[Church of Saint Isaiah: 21st of Before Witching, 426 8:23 AM]

Vavrinec kept hitting his sword to the blonde elven lady paladin knight as his first day of training. Valeera Graveheart's Mornblade touched the other melee weapon. She was challenged to spar with her opponent since Vavrinec's more agile than her. She was thinking of how she could subdue him.

He went for a quick kick toward Valeera's leg to knock her unto the ground. Valeera instantly stood up and started to dash towards him. She readied herself in hitting him as her retaliation and hit his sword, forming a cross if someone would see them. The lady paladin knight intently smirked at him.

He quickly dodged her dash before striking with a back kick to put Valeera off balance. The lady paladin knight fell down along with her mornblade and quickly sat up on the floor.

" Nice attempt, you have there, " she grinned. " You have surpassed me in this training. "

" Dzękuju (Thank you), Valeera. I'm getting a hang of this sword fighting, " Vavrinec gratefully said.

" Have you been doing this back in the Syrvanian Army? "

Vavrinec nodded at Valeera's question. " Ano (Yes). I was trained in close quarter combat and sword fighting."

" You could have easily brought down the Hettic Soldiers, I take it? " she mused. " I wish you should have met my uncle in the Dread Wolves Tribe. He would like to meet some former soldiers who trains for the upcoming wars just like we do in the convent."

" Who's your uncle? Was he a former soldier himself? " he curiously asked.

" He's a huntsman and warrior. Now, a ranger general of my tribe, " she answered." His name is Christopher Knightfall. "

" I would like to meet one day. Maybe I could assist him in training some of his people. "

" Of course, once we are ready to meet them, " Valeera nodded and thought of what she could say. Then, she remembered, " Before you arrived here, my fellow Paladin Knights and the other church people got injured by the Umbral Cultists' intrusion. Father Agapov was critically wounded, but the Blue Knight and some people from the police had arrived. That's why we need to train ourselves for any unexpected attacks. "

" Paladin Knights don't have a healer or mages? " Vavrinec asked with concern.

" Well, I haven't thought of that, but Father Agapov usually meets Doctor Montmartre in the hospital after the clinic got exploded. He recommends us to consult with him. " Valeera replied. " Have you met him? "

" I haven't Dr. Montmartre yet. Also did you just said that his clinic got exploded? Is he alright? " Vavrinec asked with concern.

" That was a month ago, " the blonde elven woman heavily sighed. " That man had come from those dangerous missions from Odyssea Academy's secret order. Then, he witnessed my father's demise, lost his right hand, and left his previous employer. This time, he still needs to work for his family despite those bad experiences he faced."

Vavrinec sighed and nodded at Valeera, " I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you bring up bad memories. I was just asking out of concern."

" It's alright, Vavrinec, " she slightly smiled. " It would be wise if you meet him personally. Right now, he has been occupied with his patients at the hospital and raising his little daughter along with his wife who happened to be a fellow doctor like him. "

" You're right. Not to mention, I wasn't able to see a doctor when I arrived here in Foranea, " Vavrinec said in agreement.

" Would you like me to accompany you going there? " she asked.

Vavrinec nodded at Valeera, " Ano (Yes). "

" Well, then. We'll get going, " she nodded.

" Should we let Father Agapov know we'll be gone for a few hours? " Vavrinec asked.

" I think he's coming here, " she heard the elderly elven priest's footsteps.

Father Mar-Vell Agapov stepped into the training room after he had come to his office and finished his sermon for the church service.

" Bon màtan, Valeera, Vavrinec, " the Akrovian Ouranist priest greeted and smiled. " It seems you have a tiring training session this morning. "

" Indeed, it was intense training. Me and Valeera will be going to see Dr. Amnon. We'll be back in a few hours, " Vavrinec explained.

" You will come to see that molodoy doktor, Da? " Mar-Vell nonchalantly smiled. " Well, then. You may go and see him, you two. "

" Thank you, Father Mar-Vell, " Valeera nodded.

" You're welcome, I shall observe your fellow Paladin Knights who are also training for combat like you both, " he said and snapped his fingers. " Oh, I forgot to tell you something and ask you a favor. I have the powdered form of the Dragotsenny or the rebuke gem and several herbs and medicinal plants which I harvested from the garden. It's just in time to deliver them to Doktor Montmartre. He's formulating his own Vitality Serum or Photis's Blessing. You may take that box, so he can receive them. If you may, please? "

" Vitality Serum? Is that a kind of potion or something? " Vavrinec asked.

" If I could remember, Doctor Montmartre used it to my former friends back in Odyssea Academy's secret group, " Valeera recalled her mission in Aulia and explained. " More like it could heal. "

" It's a type of healing potion then? " Vavrinec curiously asked.

" Da. " Mar-Vell nodded. " That molodoy doktor tries to formulate that potion from his previous alma mater and employer. I am giving those important ingredients to him. "

Vavrinec nodded at Father Agapov, " We'll be sure to deliver these ingredients to Dr. Montmartre."

" Très bien. I hope he will receive them. "

" Is there anything you want me to say to him on your behalf? " Vavrinec asked.

" Da. " the elderly Arkovian elven priest nodded. " I can see his loyal aid, the Blue Knight and his allies will be confront some madmen in a festival. They may be more difficult to combat than our previous enemies. Days after this terror, a mad leader will rise and send the people from the north to attack this country. Indeed, darkness will fall into this country. "

" There's going to be a terrorist attack soon? Who is this mad leader you speak of? " Vavrinec asked with concern.

" It's Senator Valfor Neforie, " Mar-Vell sternly spoke.

" That madman who proclaimed himself as the President of this country, " Valeera recalled hearing the events of the party.

" This doesn't sound good. I'll let Dr. Montmartre know of this warning, " he replied and went to carry the box of ingredients.

" Just stay safe you two, I will wait for your return. "

" We will. You stay safe too, " Vavrinec said to Father Agapov.

