Arthur Moonleaf POV:
In the anemakins country of Preirig just outside the a southern cities walls an amassing force of 300 soldiers from human, elf and animakin armies are preparing.
Looking down at them from the walls i questioned just how many times i will have to see this sight.
To others it would be a grand sight, but to me, its just something i have seen and will see over and over, that is my fate as a regressor until i finally achieve my goal of saving this world.
"Is that him?"
"Yeah. Thats Arthur Moonleaf. The youngest royal knight of the Searig army."
"I heard he just turned seventeen recently."
The soldiers on the walls doing their rounds whispered behind me about all the rumours about me.
Their complacency to whats coming is infuriating as always but theres nothing i could do. In my first regression i tried to warn people of the future that was to come but none believed me. When what i spoke of finally came to pass they revered me as a god who could save them.
They were people i either once held trust for or now no longer do. It was pitiful seeing their true colours laid bare in front of me, and once my second regression began i knew what i needed to do. But how was a mystery.
Until i met him.
Silven Windrega. A man who never showed up in any of the previous regressions. An abnormality that shouldn't of existed.
'He should be here.'
He was supposed to be coming with me into our destination today but he has yet to show his face. Taking the story merchant's word at face value was a mistake.
"Are you going to continue brooding alone or are you going to join the march?"
Glancing to my side i saw the best friend of the story merchant. "Damien..." this boy may not look it but he is critical for my plans in the future.
He was known as the 'vagrant hope' by those he saved. Being protected by a being that didn't enjoy slaughter and instead sought to protect all he could.
"Where is the one your friend promised would be here?"
"I'm not sure either. Cayde said 'he'll meet you partway.' Something about him being busy."
Damien was nervous in my presence and looked like a fragile warrior but his abilities and potential are unmatched. If only he could overcome his minority complex and stopped chasing after women.
"Captain!" Down the wall a foot soldier was calling me "the combined forces have begun their march! The commander is calling you! We need you at the front to ensure were going the right path!"
I nodded and jumped down
"Hey!"
Damien followed after slowing his descent with jets of flames at his feet while i had already landed taking the brunt of the force sinking my feet into the earth slightly.
Ignoring the foot-soldiers aghast face i declared "lets go. Time is not on our side today."
*
The army of 300 able bodied soldiers marched through a thick forest heading east.
At the forefront of the group unlike the rest of the captains of the expedition i was walking by foot as they rode up high on their mounts.
they had no care for me from the day we met. Always ignoring me because i was too young for my role. They can die in whats to come for all i care. None of them are essential towards my plans and will most definitely be a hindrance instead.
"Captain Arthur. Do you want a refreshment?"
A knight sounding a few years older than me came up to my side. It wasn't possible to see his face through his helmet so i couldn't distinguish anything special about him. I looked at the canteen he was offering and pushed his arm away.
"I'm fine. Just focus on the march." I replied coldly
The knight stood still as we moved forward getting laughed at by the knights behind me being shoved to the side of the long march.
"Thats what you get for trying to lick his arse kid!"
"Oi kid! You want some water?"
The mocking continued from the rest of the knights but feeling something was off my grip tightened on my swords handle.
"Captain Moonleaf."
Looking up i saw commander Beurun atop his horse, holding a piece of bread in his gauntlet
"Yes, commander?"
"You should try being nicer to the troops. Its good that you want them focused but morale is an important factor a well."
Nodding at his words i pretended to take in his advice. The captains in line with me all held judging looks on their faces showing their clear disregard for my safety. Ignoring them though i looked forward seeing our destination in sight.
going beyond the trees a dreadful aura seeped out of the stone archway covered in moss standing alone on an island in the middle of a cyan glowing lake.
"Someone else is already here." Captain Acken's furrowed his brows as the necks on his neck looked to be standing on end.
I looked at the captain surprised. There was no presence i could sense even with my heightened mana sense.
"Be on guard everyone."
The 3 other captains and commander dismounted leaving their mounts for the foot soldiers to handle as we went forward to root out whoever had appeared before us.
"Acken. Are you sure someone is here? I cant sense anything. This place is dead."
"I'm certain." Crouching down he picked up a piece of dirt "whoever they are, they're good at hiding. Even my aspect cant directly locate them. Its as if they're walking on a different dimension to us."
Walking to the lakes edge i tapped the water surface with my blade 'is the god still able to see us? It should be breathing its final breaths by now.'
"Its about time you all showed up."
Facing where the voice came from we all pointed our swords at a man in a white coat with a silver scintilla slung along his waist covering his face with a black hood. He was leaning against the mossy archway in the lakes centre watching judgtngly as he played with a coin in his hand.
"I was starting to get bored. I thought that my friend was lying when he said a gods grave was here and someone needed my help."
The captains stared skeptically at the strange man opposite them. he had been standing there this whole time yet none of us saw him until he spoke.
Sheathing my sword i seethed "Windrega. You were supposed to meet me at the city."
The commander and captains eyes turned to me questioning my relationship with the strange individual.
