Troubles of That Which Rule the Summit of Power

They say home is not a place but the feeling of warmth, security, and familiarity the people would bring. Totally different from the one I used to return to when I was just that typical noble lady. The Klein Estate back then would always feel empty, always quiet and everything would already be planned out. My father and brothers care for me to an extent for I was the only lady after my mother died, but I also know they care about appearances and our businesses more than anything else.

"We're family, aren't we?"

Now that I got to this position, they would often get me to handle certain things using that same tiresome line again and again, expecting me to just nod and agree to whatever they say. I got to the point it became so troublesome that I cut ties with them not because I don't care, just because I wanted to be left alone. I've always held my composure and 'kind lady' act in front of them all my life that at that moment they used that line again, I decided it was time to give myself some space. It's probably the reason why my ability is spatial manipulation in the first place.

The second home I've been to was the Academy where people began to see me not as someone who came from a powerful household, but as the rank seventh. I thought things would only get better from there, especially after I actually had real friends for once. My memories in the Academy with those two were certainly one of the best times of my life. But now I could only reminisce the times where I don't have to think about wars and strategies.

After so many years, this is probably the  only place I'd ever consider as a home. The last and the final. Everything here is comfortable, it'd get that way eventually after many years of staying here. Especially with the smell of smoke and metals blaring themselves through those almost empty halls except for a few soldiers on their usual patrols, though despite that emptiness, everything was noisy.

From early morning to midnight, that deafening sound of the workers doing their tasks with strange mechanisms here and there would do their utmost best in making sure none could ever sleep, as well as the clamours of heavily-fired artillery prototypes that would ring throughout the entire Avian Zone.

Well, it'd be strange if things around here aren't making any sort of noise, otherwise I would have ruled the place was under attack. Certainly, nobody would dare. The Avian Zone covers the entire territory of East. After half of Magnus drowned into the deepest of the ocean many years ago, what left of once productive and big country were the Eastern and Southern Territories.

Both Territories were already long comprised by my army, and the easiest thing is that after Magnus fell, the Saints had each fled. While we leave citizens to their own business, Magnus had stayed as a Military Country for over how many years even now. I built a large military garrison here in the East which could rival en entire city. However, the Avian Zone is different. It's similar to a Command Post where the main HQ is located but at the same time, it's also a facility only those with permission can get inside.

Not that anyone can sneak in when the Zone is exactly floating above the skies of Magnus. Avian Zone is a giant aircraft covered by the thick dense of smoke coming from the large pipes from underneath the aircraft that nobody could see it. The aircraft, of course, isn't completely done yet that it only ever stayed above Magnus.

I was the one who proposed and designed the outline plans for the Avian Project many years ago when I was just starting off as President of such a large army. Considering the damage we could deal using this, the idea of a giant air-based military headquarter that could house literally a city of armaments tempted me into making the project possible. However, Titania convinced me to halt the Avian Project and pooled all our military resources into building Acnolgíum that the project never came to be.

It was only five years ago after the success of Acnolgíum that I managed to direct the resources for a massive aircraft. Titania never said a thing about it, not that she particularly cared about the project but it was better than her telling me again to halt it. Plus, Titania is busy with her own World's Organization ordeals to deal with me. For five years, I had barely seen Titania visit me and even if she did, she would be gone days after.

It brought me think something is going on with the Organization for her to always look so stressed out, and then that she would often take it out on me. Pain never bothers me now, for over the course of years I had been under her abuses, it's not surprising really. I had made it my life goal to basically do the same to Titania someday. It's not that I couldn't, it's just not the right time I chose to endure all of her pain rather than retaliate.

All of my success these recent years had nothing to do with Titania, nor does she know what I'm truly capable of. She thinks I'm this same girl she had helped raised from the very beginning, always looking so weak and vulnerable. Hindi ko din naman siya masisisi. Inaamin ko na kumpara ngayon, walang-wala talaga ako noon. Sa sobrang hina ko ay wala akong magawa kundi umasa kay Titania at sa mga tao sa paligid ko.

Maraming bagay ang tinuro sa akin ni Titania, and she forced those lessons to me in a hard way that her teachings have been deep engraved inside me. But if there's one thing Titania taught me the best, it's the realization that my people are merely numbers. Numbers that I can give away. Numbers that I can offer. Numbers that keep multiplying every single day. Numbers that I can control.

From children that join for taining to adults who become proper soldiers, the Legion Army had grown so big that I could probably take over half of the world if I so wish for it. Pero wala akong planong bigyan ang sarili ko ng mas marami pang trabaho. Hindi ko pinipilit ang mga tao na sumali sa army, tanging marami mismo ang gustong sumali dahil sa buong mundo, tanging ang Magnus lang ang ligtas laban sa kumakalat na nether energy.

The surrounding countries are also under the Legion Army's rule hanggang sa tinawag nang parte ng Legion Empire ang ang lahat ng bansang sakop ng army. Doon namin nilalagay ang mga pamilya ng mga recruits. I made a law that no outsiders will enter my Empire unless one of their own family member will join the army. It was the reason why the L.A. had become so massive now.

Not only that, each soldier is injected by a lacrimal microchip after recruitment which are tiny bits of technology flowing within their blood. It would send a transmitter to the Avian System that would tell who had died in order for easier replacement. Especially how large the army is, nobody would probably notice if some soldier out there had already died without the microchip.

