EPISODE: 199: NEW GENERATION 6

— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR: 7292. SEASON: NEW BEGINNING.

"Am I… being left behind," Ade Oni's incredulous gaze was on Lawruthian's group. "Am… I… being left behind," he choked out, voice raw and red eyes burning.

The dawn's light surged above; black smoke filled the air as the carcasses of beasts burned—some for food, others to prevent a mass amount of flesh from decaying in one area. The ground was dyed maroon, and the drying blood of the slain creatures painted the ground for a few kilometers. Ade Oni sat around a campfire, dagger in hand, as he carved slices of meat off a creature before popping it into his mouth. His eyes were on the four people sitting around the young prince. His gaze was uncertain after last night's events.

Lawruthian sat around a large blazing campfire. The smell of roasted meat glazed with various spices entered his nose. He chuckled as he calmly rotated the cooking meat, cutting slices here and there for his companions.

Simra stared at him strangely, hesitant to voice her question. Lawruthian, noticing this, winked at her before speaking. "Didn't know I could cook?"

Simra opened her mouth, helmet lying on the ground next to her feet. She closed it, then opened it again. "I had no idea," she laughed, eyebrows creasing inwards. Why would a prince know how to cook?

Lawruthian laughed, his smile as bright as the dawn's light. "Who did you think developed most of LSG's goods," he asked as he carved up another slice. "Most of the snacks and the restaurants they own sell a menu I helped curate."

Lawruthian finished slicing the meat, and he turned and approached the sitting occupants, carefully serving them a few slices each. Once done, he took a seat next to Madria and Amaya. At the same time, Lorde and Simra sat on the opposite side, close together. They sat in silence, partially enjoying the roasted meat, partially because they held little to say.

Lawruthian peered at them; he hadn't paid attention last night after he activated (The King's Indifference). His sole goal was to disperse the creatures and begin a faster march to the mountain of Final Hope. Its large, looming presence remained as a stark reminder of his goal. His task was partially completed—his delve into the ranks of the creatures of Wyvern's Roost received a quick response from the Imperius Army. Their losses were little, but their gains were many.

The young magi-humans ate quietly after the night's battle, both they and the Imperius Army needed rest. The struggle drew until the first light of dawn, and by now, most of their Life Points had been exhausted. If the attack had continued, Lawruthian would have looked to the Central Gate Army to get involved. The high-levelers remained in the backlines, allowing the Imperius Army to take on the brunt of the attacks. Seldomly, a squad would leave and provide relief should many four-star creatures appear. Now that the parties involved finally held a chance to break, they quickly set up camp and slept to activate {Well Rested} and other mental restoration buffs.

"So," Simra tilted her head, a curious glint in her eyes and a small smirk present. "What course was this at Imperius Academy?"

The silence, only broken by the light chewing of its participants, fell apart with sudden laughter. Lawruthian slapped his knee, a wide smile on his face that was followed by everyone else.

Amaya snorted, and her knee received a light backhand from Madria for the sound. She rolled her eyes before speaking, knowing her best friend wanted her to mind her manners. "Oh, didn't you take the elective, A History of Battle Alchemist and Achievements…? It had a brief overview of invading forests and killing wyverns. Professor Lorric was convinced it'd be a walk in the park and didn't go in-depth into it," Amaya gesticulated wildly, her hands fluttering like brightly colored butterflies. "We should probably inform her to update the course syllabus!"

Lawruthian continued to laugh, wiping a tear from his eye. "I'll have to reevaluate all the courses, especially those that cover wyvern slaying—I can't have my academy not teaching the most up-to-date knowledge!"

"Ha, no wonder I was underprepared," Simra grinned, playfully winking at Lawruthian. "We'll have to take a petition to the prince and get this rectified!"

"Hmmm, I distinctly remember this being taught in Tactics and Knight Etiquette Ⅰ ," Lorde joined the conversation, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. "Thank you, Your Highness, for the wonderful meal."

"That must be an elective," Madria's shoulders slumped as she relaxed, a pleasant smile on her face. "I would recall if we had a course this…," she put a finger to her chin, searching for a word, "…dynamic… and… well… explosive ."

Lorde chuckled, his icy-green eyes slipping to Simra as he spoke. "Indeed. It shows the training we received at the academy prepared us for all scenarios—thankfully, we had a champion to deal the final blow."

