The Gambit of the Faceless God — Epic Fantasy

-Aurora-

I felt conflicted.

Emon told Dark and I that he would be the one sharing the news with us today. The juxtaposition of his steadfast and confident demeanour and the sudden news of his absence would make anyone think twice, if not given enough information. Dark arrived at the Cellar earlier than I did, presumably also with a ponderous mind, wondering where Emon may have been, only to be reassured that everything went well. Despite his gullible and airheaded personality, I felt a little disappointed in him for not questioning things twice, especially since it wasn’t Emon who shared the news with him.

Nevertheless, I soon arrived back at my home to change my attire. I could have simply headed to his place, dressed in my work attire, but, knowing that he would take me in and let me take care of him, I thought it’d be best to look a little… more approachable—

—And so I did. I dressed myself in a long black skirt that matched well with my white blouse. As I stepped downstairs, I was met with Helvega, dressed in a black shirt with short pants of the same hue. She stood in the middle of the hallway, speaking to me with a curious tone, after scrutinizing my outfit.

“Where are you going, mom? Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”

“I need to pay someone a visit. Have you finished your breakfast?”

“Yes, I have. Thank you for letting me stay at home for the day…”

“It’s okay,” I responded, patting her crown. “Do you think you can return to your internship tomorrow?”

“I think so, yes,” she nodded. “I’m starting to feel a little better.”

“I’ll be back home in a few hours, or so. I have dinner left in the fridge in case you’re hungry,” I said, walking past her until she too turned around, and reached her hand out to me.

“Ah, wait!”

“Hm?”

“I wanted to ask you about something…”

“What is it?” I pondered, fully turned towards her.

“Well, I was told by Miriam that the Library was going to be locked down for the upcoming Festival. Do you know why Luria decided to have it closed off by any chance?”

I took a deep sigh through my nose as I fished my car’s keys out of my handbag.

“…I don’t know, Helvega.”

“But, you do know!” she exclaimed, stepping towards me. “You have to know! Aren’t you the Head Overseer? Should you not be told about things like this?”

I closed my eyes and turned back to the door before she jumped in front of me, and spread her arms wide.

“Don’t go yet!”

“I don’t have the time for this right now,” I responded, feeling as if irritation slowly ascended from within my body. “Are you not going to let me pass?”

“But just tell me why? You know there’s no need for it to be locked down. It just seems so stupid!”

“…”

“I know you can make a change to this… Could you just tell them to withdraw from their plan?”

“I can’t, Helvega. It’s not as simple as telling them to stop what they’re doing. Why don’t you start a city-sized protest and make them reconsider their choices?”

“…That seems doable. You wouldn’t help me as much as Father probably wo-”

…My body acted on its own.

Like an impulsive reflex, I lifted my hand…

…And slammed it on her cheek.

Her head recoiled, with her hair falling over her stunned face. She held her palm against the wound in complete silence, as I spoke to her in a violent tone.

“Don’t you ever say that word, ever again! Understood?!”

“…”

“Get to your room.”

“…”

She wordlessly passed me, as I tried to recollect my composure. I opened the door with a frown, and stormed outside of the house, eventually entering my car and planting my head against the wheel.

What a stupid child…! Keeping on bothering me whenever I need it the least!

Like, god, give me a fucking break, will you?!

I’m already feeling like shit today. I don’t need you to tell me about that stupid lockdown! Who cares about it, anyway?!

Sigh…

To have the audacity to say that word…

…If only you knew just how much of an evil person of a man your Father was, you would have slapped yourself!

My face contorted as if I was about to break down right there, at that moment. However, Emon’s face flashed through my mind, causing me to take a deep breath, and hope that he would perhaps, make me feel a little better…

***

-Emon-

I gradually opened my eyes, the illuminated ceiling slowly materializing before my eyes. After a few seconds, I could hear a cheerful voice sounding right next to me. As soon as I tried to turn my head to the left, the face of a lady leaned forward to meet my eyes.

Ah, Velera…?

“Good morning, sleepyhead!” she said with a smile.

It seemed as if I was asleep for long enough to temporarily forget who this person was. I shook my head as she continued.