The Avian System is a supercomputer that basically tracks down those with the microchip. That way, my Generals are able to give commands easily. But it's not called a lacrimal microchip just because of that feature. It's also a way to absorb each soldier's excess spiritual energy that are being transported to the Avian System and from the System directly to the Source. This "Source" is a massive amount of stored energy that holds the Avian Zone hoisted up on the sky.

Tulad ng ng sinabi ko, hindi pa kompleto ang Avian Zone na hanggang ngayon ay hindi parin ito gumagalaw. Kulang pa ito ng sapat na enerhiya para lumipad sa kung saan saan kaya aabutin pa siguro ng dalawa o tatlong taon bago tuluyang magamit ang aircraft. Sa ngayon, ito ang magsisilbing Command Post ng buong Legion Army tsaka dito din ako namamalagi. Unless my enemies have a way to fly or magic that can break down the Zone's shield, this is the safest place anyone could ever live.

Tumayo ako mula sa inuupuan kong silya at nilagay ang mga kamay ko sa likod habang nakatingin sa pababang araw. The horizon spread in front of me, the slanting light rays glistening through the huge transparent wall where I stood behind. Buong araw na rin akong hindi nakalabas sa opisinang ito, pero kahit ni isa nitong nakalipas na limang taon, I have never missed the sight of sunset or sunrise. Looking at them somehow give me reprieve, as if such scenery is able to reset my mind and calm down these unnecessary turmoiling emotions inside me.

My Vanguards were able to take down the Coven last night, according to the reports they sent in this earlier morning. Mapapanatag na ako ngayong alam kong hindi na gagawa na kung ano pa ang Coven, maliban na lamang kung may mga nakatago pa silang myembro na gusto parin talagang kalabanin ang natitirang organisasyon.

Inaamin ko na nitong mga nakalipas na taon ay ang Coven talaga ang pinoproblema ko kaya isa-isa naming inatake ang mga branches nito. But someone out there had been helping us take that cult down. Then last night...I didn't actually think my Vanguards could really take down Coven's main HQ just like that. Although they were only there to finish things off, it was still an achievement. Matagal na naming pinaplanong patumbahin ang HQ ng Coven, hindi ko lang talaga inaasahan na may nakauna na at sa Legion Army lang napunta ang panalo.

I risk the lives of my people every single day. More than a hundred soldiers die in each and every battle my Generals order them to, which I had directly ordered my Generals. The chain of command is strong in my army, it's either they are loyal or doing this for the benefits of food, shelter, and money--whatever reason they may have, it doesn't matter because at the end of the day, sa akin parin susunod ang mga tauhan ko.

There are some who run away because of the traumas of the war and the difficulty in training as well as expectations. But where else could they possibly go? Those who defect are killed, their family exiled, and if they managed to escape still...then the microchip implanted will have no problem doing sucking their energy dry before the microchip itself electricute them. It might sound cruel, but my soldiers should have known what they signed up for from the start.

My Generals always ask me what I aim for, what my goal is. Of course I can't really tell anyone I'm planning to kill Titania when all my preparations are done. But before all of these began, before I became the Legion Empire's President, before I became all this powerful--I had that one goal. I only ever wanted to stand on the same platform as those two, that I didn't want to be left behind enough that I don't really know what to do now that I ruined everything.

For Andrea, it might have seemed like I helped Titania and Salem kill her, Andrea was there after all, she saw everything. But if I simply let her live and held myself back even knowing she couldn't generate energy, Titania might have had suspected my loyalty to her. I was loyal to that Fairy Queen because I had to survive, because there are still things I must do--that killing Titania is an even more important priority than that irrelevant 'friendship' we had.

I was blinded. I thought everything would be fine if the three of us actually work behind the shadows. That was the plan. We were supposed to be a team albeit the fact we always fought each other. We were supposed to be working hard to reach that platform where we could meet again. We were supposed to finish our own goals before our last battle together. I was the one who ruined all of those plans and Andrea must have hated me, she probably still does.

Looking back when I was just a teen, it wasn't my goal to have such a large army, it wasn't my goal to conquer countries, and it certainly wasn't my goal to kill Titania. I actually trusted that woman when I was just starting out. But my hatred grew for Titania so much that I didn't even hesitate sacrifice all those plans because I want to kill her, that nothing matters until I murder her with my own hands. That doesn't mean I'm not guilty though, only that my actions were necessary that I would do it again if I have to.

But she's still alive. We made it seem to the whole world that Legion Army managed to kill Caelesti of the Unknown, but even Titania knows she's still out there. Titania never really stopped looking for her all these years that it gave me so much time to hatch my moves, starting with the relics, then I'll just have to help the World's Organization set the things in motion before I actually start my own.

A sudden ring quickly dissolved my thoughts away like a drifting water flow as I turned around, directing my hand that wore a black glove to the wall. The white lines on my left hand that traced the gaps between my fingers turned purple, indicating an automatic activation as a holographic door appeared on the middle of the wall.

A woman then stepped inside, her straight poise and gentle elegance made me remember why she was the most suited as my secretary out of the rest of the possible ones. Nakasuot siya ng uniporme ng Legion Army, maliban na lang na hindi ito katulad ng suot ng mga sundalo. Battle soldiers wear their usual white full-body uniforms plated with dark platinum armours on the chest, elbows, and knees.

They also sometimes wear helmets that allow them to communicate with others and pinpoint target locations directed by the Avian System. Their gear uniforms also have technological features that only their fingerprints could access that they could still receive orders even when everything's a mess.

