Chapter 41– Declaration of War

  *What does it really mean to be Lavetonian..?* A question popped into Aurelian’s mind.

  His memory quickly aided him— this was the questions asked to school children at ages 7-9.

  He remembered the military officer teaching them what it meant to be Lavetonian. Glory, honor, pride, strength, ambition— all these qualities alongside with your blood made you a true Lavetonian. Or so they said.

  “That’s a lie.”

  Aurelian moved his fingers around a leather book cover. “The existence of angels and demons. It’s really true. Heaven and Hell, they’re nothing like the religions say. They’re homes for the respective races. Sins and deeds carry weight.” Aurelian leaned on the bookshelf.

  “So, where exactly does this information pour into? Why would they need this information?”

  “Is it possible, Laveton could be used as a breeding ground for the gates of Hell?” Aurelian squatted down, holding his head.

  “No..no; I’ll just have to continue reading.” Aurelian stood up and grabbed the next book.

  “Maryen’s History.”

  …

  A ravaging snowstorm blew through the mountains. Avalanches were rampant, so were animals. Creatures heard in myths and legends resided in this biome. Yetis, mammoths, winter-boars.

  Major General Julius had traveled to East Laveton, which would be regarded as Velarun’s remnants. Reduced to a mountain range and snow— after countless years of war, the effect Soul Pacts had here were very visible.

  Julius’ breathed into his hands, warming himself.

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  “Hha…” His eyes darted around until he felt a presence, an unworldly presence.

  His pupils shrunk as he gulped.

  “Is that… Heraclius?”

  He stepped into the deep snow. He concentrated energy into his feet as he blew up into the air.

  Julius tapped his chest.

  *False Soul Pact..!* His body vanished into the clouds as he was teleported to the presence he had felt.

  He looked across the view. Mountains, trees— bodies. A pile of these mythical creatures as a man stood atop eating the flesh of a Yeti.

  Julius remembered the last he had seen of the Brigadier General Heraclius. A timid, soft spoken man with talent and promise.

  Heraclius in Julius’ memory had kind eyes, one unbefitting of a High Command Lavetonian, his hair was well kept, he was well groomed.

  Julius looked at the man sitting atop these bodies and it was not the same timid boy.

  Light hit Heraclius’ face. He had a scar traveling from his eyebrow to his mouth. His hair had transformed into locs, his facial hair was messy and ungroomed. Heraclius’ outfit consisted of Mammoth fur and tattered military slacks, with shoes being polished rocks.

  “Julius.” The Brigadier General spoke, this time with a monotone speech.

  “His Excellency has recalled you back to the Capital.” Julius’ cloak blew in the harsh wind.

  “So.. I’ve been recalled back to Hostia..” Heraclius mumbled to himself. “Alright, then…”

  Heraclius dropped down from the pile of bodies, upon impact with the soil he had vanished.

  “There it is… that terrifying ability.”

  Julius took a pause.

  …

  “Ultimate Replacement.”

  In southern Laveton, the sun risen over the desert land.

  “Hhhaaaaaggh..” Falcon yawned as he stretched from a hammock.

  “So, you’re up.” Imaez leaned on a wall.

  The Deathslingers had stayed in a traditional hotel— the layout being a one story building but great in size. The architecture was reminiscent of Japanese culture.

  “Alright, now that everyone’s awake, why exactly Archaia.” Marie looked at Imaez.

  *Marie’s a history nerd, she should know something about this..* Imaez sighed. “Okay, Archaia’s birth and demise was from two things.”

  Imaez held one finger out.

  “Number one, thanks to that book from Artemis, we know Austeci helped in its development and birth as a nation. Second being, the collective efforts of every one of the continent. Nobody wanted to see each nation fail, so they helped each other.”

  He held another finger out.

  “The demise of Archaia is as followed. One, constant war with Laveton and the Velarunes. Two, the Urame noble family.”

  Lloyd thought to himself for a moment— *He’s right, the Urames have been consolidating power and influence specifically in the south for a long ass time.. initially they were Southern Lavetonian so it makes sense.*

  “My plan is simple. We start our declaration of war against the Emperor here, by removing the Urames and restoring Archaian civilization.” Imaez grabbed adjusted the sword on his hip. “If you want out, say so now.”

  The Aurels were quiet. Naomi walked to Imaez’s side.

  “I’m with it. I’ll avenge Old Man Art!” Naomi grinned.

  Falcon hesitantly opened his mouth.

  *This is really the way things are gonna be..* Falcon slowly walked to Imaez’s side.

  “You already know my decision.” Lloyd smiled at Imaez. To his surprise, Imaez smiled back.

  “Right.” Imaez looked at everyone.

  “This is our declaration of war.” The Deathslingers said in unison.

  …

  “Declaration of War… huh.” Yumin grinned.