by Feng Yue
Shi Dong laughed. “I am afraid that Your Excellency is the only one at the moment who still remembers that I can also be considered as a bishop.”
The prelate did not speak but simply looked up silently, gazing at the huge weapon above him. The weapon was forged out of steel, with black gold as its core, made of countless precious materials and alloys, and named after the pagan god of flames—Hephaestus.
716 War
Two days later, the murky waves crashed on the deserted shore. Beneath the dark and gloomy sky, the entire beach was filled with broken shells and dried seaweed. The crashing of the waves was loud and chaotic and could easily irritate anyone nearby.
This place looked like a random, deserted island rather than a sacred land for vacation. Nevertheless, there were gigantic gardens on this deserted island and countless ancient mansions in the gloomy forests, where the broken walls were full of vines and one could almost see snake worms cruising on them. All the buildings were filled with ancient aura and they were all designed in gothic style, which was very popular centuries ago. The corners were sharp and the atmosphere was creepy, but they all looked like abandoned debris now.
But amidst this debris, there was the melody of song and dance and the gentle sounds of musical instruments. It seemed that the party was just about to reach its climax. It was like a party held by demons in the human world, where the fallen were having the time of their lives. A bird flew out of the vault in heaven and circled before finally falling on the terrace of the castle and into the hands of the young man.
The young man was sitting in a wheelchair. He raised the bird and looked into its eyes as if he had just received some revelation. Once it had fulfilled its duty, the bird dissipated without a sound as its body turned into dust. Its skeleton, which was made from wood, fell onto the ground and broke into small pieces.
“Five days? No… only left with three days.” The young man, by the name of Hua Sheng, shook his head helplessly as he muttered to himself, “I have only been here for slightly more than a month. Just how bad has the situation in the outside world gotten?”
After pondering for a short while, he sighed quietly. “Forget it. The amount of heat should more or less be sufficient now. There may be changes if we wait any longer. It’s about time to wrap things up.” As if without any hint of pressure, he hummed a song very casually and began to smile once again. He maneuvered his wheelchair and returned to the banquet.
“My friend, where have you been?” The middle-aged man in a black tuxedo, who was seated on the main seat, was almost completely drunk. There was an evil aura that surrounded that handsome and pale face. He looked at the performance in the center and cheered and applauded. When he saw Hua Sheng returning, he gestured for the latter to come to his side. “You have just missed the best performance today. A breathtaking duel.”
“Oh?” Hua Sheng smiled and looked towards the stage, “Who won?”
“Of course it’s me, my most esteemed guest!”
In the center of the stage stood a thin gladiator, whose entire body was covered with fresh blood and his naked upper body was filled with wounds. One of his eyes had been blinded and was covered with a black eye mask. His hands held a scimitar as he stood on the corpse of his enemy. When he heard Hua Sheng’s question, he bent down and cut out the enemy’s heart from his chest before stepping forward with the heart in his hands. “Allow me to gift you this honor and a toast to victory.”
Hua Sheng was unfazed. He took over the heart and raised it up high in front of everyone before clenching his fist tight. The heart was completely squashed and fresh red blood flowed out between his fingers and into the empty wine glass. There was a faint fragrance of wine in the fresh red blood. Under the manipulation of the Dark Musician, it was as if the life of the entire person had been infused in the blood. It was so tempting that all the guests were thirsting for it.
“Your victory is just like this glass of wine.” Hua Sheng smiled and drank half of it before pouring the remaining half onto the gladiator’s head. The blood-wine seeped into his skin without a sound. It was as if they had turned into fire, as they resulted in countless muscles trembling almost uncontrollably. This was a demonstration of power. Life was surging and the gladiator began to cheer and roar.
By the time the gladiator retreated, the host of the banquet shook his head and sighed. “Your generosity has embarrassed me, my friend. Compared to you, my gifts of gemstones have lost their shine and become worthless.”
“What I have done will never make up for your warm hospitality. I just hope that I have provided some colors and entertainment to your banquet.” Hua Sheng stretched out his hands as both men talked and laughed.
Night soon came. By the time the banquet ended, Hua Sheng, who was chatting happily with the host in the study room, finally brought up the decision that he had made, “The wait has been too long. My friend, bring me to see your grandmaster.” Hua Sheng looked at him. “There are some things that we can’t always run away from forever… I think a month’s time is more than enough for a decision to be made.”
The smile on the host’s face froze. After a long time, he finally sighed helplessly. “At this stage, I’m afraid I have to remind you that it is unlikely that you will be satisfied with my grand master’s reply.” He continued, “You are asking for too much and the risk that you are taking is too heavy. Even the grandmaster does not dare to take this risk with you. Even if I want to believe in you, there are at least 14 other Lords that are on the same level as me. More than seven of them are most likely to throw their support behind the other side. After all, no one here is fond of the Religious Court of Inquiry.”
“This is why we must have a meeting. I will convince them.” Hua Sheng sounded confident. “This is my duty after all, isn’t it?”