Administrative personnels who deal with information, equipments, assistance, and set things in motion behind the scenes often can be seen wearing a long black bishop long-sleeve with a well-tailored white collar that extended down the abdomen closed with laced buttons. The top is tucked in by a belt buckle that clasped around the waist, the sides attached downward by leather straps that connected to the white-fitted pants and ending with a pair of knee-high black combat boots.

And I myself wear a different set as privileged of being the Legion Empire's President. My uniform isn't all that different from administrative personnels, except that mine is more sophisticated in designs and have a long purple cape attached behind my left shoulder to the front of my right chest that covered my entire right arm. The only thing everyone wear the same is the Legion Army's insignia situated behind our specific uniforms and badges placed like a necklace around the collarbone.

Grisela had been a loyal secretary of mine for years now. She was one of the many victims who had been trying to run away from the Beast People four years ago after those animals conquered her hometown. She was from a fallen noble family De Veend  and had been fending off for herself since then. Her long white and silk-like hair and lilac eyes were an indication she was indeed from a noble household, if her gracefulness and intelligence aren't enough as a proof.

I was surveying the always-winter country called Winchestern that had recently fallen under the Legion Empire, when I found her. Matalino siya at mapagkatiwalaan, marami din siyang naitulong dito sa Avian Zone. Isa siya sa mga taong tumulong sa pag-program ng System at dahil sa kaniya, naitaas namin ang Avian Zone. Si Grisela ang tumulong sa akin sa pag-desinyo ng aircraft. Kulang nga lang ito sa enerhiya, pero kung wala siya ay hindi magiging posible ang Avian Project.

"Grisela," I called as the space where the door appeared closed behind her as soon as she entered. "What brings you here? If it's about the meeting with Duke Vastian from Phovaria, let them know I already have the records. I will meet him before seven this evening to discuss further developments."

Tumingin muna siya sa mga papeles na nakatambak sa ibabaw ng lamesa ko bago ibinalik sa akin ang atensyon nito at nagsalita. "I have come to announce that the Legion Vanguards have arrived and have requested a direct appointment with the President."

Kumunot naman ang noo ko sa sinabi niya. "They went directly here? They aren't supposed to be back after tomorrow." And even if they did, they're supposed to be resting. They literally just finished a large battle last night."

"They have insisted that they meet you as soon as possible. For the meantime, I have already assigned them to the waiting room so they could rest while awaiting for further orders from you."

"I will meet them later in the evening, I must attend to my own needs first. I still have an hour before the discussion with Duke Vastian. If I got late, call General Carmel in my stead."

"Understood. What about the papers needed to be returned in two hours? Those papers are reports awaiting for approval in proposal of launching a small security base by the small island near Quiland."

I opened the drawer underneath the desk, taking out a small palm-sized white rectangular object with the name 'Operation Quiland' on it, giving the item to my secretary. It was thin and very light--almost seemingly translucent if it weren't for the obvious blue lines on its surface. It was an object where data no matter how big, is being stored that they usually just place it on a data receiver for the scanner to read the information stored inside.

"Give that data drive to Officer Mckenzie. Tell him the orders stated inside are under his options. If he deemed it impossible with his current team, abort the operation."

"That shall be done. Also, the First Airborne Division under General Paz insist to launch directive measures to Vesulia."

I already sent out an order this morning to withdraw all the troops, leaving a small battalion behind to buy the leading army out of the country to Vesulia. Those Dragonbornes will most likely take the bait and assume the country as theirs after the army leaves, but that's the plan. Gusto kong isipin nilang nananalo na sila at kung lahat ng forces namin sa Elydia at napunta na sa Vesulia, tuluyan ko nang wawasakin ang mga Dragonbornes na iyon.

Since the beginning, I moved a part of my army to Elydia to draw the Dragonborne there. The success against Coven is just the beginning, isusunod kong patumbahin ang Dragonbornes and I will do that by making Elydia explode. Sa totoo lang ay hindi pa dapat ngayon ang oras para sa ganiyan, but the fall of Coven last night finally convinced me that there are people out there who's trying to eliminate organizations. Kaya minamadali ko na ngayon ang plano.

"Directive measures?" Nagtataka kong tanong. "May nangyari ba?"

"The forces you sent in Vesulia are having a problem. They sent a report in just thirty minutes ago to the Airborne Division that something is going in Elydia. The last they saw were few numbers of Dragonbornes trying to fly out of the country and our escaping battleships sinking before some sort of red smokes engulfed everything."

Napahawak ako sa bridge ng ilong ko nang naramdaman ko 'yung pamilyar na sakit dahil dumadami na naman ang problema. Hindi ko pa nga nakakalahati ang mga paperworks ko at dumagdag pa ito. May mga Generals nga akong nakatala sa bawat Divisions pero

"And they haven't searched the surrounding waters for any clues?"

"They did. Also, the searching party that was deployed couldn't enter Elydia. There is a barrier surrounding the country."

"What about the company's deciphering personnels? Surely the forces I moved to Vesulia still have a lot of resources to take down that barrier."

"They had tried. But they could not analyze the intricate magic formations used behind the barrier. It is almost... ancient, according to the reports."

"An ancient barrier? Who would--" I stopped myself, my eyes growing wide before eventually shaking my head. "No, it's impossible. Call General Paz and have him proceed with the plan of eradicating the country."

"Reminder of the remaining Legion soldiers left behind as well as possible citizens entrapped inside." Grisela said, trying to stop me.

"It's a necessary experiment." Sabi ko na lamang.

"That weapon is still a prototype. It could affect the entire Avian Zone if it were to backfire."

