutting down the roots of the World Tree reached across the Fae Capital.

Along with the 5 guards from before, several elders and higher ups of the Fae courts were present. Hidden in various vantage points in the background were Fae Court Assassins. They specialized in undetectable magic alongside a powerful Glamour.

Were it not for Yulia's ability to channel the World Tree's protection outside of the Palace, she would not have gotten past them so easily.

An older Fae, his hair a subdued blue and lacking the vibrant color of his kind, spoke to silence the group. But his face showed few signs of aging, still appearing as a good-looking middle-aged man.

”Quiet, there is no need for discussion. If and when this Archon emerges we shall try to contain him. Whether he is to be rewarded or treated as a foe, shall be decided then. All those incapable of combat, leave.”

His voice rang out. Even those belonging to other courts besides the Winter Court took heed to his words. He was an Elder of the Winter Court. And taught Fae Enchanting, as well as having done enchantments for many of the Fae present here.

Apart from few whispers, the entire group remained silent as they stared toward the Palace. Suddenly, with not even a sign of Magic or fluctuation of space, the subject of their attention appeared.

He wore a tattered coat that somehow still kept its enchantment. His fingers were covered in numerous rings that left those knowledgeable of enchantment baffled. They knew not as to how they were all enchantments that didn't nullify one another.

Violet runic lines covered his body, shining through even his clothes. Those using [Magic Detection] could sense a power emanating with his every heartbeat.

Just as the elder from before was about to speak, an eerie pressure radiated out. As magical beings, they were far more sensitive to the skill.

The elder recognized it instantly as [Mana Presence]. But with the addition of a strange energy, he found himself unable to speak. The very energy seemed to seep into his bones. For the first time, he considered that this interloping [Archon] may truly be a man worthy of his own legend.

His thoughts further left his mind as he watched all the carefully concealed Court Assassins lose their Glamour.

Watching with rapt attention, he could only wait for the [Archon] to speak.

Rainer looked out at the various Fae as he stood in front of the Palace.

Dozens of Fae gave him a variety of looks. Yet, the moment a single one gave a hostile look toward him, the situation changed.

Rainer instantly acted. And [Arcane Presence] covered all present Fae. Several Court Assassins in hidden positions lost control over their Glamour under the power of the Arcane.

”I am Archon Nvos, Adept of the Arcane Order,” Rainer's voice erupted across the otherwise pleasant scenery, ”Who speaks for you?”

[Arcane Sound Infusion] sent shockwaves amongst them. Many lost their voices under such pressure. Such was a man who cut down the Divinity of their World Tree as if it did not exist. Every action, now and then, compounded to such a resulting stunned affliction.

Despite the calm and seriousness across Rainer's face, internally, he lacked any such feelings. Seeing the dozens of 2nd Tier Fae in front of him, he couldn't help but be nervous.

His [Acting] skill, one that he did not gain until numerous attempts and success at acting, truly displayed its worth.

[Acting has reached level 2]

No matter how hated the Queen seemed, he attacked the World Tree itself. Rainer knew such an action wouldn't be easily forgiven. Shoving down a smile, he recalled the argument between Luna and Gunthar revolving around the World Tree and the Holy One. Even Luna, seemingly betrayed by the Tree in Rainer's mind, had a strong belief in it.

So, he sought to make the Fae swallow their grievances.

”Who speaks for you?!” His voice filled with Arcane roared across the beautiful scenery. Whitestone pathways led to tree top buildings. Various plants and fruits of extravagant colors grew plentifully.

Before anyone else could speak up the guard who had been previously watching the tree, spoke first.

”I can speak for us, Lord Archon. I am Prince Laneth of the Autumn Court,” The Fae who had stopped the guards from blocking Rainer's path spoke. Long golden hair and orange crystal-like eyes stood out amongst his thin figure. He was covered in various colors and silks reminiscent of a tree in Fall.

He gave a small bow. Several older Fae stared at him in annoyance but did not speak up.

”I have come on business for the Arcane Order. Yulia has broken the sacred laws of my Order, and I have delivered justice. Now I must clean up the rest of the mess she left,” Rainer said as he glared out toward the Fae. But his next words calmed them, ”Take me to the nearest Fairy Ring leading to Grimlar's Pass.”

Before anyone else could give a word of dissent, Prince Laneth stepped forward.

”It would be my honor, Lord Archon, to assist thee.”

Rainer used [Appraisal] in concert with [Arcane Sight] across to the crowd as another part of his tactic.

He paid particular attention to the Prince in front of him, who had been present when he first Void-walked here.

