"Relax your body and ease your mind, but be aware of your surroundings. Feel the vibrations that run through the Earth."

The wind swirled around the boy as he sat in deep concentration, picturing the propagation of his brother's voice as a gentle wave-like motion. He heard faint sounds of chatter, accompanied with the occasional chirping of birds that the breeze carried to his ears. The ground's cool touch left him with a lingering quietude resting in his mind.

Amidst the serenity, his brother's dominant force eased his strained thoughts. As the boy fell into a deep reverie, gratitude rose in him with the remembrance of his past. Controlling his ability was vital for both his body and his skill, something that would be impossible without his brother. Perhaps being able to create illusions really helped him understand the principle of balance.

"Our reality is a lie, and our dreams are a greater one. This may be my belief and mine alone, but solitary peace is the only truth. No mundane life, no emotions or thoughts; only our consciousness, a fragment of the universe in existence."

The depth of the tone amplified the profundity of his mentor's words, but he didn't move in the slightest, only taking a long, deep breath.

"That being said, lies aren't all that bad."

Conrad's eyes opened slowly, smiling at Clay's peaceful expression. His lissome body sat straight, mindful of his discipline. Conrad straightened his back further, imitating the posture. The deep green around him was enlightening, tall trees surrounding them to create a perfect haven.

Gently, Clay too opened his eyes with a composed expression. He stood up in one swift movement, gesturing for Conrad to do the same.

"Let's go for a walk."

The two moved together in silence, admiring the ethereal beauty around. Conrad looked up at his life's cynosure, a small smiling coming on his face.

Clay suddenly stopped and Conrad heeded his action. Clay's pale feet always were bare when he was in the forest, not just because he liked it, but because he felt humble. Sharp rocks and rough paths were often found in the forest, but Clay didn't care, though he was cautious enough to avoid it and not be hurt.

"This forest is exquisite, isn't it? The beauty of Nature is wonderful, but its history is rather mysterious."

Conrad nodded with a firm smile, looking up at the blue sky.

"Do you ever wonder about existence? How the universe, everything came into place?" Conrad asked, his tone heavy with curiosity.

"All the time, though my mind literally breaks."

Clay's laugh was light, the vibrations passing gently through the atmosphere. Conrad smiled softly as his ears intercepted them, its sublime familiarity letting him feel joyous.

"That gave me an idea," Clay suddenly said, a spark of enthusiasm flickering in his eyes.

A small circle appeared around Conrad, glowing softly against the ground. The white light reflected in his brown eyes as he measured its diameter to be approximately twenty centimetres over his shoulder width.

"Without moving from this spot, tell me what lies one kilometre ahead, north-west direction."

The evening sun radiated softly in front of him, meaning he had to turn a little towards his right. Conrad closed his eyes, clenching his fists as he amplified his strength. He stretched his arms above his head, comprehending the balance of power across his body, before he kicked his heel towards the ground.

The vibrations moved swiftly through the ground, and Conrad was able to recognise its feedback. It amused him how people often took super-speed and super-strength as mere physical abilities without understanding its principles. One was based on electromagnetic radiations, and the other on vibrations.

Conrad sensed the wave length increase, his senses picking up the faint sound of water's gentle ripples. The vibrations soon faded away as he picked up what he needed, suppressing a chuckle.

"The illusion of an idiot is standing on the surface of the pond."

Clay laughed gently, his eyes facing Conrad affectionately. They always reminded Conrad of the forest they stood in; a deep shade of green, carrying great morality and peace.

"Evelyn would punch you if she heard that."

"She would annoy me for the rest of my life. Oh wait, she's already doing that."

Conrad rolled his eyes, and his brother laughed again, turning towards the path ahead. A gentle breeze blew as the two continued their stroll, the smell of vapour filling their noses. Conrad sensed the illusion's disappearance, turning to his brother with a look of great esteem shining in his eyes. To create such a realistic illusion was no simple task, and though his eyes didn't see it, his other senses firmly grasped on just how strong the image was. Clay didn't miss out a single detail, whether it may be the excited state of Evelyn's energy or the bonds of her particles.

Conrad almost doubted if it was an illusion.

"Have you ever thought about our dimension, Conrad? The universe is vast, but the Shadow dimension is a vital part of it."

