Chapter 512 – Out of the Loop… Or Two

After stepping through the crimson gate, Asterios found himself atop a flat, spacious roof. Its surface was smooth and simple, showing a scarce number of marks and blemishes brought forth by time and wind. One look around allowed him to realize that he was positioned on one of the twelve towers surrounding the silvery temple that served as an entrance to the Descending Spire.

And naturally, he wasn’t alone.

The gorgeous, golden-haired Valkyrie awaited him at the edge that faced into the center of the encirclement, her stunning frame and magnificent wings presented in their full glory from the back. With an unhurried step, he reached the woman’s side and joined her in gazing down into the city in silence.

What once had been a freshly reclaimed remnant of ancient architecture was now a nearly fully autonomous settlement bustling with life. Old and crumbling buildings had been restored, the damage caused by the Scourge had been cleaned up, and the entire place had been given a new polish. Gold, silver, marble, stone, wood, and other materials shone and glistened as far as he could cast his gaze. Numerous angelic figures traveled the bright blue sky and the streets below.

With the safety provided by the impenetrable Aegis still unfalteringly shimmering like a divine dome over the area, the valkyrjas could thrive once more.

“Do you think this is how this place looked before the cataclysm struck?” Asterios turned towards his companion.

Bryn hummed thoughtfully, still observing her people beneath them. “I think we might be getting closer to that image, but I doubt we will ever arrive at the exact point. Our ancestors didn’t have to rely on the Aegis to protect their daily life, in the end.”

“Still, the population grows steadily from what I can see.” He smiled, spotting even a few individuals on the younger side.

“As the renovations progress, more people from Odin are allowed to migrate here, as long as they prove useful in restoring the glory of the city. That and a few researchers from Brage or military units from Tyr. As for the youth, an educational trip is conducted now and then so that our children and upcoming adults can experience the past they are learning about on their own, lifting their spirits and desire for knowledge,” she explained calmly.

“With so many new residents, aren’t you worried that you might soon run out of space?” Asterios stroked his chin.

“It might look like this on the surface, but we are still discovering layers upon layers of underground facilities and districts that had been constructed all around the Descending Spire.” Bryn smiled proudly as she snuck a peek at him. “I’m also confident that we can slowly expand those, thanks to everything we have learned so far from the newly discovered archives. The part of the Aegis that we are sighting here as a dome extends all the way down along with the Spire, thus allowing us to build in either direction.”

“Now I can see how this can be an attractive prospect for migration.” He smirked, meeting her charming eyes. “Anything else you could share? You seem very well informed about the development of this place.”

The faintest shadow of a blush adorned the Valkyrie’s cheeks as she shied away from his attention.

“I have to. And I certainly want to.” Bryn began fiddling with her feathers. “It’s… my city.”

“Your city?” Asterios frowned a tad. “Isn’t that Tyr?”

Still avoiding his face, she clasped her hands behind her back. “I didn’t mean it like that, Master. Rather, this domain doesn’t entirely fall under the jurisdiction of Odin. Not anymore, at least.”

He was getting only more and more confused.

“The Supervisors have their hands full with their ARK, obviously. And this is a growing project that requires full dedication. That is why, even if Odin and the Descending Spire have been one in the past, they are now considered separate entities. And that newly emerged entity needed proper leadership. As such, with the support of Odin, Brage, and Tyr, I might have gotten… appointed as the Spire’s Overseer,” Bryn explained, finally facing him again and searching his expression for his reaction.

Asterios stared at her, taken aback for a moment, blinking owlishly. Then, he laughed warmly and swept his winged mate into an affectionate hug.

“That’s huge news! And certainly a step closer to becoming the Sky Queen! How come you are telling me only now!” He squeezed her cordially as they both smiled at each other. “You’ve been busier during our absence than I thought. Not to doubt your capabilities, but are you sure you can handle watching over a developing city on your own?”

“I’m not alone, Master. And I don’t mean just you and my sister-mates, whose assistance I truly appreciate.” She grazed his cheek lovingly, then stole a gentle peck off his lips. “I’ve received the privilege of setting up my own Council. Therefore, many talented valkyrjas support me. Atra is part of the group, as you could guess. So is Krev as my military advisor. And several old friends whom I know I can rely on. The team is still a work in progress.”

“Incredible.” Asterios shook his head. “Is this what you have been hiding from since my return from the Nethernight realm?”

“Well…” Bryn’s gaze veered to the side again. “It certainly became part of the whole, but to say that it was the main thing… would be a lie.”

“But, of course…” He snorted amusedly. “I assume it’s connected to the little tidbit about some secret vault that you fed me a while ago?”

“Let us regroup with Atra, Master. She’ll have all the answers you might seek.” The radiant lady grinned at him. “If I’m not mistaken, she should be by the spatial archway, directing the construction site.”