“You slept for so long, dear…”

She then grabbed a plate carrying a pair of toasts and a cup of coffee, with some fruits and brought it in front of me.

“I made sure to make you some breakfast.”

Right when I tried to sit up straight, a sharp pain whirled in my head, causing me to grunt involuntarily.

“Velera… could you grab my pill case under the counter?”

“Of course,” she said, grabbing a glass of water. “I got you some water, as well.”

“Thanks…”

After helping myself, I felt a little more… composed. I remained seated on the bed, bare-chested, aimlessly staring at my plate, as I murmured,

“I had such a weird dream…”

“A dream? About what?”

“I… don’t really know…”

She then took a few moments before responding. “…Are you feeling well enough to be working today?”

“I’m not sure…

…Ah, wait!”

I gasped. Realization dawned within my mind. I was supposed to report to the church today. Right when I sounded my thoughts, Velera placed her hand on my blanket-covered leg, and told me with a reassuring tone,

“Don’t worry. Phineas has already taken care of the situation.”

“Wait, what?”

“You don’t remember? You were the one who saved the two members and brought them home. You then suggested for them to rest enough before they could consider heading to the church themselves. Phineas already knew about this after he came here to discuss the plan regarding the Library. You were already feeling really bad, so you asked him to report to the church himself so that you could take the day off.”

“Oh… r- right… Where is he now?”

“I’m not sure, but you might expect him to pay you a visit soon. But, enough about that. Have some food.”

“Okay…”

A few minutes would pass. I felt relaxed knowing Phineas already took care of things. As I indulged myself in the coffee, Velera suddenly smiled, her eyes lit with joy.

“By the way, Emon… I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?” I said, mirroring her smile.

“Well, you know we have been talking about having children, right…?”

“No…!”

“Mhm!”

“You’re lying!”

Ding dong!

…The doorbell suddenly rang.

“I’ll take it,” she said, standing up, folding a brown shawl over her face. “That might be Phineas.”

***

-Aurora-

It took a few moments before I could hear footsteps approaching the door.

I nervously gulped before taking a deep breath. Circling my head as I took in the beauty of the structure. It was my first time visiting Emon’s place, after all.

I began to chuckle softly, reminiscing about when we shared lunch together in one of the taverns…

Hehe…

…Well, there’s no escaping me now, Emo-

Click…

…Creak…

The door slowly opened, and my eyes widened, my mouth left ajar.

I stood frozen in place, not able to move a muscle.

There stood a lady before me… dressed in a loose… brown robe… most of her facial features obscured behind a shawl…

…her cleavage shown in full.

“Oh, hello? Who are you?”

“...”

My body could not respond.

My mind could not respond.

Time seemed to have gone still, my entire surroundings nullified into a realm filled with a complete empty silent void, until…

“Honey? Who’s there?”

…Emon walked into the hallway.

He stood still, as our eyes were glued onto each other for a moment. I mustered every ounce of strength I had left in my body to utter just one simple sentence.

“…I see.”

I walked away, as the entire world seemed to have been shrouded into darkness. The sound of the door behind me closing acting like a foot kicking me deep into the gutter, like a final push sending me further into this pit of darkness…

…As I fell, and fell, fragments of memories shared with him all dissipated into the gloom like bubbles floating towards the summit of a sea. His smile and voice gradually faded away into the distance, causing me to close my eyes, and embrace the shadows like how it was supposed to be.

***

[Two days later: Cyclone Cellar]

Appearing like a shell of what she once was, Aurora sat on her chair, aimlessly staring at the table, with her right cheek sinking into her palm. The place was encumbered in silence broken only by the constant ticking of the clock hanging on the far right wall. Eyebags formed around her darkened eyes, her lips appeared wrinkled, and her hair was entirely dishevelled. Taken in by the calmness of her office room, her eyes gradually started to close until they jolted open upon hearing a few knocks on the front door reverberating throughout the space.

“It’s me, Dark,” his muffled voice seeped through. Without an answer given by Aurora, Dark slowly opened the door and peeked his head inside before stepping in fully. Aurora held her head lowered, not paying heed to his entrance, causing Dark to take a seat at the edge of her table, worryingly looking down at her.