Conrad shook his head, turning towards his brother. A gentle smile rested on his face as his eyes travelled to the sky, his hands hanging loosely by his sides.

"I've always wanted to been there. It is our existence's origin, but still next to no Shadow-Trapper is seen there. It is the medium of travel for Shadow-lifters, and probably contains tons of more questions and answers. Both about us, and the universe."

Conrad nodded, staring at the path ahead. He hadn't much interest in the science of the world, though the philosophical and historical parts highly intrigued him. His brother, however, wasn't biased when it came to knowledge, sand accepted what was there.

To determine if it was the truth was a long journey.

"I often wonder, Conrad. If all three classes of the Shadow Beings come from the same dimension, live in the same perception, and move along the similar path, why is it that we work against each other? It's a constant war between Shadow-Trappers and Demonic Creatures. The Angelic Creatures are kind but strict, and I simply never see the three classes together, unless the reason is conflict or formality.

"I will not even start talking about the Angels and the Demons. I understand that the Angels are very few in number and their Land, the Land of Oblivion is something beyond the general understanding. But the Demons... they're just locked away? All of them turned against us, all those years ago?"

Clay shook his head, chuckling nervously.

"I'm sorry, Conrad. I'm just rambling on and on about my thoughts."

Conrad smiled, shaking his head.

"You can never ramble, brother. I like listening to you. Besides, you listen to me so much."

Clay returned the smile, sighing as he continued his talk.

"Positive and Negativity go hand on hand. Both are needed in equal amounts so that the world is balanced. That is how Shadow Beings work. However, after reading about the books of histories, I've concluded that the balance was thrown off by a great event I'm unaware of. But now, we have to reach that balance."

Conrad nodded in understanding. The world and its creatures often fascinated and puzzled him. They had to be humble to nature and accept the truths of life, yet great resistance existed against these basic principles.

Clay proudly rested his hand on his brother's head, the kindest of all smiles being his expression. Conrad felt immensely shy and happy, his brother's gesture relieving him of his cogitation.

Suddenly, Conrad felt an abominable aura develop in the atmosphere. A sharp, cold wind blew, attempting to throw the two off their feet, though they held their ground with each other's support.

Thick, black smoke began to fill the atmosphere, clouding Conrad and his brother's vision. He flexed his arm before striking the ground, his forehead wrinkled in deep concentration. The information he comprehended with the help of the vibrations was absolutely bizarre.

"Brother..." Conrad's voice shook with bewilderment, his widened eyes travelling towards Clay. The calm expression that met his sight surprised him, but it appeared as if tension weighed on Clay's mind.

"These creatures... they're similar to demonic creatures but there is something odd about them. I can easily understand their structure, but I don't sense a shred of aura. Do you?"

Clay nodded slowly, relieving Conrad slightly, though his eyes remained sharp.

"Only little. Their aura is monotonous and held back by a powerful force."

"Who are they?"

Clay turned towards his brother, his expression melting into a benign assurance. He patted Conrad's head affectionately, his benevolent tone calming the chaotic atmosphere.

"Who knows?"

Clay walked towards the source of darkness and Conrad followed him, wary if the situation, but trusting his brother.

The mist subsided to reveal umpteen black figures walking towards them, their esoteric structure emerging from the shadows of the trees. They looked human, though the sinister fragments of thoughts that bounded them was not of that world.

Clay sighed at the sight. What he feared came true. No matter what, though, he simply could not let Conrad know who they were. It wasn't the right time.

Clay's face relaxed as the setting in Conrad's perception changed, though was barely noticeable. Several demonic creatures were seen, a ghastly look on their faces. Their slow steps held Conrad's concentration, and all Conrad could do was stare, wondering only one word.

How?

Clay breathed with equanimity, attempting to creating an illusion for the many demons present. Doing such a thing required great effort and power, but Clay was ready to give it his all.

Moments of ominous silence passed, and Clay finally sighed in exhaustion. He knew it was hard, but he simply couldn't understand why not a single demon was affected by his ability.

Oh. Something opposes me.

Clay returned to his composed posture. He began to sense the weight of the demons' thoughts, his eyes widening at the result.

They're empty. Completely empty.

