Chrysanthemum Village no longer existed. It was a place very few people of today knew about, and for good reason. When Chrysanthemum existed, it didn't produce anything grand or divine like many other famous villages of the same era.
The people of Chrysanthemum did manage to rise up and reach special positions, but that was due to circumstances outside of the village's control, and even fewer people knew about those events than those who knew about the village's existence.
Chrysanthemum has always been a place waiting for disaster, even in the past. Yet its people did not know this, and so they lived their lives, believing, hoping, praying, and chasing dreams and desires only they knew. To the people of Chrysanthemum, they were not living out a doomed story.
They simply existed for themselves.
"Row Aqua Ring!" Noble clasped her hands together and did her best to create a ring of water around her that could block any attack. While this happened, Arch quickly counterattacked her.
"Row Ice Lance!" Arch slapped his palm toward the ginger-haired girl, creating a jagged lance of ice that speared its way into her barrier, freezing the water. "Row Ice Blade!" Before Noble could use another spell, Arch created a sword of ice and appeared directly in front of her, placing the weapon to her neck.
Noble stood with wide eyes, feeling the cold blade pressed into her. "Damn," she muttered. "Looks like I lose again."
Arch smirked and lowered his arm down. "You're always losing." The ice blade shattered, and he pointed a thumb back at himself. "Why don't you try to be a little bit better, Noble? You don't want to be the weakest out of the trio, do you? You should follow my training methods so you can be like the strongest."
Noble let out a snort, and she raised an eyebrow. "No offense, but if I wanted to be stronger, then shouldn't I follow the lead of Sieg? After all, he's always beating you."
Arch nearly tripped over his own two feet at her crude remark, and he whipped his head around toward Sieg. The blonde teen was casually seated on a dumpster reading a novel. All three of them had decided to meet in the back of a large alleyway situated between Orion's blacksmith shop and the official Banner Academy that was on their island. This place was where the three of them would often train, as the alleyway was shockingly wide and filled with useful obstacles they could set up to enhance themselves further.
"Ugh." Arch nearly pulled some of his black locks out and rolled his eyes. "Sieg this, Sieg that—why does it always come back to him?"
"Because I'm strong," Sieg said flatly. "Power is all that matters. I have strength, so everyone's gaze is on me. Get stronger, and they'd all talk about you."
Arch huffed and folded his arms. "Whatever. I am strong. One day I'm going to be the future shogun!"
"Still on about that silly dream?" Noble teased.
"It isn't silly!" Arch defended himself. "It's the truth. I was born under the same star sign as the first shogun, Shogun Oda! Shogun Arch will be the future ruler of the Mordheim Empire! I promise!"
"A monarchy runs it; you can't just become the shogun. You'd have to be born into Lord Oda's bloodline." Noble sighed. "The only way for a new monarchy to appear would be to kill all of Oda's descendants, and that sounds like high treason to me."
"O-Of course that isn't what I'm suggesting," Arch said, stuttering a bit. "Don't put words into my mouth, either, Noble!"
Noble giggled and shrugged. "It isn't possible in the first place. None of us would ever grow up to be strong enough to take on the entire shogun's family."
"I don't know about that." Sieg's words caused the other two teens to pause, and they both glanced at him. "After all," he began. "I know someone who, if given enough time to grow, could become a threat as dangerous as the mighty Knights across the sea."
As if on cue, the air itself suddenly began to burn, and a tremendous amount of mana spilled out. Noble and Arch both stared in shock as a massive pillar of black fire rose from the ground and reached all the way to the skies above, piercing past the clouds. It was coming from the center of the village.
Sieg calmly closed his book and slid off the trashcan lid he had been sitting on. He strolled out of the alleyway, followed by Noble and Arch. It didn't take them long to reach the center of Chrysanthemum, where a massive crowd had formed. The three Banner masters also stared in awe.
"Is this real?" The Black Dragons' leader muttered in shock. "That mana was unreal. How can a child have that?"
The Blue Dolphins' leader shuddered slightly. "He doesn't feel like a Hawker at all. The lightning didn't bless him, and thunder doesn't bend to his will. He is nothing like Orion or Sieg. That mana is cold and dark. Like a blight."
Finally, the Red Elephants' leader, Grandma Zen, pressed her lips into a thin line. "Titania is gross. Using those methods from Rossum and the dark ways of Gallenth. I hope she is proud of her machine because this thing can hardly be called a human."