Simra fidgeted, her gaze darted between Lorde and the crackling fire. A blush crept up, staining her cheeks as her curly hair waved in the wind. Lawruthian narrowed his eyes, his left hand raised, and stroked his chin. There was something he missed from the night's events. A slow smirk spread across Amaya's face, and her sly gaze landed on the two as her magenta eyes twinkled. She leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees, face in hand, and fingers rhythmically tapping on the side of her head.

"Now," she began, voice laced with mock seriousness—sounding like a particular someone in the group. "Simra Enlar, now that you have stat-," Madria's hand lightly slapped itself over Amaya's mouth—cutting off her words.

A burst of giggling erupted from underneath Madria's hand. Amaya clutched her sides, doubled over from laughter. She nearly tumbled off the log, her head shaking in amusement. Simra buried her face in her hands, her face burning in embarrassment. Lorde glanced away, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. He scratched the back of his head, avoiding eye contact with anyone. Only Lawruthian gazed at the scene in puzzlement. He glanced between the two sides, noticing the similarities between his close seat near Madria and the same between Lorde and Simra.

"Well," Lawruthian began, lightly laughing as he inferred the night's events. "Congratulations are in order."

"That it is…," Madria warmly enforced, voice teasing as she glanced at Lawruthian. "It's no time like expressing yourself when your tomorrow isn't promised."

Their gazes locked, and for a moment, there was nothing else that mattered. Not the burning flesh of the slain creatures, the quick harvest of their remains. Nor did the stench of unwashed bodies, sweating magi-humans, and more break the bond their eyes held. Madria gave Lawruthian a warm smile, her eyes lingering on his for a moment longer than necessary. But as Amaya's laughter subsided, a flicker of sadness crossed her features. She turned away, her shoulders slumped, and a deep breath escaping her lips, carrying with it a hint of unspoken longing.

Lawruthian swallowed, there was a heavy lump in his throat. He opened his mouth to say something but gently closed it. A small hint of irritation flashed in his eyes as he looked toward another direction. He turned away as if not listening to a voice only he could hear. No one else saw this, as the group participants were all busy in their manner.

Amaya finally picked herself up, sighing in relief from her laughter. Then, noticing Madria's state, she glanced suspiciously at Lawruthian. Similar to his earlier action, she glanced at the distance between him and Madria, then Lorde and Simra.

"Ah," she gasped before shooting a glare at Lawruthian. "Well," Amaya stood, lightly grabbing Madria. "It's best we get some rest, who knows when the dragon will send its next challengers."

Before Madria could protest, Amaya pulled her away. The pair quickly made their way toward a large brown tent before disappearing into it, leaving a trio surrounding the campfire.

Simra picked her head up, finally recovered from the earlier event. She waved toward leaving two before standing herself. "It's high time I update my status and get some rest."

She kicked Lorde's foot. "We also need to discuss some things."

Lorde promptly stood before he gave the prince a quick bow and followed Simra away. Lawruthian smiled, lackadaisically waving them off as he was left with a blazing campfire and his thoughts.

"Guess it's time I update my status, too," he muttered, stoking the flames of the fire. "Status Sheet."

Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani – Level 72

HP: 1267/1545 (+0)

SP: 1032/1500 (+0)

MP: 934/1650 (+0)

Base Atk: 250 (+145)

Base Def: 139 (+99)

HP Regen: 92/Hour (+50)

SP Regen: 89/Hour (+60)

MP Regen: 98/Hour (+60)

Bloodline: ‎ [+]

Race: ‎ Magi-Human

Main Class:

[Imperius Golemlord] — 47

Perks:

Codex of Earth

Power: 500 (+290)

2nd Class:

[Divine Sovereign of Edryan] — 25

Core Skills: [+]

Vitality: 515 (+200)

3rd Class: [LOCKED]

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Racial Skills: [+]

Endurance: 500 (+240)

Faith: Goddess Madris

Status Effects: [+]

Mind: 550 (+240)

Faction: ‎ Imperius

Equipped:

Dark Prince Armor

Self: 350 (+250)

Faction Benefits:

Skills: [+]

Intent: 340 (+240)

Achievements: [+]

Active Quest: [+]

Magic Affinity: Primary Ten — 15%

Attribute Points: 182

"Hmph, dullard—she'd make a great concubine," Carno voiced. "You're the last Edryani male—do not let our bloodline die out."