Clay saw no other choice. Using all of his willpower, he forced the demons to snap back to reality, gaining their senses. Even the slightest percent of reaction was enough, and Clay felt himself getting close to it.

Before the demons had a chance to be free, they all lunged forward, grabbing Clay as the situation dissolved into acrimony.

Conrad stared in horror to see the illusion of a golden liquid, desperation building within him. Clay's face was grunted in effort as he struggled against his capturers, his eyebrows furrowed with deep concentration.

Conrad pulled his arm back, steadying it to deliver a huge blow to the demons. Just before his fist contacted the creatures, a yellow coruscating ball of light formed above Clay's head, bursting to disintegrate all the creatures into dust, including his brother who was taken into the ground.

Conrad couldn't believe it, he genuinely couldn't. None of it made any sense to him, not logically, nor in his general understanding. His brother couldn't have died - he wouldn't have killed so many demonic creatures, would he? And it was impossible for it all to happen so fast.

The boy was glued to the ground, his frozen expression disheartening his brother who's mind remained petrified as he was transported to the Land of Chaos.

- - - - -

Clay slowly opened his eyes, his pale hands supporting his weakened neck. He felt soulless, struggling to sit up on the frigid slab.

Moments passed as he began to regain his senses, finding himself in a cold, barren cave. Clay grunted with effort as he stood up, his legs wavering as he made way towards the exit.

Clay stopped, frowning at the baleful aura surrounding him. Cautiously, his hand slowly reached towards the open air. Suddenly, a vigorous burn passed through his skin in stark contrast to the chilly air around him. Conrad immediately pulled his arm back, stumbling as he attempted to steady himself.

"You cannot leave this place."

Clay's breathing was rugged, his eyes immediately narrowing as he caressed his left palm with his right hand. The heinous, formidable tone sent sharp shivers through his mind, though Clay remained firm, trying to steady his breathing. He could guess who the voice belonged to, and could only hope that he was wrong.

"Am I in The Land of Chaos?"

Clay barely whispered, his sour voice paining his throat. Nevertheless, Clay didn't lose his resolve, firmly closing his eyes as he paid attention to the voice.

"Yes."

"Why do I feel so weak?" Clay coughed, forcing the sound of his words.

"You've been in comatose for a year. The cave here seals the enthalpy of your surroundings, letting a very limited supply be transferred within you."

Clay's eyes grew wide in horror. A year? What had happened? Where was Conrad? Was all fine?

"Don't worry," the demonic voice began impatiently. "I have no business with your brother. You, however..."

Clay sighed in relief, not caring for anything but his brother. He collapsed onto the ground, his weakness washing over his mind. Nevertheless he forced himself conscious, doing his best to stay vigilant.

"You know about the seven techniques and parts of their history. You're with the ones who plan to bring them back are you not? That is why I cannot let you exist. However..."

The tone was surprisingly calm, though Clay sensed the suppressed force weighing on the vibrations. He now wondered where the sound came from, realising after moments that it directly spoke in his mind.

"You managed to show an illusion to the demons despite my influence, though only for a split second. This means you do have power; at least it is adequate for my use."

Suddenly, Clay felt an enormous presence subdue his mind. A searing pain shot through his forehead and his vision became blurry. He fought the force with everything he had, but the lack of energy rendered him close to powerless. He contemplated withdrawing for the time being, but realised that his foe would turn him mindless.

"You resist too much. Getting you here was an annoyance."

The deep voice echoed loudly in his voice, paining his senses. Its effect had evidently amplified, showing that the entity was gaining more and more control of the mind.

Clay knew that he would've lost control of his mind a long time ago if it weren't for his ability. He still resisted as much as his vigour allowed him to.

"Alright, I will let you observe the things. If your resistance continues, you will probably kill yourself."

Clay didn't see how it helped his situation, but he was glad that he wouldn't be clueless anymore. No matter what happened, he would oppose the entity at the right time with all the energy he had.

- - - - -

https://youtu.be/O_Hg5q1w84M

Despite the circumstances, the quietude of Sylva Vita relieved Clay of all his worries. He almost felt the existence in his mind soften at the aura around him, even if it was very discreet. Clay hoped to see Conrad and Evelyn, but realised that they probably were stationed in another country.

