The Celestials Prison: Envoy of the Damned: The Celestials Prison, #1

By Celestial Duck

(Trigger warning: Harsh Language, Abuse, Slavery, Excessive Violence, Injustice)

The Celestial is a symbol of the divine, a pillar stretching high into the heavens. It is worshipped for the blessings it brought upon the world; extraordinary power, revolutionary tools, and beings beyond understanding. Bearing its power will not only change your fate, but the fate of the world.

Grelt has existed within a struggle for power for over a century. A war between Angels and Demons ravaged the land, but only ended with the formation of the hybrid alliance between the angels, non-unified, and Hirians. The non-unified race did not receive the divine gifts of the Celestial, they were not worthy. As beings who were deemed unworthy by the great Celestial, they have no choice but to bow before the hybrids alliance.

It has been a week since the execution of Jacks parents, and he has taken their place as a miner in the small non-unified town of Logos. He is beginning to feel the despair living the rest of his life under the hybrid alliance, and seeks to change the world he was born into.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Celestial Duck
• Release date: Dec 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223305224

Book preview

Chapter 1

Jack

Vagril 5th, 343SR; 15:08

‘Another day of mining... Well, whatever, this is what we were born into this world for...’

The pickaxe slammed into the tall wall of rock lit orange by the lantern in Jack’s hand. Several crystals of logorite shone green as the light reflected off the rays of light produced by the slave’s lanterns.

So- uh... Doing pretty good, huh Ben? Jack stuttered as he tried to make conversation for the fifth time.

Jack stood behind him, the bulkier man swung the pickaxe down and a crack rippled through the cave followed by the pellets of dust trickling onto the floor. Jack looked down and noticed the light reflect off drops of sweat, the smell of it stung his nose. ‘Another eight hours of mining...’

Ben raised the pickaxe and flexed his muscular arms, the sweat ran down against his light brown skin as it reflected off the light. He exhaled before he swung down, cleaving a big chunk of rock off. ‘He’s pretty strong...’

Ben had short black hair and a long face with small features. He was always serious and never said much to Jack, barely ever even making eye contact. ‘I didn’t think slaves could keep that much hair, he must have been here for a long time...’ Jack rubbed the top of his flat head, brushing his fingers against the tiny amount of stubble that remained after being shaved several days ago. All male slaves in Logos were shaved bald on arrival, the women had their hair cut short.

On the ground was a shirt like the one Jack wore, a dirty white full-sleeve T-shirt. They also both wore loose brown pants held up by a simple black leather belt. The pickaxe went down again and chunks of grey rock and dust scattered around the air, Ben squinted and shielded his narrow eyes to avoid the dust, droplets of sweat leaked down his head. He stepped back huffing, catching his breath as he twisted the pickaxe in one hand. Then in one motion, he brought the axe overhead, grasped it with both hands, and cleaved off as much as he could with a frustrated grunt. The metallic thud echoed through the cave as the pebbles sprinkled onto the cave floor. Several chunks clashed against the wall as they rolled onto the ground and settled down on the rough pebbles. Similar sounds could be heard throughout the cave from other slaves mining.

Why do we have to do stuff like this anyways! a voice in the distance echoed through the cave.

Jack turned his head and looked off towards one of the lights in the dark cave where the silhouette of an angel beat the person who yelled with their staff, she cried out in pain with each strike

Stop, ow! Stop! her voice echoed through the cave, an audible thud could be heard throughout the cave followed by even more painful wails.

‘There goes that idiot Carol, can’t just take orders and not cause a commotion...’ Jack mocked her silently.

Ben, do you want to bet who works the next shift on whether we can guess who’s getting beat? Jack tried to make conversation with Ben once more.

Ben put the pickaxe down, then picked up his shirt and threw it over his shoulder. His brown pants were drenched in sweat and his hands shook from constantly striking the rock. Ben proceeded to fill the bucket with the ore which he had mined. Once he was done, he turned and picked up his lantern with the other hand and turned around, still having not once looked at Jack.

I don’t care, Ben walked away.

Jack stood there as Ben walked away. A lonesome chill embraced him, and the scenario he was forced into became increasingly frustrating.

‘Well if there’s one good thing about Carol she’s the only person I can talk to around here... No one else in Logos talks to me...’

Jack looked back and saw Carol weakly stand up, she looked at the angel who walked away. He could tell even from this distance she was sticking her tongue out to mock him. Jack had been staying at Carol’s house while the angels investigated his parent’s home he would later receive. She was completely opposite from the regular people of Logos. ‘She’s rambled about how crappy the angels are, every night since I got here...’

Jack put his lantern on the ground and then gently dragged his shirt over his scrawny body, leaving it on the dusty ground next to the lantern. The soothe cold air licked at his skin as he reached for the iron handle of the pickaxe, ‘Vagril just started and it’s getting this hot out... I’m sweating just on my way here...’ Jack struggled to lift it above his head. The muscles on his back pulled his skin, his thin arms struggled to keep the heavy pickaxe in the air. He pulled the pick down with all his force and slammed it into the wall. As the end of the axe hit the rock it sent a ripple through his weak body. His bones rattled uncomfortably, and the vibration took a moment to stop. Jack huffed and readied for another strike as someone approached. The familiar clicking sound of the guard’s boots grew closer.

Jack Eldritch? Sixteen years old? Jack heard the voice of a young man and turned to see an angel in a guard uniform.

The guards wore white robes which covered their whole body, his face was covered by a white mask with two holes for sight, and the guard held a stack of papers in his hands. They seemed to glimmer in the darkness with that white uniform, it made it easy for Jack to keep track of where they were. ‘Apparently, they’re too divine to even be looked upon...’

Yes? Jack replied and reached down to pick up the green crystal, he tossed it into the bucket of logorite, and the rock clattered against the walls of the metal bucket.

As of the fifth of Vagril, you will be responsible for the property of your mother and father who were executed for treason sixteen days ago on the eightieth of Grivar, the angel explained.

Oh... Right, Jack replied.

