"Well, what are you all waiting for?" Her blue eyes scanned the room. Like deer caught in a headlight, most of the students were frozen in their seats.
"Scamper off."
Her voice cut through the silence like a dagger. Unlike the news she just unleashed, her tone and manner were relaxed. Her hands moved deftly to gather the papers on her desk, as she layered and aligned them by tapping them.
She bent behind the desk and put away her teaching materials in her bag.
Her words seemed to be as magical as her power. The stunned students now moved. It was like watching robots in a factory; they got up and left. Even those unaffected by the war still moved sluggishly.
And the ones that were directly affected just sat in their seats, defeated. The blue-haired prince, who begged for the teacher to relay the news, was especially troubled. He got up, his mouth opened to ask a question, yet before he could speak, he closed it. A panicked look on his face, he turned and left the room in a hurry.
No hushed whispers, and lingering in the room to discuss the lesson. The atmosphere was grim, and Diana couldn't blame them. A war for succession was never peaceful. Especially when the legal Heir is a homicidal maniac.
That knowledge was not public, but the nobles knew. It was hard to conceal when any dissenting party was met with an 'accident.' Or the opposing factions, suddenly turning heel after a day of resisting.
And it showed on their faces. The ones with connections to the Leonhardt Kingdom had the same varied grim look.
Diana touched her cheek, her finger sinking into her soft flesh. Cold, but warm. Real flesh, real blood. Her hand moved to her chest, a heart that pumped blood beating against her cold chest.
Thump!
Thump!
A war like no other swept the world. How will you play?
It was the simple description in the game, the synopsis.
A single line of text.
A world in which you can do anything, where you can live a new life.
But this was not a game; the NPCs were not ones and zeroes.
They were real, as much as I or anyone was.
Cogito Ergo Sum.
I think, therefore I am.
It was a saying, someone coined, that the proof of one's existence was thought.
And that thought alone made her heart race.
When had she become so callous? So disgusting? A sense of revulsion washed over her, and the thought of vomiting wasn't far. Her stomach twisted, and a sense of emptiness gathered.
Had she done enough? Could she have prevented this? She clenched her fist. The thought was laughable, and a dry chuckle almost escaped her lips.
She was here playing school, while the greatest war in history was blooming.
Real People, Real Lives ruined.
Over some childish ambition.
She chewed her lips.
It wasn't like the war got better, even throughout chapter 3 of the game, which took place twenty years later, the world didn't begin to heal. Instead, the flames of war seeped in so deeply that the greatest age of war was formed, and a war for hegemony. Where anyone could become a lord.
The worst war to ever hit the world. This included the war of the gods. For the game to describe it in such a way was...
The thought left a sour taste on her lips.
How did a war in a small kingdom, create a continent crippling war? The ripples even echoed to untouched continents. Reclusive species that hadn't been seen in decades were emerging, and even monsters that were thought to be extinct became proliferate.
It was easy to think about it when she thought the world was a game.
Why? Why did the destruction of a single Kingdom create the war of wars?
She silently sighed as she continued to gather her things and put them in her bag.
It wasn't like she did nothing, but it was minimal compared to what she could have done.
She prepped her duchy, created organizations in place of a war. Built houses for refugees in preparation and made sure her army was well-maintained.
Was that enough?
Diana didn't think so; in fact, a weight so heavy was placed on her heart, as if what was beating now was an anvil.
Diana frowned as she slung her bag over her shoulder, her eyes looking around.
She's only human, she reaffirmed herself. It wasn't like she alone could stop a massive war from happening.
Soon the classroom was empty save, the teacher Ria and herself
Meeting Diana's red eyes, Miss Kaede spoke as she flicked her wrist.
"Good." Her mana morphed into a blue butterfly, and it roamed along the edges of the room, creating a blue seal.
Perhaps on edge, she extended her hand, and an axe came forth. The air around it rippled as it tore through the void.
Was Miss Kaede going to silence them?
"It's for sound." Ria interjected, her hand covering her mouth as she giggled.
Dian's face flushed red, the crimson color stained her pale face, as it crept up to her ears.
Miss Kaede looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
Feeling a flush of embarrassment, Diana dismissed the axe back into the void and awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck.
"Sorry." Diana whispered meekly as she lowered her head.
She snorted and then looked at Ria
"Five points." Miss Kaede weakly clapped and rolled her eyes.
She looked over both of them and then patted the letter on her desk.
"Apologies, but I needed you two in the room alone." She pulled a piece of candy from her bag and started munching on it.
It was hard to think when your face felt like it was on fire.
"Luckily, you two are the slowest in my classroom." Her eyes curved slightly, as a faint smile came onto her lips.
Was that an Insult? At this point, Diana didn't care and only wanted to get done with this conversation.
"That old Lizard wants to know what you two plan on doing with our 'Guest'."
Old Lizard? Her mouth opened in surprise. Diana could only assume that the guests were the natives who were brought along with her.
Luckily for her, Ria wasn't as surprised.
