3rd Pov
As the sun raised upon the world...soon hell broke loose as several rumors suddenly appeared.
But the one who made the biggest mess is...that God Luminous worshiped by the Western nation was in reality demon lord Valentine.
Right now in Ruberios, it was total chaos...thousands of people were protesting in front of the church...confusion folded among them.
Well this was happening, inside the church meeting room...the ten great saints, the Seven Luminaries clergy, Cardinal Nikaulos and most of the knights' order representatives were present.
Seating in the most important seat, Dawn look down at everyone...it has been a while since he had to perform his duty as the supreme commander of Ruberios's army.
Dawn : Since everyone is here, let's start this emergency meeting.
His voice was ice cold, this sure was annoying thought he already had the solution planned...everything was still within expectation.
When he and Luminous planned the next course of action before the Walpurgis.
Dawn : Our subject today is the measure to shut down this absurd lie that instills our god to a mere demon lord, secondly we will talk about the incoming war against the Giant and demon lord Dagurle...lastly, the newly formed monster nation in the Jura forest.
Declaring the meeting open, the 25 knight orders captain, 12 holy knight order captain and Hinata along with her two assistants from the great saints.
Everyone talked...but among all the whisper and chatter, only the clergy remained silent...Dawn eyed them dangerously.
Knight : Shouldn't we denounce the lie of our god, first ? At dawn, a group of protestant started to doubt us !
Knight 2 : Yes ! A few of our deployed knights in the western nation were rejected already.
Knight 3 : We lost a large amount of trust...
Staying quiet, in these moments Dawn would have liked to have Yuu at his side...but she was still in the Eastern empire...
Planned to come back in 2 days with all the information he needed.
Dawn : (Yuu...)
Tightening his fist, the commotion didn't seem to stop...it was truly annoying to hear.
On the side he could also hear Nikaulos whispering something to Hinata's ears...
Dawn : Stop all of you.
A single sentence...was enough to shut everyone, the silver aura creeping out of Dawn's body also known as Hero haki was enough to close all sources of noise.
Dawn : I heard all your complaints, tomorrow at dawn I will personally make a public announcement...spread this information through the western nation, under my name Dawn Arceid, I will speak for my lord god Luminous.
A true hero...this term was a source of hope and gleam for humanity...the fact that the supreme commander of Ruberios was a hero is largely known.
This single existence was enough to solidify Luminous's faithful religion...since Dawn hadn't made an appearance in a long time.
People were swept up in the sudden rumors...what if the hero was just a lie ? What if the rumors were true ? What if the church lied to us ?
But all those could easily be reclaimed with this...the aura only a true hero possessed...normal people won't recognize it.
But that wouldn't be a problem because they won't be the sole people who will watch him.
Dawn : I will take full responsibility over this matter, any objection ?
As expected, no one dared raise their voice against him...the highest placed member of the church equal to the pope himself.
Or so he thought, in the back above everyone...the clergy finally took a step in this battle.
Gran : Are you saying this because you heard it from our god ? Or are you going to speak up using her voice ?
Sending another wave of coldness through the meeting room, the ordinary knight just shivered one of the clergy member's voices.
Looking up, Dawn carefully stared at each member of the Seven Luminaries...
Gran, Luminary of the sun
Dina, Luminary of the Moon
Ars, Luminary of Mars
Meris : Luminary of Mercury
Salun : Luminary of Jupiter
Vina, Luminary of Venus
Zaus, Luminary of Saturn
The only things that differentiate them were a few traits apparent on their clothes...they really put a lot of effort in hiding their identity.
Dawn : You clergy have been particularly quiet this whole meeting...anyway, Luminous-sama already approved my decision.
Intensifying Hero's haki, Gran whose true identity is the fallen hero Grandbell...he was forced to lay low.
As a saint, he had lived a long time and experienced this world's dark side...and naturally he wasn't a fool.
