Regain: Revenge of the Greatest

Kael fulfilled his objective, but it was not without cost. What’s left of his mana vessel were fragments, broken pieces that couldn’t contain mana anymore. He reached the limit. He learned that he was still bounded by the laws of the world.

Is it all right to give up now?

That’s the question that circled around his mind. He wanted to be reminded of what he wanted to do in the first place. Having the will to live a second time, he must have a good reason, because otherwise, what he did was meaningless.

But, he was quick to forgive, that even if he was reminded of what he should do, he outright refused to acknowledge it. He was too stubborn to let darkness consume his soul. Perhaps that’s the reason why he became the greatest hero, but it could also be the cause of his downfall.

What happened to Elalios?

That’s the second question that he thought of. He wanted to at least make sure that his sacrifice didn’t go to waste. He wasn’t sure why he sacrificed so much to one of the servants of the Earl. Maybe he looked way too similar to his friend in the past, or maybe, he didn’t learn his lesson when the rulers of the world betrayed him. Either way, it’s a bit naive on his part to sacrifice himself to the point of his second demise.

He heard Elalios’s voice calling for him. He was relieved. Although he couldn’t move his body nor could he respond to Elalios’s calls, he was thankful. The beneficiary of his sacrifice seemed more alive than him. For that, he was truly thankful.

He can feel his mind disappearing little by little. Elalios’s lively voice cut his will to live. As he remembered that his second family forgot that he exist, there’s no point to suffer and try to survive. If living will benefit no one other than his own, he’s ready to die again.

But, as the world gave him favor, and guided him to dwell in a human body, he was guided once again. Before he completely fell into eternal slumber, he heard Elalios, talking to someone.

Elalios’s voice was alarming, as it was evident that he was afraid. Too afraid that he couldn’t hide it.

The person that Elalios was talking to requested to have Kael. Kael would allow it if he could save Elalios for a second time, but he couldn’t move to do so. Kael was hoping that Elalios will accept the request, but he was surprised at what Elalios said.

“No”

Such firm, assured response that no one can change. Elalios’s tone, the way he mustered all the courage he has, Kael knew by then. Elalios will protect him no matter what.

Tears flowed on Kael’s face. He was waiting to have someone who will protect him, like what Elalios did. He realized that he did get tired of being the protector he once was. And here, he heard it loud and clear, Elalios was the person he was waiting for.

But during such great and joyful moment, Kael realized the dreadful truth. He fought Elalios before, and he discovered the overwhelming difference in their power. Elalios has no power to protect him, Elalios is way too weak.

Kael let the dreadful truth consume him for a moment, but it didn’t last. He gained a reason to live again. This time not for revenge, not for the benefit of humanity. He must live to save Elalios, as for his sacrifice to not go to waste.

He needed to mend his broken mana vessel, a feat that could take him months to do so. But this time, he needed to fix himself as soon as possible. So, being once the greatest hero that defied the laws of the world, he will attempt to do another impossible feat.

‘Wait for me, I will save you’

Elalios was nervous laughing at himself.

‘Why am I protecting this strange child?’

He couldn’t explain what got into him, using himself to protect the person that shattered his pride more than anyone else. But here he was, determined to protect Kael, a decision that will guarantee his demise.

‘Did Kael’s summon hit me too hard?’

Elalios was ready. He knew that no amount of readiness can prepare him against the demon. But even if the situation was against him, his feet weren’t moving, even if he could get away.

‘I should get some compensation if I surv… is there an afterlife?’

“You’re brave, but I have no time to play with you”, the red-eyed demon said. “Osbert, get the child”

“Elalios..”, Osbert didn’t move. He kept on calling Elalios’s name.

The red-eyed demon looked at Osbert. “Your will is stronger than I thought”, the demon stretched his hand towards Osbert.

[Dark Dominion]

All of a sudden, a fog of deep darkness surrounded Osbert. He was in excruciating pain, which made Elalios worry for his fellow servant.

“What did you do to him?”, Elalios asked.

“Sometimes, disobedient demons need discipline”, the red-eyed demon said.

Elalios wasn’t amused. He wanted to attack the wretched demon. But before he could do something, he heard the whistle of the wind.

[Shield]

He was traumatized enough to remember what the sound meant. But his magic couldn’t protect him. He heard the shattering, his barrier was broken. The only thing he thought of doing was to cover Kael with his body. He closed his eyes and hoped for the best.

“STOP”, the demon ordered Osbert.

Osbert was only a millimeter away from Elalios when he was forced to stop moving.

The red-eyed demon walked towards Osbert. It was walking slowly, but its eyes remained looking at Elalios the entire time. When he was side to side with Osbert, he began speaking.

“Let me have the child”

Elalios opened his eyes a little after hearing the request. He saw the two terrifying demons. He can reach them with his hand, too close for comfort.

Elalios didn’t know what to do by then, his mind became a mess of incoherent voices. He tried voicing the right words to appease the demons. But, his panicking mind chose the wrong set of words.

“Try it if you can”

Hearing those taunting words, the red-eyed demon became visibly upset.

“You’re testing my patience”, the red-eyed demon stretched his hands towards Osbert again.

“MAKE HIM SUFFER”

Hearing the demon’s order, Osbert’s face showed a sinister grin. He kicked Elalios. It was his weakest kick, but it affected Elalios’s whole body. He kicked Elalios repeatedly, hitting a different body part each time. Elalios began to feel his body deteriorating once again, but he was smiling from the pain.

‘I deserve this’

The red-eyed demon was frustrated, witnessing Elalios’s stubbornness. But it didn’t do anything to Elalios. Instead, he commanded Osbert again.

“I wonder, should I kill you?”, the red-eyed demon asked. It didn’t wait for Elalios’s answer. “KILL HIM”

Osbert couldn’t be more excited hearing the great words of his demon master. He stretched his hand, and aimed to split Elalios in half. His hand moved so quick.

[Great Defense]

The time froze for a second. When it moved normal again, Osbert lost his remaining arm. He looked at Elalios, and the man he desired to kill was protected by a golden barrier.

“Thank you, Elalios. You protected me”