Look at me when I talk to you and reply respectfully! the wingless angel suddenly yelled out as he placed an empty bucket next to the filled bucket.

Y-Yes, sir... Jack muttered as the angel handed him the key to his parent’s property, he felt slightly sick accepting it from him.

Your previous ticket please.

Huh... Oh, Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled white paper, four of the five boxes were filled.

Jack offered him the ticket, the angel snatched it out of his hands.

‘What a prick...’ Jack thought before he looked down to examine the key in his hand. A cold piece of thin silver metal with a jagged pattern along its edge, the numbers ‘03’ etched into it.

Here is your meal plan for next week, the angel handed over a small strip of paper with five empty boxes on it.

Jack took the small sheet and examined it, the boxes were left blank. He stuffed the key and the piece of paper into his pocket. The angel lifted the bucket of the logorite and walked off into the darkness, his silhouette was still visible against a different light in the cave towards the exit. The angel turned around and faced Jack.

You are aware of why your parents were executed, right? the angel in white asked.

Huh? Oh... No... No one told me anything, Jack replied.

They did not recognize their place and were punished for it by the noble, Alexander Rael. They chose to reject the will of the great Celestial and lost their foolish lives for it. You would be wise not to repeat their mistake, do you understand?

I understand, Jack lied with a fearful tone.

Good. Now keep mining.

Jack stood in the circle of light produced by his torch, he heard the rapid clangs of pickaxes around the cave, his back felt colder than before. He clutched the wooden handle with both hands and lifted the pickaxe, his hands gripping it tightly before he swung down with all his strength. He grunted in anger as the pick bounced off the wall. He swung violently once more and struck it again.

The hole in the wall was just a bit bigger than it was eight hours ago. Jack wore himself out, staring at the ceiling with his back to the floor, his twitching hands and aching forearms radiating with pain. The sparkles of green logorite on the dark ceiling dimmed as the faint lights they reflected off moved toward the exit. His palms were callused and his shoulders ached, Jack didn’t even care that he had been lying in his own sweat. He heard the sound of footsteps grow closer. ‘Please don’t be Carol, please don’t be Carol’ Jack repeated to himself.

Jack let’s go, the shifts are done. Why are you sitting around? Carol asked.

‘Ugh,’ he recognized the voice. Jack slowly stood up, he brushed the pebbles and dust off of his brown pants.

I’m not staying at your place anymore, the angels gave me my parent’s property. You don’t need to wait for me, Jack flapped his shirt, and wisps of dust flew into the air.

That’s great! Carol replied with a giddy tone as Jack pulled the dusty shirt over his head.

Yeah, it is, I don’t have to listen to you anymore... Jack smiled as he picked up his lantern and turned towards the exit.

Carol laughed at his response. She wore the typical miner’s attire, brown pants, and a beige shirt stained by sweat, her skin was rough from working constantly, and her large green eyes were hard to focus on because of a purple bruise on her forehead.

Well, I was hoping you weren’t getting transferred. Not like it’d matter anyway, Carol breathed a sigh of relief.

I got transferred from Torovince last week, why would they transfer me again? Why do you even care? Jack asked multiple questions with an annoyed tone.

Well, I’d be sad if a friend had to leave, but even if you left we’d always be friends, Carol replied.

Jack stopped for a moment, ‘Friend? Is that what she thinks after I said that...’ He continued to walk after a short delay.

Was that bruise from earlier today? Jack questioned.

Carol adjusted the bangs of her short black hair to cover the bruise.

What bruise? Carol replied.

Jack narrowed his eyes at her weak attempt to hide the mark on her head. He ignored it, picked up his lantern, and walked towards the exit. Carol followed close behind. They entered the hole and their lanterns lit up the dark narrow interior of the exit.

Jack, do you hate this place? Carol suddenly asked as they walked through the dark hole.

Nope, Jack replied and continued to walk in front of her.

Your parents hated this place.

I don’t care.

They approached the exit of the cave where an angel on duty awaited them.

Hurry up you damn maggots! the guard yelled.

The female angel wore the familiar white mask and white robes, she yelled from the top of the cave with an iron staff in her hand. As Jack approached the entrance of the cave, the musty air became pure and his nose was delighted to escape the stuffy cave.

Jack and Carol hurry up! I want to be in the comfort of my own home instead of waiting for a couple of maggots! the angel spat condescendingly.

If you don’t want to wait for maggots, stop watching us all the- Jack was cut off as the angel swung a metal staff into his head.

He fell to the ground with a thud and dropped his lantern, he rolled onto his front grasping his face tightly, the staff hit the right side of his head, and his skull throbbed from the impact as his thoughts went blank.

Jack! he heard Carol cry out.

He felt tears coming out of his eyes from the immense pain, but at the same time, he felt a metal boot slam into his chest, the air in his lungs lost to the impact.

Damn, maggot! You waste my time, and then have the nerve, to talk back to me! The angel slammed her metal boot into his stomach three more times.

The blows made it difficult to breathe. ‘Is this what happened to my mom and dad?’ Jack was overwhelmed with immense fear and pain. He started to picture himself meeting their fate.

Stop! He’s new here! Please have mercy! Carol pleaded as she tried to shield Jack.

The guard pulled away as Jack curled into a ball, writhing in pain. He gasped for air as he rolled onto his front, his breath ragged and harsh. It was hard to breathe.

Maggots, the angel mocked.

She walked away, following the dirt path that led around the mines and then towards the city of Helios, the capital city of the angels. ‘Bitch...’ Jack silently cursed as he slowly pushed himself up.

Are you alright? Carol asked as Jack picked up the pickaxe and lantern.

I’m fine, Jack uttered in pain.

His chest was numb from getting kicked repeatedly, he felt pathetic trying to hold the rest of his tears in. Carol stared at Jack with a concerned expression.

I hate this place, said Carol.

Jack started to slowly walk through the forest towards the town of Logos. The mining town closest to Helios. The dirt path was covered in foliage and surrounded at all angles by trees. His head was numb from the strike earlier. The impact and pain were burned into his memory, constantly reminding him of how weak he was. Jack winced and limped every step of the way.