Gran : (It seems Luminous already planned how to counter the rumor...and I can't harshly now that Dawn Arceid is back...should I use the other luminaries ?)
He wasn't like the other members of the clergy, Grandbell wasn't a faithful believer of Luminism...he even knew the secret of this religion.
He had no attachment to them...sacrificing them now by using their faith to Luminous would be possible.
Dawn : Anyway I'll personally handle this matter, as for the giants we will announce a full war out against demon lord Dagruel.
Switching the subject to another bomb, this was a war declaration...the knights didn't dare speak up because the Hero haki was still active.
But multiple gulps could be heard across the room...ultimately, Hinata decided to speak up for everyone's sake.
Hinata : Should we mobilize the entire army ?
Dawn : Leaving the capital unguarded isn't good, I will personally go on the battlefield with the Ten great saints and the mentioned orders listed here.
Handing a paper to Hinata, she quickly read through every line which listed numerous knight orders...everything was arranged in a way where Ruberios would be guarded while the army was moving.
Hinata : I see...I shall give off those instructions once the meeting ends.
Dawn : Good, we will move in a month...after we take care of the matter with the newly formed monster nation.
Bringing out the last subject, Dawn carefully laid down his instruction while monitoring the clergy.
Dawn : Hinata along with a few members of the 10 great saints will go directly to Tempest, don't be swiped by their races as our main goal is diplomatic exchange.
While Hinata nodded, the other attendants of this meeting erupted in uproar...the great church and holy empire of Ruberios exchanging diplomacy with a monster nation ?
This was just absurd and illogic...and once again Dawn had to calm things down with his aura.
Dawn : I understand your doubt about this but...this is something me, the pope Louis and our god have agreed.
Bringing out the two most important individuals within the church and their god directly was enough to close any mouth in this room.
Well aside from the lousy one...
Dina : Are you saying our god asked you to go against our doctrine ?
Vina : This is absurd ! Did you really hear it from our god ?
Their cold voice resonating, it was in human nature to doubt...furthermore the fact that someone influential and powerful also did nourish the other knights.
Dawn : Are you doubting my words now ? Luminary of Venus and Moon ?
Immediately shut them down, they certainly talked big but once retorted, they were turned into nothing but ordinary people.
Dawn : Anyway, if you are really doubting me then let me answer with direct words of our god.
Retracting his aura, he closed his eyes under the stare of everyone...his words might have been confusing but for the likes of Hinata and the Clergy.
They immediately understood...trying to get up, soon another heavy pressure hit everyone as they were pressed on place.
Above Dawn, a singular light took form...a shapeless form which conveyed a cold yet beautiful voice...
Dawn : (Everything is going well, it seems...)
Smirking weakly, the light above him was Dusk taking a condensed form which mainly consisted of pure light.
While she shone brighter than ever, her aura was also dense enough to replicate the image of a divine presence ascending to the mortal realm.
Dawn : Luminous-sama, I invoked you in this low world to ask for your guidance.
Bowing his head, the room couldn't be tender...if what Dawn said is true then what everyone was witnessing is the presence of their god.
Anticipating the very first words they would hear from Luminous...finally, her smooth voice ringed through the church.
Luminous : Ask my child.
Dawn : The newly formed monster nation of Tempest...i would like to hear you directive about those monsters once again.
Behind the large scale thought communication, Luminous grinned evilly, she had total control over the situation now that Dawn set everything for her.
Luminous : Your judgment is right, I give full authority over this matter to you, my faithful knight.
The light and voice dismissing after this single sentence, everyone could finally breathe and gasp at the incredible scene.
Even the clergy were bowing...after all the true believer of Luminism hadn't seen the god in decades now...
Only the few selected ones being Dawn, Louis and Hinata, ever had an oracle from their god in person...
Dawn : As you all heard, I was given full authority on this matter...I won't accept any complaint from now on.
His authority acknowledged, he had no place his hand over his face to hide his wicked smile.
Dawn : (Everything is going as planned...tomorrow i'll eliminate the doubt on us and send Hinata to Tempest...)
