Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

Everyone continued to speak about plans on the Western Front for a few minutes after Lucius made his plans known for the South. Any time one of the other strategists tried to figure out what Lucius's plans were so they could cooperate, he quickly shut them down.

By the end of the meeting, it was almost assured that if anyone in the room had heard the phrase 'You'll see' again, they might have gone insane. Lucius was adamant that no one knew of his plans for the Southern border until he was there implementing them. Kalliope simply giggled at the interaction because he had done this in the past as well.

When Lucius was still training under Kalivas, one of the man's old friends joined to teach him tactics. Kalivas was adamant that Lucius trained his mind as much as his body, so he asked a retired general to educate young Lucius on matters of warfare. It was thanks to this education that he was able to push back Alorek and even make the opening he did that helped him implement his plans.

Kalliope remembered the old bastard being as secretive and paranoid as he was smart. Because of the man's tendencies, Lucius had picked up a few of his other quirks alongside his knowledge. Being cagey about his plans, even among allies, was one of those quirks. Thankfully, she was included among his very short list of people considered fully trustworthy.

So, any grievances the people had with him were not shared by her.

Once Lucius had determined his presence was no longer necessary, he calmly announced his leave and turned to exit. Lady Tenia followed them outside and quietly pulled Lucius to the side. Since one of her hands was still held within his, she was also pulled to the side.

Lady Tenia gave Lucius a cautious look before he simply stated, "If you can share it with me, you can share it with her."

Tenia paused and gave her an appraising look. She must have passed because a second later, she began to speak. "You and I must talk about that troublesome ability of yours. This… [Overcharge]. What compatibilities do you possess?"

"Forsaken Arts, Thunder Magic, and formerly Beast Arts."

"Formerly?"

"Long story and one I do not wish to discuss with you."

"Noted. Regardless of that," Tenia paused. Kalliope noticed a pensive look on her face, as though she was second guessing whether or not she should actually continue the conversation. "A balance exists in this world, Lucius.

"It is a balance that has been in place for several thousand years, even before the downfall of the Demons. You know of the S-Ranked beasts, yes?"

"Of course. I grew up near Fenrir's den."

"Then you have likely heard legends regarding what happens when beasts like it wake… though simply referring to beings like Fenrir, Aetherous, or even the Ancient Dragon Gaellion, as mere 'S-Ranked Beasts' does little justice to their might…"

Lady Tenia then quickly explained that monster rankings are simply a spectrum for mortals to try and quantify the relative strength of a monster. S-Rank monsters existed at the top, but not all monsters in that level were the same. Beasts like Fenrir had S-Rank classifications, but they also possessed names and legends beyond the simple understanding of 'S-Rank'.

Tenia provided the example of dragons. Though all adult dragons were considered S-Rank monsters, comparing an adult dragon to the legendary Gaellion was like comparing an ant to a bear. Simply put, there was no contest between them.

"Regardless, these S-Rank beasts are the reason that Empyrean Rankers and King Rankers do not move about freely. We serve to act as a barrier between these legendary creatures and the masses. Myself and my cohort here in Aedrider are the first line of defense against Aetherous should he run wild."

Tenia laughed at herself, "As if I could do much other than annoy it. Thankfully Aetherous is a gentle soul. However, even a gentle creature can turn rabid if provoked… my concern, Lucius is that with your power, your potential, running around without intention may provoke some of these creatures."

Kalliope looked carefully at Lucius before casting her gaze on Tenia. "How does Lucius running around provoke these beasts? Aetherous you said is a gentle giant who currently slumbers deep beneath the mountain bearing his name. Fenrir sleeps in the forest outside Pelith. Gods, even Gaellion is content to leave Eroa alone, so long as we do not bother it."

Tenia shook her head. "The reason most of these legendary creatures do not do anything is not simply because they are lazy or content, but there is some threat to their existence from our Empyreans and King Rankers. However, Lucius here possesses a skill that can rival the power output of a King Ranker. Yet, he will grow stronger.

"Those like me are constrained and bound by contracts and agreements with these creatures to stay within our territories. For the most part, we exclude ourselves from any involvement with our homelands… well, other than that brat, Kalivas… anyway, Lucius has that kind of output but remains unbound. Be careful.

The balance of the world is delicate and you are walking a precarious path that may very well disturb it."

Lucius contemplated her words carefully. Kalliope wondered what it was that he was thinking about, but his facial expression was a mystery to all, including herself.

"I understand your concern, Lady Tenia, I do. However, most of the things I have done, the strength I have built… the strength I will continue to build, it is all because of others pushing me. I only wish to live a life for my family. For Rena, my unborn child, and Kalliope."

Kalliope's heart began to beat faster at his words. Lucius smiled at her quickly, then turned back to Tenia.

"Everything a Kane does is…" Lucius began.

"a response to what was done to them…" Tenia finished with a sigh, "Yes, I know."

"How did you…"

"I've been around a long time, boy, and I have known many people. Anyway, I said what I wished. I hope to see you again someday, young Lucius Kane."

Both Kalliope and Lucius quietly watched Lady Tenia as she walked away. By the time she reached the end of the hallway, mana had compressed around her body before she turned into a bolt of lightning and vanished from sight with a loud crack of thunder. Kalliope quietly looked over to Lucius who shook his head.

"Nope, I can't do that. Let's go."

They turned and followed where Corva and the others had gone. She mentioned she was going to try to collect snow before they left and have her transported to her manor. Corva was extremely energetic once she heard Lucius proclaim he wanted her to forge something.

She mumbled something about her sister being right, but after that, the rambling became difficult to decipher, so Kalliope decided to ignore the elf. Kalliope was excited herself, though, because she had yet to have an enchanted weapon of her own. She still had her mask from the King's Shadow, but it was only useful under certain scenarios. Unlike a weapon, which was useful in almost every fight.

Desmond also seemed to have an extra pep in his step after hearing about a new spear and Jade seemed to look exhausted from the number of times he mentioned it to her. Kalliope could not help but laugh at the twins for acting so much like siblings still, though they were now adults.

For the first time in years, Kalliope found her mind wandering to her brother, who was killed shortly before the Alorek War. She still missed him on the occasion, but he never came to the forefront of her mind as much as he did when she interacted with Desmond and Jade. Their friendly relationship reminded her of her childhood.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"You know…" Lucius whispered to her, "Corva will need a little time to actually create the weapons. So I was thinking that once we get you sorted, that maybe we take some time to enjoy what the capital has to offer?"

"During a war?"

"I don't see an army outside the gates just yet. I think it will be fine if we step away for a night while we are waiting anyway. Unless you would prefer to be couped up in some random elf's mansion for a few days doing nothing?" Lucius challenged.

Kalliope once again felt her face heating up. She found herself wondering how many times he had made her feel this way in the past few hours. Unfortunately, that number seemed rather high, and she suddenly felt an urge to return the favor. There had to be some way for her to make Lucius blush just as much as he had made her…

"Well?"

Kalliope quickly nodded. Her answer was obviously yes. There was nothing on this continent that could keep her from going out with Lucius on the town. He had taken her to many places, but they were all related to work and business. She wondered what it would be like to go on a date for the first time.

She quickly disentangled her fingers from his, leaving Lucius with a small frown. Choosing to ignore his pouting, Kalliope rushed to Jade and Yue who were chatting with one another.

"I need your help. Please!"

After she explained the situation, the two girls' faces were plastered with two large grins. Looking at her friends, somehow Kalliope felt like a predator was bearing down on her. It was a primal fear that she had only ever felt around Lucius, Tenia, and Kalivas.