Sieg felt his fists clench so hard his nails dug into his palm. Whenever he showed off, whenever he gave it his all, he would always receive praise. No. Actually, it was more than that. It was pure devotion. Grandma Zen, the other teachers, the students, and even his father were all so impressed by his strength and his skill, and they talked him up every chance they got, using big words and going on and on about how he was their future. He was the one who would save their island, and he'd make a fine Spell Sword serving under the current Shogun.
Because he was strong but also because he wasn't too strong.
Within this world, there was a level of strength. A point at which power would no longer become something that was praised and viewed as divine. Those who reached this point were looked upon as if they were aliens, not even considered humans. Because the power they held was gained in unnatural ways or defied the ways of the world, the people who lived in this world would despise and belittle it.
In the center of the crowd, Davi stood. The young boy's eyes glowed with a bright blue light, and he still had an aura of mana around him. It wasn't awe or praise that was being thrown Davi's way, though; instead, it was disgust, fear, worry, and a deep hatred.
Because he was different.
It happened every year. The island would host an event where users were expected to use a powerful spell and fire into the air to see who could reach the stars above. Every year, only Davi's mighty black flames could pierce the cloud, and every year the island's ire for him would grow.
The only reason they still allowed Davi and Titania to be here was simple. They were all selfish. Even if they hated where his power came from and how alien it was, this island and possibly even this entire empire would never give up such a valuable gem, even if it was one that they utterly despised.
That was why, no matter what happened, something would change. Sieg would make sure of that. Davi wouldn't fulfill this role any longer. His brother would get to live a life worth living.
"Looks like Davi did well in the exams," Noble noted with a smile. "Then again, he always does well. He's so cool."
"Don't act like he's a big shot." Arch sneered. "He's a walking cheater. We all know it is his mother who's doing all the work. She's creating a powerful weapon for herself. We're all just lucky she wants to use that weapon on someone else."
"You shouldn't be so mean to Davi." Noble frowned. "He's Sieg's brother, and he also hasn't done anything bad. He's actually pretty nice when you talk to him."
Arch looked like he wanted to argue more, but he was cut off when Sieg finally marched forward. The blonde teen shoved the crowd out of his way, knocking people aside as he made his way into the center of the circle where Davi was. Those blue eyes glanced at him, and he paused for a moment, but then a second later the glowing died down, and he found himself staring into a pair of confused and innocent purple eyes.
"Sieg?"
Sieg reached out and took Davi's wrist. "Come on." He tugged gently on his brother's arm. "Let's head home." Sieg once again forced his way through the crowd, and nobody got in his way or stopped him this time.
Grandma Zen quietly watched him go. She let out a sigh and shook her head. "Sieg. Always so trusting. That poor boy."
"Why do you allow Sieg to hang out with that monster?" The Black Dragons' Banner leader demanded. "He is one of our island's pride."
Grandma Zen scoffed at his blunt remark. "Like it or not, young Davi is the son of Orion Hawker. Even if his birth was not done in the usual method, Orion still calls him his son, and therefore, he is Sieg's brother. Besides, it is not Davi's fault that he was created. All blame lies upon his mother."
"I know the rumors." The leader of the Blue Dolphins held a look of disgust on her face now. "They say Titania is known as the Traitorous Queen of the Forest. She betrayed not just her people but her very nation, not once but twice. She's bounced around these lands, using all who get near her, gaining what she wants, and leaving them rotted and destroyed when she is done, and she plans to do the same to her own child. People say she made that boy so she could replace the body that she lost in the fight with the Mad Tyrant King. Titania, once known worldwide for her martial arts, was reduced to a broken state, unable to use the bathroom on her own. I'm not shocked that she'd want to escape that vessel and find a new home within a body she has perfectly created for her."
"Those are the rumors." The Black Dragons' banner leader confirmed and nodded his head. "Despite it sounding like such a sick act, I also heard someone who serves directly under the Shogun family met with her and arranged for such an event to happen. If she were to gain a new body, the Shogun would want her to stay on his side. Perhaps that is why Mister Orion Hawker puts up with her. After all, though he is just a disgraced wretch from the Hawker family, he was once known as a renowned general. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the shogun himself who gave Orion to Titania. It is only through the shogun's will that we don't slay Titania ourselves, for that would incur his wrath."
Grandma Zen shook her head. "Now, now. Don't add to the rumors. Indeed, Davi Hawker was not born through a traditional method. Titania did not give birth to him, but he does contain the DNA of both her and Orion. That is all true. However, theories about the Shogun and Titania working together or theories about Titania grooming her own son to be a new body for her… Those are nothing but rumors."
"Are you saying you don't believe in them?" One of the banner leaders frowned.