“Doing good?”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?” he tilted his head. “You look like you haven’t slept in weeks.”

“I just had a long night,” she sighed. “That’s all.”

“I could get you a cup of coffee if you wa-”

“Dark,” she interjected. “What is it?”

“Oh, well, I was just checking in on ya. I thought you’d be around Emon’s office.”

“Why would I?”

“You didn’t hear? He is resigning from his position as Administrator starting today.”

“What?!” she exclaimed, standing up. “Where is he?”

“He’s supposed to be at the Lord’s room right now…”

***

Meanwhile, Emon indeed stood within the clutches of Clement’s room which had a noticeably different interior than most. It seemed like a small, closed-off space, with shadows obscuring every part of the chambers other than the large iron chair situated right at the head of the space. Clement, an elderly man donned in a loose gray robe stood up from this chair, and walked up to Emon—every step taken causing his robe to billow around his esteemed figure.

Emon stood firm with a closed smile, dressed in a white blouse that contrasted sharply against his black jeans. He raised his head as soon as Clement spoke, his authoritative voice stirring up pride even in a moment like this.

“The process will take at least six months until a new fitting individual is chosen to replace you. Meaning that you will still be held in regards to any possible interventions that may come.”

“I understand,” Emon said respectfully. Clement then sighed, closing his eyes before speaking once more.

“Out of all people would I never expect you, Emon Moreau, to step back from your rightful position. I understood that you wanted this to devote yourself to taking care of your wife and future child, am I correct?”

Emon remained silent in response, yet it was all Clement needed to feel confirmed.

“I respect your decision, Emon. You have always been the type of man aware of what he truly wants. I am sure you spent a lot of time reflecting on your circumstances and whether or not this would be the right decision for you to make.”

“I knew you would understand, Clement,” Emon said. “This is something new for me, as well… I will finally become a father.”

“As a father myself, I know how you’re feeling, Emon. But, how come you never told us about her? What is her name?”

“Her name is Velera. Part of why I never found myself telling you and the others is because of how disconnected I felt with most of my colleagues. Not to bash you down the gutter, but I never felt a ‘personal’ connection with anyone here.”

“That is something I did notice from you,” Clement nodded. “You seemed very different from Anary and Garold personality-wise. I always found you a strange man—one who seemed a little too good to be true. A Teacher, an Administrator, and a very hard worker. Of course, someone would be interested in a man like you.”

He then patted Emon on his shoulder, tilting his head with a closed smile. “But, it is fine. Nobody is obliged to reveal their personal lives. I am sure you will become a great father, Emon.”

“I thank you wholeheartedl-”

Right before Emon was about to finish his sentence, the door behind him opened, causing illumination to temporarily brighten the room. Standing at the threshold was Aurora alongside Dark. She excused herself before entering, as Clement spoke to her in a gentle tone.

“What is the matter, Aurora?”

“Pardon me for my audacity, but…”

Right as she stood next to Emon, she tilted her head, her eyes squinted in a maelstrom of emotions, trying her hardest to hold back the tears that were supposed to slide down her face the moment her eyes met his.

“…Emon?”

Emon looked at her with a rather placated expression. As if entirely oblivious to her obvious disquietude. He closed his eyes with a charming smile, speaking to her with a gentle tone,

“It seems like you haven’t heard about my resignation yet, until now.”

“Yes, but, why?” Aurora said, stammering over her words. “Why are you doing this?”

“Aurora…” Emon murmured. “…I am finally becoming a father. It is something I was looking fo-”

“When?” she interjected, frowning her eyebrows as tears started to well up in her eyes. “Who is she? You never told us about her!”

“Perhaps I should not have kept it a secret for all these years… But, that was my wife. We have been together for over five years.”

Aurora slowly lowered her head in complete disbelief, her tresses cascading over her face, muttering to herself,

“I… don’t understand.”

Clement looked at her with a slightly confused expression. He expected a much more welcoming reaction from them both. At last, her dramatic display of emotion did not seem to make him question what their dynamics with each other were. In his eyes, Emon and Aurora were two exceptional members of the assembly. Given his previous sentiment about Emon having no obligation to reveal his personal life, the sense of wanting to know more about why Aurora was acting this way never crossed his path.

