The Utopian Conspiracy: Masked Knights, #4

By CD McMillon

Kit and Takumi have aligned themselves for one simple goal. To put an end to the ritual and stop whoever's responsible before things get to out of control. With no leads they team up with Miyu as the three work together to find the secrets of the ritual and stop the forces behind the scene. As everything ramps up the Bel Cult continues their plans to gather the remaining Cores once more and end the ritual once and for all. As the battles come to a close and the ritual completes the Knights are pushed to their breaking points as the ones behind the scenes make their move and Farah struggles to fulfill her destined role. As everything sets into place the battle against paradise itself begins.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CD McMillon
• Release date: Aug 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223839248

CD McMillon

A nerd since the first time I played an arcade game. The progeny of a family a teachers trying his hardest to not follow in the family footsteps. I grew up reading and playing games mostly JRPGs with a strong emphasis on story. Originally I wanted to write comic books but I could never make that work. And after falling back into fanfiction decided to write my own original stories. And from there I ended up like any other wannabe writer. I write both Novels and Web Novels, while also striving to make YouTube videos. I keep myself busy and I'd like you to follow me on this journey as I try to fill the time in-between now and when I meet the grave. And if your wondering "How come he's not showing his face?" Well I just don't want to. So enjoy these various Avatar images I've plastered on my social media instead of actual pictures.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

I’M CLOSE. I’M so close to claiming what’s rightfully mine. All these years of working under those fools and watching over those children. It was all worth it because now I have everything I need. At any moment, I can give birth to the scared fruit and the others are under my control. I can’t help but marvel at the tree. It’s amazing to see how much it’s grown in such a short time.

I’ve taken the tree and moved it to a space where no one can find us. Thanks to the power of Time and Space, we’re in a pocket where we can interact with the outside world, but it cannot reach or interfere with us. Some would see this power as already godly, but this is a mere fraction of the power that I seek. And soon it will be within my grasp.

We had some delays thanks to the girl that Norris chose to be a host. As well as his betrayal. It was a shame to lose someone so valuable, but it couldn’t be helped. He was too great a foe to leave on the game board so late into this scenario. But that just leaves one last thing to deal with before I claim a total victory.

Can’t sleep, old man? A voice says behind me.

I turn and see the biggest thorn in my side, the Spider, May Arsov. She’s a notorious spy and agent working for someone, but I don’t know who. She’s an invaluable weapon and someone I’d rather not have to get rid of. But she’s also the greatest enemy I have right now, or the tool of my most dangerous foe.

Yes. We’re close to accomplishing the goal. We just need to feed the tree more power and it will birth the sacred fruit. The Ain Soph Aur.

My so decided. I can’t help but wonder what else you're planning?

Really now? I’m not planning anything outside of gaining the fruit. Now, what are your plans? Or more specifically, what are your employer’s plans? Do they want to steal what is mine, or do they see the value of helping me?

She flashes a calm smile. I don’t know what you mean. Didn’t you hire me to work as your spy for the other side? Or more skeptically, you gave the one who hired me a job, and they paid me to do it. But that makes you my employer by default.

I raised those children to serve as my tools. Basil served his purposed, but he brought in a tricky little spider. And yes, by your logic I am your employer, but we both know someone like you is always seeking further gains.

Oh, poor Basil. He hasn’t been the same since that Core was removed from him. You should be careful or else you might lose your remaining pawns. Someone already stole the other one from you.

There’s no need to worry about that. I was planning to cast him off either way when I was done. He’s smart, but his only skill is mimicking the other one’s brilliance.

Harsh.

I roll my eyes. Basil is an afterthought compared to gaining godhood. I will stand above everything in this world and prove to all those fools my grand design. The Knights, the Primevils, the very people of this city, all of them are nothing but pawns for me to accomplish this goal. That’s what I said all those years ago. I’ll do whatever it takes.

What’s on your mind, then? Or are you just being cautious? She asks.

She’s digging. Looking for some weakness. I’m not like that other fool you tricked. I promise I’m not turning my back on you and your schemes. You’re planning something and I’m going to figure it out.

If you're so worried, then why not get rid of me? It’s within your power, isn’t it?

It is. But you’re a known factor. As long as I keep my eyes on you, then I can plan around whatever you’re scheming.

She stares at me before laughing. She’s underestimating me. I could kill her right now. All the Cores are in my control. All this power at my fingertips and there’s not even a hint of fear on her face. I should kill her right now, but I’m a patient man. I can wait until the right moment to take her out.

I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, but with all your planning and scheming, it’s all pretty drool.

