Forgemastery.....
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In the Ancient Era, this quest to turn metal to gold or inorganic mineral into human form... was said to be as great as a task as recreation the Gods Creations of Remnant.... So the students of the Forge diligently labored in their research. However.... In the Domain of Deep Darkness.... Devotees of Demonic ways also studied feverishly........ Devil Forgemastery.
It said only two seekers had successfully achieved this horrible feat... some used powerful demonic forces to create servant Devils loyal only to their creator... The young man with the fiery Vermillion hair, Guernica Belnades and his sister with black hair like night sky, Vanitas Belnades. The place where they achieved the demonic feat..... The Castle of Ravaryn.
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In the Castle of Ravaryn in the Kingdom Therondia, Vanitas Belnades was now seen making her way towards the throne room as she opened the door.
Vanitas then approached the ruler and kneel down before him.
Vanitas:" As you ordered.... I have just arrived now, my Lord. Chief of our Clan of the Night..... Demon Lord, Count Mathias...." she said.
- Vanitas Belnades -
Mathias:" I shall hear your report, daughter." he said.
- Mathias, Lord of Therondia -
Vanitas:" As you ordered, the army commissioned by the East Church has been nearly wiped out by our Demon Army. It was truly jawdropingly easy. No matter how powerful their armies are, no matter how highly trained their monks are.... They are all like babies when faced with our demonic power.... Even now, as they lie in the rain.... They'll either become bait for stray dogs or prey for the ravens. A mere human army is no match for us. No matter how much they prey to the Gods. No matter how many hundreds or thousands of troops assemble.... All of it is meaningless.... All of the Kingdom will be seeped in mortal blood. They will regret their sins. And the glory of the Gods shall fall. But there is one thing..... In the Kingdom of Ansel, The Laforeze Family have started a movement. Calling herself the genuine Demon Huntress..... this heir to an insolent and disgusting clan dares to bear a grudge against us..... She's only one human but she may be the only one the others might strugle against.... I beg you to grant me the duty to hunt down Laforeze...." she said with a serious look on her face.
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From Several Months now, this beautiful land located in the South part of Remnant... has been plagued by fearsome misfortunes which grip the populace... Heretofore been hidden by the Darkness of Night.... These Devils who had until now only been talked about in Legend..... Suddenly began to appear in populated areas. The Leader of these strange creatures was a count, adorned with a crimson bloody-like armor, Mathias. Having molded the territory as he pleased.... he planned to spread his evil grip to the rest of Remnant. Viewing this situation with Great Concern. The East Church immediatly dispatched a powerful army. But even after several months..... Not a single soldier had returned.
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In a tiny village, near the border of Therondia a group of children were seen running around as a strict nun started warning them.
Gertrude:" Children, you better get home before it gets too dark." she warned the children.
- Marianna Gertrude -
Children:" Yes, ma'am!!" they yelled happily.
Gertrude:" Especially you, Lancelot! You were playing near the forest at the edge of the town last night, weren't you?!?" she yelled as she grabbed the little boy known as Lancelot by the back of his shirt.
- Lancelot -
Lancelot:" What?!? Let me go!!" he yelled.
Gertrude:" You know your dad is always asking me.....' Are you eating properly? And what about your chores?'" she asked angrily.
Lancelot:" I am! I've been doing them!" he yelled as the younger Nun giggled.
- Greta Danesti -
Greta:" Good evening, Lancelot, Gertrude." she said with a soft smile.
Gertrude:" Oh, Greta, dear, you're on your way home now." she said with a calm smile.
Greta:" How is Francesco's leg?" she asked.
Gertrude:" Oh, he's up and running now. He went out to work in the field's today. We ow a debt of thanks to you, dear..." she said with a gentle smile.
A man known as Egidio then made his way towards the two nuns.
- Egidio -
Egidio:" Oh, Miss. Greta. Thank you for mending work for me the other day." he said.
Greta:" Oh, it was no bother. I was doing other work as well." she said with a gentle smile.
Egidio:" I'm just bad at those kinds of things." he said as he rubbed the back of his hair in shame.
However Lancelot took that opportunity to almost run off until Egidio reached for both of his ears and pulled them.
Lancelot:" OWWWWW!!!!!" he yelled in pain.
Egidio:" You were planning to go into the forest, weren't you, Lancelot. It's one thing to wait for your dad, but don't do it at night time." he told to Lancelot.
Gertrude:" He's right. It's been pretty dangeours lately and I've been hearing bad rumors, too." she said.
Greta:" Oh, why don't you come over and eat dinner tonight, Lancelot. I was about to prepare dinner, but it's so lonely by myself." she said with a kind smile on his face making Egidio jelous over the kid as Lancelot eyes sparkled with joy.
Gertrude looked at Egidio with a side glare as Egidio eyes widen realizing he made his half jelous.
Egidio:( I'm for sure getting a small amount of porridge tonight....) he thought in his head as he sweatdropped.
Gertrude:" But, Greta.... That guy is still at your place, isn't he? It worries me. You carrying home that stranger, fallen by the side of the road. Who knows where he came from. Since the Father is currently away, are you going to be all right?" she asked to her fellow nun.