The elated tenor travelled through the ground and the sky, the evident presence of the Phoenexias adding to the ambience of the place. Clay couldn't help but wonder what business the demon had here, but being home put his mind to an ease.

Clay suddenly spotted Jay who walked with a Phoenexia, a kind and wise expression resting on his face. Suddenly, all the force in his mind focused on a single point, and his eyes grew wide with horror.

Clay did everything he could to resist the actions to no avail. His body made its way faster and faster to the man, his tender aura now interfering with the unfathomable air around the consciousness in Clay's mind.

Clay struggled harder, using all the enthalpy he could and attempting to use his techniques.

"Shut it."

At that moment, Clay's consciousness slipped out of his mind, dismay the last emotion as he slipped into a dormant state.

The entity sighed, gathering his composure. The body had been weakened due to the way he treated it, but it was sturdy enough to hold a part of his force. He had been waiting for the moment for a long time, but now thought nothing as he moved forward, piercing his blade into the gut of the Shadow-Trapper.

"Brother?"

What a guileless voice. And he was supposed to lead the demons, the entity thought, narrowing Clay's eyes. Experiencing such a dilation of time was ordinary for him, though he hoped the conversation would be quick.

He felt a formidable intensity collide with his own as the owner of it descended deep into his brother's mind. He couldn't afford to let it go out of his reach though, else it could easily escape.

It was then he realised his captive's power. Despite stealing such a massive amount of energy from it, it suppressed himself. It was the true reason that he couldn't wake yet, the reason why all the demonic creatures couldn't come under his influence, the reason the Land of Chaos didn't truly obey him, and...

It was probably the reason for that, too.

The entity deplored himself for such thoughts, a dark and concentrated aura replacing the subtly innocent ones. The peculiar sensation of tranquillity that around him nagged him, the life of energy threatening to allay his meaning.

He recognised its force return, feeling contend. It immediately ran away from the place, though the Phoenexia standing in front of him fearfully pushed the blade into Clay's body. It was only then that Clay came back to the ostensible reality, barely feeling the insignificant pain. However, the action had settled heavily on the entity's mind.

Can some things truly cause one to act out of nature? Or does the thought stay hidden in their instincts?

The entity abandoned the thought, crossing the unknown to enter the Land of Chaos. The familiar kindness of his desolation welcomed him home, though he sensed the interference even in those emotions.

He guided the boy's body towards the cave, acknowledging his consciousness' shock. He left the mind gradually, letting limited enthalpy enter the boy's body and allowed him to heal himself. He collapsed onto the slab, stiffening his shoulders with his head hanging in between, staring at the ground.

"Why did you make me stab Jay?"

The voice was calm, yet demanding. The entity had no need to tell him the reason, but even then, his instinct caused him to do so.

"Are you aware of the connection formed between two beings of shared energy? It is a path opened when one's first wound is made by a Masada demonic blade. It-"

Clay's eyes suddenly grew wide as he his back hit the wall of the cave with a soft thud. His eyes blinked a few times before they were closed.

"...is experienced exactly like that."

The entity sensed that Clay had made contact with his brother. Such moments usually happened in a matter of seconds, so it was no surprise when Clay woke up soon enough.

"Conrad..." he muttered weakly, sorrow flickering in his pained sight. A few moments passed before Clay returned to the present, his eyes narrowing inquisitively.

"Why did you have to make that connection with Jay?" Clay asked suspiciously, though was barely audible.

"It wasn't me. It was your leader's brother who wanted to make the connection."

The sharp wind suddenly stopped altogether, a dead silence filling the atmosphere as the indomitable presence disappeared, leaving Clay to sit alone with his thoughts.

Clay closed his eyes, taking deep breaths as he focused his concentration towards the centre of his eyes sitting with his legs crossed on the slab. Despite all the bewilderment, Clay forced himself to leave all mundane matters behind, entering an isolated state of acknowledgement. It was one of his initial steps, and for being granted this opportunity to devote time to himself, he was thankful to the demon.

As he entered near-oblivion, the green eyes of the entity appeared before him, its power somehow soothing him, the melancholic colour reflecting his own. It was only then that Clay realised his hidden mundane nature.

Beneath everything, even he feels something.

- - - - -

They're finally here. Hmm.

