Legend of Mautau: Angelorum Lux

Ch 25: Lonely Lotus

        Taking the strange object from Scott, Alexander examined it for a moment as the others settled back into their seats, then placed it on the table and said, “It’s a message…” Staring at the object as he sat back in his chair, Scott muttered, “A message from Altera Veritas huh? What could they be up to?” Adjusting his shades, Alexander said, “We won’t know until we listen to it.” Alexander reached out and pushed a spot on the round metal object, and it quickly opened up to reveal a holo-projector. As the holo-projector came to life, it created a three-dimensional, miniature projection of an unfamiliar man. He looked about in his thirties, with short, very dark blue hair and wore glasses, behind which were blue eyes. The miniature image of the man smiled and said, “Greetings to you, heroes of the new Angelorum Lux. I am Professor Vincent Marcellus, a Revenant of Altera Veritas. Despite being your enemy, I must say I do look forward to finally meeting you all in person. Getting down to business, I’m sure you are aware of the fate that has befallen the good people of Lamis. My sources led me to believe you were in Lamis, however I can see now this was not the case for all of you. I’m sure you’re particularly interested in knowing the fate of your friend. Well fear not heroes! He and his family are quite unharmed. I cannot, however, guarantee they shall remain that way if you do not come to face me in the town square. You have until sunset tomorrow to accept this challenge, and do remember that if you were to decline, the anomaly that tracked you down and delivered this message will inform me of your location. I shall await you with anticipation! Farewell heroes!”

        Having reached the end of the message, the Professor’s image faded as the holo-projector shut down. Crossing his hands in his lap, Alexander muttered, “So, a descendant of the Marcellus family has become one of Alastor’s Revenants. This will be troublesome…” With a confused expression, Scott said, “A descendant of the Marcellus family? Revenant?” Mythra poured herself a cup of tea as she said, “Revenants are the title given to the most trusted and powerful members of the Dark Crusade. It seems Alastor is still using the title for his own little operation. As far as line of command, they are directly beneath Alastor. Each of them is gifted with part of the Nameless One’s essence. When accepted willingly, it allows the Nameless One to manipulate their subconscious mind, or if the Nameless One desires, turn them into a vessel for his own consciousness. Revenants gain great power from this fusion, as well as the ability to create and control anomalies and Corrupted EDE. That power in the hands of a descendant of Marcellus… It will make for a dangerous combination.” As she began drinking her tea, Grey said, “Ok… Just who the hell are these Marcellus people?” A grave look on his face, Alexander said, “The Marcellus family is the line of one of the Sages of Light.”

        Amy’s eyes went wide and she exclaimed, “A sage?! A sage like me is with Altera Veritas?!” Serius nodded at her and said, “It would appear so. The Marcellus line are the descendants of the Sage of Flames.” Setting down her cup, Mythra smirked and said, “One can only wonder at how these powerful lineages have born such disappointing sages. First one who can’t use their powers, and now there’s a traitor.” Grey’s anger flaring, he was about to defend Amy again, but then Alexander said in a stern tone, “Mythra, enough. I’m not in the mood for troublesome comments born from your jealousies.” Rising from her chair with a flustered look, Mythra stammered, “Wh-why you! I-I’m not jealous of her, not one bit! Why should I be jealous?!” With a sigh, Alexander replied, “Honestly Mythra, you haven’t changed one bit from back then. You honestly think I can’t tell-” Mythra, her eyes going wide in anger, shouted, “SHUT UP! YOU CAN’T POSSIBLY UNDERSTAND HOW I FEEL!” Mythra ran off down the steps and down the path towards the pond.

        Confused by the sudden turn of events, Scott said, “What was that all about?” With a sigh, Alexander leaned back in his chair and took off his shades to stare at the sky, where the stars were just starting to become visible. After a moment, he said, “Though I doubt you all hadn’t noticed by now, Mythra has developed an attachment to Grey. I had a feeling it would happen, and to be honest I still don’t fully understand why, but the fact that he is He of the Infinite links him in her mind to Amanus, whom she had an unrequited love for.” Surprised, Amy said, “She loved Amanus?” With a quiet laugh, Alexander looked at her and said, “Yes, a true case of love at first sight. It’s not really my place though to be telling you any more though. In fact I hope I haven’t already said too much.” Remembering what Mythra had said earlier, Grey said, “Alexander… was there some kind of tragic event in Mythra’s life? She said something about having a wounded heart before. I can guess that she’s lived a long time like you have. Did something like what happened to you happen to her as well?”