" Da, I will, " the elven priest nodded

[Dr. Montmartre's Office, Monoceros Keep General Hospital's Outpatient Area: 10:32 AM]

Vavrinec finished his physical exam which the Akrovian-Foranean general practitioner wrote his recommendation for laboratory tests in the following days. Valeera looked at the doctor and his patient as she was waiting for the Syrvanian trainee to disclose and give the box.

He handed Dr. Montmartre the box and said, " Father Agapov said these are for you. "

" Merci, monsieur Svoboda, " Amnon smiled and received the box, opening it. He found a letter written in Luski, carefully read, and understood it. " He already knows I need these ingredients for the Vitality Serum. "

" The Vitality Serum. It's a kind of healing potion I take it? " Vavrinec theorized.

" Analgesic, Anaesthethic, and Regenerative properties, it works with wounds, bodyaches, fevers, lesions, and damaged organs, except terminal illness, " Amnon replied. " It was originally from Odyssea Academy and my wife's formulation, but I'm recreating this and enhancing it into Photis's Blessing."

" Photis's Blessing? Like the Goddess? " he curiously asked.

" Oui, " he nodded. " It's named after the Heavenly Daughter of Telos and the Great Mother to all of us. "

" I see. What's Photis's Blessing used for? "

" Let's picture this as a simple pistol that you have been using, " the doctor explained. " You target close range enemies. Yet, you need to calibrate and enhance the weapon's mechanism for difficult targets. It's the same in using the Vitality Serum's formulation. The tougher that illnesses will be, then it needs to enhance the ingredients and test them for adverse reaction. So, what I'm saying is that there are other patients who were inflicted with a condition related to the Umbral branding. "

" Umbral Branding? I apologize for not understanding with all that's happening in this country. I arrived in Foranea just a few days ago, " Vavrinec said to Dr. Montmatre.

" Vavrinec, " Valeera broke her silence. " The reason why I joined the Paladin Knights is there are Umbral Cultists roaming around Iliad. I'm in the hunt for them as my uncle and I have rescued the former members. You may never know that Syrvania and Hetland have Umbral believers despite the on-going war. "

" Well, before Valeera joined with the Contractor guild, I also got influenced by Damocles, himself. He placed an unknown plasma inside my body which he promised he would grant me powers to seek vengance against the invaders of the lost Robania, " Amnon recalled. " I started lying and almost died from it, but I got healed. After that, I have seen Umbral spawn beings and the ones who got influenced across Iliad. When I returned home, I vowed myself to create a cure to treat someone with Umbral related illnesses and curse. You'll find and meet one of my patients. One of them was a former cultist member who's confined and recovering here. "

" I wasn't aware there were Umbral Cultists in my home country. I always thought despite the war, there weren't much to worry about. Are all the countries of Iliad falling under these people's influence? " Vavrinec said in disbelief.

Valeera turned to the Syrvanian soldier and the Akrovian-Foranean general practitioner. Then, she inquisitively asked, " Did you still remember Father Mar-Vell's prophecy? "

He nodded at Valeera, " Ano, I do. "

" So, what did the old elven priest say? " Amnon asked.

" Father Agapov saw his loyal aid, the Blue Knight and his allies confronting madmen in a festival. It'll be more difficult than other battle fought. Days after the terror, a mad leader will rise and send the people from the north to attack this country. He finish by saying 'indeed, darkness will fall into this country,' " Vavrinec thoroughly explained.

" Is this true? "

" Yes, Amnon..." the lady paladin knight heavily sighed and nodded.

" Merde...Cyka Blyat..." the doctor lowly cussed in Franken and Luski and sternly spoke. " No wonder why we are seeing all these troubles nowadays and then an impending one. People from the north, did he mean Chergaria? "

" Possibly or one of the neighboring northern countries, " Vavrinec theorized.

" I really need to warn my brother and my other patient about this, " he sighed.

" Why do you want me to meet your patient? I've just met you, " Vavrinec curiously asked.

" Monsieur Svoboda, I guess you should set aside your frustration against the Chergarians and the Hettic people, " he replied. " You should meet the other patient. "

Vavrinec heavily sighed and nodded, " Perhaps I'm ready to let go of my past grudge and focus on something anew. "

" Amnon, I want to meet Dina and Otto's parents, " Valeera requested.

" Just wait for me until lunch, I usually tend to meet my fellows, the medical staff, and the inpatients before eating, " Amnon replied.

" We'll wait for you in the lobby until lunch time, " Vavrinec said.

" Très bien, " he nodded. " I'll see you two later. "

[Moments Later]

Dr. Montmartre and the two members of the Paladin Knights had headed to the second floor. They saw a bandaged Chergarian man who was struggling to walk and using a metallic walking stretcher. He was being aided by his wife, some physical therapists, a policeman, and a ranger elf. Despite the difficulty, Chirox Friedrich managed to step slowly as he could. Vavrinec and Valeera felt sorry for him who was fighting and regaining for his normal life. Chirox turned to them and grinned in greeting, even he was still crippling from his injuries.

" Ráno (morning), we're acquaintances of Dr. Montmartre." Vavrinec said and greeted the Chergarian patient.

" Bon après midi, mein freunden, " Chirox greeted and turned his companions. " It's okay, tout le monde. I need to talk to them. "

The Chergarian man slowly stepped and approached the trio, but he felt a bit wobbly. He would have fallen down, but he tightened his grip with his handle. Angela and the others were worried for him. Chirox sighed in relief and managed to maintain his balance.

" What do you wish to speak to us about? " he asked.

" You know, I'm having an awkward feeling that you as a Syrvanian and me as a Chergarian will meet here, ja? " he nervously grinned and then sighed. " Historically speaking, I should have apologised of what my people and the Hettic Army had done to your country. " Then, he humbly spoke, " I'm personally doing this on their behalf. I just feel compelled to meet one like you. "

" I understand and accept your apology. I deserted from the Syrvania army wanting to get a better life so where and to hunt any Chergarian infiltrators. But I'm unsure now, " Vavrinec explained.