As her feathery wings spread out, his draconic ones sprouted from his back. Without the need for words, they fell forward in perfect sync and dove towards the ground. Locked in a spinning upside-down dance as the world whirled around them, they peered at each other cordially. Shortly before reaching the upper line of buildings, they linked their hands and shifted their wings, shooting horizontally along the roofs.

Not that long after, they arrived at the plaza with the nearly finished interdimensional gate. Bryn spotted their target, and they descended behind the short girl, announcing their presence with the sound of their landing.

And the winds that it created, causing Atra to slam down in panic on the documents she had been reviewing at the table before her. She snapped around to give the culprit a good scolding but froze mid-motion as she registered their identities, her previous annoyance replaced by a wide smile.

“Ah! Lord Asterios! It’s been a while!” Atra hastily patted out her clothes and ran her fingers through her hair. “What brings you here today? Is it the gate? I assure you, we are well on schedule. No, even a bit ahead!”

Asterios opened his mouth to respond, intending to start with the news related to Zoe and Ronye, but his mate beat him to the punch.

“Master would like to hear about Project United Heavens,” Bryn stated with the faintest curl of her luscious lips.

The petite girl’s eyes flashed with excitement. “Oh! Naturally! After your party liberated the Spire, we managed to find a ton of leftover documentation and manuals speaking about ARKs. Especially Odin. Through a thorough review, I believe our engineers have deciphered how the suspension systems work even further, part of which you could already witness in the form of the floating islands back in your world. But, that’s just the tip of the spire!”

Reaching into her uniform, Atra pulled out a tiny square, which she began to unfold. An uncountable number of movements later, she held up a blueprint wider and taller than her own person, struggling to display it on her side. Bryn lent her a hand, pinching one of the corners so that her shorter friend could point at the designs.

“Thanks to the understanding of what really powers the Spire and the Aegis, combined with the knowledge of how the hearts of the ARKs operate, we are now not only able to conduct even better maintenance than before, but even… make the whole thing move!” The bookish researcher swung her arms dramatically, then attempted to secure the sheet she dropped in the process, squawking in distress.

“Yes, yes, just get to the point.” Bryn chuckled mirthfully.

Fixing her glasses with one hand while the other was busy, Atra flushed deeply. “Ekhm. One of the main points is that spread-out ARKs don’t need to stay this way anymore. Assuming we succeed in securing the permission from their Supervisors, we can literally fly them all here, reuniting our dispersed kin once more! Just think how much that would impact transportation and trade!”

Ast’s brows rose in astonishment, and he exchanged glances with Bryn.

“But wait! There’s more!” Their lively friend threw the blueprint away, causing the taller winged lady to roll her eyes in amusement.

Reaching inwards, Atra pulled out a worn notebook this time. It didn’t seem too considerable judging by its outer appearance, but that changed the second she flipped it open. The revealed pages began unfolding downwards too, soon reaching the very ground the three of them were standing on. They displayed hand-made sketches, drawings, symbols, and words, all connected with lines, strings of wool, pins, and markings.

“Project United Heaves is just a side effect. The real deal is Project Rightful Ascension!” She summoned a pencil from somewhere and started poking the chaotic scribbles. “Twelve towers surrounding the Descending Spire. Twelve ARKs floating around the realm. Twelve ancient cities they originated from. Twelve Wings of the Sky Queen given to the leader of each of them. Coincidence?!”

The glasses-wearing Valkyrie brought herself to the edge of panting with her spirited presentation, her eyes flicking between Asterios and Bryn as she wheezed for air.

“Atra believes that setting the ARKs in the correct formation around the Spire will reveal a path to the hidden vault of the First Sky Queen, where all twelve Wings need to be gathered to serve as the key to the lock undoubtedly cast upon its gates,” his mate filled in the rest. “And there, we will find our salvation. Or, at the very least, answers to the centuries-old questions about the end of our world.”

“Not to discredit any of the work you are putting into helping our race, My Lord!” Atra hastily added with a concerned smile. “Your fight against the Scourge, steady supply of goods, and soon even a stable way to travel between dimensions, which has been something previously never dreamed of! But, I just know! This… This is big! And it can help not only understand what happened but also help Bryn become who she is destined to be!”

“Now you are just being silly.” Bryn lightly chopped her kin-sister on the head. “All I’m destined to be is by Master’s side, and you know it. I don’t need some mystic ancient inheritance to fulfill that role.”

“But it would make you feel better, wouldn’t it?” Asterios stepped closer, brushing a lock of her golden hair behind her ear. “Miria isn’t the only one who is always worried about being lacking, isn’t she?”

His beautiful lover cast her gaze towards the floor. “I… Yes…”

He appreciated the honesty, placing a delicate kiss on her cheek. “When do we start?”