“The Court of Inquiry is only going to treat you as a tool, why go to such great lengths for them?” The host sighed helplessly. “Hua Sheng, I’m sure you can see that there is nothing fake about how much I treat you as a friend. I sincerely hope that you can stay by my side, my friend. Regardless of slaves, gold, wine or precious swords, I am willing to share all of them with you. On this island, you will be an Emperor.”
“Thank you for your precious friendship, sir.” Hua Sheng raised his glass. “Nevertheless, no matter the prominence and fame one gains outside, home will always be the best, no?”
“Although your refusal frustrates me, you are still my friend.” The host drank up all the wine in his glass and sighed. “I don’t understand. Will there be a place in the outside world for someone like you?”
Hua Sheng laughed.
…
Three hours later, in the meeting room in the center of the chilly ancient castle, banners were hung on the wall, one after another. Each banner represented a Lord that had rushed over from his or her territory. They consisted of all sorts of people, both young and old, male and female. Some were so young that one’s hair would stand on its end, while others were so old that it was a miracle that they were still alive.
The only common thing that they all shared was the gleam of light in their eyes and the evil aura that surrounded them. Right in the middle of them all was an old and frail woman, who was known as the grand master. The candlelight flickered in front of her, as if it did not dare to shine any light onto her face. Only the emerald worn on her right thumb reflected a queer fluorescent glow.
As Hua Sheng’s wheelchair slowly entered the room, the temporary silence was broken as the old grandmaster spoke, “As requested by Mr. Hua Sheng, I have arranged for this meeting and gathered everyone here to cast your votes. All of you are not young anymore. Don’t let an old lady like me worry so much every day. Feel free to speak your mind.”
Everyone looked at each other before a young Lord spoke first, “Right now, Anglo is fighting against overwhelming odds. Why do we have to follow suit?”
“The situation is unclear. It is not wise to make a decision so hastily now.”
“I think that we should continue to monitor the situation first.”
Very soon, all the Lords had spoken, and very few of them favored Anglo.
“In that case, Mr. Hua Sheng, I’m sure you have a good understanding of where we all stand now.” The grandmaster looked up and looked behind the long table at the solemn-looking young man. “Is there anything you would like to say?”
Hua Sheng kept quiet for a moment before laughing apologetically. “My apologies, I suddenly have an urge to smoke. Can I smoke here?”
“Please feel free.” The messenger nudged over a silver box of cut tobacco, a meerschaum pipe, and a small lamp. Instead of using the top-quality smoking pipe, Hua Sheng made sure that everyone could see him tearing off a small piece of paper and rolling the cut tobacco in it.
“Sorry to make a fool of myself. This is a bad habit that I have picked up from my boss. I have become so used to it that I find the smoking pipe troublesome.” Hua Sheng lit up the hand-rolled cigarette and inhaled deeply. His eyes squinted. “In that case, let’s get down to the serious business now.”
“About time,” an impatient Lord snickered.
Hua Sheng laughed and did not seem to mind. He continued calmly, “If my guess is correct, all this while, everyone has been avoiding me because of a messenger that has been sent over from what remains of the abyss? There are quite a number of Dark Musicians amongst you. It is understandable that you will want to continue monitoring the situation on both sides before deciding which side you will eventually support. Although I don’t really know what the other party is offering you, it must be quite attractive and substantial. Everyone, please do not feel embarrassed. Although I can’t really describe this situation as ‘business is business,’ but anything that has a price has room for negotiation. Recently, I have been following an elderly, who is responsible for keeping accounts, so I have managed to learn and pick up some knowledge. No matter the situation, as long as both parties are willing, it is not impossible to have a successful negotiation.”
He paused for a while before his tone sounded as if there was a tinge of sympathy. “Unfortunately, all my patience has been exhausted. Therefore, I am just going to be very straightforward…”
The hand-rolled tobacco was completely burnt and was extinguished in Hua Sheng’s hand. He exhaled the last puff of smoke and looked up. He was no longer smiling and his eyes were fully opened now. His eyes were metallic grey in color.
Everyone felt uneasy seeing those pair of eyes. Hua Sheng continued softly, “Pardon me for going straight to the point, but everyone here is trash.”
…
The twilight of dusk was lit up by the flashlights on the warship. The surface of the sea was calm. Waves might have come crashing violently but they were completely flattened by the gigantic enchantment that surrounded the entire warship. The gigantic fleet sailed across the surface of the sea amidst the calm weather. There was only silence wherever the fleet passed through, except for the sound of waves being flattened, which sounded like huge stones being crushed.
After leaving the Stronghold on Sea, all the crew members had been traveling at full speed for three consecutive days and nights. The Third Formation, which had been given a heavy responsibility, finally passed through the seas of Burgundy and deep into the World of Dark. After covering a long distance, they were able to follow the ocean currents and travel towards Anglo. On the bridge of the flagship, Helgoland, there was only silence.
The commander sat silently on his seat as he gently caressed his sword. He was feeling uneasy, until he received the signal officer’s report, “Officer, in another five minutes, we will pass through the yellow zone and officially enter the seas of Anglo.”
“Turn on all probes.” The commander kept quiet for a moment before continuing, “Inform all ships to be prepared for war. Even if Stronghold on Sea initiates the attack, Anglo will not be distracted and allow us to drive straight through.”