What?

All you can think about is how this person or that person is insulting you and looking down on you. I’ve seen your types time and time again. You’re not a threat, you're just someone who’s caught up in your inferiority complex.

She’s trying to make me strike her in anger. But it’ll take more than petty insults to bring me down.

You may be right. I’ll keep my ego in check from here on. We cannot make any mistakes right now or else we’ll lose all we’ve worked for.

May nods with a calm expression on her face. That I agree on. But those Primevils you keep sending out aren’t going to get the job done.

I do not mean them to eliminate the fools. They will fight and provide us with the energy necessary for the tree’s growth.

And what if they stop fighting?

They won’t. They wouldn’t dare. If they won’t fight, then I’ll use the populace as a blood sacrifice. Either way, I’ll get what I desire.

Let’s hope so, for both of our sakes. We’ve come too far for this plan to collapse.

Have no fear. We will get what we want, and if you stay by my side, then I will grant your greatest wish.

She pauses. I can wish for a lot of things.

Trust me with that much power. Anything and everything will be within my power.

She nods. I’ll keep that in mind. But remember to never underestimate your foes. If you do, they might surprise you.

I’ll keep that in mind.

She bows to me out of some mocking form of respect and leaves. She’s carrying doubts now. Good, I might sway her to my side if all goes right. She’s playing it out, testing to see who will win in the end, smart. I’ll show her I will be the one who’ll win out in the end. She’s more valuable to me as an ally than as an enemy.

You two can come out now.

My two pawns come from the shadows: Denam and Kumi. My greatest tools yet.

Hey, boss. What’s the plan now? Denam asks.

Kumi laughs. Is it time for us to fight? I’ve been annoyed couped up in here for an entire week. I want to get out there and fight!

You will have fun. But first I’ll be requiring your aid for an experiment.

Whatever you say, boss.

Kumi laughs. Oh, one of your magic things. Those are always so much fun.

I can’t help but smile looking at these two. Their ideal tools for my plans. Compliant and strong enough to fight against my foes. Not that I’m lacking in power myself.

Denam, I’ll be needing part of your strength for this experiment. And Kumi, I’ll need you for a combat test.

Of course! The two say in unison.

What are you making? A new Primevil? Kumi asks.

I nod. Yes. If I am correct, this new breed of Primevil will generate more energy, which will channel into the tree.

How long until we can see the tree bear the fruit?

Soon. Now that the host has calmed down, she cannot interfere with its growing strength. It will absorb her mind and body into itself and she will serve as nutrients to help its further growth.

So, we’ve won? Denam asks.

Not yet. We’re still facing an unseen foe. Someone is sitting in the background while these events unfold. And I plan to have them come out in the open before the tree bears fruit. Once they’re taken care of, we’ll be able to move forward unimpeded.

Yes Sir! The two say in unison.

I can’t wait for this. It’s going to be so much fun watching Master rebuild the world! Kumi yells out.

Denam nods. Even after he gains such power, we will continue to stay by his side as an aid.

That’s right. Just as always, I will show you the way forward to our ideal world. Now come, my children, let the experiment begin.

I snap my fingers and the tree responds to my will. Even this godly instrument recognizes the authority of its master. I will control this world and no one is going to stop me!

I have thrown everything away for the sake of this ideal, and no one will stop me! And whoever you are hiding in the shadows, wanting to steal my hard-earned prize. I promise to drag you out into the light and exterminate you, no matter how much power or prestige you may possess.

CHAPTER TWO

IT’S BEEN OVER a week and we’re no closer to finding where Oswald ran off with the tree. On top of that, Primevils keep dropping in on the city and we’re forced to deal with them. It’s practically like clockwork, around noon every day since then one of those monsters will fall in and we’ll have to go deal with it. Sometimes it’s two or three to drag us all out into the open. And we’re all falling for it.

He's trying to get us to fight so he can get more energy to help the tree grow. But if we don’t fight, then he’ll attack civilians and use them as his fuel. The only way to stop him is to find where he is and beat him. I should have stopped him back at the church, but I let my guard down and he got the better of me. Dealing with Norris who had mastered the powers of the Time Core was bad enough, but an Oswald who has Time and Space at his beck and call is even worse.

Damn it, I need to find a way around this, I say, staring up at the concrete ceiling above me.

My name is Miyu Okuno. I’m the last descendant of a group of people who created this stupid ritual. I came to this city to break the curse that follows my family and end this ritual once and for all. I came here and made an ally with First, a lingering vestige from the original ritual all too long ago. It took some time for me to break through the barrier around the city, but eventually, I did it and got inside.