Under the menacing glare of Gran who saw all his plans getting folded...he was very unlucky as up until now he had always been dancing in the palm of god.
Dawn : Let's resume this meeting then.
After this tiresome meeting, Dawn immediately joined Luminous in the hidden sanctuary.
With Hinata and the vampire twin...they had to finish planning the scheme of tomorrow.
Luminous : You seem to have fun dealing with the knight's order.
Chuckling, the vampire progenitor was laying on her iconic red pouched sofa...while everyone else stood up still.
Dawn : Don't tease me please...it's really a hassle, this generation is filled with dumbasses without personality and character.
Luminous : How harsh~
Dawn was truly annoyed...he was never one to be on the leadership side, he rather be the knight who executes the order but this can't be helped.
Hinata on the other hand looked down a bit embarrassed...since the insult just now included her.
Hinata : A-about the monster nation...you didn't tell them that i attacked Rimuru...
Dawn : Yeah, this information is only known from you and the people present here...it will just complicate everything, so keep it secret.
Hinata : I see...
It seems she was feeling remorseful now that the truth was explained to her...Rimuru didn't kill Shizue, the merchant gave her false information and manipulated her...she caused a big mess for Ruberios.
Dawn : Don't worry, Rimuru won't hold a grudge on you, just go and apologize.
Placing his hand over her shoulder, Hinata nodded weakly...her mental state isn't right, it seems the way Dawn reprimanded her after the attack really shook her.
Dawn : (Shizue, you here?)
Shizue : (Oh Dawn-san...i'm with the others in the headquarters, do you need me?)
Dawn : (Hinata is feeling a bit down, don't you think she needs some reconfort?)
Sending his thought communication, what followed his last sentence was a loud gasp...
Dawn : (I take that for a yes, come out I'll send Hinata to the northern sanctuary.)
Shizue : (O-ok...i'll be there in a minute.)
Smiling, Dawn turned to Hinata and sent her off...the hidden sanctuary of Ruberios is actually pretty large.
Aside from the main palace where Luminous operate, there are 7 sanctuaries who are vestiges of the past...the northern sanctuary being where Hinata first lost against Luminous.
Louis : Aren't you going to follow her ?
Dawn : Why ?
Roy : Well we all know you taught lady Hinata like she was your own daughter...
Dawn : Ah ?
His daughter ? They must be out of his mind as he repetitively beat her up to train her and also take a small revenge over Chronoa's training 2000 years ago.
Luminous : That's actually pretty accurate...i mean, ever since she joined the Church as a knight, you've been guiding her.
Louis : You also secretly beat up dozens of knights who were giving her a lecherous look under the name of training.
Dawn : ...let's come back to tomorrow's matter.
Feigning ignorance, he gave a murderous glare at Louis and Roy to shut up while Luminous chuckled.
Luminous : Yeah...i can already feel the faith placed on god Luminous fade...it's better to conquer the heart of the Western nation first.
Dawn : That's right...this is our first step in reshaping this world.
Luminous couldn't help but smirk, the plan her right arm presented a few weeks ago was truly absurd yet she followed along.
Roy : You still haven't explained the plan, though...
Louis : Yes...
Dawn : Don't worry, just stand still and listen.
His hand reaching for his sword, Dawn's expression darkened as he for a moment disappeared from the brother's vision.
Appearing behind Roy, he quickly drew his sword and pointed the blade at Roy's neck.
Roy : W-what ?
Dawn : You're going to fight me tomorrow, Demon lord Valentine.
Roy : Eh ?
Tomorrow, when Dawn will publicly come out to talk...Roy will appear as demon lord Valentine and attack the holy empire.
For the last few days, Gunthler with Roy and Louis were sent across the holy land to place explosives filled with demonic energy.
The plan was simple, explaining the scandal by an even bigger one...simulating an attack on Ruberios by the hand of the demon lords led by Guy Crimson.