"Then the workers would just have to make sure the launch is successful. If we manage to take down Elydia with the Dragonbornes trapped inside, others will fear the power of Legion Army. It would limit their actions, giving us time to advance on our next phase."

"That may indeed give Legion Army an advantage, but we are still unaware of the extent of this barrier. If the barrier could withstand the projectile, it could instead damage ROLA's surrounding forces, especially when a lot of the army's search party are still moving around Elydia's waters looking for any survivors from the sunk battleships."

"General Paz will have them withdraw back to Vesulia. There are no need to look for survivors who might be already dying."

"However, President Klein, one of your Vangua--"

"This is a Presidential Decree and no one has any say against my orders." I interrupted sternly when I suddenly felt my heart throb, the wristwatch on my right vibrating with numbers appearing on it when I glanced.  "With that in mind though, I will give you the authority to take necessary measures to ensure our success in Elydia."

Twelve percent. I didn't even notice it was already this low. Who knew being cooped up in this office for weeks could reduce my energy that much? I looked back at Grisela, nakatingin siya sa mga papeles ko sa mesa at ngayon ko lang napansin kung ano ang binabasa na mga mata niya. I let out a sigh, taking the thin bundle of papers that was separated from other papers. It had a bold name of 'Marriage Proposal' on it.

"You seem to be interested with this." I said, lifting the file.

"Is that from Duke Vastian from Phovaria?"

"Do you really see the point of me even accepting a marriage proposal from that anyone? I could just conquer Phovaria if I want to without having to marry."

"Which means there is no benefit. Then may I ask, where did that proposal came from? I just find it rather strange, President. You already have all you need. Most likely, those who aim for your hand in marriage only want your military power but you will have no need of them. I have not seen you accept something like a proposal throughout all my years working with you."

"It's a..." I looked away, thinking of better word. "It's a personal matter. Something that would benefit myself rather than the military."

"...I see. I apologize for asking something personal, President. Is there something more you need me to do?"

"No. That would be all."

Grisela took a small bow before eventually leaving the office. I finally let myself yawn, days of sleepless nights finally catching up to me as I felt another vibration from my watch. Seeing the ten percent reminded me of what I must do before dealing with anything else that I quickly walked towards another wall by the corner of the office.

Hinawakan ko ang isang parte gamit ang kaliwa kong kamay. Nagliwanag ulit sa purple ang mga linya sa itim kong glove tsaka lumabas ang isang transparent na pintuan. Pumasok ako dito at bumungad sa akin ang isang mahabang hallway. Madilim ang lugar pero nang nagsimula na akong maglakad ay lumiwanag ang nakalinyang ilaw sa ceiling. Mahaba ang hall na umabot pa ng halos limang minuto bago ako makarating sa tinatawag kong Sanctum.

Maliban na lamang sa sarili kong opisina, dito ako kadalasang nananatili. Para narin itong private chamber ko ang kaibahan nga lang ay nandito rin ang sarili kong laboratory. I design most of the technologies that helped Legion Army succeed in many ways, isa na ang Avian Zone at ang System. Sa buong aircraft na ito, ako lang bilang Presidente ang may kontrol sa lahat ng technological features ng Zone.

It's all because of this glove, it's like having a master key. Hindi lang ito basta-basta isang glove, this is also a technology that connects me directly to the aircraft and the Avian System. Isa pa, ako lang ang pwedeng gumamit nito because it only reacts solely to my own spiritual energy. The entire aircraft has a blocking system that alarms anyone to use their energy which means no any sort of magic nor abilities will work inside the Avian aircraft especially, of course, except for me as the Zone's main host.

The two walls behind me began to collide as soon as I entered, scanning my gaze around the large room. I closed my eyes momentarily as another yawn escaped my mouth, heading straight to the other side of the room where the laboratory was situated. My watch once again vibrated, and it now only had eight percent on it. I could also feel my body getting more and more weak as the percentages decrease, my mechanical heart throbbing.

The entire room was very large. There were different parts. Sa kanan ng buong kwarto ay kung saan nakalagay ang malaking screen table na napapaligiran ng iba't-ibang monitors. Dito ako kadalasang gumagawa ng mga plano ko para sa Legion Army. May isa pang pintuan na nakakonekta sa kabila nito that leads to my own personal mechanical room.

Sa kaliwa naman ay ang magulong parte ng Sanctum. Hindi madali maging Presidente ng buong Legion Empire, lalo na at alam kong maraming tao ang may galit sa akin. Sino ba naman ang hindi. I conquer nations and force them under my rule for the sake of of advancements all for the Legion Army. I usually track down my enemies and write directives by just literally sitting here everyday, which is tiring.

At the middle of the room was where an oval couch was placed, surrounding a crystal coffee table by the middle. I looked down when I felt something purring around my feet and smiled at the sight of Sanctum. He has a black lace around his neck with his name attached in tiny cubes each with letter.

I crouched, picking up the black cat and let it nuzzle over my neck as I head for the white door right at the middle wall of the room. Unlike other rooms, this was just was a normal door para mas madaling mabuksan para makalabas at makapasok si Sanctum na hindi nahihirapan.

I picked up the cat from one of the country I went. It was just a kitten years ago, ang bilis nga naman ng panahon dahil ang laki na nito. Pumasok ako habang dala-dala ang itim na pusa sa sarili kong kwarto na tinatawag kong Inner Sanctum. Kumpara sa Outer Sanctum ko ay mas maliit ang espasyo dito pero kompleto naman. May kama sa tabi at tsaka working table sa kabilang gilid nito, may sarili din akong bathroom sa katunayan.