I’ve taken up a base in the sewers. An old maintenance storage room. It took some time to properly clean, but now it’s the perfect hideout. Somewhere where Oswald’s eyes can’t peek. I can’t take any chances of him finding us and launching an attack. If he does, then Primevils and his agents will swarm us.

Hey, Miyu. A voice says at my door.

A tall young man walks in, staring at me. His face is scared, and he has an almost permanent scowl on his face. I can see why most would find him scary or like some kind of thug, but if you look into his eyes, you see an odd kindness there. Anyway, his name is Takumi Kamuta, a former member of the Sci Ops group who’s come to my side after the group dissolved.

Kit’s back and he’s brought some dinner with him. He says, staring at my doorway.

I shake my head and break out of my funk. Alright. Let’s eat!

Sadly, we never have enough supplies, so one of us has to take the risk of going to the surface and bring back food. Also, rather unfortunately, neither Kit nor Takumi has much in the way of money. So, it’s up to me to supply the funds for our little group and it’s been an annoyance. Another reason to end this mess quickly so I can save what’s left of my wallet.

The main room outside of my own is a large open space. It’s working as a sitting room for now after we made some makeshift rooms for everyone to sleep in. Although I’m the only one with an actual door, the others have to make do with curtains. I never expected to be housing five other people here, of course, two of them already left.

Any word on the couple? I ask Takumi.

Jenny said she and Lily are resting in some fancy hotel. Lily said she’d come if it was anything important, but Jenny refuses to come back down here. He says.

Lily is always like that. If it doesn’t meet her standards, then she’ll drop it faster than you could expect. She barely stayed in her room at the church, only doing so when Norris forced her.

A young man with gentle features and a rather slim body walks up, carrying several shopping bags. He looks weak on paper, but having experienced fighting him, his physique is rather misleading. He’s strong, but I’d say Takumi is stronger, but I have to say he has more skill for combat. His name is Kit Pendell, the youngest son of a family who performed a magical experiment here some years ago. Of course, Oswald was involved and likely sabotaged their experiment.

The only survivor of this experiment was a young girl by the name of Farah Graner. She was also Kit’s girlfriend for a time, but this was part of a scheme to drag him deeper into this ritual. I can’t speak about their relationship, but it appears it was genuine. Unfortunately, she was tied into the ritual and would have become the sacrifice to grow the tree that would grow the sacred fruit. While originally this was Norris’s scheme, Oswald’s hands were all over this from the beginning.

Welcome back Kit, Takumi says.

Kit nods, placing the bags on the table in the middle of the room. Kit brings out some food from a rather random restaurant. He seems to keep asking a rather annoying someone where to buy food. However, he seems to hate fast-food places and goes to restaurants consistently. It’s filling, but it hurts my wallet. Takumi, on the other hand, almost exclusively gets fast food or something we can cook easily down here, like instant noodles. These two are almost opposed in so many ways.

What is this stuff? Takumi asks.

It’s someplace Lily recommended. I tried some of it and it’s great.

Takumi rolls his eyes. Is it so bad for you to just go to a quick burger joint or something? We’ve been waiting for a while now.

I don’t want to hear that from you, of all people. I’ve seen you snacking on those food bars or whatever they are.

He pauses. I don’t know why people hate them so much. They’re quite good.

I don’t understand how you can eat those things? I ask.

Takumi nods as he moves away from the table. I’m going to see if she wants to eat with us today.

Fine. I doubt it, though.

The last person who’s held up in this place is contentious, to say the least. Carol is the supposed leader of Sci Ops, but in truth, a pawn of Oswald. She created the group in Oswald’s long plan to get to this point. For whatever reason, I took her in our last battle against Oswald. Some would call her a prisoner. This makes it odd that Takumi treats her more like a guest than a prisoner. I don’t mind it too much though. But you think he’d be angrier with everything that’s happened, but that’s not a hint of rage on his face when facing her.

I’m leaving her care and everything else up to him. So far all she’s done is run maintenance on his Gear and that’s it. She doesn’t leave her room unless she’s using the restroom and I’ve barely seen her, even though we live in the same place. It’s not like I can’t understand her reasonings being forced away from her life’s purpose but it’s still annoying.

So, do we have a plan? Kit asks.

We’re running out of time. If we keep sitting around here, then we’re going to lose even if we do nothing Oswald still wins. We also just can’t keep sweeping up the Primevils since he’s feeding on the energy from our fights. Kit shakes his head. At this rate….

It’s always like this when he isn’t focused on fighting, his mind wanders. His