As they got out of the forest, the trees cleared to reveal multiple crop fields that surrounded a small town. The dirt path in front of Jack separated a dry light-yellow field of wheat and another of tall looming cornstalks. The path was lit by lamps stretching between the forest to the town, illuminating the shadows cast by the sun setting in the distance across a field of orange clouds that painted a pale blue sky.

It’s going to rain tonight, Carol pointed out.

Jack’s pace had returned to normal. but the pain from the assault earlier lingered.

I wonder how we’ll mine tomorrow, she pondered.

We’re obviously gonna keep working, it’s not like the angels care about a bit of rain, said Jack, he didn’t turn his head to Carol as they walked between the tall crops.

Not if I do something... Carol spoke cryptically as she stared at the ground in front of her.

Jack turned and looked at Carol, behind her was the mountain and forest they had come from. However, behind the mountain, the Celestial loomed over everything, a grey pillar that majestically stretched into the sky, even beyond the clouds.

What are you talking about? Jack asked out of confusion.

Carol turned and looked up at the Celestial, her back facing Jack.

One time a storm happened, and so your parents made a bomb using the mineral the angels make us mine for. They used it to close the entrance of the cave, and no one had to mine for a week, Carol explained.

Jack’s eyes widened. You can make a bomb out of logorite? Jack asked curiously. My parents closed off the mines for a week?! he suddenly shouted in surprise.

Yeah...

Jack for once in his life felt admiration for his parents whom he’d never known.

Jack, keep this a secret. I’m going to close off the mines tonight, Carol stated.

She looked around for people before she pulled out two stones of logorite from her pocket. Jack looked at her with a blank stare.

Is that why you got punished today? Jack asked.

No, I almost got caught stealing so I made a scene, Carol explained. Do you want to help? she suddenly asked.

Huh? Jack replied in confusion. Did you seriously just ask me that, you got beat up today and now you’re gonna do something to get yourself beat up again? Jack asked her.

Carol frowned and looked away.

And you want me to come along too? Jack added. Just be like everyone else... There’s no reason for you to resist the way of the Celestial. I mean... Look at it, Jack pointed towards the Celestial.

Carol stared at Jack blankly.

We follow it and we get nothing! Carol shouted before she walked past Jack. If you change your mind, come by, she said with a pained look in her eye. 

Ugh... Jack sighed.

I asked you because I thought you might want to kill Alexander Rael... Carol stated as she walked off.

Jack froze on the spot, his breaths became heavy, ‘Kill... Alexander Rael?’ he pondered the possibility of getting revenge against the man who killed his parents, the parents Jack never got to meet. He shook his head at the thought, ‘Don’t be like that idiot...’ Jack turned around and walked toward Logos.

The sun had gone down, the once orange clouds were now a dull grey that blended in with the dark blue sky, the path Jack walked on widened as he reached the entrance of Logos, he stood in front of the familiar path which split into three others.

Two of those paths lead around the town towards the various houses the slaves used, and the third path in the middle led to the center of the small town.

Jack continued straight towards the center of Logos, the unlit lantern swung back and forth in his hand. As he got closer to the center of the village the sound of people who conversed about their day grew louder. Famished men and women could be found eating food from traveling merchants from Helios. They boasted about how much they had mined, or who could drink the most. ‘Same topic as yesterday... And the day before that...’ Jack didn’t dare approach them, knowing he’d just be scolded without ever getting a reason as to why.

The variety of merchants from Helios confused Jack as his stomach grumbled. ‘What should I eat?’ He examined the various options different merchants had, as well as the food people bought from them. His mind was made up immediately as his nose was drawn to an aroma of spices. He turned his head towards the smell and saw plump meat held up over a fire, ‘Turkey...’ Jack’s mouth watered at the charred golden-brown skin, the juices dripping into the fire, igniting it even more. Jack approached an older angel next to the fire who sat around an assortment of tomatoes, onions, and lettuce, a stack of thin flatbreads, and a bowl full of white sauce.

Uh, hello, Jack nervously greeted the merchant angel.

Greetings! Would you like a scrumptious sandwich! the merchant offered.

The old man had wrinkled skin, but a cheerful and inviting smile, he wore a cap on his head and his nose had visible blackheads. ‘He must be from lower Helios...’ The merchant wore dark blue robes which covered his whole body but had sleeves for his arms, and brown leather boots.

Yes? Jack replied, confused as to what a sandwich was as he held up the piece of paper he received back in the mines.

The man took it, punched a stamp, and handed it back to Jack.

You will not regret it! the old man stated.

Jack looked down at the sheet but noticed he did mark one of the boxes with a stamp, it had his name on it. ‘Amalun G...’

I make the best sandwich in Helios, he stated confidently.

‘Sand... Witch?’ Jack was intrigued as the man took one of the flatbreads and placed it near the fire, slowly toasting it and making it crisp to the touch. He then stuck a skewer into the meat and carved a piece off with a knife. The chunk of meat was held by the skewer over the fire, giving it a good crust as he put it to the side and picked up the flatbread from earlier with his bare hands. ‘Isn’t that hot?’ Jack watched in awe. The angel turned the flatbread to the other side to get an even toast. After the flatbread puffed up he cut it open with the knife and revealed an empty interior. The man quickly spread a dollop of the white sauce inside, then placed the turkey and an assortment of green and red vegetables within. He tossed in another spoon of sauce, then shook the contents within. He finished by skillfully tucking the filling and wrapping the excess pita around. He handed it to Jack.

Enjoy, the man told him with a confident grin.

Jack’s stomach growled as he analyzed the stuffed flatbread in front of him, ‘This a sandwich?’ As he bit into it he was met with a variety of things he’d never experienced.

Crispy flatbread softened to the touch by the creamy sauce that had its own assortment of flavors. The vegetables felt cool and refreshing as Jack bit into the piping hot but juicy turkey, ‘Oh my...’ He couldn’t control himself and took another bite, experiencing the wholesome textures and savory flavors of an assortment of spices blended with the rich and creamy sauce.