Egidio:" Not to worry, not to worry! If anything happens me and Lancelot will come running. Right?" he asked as he smacked Lancelot on the back.
Lancelot:" THAT HURT YOU BIG BUM!!!" he yelled as he kicked Egidio on the leg, causing the adult to clentch his teeth in pain.
Greta giggled.
Greta:" Thank you, Sir. Egidio. Sister Marianna..... I'm fine. He's a very polite man, and it seems he will be leaving soon." she said with a kind smile on her face.
Gertrude:" Really? Well if you say so, then.... All right then, you should go now. It's gotten quite dark." she said as they parted ways.
Greta and Lancelot were seen walking on the street as Lancelot then spoke up.
Lancelot:" Hey... Has the Father really been gone all this time?" he asked.
Greta:" Yes. He's been away on some very important business... Now then, perhaps I'll make your favorite soup today, Lancelot." she said with a calm smile on her face.
Lancelot:" What?!? Really?!? YAY!!!" he yelled with an happy smile on his face as a pair of red glowing eyes were seen aimed at the two.
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It was now late night at the Church as Lancelot were seen eating his favorite dishes with Greta looking at him with a calm smile on her face.
Greta:" Now, now, you don't need to eat so fast. There's still plenty of bread and soup left. Today I helped Sir. Noland and he gave me lots of potatoes." she said with a calm smile as Lancelot had a frown appearing on his face.
Lancelot:" What do you mean 'lots'? I know the deal. He made you work like a dog for 10 or so potatoes. Your head is getting dizzy from working so much and you take those potatoes you've received and immediatly hand them out to others. You're too nice, Greta! Like today just because my dad hasn't come home, you don't have to-" he was then interrupted by Greta petting him on the head.
Greta:" You're a kind boy, Lancelot." she said with a calm smile as Lancelot started blushing in embaressment.
Lancelot*blushing*:" I..... I-It's not like I-" he was then interrupted by Greta again.
Greta:" You see I really like to work..... I like to sew, to carry water.... to clean, and to take care.... I like all of that... to be in touch with the blessings of the land.... to feel the cold water, the seasons.... to see the smiles on everyone.... To be able to break bread with someone..... to go to sleep giving thanks that the day has ended safely... All these things are wonderful and rare. I have already received plenty of what I want from everyone." she said with a calm smile.
Lancelot:" Well okay, if you're okay with it, Greta. Then I'm fine! But..... I don't think you should bring strangers in here.... Everyone's been saying how dangerous things have been happening lately..... I'm worried." he said while pouting.
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Meanwhile in another room, Guernica Belnades was seen sitting on his bed in the darkness in silence.
- Guernica Belnades -
His golden eyes moved toward the window to see a crow looking at him.
Guernica:(............... I have a bad feeling...... They must be close, but as long as I'm here.....) he thought in his head.
Back with Greta and Lancelot, Lancelot was seen about to leave the church which made Greta worried.
Lancelot:" Okay, see ya!! Thanks for the food.... Greta!!!" he said with an happy smile on his face.
Greta:" Erm.... Lancelot, I think you should stay over." she said with a worried tone.
Lancelot:" It's okay! I don't want to leave the house empty. Dad might come home. Since my dad is a Warrior he's gonna get back, I know he will. Since mom left, I'm all he's got. When he comes home, I want to be there for him." he said with a bright innocent smile on his face.
Greta smiled.
Greta:" Lancelot..... You really do love your father, don't you?" she said with a gentle smiled as Lancelot grinned before he heard the screech of a black crow above him as it then flew off in the air.
Lancelot:" But, I'm more worried about you, Greta." he said making Greta confused.
Greta:" What....?" she asked.
Lancelot:" I didn't say this because he was in the next room, but.... All the strange things happening lately.... I have the feeling they started when he came here..... The crow belong to him, doesn't it? It never leaves that spot.... like it's standing watching over the church." he said.
Greta:" Lancelot...."
Lancelot:" It's not just Gertrude. Everyone in the vilage is feeling creeped out. Just the fact that a traveler would come by this village is strange....When he awakes, then you should hurry up and have him leave. If something were to happen... and because of him, Greta, you.... If you get treated like a druid-" he was then interrupted by Greta who grabbed both of his shoulders.
Greta:" Don't worry, Lancelot.... It makes me happy you're worried for me. But for you to judge someone when you don't really know him... that makes me sad. The fact that he was hurt and ended up at the Church.... it might have been the Gods will. He doesn't speak much.... But he has beautiful eyes." she said with a calm smile.
Lancelot:" But he was on the ground covered with blood!!!" he yelled.
Greta:" Even if he's carrying some kind of sin... as long as he acknowledges his sins... and repents them.... I'm sure the Gods will lend a helping hand..... and besides..... The birds seem so attached to him! I'm sure he's a good person. That's what I think..." she said with an innocent bright smile making Lancelot sweatdrop.
Lancelot:" G-Greta..... Y-You're too nice." he said as he then gave up.
Lancelot:" I'll come by again, so if you need anything just tell me Greta!!!" he yelled with a bright smile as he then ran off.
