N.E.C.R.O.

Part 1 - Chapter 8: Context

"A transient slumber..."

The voice was from a higher, more powerful being. Existing in an exceedingly paralyzed state, I could only, but take heed.

"A paralyzed entity..."

'Entity'... A queer adjective to describe me, I thought.

"With merely pure intents... Tell me, what is such a being achieving, staying confined and isolated in my Prison of Judgement? Identify yourself. Define your function here. State your misdemeanour."

"I am Laetus," I announced. "I have been brought here by the Highland Royals. I claim to have executed, by no means, any irrational deed."

"I deem your argument true. Truth be said, I have been observing. You, Highland Royals, every village in your Plate... And even Viol. Laetus, you are the chosen possessor of the Eternal Shard. Retrieve what is yours. What you wear now is a mere imitation. Go, and do not let the traitors of the Highland Royals bring down the Infinite Realm."

"May I question you?"

"By all means, go ahead."

"If you've been watching... If you knew... Couldn't you have prevented Viol's..." I stopped. I couldn't say more.

"I could not have prevented any of how the events have turned out to be, for my abilities are confined to me. Furthermore, I am confined to this palace of mine. I cannot leave here, for I am the Guardian of the Cosmos."

The Guardian of the Cosmos!? I questioned the Guardian of the Cosmos!?

Before I could apologize, their eminence spoke, "But you can move throughout the Realm. I bestow on you – my powers."

Immediately, my body felt more 'alive' than ever. "Thank you, your infiniteness."

"Go, now. Retrieve the Eternal Shard. Destroy the Highland Royals. When you succeed, meet me in the City of Energy."

"Understood."

"You. Will. Succeed."

The gates to where I was confined to, unlocked. I could feel a very slight negligible force pulling me. As I went closer to it, I realized that it was the essence of the Eternal Shard. I should have checked if this fake locket was the real one after I read the letter, I thought. But everything happened so suddenly...

I stopped running when I reached a closed door. "Breathe in, feel the air around your hands, then use your energy and magic all at once to maximize your efficiency," I remembered Viol say. Effortlessly, I blasted open the door and broke into the room. The guards who stood behind the door fainted on impact.

I heard tens and hundreds of guards and soldiers coming running towards me. After a very quick thinking, I imitated the appearance of the guard fallen on the ground, and hid. The army of soldiers scattered across the palace, ironically considering the imposter as one of their own.

I followed the Eternal Shard's force until I reached a dead end. I am sure that this wall is a fake, I thought. But there might be guards on the other side, so I need to find a way to open the door and not alarming anyone at the same time.

A soldier walked up to me from afar and said, "What do you want? Why are you here?"

"I was searching for the imposter," I replied. "I heard that someone had broken in a few minutes ago."

"I see," he said. "Then get out of my way and do your job. I need to meet up with Lord Mist." He pushed me out of the corridor and disappeared into the hidden room behind the wall.