A World Revealed: Defense to Survive

Etias spoke up. "Then we'll head there. If we can protect the civilians, they be free to activate the crystals. yes?" He started to head out of the room, towards the bridge with Mia following.

she blinked Saina: wh-what!? be careful a small group of troops is there! you may have to defeat them first!

Etias wasted no words, forming a sword of fire in his hands and aiming to slice down their spears with a wave of it, while Mia followed his example and waved her hand to send a slice of light at the officer themselves. Etias called out. "Out of our way, Traitors!"

they gasped and charged in a flurry only to be knocked away by their attacks and sent flying. With them out of the way the two could proceed across the bridge. Now other soldiers flew toward them in pursuit but in the distance, the civillians' ward could be seen with a barrier over it. soldiers thrashed at the barrier to break it rapidly.

Etias formed a ring of fire, sending it at the soldiers after them as he flew backward toward the barrier. Mia instead focused on those attacking the barrier and sent out a flurry of light as a rain of needles and light-soaked feathers to attack the soldiers around the barrier.

the soldiers scattered from the fires and light. Most fled in a panic from the attacks. Inside a woman walked out confused by the silent civillian: wh-what? what happened? The soldiers are gone? who did this?

Etias and Mia landed soon after. Etias speaking up. " We took care of them, for the moment."

she blinked Civilian: ah so you're not with them?... I'm so grateful.. we have injured here.. the Magistra guardians are here but they cannot attack with the barrier up.. wait for a moment ill have them open a path for you. she rushed inside quickly. No sooner than she did the barrier dropped and she opened the door hurry, please! another group may come again. 
They nodded and quickly hurried inside.

Inside a few red-robed mage angels held their hands around crystals and formed a small triangle creating a larger barrier outside. Two were wounded at the side being tended to the civilians and wrapped in bandages. One in the back spoke to the rest of the mages calmly explaining to them plans. She led them to the back where he was and spoke to him* Civilian: Lord Angstraete, sir, these people have helped us.

he turned to them and nodded Marius: Oh.. so they helped us. I am grateful. He bowed a bit. my name is Marius, I am the Angstrate of this group. Our commanding magistrate was killed in the attack. I can guess from the looks of you that you are not reinforcements.. please explain what it is you need.

Etias nodded and filled him in on the situation.

he blinked Marius: oh really? things are bad.. still, we can't leave them.. the only thing we can do is stay here.. we need to defend these people.. but.. wait.. we might be able to teleport them to safety. if more of our members can be healed up, together we can create a portal and send them to safe areas. I'm afraid our ability in the healing arts is limited, however..

Mia spoke up, heading over to one of the injured. "I can help with that.." She hovered her light over them, focusing on healing their injuries or trying, with her magic.

seemingly in response to her magic, the mage's wounds healed completely and his own energy was restored. He blinked and stood up confused. Marius shook his head Marius: huh? Was she.. always able to fully heal like that? I had no idea such spells existed.

Etias nodded. "Yes...though never as quickly.."

he nodded Marius: I see.. still, only two more to heal. I will begin making preparations to send them. before he could however one of the mages kneeled and staggered huffing. he went to her.

the mage looked to him Mage: something... something big is hitting the barrier outside!... I can barely.. keep holding it..

Mia hurried to the other injured, working on healing the two next, while Etias peered outside, trying to see what was attacking.

outside a large blue being could be seen pounding its fist on the barrier. behind it robes angels sat powering its attacks. with each hit a small crack came onto the barrier.'

Etias rushed out of the barrier, forming a flame sword in his hand as he flew at the golem, slicing at it with his magic.

the golem was cut but the attack was quickly healed by the mages. Now they commanded the golem to attack him. it turned at lunged its fist at him attempting to smash him
He dodged it swiftly by swerving and flying above the fist, sending a spiral wave of flames down at the ones charging the golem.

they scattered quickly evading the attack as the golem split and sent rocks at him rapidly.