"I do not." Grandma Zen snorted. "Let me ask you something. Do you know who Titania was before she became known as the great traitor?"
"No?"
"She was once known as Titania the Fairy Saint," Grandma Zen explained. "The title of Saint is seldom given out, unless such a person is considered pure of heart and puts the fate of the world above themselves. Believe it or not, Titania was once thought of as the kindest maiden in the world. A woman from Gallenth who did her best to help humans, elves, giants, dragons, and even angels. It didn't matter what side of the war you were on. The stories all claim she would come from the sky with wings of light, and she would heal all, putting her own life in danger, for she couldn't bring herself to see anyone get hurt."
"That sounds nothing like her? The Titania we all know is a bloodthirsty beast who practiced every martial art she could and slaughtered millions in Gallenth, fighting alongside the Arcane Knights and the Spell Swords so she could personally kill King Sylas. You expect me to believe a beast like that was once some holy maiden? Perhaps it was talking about a different Titania?"
"Perhaps." Grandma Zen gave a shrug. "It is impossible to tell. Still, if even a fraction of that maiden is still in there, then surely she would not do something as cruel as taking her son's life so that she herself could still live? Only a monster would cling to the life of someone else when their own has long since faded."
"Well, Titania is a horrible monster…" One of the banner leaders muttered.
"Is she truly, though?" Grandma Zen's lips formed into another soft frown. "What makes a monster? What could possibly happen to turn a Saint into a Devil? This world is full of mysteries and so many tales that are waiting to be discovered. Maybe there is more to the story than any of us will ever know."
Meanwhile, back over with Sieg, he dragged Davi back toward Orion's home. "You'll stay with Dad and me tonight," Sieg said casually. "If Titania complains, I'll personally beat her up."
"Thanks, Sieg…" Davi muttered quietly, and his grip on his brother's hand grew tighter.
Sieg smiled back at his younger brother. "It's my job to take care of you. There is nothing to thank me for. Family looks after family. Tomorrow, how about you and I go fishing?"
Davi finally smiled, and his purple eyes lit up a bit. "Okay."
Sieg laughed, seeing Davi's eager face. His laughter died down once he arrived at his home. It was just a small stone building with only a few rooms. Since it was the middle of the summer, all the windows and doors were open, and so he was able to hear talking from inside. His father must have had a guest over.
"Could you please tell me more?"
"Of course I can!" Sieg heard the voice of his father. "The Hawkers were all given the name we have because a lot of us specialize in creating bird-like constructs out of our mana. We're a warrior clan, though, unlike a lot of other big clans, we weren't blessed with anything special. We lack unique types of mana or special skills. We are crafty with swords and various forms of lightning magic, however. Why, I dare say our clan even holds the title for strongest lightning mages in the Empire—hell, possibly even the whole world!" Orion laughed. "And of course, we have our saying."
"A saying?" The new voice asked, sounding curious. "May I hear it?"
"Birds of a feather flock together!"
"...That's it?" The voice sounded a little disappointed now.
Orion just laughed. "It has a cool meaning. We of the Hawker clan are always together, no matter what. Even should one of us die and pass on, we won't leave our living brethren behind. Those who are no longer within this world reside within our hearts. So long as a Hawker lives, so too shall the entire clan."
"Hmm. That is a good saying."
"I know!" Orion laughed again. "I like to think it is true also. Sometimes, if I'm asleep or I focus on my Core really hard, I can find myself within my own inner world, and I always see these things… Hawk-headed beings who live within my very soul and heart. I'm confident those are my brothers and sisters, lending me their strength and giving me the will to go on."
"Sounds a bit creepy, honestly."
"Eh? They're friendly!"
"Dad?" Sieg finally entered his home and spoke up, getting his father's attention.
Orion sat at the table across from someone else. He had poured himself and his guest a glass of sake and was enjoying a nice drink when Sieg entered. "Oh! Sieg! And Davi! Nice! Yo man, these are my sons."
Sieg turned his attention to his father's guest. He was a pale-skinned man in white robes, his long, snow-white hair tied back. His eyes were a dazzling purple just like Davi's, and something about his gaze caused Sieg's stomach to do a flip. He instinctively put himself in between the man and Davi.
"Who's he?" Sieg demanded.
The man's smile seemed to grow. "Oh, I'm no one important. Just a stranger passing through. I'm happy your father kept me company. I read so many stories on the Hawker clan, but hearing a member of it talk in person makes me appreciate them more." The man stood up and placed his sake glass down on the table. "Thank you for speaking with me." He bowed to Orion.
Orion waved the bow off. "No probs! Oh, but do you really have to go and meet with that old hag?"