Greta waved at Lancelot.
Greta:" Thank you, Lancelot. Good Night." she said with a kind smile.
Greta:( He's such a good child...) she thought in her head before she looked up to see the color of the room being bloody red which made her unpleasent.
Greta walked back in the building and closed it.
Greta then jolted once she heard the sounds of the crows outside the windows as she then ran up and closed them.
Greta sighed before a smile of confidence appeared on her face.
Greta:( Now then, I must prepare supper for him. I wonder if he'll eat for me tonight.) she thought in her head.
But what she didn't know was that a Night Creature managed to made their way towards the Church.
Night Creature:" Eat... Ea....... Eat?.... Ha.... Ha.... ha..... I can smell it. I can smell it. A woman's smell and... Another smell..... A scent I've smelled before....The Scent of Evil....... The aromatic scent of a Devil's power..... But why at a church.... Here his presence must be hidden.... Well no matter. My job here is done anyway. Finally. I suppose I'll claim an advance on my reward." they said.
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Lancelot who was far away ended up hearing the ruckus fromback at the church as he got worried and ran back to check to see if Greta was okay.
Lancelot:( Miss. Greta.... Please be okay!!) he thought in his head as he opened up the door of the back of the church which lead to the kitchen to see an Incubus Night Creature pinning Greta against the table.
The Incubus starred at Lancelot as the little boy was terrified to see Greta appearing lifeless.
Incubus Night Creature:" What? Just a kid? I'm in luck.... A child's meat is soft. My favorite." he said as he licked his teeth revealing fangs inside of his mouth.
Lancelot grabbed a lamp and went to trow it at the Incubus who simply used his tail to smack Lancelot away from him.
The Incubus leapt towards Lancelot and stretch his tounge licking the little boy's face.
Incubus Night Creature:"............ You...... Where have I........ Ha... Ha..... ha.... That's right. That's right. This smell.... haha.... I remember.... It was a Warrior, he had a smell just like yours..... The same Dandelion hair.... and blue sky eyes...A few days ago..... in the Western Forest.... Haha.... he was quite formidable, for a human... Well.... but at the end..... I've eaten him anyway....." he said as Lancelot eyes widen in horror as tears fell down from his face.
The Incubus then pinned Lancelot on the floor and ripped off his shirt.
The little boy was terriefied as the Incubus was planning to take this situation to the worse.
Greta raised her left hand as she fired an Arcane Magic spell at the Incubus managing to harm him as he then turn his attention to her.
The Incubus growled as saliva was drooling from his mouth.
Lancelot started dragging himself away with a terrorized look as he then crashed into a leg.
Lancelot looked up to see it was Guernica himself starring the boy down.
Lancelot noticed Guernica was carrying a bag, meaning that he was about to leave the place.
Lancelot:( That's right. This guy..... Has been in the next room all this time....) he thought in his head.
The Incubus turned his look to see Guernica as his eyes widen in shock.
Lancelot:" What are you doing?!? Why are you just watching and not doing anything? If you don't do something, Greta, will be-" he was then interrupted the Incubus firing a blast of flames towards both of their direction as Lancelot eyes widen in pure fear as Guernica simply starred at the incoming attack with a blank look on his face.
Guernica:" My powers aren't suited to helping people......" he said as darkness started sorrounding the entire church.
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Vanitas Belnades was now seen floating in the night sky looking at the church from far away.
Vanitas:( Just now....) she thought in her head.
Fallen Angel soldier:" Lady Vanitas? Is something wrong. What was that?" he asked.
Vanitas:" So none of you noticed?" she asked making the Fallen Angels confused.
Vanitas:" Nevermind." she said with a calm smile.
Vanitas:( That damned Guernica..... He's finally using his powers..... So using the F*ck toy paid off.... Although it took longer than I expected..... Hehehehe, I'm pleased brother.... So you weren't dead after all....were you, Guernica.) she thought in her head.
[ A/n: Originally the task to take down the last of the Laforeze Family was given to Guernica.... However after 3 months his presence disappeared. He vanished into the Night, along with several Night Creatures with him. It couldn't have been her since she didn't enter the land yet. So, Mathias gave the job to his daughter to look for Guernica. If he was dead, then it was fine. If not he must be brought back since his powers were essential... However if it was betrayal, then it would've been Mathias job to deal with his son.]
Fallen Angel soldier 2:" To have search for someone who may not even be alive? The count must be mad." he said.
Fallen Angel soldier:" That's true Lord Guernica along with Lady Vanitas, led both wings of our army..... If both were gone, then there wouldn't be plans in case of an emergency..... Oh well... it means that the count favored Lord Guernica that much-" he as then interrupted by his head casually exploding as the second Fallen Angel was in horror by what he witnessed.
Vanitas had a cold stare on her face.
Vanitas:" That village.... the only place to hide one's demonic powers in a place where the Holy Power is strong. Most likely a place where Gods are celebrated. I thought that one day we could face each other to the death, Guernica. But not yet..... You're still too weak...." she said with a smirk on her face.
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To be continued......