This is also coherent with the recent attack of Demon lord Dagruel...at the end, all the blame will fall on the demon lord's name.
And Ruberios along the western nation will enter into a war against them...with Dawn at its leader, also solidifying Luminism on the way.
Louis : That's...
Roy : Insane...
Dawn : Don't worry Roy, I will go easy on you.
Smiling sweetly, the acting demon lord was already sweating...he quickly turned to Luminous for help but she was just straightforwardly ignoring him.
Dawn : I'll just kill you once before resurrecting you, so no need to be nervous.
Roy : S-save me !
While Roy had the worst revelation of his life, Hinata quickly made her way to the northern sanctuary as Dawn told her someone was waiting for her there.
Hinata : Did they send me off because they stopped trusting me ?
No words could really comfort her...Luminous and Dawn were disappointed in her irrational action against Rimuru.
This is the true factor that is currently shaking her world...
Hinata : I need to apologize to Rimuru fast...
Clenching her fist, she suddenly halted in her walk...as someone came out from behind a wall ahead.
Hinata : You...
The person was a masked woman with long black hair...it felt very familiar to Hinata...
Hinata : You are the woman who stood next to Flora Eta Florance when she came to talk to Luminous-sama.
But this time, this masked woman didn't cover her head...her clothes were also very light, only her mask covering her face.
You could tell she was a beauty even if what's important was hidden.
Hinata : You don't seem to want to talk...still I was sent here to meet someone, is it you ?
Shizue : ...
Simply nodding, Shizue admired her student's face for a moment...before unsheathing the sword and dashing forward.
At an incredible pace, she approached Hinata and striked a heavy blow...the sudden attack startled the holy knight.
Still Hinata was trained to face any kind of scenario...her sword always at her wrist ready to be drawn.
Hinata : What ?
Shizue : As expected you are strong...
Parring her attack, Hinata cringed at the absurd strength this masked woman was showcasing...the weight on her sword seemed like a hundred elephants.
Hinata : (Why did this sword swing feel so familiar...is it one of Dawn-sensei's styles ? No, it felt nostalgic?)
Narrowing her head, she understood that if she continued this battle of raw strength, she would lose instantly...
Deflecting by twisting her wrist, Hinata quickly jumped backward to make some distance...Shizue smirked under her mask at the quick decision making.
She couldn't expect less from the genius Hinata Sakaguchi she raised first.
Shizue : (It seems finally caught up on your genius, Hinata...)
Taking yet another battle stance...Shizue was unsatisfied.
During the Walpurgis, no one recognized her...particularly Leon, it was as if her existence truly didn't matter at all for him.
Shizue had grown strong after her « death », swordsmanship, spirit art, magic and knowledge...
Strong enough to overpower Hinata, who left her with the excuse of being too strong for Shizue...
Hinata : You are strong...
Shizue : ...
Her smile never fading under her mask, Shizue held her sword rightly with her two hands...soon crimson sparks escaped her body...
Along them, raging flames colored silver burned her surroundings...this was the true power Shizue gained the last 2 years.
Shizue : Let's end this with the next attack, Hinata.
Hinata : I-who are you...
For a moment, the voice that just called her name washed all her worry...it felt so warm and familiar that it played on Hinata's subconscious...
Shizue : Break this mask if you want to know.
Hinata : ...Fine.
Taking her own battle stance, she felt like using [Dawn Break] as her ultimate sword art but...something made her change the position of her hand.
Copying the woman in front of her...this was the moment Hinata realized why this felt so familiar.
Hinata : (This was...the original swordsmanship I used and the one Shizu-sensei taught me!)
Sweating at her sudden break in composure was noticed, Shizue left no chance of winning and launched her sword art.
A trail of flames leaving behind, she appeared in front of the startled Hinata...a diagonal slash performed from below.
Hinata could only helplessly carry her defense based on instinct...still, she couldn't properly parry the incoming attack.