Binaba ko si Sanctum sa sahig at isinara ang pintuan sa likod ko. Kinuha ko narin ang suot kong cape at hinulog ito sa sahig, kasabay narin nito ang pagkuha ko ng butones sa suot kong uniporme. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pumayag ako na ganito ang susuotin na alam ko naman kung gaano kahirap isuot o tanggalin ito that sometimes I end up ripping most of my presidential uniforms due to how troublesome they are.

"Meow~" I heard Sanctum call, licking his paw. Ngumiti ako dahil dito.

"Don't let anyone in, okay?" I said, and I got another meowing sound from him.

Though I doubt na may makakapasok dito sa Sanctum ko. Ako lang ang pwedeng tumungtong dito tsaka ang alaga ko. Unless that certain someone comes barging in here again. I absolutely dislike it when he barges inside as though he owns the place. But I haven't seen him in weeks, kaya mabuti narin na ganoon. Palagi na kamang may problema kung nagpapakita siya.

Sando na lang ang suot ko nang tumungo ako sa dulo ng kwarto kung saan ang platform na may nakatungtong na mga maliliit na rectangular mini-pods, sa katunayan ay parang kasing-laki lang ito ng alaga kong pusa. May lamang bughaw na tubig ang sa loob ng pod, galing mismo ito sa lugar kung saan ako noon kadalasang pumupunta para sa Immersion.

But as the time went by, the Immersion had gotten more and more frequent even though I was just supposed to do them once or twice a month before. Immersion is a way for me to live without my real heart intact. The water where I would drown myself is filled with Titania's life force that would wrap around me, forcing my body to get used to being a 'modifed' one.

Given the fact Titania is a Fairy Queen, her energy is so immense that her life force could directly revive someone, although it would cost hers of course and knowing her, she wouldn't really waste her energy for anyone else. Other than me, apparently. Immersion is also like a battery, something that powers my mechanical heart that helps me circulate my own energy flow.

Heart is an organ that pumps blood, it's also one of the body's main meridian that generates energy. I should have already died the moment mine was taken out of me. But this certain mad scientist from the World's Organization is so 'brilliant' he actually managed to replace my heart into mechanical just in time before I died. 

People might ask kung anong klaseng rason ang meron si Titania kung bakit ginawa niya ang kabaliwan na iyon. It's quite simple, as she would always say the reason whenever she feels like telling stories. She's a talkative one, albeit really crazy. She wants my heart, my literal heart. She wanted to own me through soul and heart. She could do both if she could tamper with my humanity. Soul through her life force empowering me and heart through her basically taking it out of me.

I would still get nightmares most of the time about that time, being operated like that, being under so much pain afterwards it felt like it would have made no difference if I had died. Walang ni isang araw ang lumipas na hindi ko iniisip kung gaano ko siya gustong patayin. Sobra sobra ang galit ko sa kaniya pero hindi ko din naman mapigilang isipin na kung hindi ako nagpadala sa mga pangako niya noong gagabayan niya ako para maging makapangyarihan, hindi din aabot ang lahat sa ganito.

I guess I deserve all of this. For wanting power. For wanting to be on the same level as those two. For wanting not to be left behind. I knew somewhere deep down I deserved all of these hardships. But I still despise her, and I would stop at nothing to bring her what she brought to me. Even if I have to accept her life force, no matter how much her life force would cause me pain.

Until the Immersion twice a month simply wasn't enough. My body literally houses massive spiritual energy, so large that drowning myself in that water won't keep my mechanical heart working. Due to how large that energy is, my modified heart cannot handle the overflowing mana all the time that's why I would have to drown myself literally thrice every single day just to get it working properly.

The percentage on my watch serves as an indication on how long can my heart regulate my energy flow throughout my body, which I designed myself with Grisela's help. I trust her enough to let her know even that part about my mechanical heart. Siya din ang nakasama ko sa pag-disenyo ng mga maliliit na pods na nakalinya ngayon sa may shelves sa ibabaw ng platform. May pinindot ako sa pader at biglang lumiwanag sa bughaw ang platform.

I took a gas mask and fixated it over my nose down my mouth as oxygen slowly settled in. I pulled the lever from one of the mini-pods, the water filled with Titania's life force the started vibrating inside. Kinuha ko ang maliliit na tubes at isa-isang itinurok ang mga ito sa magkabilang pulsuhan ko. I hissed in pain when I felt that familiar yet unknown life forcing its way inside me again, blending with my own spiritual energy, colliding. I laid on the bed, panting as the steady rhythm of energy traveled inside me, my heart beating steadily now.

It made me remember the first time Angela had seen me like this. When Angela found out about my condition, she blindly attacked Titania but Titania being her usual self, let Angela almost kill her without knowing her death would cause my own too. Simula noon ay hindi niya magawang saktan si Titania kahit na ilang beses na siyang sinubukang galitin ng reyna.

It was also then our relationship began to deteriorate. She was a friend for me, also like a sister in some way. She was always there whenever I needed her without fail, but I guess she blamed herself when Titania made a modification with my body because she only then realized na hindi sa lahat ng paghihirap ko na nandiyan siya, na hindi niya nagawang tulungan ako dahil wala siya.

I'm not stupid not to notice why she feels so guilty all these years. Even back at the Academy, even before I got myself some 'rivals', Angela and I were already close friends, she was my partner in a lot of things that it was impossible not to notice her...well, infatuation with me. Thinking back, that was probably the reason why she was always so irritated with the sight of Titania clinging herself to me whenever she would pass by. Though I'm also not stupid enough to realize her feelings went deeper than 'infatuation' but I ignored it.