“Convincing the Supervisors to move the ARKs close to the Spire shouldn’t be difficult,” Atra chimed in again, less exhausted now. “Convincing them to part with their badges is a different matter. But I have faith in Bryn and your family, Lord Asterios. You can leave the first part to us. A week or a few at best, already counting in the journey through the sky.”

“We should have wrapped up our matters with the dwarves by then.” Asterios nodded to himself. “I can’t make any promises this early, especially with how things like to get complicated at every given opportunity recently, but I do wish to focus on this after those affairs are resolved.”

“We’ll be ready.” The short girl made a respectful bow, catching her glasses from sliding off her cute nose. “And I bet the gateway will only speed things up as we exchange brainpower and insight with the denizens of other realms.”

His head cocked back in realization. “That reminds me, Zoey and Ronye will be waiting for you on the other side the moment you finish here. You are to visit my elf friends together, acquire appropriate gear for your needs, and register your party at Guildmaster Oria’s establishment. After that, you are free to begin your adventures.”

Atra’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at his announcement.

“I’ll be getting back to work, then, My Lord! I shouldn’t leave my post for so long! The workers need my guidance!” She squawked in a hurry and began folding everything back with an inhuman speed, completing the process in a blink. “Till next time, My Lord!”

With three more frantic bows, she sprinted away, or rather leapt, pushing herself forward with the strength of her wings, crossing massive distances with each bounce, shouting orders at the people she passed by.

Judging by how unimportant the little office she left behind seemed, the sly scholar might not have been fully focusing on the construction while they had paid her a visit.

“Master…” Bryn’s soft tone brought Asterios out of his inner musings.

When he turned towards his beloved, she sealed his lips with a long, tender kiss.

“Thank you…” She smiled gracefully.

“Only the best for my wonderful Sky Queen.” He grinned at her.

She swatted his shoulder, turning rosier a tad.

“I should go after her. The last time she’s been this animated, Brage almost lost a tenth of its structural integrity.” Bryn snickered fondly. “And you have your hands full with others anyway, Master. We shall speak again soon.”

Sharing one more precious kiss, they parted, and directing the last longing look Ast’s way, the winged lady launched herself after her best friend. He watched her go for a moment longer, then mentally reached out to his wise mentor.

※ ※ ※

From under a bright sky, Asterios walked through the scarlet gate into a dim chamber. It was a small, ornate hall with a long oval table in the middle. The walls, ceiling, and floor were made of wood, which flowed freely in the form of tree roots, branches, trunks, and bark. Everything was irregular at the first glance, but to an eye already accustomed to such style, it showed clear intent and purpose. A matching quality of the Elf Nation.

Remaining quiet on the side of the room as he stood right next to a familiar Lesser Dragon, Asterios observed the proceedings of a meeting led by none other than Queen Civienne. If he wasn’t wrong, she was discussing internal matters with the Elders. His appearance made a few heads turn, but no one said a word about his presence, seemingly unbothered that he was listening.

Or perhaps forced not to be bothered, judging by the queen’s icy glare that slowly roved over their faces.

The gathering disassembled less than half an hour later, the advisors scurrying away in a rush. As a deep sigh left Civienne’s lips, Althea started walking towards the miniature throne at the crest of the table.

“Good work, as always.” The Dragon lady showed a kind smile. “They are slowly getting used to how things are going to be.”

“It might look like that, but many of them are still firmly holding onto the old ways, Teacher.” The Elf Queen rubbed her forehead. “And they can’t be exactly blamed. The changes can be considered rather radical. Even if we no longer intend to let the Elders stop us from doing the right thing for the sake of our people, it’s still difficult to force them into a new perspective without the help of the… Tree.”

“Seems like I chose the wrong time to come for a visit.” Asterios displayed a wry grin.

“No, you did not.” Althea turned to him. “This conference was in fact connected to the subject of your person.”

“It was?” He raised a curious brow at her. “Perhaps I should have paid attention, then.”

“Ever since the… revelation… we’ve been restructuring many laws and regulations.” Queen Civienne rose from her chair, and just to further enhance her words, a glowing projection of a certain Dryad materialized next to her with a smug expression. “It’s a meticulous and sluggish process. Our nations are deeply connected, but it takes time to establish that connection publicly. Without ending it with one side swallowing the other. And we both know which would be which.”

The trilling giggle that echoed throughout the room was enough of an answer, as hard as it was for Asterios to believe.

“I apologize for causing you trouble, Your Majesty.” He inclined his head.

She waved him off. “None of that. We are considered equals. And in private, friends.”

“You should listen to Little Civie. She’s been going out of her way to ensure that she and her people find a place for themselves in your great empire.” Tia twirled around the taller female, who tried her best to remain composed in front of the joking mockery by one presumed to be her oldest ancestor. “Isn’t that right?”

The queen gestured to the side. “Let us speak as we walk. It would be easier to show you.”