Lawruthian ignored him, focusing on assigning his attributes instead. Three levels… in just three levels, he'd reach another milestone in his [Heroic] class. He held bright expectations for this after utilizing his golems in several different manners. He looked at his newly updated Status Sheet and nodded in satisfaction.

Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani – Level 72

HP: 1267/1590 (+0)

SP: 1032/1521 (+0)

MP: 934/1950 (+0)

Base Atk: 275 (+145)

Base Def: 140 (+99)

HP Regen: 94/Hour (+50)

SP Regen: 90/Hour (+60)

MP Regen: 115/Hour (+60)

Bloodline: ‎ [+]

Race: ‎ Magi-Human

Main Class:

[Imperius Golemlord] — 47

Perks:

Codex of Earth

Power: 550 (+290)

2nd Class:

[Divine Sovereign of Edryan] — 25

Core Skills: [+]

Vitality: 530 (+200)

3rd Class: [LOCKED]

Racial Skills: [+]

Endurance: 507 (+240)

Faith: Goddess Madris

Status Effects: [+]

Mind: 650 (+240)

Faction: ‎ Imperius

Equipped:

Dark Prince Armor

Self: 350 (+250)

Faction Benefits:

Skills: [+]

Intent: 350 (+240)

Achievements: [+]

Active Quest: [+]

Magic Affinity: Primary Ten — 15%

Attribute Points: 0

Carno Edryani paced around, frustrated by his junior's lack of… everything . It was abhorrent that an Edryani—a [Chosen of Madris] sat around a campfire serving food, laughing and joking with his lessers. He sneered at the man who held his face—completely disappointed in his behavior.

"And you want to slay Rasheed," Carno scoffed. "These… acquaintances," he spat, "are not worth to be cannon fodder. Only the Central Gate Army deserves that status. Pray, hope my efforts were enough."

"And what were those efforts, Carno," Lawruthian finally asked. He was fed up with this ghost this—[Echo]—from a previous age still living, making remarks that did nothing to help. "When will you tell me your story—no blemishes, no falsities, no exaggerations, just Carno's story and what he did? How did he grow as a [Chosen of Madris], and why does he want to put an [End of Adventure]?"

Lawruthian was fed up. Since he inherited the second [Chosen of Madris] inheritance, nothing good had come from it. Sure, Carno would drop admonitions often plastered as advice, but nothing but stress and worry came from it. Lawruthian did not like Carno—he nearly hated him. He was the opposite of everything Lawruthian strove to be, and he made sure Lawruthian understood that he didn't like nor approve of him either.

Lawruthian stoked the campfire, not yet ready to sleep. His Imperius Knights weren't far away, choosing to station themselves close by at another campfire. He sat there by himself, his red-gold eyes reflecting the red of the fire. He could feel his intimate bond—his connection with Minerva strengthened with every step he took toward the center of Wyvern's Roost. It was only a matter of distance before they could once again communicate. He missed her, although she was only another part of himself. Lawruthian couldn't help but feel like something was missing in his day-to-day life. He hadn't noticed how attached he'd gotten to the second voice in his head. Now, with the advent of a third and much less preferred voice, Lawruthian's need for Minerva only increased.

He was tired of Carno Edryani—tired of his remarks, tired of his judging gaze and disgusting attitude. The Echo's remarks only grew with each passing day, not one action of Lawruthian's hadn't received a remark since he inherited the man. Lawruthian was tired .

Lawruthian closed his Status Sheet and turned his gaze away from the fire. Those red-gold eyes landed on Carno's gold-red—there was no emotion in both pairs, only a cold, calculating hate. "What is your story, Carno Edryani—the Unremembered. No magi know you—no records of you exist that I could find. You are unremembered, erased—perhaps by the very magi you claimed you ruled. You cling to me like a leech—doing your best to suck out the joy of every moment. Should I die, the magi would remember me and worship me for generations. When you died, heh," Lawruthian smirked. "We know the results. So tell me… Carno… What Is Your Story ?"

Carno smiled, a small thing that erupted into laughter. "You want to know my story, Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani—the Weak? Then, You Shall Have It. "

He took a seat across from Lawruthian, staring at him over the campfire. "I was born in the year…"

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