The entity picked the light aura of the child immediately, an incandescent shine that blinded the negativity within her and even influenced the land's atmosphere. One of her companions held a similar tender touch to her thoughts, and the land welcomed her home for the first time without her realisation.

Perhaps I will go trouble her a bit. I must know her power's status. She has finally unlocked it, after all.

If the entity could cast an expression, his smirk would be the most astute of all.

He will probably like it. He'll be seeing his sister's child for the first time.

The atmosphere around his presence grew grimly clandestine as the temperature appeared to decrease.

"What... are you planning?"

The entity was a little surprised at the whimpering tone, then finding the boy's wakefulness ordinary. It was overt that Clay would be brought to reality by his brother's familiarity.

Without so much as a sign of acknowledgement, the entity travelled back into its true dimension, waiting for the right moment to enter the naïve being's mind.

"Hello, light's child."

"How do you feel?"

- - - - -

Conrad couldn't believe his eyes. He literally couldn't. It wasn't because of who he saw.

It was because of what he saw.

His entire existence felt heavy as his fists shook with vexation, scampering towards his brother. Evelyn's eyes were wide with concern and tried reach where Clay sat. At the entrance of the cave, however, she was blocked by an enormous force, her being saved by the sharp tinge of pressure shooting through her legs, warning her of the danger.

Conrad's eyes narrowed, his breathing growing rapid. Evelyn rested her hand on his shoulder, comforting him as she thought rapidly.

"Clay...?"

"Hello, Brother."

A tender smile rested on Clay's face. The familiarity of his delicate tone was something Conrad yearned for so long.

So long.

"This barrier... what is it made of?"

Clay shook his head slowly and Conrad felt his thoughts disappear. He had only once felt so disheartened before; there was hardly anything in this world that his brother didn't know.

"This is the demon lord's work, isn't it?"

Conrad closed his eyes as the final word escaped his mouth, concentrating on the vibrations of the veil. He had never come across such an esoteric creation before, but he would do all it took to understand it. He would simply not leave without his brother.

As he divulged deeper into the thick blanket of entropy, the weight of the power grew heavier on his mind. He grit his teeth with effort, but stood independent despite the support from those around him. Suddenly, a piercing sensation shot through his mind.

Dark mist flooded around Conrad, its opacity increasing with every second. Evelyn's eyes wavered with horror, though Clay only seemed intrigued and almost felt safe.

It's him.

The energy began to build up where Conrad now stood, an unimaginable magnitude multiplying with every passing moment. The being knew that the boy was strong, but he couldn't afford to put all the strain on him.

The barrier shattered into a million pieces, gentle wisps of faint light spreading across the land. For that single, dilated second, the sky was filled with a thousand arcane lights. Clay sensed the energy of the land alleviate to a degree he thought impossible, and for that single, dilated second, it felt like every creature belonging to the land was free.

A lugubrious yet dulcet tone then spoke carefully into the atmosphere, though the confidence in the words was unmistakeable.

"You will not separate anymore siblings, Vlad. Not me, nor you, nor them."

__________

Audrey tried to comprehend everything.

That day, her mother estabalished a connection by the affect of a demon's weapon. Her first wound by a Masada blade. She'd never thought she'd be grateful to an injury.

But it really had a presence in her journey.

Also Vlad... no, the Fourth entity had formed bonds with someone. With the Demonic entity, and with Clay.

A sorrowful smile flickered on her face. She'd never properly known Clay, but he seemed like a wonderful person. Even then, he had come to protect the stone, disregarding his health. She wondered where he found such strength.

The Fourth Entity, too, made further sense to her. It had a soul and a consciousness, and it recognised emotions. The deep respect she felt for it wasn't obscure and instilled something good within her. But it was currently incomprehensible.

However... the Demonic entity's last line, that was what she didn't understand in the slightest. He spoke to Vlad to not separate anymore siblings, even though he himself was a part of Vlad. The Fourth entity and the Demonic entity - together they made Vlad, the Demon Lord.

But this made sense no longer. She knew she was correct, though perhaps Vlad was different from the entities' perception? What did this mean? Who were the entities?Who was Vlad?

Audrey's eyes widened, and she shook her head with an invisible smile.

What was Vlad?