How did you make this?! Jack asked, he took another bite without swallowing the last.

Haha! Was it so good you forgot? the man laughed out loud cheerfully.

Jack closed his eyes and chewed ‘This is bliss...’ he thought, the crunching vegetables were juicy and added a wholesome texture to the wrap, a bit of the filling fell out onto Jack’s palm, and he licked it off his hand ‘Just the vegetables and the sauce alone is so good...’

I am definitely coming back tomorrow, thank you so much, said Jack.

I look forward to it kid! the merchant replied.

Jack stood up and walked away, he followed the dirt path back to the outskirts of the town as he ate the wrap. The sound of the crowd grew distant as his chewing became the only thing he could focus on.

He walked south through Logos and eventually reached a forked path at the other end of the town. He was met with the familiar view of the vivid green flame against the blue sky far off in the distance on a floating island in the skies southeast of Logos. ‘The city of Necropolis always looks cool at night...’

He walked along the path, counting down the various wooden houses made from logs. ‘Nine, eight... Seven is over there... Then three should be further down past Carol’s house...’ Jack read the numbers in his head. As he got to the house labeled with the number three, he stood in front of it with a dazed look. ‘This is it...’ 

Jack walked up to the entrance nervously, he placed his lantern down and put the key into the door. An arm suddenly wrapped around his neck and pulled him backward, the key was yanked out of the door as he was dragged with minimal effort. Jack grunted as the sandwich fell against the dirt, and the delicious contents spilled across the patio.

Hey- ah! Jack cried in fear.

The arm around his neck tightened and he couldn’t speak or breathe, his feet were pulled off the floor as he was swung around. A hand reached into his pockets and searched him before the hand ripped something from his pocket. A fist suddenly planted into Jack’s stomach and his eyes opened wide to see a dark-skinned boy with curly hair and a long face, his teeth grit.

Jack’s throat became hoarse as he coughed uncontrollably, he felt chunks of the food from earlier climb up his throat but he held in his reflex to gag. All the while Jack’s fist had been clenched around his house key. The same one who reached into his pocket tried to pry the key out of Jack’s hand.

Franklin! All of you! Leave him alone! a woman from across the street shouted.

After a foot pressed into his stomach twice, the boy behind him shoved Jack to the ground and they took off around the back of the house. Jack’s face was flat against the dirt, he slowly pushed himself up as his heart beat rapidly. The sore pain in his stomach returned, and he held in his reflex to puke.

Th-thank you... Jack uttered in pain as he looked up at the woman.

She wore a loose white shirt, which was common for farmers to wear, it helped them stay cool while they worked out in the sun. Jack looked up at her face and suddenly felt uncomfortable as he was met with an unforgiving glare, her blue eyes burned with a fury that Jack couldn’t explain. Her face looked disgusted at the sight of him even though she just helped him.

You look like your father... Just disappear, she muttered as she walked into her house.

Jack rolled onto his back and stared up at the cloudy sky, ‘Why did she say that... What did they even attack me for...’ He checked his pockets. Jack suddenly sat upright, he felt the insides of his pockets once more and his eyes went wide as he realized they had stolen the ticket he got earlier today.

‘My next four days’ of food...’ Jack stood and walked to the side of the house slowly to see if they were still around. The space between the two houses was narrow, but a locked door on the ground led to the cellar under Jack’s house. The assailants were long gone. ‘Franklin...’ The name rang in his head. His neck felt sore from being choked, his stomach hurt as he remembered the face of the dark-skinned boy. Jack approached the door to his small house, he put the key into the door and twisted it. The dark brown door slid forward as the lock was released, creaking as it opened.

Jack picked up his lantern and pickaxe and limped into the house. He was met with a dark empty room with a wooden dining table and several wooden chairs around it. Jack set his lantern down on the table. The room was lit with a faint orange glow, lighting up the several portraits lining the walls, one of which caught Jack’s attention.

He approached the wooden framed portrait and took hold of the smoothly curved frame. The dust on the glass obscured the figure of two people, he dragged his hand across it and rubbed the dust out of the way.

The photo contained a bald man with a strong jaw and dark skin. His bright smile made Jack forget the pain he felt from being hurt. Next to him was a brown-haired woman with a soft and gentle smile, she was several months pregnant when the photo was made.

Jack stared at them, specifically looking at her stomach, ‘I’m gonna live the same life they did... Everyday... Until I die just like them...’ A flood of tears streamed out of his eyes. Jack’s breaths got heavier. His knees hit the floor, and he dropped the picture. A chill flooded over him as he remembered the name of the man who killed them.

‘Alexander Rael...’ His head throbbed, the pain reminded him of the consequence of disobeying the angels. ‘Alexander Rael!’ he repeated in his head, he clenched his teeth as hard as he could. Jack raised his hands to slam them into the floor before he recalled Carol’s words.

"I asked you because I thought you might want to kill Alexander Rael."

He suddenly looked at the door, his fists clenched as his tears continued to run down his face. He stood still for a moment, thinking it over as he wiped the mucus and the tears off his face, he let out a sigh walking down the front hallway of his house. ‘I want to kill Alexander Rael... I want all of the angels to vanish...’ Jack opened the door and left his house in a hurry, running down the dirt path under the night sky, passing other slaves on their way home, and approaching Carol’s house.

Jack walked onto her patio and banged his fist against the door. A pair of steps thumped against the creaking wood from behind the wall of the house. It opened slightly and Carol poked her head out to check who it was. Upon seeing Jack, she opened the door with a mischievous grin on her face.

So, made up your mind? Carol asked.

I’m gonna avenge them, Jack stated staring intently at Carol.

Her smile turned to a surprised look. She had changed into a white coat commonly used by alchemists.

Alright! I feel a lot better having a partner in crime. Come on, let’s get revenge. For my parents and yours! Carol beckoned.

No, not just that... Jack suddenly stated.

He stepped into the house, and the thuds of his boots stepping on the wood broke the silence of the night.

We’ll free ourselves from Logos! Jack declared.