" I also committed in the same path as you did. I left the Heer after the invasion of Robania, but I was compelled and enticed by a recruiter from the Umbral Cult. He told me I could gain a higher income for myself than what I earned as a telecommunications engineer and army captain. I did it in exchange of leaving my family and spent years as an assassin and tracking down Chergarian deserters and some defectors of the cult. I lived with an Umbral serum and became mind controlled. I was ready to face my death, but my two friends had put sense on me. Now, here I am restarting a new life like a child learning and being aided how to walk, " he calmly spoke. " I guess we have a long way to recuperate and regain a better life than we had before. "

" I'm so sorry to hear that, " Valeera sadly sighed and replied. " For the past few days, I have heard of your conversation with your two children from the eluvian and I knew what's it like to worry about you and their mother. You are indeed a good father to them. Also, my uncle and my friends had seen what happened to you in prison. I know you will recover from your injuries. "

" Danke, fraulein. "

" I'm sorry. No father should've went through that. I pray you'll be able to move on from the past, " Vavrinec sincerely said to Chirox.

" Same to you, mein freund. " he sincerely smiled and introduced himself, " My name's Chirox Ludwig Friedrich. You must be? "

" Vavrinec Svoboda. It's good to meet you, " he answered.

" Valeera Graveheart, my dear sire. A pleasure to meet you, Mister Friedrich, " she also introduced.

" It's pleasure to meet you as well, Herr Svoboda and Fraulein Graveheart, " Chirox answered and warmly smiled.

" Dzękuju (Thank you). It's good to meet you as well." Vavrinec gratefully said.

" Bitte. I do wish to ask you three, " Chirox asked, looking at Amnon, Valeera, and Vavrinec.

" What is it? " Vavrinec curiously asked.

" I just heard the discussion from the medical staff and my physical therapists. Monoceros Keep General Hospital will be no longer supported by the Foranean Government in the next year, " Chirox replied and queried with concern. " Is this true? "

" That I do not know, " Valeera spoke.

" I just heard the news two days ago, " Amnon sadly sighed. " Docteur McCoy has been in-talks and meetings lately to keep the hospital running. The government will focus on the election and some military funding for future wars in the Crenate Empire. Everyone here is concerned about this. "

" Heavens! "

" Oui, Healthcare is also important aside from anything else, but our hospital needs to be in operation despite any circumstances. "

" This could be part of the vision Father Agapov saw, " Vavrinec mentioned.

" Wait, Father Agapov, who is he? " Chirox curiously asked.

" He's the elven Ouranist priest from Akrovia who got assigned here in this country for a long time, " Amnon replied.

" Is that priest, a prophet? "

" Yes, Chirox, " the lady paladin knight nodded.

" What did he say? "

" He told me he saw his loyal aid, the Blue Knight and his allies confronting madmen in a festival. It'll be more difficult battle than any other. Days after the terror, a mad leader will rise and send the people from the north to attack this country. He finish off by saying 'indeed, darkness will fall into this country, " Vavrinec repeated what Fathee Agapov said.

" Verdammt..." the Chergarian burn survivor muttered and sighed. " They really don't stop, do they? "

" I'm afraid not, " Vavrinec sternly said.

" Eti idioty ne uspokoyatsya, poka ne poluchat to, chego deystvitel'no khotyat. (Those idiots won't get satisfied until they get what they really want.) " the general practitioner sternly muttered in Luski.

" Amnon, are you alright? " Valeera asked him with a concern.

" Nyet, Nón, " he heavily sighed. " It's nothing, Valeera. "

" What must we do? " Vavrinec asked.

" I wish to meet Father Agapov in person. I'm seeking answers for this, " Chirox replied.

" Definitely, we need to fight if this happens, " Valeera added." And Doctor Montmartre needs to help and find his way to save the hospital from losing. "

" As much as I can, but everyone here plans to go on strike if it happens, " Amnon replied.

" I've just been recruited into the Paladin Knights. I still need more training and learn a type of magic, " Vavrinec said to Valeera and Amnon.

" Well, if we can bring you to the Dread Wolves Tribe Village, " the doctor answered and turned to Valeera. " Do you think he's ready? "

" I think so, " she nodded.

" Well, this is something to do with magical abilities, " Valeera spoke. " Your mana needs to be unleashed. "

" I'll be trained in magic usage? " Vavrinec curiously asked, becoming puzzled at the physician and lady paladin knight.

" More like a discovery and usage. "

Vavrinec nodded at Valeera, " Dobré (Good). I could some extra utility. "

" Very well, Vavrinec, " she nodded.

[Monoceros Keep General Hospital's ICU Area: 4:28 PM, 21st of Before Witching, Year 426]

Ivo was on the lounge area and brought a basket of apples to the older Friedrichs after he helped Phinehas harvested from his tree. As he could remember, they were the last batch of fruits before snowfall would come anytime soon. A familiar blue haired elven nurse in turquoise scrubs left the room as he recognised her.

" Excusez-moi Madame. Je suis ici pour voir un de mes amis. (Excuse me, ma'am. I'm here to see a friend of mine.), " Ivo politely said to the nurse.

" Bonjour, Ivo! " Sophia greeted her boyfriend. " Docteur Amnon just finished his physical assessment to monsieur Friedrich. You might want to see..."

Ivo picked up a piece of apple and brought her a bunch of pink roses to his girlfriend, giving them to her. Sophia got surprised as she smiled. She never expected him to do it.

" These roses and the apple are for you, Sophia, " Ivo smiled back at her girlfriend.

" Sacrè bleue! You always surprise me, Ivo! How thoughtful you are! " she exclaimed in surprise and received them, kissing his cheeks. " Merci beaucoup, mon chèrie! "

Ivo kissed his girlfriend on cheeks before smiling, " De rien (You're welcome). How's work? "

" I'm assigned to the ICU ward for the meantime and very busy. How about you? " she asked.

" Good, I was assisting the Dread Wolves with their apple harvest and finishing up projects at the workshop, " he answered.