"Yes." The man nodded. "I came here to discuss something personally with Titania."
Orion sighed. "Yeah, yeah, go speak to her then, and try to be safe; she's a bit of a nutjob."
"I'll try." The man chuckled.
"See you around, Adam."
"See you!" The man waved and then left the house.
Sieg watched him, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Adam?"
"That's his name," Orion grunted.
Sieg continued to watch Adam walk off. "I don't like him."
"What? Why?" Orion asked, confused.
"I don't know, but… I don't ever want to see him again." Sieg sighed.
"Well, you'll likely get your wish." Orion finished off his sake cup and let out a sigh. "Said he has to go to Esteria when he's done. Guess his wife or something is over there."
"His wife?"
"Yeah. She said her name was Eve, I think? Eve Lunar."
"Oh."
***
Present day…
Adam sat in a chair, not reacting as Rosette worked on him. She used a metallic threading and twisted metal into place with her bare hands as she stitched on a new metallic limb onto the half of his body that had been blasted away. She had already recovered most of it, and all that was left was the arm.
Also at the table were the other members of their little group. The Lord of Threads, Bloom, Rage, Tik, Monarch, and lastly, at the head of the table, Mordred.
"You failed to kill another member of the seven." Mordred's voice came out quiet. The elder man was slumped in his chair, looking thin and frail, barely supporting himself with a wooden cane. His eyes were dull and tired as he gazed at Adam in disappointment. "How did this happen a second time? Explain."
Adam's smile just grew. "Well, I wouldn't call this a failure. We learned a lot after all. For one, it does indeed seem like Davi Hawker possesses the Roads Polymorph as I thought."
Mordred's gaze hardened slightly. "You're saying a human has the power of a dragon?"
"He can't seem to use it for very long." The Lord of Threads cut in, and he barely reacted when Mordred's gaze was turned his way. "I know that it was used, though, as my very mind was altered. Something changed in real time right before my eyes. That confirms that reality was able to shift and alter. It is possible that even Davi himself doesn't know that he has Roads Polymorph, but he did seemingly use it on a Yuan to transform her into a beast. This power didn't last long, so he is still rusty with it."
"None of the seven should have Roads Polymorph," Mordred stated. "Arthur might be suicidal, but not even he would give up his power. It also doesn't match Adam's first story, in which he witnessed Arthur bestow that boy with his inheritance. The gift that boy has should not be Roads Polymorph."
"Well, someone had it." Bloom sighed. "If not one of the seven, then who? After all, it has saved Davi's life several times now."
"It is interesting." Adam flexed his new arm as Rossette finished putting it on. "It is like someone is rewriting the story as I make it. That's the second time now events didn't go as I planned."
"Do you know where the one known as Davi Hawker is?" Mordred questioned.
"I do." Adam nodded. "At this time, he'll be at the Shining Sentinels base."
Mordred gave a nod, and then the weak and feeble old man struggled to stand up, his bones popping as he did. "Okay. I'm going to kill him."
Bloom's eyes widened. "Huh! No fair! He is my target-" Bloom went silent when Mordred stared his way. "I-I mean if you want to, sir…"
"How about you hold off first?" Adam said, regaining Mordred's gaze.
"I am tired of this one avoiding death," Mordred grunted. "I'll burn away that side of the planet and wipe him and everyone else out."
"I understand your eagerness to reach Rome, but consider this," Adam said softly. "At first, it was just a theory that Inherited ones attract other Inherited ones, but today we saw three of them all in the same place: Bloom's target, the Lord of Thread's target, and Tik's target. I also believe that Davi might have met with Rage's target before Rage killed him. He has also met with another one of our targets several times. It seems like the Inherited ones aren't just destined to meet; they might be destined to meet with the one known as Davi Hawker."
"What are you saying?" Mordred asked softly.
"I'm saying that we hold off on doing anything that might get the King himself or the Holy Saint to gun for us. How about instead we let Davi do all the work for us and gather the prey up in one spot? Then you can personally kill them all and open the doors to Rome."
Mordred's gaze didn't leave Adam's face. He simply stared in silence. Eventually, his finger twitched, and he took a seat at the table once more. "Very well. One year. I will wait only one more year. In one year's time, I will wipe out the one you call Davi Hawker and every Inheritor that is with him. But know this, Adam. If I find out you are planning something else. I'll personally ensure you end up right back where you started. You will never reach Rome."
Adam's smile faltered for a moment. "Right. I'll keep that in mind."
Eight million, five hundred and eleven thousand, eight hundred and twenty times. Just one more. He only had to do this one more time.