He paused for a while before grabbing the hilt of his knife tightly. His eyes turned cold. “No need for proper identification. Regardless of fishing boats or warships, as long as they are within shooting range, attack immediately. Remember our mission. We must subject those that have turned their backs on God with absolute extinction! If God is not going to show them mercy, then neither will we!”
All the captains of the warships fell silent for a moment in the comms set. Then, with firm determination, they all replied simultaneously, “I stand with the truth!”
“Indeed, I stand with the truth,” the commander muttered quietly. After giving this set of order, his unease was finally replaced with determination. Amidst the sounds of countless running footsteps, all warships have been warmed up and all preparations have been made. No one even realized when did the waves vanish completely.
Only the metal roars of countless machinery in operation broke the silence. On the deck of every warship, 16 revelation musicians obeyed the command, that was circulating the channel and played the movements. As a result, burning beams of light shot up into the sky and hung above the vault in heaven. 16 burning stars rained down beams of light, chasing away the night.
Soon after, they saw the pale white wall ahead. There was a thick fog that enshrouded the entire Anglo sea. They were thick and towering, so much so that they resembled a white wall. Amidst the dim light, silhouettes began to form in the fog, but no one could tell just what was the fog concealing.
The commander bit on his lips subconsciously, yet there was a smirk on his face. “Just as expected, they are waiting here for us. Activate our instruments of harmonious melody and observation formations. I am curious to see just what the Anglos have hidden behind this fog!”
There was a huge roar and from the vault in heaven, the burning stars shone their starlight towards the fog. The starlight pierced through the fog instantaneously like a sword, leaving behind a deep crack. When the beams of light swept across, the thick fog seemed to be completely shredded and was rapidly dissipated, revealing the daunting formation behind it.
Countless main cannons, that had clearly been warmed up, were aiming towards the Asgardian fleet. This was…
“Anglo Royal Fleet?!” The commander did not even need a report from the signal officer. He jumped up from his seat and was completely stunned. “What is the Royal Fleet doing here?!”
At this moment in time, beneath the starlight and on the surface of the calm sea, more than a hundred warships were already in their positions and were ready for war to begin.
The commander was furious and confused, but at the same time, he had a very, very bad feeling. Wrong… this was all wrong… They had predicted that the Anglos would not split up their military forces in order to counter the three-way attack. It would be suicidal. Indeed, just as they had expected, the Royal Fleet did not split up its forces.
But what are they doing here! Have they given up on the battle at the frontline? Could this bunch of lunatics be thinking of giving away their capital just like that?!
There was no time for him to think. Before he could even think of any answers, countless powerful beams of light shone at them. The war had finally begun.
…
At the same time, in the northern region of Anglo seas, Sylvaine heard the huge roar. It was the sound of turbulence in the ocean. It was almost as if the ocean was in fear.
The night sky was as bright as day. The ocean was burning. Due to the terrifying nature interference, the sea had turned into flames. The flames rose and chased away the thick fog, while lighting up the ocean that seemed to have been flattened. A terrifying silhouette was charging forward.
It was Stronghold on Sea. Amidst the countless roars of majestic melody, the gigantic iron city was raining down nature interference at all times and turning its surroundings into a foreign world. Tens of miles away on the sea, one could still hear earth-shattering roars that accompanied the arrival of hurricanes.
On the bridge of the Sovereign, Sylvaine stared at Stronghold on Sea
and could not help but mutter under his breath, “How terrifying.” He was merely looking, yet he could not control both his hands trembling behind his back. His insides were churning in fear, and he could feel a chill in the air. The bridge was dead silent. No one spoke a word. After a long time, the signal officer spoke in a hoarse voice, “Officer, we are about to enter the combat range.”
Sylvaine fell silent for a moment before raising his head and looking at his surroundings. “In that case, everyone, are you all ready to make the sacrifice? What we are facing now is an enemy that is hundreds of times more powerful than us. There is no doubt that we will all perish in this battle. We are the abandoned ones. Not a single person thinks that we have a chance of victory at all. Does everyone have the courage to face this with me? To face the enemy and launch an attack?”
“We will follow your command, my Lord.”
The Chief Officer laughed lightly. “Of course, if we lose, it will be your fault. Are you prepared to pen down your statement of confession?” Sylvaine was stunned for a moment before the Chief Officer and the rest began to laugh together uproariously. Death awaited all of them, yet the atmosphere on the bridge was easy and happy.
“All you bunch of…” Sylvaine shook his head helplessly. If they lost, everyone would die. Why would there be a need to write a statement of confession by then?
The Chief Officer stretched out his hand and took out a flat flask of wine. He shook it in front of Sylvaine, daring to go against the rule that prohibited alcohol on the fleet. “I had wanted to sneak a small sip after our victory. Looks like that’s not possible anymore.” The Chief Officer took a big gulp before trying to pass the wine flask around. “Anyone?”
“If you say so.” Sylvaine smiled and cocked back his head to take a huge gulp. He no longer felt afraid anymore. It’s only death. So be it, damn it.