Etias sent out flames at the rocks in a scattered shower of fire balls.

the rocks clashed and burst in the air causing a cloud of dust to arise over the area. The mages were blinded and unable to see causing them to form up and the golem to stop moving.

Etias took advantage of this - sending one last wave of fire at the golem where it had last been.

The golem melted being hit by the flames causing the mages to react in pain. The mist of dust cleared with them running away from the barrier but being caught by soldiers who rushed to the aid of the base. Along with them was Saina the commander. She stopped at the barrier and looked at him Saina: you're alright?! That's good.. but there's little time! a large group of church knights is heading here. Whatever your plans are do it as soon as you can! she waved her soldiers to head toward the west were going to fight the enemy in the lower districts! get that barrier up around the area as soon as possible! She rushed off with her men.

Etias nodded, heading back inside to update the others.

inside the room, the mages were finally able to set up a teleportation portal. Groups of civilians were being transported with mages keeping the portal open. Marius looked to them Marius: we have things settled here. The last of them are going in now. After this, we can move toward the crystals and set up the barrier. he looked at her thanks for your help. We wouldn't have been able to get this far without your healing powers

.
Mia nodded. "It's alright, happy to help." Etias smiled a bit but focused and nodded. He filled Marius in on what had happened.

he blinked Marius: they're coming here? They must know what we're trying.. its too late for them to reach us though. You should go on ahead. We're leaving now. Mages walked into the portal one by one until Marius was left. He smiled you two be careful, there's something other than the church roaming around here. One of my men spotted a winged demon here.. it seems impossible but I don't doubt their story..

They both nodded, making their way back outside together this time, as they considered where to go next.

groups of knights began growing closer but in the west, a wave of darkness hit them seemingly drawing them towards it.

Etias and Mia flew west, heading toward where the wave had seemed to come from.

From the west fire engulfed the area. Several church soldiers rushed away in panic but were burned alive by the flames turning to ash. Groups rushed forward toward the pillar of flames and sent light magic toward it rapidly firing at it. Suddenly it grew silent and a huge roar cried out. A hand grabbed one of the soldiers as he yelled in pain and was pulled in. Soon after another hand grabbed another soldier but soldiers rushed toward it stabbing it repeatedly only for a third hand to grab at them and take them in. Next another hand grabbed at the nearest soldier as he pulled away falling down. The flame pillar burst soon after revealing a large demon looking over him and roaring in fury.
Etias looked at it cautiously, hovering mid-air as he focused on it and tried to think how best to deal with it. Mia was just off the side, behind him, looking on as well with wide eyes. "It's big.." she muttered in surprise.

Soon church mages were all around it and began firing light and fire magic at it rapidly. The demon stood still roaring as it was pummeled with the attacks. Soon it began to pulse and glow rapidly.

"Get down!" Etias quickly pulled  Mia down behind a rock wall for cover, thinking the demon was about to explode.

Suddenly it glowed brightly as the mages stopped their attack and in a panic started to run but the demon roared and suddenly exploded in a huge explosion sending it out in all directions.

As the dust settled the area around them was burned to a crisp and only ashes remained around the demon. Except for the two the area was nothing but ash. The demon snorted and began making its way forward toward the tree burning the ground as it walked.

Watching as it passed Saina arrived beside them Saina: that one.. is too much for us.. we have orders to move back towards the center of the lands.. the barrier is ready. As soon as its up the demon should be stopped.

the troops moved quietly behind rubble and headed toward the center of the area going ahead of the demon. The mages made their way to the crystals as they glowed and started to form a barrier around the entire town.

Etias and Mia followed suit, heading toward the center, and making their way back toward the tree.

As they made their way towards the center of town a blue glow formed over the entire area. The soldiers of the church were pushed from the barrier as the others cheered and the large dome barrier formed. Now however the demon had come closer and stopped just before the barrier. Saina looked at it Saina: not even it can get through.. but I feel like it doesn't plan on giving up yet!

three glows appeared behind them and from the light walked out Layrine, Yillia, and Luraites. The three looked to the beast ahead standing firm. Layrine nodded Layrine: it's definitely the Messenger.