" I just heard from Jesse and Christopher that you will be studying very soon, oui? I hope everything goes well with you, " the elven nurse said and smiled.

" Danke, I'm really excited to begin my studies! " the ginger haired blacksmith and mechanic happily said.

" I know you can do it! " she cheered. " Continuez comme ça! (Keep it up!) "

Ivo smiled at his girlfriend, " Je vais. (I will.) "

Sophia nodded at her boyfriend, checked her watch, and sighed, " Je dois voir le patient dans la chambre 2033. C'est dommage que nous n'ayons pas beaucoup de temps pour parler plus longtemps. Je mangerai ma pomme lors de ma prochaine pause. Merci pour les roses. (I need to see the patient at room 2033. It's too bad we haven't got much time to talk longer. I'll eat my apple on my next break. Thanks for the roses.) "

" Oui, moi aussi. Je vous verrai après votre quart de travail. Je pourrais vous faire visiter la tribu des Loups d'Effroi si vous le souhaitez (I'll see you after your shift. I could show you around in the Dread Wolves tribe if you want). " Ivo smiled at his girlfriend.

" Merveilleuse! (Wonderful!) " she happily exclaimed. " Bien sûr, je te verrai plus tard! (Sure, I'll see you later!) "

" À plus tard (I'll see you later). " he cheerfully said before kissing Sophia on the cheek.

She blushed and kissed him back on the cheek. The blue haired elven nurse held her bunch of flowers and apple, waving her hand and going to the nurse's station. Ivo waved and smiled her back. Then, he went to room 2030 and gently knocked on the door.

" Qui est-ce? (Who is it?) " a familiar male voice asked. " Ivo, c'est toi? (Ivo, is that you?) "

" Ja, mein freund, " Ivo answered.

The door was opened which it revealed to be Amnon. The Akrovian-Foranean doctor greeted and chuckled, " Bonjour, mon frère. Chirox happened to be calling you, not me! "

" Hallo, Ivo! " the bandaged patient happily greeted. " You're just in time to see me! Ja? "

" Chi has been very talkative these days! It was just his counselors asked him to do some interaction and journaling about his daily life yesterday, " Angela said and chuckled. " Then, he asked Jèrèmie and the other officer to stroll him around the place. Chi has been talking with the other patients and the medical staff. " Then, she turned to Amnon and said, " My apologies, about my husband, Herr Doktor. "

" No, it's okay, Angela, " Amnon laughed." It's nice to hear of his progress! I'm sure he can quickly recover! "

" Merci, Herr Doktor! It's just I'm getting so bored being bedridden. I deserve to do some strolling around with my wheelchair, having some fresh air, and meeting other people! Soon, I will walk around in no time! " Chirox joked. " I'll see my children one day! "

" These are great signs of recovery, Chirox. I'm glad you're feeling much better, " Ivo happily said.

" There is one challenge which I haven't done yet, " the patient reminded. " How to get out of this bed by myself! "

" Chirox, you might fall down! " Angela gasped in shock and saw her husband attempting to sit up and move his legs out of the bed.

" You have your physical therapy session tomorrow, Chirox! " Amnon reminded. " Please don't..."

" I'm fine! No worries! "

Chirox eagerly placed his feet on the floor and attempted to mobilise himself out of the bed. He seemed to be very wobbly in standing up. Amnon, Angela, and Ivo got surprised to see him slowly stepping, like a baby who was attempting to walk. Suddenly, he got tripped and fell down, losing his balance.

" Owww! Verdammt, ich habe es fast geschafft! (Damn, I'm almost there!) " he moaned in pain.

" Chirox! Are you okay?! " Ivo yelled in concern.

" I'm fine! Even it hurts! " he loudly laughed.

Amnon, Angela, and Ivo helped Chirox to return to his bed. The eager patient instantly lied down and sighed in comfort.

" You still need to wait until tomorrow for your physical exercises, monsieur Friedrich. " the general practitioner heavily sighed.

" At least, he tried on the bright side, " his blonde wife smiled and kissed him.

" Danke, meine Liebe. " he grinned, kissed her back, and turned to Amnon and Ivo. " Danke, mein freunden. I'll do this tomorrow. I really want to walk and not to be dependent on the wheelchair, like I used to. "

" It's okay, mein freund. But you can't rush the process of physical therapy. I don't want to see you getting hurt again, " Ivo said with concern.

" Ja, Danke, Ivo, " Chirox nodded and turned to the basket of apples. He sat instantly like a child seeing candies. " Himmel! (Heavens!) I didn't expect! Danke! "

" Bitte (You're welcome). I assisted the Dread Wolves Tribe in harvesting apples before snowfall begins. I thought you and your wife would like to have a few, " Ivo gratefully said.

" Ivo, that's very thoughtful of them, Danke! We'd really like to thank them, " Angela replied. " We have been seeing and talking to Dina and Otto almost everyday and everynight using the magic mirror. What is it called? "

" Eluvian, " Amnon instantly answered.

" Ah, right! I'll take note of that name, Eluvian. "

" I'm glad they are doing well and enjoying their time there. I wish I can go to that village, " Chirox sincerely spoke and changed his topic. " Anyway, it seems you and Herr Doktor have something to ask. "

Ivo sighed before speaking to Chirox and said, " Back when you were part of the Ordrè de Damocles. Did you know any Tallish mercenaries? Specifically, a man named Sigurd Nystrom? "

" We heard him from Inspecteur Sauveterre, last night, " Amnon added.

Chirox and Angela shared glances as they heard the name of that person. The injured patient implyingly nodded at his wife. The blonde woman heavily sighed and sadly admitted, " That happened to be my older half brother from Tallemark. My father, his stepfather, married my mother five years after her first husband passed away. She and my brother moved to Harhaan, Chergaria. He was nine years old when I was born. Sigurd and I grew up together. He was a good brother, but something changed him. My brother wanted to return to Taliasjarl and live indepently, but my parents forbade him to do so. Sigurd got mad and argued with them. Then, he ran away from home. I didn't see him in ages until I married Chirox. "

" I'm afraid that's not the half-brother you once knew. We believe Sigurd is a leader of a group of berserker mercenaries who working for a mad man named Kasius Tucker, " Ivo sadly said to Angela.