"Was i? The story merchant never mentioned anything like that." With a flash of lightning he stood opposite me looking up at me from the darkness under his hood. "I guess its too late to be sad about that though isn't it?"
As our staring contest began the commander signalled for everyone to lower their weapons. "Captain Moonleaf. You never mentioned a third friend you would be bringing along."
still staring at Windrega i spoke back "My apologies commander. I thought he was going to arrive with the other two so i didn't inform you when he failed to show."
Windrega backed down first from the staring contest, turning to face the commander. "My apologies for that. I understand everyone's on edge for whats to come."
Windrega didn't display any form of respect to the commander as he walked past, obviously irritating Beuren yet he stayed silent, instead going towards a stone pillar right past one of the captains.
the onlooking soldiers were curious what was going on and began to speak out until Beuren barked out his orders "set up the tents! We will be entering the sanctum at dawn tomorrow!"
The soldiers quickly broke out into groups and the captains stared scornfully at the new addition as he poked the stone pillar with his finger as if to examine it.
"What is your relationship with that man, Moonleaf?" Commander Beuren walked next to me with a vein popping out of his head "he has no respect for military personnel!"
"I have no relationship with him. An acquaintance who's not good at fighting felt sorry and sent him here on his behalf."
Beuren, satisfied with my response quickly left to his already nearly finished tent "make sure you keep him on a leash."
Seeing Damien nearly finished with his tent i walked over to help with the final touches. I didn't say anything as i pushed the peg into the ground with my foot but seeing the look on his face its obvious Damien wanted to ask something.
"Speak."
"Is that the guy, Cayde said would be coming? He looks mysterious." We both looked at Windrega still poking away at the stone after i nodded. "Hmm, alright."
Finishing the tents setup i scanned around not seeing the other one i brought with me "where is Lumine, Damien?"
"She said something about examining the surroundings then took off."
'If this was a normal place I wouldn't be concerned, however, this is a still active gods sanctum.'
Leaving Damien with the finished tent i wandered about the camp at the lakes edge looking for the girl.
Its a pain having to deal with her. She always has been unruly in every regression but she more than makes up for her disobedience with her abilities.
Going past a campfire i realised i had been walking for quite some time now as the soldiers were all playing around in card games and the likes to pass the time underneath the dark sky.
"Oh! Cayde, did tell me about you!"
Hearing her voice i turned to see Windrega and Lumine conversing with each other happily at the lakes edge. Windrega's face was still hidden by the hood but the pink haired elf didn't care as she continued to talk.
"You were that guy that saved incursik aren't you?"
"Guilty is charged."
"How'd you do it? Caydes good but he's no where near strong enough to block what Arthur did!"
Sensing my approach the two turned to see me and the happy expression on Lumine's face immediately vanished as i spoke.
"You should be resting. Stop talking and head to the tent."
Lumine turned her head to ignore me. Our relationship hasn't been good this turn. Due to our early interactions at the academy she thinks of me as some sort of obsessed stalker.
"This is an order."
Seeing my angered expression Lumine finally listened to me and walked away "take care, Windrega!"
The hooded man waved her away and spoke with a sarcastic tone "regressors really do like to rush things." It was unsurprising he knew. Cayde would do whatever he could to piss me off "looks like i owe the merchant money now."
"Stay away from the girl. I have no need for you to mingle with my allies."
Windrega crossed his arms at my words "why should i do that? Will some great tragedy come for me if i associate myself with her?"
Tired of his sarcasm i gripped the hilt of my sword "don't play any games, demon. After this expedition is over," Pulling my sword from its sheath i struck at his neck yet he grabbed it as a pale fire enveloped his hand "ill kill you myself."
A visible smirk could be seen from under his hood "noted. Just make sure to watch your back, Arthur."
Turning my head i saw a white javelin of thunder silently crackle behind me.
Clicking my tongue in annoyance i pulled back my sword and sheathed it "just stay out of my way."
Turning my body to walk away i saw we had drawn a crowd as even the commander was watching as if it was interesting
"Bye little prodigy!" Windrega shouted out mockingly
I wanted to cleave the mans head off at his mocking insult but held my composure. 'I swear I'll kill you, after i do Barbaten.'
Cayden Barbaten POV:
Its never not going to be fun to mess with him, isn't it? Looking at Arthurs frustrated back i mused to myself though i was annoyed at how he was a full head taller than me still.
'hehehe. That bastard cant handle a simple joke. His bloodlust is all over the place for you, princess.' Thorns voice resounded inside me as he cackled
The commander in charge of the expedition approached me after Arthur disappeared from sight and began talking "we haven't properly introduced ourselves have we? I am commander Beuren. I am the man leading this expedition."
Looking him over as he extended his hand i questioned his motives. Just earlier he wanted to cut out my guts like Arthur does "i don't believe we have." Shaking his hand i asked "what does the great commander Beuren wish to talk about?"
"I'm merely curious. There is little I've been told about that portal gate over there." He gestured to the stone archway at the lakes centre "as you arrived here early i was wondering if theres anything you could tell us about it?"