As the two blades met, Hinata groaned in pain, the silver flames burned her resolve...her usually strong grip weakening, she soon felt the urgent need to let her sword go.
There was no coming back now...ultimately, the sound of her rapier piercing the ground several feet behind her was heard.
Shizue : It's my win.
Hinata : ...
Falling on her butt, the poor holy knight looked up at the masked woman...shock apparent in her eyes.
Hinata : A-are you...
Shizue : I guess there is no need to hide it anymore...
A soft tone escaping her mouth, Shizue slowly brought her hand to her mask and slid it off...familiar grayish eyes and black hair...
Way too familiar scar below her left eye...this face that Hinata thought she had left behind, the face that welcomed her in this world.
Hinata : S-Shizu-sensei ? Y-your alive...
Tears welled in her eyes, the strong and cold Hinata Sakaguchi gradually broke down...the sight was surely unexpected for Shizue.
Still she couldn't help but smile...Hinata was finally behaving like a normal girl of her age...this little girl whose childhood was robbed by an abusive father, her teenage taken by this new world and her life filled with regrets.
Shizue : I came back because I noticed that I have much more to teach you.
Lowering herself to Hinata's level, Shizue didn't mind letting her knee down into the muddy ground.
Her warm arms surrounded her student's body...the sincerity behind this hug was all that needed to make Hinata cry louder.
Hinata : Shizu-sensei !
Returning the hug, Hinata cried louder than she ever did...pent up emotion and past regrets were all flying away as she acted on the present day.
Shizue stared at the trembling girl in her arm for a moment before reaching her hand out to pat her head...
Shizue : (To think Hinata would be this much of a crybaby, I guess I really do have a lot of work left as a teacher.)
Yeah...that was the kind of teacher/student relationship Shizue wanted...the kind were the student would wholeheartedly rely on her teacher.
Nothing could go wrong...
A day then passed, as the news of a public announcement from the church to explain the situation was spread around the world.
Now all eyes rived toward Ruberios, the very inhabitant of the holy empire gathered in front of the church waiting for the explanation.
Nations like Tempest or the Eastern empire were also looking forward to this day...watching from their land through crystal balls.
Dawn : Seriously...I'm really not good at public speech...
Luminous : Poor you, i wish i could do it myself but as you know i'm just a weak and shy lady~
While Dawn was mentally preparing himself for his long day, Luminous was still relaxing on her sofa.
Dawn : By the way, I felt some ill intent around Ruberios, yesterday.
Luminous : Ill intent ? And their presence ?
Dawn : I would say around a demon lord level...but i can't be sure.
They were too far away...and good enough at erasing their presence and magicule to trick Dawn's perception.
Dawn : We should be on guard too...perhaps Guy intends to launch a surprise attack today, well in the end it will benefit us.
Luminous : But...many innocent people will die, huh.
To make a lie believable you have to reenact a perfect scenario...Roy will attack today, a demon lord's assault leaving no death ? This wasn't believable.
So many people are going to die today...
Dawn : If everything go well, i'll resurrect them all afterward...this will also act as fuel for God Luminous's faith.
Luminous : You sure are serious about this.
Sitting up on her sofa, she gestured at her knight to come closer.
Dawn : Mmh ?
Tilting his head, he didn't wait much before complying...he was much taller than the vampire and she was sitting so he had to bend his knee a little to be closer.
Luminous smirked as she cupped her two hands around his cheek before staring deep down into his eyes.
Luminous : As expected, you really are different now...
Dawn : What do you mean ?
Despite the closeness, there was no romance in this...
Luminous : Even if you always have been on the emotionless side, you still possess those feelings of lust, love or greed...I know it because I've been watching you since your childhood.
Dawn : ...
Luminous : But now...even at this distance, I can't feel those natural reactions from your gaze anymore...
Perhaps it's due to the intensifying flashback he had from Origin Averion...those memories might have affected his current personality more than expected.
Luminous : Anyway, don't disappoint me today, Dawn Arceid.