" Was?! (What?) How is that possible?! " she gasped in shock.

" Angela, I'm sorry. I had heard some Tallish terrorist groups when I was in Ordrè de Damocles, " Chirox replied and recalled. " We were supposed to encounter and wage war against them, but Doktor Günther and Kasius Tucker needed these groups for some reasons. Moreau and my group refused to be associated with them. "

" How and why did he join the terrorist group? "

" It might be a rebel group who wants to overthrow Clan Talia and commits a series of crimes in his country and across Iliad, " Amnon theorised. " Someone recruited him at a younger age as he wanted to be independent from your family. "

" Meine Götter! Sigurd, warum?! (My Gods! Sigurd, why?!) "she wept and tremblingly spoke.

" Liebling, wir bitten um Hilfe, um deinen Bruder aufzuhalten. Er wird seine Gerechtigkeit bekommen und eines Tages erlöst werden. (Love, we'll ask help to stop your brother. He'll get his justice and be redeemed someday.) " Chirox assured and gently cupped his wife's teary face, wiping it using his cloth and hugging her.

" I'm sorry for bringing you this heartbreaking about your brother. We'll make sure he's brought to justice, " Ivo said to Angela.

" I don't know if I can forgive him. It's too painful. All those years..." Angela sadly spoke.

" Liebling, I was once a criminal, but you have forgiven and loved me as the man you married and cherished, " Chirox sincerely replied and held his wife's hand. " I understand why you can't forgive him, but only the Heavenly Hosts can tell and ask us to remove our past grudges. He'll be redeemed just like me."

" Perhaps your brother can be redeemed. But his condition is incurable, " Ivo sadly said.

" Why? " she asked.

" We believe he recently became a werewolf, " Ivo revealed.

" Was?! (What?!) " she gasped in shock.

" Ivo, Herr Doktor, " the injured and burned patient called the two and disclosed. " Kasius Tucker is an associate of Doktor Mutran Günther. They have been collaborating experiments to the Umbral Cultists and some victims. I used to be a candidate and refused since I worked with Moreau. "

" H-How?! W-Why?! " Amnon stuttered and bewildered.

" You knew Tucker, Herr Doktor? "

" Oui, Chirox. He used to be my former classmate in Odyssea Academy and got expelled from his insane acts. "

" Sigurd must have been an experiment from them, too, " Chirox deduced. " Even his group is not involved with the Umbral Cult from the beginning, then they may be included now. They can be worse than before. "

" Tucker mutated two people into animal hybrids. Dr. Victor Messier and a tiefling named Janusz Kowalski. He want to create a species of humanoid animals believing it could end diseases and disabilities. But resulted in him getting corrupted and driven mad by Umbral magic, " Ivo explained.

" You saw and hear the ritual, didn't you? " Amnon asked.

" Ja, " Chirox nodded. " They chanted a prayer to both Xiven and Damocles. They took blood and any sample from every races and animals. With that, they used a combination of Umbral magic and mutation, summoning the gods, combining the substances, and making their victims into an abomination. "

" My younger brother, Pierre's girlfriend was kidnapped by Sigurd and his berserker werewolves. She might be next if we don't save her soon, " Ivo sadly said to Chirox.

" There's one way that we need to deal with, " Chirox seriously replied. " We need the victims to testify and reveal their story into the public. "

" Do you think their lives will be in great danger if they will do that? " Amnon asked with concern.

" You're also a mage, Herr Doktor. You studied at a school on the clouds and knew that this is a forbidden skill. This needs to be disclosed, since this is also a serious crime. We need to take the initiative and get their voices be heard. "

" Right, I guess. We shall bring them to you, " he relented.

" Dr. Messier and Janusz are not doing well mentally. They're depressed because of how they look now. It'll be difficult to convince them to testify, " Ivo said with concern.

" We have to convinced them, " Amnon replied. " I visited Docteur Messier a few days ago. He is willing to testify. But Janusz, he needs to recover until he's ready. "

" Janusz's self-confidence and self-esteem is deteriorating fast. We need to find a way to cheer him up and convince him to testify. "

" I need to talk to them as soon as possible, " Chirox seriously spoke. " I don't want them to be ignored by anyone else. "

" We'll try our best to get them here. Maybe we could find more victims as well who are willing to testify too," Ivo said to Chirox.

" I think the Eluvian from the Dread Wolves Tribe will do. Then, I need to write down of their experiences, " the injured patient spoke and tried to reach the mirror. " I think I should get..."

" Nein, Chi, " Angela parted from him and took the mirror to him.

" Danke, liebling. "

Chirox took his pen and journal and gestured Amnon and Ivo.

" Remember, Chirox. Focus on who you need to speak, but you will be having headaches afterwards, " the general practitioner reminded.

" I'll keep that in mind, Herr Doktor. "

Chirox kept looking at the mirror and focused on someone to speak to. He started to feel migraines and slightly moaned, but he saw his reflection began to move like waves or ripples. Suddenly, he heard a male voice speaking in Hevion. Amnon knew who it was and turned to Ivo and Chirox. An image of a tiefling-raccoon hybrid appeared and got startled to see three men from the other side.

" What?! Who are you?! " Janusz nervously said.

" Bonjour. Janusz, it's me, Amnon. " Amnon replied and smiled. " My brother and I are with my patient right now. He needs to speak to you. We want to ask how are you doing? "

" Oh, I thought you were intruders or Umbral Cultists talking to me. Why does your patient want to talk to me? " Janusz curiously asked.

" It's really important. He's a former Umbral Cultist turned police asset and informant, " the Akrovian-Foranean general practitioner answered. " He wants to know what happened to you. "

" No, I won't. Why do you want me to talk about that horrible moment again?! I don't want to relive it! " Janusz yelled with sadness.