[Fairy, Male, Runic Spellsword(2nd)lvl 23, Grand Runic Knight(2nd)lvl 16]

Rainer merely nodded in his direction and Laneth immediately left. Four beautiful orange and tan bat-like wings appeared from his back as he took flight. [Arcane-wind's Ascent] covered Rainer almost instantly as he joined him in flight.

Whispers and heated discussion spread out across the dozens of Fae who came to the World Tree. Several older Fae rushed out and, under the presence of Runes, surpassed the flying duo and blocked their path.

”Wait Lord Ar-”

But before the Elder Fae could finish his words an [Arcane Blade] appeared.

”Shall I take this as a declaration of war on the Arcane Order?!” Rainer's flared [Arcane Awakening] to its height. He needed to return to his party as quickly as possible. Regardless of their feelings on Yulia, Rainer knew the longer he stayed, the less likely he was going to be able to leave.

In the end, he was a human capable of ignoring the protection of their World Tree. He couldn't imagine them leaving such a threat alive if they gave it rational thought.

As if casually talking to an old friend Laneth spoke up in the stunned elder's place.

”What the old man means to say, we'd like for you to stay and enjoy our welcome. After finishing your business, we'd gladly honor you as a Hero of the Fae, who ended the tyranny of our most recent ruler.”

Rainer canceled the [Arcane Blade] and merely flew past the elder. Laneth hid a grin as he returned to leading the way.

The pair flew silently, but quickly, as they headed toward a Fairy Ring.

They landed in the circle of enchanted stones of which grew strange plants. They were gray flowers, yet their beauty surpassed the otherwise subtle tone.

[Spatial Tura Flower]

Rainer felt a strange magic and spatial fluctuation constantly emanating from the flower.

”Stand in the circle,” Laneth said as Rainer joined him. The entire time he kept his [Arcane Awakening] at a low percentage, ready at any time to use his Shield Mode.

Walking out of the Fairy Ring a resounding laughter escaped Laneth.

”I can just imagine those old fogies, night and day, pouring through the ancient texts looking for an Arcane Order that doesn't exist,” Laneth said amidst his laughs.

”How'd you know?” Rainer asked. The good-will shown, that possibly will save the life of his companions, plus the Fae's certainty led Rainer not to hide it.

”When you first came. Breaking the laws of your Order my ass. You looked ready to burn the whole Fae Realm down. This was personal. And why would your order send you to fight the World Tree alone? Unless of course, they don't exist. Probably would have killed me, had I even asked you where you were going,” He joked in a partial seriousness.

Rainer's face formed a smile but his mood returned serious as he prepared to fly to his party as quickly as possible.

As if mimicking the change in expression Laneth asked a question, ”Did she suffer?”

”Yes,” Rainer said as he then lifted his hand that had the ring with Yulia's soul within, ”And she'll continue to.”

Laneth exchanged a stare for several seconds before reaching into his pocket and throwing out a gold coin. A symbol of Fae wings similar to his own and the World Tree covered the two sides.

”You won't be able to find any Fairy Ring without it. Just put a bit of Mana into it, and it'll point you to the nearest ring,” Not that you need it, Laneth thought. He knew not what kind of teleportation magic can surpass the boundary placed on the Fae Realm. In fact, unbeknownst to Rainer, what made his act in truth so believable was not only his ability to cut the World Tree's roots but to teleport directly to the Fae Realm.

And more importantly, pass a Barrier that none other than the next chosen could pass.

”You should come to visit once the matter of you attacking the Tree dies down, and people realize the favor you've done us. As confident as we were about dealing with Yulia in the next trial, no one wants to pay that kind of price or deal with any uncertainty. It wouldn't have been a solution without casualty.”

Rainer thought for a moment before throwing something over of his own, a Fruit of the World Tree. Laneth caught the Fruit with confusion on his face.

”I heard these were in demand by the Courts with Yulia in charge,” Rainer said as he turned around and faced toward Gunthar's direction.

[Arcane Awakening] flared to 100% as he used [Arcane-Spatial Domain] and prepared to lower the gravity around him to its utmost.

”I will not forget what you've done today, or this gift. I shall do my best to convince others of the truth of your Order. Perhaps you might form one by the time you visit, Archon.”

”Rainer,” He corrected before in a massive flurry of snow he leaped into the sky. At his improved strength and an all but a lack of gravity the moment he jumped, he instead soared. Mid-Air he cast [Arcane-Wind's Ascent] as he kept the gravity lowered around him.

His speed reached a point where he needed to use [Arcane Invigoration] for even with [Arcane-Wind's Ascent]'s ability to reduce the wind, it was not enough.