Dawn : Yes...my lady.
His gray eyes fading for a moment, the glowing blue that radiated unintentionally caught Luminous off guard but she quickly hid her surprise and relaxed her hands.
Luminous : You should go now...(What was that ? I felt like he became a total other person in an instant...it felt strangely nostalgic...)
Dawn : I know....
Turning around, he left for his duty...as Luminous stared at his moving back, she narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
Gunthler : My lady...just now...
Immediately after Dawn left, Gunthler appeared behind the blood progenitor.
Luminous : Yes...i know.
Dawn Pov
I don't know why but the last few days have been giving me a headache...my current soul is made of half...
Since Origin Averion, which was my past life, died, his soul was shattered and Shyria could only gather half of it to reincarnate me.
I'm not him but his memories keep flooding my mind from time to time...this is getting annoying.
Dawn : I need to find the hidden laboratory soon...I'll get into it once I kill the clergy.
Holding my head, he ignored the light headache he felt and moved forward...closing my eyes for an instant. I checked for the ill intent I had felt earlier.
And they were gone...it might just be Misery who motivated the capital or someone else, anyway I didn't have to worry about that for now.
Let's just focus on the speech...i'm not that confident in making a good speech, well i have [Thought acceleration] so i can think as long as i need.
Taking a deep breath as I reached for the large entrance gate of the church, I could already hear the loud whisper coming from everywhere behind the door.
We are going to use the media system to transmit my voice across the capital...it will be similar to the tv channel and livestream from the otherworld.
I could also feel Yuu and Eleonor's presence near the capital...this means they carried their mission successfully...good.
Dawn : But why do I have a bad feeling ?
Letting my nervousness aside, I just stepped foot into today's battlefield...Hero Haki at full power, I made sure my appearance won't go unnoticed.
And as wanted, silence prevailed at my dramatic entrance...the immense crowd of humans that couldn't be counted with a single glance all stared up at me.
Using the silence to my advantage, I gradually intensified my footstep before reaching the platform with the highest point for all to see.
Behind me were the ten great saints...around the capital was the knight's order and shamelessly, the Seven luminaries didn't come.
Louis was also present further behind, as the holy emperor and pope...though he won't move much as he will mainly guard the church in case someone tries to take advantage of the situation.
Dawn : (I really can't wait to bury them.)
All : * gulp *
Oops...it seems my thought process affected my aura and I let out some bloodlust, anyway I should start now.
Sealing my gaze into the distant crowd, I finally spoke up...
Dawn : Inhabitant of Ruberios and Nations of the west...i stand before you toda-
My speech was quickly interrupted when rain started to fall...the small droplet quickly turned from small to a shower...
Shit, the people already started to move to cover themself...I can't let this mesley rain stop us.
Dawn : [Destiny beyond Fate].
While using eyes of fate, I looked at this sudden rain...it was odd how it happened so suddenly when there was a bright sun a few seconds ago.
But nothing...it seems it was a natural phenomenon...in that case my skill can change the course of fate of this rain...i can use this to my advantage.
Dawn : Let's show off for a while.
Extending my aura, I made sure to cover the whole city with a thin layer of ice...so thin that it is invisible for the naked eye.
The rain stopped as the crowd looked back up at me...I needed to put even more effort now...maybe god really hates me for that.
Dawn : Let's not this rain interrupt our glorious lord's message, people of Ruberios...our name has been sullied...
I really don't like using this kind of speech, well it can't be helped, I can't just start cursing...a lot of people also see the hero Dawn Arceid as a refined individual.
Dawn : Heretic called our lord a mere demon lord...has our faith also been that weak ? Why are single absurd rumors splitting us apart ? I ask you ! Inhabitant of the holy land !
In these moments, you need to play on the guilt and regret of the crowd...it is the best way to trigger a strong reaction out of them.
Dawn : Several weeks ago...the giant race led by demon lord Dagruel invaded our frontier ! At the same time, a Walpurgis was held ! And now pathetic rumors spread across the continent against us ? Do you really believe those are not related !