Why? Because I simply wasn't interested. I was too busy wallowing about my life as Iyana Klein back at the Academy to even care about how she felt, and too busy running an entire massive army to mind how she would feel for me even when I became the President. In other words, I wasn't giving her any chance at all to express herself. Dahil siguro na ayaw ko din naman. Wala lang talaga akong pakealam sa mga ganoong bagay.

Sinuot ko ang protective glasses nang lumiwanag ang ilaw sa ibabaw ng kama. It extended all around the back of my head, protecting my eyes from the light above. This bed is another way of recording my vitals, making sure the life force is flowing inside me safely. The warmth also helps me sleep, calming down my nerves until they become steady.

"Your cat scratched me by the knee. Again."

Nagising ang diwa ko at agad na kumunot ang noo ko nang marinig ko ang boses na iyon. Napabuntong-hininga ako at umupo sabay patay ng ilaw sa itaas ng kama. Tumingin ako sa direksyon ng pintuan kung saan ko nadatnan ang isang pamilyar na pigura na pilit kinukuha si Sanctum mula sa paa nito. My perspective was a bit dim because of the glasses, but I could perfectly see his calm face distorting into that of disgust when my cat scratched his hand away once more. I yawned, taking the glasses off dahil tiyak na hindi din na ako makakatulog ng ganito.

"Do not just sit there." Malalim ang boses nito and unlike my unintentional bored tone, his had always been formal and apathetic. "Take this animal or I--"

"Come here, Sanctum." I called, patting my lap. Sumunod naman ito at tumalon paakyat sa akin, purring under my palm. "Good boy. Next time, why not try aiming for his tongue?"

"I might just kill him someday."

"You always say that."

"I will do it for real."

"Again, you always say that."

Lumapit siya at tumayo sa unahan ko, nakatingin din siya sa mahahabang tubes na nakakonekta parin sa magkabilang pulsuhan ko. Napailing ito at umupo sa tabi ko, putting his leg atop another as his dark blue eyes analyzed the entire room. Nanatili kaming tahimik, ang tanging tunog lang ay ang nagmumula kay Sanctum. Sanay na kami kung saan halos walang nagsasalita, I find our silence completely comfortable.

"How are you?"

"Concerned?"

"Yes."

Napangiti ako ng kaonti bago magsalita. "Liar."

He cast me a sideway glance. "Then why did you ask?"

"I just felt like it." I answered, shrugging. "So? What brings you here? Trouble within the Organization?"

"You always assume I bring you troubles."

"Bakit? Hindi ba?"

"The Organization is on the rush these days. It is going to begin soon."

"When is that 'soon' exactly?"

"Soon." He answered truthfully, yet vaguely as usual. I know him for so long now to differentiate which of his words are lies or truths, but I could still never figure out why he's so vague. Does his family always have that trait?

"Then I guess I should make my own preparations too." I glanced at my watch, still just around forty.

"I suggest you let things play out first before making your move."

"You mean use the upcoming chaos as a chance?" Napansin ko siyang nakatitig sa akin kaya ibinalik ko rin ang tingin niya na siya namang ikinatingin niya palayo.

"The world is going to change, and you are going to have the most advantage out of all of them."

"I know. It's the reason why we have this partnership in the first place. You help me get what I want and I will have what you need."

"Black Clan is also making their move. You must be wary of them."

"Paano naman ang Exodus?"

"As soon as it begins, they will waste no time and attack the Organization. It should give you an opening."

"But the Clan is going to be a problem. Making my move means leaving me vulnerable."

"What are you going to do about them?"

"I am going to launch a full war against them when it begins. That should give me enough time. I've already discussed the specifics last night with the other Generals, they're only waiting for my order."

"You never truly told me what you plan to do once you get your hands on it."

"Hindi mo din sinasabi sa akin kung bakit kailangan mo ang posisyon ko bilang Presidente ng Legion Army."

"I have never said I need your military power."

"Are you saying you need me myself and not what I have?"

"I thought I already made that clear with the proposal I sent?" He asked, genuinely confused. "And after what happened between us, I see I still haven't made myself clear."

"Hindi ko binasa." I answered dismissively, ignoring his last comment.

"Was it not you who told me to be formal about my intentions?"

"And you sent a marriage proposal instead?" Halos hindi ko makapaniwalang sabi. "Seryoso ka ba?"

"Like I told you before, I aim committment, after all. I will not use you for my own personal gain without taking responsibility for it."

I chuckled bitterly, shaking my head. "You're a good man."

"You are free to think so."

"You'll have to protect me until you have what you need, you know that, right?"

"That's what I'm trying to do. My position in the Organization lets me foresee everything, with me around, you will have what you want without fail."

"I will expect that."

Muli kaming natahimik, hanggang sa tumingin ulit ako sa mga mata nito at sakto namang naabutan ko na naman siyang nakatingin sa akin. But unlike the way he would look away whenever I catch him looking, this time, we were perfectly staring right at each other. Marriage proposal may sound grand, pero alam naming may kailangan lang kami sa isa't isa.

I don't particularly care about what he thinks of me or what I think of him, as long as we benefit each other, we can work together. Plus, he said it himself a long time ago, he isn't capable of something that quite normal as 'caring' towards other people. It's better this way. After all of this ends, I doubt the marriage proposal would have its use. Killing Titania had always been a goal of mine and once that woman is killed, I doubt I get to live to see the next second.