Chapter 2

Ajal

Vagril 4th, 343SR; 22:40

RE-ENTERING THE ATMOSPHERE in five, four, three, two... Commencing re-entry, the pilot Enma announced.

The dropship rocked back and forth as it entered Imperion’s atmosphere, a glass of wine on the table rattled as the ship descended to the planet. The curve of Imperion slowly became flat as the dropship descended towards a dense storm of clouds with concrete buildings protruding out of it.

We are approaching Solron, home sweet home... What are your orders Ajal? Enma asked.

The rumbling faded and the hum of the thrusters returned, Ajal reached for the glass of wine. He held the thin stem, swirling the maroon liquid in the bowl. He brought the rim close, and a sweet smell filled his nose. Upon taking a sip his mouth was overpowered by a tangy bitter taste that would make anyone who hadn’t tasted worse gag, however for Ajal, it was relieving. The large man gulped down the rest of the wine, then put the empty glass down and let out a sigh.

It’s been a long day... Ajal whispered as he pulled the zipper on his collar down.

Ajal reached for a grey earphone on the counter, detached the earphone from the clip, and fitted it into his ear. He then opened the clip and pinched it to the collar of his uniform.

The dropship approached the city of Solron. The sea of clouds flooded the overpopulated urban jungle, flowing past the buildings like water.  A river of smog and fumes emitted from rampant amounts of polluted factories deep in the heart of the city.

Put me down at your old apartment, I have a clear line down the street to the church from there, Ajal requested.

Enma turned the wheel and the entire ship shifted sideways, they traveled over the buildings silently. The dropship lowered above one of the tall buildings. Enma reached for a green button which lit up as they got close.

Don’t land, it’s just me getting off here, Ajal stood and pulled his mantle over his shoulders.

Enma wore a black vest and pants, the standard uniform within the Imperial military, it provided durability and mobility. Over his shoulders was an Imperial mantle, a white cape with a collar made from the fur of a Tundra Wolf. Ajal noticed Enma sweating profusely, he was scratching his red hair, and his orange eyes were wavering. ‘I’ve never seen Enma like this... We’ve known the archbishop our whole lives...’ Ajal felt a hint of doubt, but he knew this had to be done.

I’ll give Anor your regards, Ajal told Enma.

Just because I learned from him doesn’t mean I started caring for the scumbag! Enma replied angrily.

My bad... Ajal didn’t expect that response.

Enma froze as he looked at him, his eyes wide, don’t apologize...

Ajal stood up and walked towards the door.

Hey... Wait, said Enma.

‘Hmm? ‘ Enma stood there with his head down, it seemed like he wanted to say something. Look, I... sorry, never mind, Enma stuttered, a look of concern still on his face.

You’re unusually tense... Ajal commented.

Enma’s eyes were hidden behind his bangs, and his normally excited and confident expression was replaced with one of anxious concern. His fists were clenched tight, but Ajal knew why he was like this. ‘Killing the archbishops will change this world for good...’

It’ll all be over after this, I’ll shoulder the burden if it’s too much, Ajal assured.

Ajal grabbed the smooth silver handle and pulled the sliding door to the right, walking through and entering a small corridor. There were two rooms on each side, and a door leading to a small armory at the back of the ship. Ajal’s black hair just barely touched the ceiling, he was used to it though having always been tall. He passed by the first room on the left, the door was held slightly ajar.

Ajal looked in to see a blue-haired woman with a large black and white book in her hands. The ethereal held her head low, her blue hair covering her eyes. Ajal was about to open the door but reconsidered, ‘This mission might be taking a lot on Aria too, she never did like fighting, no... This wasn’t just that...’ A sliver of regret crept over Ajal.

The room adjacent to Aria was occupied by Kadyr, the door was left ajar as per usual and Kadyr was sitting down on the floor with his legs crossed, most likely in meditation.

Kadyr’s skin was clad in brown fur, he was a descendant of the beast clans from Junipus. The claws of his thumb and index finger touched as he meditated, his breaths were rhythmic before he grunted and rested his head in his palm. Ajal didn’t want to disturb him, but after he stepped passed the room he noticed a mask in front of Kadyr. The smooth silver mask resembled the head of a wolf, ‘I never really see him without the mask anymore...’ Ajal didn’t pay it much mind and continued through the hall to the next two rooms, on the left a black-haired girl was in tears being comforted by a girl with white hair and blue eyes.

‘Kono’s taking this mission hard as well, Crystal seems more composed, but that’s to be expected... Was it wrong of me to send them to assassinate Kiros?’ Ajal looked to the other room, on the right was a clean white bed, and on the left was a green-haired man sitting on a desk, wiping blood off of a long katana.

Gale was a keen swordsman Ajal had known for a long time, he was tall and lanky, and his appearance commonly misled his enemies to think he was weak. His green hair was messy and his bangs covered one side of his face.

Are you heading out soon? The green-haired man asked Ajal while still focused on the green blade.

The curved katana was at least six feet in length with a long green handle, and the guard shining gold with a curving design resembling a cloud. Ajal walked into the room while he analyzed the ancient sword.

Yeah. Everyone seems tense, it’s only natural though, we’re taking steps towards a better future for Imperion, anyone would be anxious, Ajal responded.

Yeah... Gale replied.

Gale picked up the sword and angled the edge towards the ceiling, he analyzed the reflection of his green eyes in the steel. He almost looked disappointed, but Ajal didn’t understand why. He stood and turned towards Ajal as he rested the katana on his shoulder.

Don’t cut the ceiling, Ajal mocked.

Gale’s green eyes scanned the length of his blade, he smiled as he laughed internally.

Heh, yeah well I think I should, that way your big head won’t hit it, Gale replied.

I can walk in can’t I? Guess your senses are dull if you think I’m hitting my head on the ceiling, Ajal teased as he turned and walked back towards the corridor. Before I go I just- wanted to ask... How many people were guarding the Senator of Bree? Ajal asked, his tone shifting to a more serious one.

Four... Don’t hesitate, Gale uttered as he closed the door.