Stating multiple known examples, liking them to each other and making it coherent...
Dawn : Demon lord Guy Crimson who leads the 10 great demon lords has officially bared his fang against the holy empire !
And finishing with a shocking revelation that will strike fear in their weak resolve...
Dawn : The source of these rumors accusing our god Luminous to be demon lord Valentine is none other than the very lord of Darkness !
I didn't need to show proof...after all Ruberios is a nation that has protected the Western land for 300 years now...
I was a true hero and Guy was a demon lord...everything was against him as long as I spoke up.
Dawn : Trying to weaken our unity before attacking us ! Are we really going to fall for these petty tricks ! Ruberios, Luminism ! For hundreds of years we have been protecting humanity ! Can you all really doubt me ? Doubt us ?!
Intensifying my dialogue with my aura...it seems the mistrust was cleared for now...thought it wasn't the end of the show yet.
Dawn : Under my name I-
I narrowed my eyes when I felt the malicious presence of demon lord Valentine appeared in the air.
Stopping my speech and looking up straight toward the new presence...soon everyone followed my line of sight.
Appearing in all his darkness, Roy came out with 3 other vampire subordinates...at the same time, explosions happened all over Ruberios and other nations of the west.
By now, hundreds of vampires should be attacking the other nations...generating a wave of chaos across the western nations.
Panic surging the inhabitant of Ruberios and the knights of our nation, I stared at Roy before nodding.
Dawn : It seems you finally made your appearance, demon lord Valentine.
My voice still reached out for everyone to hear, I made sure to be clear and accurate with my words.
Dawn : Fear nothing inhabitant of Ruberios ! This is just proof that the demon lords finally raised their fangs toward humanity !
Rising my sword as I spoke, I let out a radiant light with Dusk's nature...it was already mistaken for Luminous's divine ascendance that tricked the knight's order.
So fooling some normal human wasn't hard.
Roy : Exterminate them all !
3rd Pov
Purposely waiting for Roy to do the first move, Dawn turned toward the Ten great saints who stood there speechless.
Dawn : What are you doing ? The capital is attacked, so do your job and defend it !
Groaning in anger, he pressed them to leave...those knights who are the face of Ruberios were still young and inexperienced...
The only reliable ones would be Hinata and the cardinal Nikolaus, though the latter would only listen to Hinata...
Dawn : And you Hinata, go command the knights below...it's utter chaos right now
Hinata : Sure...
Dawn : Is something wrong ?
Hinata : N-no...i mean where is Shizu-sensei ?
Dawn : She should be in the South side of the city...it's our most vulnerable wall so she was needed along with a few other genesis knights.
Hinata : I see...
Dawn stared at her for a moment, it seemed the girl craved for her former teacher's attention...it would almost make him jealous.
Dawn : No need to hurry now, Shizue will accompany you to Tempest in a few days, you'll get plenty of time with her.
Hinata : H-hai...
Blushing cutely, she quickly hid her face and ran away to her duty.
Dawn : She sure is cute...not into the Tsundere type but I can understand why Rimuru is so attracted to her.
Returning his attention toward Roy, he nodded two times to say he was ready...this signal was understood and the demon lord could finally launch its first attack.
Stretching his arm to the sky, [Blood Rain] was launched...a vampiric spell that summoned dozens of lances made of blood...
It's efficiency depend on the user's nature as a vampire...the likes of Luminous would perform much better than Roy or Louis.
Dawn : [Holy field], [Multi-dimensional barrier].
Making sure to envelop the entire city to protect everyone...the oppressive and warm True hero haki
The particularity of this aura is that it won't harm or oppress those who aren't enemies...it isn't like the Demon lord haki whose name is also Lord's ambition, who would affect everyone without caring about ally or enemy.
Dawn : Don't run proud citizens of Ruberios ! Our god has not abandoned us yet !