It might sound unfair to him, after all, he'll never be able to use me in anything since I'd already be dead by then at hindi niya napapansin ang katotohanang iyon dahil wala akong sinasabi sa kaniyang plano at ganoon din siya sa akin. That's why sometimes I feel guilty. We've been discussing things for the past years, and he spent a lot of time convincing me that he could help me in exchange for my help too.

I could even say he's naive, but he's a powerful guy. He's capable of many things enough for him to get this far alone. The world is a cruel place, and it will end soon. I feel bad for many innocent people who have suffered all this time, but my pity for them does not exceed the hatred I have that I won't ever care about anything else until I complete my goal.

"Meow~" I looked down my lap, seeing Sanctum licking my fingers.

This cat had helped me in a lot of ways, as if his presence being here soothes me down. Sanctum reminded me how alone and lonely I would have felt for the past few years if he hadn't been around. I do feel bad about leaving him behind after all of this ends though.

"Will you take care of Sanctum for me?"

"I might just end up killing your cat if you leave me with him alone." As if to prove his point, sinubukan niyang hawakan ang itim na pusa but the cat only hissed at him which made me smile.

"He likes you though."

"Liar."

I rubbed Sanctum's fur as he wrapped his tail around my wrist. "I'm not. That's just how Sanctum shows his affection."

"You care too much about the cat. It's unnecessary."

"Really? I think it's amazing. To be able to care this much about something," I nudged his shoulder. "Don't you think it's wonderful?

Tumayo ito at tinignan na naman ako sa mata. I don't know why he has a habit of doing just that. "It's unnecessary."

Naalala ko 'yung unang beses na hinayaan ko si Sanctum na lumabas mula dito sa laboratory. There was a particular soldier who got angry about seeing a 'stray cat' inside the Avian Zone that he almost dropped the once poor kitten out of the aircraft if this guy in front of me hadn't stepped in. Though in exchange, after I found out about that, I got so mad I exiled the patrolling soldier.

He said the only reason he made an effort to actually save the cat was because the 'animal' was beneficial to me which is me being beneficial to him. It's a logic I never did understand even now. Minsan ay may mga sinasabi siyang bagay na hindi ko talaga magawang maintindihan but his actions are always completely different. It's like he says things with an emotionless facade and apathetic voice he never truly meant.

"Sanctum sometimes reminds me of you."

"Is that supposed to be an insult?"

"You spend a lot of time with him here, don't tell me you're too dense to notice the similarities."

"So it was an insult."

Napailing na lamang ako. May sasabihin pa sana ako nang napatalon si Sanctum sa gulat, kasabay nito ang pagyanig ng buong aircraft. Nagkatinginan na naman kami pero sandali lang ito bago ako nakatanggap ng tawag sa relo ko. Pinindot ko ito at tsaka ko narinig ang malalakas na tunog ng nagsitakbuhan na mga sundalo.

"President Klein. Something is going on in Magnus. The Generals request further orders as they assess the situation." Narinig kong boses ni Grisela.

Umakyat si Sanctum sa balikat ko nang tumayo ako tsaka lumabas mula sa kwarto papunta sa Outer Sanctum kung at tumungo sa may malaking screen table. Marami akong pinindot hanggang sa lumabas ang holographic view ng buong Magnus sa ibaba ng Avian Zone. Nagulat ako sa nakikita nang unti-unting humati sa gitna ang Eastern at Southern Territory.

Sa gitna ng dalawang territories ay may lumalabas na malaking platform. Lumiliwanag ang buong platform na ito, hanggang sa dahan-dahang lumabas dito ang isang napakalaking tower. Sa sobrang taas ng tower ay nahihigitan na nito pati ang aircraft. Hindi lang isang tower ang lumabas mula sa gitna ng dalawang teritoryo. May tatlo pang platforms ang lumabas from the surrounding waters of Magnus, and each platform began to glow in the same white light as towers protruded one after another.

"It has... begun." My hands were shaking, clenching my fists so hard na nawawalan na ito ng kulay. Perhaps because I'm scared...and also because I've been waiting for this all my life.

Biglang may lumabas na malaking linya ng puting liwanag mula sa tuktok ng apat na towers. This huge line of bright light intersected with each other, eventually creating another path that led upward right on the middle of the country. On the middle of the intersected lights appeared a very large space, I wouldn't be able to see it clearly since this is just a holographic view scanned by the outside sensors of the aircraft, but I recognize that portal.

The entire Zone shook again that I had to clung to the table for support. Sa labas ng portal ay may namumuong parang kuryente, hanggang nawala sa screen table ang mga holograms, only the statics and the blurry lines remained on the screen. Something must have had happened. Hindi na nakakagulat, hindi ganoon kalayo ang aircraft sa Magnus kaya hanggang dito ay naaapektuhan kami.

I need to get to the Main Zone pero nang tignan ko ang relo ay sixty percent pa lamang ito. Halos higit isang oras na ako dito pero hindi parin ito natatapos. It usually takes two to three hours at most, but I have no time for this.

"Grisela, tell the Generals to go along with the plans I discussed with them last night. Black Clan will not miss this chance to attack and we're going to go all out intercepting them." I spoke, clicking the button from the watch.

"Understood."

"Was the launch successful?"

"It has been delayed, Miss President. Your Vanguards were making troubles to stop the launching. But the coordinates have been set now. It is only a matter of time before the Energy Cluster is launched to its indicated target."