Dark muttered Aurora’s name after seeing her in such a broken state, which only led to her desperately questioning Emon further.

“Why did you never tell me…”

Emon was visibly struggling with sounding words out of his mouth. Trying to tell her the same thing he told Clement as to why he never told his colleagues about this aspect of his life. However, Aurora could not bear another sound coming from him, causing her to interrupt him once more, lifting her head, and revealing a sudden change in her expression. A much more… collected, and calm face—with a closed bittersweet smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“Sorry for my behaviour,” she began. “I am happy for you, Emon. It was just a little… too spontaneous for me. I think that’s why I felt emotional. How long did you know she was pregnant?”

“Since yesterday,” Emon smiled with soulless eyes.

“Well, congrats, man!” Dark chimed in from behind, attempting to steer the boat further in the right direction. “I really couldn’t imagine you actually becoming a father, but, I guess we should always expect the unexpected, right?”

“Indeed…” Emon murmured. “Would you like to come by and have a proper exchange of words with her? You were at my place yester-”

“I think I’m good,” she interjected once more. “Maybe some other time.”

She then turned around, walking past Dark as she said, “If you’ll excuse me, there’s something I need to do.”

“Alright,” Dark said. “Take care.”

The three of them silently watched Aurora exit the room, closing the door behind her.

***

After closing off her office room, Aurora made her way back to her abode. She threw her white coat on the ground with shadowed eyes and made her way upstairs towards Helvega’s bedroom.

She was still at home, visibly sick and tainted by the events of the day before. Laying on her bed, she spent the entire morning aimlessly staring forward dabbling between consciousness and unconsciousness. The moment she heard a first knock on her door, she instantly shuddered awake, helping herself upwards as she stared at the adjacent door.

“Helvega? Are you awake?”

“…Kind of…”

“Can I come in?”

“Yes, you can,” Helvega said softly, sitting up straight with her lower body covered by the bed sheets. Upon opening the door, Helvega instantly noticed a paradoxical difference in her face. It appeared as if the dreams and aspirations she once had throughout her whole life dissipated entirely. Her figure and demeanour were daunted, seemingly breathing out their last breaths as a last resort to keep what was left of Aurora at bay. It kind of shook Helvega, but she could sense that Aurora entered her room without animosity, causing her to relax her muscles albeit a little.

“You’re still not feeling well…” Aurora said. “Is it because of the food I left for you yesterday?”

“I wouldn’t say so,” Helvega retorted. “I may just have the flu or something.”

“Well, we’ll be visiting the doctor someday. I should plan an appointment…”

“Mom, are you feeling sick also? Were you at work today?”

Aurora sighed, lowering her pupils. “Dear, I think I am getting a little tired.”

“Is it because of me…?” Helvega said, tears welling up in her eyes. Aurora then held her palm on Helvega’s hand in reassurance, speaking to her in a bittersweet tone.

“No, Helvega… Don’t you dare say that…”

She then tightened her grip on her hand, as she couldn’t fight back the tears waiting to waterfall out of her eyes anymore. With a sniff of her nose, she said to her daughter, “…I’m sorry for hitting you yesterday.”

Helvega couldn’t hold herself in, also. A single tear glided down from her right eye, as she slowly nodded, “It’s okay, mom…”

“Helvega, you made me think about your father today. I believed that it would be unjust of me to hide the history of our family from you.”

Helvega’s eyes widened, knowing what she was about to say afterwards.

“Are you feeling well enough to listen to what I will tell you?”

“Yes,” she nodded. “I am.”

Aurora took a deep sigh, and lay her right left on the bed to sit more comfortably. She then closed her eyes, recollecting her composure. “You wanted to know about your father…”

“…I will tell you everything you need to know.”

-Nine months later: Emon’s Home-

The beautiful seaside cliff had become the silent observer of a gruesome encounter. A masked man, dressed in an all-encompassing black suit and a hat of the same colour, had just plunged his sword into the chest of another, white haired man, who was dressed in a white blouse. Among the broken remains of glasses, scattered like fallen stars upon the grassy earth, crimson droplets slowly descended from the pierced hole.