"What would you have me do?" Ria asked with a shrugged shoulder, her characteristic smile on her face.
"I'm more interested in the Grand Duchess's response." Miss Kaede placed both of her elbows on the desk and rested her face on her palms.
Unluckily for Diana, the question was directed at her.
Diana put her bag down and sat.
She calmed herself and anxiously tapped her foot.
"Does the Esteemed Founder not know what to do?"
If a dragon didn't know what to do, why would she?
Miss Kaede slowly shook her head.
"The old hag says that the choice remains with you."
"Bu-" Diana was about to protest. Sure, she could handle an influx, but why is she deciding on such an important matter?
"I know." She got up and stretched, her mouth opening as she yawned loudly.
In reality, without her teacher, she wasn't sure that any of the others would live. She was their Saviour, and the choice should remain with her. Of course, she couldn't have done it alone; her summon was the one that blocked the Evil god from descending.
The thought still brought goosebumps.
That was the case, so why was her decision in this matter important? Yeah, she summoned Bahamut, who helped rescue them, but she wasn't sure her teacher knew that, and if she did, she was one hell of an actor.
In a puff of flames and feathers, Ignis arrived.
"Why does my Summoner have to answer?" She cooed protectively as she landed on Diana's head, her burning claws that were sharp enough to cut through iron. Felt soft and cold.
"This doesn't concern you." Miss Kaede spared her a glance.
"Well, it concerns me." Ria's blue eyes glinted. "Why is it up to Diana?" She tilted her head and placed a hand on her chest like she was offended. Her tone irked Diana.
Miss Kaede rolled her eyes.
"The key person in this incident is you. It was obvious they were targeting you; in compensation for our oversight, we rewarded you aptly, but you forget your place."
Ria's eyes blinked rapidly, like a hummingbird's wings. Her words cut deep, as she recoiled.
Diana's teacher snorted.
"Don't look at me like that. It wasn't what I meant." She sat back down and folded her hands neatly, her fingers tapping against each other in a rhythm.
"How do you think the other princes would feel if you acquired a new army?"
"But they have thei-"
"Do you think they see it that way? Strangers in a new 'world' with nothing to rely on, naturally, the person they first latch onto will inevitably become their lord."
She shifted slightly, her glasses on the tip of her nose.
"At least that's how they see it, their constant badgering to exile or hand over the refugees, landed an agreement in which the princess sees no gain."
Ouch, that means they didn't see Diana as a Threat.
So that's why...
"Isn't this good for you, Diana? The academy stays happy in neutrality, and you gain new people."
A bribe.
One that made Diana frown.
Her bright blue eyes settled on Diana as she pushed up her glasses.
"Their Ki-"
"Dead"
"Surely they-" Her teacher didn't even let her finish.
"Also dead, in fact, their current leader, said they would like to stay with you, something about following the daughter of Tlaloc. Whatever nonsense that means, they aren't as indisposed."
"So even if the Old Hag wanted to make a decision, it would be in both parties' best interest for you to make one."
Not a bribe, just utter madness.
"Why?" Superstitious was one thing, entrusting your people to a stranger was another.
Her frown deepened.
"Beats me, but this isn't bad for you, to take them in. Of course, the decision lies with you, the old hag, said she would be willing to set aside an area for them. If you so desire it."
"Shouldn't I speak with them? Hear their opinion?" Ria glanced at her, her eyes unusually sharp.
'They want to be with you, accept it.' She whispered.
Yet Diana wouldn't do such a thing. As a modern person, she wasn't accustomed to having the right to decide others' lives for them. She was barely getting used to being a Duchess; she wanted no part in lording over strangers' lives, if they did not want it.
"How Noble of you."
"No, not the right word, how foolish of you."
"When someone serves a dish to you, you happily eat it." She shook her head in disapproval as she whispered ancient words.
It was a simple request for an archmage, who studied spatial magic.
After a while
The sound of a screeching bird echoed in the room.
A golden eagle appeared. Its feathers are golden brown.
"The War Chief will hear your words." The words came from its beak. The bird calmly surveyed the room before landing its eyes on Ignis. The yellowish eyes of the bird of prey widened.
'Wait.' She wanted to shout, how could she meet the leader of a nation right now but before she could protest, her teacher spoke.
"Fine." Her face scrunched up as she wrote words in mana in front of her.
Ignis began to panic on her head, her claws receding as she flew away, her beak screeching.
The hawk began to chase her around the room.
Diana ignored it, chalking it up to the playful nature between birds. She watched the Eagle chase the Phoenix around the room as she waited for the Leader to arrive.
After a long while of waiting
Mana fluttered in the room.
A portal, like a square of purple mana, appeared.
"Stay away from me, ugly bird." Ignis chirped. As she flew around the room, dodging the big bird, the words did not sound very playful.
And through it stepped what Diana would assume was the War Chief. It was a big and muscular man; his chest was only covered by a harness. On his head was a jaguar's mane, which was a head cloak. His eyes were emerald like the grass from the planes.
While his hair was brown, like dirt. He had an unruly beard, and his face was similar to Kath's. He looked up at Diana up and down, his eyes narrowed.