"What?" I frowned. "Delayed? Why would my Vanguards stop a direct order?"

"One of your Vanguard went there this morning to finish the move and we lost contact after the barrier appeared."

"Who?"

"It's the Vanguard Captain, Angela Feyree, President."

My heart skipped a beat hearing that name. This time, it was all fear and guilt that overflowed my entire senses. I gulped, looking at man behind me as he placed his hand on my shoulder. I hurriedly scanned the screen table, moving the holographic view to a distance until I caught the sight of the projectile heading straight for Elydia in a matter of a few minutes and it's a direct contact which means there's no way it'd miss.

"Can't you abort the projectile? Why didn't you tell me she was there?!" I snapped angrily.

"I tried. However, I did not say anything more knowing it was a Presidential Decree. Moreover, the projectile has already been launched. It would arrive at its destination soon in about three minutes, considering it was set in full speed."

"We can only hope that ancient barrier is powerful enough to stop the Energy Cluster."

"Impossible, President Klein. The barrier had already long been brought down. The reports sent some inside visuals where overwhelming amount of energy has been sensed inside. Something in there seems to be battling. Because of how dense the energy is, none of the army is able to get near. However, one hit of the Energy Cluster and the entire country would explode along with that strange energy."

Napahilamos ako ng mukha sa inis, nasa pulsuhan ko parin ang mga tubes. Mahahaba sila kaya kahit saang parte ako ng Sanctum ay maaabot parin ng pod. But that's not what I should be thinking right now. I should be doing my plans right now, not thinking about this! Why was she even there?! Is she being stupid? I know she just wants to help lessen the load, but what is she thinking?!

But a part of me forces the idea of how it's a necessary sacrifice. I've been sacrificing many things--including the lives of my soldiers out there on the battlefields every single day and why would one person make a difference? With the Dragonbornes out of the picture, things would become much easier. There would be no need to deal with the aftermath of them attacking Magnus.

I can't risk everything for the sake of a single person, no matter how much that person meant to me. It's a necessary sacrifice. For the sake of my goal, I can't stop now.

I was just about to click the button again to say something when I felt a gentle hand hold my wrist down and there he was, staring at me yet again. Until his fingers traced my cheek, catching something wet that I never even noticed were dripping from my eyes. His gaze still held no emotions though, the dark strands of his long hair fluttering on the side of his face as energy began to emit out of him.

"This is why I told you caring is unnecessary." He whispered, as if he just proved a point just now. He wiped another tear, patting my head that made me look down. "I wil handle that projectile. Stay here and finish dealing with your heart. Do not leave the aircraft until I meet you back here."

"What are you going to do with the cluster? I know your ability. You can only stop moving things which seemingly make people think you can manipulate everything, but you can't move them."

"I will direct the projectile to one of the towers making them think it's an attempt to stop the summoning. Which means it would make you the Organization's target. But they'd be too busy to care by then. That is why you must not leave the Avian Zone nor let anyone else enter."

"Ano ba talaga ang pinaplano mo?"

"I urge you not to worry. You will have what you want, I will make sure of it."

"I'm not asking about me." I sternly said. "I'm worried about you."

He turned away from me when I said that, fixing his white cloak with the insignia of World's Organization behind it. I sighed frustratedly. He's always been so uptight that sometimes it's so troublesome dealing with him. I wiped the tear stains off my face, embarrassment cleaving its way in now that I've realized what just happened.

"We're wasting time, Iyana. I have to go." He hurriedly said, throwing a round object by the floor. A rectangular door-like portal then appeared on it, the other side appearing that revealed a bedroom.

"You're going to take responsibility for me, won't you?" I questioned once more, as if making that sure to myself. "Alvar'ius?"

He finally met my gaze and I could almost see his cold emotionless facade crumbling by the way his speciously crystalline dark blue eyes waver, they strangely reminded of droplets rippling through a steady flowing water. He sighed, finally allowing himself to show a small smile and he couldn't possibly imagine how much that single reassurance gave me relief. I watch his back slowly disappear along with the closing of the portal-like space behind him.

He didn't need words, he has always been bad with them yet his actions never fail to make up what his words couldn't.

I walked back to the Inner Sanctum, my cat nuzzling around my neck gently. I chuckled, thinking how they're so similar indeed. I glanced over the transparent hologram screen appearing atop my working table which showed the vitals still being recorded through the tubes, my heart rate increasing at such a fast pace. I looked away, closing the hologram.

"Meow~?" Sanctum tilted his head while his paws were on my face. I scratched his ears and I could only smile warmly at the sight.

"He really is troublesome, huh?"

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Do Read!

Feel free to ignore and miss the news!

AN:

The ship certainly did not come from nowhere and I've been thinking of Iyana and Alvar'ius being together since like the first few chapters of book one and yet I don't particularly like the idea of prioritizing the emphasize of every relationship in Magnus (this is still a dark fantasy book not a romance one) that's why I subtly put them in as though it had always been that way and not, you know, make too much of a love story out of it.

But after the epilogue of the book two, I will focus on the characters' relationships (romance, family, and friendship) as an extra story. So I'm planning to make two bonus arcs after the epilogue; the Redemption Arc and the Life After Arc. Think of them like an alternate ending which you're free to read after the actual book or stick with original Magnus' ending.

It would depend on how the readers will take it and my future mindset if I feel like writing it, since even if I do write stuffs, I don't necessarily publish them. So, if you're up with those arcs then why not?

Though of course, that's just a plan really. Who knows if it'd actually happen, right?

Anyway, happy reading!