Legend of Mautau: Angelorum Lux

Ch 28: Corruption

           Returning to Mythra’s house, Grey and the others arrived well after nightfall. Mythra hurried off to find more chairs for the table on the porch as Alexander and Amy came to greet them. Relieved at their safe return, Amy beamed at them all as she said, “You did it! Thank goodness!” Grinning, Grey replied, “We almost made it by dinner, but hey, we got things done!” Struggling a little as he walked over to the group, Alexander said, “It’s good to see everyone’s alright. You had us worried Schmitt.” With his hearty laugh, Schmitt replied, “Yeah, I have to admit I was more than a lil worried myself! Those anomaly thingies just showed up and turned the place to hell! I was more concerned for the little ones here though. Say hi to everyone kids, these guys are all grandpa’s good friends! Good folks I tell ya!” The two children clung tightly to their grandfather as they looked at the others, and while the girl was too nervous to speak, the boy nervously said, “Hello…” Smiling at them, Amy said, “Oh they’re so cute! What are their names?” Schmitt laughed again and said, “Oh right! His name’s Jacob and she’s Emily.” Coming out of the house with a chair, Mythra said to Schmitt, “About the kids, I’ve got some games and stuff for them to play with while we chat out here.” Placing the chair at the table, she smiled and said to Jacob and Emily, “The grownups are gonna have a boring discussion. I’ve got some fun stuff it the house for you guys to play with! You guys like video games right?” Their faces brightening, they nodded and followed Mythra back into the house. 

        Now noticing Richter hanging back behind the others, Alexander said, “Well, I wasn’t expecting to see you Colonel. Just why are you here?” Stepping forward, Richter replied, “I’m certain you’re thrilled, but I assure you I come in peace.” As Mythra returned hefting another chair, she placed it at the table, and as she sat herself into it she said, “He showed up out of nowhere just in time to save our butts. I don’t know what the story is between you guys, but we owe him.” With a sigh, the Colonel took a seat and said, “It pains me to say it, but my career in the Special Forces is most likely over. As you can imagine, letting you go in Aerennis had its ramifications. The Lieutenant Colonel reported my actions, in less than flattering words. Were it not for Catherine’s defense, I would surely have been court-martialed. After what just happened though, I’d say the higher ups are trying to get rid of me.” Crossing his hands in his lap, Richter continued, “We received an emergency call from the watch post near Lamis, and when contact was lost soon after, I was sent to investigate the watch post as well as the town. I was assigned a small force with my division, mostly of the lowest class soldiers in the Special Forces. I’ve sent them all back to the airship for now. After what happened in Lamis, I feel certain my superiors knew what we’d find. It would have been a suicide mission even if we had only faced a fraction of the number of anomalies there. So in truth, you all saved my butt…” Scott took a seat next to him saying, “Yeah, considering what the Professor said, it may be a bad time to be involved with the Guild. For all we know, they’re controlled by Altera Veritas as well!” Leaning forward, Alexander said, “Oh? Just what have you all found out?” Schmitt, Amy, Serius, and Grey took seats as Grey said, “The Professor was actually a high up member of the Guild as well as part of Altera Veritas! Said he was just one of many…” Looking at him in disbelief, Amy exclaimed, “What?!” With a serious expression, Alexander said, “Hmm. This is disturbing. Would you all mind filling me in on everything that happened?”

           After they finished explaining to Alexander, it was silent for a moment as he took this in. Finally, Alexander said, “This is certainly not good news. However it explains quite a bit. I had wondered how Alastor was running his operation, and if he’s embezzling funding and equipment from the Guild…” Trailing off, Alexander seemed to be thinking to himself. Remembering something, Grey said, “Oh yeah, Alexander. There’s something else I found out from the Professor after I got cut off from the others.” Putting his thoughts aside, Alexander turned his attention to Grey as he continued, “He said Alastor has taken control of the Nameless One, and they’re all doing this on their own without being influenced at all.” Alexander removed his shades to look at him in disbelief, quietly he said, “What? That’s not possible! How could he-” Interrupting, Serius said, “Alexander, while I must admit it’s an unlikely scenario, it isn’t impossible. The Nameless One exerts control over others through his powerful will, but if his will is overpowered, he becomes the one who is controlled.” Leaning back and looking up at the stars, Alexander thought to himself, “Alastor… After everything we’ve been through, is this really the path you have chosen yourself? Don’t we already bear the weight of enough sins upon our shoulders?!” Suddenly, Richter said, “I’m sorry to interrupt the discussion, but I’m afraid I’m a little lost. First I hear that that man over there…” He pointed at Serius and continued, “Is supposed to be Serius the Unbound, and now you’re talking about someone called the Nameless One? You all don’t seriously mean to tell me you’re referring to the ancient legends of Angelorum Lux, do you?” Grinning in amusement, Schmitt said, “I felt the same way myself at first Colonel! But like I said to Scott here, if you think about it, up until thirty years ago it woulda been just as crazy if folks said they could do the things all you energists are able to do these days! Depends on how open minded ya are.”