Luraites nodded readying her weapon Luraites: we cannot fight it.. it's part of the seed..

Yillia shook her headYillia: that is the dark energy of the seed. The child must have been mutated further...

Mia stared at the figure in wonder, listening to them for a moment, but then flew towards the one near the barrier, calling out to him. "H-Hey! You disappeared before....It is you, isn't it...what did the seed do to you?"

he roared out in fury at her then rose his hands. Suddenly smaller imps appeared from dark gates around him and rushed toward the barrier flowing in much to the surprise of the four. They started to attack tossing pikes and jumping at the soldiers. The soldiers slashed and destroyed them as they vanished into smoke. Saina looked at her Saina: what are you doing? That thing can't understand you!

Luraites growled Luraites: The barrier cannot stop them? more surprisingly the child has that power too..

Mia shook her head. "Why...why wouldn't he understand me now, when he did just fine before? I think he ignored me more like because he's focused.."

the imps now scattered and were quickly defeated. Now the beast snarled and roared loudly it then gripped its arms around itself tightly and started to glow pulsing as it did before. Saina blinked Saina: it's.. it is doing it again!

Yillia growled Yillia: the barrier may not hold.. that much power will decimate this area.

Mia rushed forward at the figure, this time aiming to place her hands on the demon's back from behind and try to counter its energy with her own.

the monster roared out furiously glowing more but suddenly a spear of light fell from the sky between her and it.

Cordus soon appeared above her and aimed a white stone at the monster. The stone glowed and started pulling its energy into it. He laughed Cordus: hahaha! Its just as I thought! With the shell of the old seed, I can contain and use this power!

Luraites blinked Luraites: h-how did you!

Soon it began to pull in the beast slowly as it gripped the ground trying to hang on. Cordus smirked Cordus: you will not get away!

The light was drawn into the shell and soon he aimed it at her Cordus: you are also one of them are you not! revive the seed! The energy started to be drained from her and now focused on her.

Mia didn't waste time and flew at Cordus, ignoring the draining as she shoved her whole body in a tackle against him while trying to snatch the seed from him, trying to fight him for it.
he growled and rose his hand trapping her in a light cage and flew back away from her Cordus: Fool I will not let you... wh-what!? he blinked as the seed started to mutate and go out of control. The energy soon flooded up his arm. what's happening?! guuuarruarhhhgh! soon his body grew dark and melted forming around the seed no...urugh.no...my body... its being...urhahhgh... soon he became a mass of liquid and fell to the ground roaring. nooo!...

the energy drained from the beast reverted it back to normal into the demon boy from before. Luraites growled looking to Cordus Luraites: using the shell of any seed cannot contain the energy of another.. Cordus you fool!

Cordus rushed toward the boy Cordus: I need.. ,,mm-ore energy... give... me energy yy!!!

Luraites and Yillia moved forward slashing at his arms and cutting him to pieces as he roared and pulled back. The two defended the boy and looked to Mia Yillia: hurry get away from him! The mass of darkness in him will soon explode!

Mia hurried to fly back beside Etias, moving away from Cordus while she could, quickly.

Cordus gasped and suddenly glowed. He roared out as the group grabbed the boy and rushed behind the barrier. Cordus rushed forward only at the last moment to explode into a flash of dark energy that faded away. With him gone the church knights surrendered and gave up their weapons. Saina looked on confused. Luraites looked to them Luraites: capture the rebels and contain the boy. Things are not over here... the demons.. will make their way here..

Etias and Mia joined the others behind the barrier, landing on the ground near the group.

Mages appeared and placed a smaller barrier around the boy. Luraites looked to the two of them Luraites: I'm afraid things are going to be difficult for your pupil Etias. More than what we are seeing now.