Then, he gestured Chirox to come over. For Janusz, he appeared to be a bandaged man suffering from third to fourth degree burns.

" Look, mein freund. I had been there, " Chirox calmly spoke. " I know what it's like to experience that way. I had an Umbral branding which could kill me and I got burned by them in prison. We have the same people who tortured us. You're not the only who lived that way. I'm here to help. "

" I want to forget what happened to me. It's hard to live with looking like an animal. I feel like Mother Photis abandoned me, " Janusz sadly said to Chirox and wept.

" Nein, that's not true. She listens and watches to us, " Chirox answered. " I have Doktor Montmartre, Ivo, and my wife with me. The Great Mother uses people to help us. That's why we are still alive. "

" Then why she couldn't restored my true appearance? Why couldn't she?! " Janusz said with doubt.

" Can I ask you something, mein freund? Where are you staying right now? Who sent you there? "

" I'm staying at the Dread Wolves Village. A man named Matthijs found me at the hospital garden. He convinced me to see Amnon before sending us there, " Janusz answered.

" See? If Mama Photis abandons us, we should have been dead by now. The most important thing here is She sends people to help. We are still alive today, thanks to Her. "

Janusz sadly nodded, " You're right. "

" We are still alive, but we need to act and make our voices heard that our enemies are out there, " Chirox seriously explained. " If no one hears us, how can we fight back? How are we going to live with our loved ones or friends if we are suffering from them? Think about it. "

Amnon, Ivo, and Angela shared glances and heard of the ICU patient's brave statement. Janusz heard a bold and thought provoking question which Chirox had left him.

" How do you tell what happened to me stop those Umbral cultists? " Janusz asked and wiped his tears from his eyes.,

" Well, I do, " he proudly grinned and pointed at his chest using index finger. " I am not afraid of those sick bastards anymore, because I have the right people who help me. I'm just returning the favor to them and willing to overthrow those dummkopfen in my own way. Now, I fully understand of being a 'Key to Resistance' which Frau Anaedaere calls me. I'm doing this in order to help my family and everyone including former Umbral Cultists and victims. You should think of the same thing too. Now, in a mathematical sense, how can you find the missing values of a challenging equation or getting the right code to cypher if you're having too much hindrances? In my case, beat the odds and find the value. "

Janusz hesitantly sighed and nodded, " Okay, I'll help you. "

" Güt! Wunderbar, mein freund! "Chirox cheered and nervously chuckled. " Oh, and, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Chirox Ludwig Horowitz-Friedrich, a former Heer Hauptmann, mathematician and telecommunications engineer. And you must be? "

" Janusz Kowalski, " the tiefling-raccoon hybrid answered.

" Well, Herr Kowalski. Are you permitting me to give your testimony which I will document on my end? "

Janusz nodded at the Chergarian patient, " Yes, I am. "

" Can you tell me of your story then? "

" My parents were part of the Odrè de Damocles before leaving after seeing all the horrible things they've done. The Ordrè retaliated by killing my mother and the rest of my family were spared. Few years later, I attended and graduated from Odyssea Academy to become a mage or scientist of some kind. I researched and created a new type of magic that is neither Umbral or Ice to be use to fight against all forms of Umbral magic. The Odrè heard about this and retaliated by sending those Tallish berserker mercenaries to kidnapped me. After I was captured, Tucker came to my cell with a mad smile holding a animal in his hand that he plan to mutate me into. A raccoon. Few days later, I witnessed the ritual Tucker performed on me and was turned into a Tiefling-Raccoon hybrid. He considered me a failure and I weakly attacked him before escaping. I ran until stopping at the hospital where Matthijs found me. You know the rest from there, " Janusz thoroughly explained.

Chirox heavily sighed and wrote the statement as Angela, Amnon, and Ivo listened to the hybrid from the other side of the mirror.

" I'm sorry, I didn't know of these..." Amnon sadly spoke to his fellow alumnus. " You should have told me this before, but I understood why you were ashamed of this. "

" We understood of your hesitation and we are ashamed of it, " Ivo sincerely chimed in. " I was part of the Umbral Cult too, Janusz. Chirox and I have been long time friends in the Heer. In the Ordrè, he worked as an assassin while I was a spy. Then, we ended up to be in the same group and had done the same mistakes. We were both convinced and deceived. Joining the cult is one step closer to our deaths, but I also got redeemed and cured when Amnon found me on his doorstep. Like Chirox said, 'You're not the only one who lived that way.' "

Janusz sadly nodded, " Thank you for the kind words and understanding. "

" Janusz, Even I'm busy with my other patients, I'll ask someone for help in developing the cure for the mutated ones until you return to normality. Remember this, we're all here for you, " Amnon added.

" Dziękuję (Thank you), Amnon. " Janusz gratefully said.

" Dè rien. Pozhaluysta. (You're welcome.) " the Akrovian-Foranean general practitioner replied and smiled.

" Danke, Herr Kowalski, " Chirox sighed and sincerely smiled, finished writing. " Your testimony will be sent to Herr Inspektor Sauveterre. It will be useful for this investigation. "

" You're welcome. I just want the chaos and terror of the Umbrals Cults to end, " Janusz said to Chirox.

" We're all in the same shoes, mein freund. " the Chergarian patient assured. " With Mama Photis and Her Siblings' guidance, we will defend ourselves and this country together. "

" Perhaps my experimental magic could assist in that, " Janusz suggested.

" Très bien, Janusz! Now, it's time for the mages of Odyssea Academy to fight back, " Amnon smiled.

[Dread Wolves Tribe Village: 6:30 PM]

Vavrinec had come along with Valeera when they saw a community of humans, elves, and other races in the village. He reminded it as the town back in Syrvania where he grew up. He sighed in nostalgia when he heard some conversations of people.

" This village bring back memories from my childhood, " Vavrinec commented.

" Nostalgia, isn't it? " she smiled.

He nodded at Valeera, " Ano (Yes)."