Jumping into the battle himself, the natural chemical reaction of seeing your general leading the assault.
Naturally every knight who witnessed that raised their weapon even higher...the simple citizen recomforted by the warm aura.
The spirits and faith of Ruberios rose to its peak in an instant...in place, Hinata who was the public and most famous figure of Ruberios.
Her presence just further inspired the common folk...
Dawn : I'll go easy on you for now, just try to not die too fast, Roy.
Roy : You don't know how to go easy !
Back in the sky, Dawn was « fighting » the demon lord Valentine, explosions occurring fastly across the high sky.
Dawn wasn't using his skills, just in case he would one shot Roy...after all the vampire twin didn't train much to become stronger in the past few centuries.
Dawn : Don't say that...still i have to put up a worthy show for everyone ! (Snowie, I leave the platform to you.)
Snowie : (Hai!)
While Dawn couldn't fly literally, he had to use an accurate process involving ice magic...platforms generated from ultra cold ice would appear below each step.
And to focus on the battle, Snowie would act as a medium and create the platform on her own...this way, no matter how fast Dawn ran through the air.
He won't lose speed and lack support points.
Dawn : Good, a few more minutes and we can end this.
Roy : This is very tiring...
Dawn : Just hold it.
Continuing the coegraphy, it was going back and forth for a while now...the vampires below were almost dealt out.
Dawn : (It went faster than expected...maybe we should stop this earlier-)
Suddenly, a dreadful feeling washed his mind...he halted in his course startling Snowie who quickly reinforced the platform below him.
Standing above the holy city, he looked down pale...
Roy : Huh ? Why did you stop ?
Dawn : W-what is this ?
His voice shaking, Dawn had his [Eyes of Fate] glowing at full power...the flow of fate of all things inside the capital of the Holy Empire.
All Dawn could see was a single fate...
Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead...
Dawn : (Everyone present...including the saints are going to die ? How?)
Looking up at Roy, his fate wasn't different from the other...only death awaited everyone in the next few minutes...
Dawn : Above !
Realizing the source of this sudden change of fate, sweat poured down his forehead when he noticed a single tiny crack in the sky.
It was above the layer of ice he had formed to block the rain...to start with it seemed the rain suddenly started because of this phenomenon.
As seconds passed, the crack grew larger and larger...until the sky itself broke down generating a hole in space/time.
Roy : What is happening ?!
Dawn : Something is coming...and this won't be good...
His expression darkened...Dawn could feel the deepest part of his soul reacting to this phenomenon.
The heavy pressure released upon the opening of the sky crushed every living being below it...protected only by the True hero Haki.
Dawn : We have to change the plan...Roy, go near the crack and play the villain who summoned this after being overpowered, I'll manage to defeat whatever comes out of it.
Roy : Y-yes...
He was a bit reluctant since the crack in the sky released an absurd amount of magicule...whatever laid on the other side couldn't be good.
Still, he had to trust Dawn for now...
Dawn : (This feeling...Origin Averion, why are you reacting so strongly to this presence?)
Surely, his eyes widened in shock when a beast came out of the crack...only it's head crossed before roaring up.
The sky and land shook under its might...the beast was a sort of lion made of destructive energy...its purple shade coupled with grayish to black pieces of armor covered its energy like body.
Dawn : T-this...
Completely shocked and taken aback, his blood started to boil...memories of his last interaction with Sola where he had seen the truth about his friend resurged.
This beast was of the same kind as the one who killed Shyria and started this whole cycle of identity crisis...
Dawn : You damn beast...
Holding his face as pure rage leaked from his left eye...this turned out to be the worst case scenario for Dawn himself...
Dawn : (My whole body is acting on its own...i haven't lost control to this point ever since my fight against Luna...I need to kill it...)
It was pure and deep hatred coming from his soul...he wanted to tear the beast apart, cut every single limb of its body, annihilate the very essence of its creation...
This was a face Dawn had never made before...this plotted fight now turned into a true life/death situation.