Etias nodded. "Difficult in what way?"

Yillia nodded Yillia: I'm afraid that the great tree has decided the fate of her. With this boy, she must travel the lands below. It is neither demon nor angel lands. Mortal realm.
Layrine growled Layrine: before Cordus attacked he was able to send a person to slip away with the shell of the great seed. That person left for the mortal lands.

Mia spoke up. "What are the mortal lands?"

Layrine began to explain Layrine: the lands outside of our own. Demons and angels have no access to it but it exists there intertwined with ours nonetheless. Mortals are beings who can die with little to no effort and do not get reborn as angels or demons. Their existence is sacred to us. They are the ones who we are reminded that we could be like them. The problem that has happened now though is with the shell in mortal lands its power could grow vastly and cause a chain of destruction that would destroy all our worlds.

Luraites closed her eyes Luraites: to get to the mortal lands you'll have to take the spirit tunnel down. She looked to the boy we will take him and you with us to the opening. When he wakes up, I'll have you inform him of things, Etias.

Etias nodded. "Understood." Mia looked away a moment, trying to think but eventually nodded as well.

they nodded as the group opened a gateway from thin air and walked into the light taking the boy with him. Luraites looked to the other Luraites: everyone else help the townspeople. Things have become more or less complex but we can still keep a peaceful atmosphere.

the soldiers nodded as they scattered off one by one to assist the people.

The two of them made their way into the gateway, walking into it as well.

they reappeared on the other side now with only the three of them in front of a huge white tunnel of light. The voice of Alliani the grand guardian spoke to them Alliani: Listen well to me. Once you have entered the portal you must not be distracted by darkness or what you see outside of it. You will arrive in the time of the seed, whether it be the future of events or the past is unknown. Once you have the seeds shell, we will be able to find you. No matter if it's a million years or even just a single second we will sense it and bring you home.

Etias spoke up. "We understand."

the boy slowly opened his eyes and pulled up confused then looked around ???: wh. where.. am I?.. the last thing I remember was transforming into that.. thing. he looked to them you two.. then I must be in the angel lands... he turned to the portal guessing by what was going on.. I'm either going to be executed or worse..

Etias shook his head and carefully explained the situation and what was happening to him.

He nodded ???: I see.. so then that's what's happening.. then things were worse than what my mother said.. at least she understands what needs to be done.. alright then seeing as I have no choice ill join in. he closed his eyes my name is Remil. Right now all I can think of is not dying so don't ask too many questions yet. Shall we go?

Etias nodded. "Yes." He stepped into the tunnel leading the way, with Mia following, even as he informed him. "My name is Etias."

Mia spoke up next. "Well, met, Remil. I'm Mia."

he nodded stepping forward into the portal with them. Soon all three were pulled forward and floated into the portal being pulled slowly through. Around them, images of wars were seen and meteors falling from the sky. The creation of trees was seen at one point and land amassing together over time. The entire area seemed to be a gateway through time.

Mia glanced at the images as they floated through, curious of them. "This place is..."

Remil shook his head Remil: I've heard legends of things like this... it is a spirit tunnel is it not? wh-what!? looking ahead white clouds started to pass by them. Suddenly a large group started to float by as Remil looked curiously is it.. energy? no.. could these be...

Mia looked over at him. "Could they be..what exactly?''

Etias spoke up to answer his question. "Yes, that is what this place is."

he nodded Remil: then the spirits of mortal beings are floating into the angel lands.. this must be their path.. then all these images are.. death and creation.. we're really going to the human world... where time is not eternal... he growled this is.. what every demon could want.

Mia blinked. "Why would they want that?'

he looked at her Remil: the demons have a portal similar to this one.. but not as large.. there are also many parts of it that seem to appear and fade but send souls out at random. Demons eat the souls to gain power and faster life.. one soul could make a lower-class demon a middle class in just days... where it naturally takes them a thousand years.