" Do you still know where your family is right now? I'm sorry if I ask you that. "

" My father was killed by Hettic soldiers when I was a child. My mother and siblings left our hometown of Vanterhaal to Pansk." Vavrinec heavily sighed. "I should've brought them to Foranea or another country."

" I'm sorry to hear that, " she sighed.

He sadly nodded, " I appreciate it. "

" Although your country has won from the war, " Valeera replied. " You decided to stay here? I will respect your decision if that is the case. "

Just then, they had reached into the tribe elder's tent. Vavrinec was curiously tilting his head when he saw dark haired elven woman in a long red gown with golden trimmings. She smiled at them.

" I can't return to Syrvania. I'll be arrested for deserting by the army, " Vavrinec said to Valeera.

" I hope you can reunite with them very soon, " she answered.

" Valeera, welcome home. Is he your new friend? " the elven tribe elder and leader asked.

" Yes, grandmother, " Valeera nodded.

" Introduce yourself, young man. "

" Vavrinec Svoboda. Who are you? " he curiously asked after introducing himself to her.

" Merrill Anaedaere, I can sense you have seen death and despair. Is that correct? " the tribe elder asked musingly.

He nodded at Merrill, " Ano (Yes), it is. "

" Come inside, young man, " she gestured.

Vavrinec entered the tribe elder's tent and removed his shoes. Valeera did the same thing when she joined her grandmother. The Syrvanian Paladin Knight grew curious in seeing books of spells, potions, scrolls, and other things which he had never seen them before.

" Have you eaten supper, Mister Svoboda? " Merrill asked him.

Vavrinec sook his head, " I haven't, ma'am. "

" You may eat later after this session. Is it alright with you? "

" It's fine with me. Dzękuju (Thank you). "

" So, how can I help? "

" Valeera here said you could teach on how to wield magic, " Vavrinec answered.

" Yes, my granddaughter has sensed your unlocked energy from your own leyline and mana. Your family has been ashamed to use it, I take it? "

Vavrinec heavily sighed, " Ano (Yes). My parents has harnessed and used Void magic. But it resulted in them being discriminated against."

" I presume this is from centuries ago during the Divine War, I take it? "

" Correct. "

" I see. Have you ever told this to the young doctor lately? "

" No, ma'am I haven't. " Vavrinec said.

" I see, " she nodded. " He would have electrocuted you to sleep and help you untap it. Now, I have to do it in a different way. "

" How so? It ain't going to hurt right? " Vavrinec curiously asked.

" It's not going to hurt, but you will just drink this potion I have formulated which you will end up in deep sleep."

" Very well. Let's get started. "

Merrill stood up and took out a small clear flask with a violet liquid. She gave it to Vavrinec and turned to her grandaughter. Valeera curiously tilted her head and patiently anticipated for him to drink it. Vavrinec opened up the flask before slowly taking a sip from it.

In a couple of minutes, he started to close his eyes and feel drowsy as he fell down from his seat. Valeera and Merrill quickly aided to carry the sleeping one into the hammock. They waited for him to wake up.

Vavrinec instantly opened his eyes and moved his head around, realising he was back at a Syrvanian Army camp in Hetland. He ended up under observation by the medics and overheard about the conversation about Skolgva incident from some fellow injured and bedridden soldiers.

" Vavrinec..." a fellow injured soldier called his name and terrifyingly spoke. " Vavrinec...I swear, I don't want to go into that fog anymore! Vasil just lost himself in seeing those dire things out there! You don't want to see them, either! "

" What you mean dire things? " Vavrinec said in confusion.

" T-That fog which surrounds S-Skolgva...There's something wrong! H-Hollowed people are increasing in number! "

" Calm down. Explain what happened. What you mean hollowed people? " Vavrinec asked.

" Corpses of deceased Hettic soldiers and even ours, " he replied. " They are everywhere and there's no turning back if you get into the fog! They attack our garrison! "

" Should we warn our commanding officers? We'll need reinforcements then, " Vavrinec suggested.

" Whatever they are, this is under investigation. Someone will raise this to another group who can escalate the situation, " the fellow soldier said. " We will be assigned not in Skolgva, but somewhere in St. Lyvan. "

" Why St. Lyvan? Something need to be done in Skolgva. Does no one care about fellow comrades dying or being injured by this fog? " Vavrinec said with frustration.

" Look, Vavrinec, our men didn't dare to go there anymore. Those Hollowed men could easily take you away into the fog. It's a 'point of no return'. "

Hearing the conversations aside from his companion, his hands began to spark out a strange energy. He instantly slapped his right hand, controlling it. Just then, he saw a dying combat medic who was lying on reclining stretcher and being placed into the bed.

" Is that one of our medics? " Vavrinec asked with concern.

" Ano. (Yes.) She was being dragged into the fog by the Hollowed men, but she was able to get out. She got herself slashed into her torso, " he replied.

Vavrinec instantly stood up from the bed and started to walk around. For him, this dream was too nostalgic which he had been to Hetland before. He moved his head to and fro, seeing those victims from the Hollowed Men.

" This is horrendous, " Vavrinec said in disbelief as he saw the countless victims of the fog.

He heavily sighed when a cloaked woman stood behind him. She approached him and calmly said, " No one knows where it comes from, Vavrinec. "

" Who are you? What do you want from me?! " he raised his voice in suspicion.

The cloaked woman revealed to be his female ancestor with a dark hair and velvet irises in her eyes. She gave him a slight smile and sighed in relief. She was wearing a long white dress with black trimmings and ribbon on her chest.

" Are you a long lost relative of mine? " Vavrinec curiously asked.

" Ano, jmenuji se Liliana Nòvakòva. Čarodějka energie prázdnoty. (Yes, my name's Liliana Nòvakòva. Wizardress of the Void Energy.) " she introduced herself to her descendant. " It seems you're within your dream in relation to your actual memories. You are pretty concerned with the incident in Skolgva. "

" I am worried. Countless of people killed and turned into creatures by a mysterious fog with no trace. I also didn't expect to meet one of my ancestors in a dream, " Vavrinec explained.