Ajal looked down, his eyes filled with guilt as he clenched his fist. ‘I won’t,’ he thought before he turned right and entered the armory. The armory was much wider, well-lit, and multiple tools lined the room. Weaponry no one onboard used was securely placed around the left and right walls. A hatch on the other end which served as the ship’s entrance and exit was wide open towards the moon. Titan sat by the hatch, and Ava stood on the ledge of the ship as she gazed at the full moon, a cool breeze swept into the room and the air was fresh.

Titan always wore his hood, sitting with his arms crossed, and a silver halberd resting on his shoulder. Titan was a reserved fellow. usually keeping to himself. Ajal had known him the longest out of everyone. Like Kadyr, he always wore his mask, a trend amongst the citizens of Junipus.

Ava was an ethereal. The ponytail of purple hair behind her flapped in the wind. She had small facial features, but big purple eyes. She stood just under six feet, her shoulders broad and her legs especially long. She leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, her feet inches away from the edge.

Ajal took a step forward down a small set of stairs but noticed a blue light. He looked down to see a young boy with blue eyes and hair sitting on the stairs, a dragon manifested from bolts of energy coiled around his right arm.

Ryu was also an ethereal, the youngest ethereal on board, only 10 years old. He had short blue hair, and over his left eye was a scar he received during training. Coiled along his arm was the tail of a dragon formed from blue bolts of his energy, the snake-like dragon sat upright in his palm and bared its fangs at the little boy.

Ryu if you’re nervous, Antiri will be too, Ajal said.

Ryu’s head jolted as he heard Ajal, his worried expression turned worse and he turned his head back at the dragon who glared back at him.

I’m sorry! Ryu muttered under his breath.

The small dragon tightened its long tail around Ryu’s arm, it kept its head low, and sharp teeth grit. Ryu winced at the pain from the dragon tightening its tail, and it disappeared into thin air. Ryu didn’t look up at Ajal, but he held his head down. Ajal crouched next to him and patted his fluffy head of blue hair.

Don’t be upset if you didn’t get it this time, just try again when you’re feeling better, Ajal told Ryu. Practice makes perfect after all.

He ruffled Ryu’s soft hair before he stood and walked towards the hatch. Titan stood and walked past Ajal with his halberd in hand.

I suppose it’s time for this age to end, Titan said as Ajal passed by.

Yeah, about time, Ajal assured the armored man with a smirk.

He walked up to Ava who stood at the edge of the ship with her back against the wall.

You seem like you’re in a good mood for someone who’s been killing world leaders, Ava said.

Ajal stepped up to the ledge right next to her and looked down, they were directly above the square roof of the building, surrounded by white clouds which obscured the streets below. Ajal looked up and stared at the bright white moon.

Everyone is on edge, Ajal said.

Ava’s eyes widened slightly when she heard Ajal say this.

I didn’t consider how anxious this might make you all, the imperials will rule over Imperion after the Archbishop dies. The era of serving false prophets will end, Ajal explained.

Ava said nothing, instead, she reached out and held his hand.

Everything we did, and everything we will do... It’s for the future, our future. We all know this and we don’t need to burden it alone... Peace requires sacrifice, Ava replied.

She took Ajal’s other hand, their hair both waved from the strong winds from outside, and their white capes flapped in the wind, Ajal looked forward towards the bright moon. Ajal brought his hands together while she held them, and he gently grasped her soft palm.

I’m going to change that, peace should require bonds. All of us bonded and became friends and allies even though we’re from separate clans, we became family, we fought together, became stronger, and here we are paving the way for the future, Ajal said as he turned to Ava.

Her purple eyes gazed deeply into Ajals as he held her close and kissed her soft lips, his heart pumped faster as they embraced. Ava wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him forward without letting go. After several seconds she raised her hands and slowly separated from him.

Finish the job, then we can have fun, she stepped back with an innocent smile.

Ajal smiled before letting go of her hands, he took a step backward off of the drop ship and fell towards the building. He landed knee first with a large thud but stood without any issue. The warmth of her kiss still lingered on his lip. Ajal took a deep breath as he looked forward. ‘I will end the tyranny tonight, and bring peace to Imperion.’

The large blue rectangular ship slowly turned, ‘#78-MC Imperial Dragoon’ was written along the side. The thrusters roared and propelled the Dragoon forward, the sound of the thrusters soon disappeared as the dropship flew off to the east into the abyss of clouds, in the same direction as the church. Ajal approached a stairwell that led down the building, he clicked the device on his collar as he made his way over. The device emitted a see-through blue hologram that appeared in front of him, displaying a grid with the numbers zero to nine. ‘If I recall correctly the church number was 6-0262’, Ajal pressed the keys in front of him while he walked down the dirty stairs, far enough that the sound of wind wouldn’t be heard. A scent similar to urine and dirty water stung Ajal’s nose as he continued down.

Hello? Ajal heard a brittle old man’s voice from the earphone, Ajal clicked a button on his collar.

Good evening Archbishop, I was just calling to confirm if you’d be attending the ceremony in Braxus tomorrow? Ajal talked into the device on his collar with fake enthusiasm.

While the device simultaneously displayed a map of the city on the hologram, a red dot pulsed on the hologram.

Ah, Ajal, I don’t get calls from someone as renowned as you very often. Yes yes, don’t worry I’ll attend. How are Shin and Enma doing? I haven’t seen them since they left Solron, The Archbishop said over the phone.

Ajal continued down the stairwell.

They’re good, they haven’t changed much, that might be for the worse though considering Enma, Ajal laughed.

Oh, that hot-headed boy will never change. the archbishop chuckled.

‘Hot-headed... He didn’t seem that way earlier.’

Yeah he’s quite the character isn’t he, Ajal replied with a fake enthusiasm.

Who else will attend the ceremony? the archbishop asked.

Ajal approached an elevator and clicked the button with an arrow that pointed upwards.

Every clan representative will be attending, Ajal answered.

He put one finger on the blue hologram and turned the map, changing the display from the top view to a side view of the city, the red dot that had appeared was now near the bottom of the display, while Ajal’s position was much higher. The walls of the elevator were dyed blue by the light.