The way he looked at me made it appear more like a demand than a request
"I'm afraid not. All i know is that it will activate naturally at sunrise."
He made his dissatisfaction visible on his face "that is a shame. Tell me, against the young captain, what would you say your chances are?"
So this is what he was after. He wants someone that can keep that monster under check. "I'm afraid I'm not a Searigan citizen commander." He was confused at my words but clearly understood what i meant "it would be in your own interest as well to find someone thats not easily swayed by money either."
Giving an end to our conversation i walked off.
'It's been a while since we last had some action. Why'd you not fight him? Would of been a good warm up.' Thorn asked curiously
We fought a platinum rank griffin on the way here, Thorn. I'd rather rest while i can since even Incursik isn't sure what its going to be like in there.
Thorn gave the mental equivalent of a sigh 'I meant people, horns for brains.'
Looking about the camp i saw various different groups of people. Some where secretly plotting for their own profit. Some just wanted to survive while others plainly couldn't be asked to risk their life for this.
"I get the feeling we'll get plenty once inside, my scaly psychopath."
***
The next morning the stone archway was now holding a swirling rainbow inside it, ready to take us to who knows where with some sort of monster likely waiting for us.
The commander was giving a rousing speech that did little to wake up the tired soldiers as they gave worn out hurrahs. At the end of the speech and immediately began inspecting their gear before finally entering the portal.
i was standing alone at the lakes edge watching the soldiers get ready to swim across
"Incursik. What kind of things should we be expecting?"
There was no answer
Unsurprised by my partners silence i heaved a sigh and faced the active archway. "Bastard." With a flash of lightning i was standing in front of the portal.
It was was wide enough to fit a wave of people easily but it wasn't all that high up either, standing at around three meters tall and 7 meters wide.
"This will be interesting."
right as my leg went into the portal i looked behind me to see Arthur looking frustrated as he watched the portal suck me in.
Moving my hand to the top of my forehead i gave him a mocking wave in goodbye as my vision blurred with rainbow colours.
The feeling of traveling through space and time to a different reality made my head quake under a sickening pressure as i hurdled through the air.
It was nothing like a regular portal that simply collapsed space to move you to a different location. It was quite literally tearing the fabric of reality to take me towards a false world.
Being thrown through the end of the portal i tucked and rolled across a field of wheat with stones bashing against my body with every movement.
"Ow!"
No longer rolling i looked around the floor to see it was completely made of stone with wheat stalks somehow growing out of them.
Standing up i brushed the dirt and squashed bugs off my arms and looked around to see i was in the middle of an endless expanse of a wheat field.
The field was full of cicadas, grasshoppers and other bugs all hopping about making noises to fill the silence as i scanned about.
Seeing a high ridge i quickly ran up to it and overlooked the area.
Pulling down my hood letting my burgundy ponytail float freely i took in the great expanse of wheat everywhere.
"You've got to be kidding me."
There was nothing but wheat and stone as far as the eye could see beneath the blue sky with a single sun.
Thorn jumped out of my shoulder with a bemused whistle 'this is going to take a while. Isn't it, princess?"
"Wooooohm!"
Hearing the other-worldly sound i turned around to see a great mist enveloping the entire area eating whatever it went past not be seen again.
"Looks like things start early."
Running into an immediate sprint I ran in the opposite direction of the ensuing mist looking for some sort of cave to try and escape it.
The bugs i ran past didn't seem at all bothered by the mist rapidly approaching. Looking behind me i saw the first bird all day fly directly into it without worry.
'You think it could be harmless?' Thorn asked as he flew next to me
"The wildlife doesn't seem bothered. So it's likely."
Pulling myself to a stop the mist quickly enveloped me and just as quickly passed by me.
The wheat fields were fine, the bugs continued to make noises bu one thing had changed. I was now eye level with the wheats
"What the?"
Looking down i saw my shoes were too big for me, my trousers were about to fall off and my shirts sleeves went far past my wrists.
The only thing still my size was my white coat as it shrunk down to fit me.
'Woah Cayde! You got tiny!'
Looking to my left my mouth gaped open seeing the massive black dragons snout looking down at me.
"Not only did i get smaller you got bigger!"
'I know! Its cool right?'
Thorn jumped around in the field of wheat in his new size. His six silver horns were more majestic than ever, his black scales absorbed sunlight like obsidian and his wings were bigger than they ever had been before.
Pulling out a mirror i looked at my face seeing not only did i get shorter i also got younger "...oh no." Looking up at Thorn admiring his enlarged body i came to a conclusion.
"The mist can randomise a persons age."
In order for something to do that it was have to exceptionally powerful and have a deep connection with time magic which should be impossible. Unless of course its a god who's lived for thousands of years.
'Hahahah! I feel so powerful!' Thorn roared out a great crimson breath incinerating everything in its path, setting the field of wheat on fire.
When he stopped we both looked at the carnage he wrought from the simple attack.
Half of the landscape in view had been reduced to ashes.
'Holy, me!'
At the sight of this i couldn't help but be amazed. Not only had Thorns age increased but so had his power.
"Things really are going to get complicated from her onwards."