" I want you to know that we are not responsible for that fog, " she answered.

" Then, who is behind it? " he asked Liliana with concern.

" I'm afraid they may be our enemies from a long time ago, " Liliana theorised and heavily sighed. " I am not pretty sure who. "

" Could it be the Umbral cultists? " Vavrinec theorized.

" Maybe or maybe not, " she replied and gestured her descendant to come with her.

The void wizardess gestured him to leave the medical tent and followed her. She walked around the forest and stopped at the cedar tree which he looked at her. Liliana took a deep inhale and exhale.

" Vavrinec, it's about time to unleash the gift which it was supposed to be practised and enhanced for centuries, " she said.

" You're talking about Void magic are you? Why was it discriminated against? " Vavrinec curiously asked.

" Our family has been labelled as Umbral believers in my days during the Divine War. The townspeople and their knights wanted to hunt us along with the other mages, " Liliana explained. " You have totally understood as a soldier that we cannot practice magic at combat. "

" I do. But how is Void magic not Umbral? My father told me it's a subtype of gravity and space-time magic. The power from the Ouranists themselves, " he asked.

" Now, you have understood the essence of the void light, " she smiled and casted a spell which her void energy channeled in her both hands. Liliana levitated the rocks and some small plants being uprooted as she demonstrated.

" It's extraordinary! How will I able to wield this Void magic? " Vavrinec asked his ancestor.

" I saw sparks of the void magic coming from your hands a while ago while you were talking to a fellow soldier. It was very weak, but soon enough you will be able to harness it. "

" Will I be able to control it? "

" Well, it will take time to control it. Now, try, " she mused.

Vavrinec put his hand out and concentrate on harnessing the Void Magic. Then, he started to form an orb of void light which you levitated the rocks and small plants and trees. He got surprised in seeing the animals being howevered a few feet from the ground.

" I finally got the hang of it! This is extraordinary! " Vavrinec exclaimed and smiled with happiness as he was able to harness the Void Magic.

" You have been a soldier for a long time, Vavrinec. Perhaps, you'll be able to control this magic, " Liliana warmly smiled back at her descendant.

" With enough concentration and training I could, " Vavrinec said before giving his ancestor a warm smile.

" Perhaps, you should give it a try into that tree over there, but be careful not to touch the fog, " she pointed the tree near the camp.

Vavrinec concentrated and casted a orb that create a wall of burning Void Light. He created a wall that surrounded the camp when everyone noticed it, however, it would cause a tremendous fire.

" Ne! Ohen by mohl tábor cely zničht! (No! The fire could destroy the entire camp!) " he yelled with concern.

" Then, perhaps, you can warp it, " she reminded.

Vavrinec slowly manipulated the burning Void Light to make it controllable and moved it away from the camp. The void light gradually subsided and until it disappeared. Everyone became intrigued about the sudden anomaly aside from the fog.

He sighed in relief, " Bohudíky! (Thank goodness!) "

" Povedlo se ti to, úžasné! (You did it, amazing!) " she cheered. " At least, you know to do it, but it will take time to master and control. "

" Dzękuju (Thank you), Liliana, " Vavrinec gratefully said.

" Nemáš zač, Vavřinec. (You're welcome, Vavrinec.) " she sincerely smiled and hugged her descendant. " You may not engage in the siege of Skolgva or any of those missions against the Hettic Army, but you will be using those spells in your future fights wherever you are right now. Understood? "

Vavrinec nodded at his ancestor, " Rozuměl (Understood). "

" Hodně štěstí ve vašem úsilí. (Good luck with your efforts.) "

Vavrinec's void magic warped into his disappearance from the Syrvanian Army camp somewhere in Hetland. Instantly, he opened his eyes and enveloped himself with void energy as Merrill and Valeera observed him.

" Vavrinec, how is it? " the blonde lady paladin knight intriguingly asked.

" It was confusion and odd at first. I was brought back to the siege of Skolgva. I met my former comrades. Then I saw my ancestor, Liliana Nòvakòva, " Vavrinec explained to Valeera.

" It must be a dream, " she replied and turned to her grandmother. " Is that right? "

" Yes, it is, " Merrill nodded. " You might be curious and still remembering those past events, Vavrinec. That had unleashed your true magical ability. "

" Liliana Nòvakòva? "

" I have heard of her name, Valeera. She's a human mage in Syrvania who could wield and casted out void magic spells. Infact, this man is her direct descendant. "

" Liliana said our family was labeled as Umbral believers back in the days of the Divine War. The townspeople and knights wanted to hunt us down along with other mages, " he explained, ceased his void magic, and sat up.

" That was her downside of her story, " Merrill replied. " When my tribe travelled across Iliad, we met Liliana and her family upon our visit in Syrvania. She sought refuge into the tribe since she and her family had been hiding from the angry townspeople and some mage-hunting knights. We welcomed her and her fellows for a while. Then, she moved out to Vanterhaal and crossed the Pordski mountains. From then on to the Hettic Army invaded your country, your entire family lived peacefully in a simple town. I believe you have hailed from the Goroly Tribe, Vavrinec. "

" I believe I do. My parents didn't told me much about our ancestry. Probably ashamed of the Void Magic? I'm not sure, " Vavrinec theorized.

Merrill sighed and nodded, " I see. "

She stood up and went to chest, looking for correspondences to her. Then, she found a wooden box consisting of letters from Liliana and handed to the Syrvanian Paladin Knight.

" I believe these are from your ancestor. You deserve to know everything from her. "

Vavrinec nodded at Merrill and received it, " You're right I do. But I'm ain't sure where to start gathering information on Liliana."

" You can read her letters to me, besides I have already read them. She also wrote some scrolls about Void Magic. You can learn from them. "

He sincerely smiled at Merrill, " Dzękuju, I appreciate it. "

" Nemàš zač, " the village elder warmly smiled back at him.

(OCs with BjornGamR27 and Knightfall077)

(RP with BjornGamR27 )