Anyways, I just wanted to confirm your attendance so we can organize the banquet. Have a great night Anor, I’ll see you tomorrow, Ajal concluded the conversation as he pressed the button for the tenth floor.

You too my friend, oh, and we won’t be forgetting the tributes for Ra, our city requires prosperity after all, Anor chuckled heavily before he coughed raggedly.

Ajal’s stomach turned at that last line, he glared up at a panel in the elevator that displayed the current floor number, the number was currently at forty. Ajal clicked a button on his collar and it reopened the number pad, he punched in a set of numbers before waiting for an answer.

I’m listening, Gale picked up.

"I have the archbishop’s signal, he’s in the church. I’m heading in, inform everyone to be ready, you’re moving in as soon as Ryu takes out the lights,’’ Ajal ordered.

Got it, Gale responded quickly.

Ajal stopped at the tenth floor and exited the elevator, he turned and walked down a pathway that led to a balcony.

That old bastard, he’s planning on tributing more innocent people, Ajal spoke into the device as he walked down the hall.

Well... That’s what we’re here for, to end him, Gale said as the elevator stopped at the twenty-fourth floor.

Yeah, Ajal clicked the device on his collar to end the call.

Ajal exited the hallway and took a left into a lobby that was used as a lounge. The light from outside bounced off the surface of the tables, getting brighter the closer they were to the window. Ajal walked between them to the glass door that led outside. 

The snow fell into the abyss of the city, the tops of buildings reached above the clouds, and the base of the buildings was hidden under the fog of the city below. The annoying buzz from hover car engines could be heard as they zipped by for miles in every direction. Lights from the buildings reflected off of the snow and filled the fog with vibrant colors. The air reeked of sewage and tar.

Ajal stood over the edge of the balcony of the building, he stepped forward to see over it, the city streets were obscured. He saw nothing other than the lights in the fog and the occasional hover car zoom by quickly, the fog of Solron even made it difficult to see a short distance ahead of him.

Ajal brought his knee to the floor and placed his hand just over the snow-covered ledge. ‘Dark Passage.’ He thought the words and a black mark appeared on the spot where he placed his hand. Ajal stood up and clicked the device on his collar.

It’s time. Tell Ryu to kill the lights, Ajal ordered.

Affirmative, Gale responded over the radio.

Ajal looked into the sky as he watched a bright blue light flash somewhere within the dense fog, the lights all slowly began to turn off. The abyss of bright colors that reflected on the snow was now just a grey abyss of white flakes and darkness. The hum of electrical circuits came to a stop.

Ajal looked through the clouds of smoke in front of him, the roads below which split the buildings in front of him made it the perfect path. Ajal stepped off the edge of the building, descending to the streets below. As he fell he picked up speed, soaring through the sky towards the streets below. The wind pressed against his body as he fell feet first through the abyss of fog.

Ajal’s hair whipped back in forth in every direction, he put his arms to his side and began to dive at full speed head first. A vertical line split the middle of his forehead and his skin pulled to the sides to reveal a purple third eye. Ajal listened to his cape flail in the wind, the strong gusts made him feel relaxed rather than tense. He didn’t see the ground, only the fog a short distance away. As the dark ground became visible, his third eye flashed purple. A black-and-white aura shrouded his body as he collided with the ground. But instead of crashing into it, he slipped right through and appeared at the mark made at the balcony of the building he last stood over.

The momentum from the fall propelled Ajal through the air in between the buildings, he soared horizontally and slowly descended towards the church. As he got closer to his destination, he stretched out his hand and his third eye flashed purple once more. A black shadow began spilling out of Ajal’s palm and formed into a pole. Ajal clutched it while he flew through the air and held the pole above his head, the liquid-like shadows curved and manifested into a black scythe. Ajal swung the scythe down through the air, the fog split to the sides in front of him. The wall was cleaved in two, and the inside of the church had been exposed.

Chunks of the building smashed down around him, filling the foggy streets with dust. Ajal landed feet first on the ground of the street below, the white snow had piled up quite a lot as it submerged most of Ajal’s boot, his feet shivered when he felt the cold snow, and the air was riddled with the pungent smell of the sewer. 

Ajal walked through the opening he made and stepped onto the red carpet in the nave of the church, the snow off his boots left a wet trail on the carpet. Multiple followers of the church were already in a panic from the crash, they cowered in fear at the sight of the eight-foot man with three eyes emerging from the smoke. Ajal closed his third eye and walked past the citizens and up the stairs toward an old man.

Anor had wrinkled skin, with long messy grey hair and saggy eyes, he wore tattered grey robes. The wrinkled old man reached for his staff, while he struggled to his feet, all the while shocked at the sight of the person he had just spoken to a few minutes earlier.

Good evening Anor, Ajal greeted him with a confident smile.

He approached the man in white robes with his scythe in hand. The civilians attempted to run through the opening however, Ajal’s team cornered the followers at the entrance.

What is the meaning of this, we just spoke Ajal! the archbishop cried.

Peace. With your death, Imperion can welcome its new future, Ajal replied with a cold smile.

What- Then... The others- Anor grimaced as his rage boiled. You call this peace? Destroying my temple! Ra will not stand for such- Ajal lifted his scythe, and Anor cowered.

Ra and I are good friends, I don’t see him taking my head. I can’t see why he would care about your temple though. His followers needlessly die here, thinking that their sacrifice will bring prosperity for Solron, except the fact they only contribute to the ongoing industrialization of their home. 

You- You knew?! Anor’s voice shook with his whole body. I mean- Ajal, please! Come to your senses! I- I’ve always been there for you!

You make me sick... The people of Imperion don’t need middlemen between Ra or any of the demigods, your temple is merely a façade for your own profit. These people will pray to Ra, not your foolish sub-

I am an asset to the Imperial higher-ups! Anor screamed out, interrupting Ajal.

He stood up and raised his hands in the air as he tried to reason.

Shin will be the next king! What do you think he will do when he finds out about this! Anor cried.