With a trembling hand, the white haired man clutched the masked man’s shoulder as their faces were right next to each other, as if the masked man was leaning forward to whisper something to him. The white haired man, with now soulless eyes, spoke to him, mustering every ounce of strength he had left.

“…Ah… it… was you… The… church…”

After remaining silent for several seconds, the masked man responded with a calm tone.

“Emon, could you tell me one thing? Could you tell me what your children mean to you?”

Upon hearing those words, Emon’s mouth trembled as it was left open, and he began to haggardly gasp for air.

“…My…! Please! Don’t… touch them…! Don’t touch… my sons!”

Tears began to stroll down his face. His house was right behind the masked man, in which his wife, alongside his two sons resided. He would sell his soul just in exchange for a short amount of strength enough to ward the masked man off, but, as life slowly dissipated from his body, all he could do was tremble in fear, grimacing, resting his chin on the masked man’s shoulder, who only silently listened to his cries of despair.

And that was when he responded to him, in an even calmer tone than before.

“Your children will be safe.”

“My… my… childr…”

“Do not fret, Emon…”

The masked man’s voice suddenly turned dark and malicious, as he set his eyes forward.

“…Because now, my rebellion has become your rebellion.”

As Emon tremblingly tried to turn his head towards the masked man, he almost spoke his name out.

“…M…Mich…”

And right as he did so, the masked man mercilessly hauled his sword out of Emon’s chest. With the tip of his blade dripping blood, Emon fell on his knees, and afterwards dropped onto the grass face first. The masked man stared at his corpse for a moment until his tone took a serene turn once more, as he spoke to him.

“You have become me.”

Next to the masked man, a surge of black butterflies suddenly appeared from the sky, and formed into a figure. A young adult woman, presumably in her early twenties. She was dressed in a black, Gothic dress that was engraved with intricate carvings that contrasted sharply against her long, snow-white complexion and hair.

She knelt before the masked man, who still had his eyes glued onto Emon’s body, and said with a respectful tone.

“My Lord, your orders.”

“…Kill his wife. But leave his children indoors. “

She closed her eyes, and bowed her head.

“Yes, my Lord.”

She then stood up, and spread her right palm out in the air. A group of black butterflies appeared circling around her palm, eventually forming into a large, black coloured scythe. She took measured steps towards the house, and slowly pushed the already-unlocked door further open.

***

In Emon’s bedroom, his wife, Velera, was seen laying on her bed carrying two babies. She had beautiful long black hair, and her skin was very pristine and smooth. She could already hear the approaching footsteps of the woman, which caused her lips to curl up in a closed, bittersweet smile, as if she already knew what was awaiting her.

The door then opened, and one of the babies began to cry, having felt the prevalent, demoniacal presence of the young woman entering the room. The young woman, with an emotionless expression, gazed at Velera as she stood by the now closed door. Velera slowly raised her head, and spoke to her with a bittersweet tone.

“…I believe my time has finally come, has it not?”

“Thank you for your patience, Mother,” the young woman said, closing her eyes. “Please, forgive me for my actions.”

“No, it is fine,” Velera responded calmly. “Could you at least take my children to another place? I would rather not have them witness death upon their first few breaths…”

“Of course.”

The young woman placed her scythe on the ground, and received the two baby brothers, who began to cry loudly. It was not the feeling of suddenly losing the embrace of their mother, but it was the sheer evil aura that instantly washed over them as soon as the young woman’s hands came into contact with them. This caused Velera to let a single tear stroll down her right cheek, as she silently watched the young woman opening the door, and placing her children on the floor in the hallway.

The young woman turned back to her, and asked with a respectful tone.

“Will this suffice?”

“…Yes, thank you.”

She then closed her eyes as she grasped her scythe once more that hauntingly skimmed across the wooden ground as she slowly stepped towards Velera, the heart-wrenching cries of the babies just outside the door accentuating the gruesome moment.

As she stood before her, she raised her scythe, their eyes locked in a poignant exchange. And with an expressionless face, she said with a solemn tone…

“Now, then…

…I wish you a delightful rest, Mother.”

End of Arc one, Volume one.