He followed her instructions, and the three of them strolled out of the conference chamber, the naughty tree girl dissipating into the air but still riding along in Ast’s mind. They unhurriedly wandered through the root-styled hallways, clearly heading towards a specific destination.

“You might see an increase in guests from our corner of the world,” Civienne said, capturing his attention.

“We’ve spread a rumor that your miraculous recovery during the tournament’s assassination attempt is a sign that your lands are just as blessed by the Treemother herself as the elf territory,” Althea continued after her. “There are other aspects that we’ve been using already to build on that belief since your first visit, but this is currently the biggest driving factor.”

Asterios exhaled slowly. “You guys are serious about joining up…”

“Not just us. I am sure the humans are racking their brains to follow suit too.” The queen let out the slightest huff. “But, they lack foundations compared to us. Marrying their princess to you won’t be enough. Their people won’t accept a new sovereign just with that. Our, on the other hand…”

~The moment it’s revealed that you are the person who brought back the Spirit of the Tree of Life to… well, life… they will put you nearly on the same pedestal as their queen,~ Tia added with a jovial tone. ~And if we add housing said spirit in your lands, they will treat your territory as an extension of theirs, not just a place ruled by the friend of elves who aided their ruler in getting rid of some old cult.~

“Yet, even those two aspects can’t bring an unquestionable certainty that there won’t be any dispute.” The wise mentor quenched their intrigues a little. “If only you were also in the possession of a material Tree…”

“But that’s nothing more than an unattainable dream, Teacher.” Civienne shook her head, then pushed open a tall gate. “We should focus on more reachable efforts.”

They entered a massive underground burrow, similar to the sector below the elven capital and the majestic palace. A town made of dirt and mud, decorated by vines, flowers, and all kinds of flora, stood before them. It lacked the complexity of the other underworld, but it displayed multiple signs of inspiration from it. This area appeared less flaunting and gaudy, built with secrecy in mind rather than to be a display for the public eye.

“As I’m aware, you are already familiar with our underground turf,” the Elf Queen inquired as she glanced at Asterios.

“Yes, we did descend into that fascinating place during our initial visit here.” He confirmed truthfully. “I did not expect there to be even more of it hidden away.”

“It needs to be a secret considering who its residents are.” Althea smiled at him mysteriously but also with a trace of eagerness.

Soon enough, their ears picked up on the sound of laughter… from clearly not yet mature individuals. When they moved past the first line of buildings, Asterios spotted a group of night-skinned children running around as a group, pausing in his place to take this information in properly. His eyes registered a few bright and tall High Elves tending to them, but the vast majority of the population consisted of kids that were of noctis descent.

“What is… this?” He turned his attention to the ladies by his side.

“After learning about your little rescue operation, Civienne felt obligated to launch her own procedure without delay,” Althea answered while her former disciple pretended to watch the lively settlement. “Ultimately, the majority of cult bases were and still are located in these lands. We know that without our interference, you would have continued saving children from the clutches of those abominable people, which would consume a great amount of your time and efforts.”

~That’s why Little Civie met with the noctis sisters in secret and then asked your shadowy familiar for help. They were able to locate many more hideouts like the one Miria and her mother infiltrated, freeing more kids from the cult’s influence,~ Tia revealed foxily. ~That allowed her to ease your burden and, at the same time, score some goodie points with the future Dragon Emperor.~

“All that’s been done was for the sake of these little ones,” Civienne interrupted her with her usual stern stare directed at Asterios as the Dryad’s host. “As soon as the master of the cult is gone and their curse is broken, they will reclaim their right to live on the surface of Kraedorion without any undeserved oppression. Our people will be ready to support that notion. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Until then, they can stay here.” Ast’s beloved mentor observed the playing kids with a doting smile. “Your castle has a limited number of available rooms that can be cut off from access for prolonged periods of time. Here, we don’t have to worry about that. And, if your recent collaboration with the Spiritual Fox Matriarch shows satisfying results, we know where to send these youngsters for a much-needed change of scenery.”

Silence reigned amongst them for a while, broken only by the occasional chatter and chuckling of the nearby noctis children.

“I’m at a loss for words…” Asterios finally spread his arms in acceptance. “I knew something was nagging me at the back of my mind… To think that you managed to manipulate me into somehow not thinking about the rest of possible dens full of kids is as impressive as it is scary…”

“I wouldn’t call it manipulation…” Althea leaned into him with a tiny smirk. “Just a little nudge toward other equally important matters... Like, for example, the well-being of a Lesser Dragon nest or two…”

He laughed openly and pulled the emerald-haired lady into a loving kiss, which she gladly reciprocated.

Some could say his mates knew him so thoroughly that they had him wrapped all around their fingers.

But, he didn’t think that necessarily was a bad thing.

So far, only good had come out of it.

And he was confident that the trend would continue.