Ajal continued to hold the scythe at the old man’s neck, he raised his scythe and the man looked down.

Shin wanted me to kill you, Ajal revealed, the old man’s expression sank.

Lia- Anor tried to speak, but couldn’t get the word out before Ajal’s blade glided through his neck.

The body of the old man fell onto its side, his head dropped onto the floor with a thud. After a short delay smoke began rising from the corpse, forming into a ball beginning to glow yellow as more of the smoke collected. The ball of light in front of Ajal shone brightly, its beautiful radiance illuminated the room riddled with destruction. ‘Even the soul of the worst scumbag is beautiful...’

As all of the light collected, it cracked like glass and crumbled into the air. Under where the ball of light once illuminated, lay the corpse of the archbishop. A cold breeze from outside scraped over Ajal’s skin, and his scythe vanished. He turned and walked away, content with the idea that he and his friends would never have to take another life again.

Don’t let the followers leave yet. Word of what happened here can’t get out, not yet, Ajal ordered.

He clicked the device on his collar.

Shin, it’s over, Ajal said.

Excellent, A voice replied.

Ajal waited for several seconds, after many seconds had passed he was somewhat confused. He clicked the device again.

Hey, what about the followers? They don’t really need to be kept quiet now that they’re all gone... Ajal spoke into the device, Shin? You there? Ajal asked once more but heard no response. Did I lose the signal?

Screams suddenly filled the room, Ajal quickly looked over his shoulder to see the source of the noise, he watched in shock as his team slaughtered the captive followers at the front of the church. ‘What...’ Ajal froze in place. Gale stabbed his blade through a young man, the blood splattered onto his white cape, the red carpet, and the wooden walls. The man tried to reach for the blade but Gale tore it out of him. The old man fell to the ground helpless as he slowly passed, reaching for his family in his final moments. Ajal remained speechless, questioning if what he was seeing was real.

Hey, what the hell are you- Ajal was cut off as Aria clapped her hands together.

A circle of light surrounded the dying man’s family, it erupted with a vaporizing light from the floor which engulfed and burned the bodies of several people. Aria’s bangs still covered her eyes as the family screamed in pain, their weak cries croaking from their charred corpse.

A young girl in the group, no older than twelve looked around in panic, her face horrified, she quickly grasped her younger brother’s hand. The two in grey tried to hopelessly run away from the entrance. Enma noticed, then flew forward, grabbing the two children who tried to run and flew to the top of the room ‘Wait... Enma... Don’t-’ Ajal watched in disbelief as Enma let them go from that height, the bodies of the two young children spun slowly in the air, screaming louder as their descent sped up with every passing second.

No! Ajal roared.

Ajal dashed forward to save the children, but Enma changed course toward him. ‘I can save them!’ Ajal jumped upward, caught the young girl, and held her close. Ajal held her to his left side, she huffed frantically with shut eyes. As soon as he hit the ground he crouched down and took a short breath. Then immediately lunged for the next child, the younger brother.

Enma dived in and angled his feet towards Ajal, his shoes engulfed themselves in a red flame as he entered his range. ‘Shit!’ Ajal shielded the girl and blocked Enma’s feet with his right shoulder. As Enma’s foot connected, the force of his kick launched flame forward, burning Ajal while he was blocking the physical impact. Ajal tried to shield the girl but she shrieked the moment her face got burned. Ajal’s arm stung from the impact of Enma’s kick, and his arm continued to burn at the touch of the flames. Enma’s wings began to grow and propelled him forward adding more force to his kick. ‘Are they being controlled?! Who?! Who could even do something like that!’ Ajal’s thoughts raced, however, his eyes widened as Enma focused his spirit on his legs.

‘They’re not being controlled-’ Ajal’s feet left the floor and he flew backward, he quickly curled his body inward to protect the child. Ajals back slammed into the wall and crashed right through it, he fell into a dark room at the back of the church, coughing in pain. Ajal looked up to see specs of dust flying in the light from the room he was just in, the specs became brighter and hotter. Flames from his clothes had spread to the junk around the room. ‘Dark Abyss!’ Ajal’s third eye opened and let out a wave that surrounded him and the burning little girl with a field that sapped the color from everything it passed over, the flames went out as the wave covered them.

Ajal looked down to see if the girl was okay, she had blonde hair and white skin. The young girl’s white eyes were wide open despite being unconscious, her terrified expression sending waves of guilt over Ajal. The flames burned the sleeve on her right arm, and her face was scarred from her neck to the right cheek, but she was still alive. Ajal’s heart was pounding out of its chest.

‘She’s okay... She’s okay... The other-’ Ajal looked through the hole in the wall to see a mangled body on the ground, the child’s legs took the brunt of the impact from the way the femur stuck out of his thigh. The little boy’s body oozed blood from various places, one arm had bent backward, and his face was beyond recognition. Ajal lifted the small girl, he took off his cape and wrapped it around her. There was a large box tipped over onto its side. Ajal opened it and gently placed the little girl down inside. He couldn’t take his eyes away from her terrified face.

I’m so sorry, Ajal whispered with grit teeth, he looked up and walked back into the church.

Bodies littered the floor. Men, women, and even children all lay lifeless at the front of the church, as the light began rising from all of their bodies. Ajal looked down at the remains of the child who fell, and just like the others, particles of light rose from his body before they collected into a ball of light, and dissipated into the air. Ajal’s expression remained cold before he looked up at his squad and tried to raise a smile.

I was hoping this would be the last time I saw this. I never told any of you this before, but this eye of mine can see what happens before someone dies, Ajal explained as he pointed his thumb at his forehead.

Titan pulled his silver halberd out of a corpse and whipped the blood off of it before he took a stance.

Their souls drift off and disappear into nothing. That’s it. Why would anyone want to do this? Why would I want to do this? I wanted this to be the end... Why would you do this... The archbishop was dead, there was no need to kill the followers, Ajal asked calmly.

His smile faded and he reached forward into the air as his third eye flashed, the scythe manifested out of his palm. ‘I feel like shit...’ Ajal thought back to the people who died because of him specifically. ‘Do