"I, War Chief Jorge, greet Tlaloc's Daughter." He placed his fist on his chest, his face stoic. While his head was slightly bowed.
"Don't do that, raise your head, I am no daughter of Tlaloc."
"No need, you must not humble yourself before this lowly leader." His tone was subservient, unlike his unyielding eyes.
"You who are Tlaloc's Daughter are our leader." He said firmly, like it was a fact, rather than something that just came up.
Diana pouted.
"I am not Tlaloc's daughter."
The corner of his lip twitched up. "Is there a need to deny such vivid proof?" His muscles, which seemed inhuman, trembled as he clapped. The force scattering papers on the desk elicited a sharp glare from Miss Kaede.
"Even from the front, with a spear driven in a hollow cheek, I could see the glorious light bestowed upon you."
"But if you refuse to acknowledge this notion, I have no desire to correct you." He crossed his arms.
"It was written, and nothing you say changes that."
"Frankly." He glanced at Ria, and then at Miss Kaede. "This is not something I should share with outsiders."
"Then out of respect, I shall leave." Her words did not match her bored tone, but she got up.
"No, you are also proof of Tlaloc's grace. And our savior. So, Apostle, please stay." He unfolded his arms and clenched his fist. The veins along his tightly packed muscles outlined themselves on his olive oil skin. The pattern was like a snake, wrapped around his arms.
"How ridiculous, I only serve Bahamut." She clenched her fist and sneered with a venomous tone.
"Whatever you say." He glanced at her with a cocked eyebrow, and a small smile on his lip.
She puffed her cheeks and flopped back down on the chair.
"Are all Foreigners like this?" He asked Ria, his emerald eyes flicking between Diana and Miss Kaede.
Ria shrugged in response.
Wasn't she a foreigner too?
"This tale begins with silence."
"A silence so long we thought the gods left to a higher realm."
A higher realm? Diana vividly remembered the gods' active role in the game.
"Until a single prophecy was passed down, one that spoke of destruction, one that could not be avoided."
"The gods foresaw our destruction." He paused.
Then why was the city brought to ruins? Surely, if they knew, they could prepare.
He shook his head, perhaps noticing her look. "Some things cannot be stopped. Sometimes, it is just fate." His words echoed back to her earlier worry. Was it just fate? Her eyebrows furrowed.
Her hand, which was so tightly clenched it drew blood, opened.
"We tried, trained like never before, our army was at an all-time high."
"A mistake." He sighed as he wiped his face.
"As you now know, our blood is cursed."
Her mind wandered to their green blood and the fact that they turn into Hollows when they die.
"It wasn't always like this. It began with a broken oath between the Lord of Dread and the Lord of Sand. We, the people, were promised to Lothar by the Lord of the Sun."
"Your people were promised to the Lord of Dread?" She asked incredulously.
He glanced at her.
"This was before Lothar was known as the Lord of Dread; he had another name one now lost to time."
"Like you said, promising your people to the Lord of Dread was foolish, and Akhyls could not accept it, so he broke the Oath."
He touched his chin.
"But breaking an oath made under the heavens was never simple. The young lord of sand was not strong enough to defy a decree, not completely. Our red blood turned green, and the decree was twisted. Now our people would return to our promised lord upon death."
How horrible, did that mean they cull their old?
"Not of old age, in combat." Ria patted Diana's shoulder.
He nodded.
How did Ria know this? Diana tilted her head. in fact, how did she know that summoning her Wyrm was a smart idea?
He scoffed, "I am in no position to question the gods, and there are many factors I could not explain, for fear of boring you to death."
No, Diana was anything but bored; perhaps feeling guilty, yes, but not bored. It was always nice to learn new things, that she didn't know about the game.
He cleared his throat.
"Regardless."
"Now you can see why havng a large army was foolish." He rubbed his forehead.
"It happened in a day, my son was sent to scout the jungle, as we have every day since the prophecy. A red portal formed, and from it, an army of warriors we had never seen before came through, followed by Ikjhuls, gathered from the surrounding cities."
Kath? That would explain the similarity. That would also explain the deserted city they found near their city.
He pulled a scroll from his pouch and began to read.
"From the sky, fire would rain, and thunder would run rampant. The city would scream in dread, and armies of the dead would march. A sacred oath will be complete. On the eve of destruction, the daughter of Thunder will arrive, and from Thunder's breath, salvation will arrive."
Daughter of Thunder? Bahamut was not the god of thunder. She pinched her thigh, and she was not his daughter.
It also wasn't a very poetic prophecy, but she wasn't one to judge.
"This is the translation of the prophecy given by our Tlamacazui." He put the scroll back and noticed their blank stares. "Priest." He cleared his throat.
"Our priest translated this and transcribed it from his vision. Our only path to salvation lies with you, Daughter of Thunder."
"I, War Chief Jorge, Pledge my loyalty and that of those under me, to the Daughter of Tlaloc, Grand Duchess of the North and ruler of the fields of Khione."