Chapter 12: Five Luminaries Of Elemental Wisdom
Allen's mind stirred long before his body did. Though his eyes remained shut, his thoughts rose like steam.
"My limbs... they won't move... my body refuses to obey... not even my eyes will open."
He fought to piece the fragments of his consciousness together. "How long have I been like this? Damn it... I must've pushed the system too far... damn...Derrick..." A pained groan echoed in his mind. "I can't stay down... My quest... I need to submit reports to Kealion before the system penalizes me... Damn it, I need to wake up before it takes one of my balls... Wake up, Allen."
His body finally responded. He jolted upright like one waking from a nightmare.
"Wake... up..." he rasped, his voice hoarse, as sweat dripped down his temple. Steam seemed to rise off his skin as warmth returned to his limbs.
He inhaled heavily, like someone chased through a dream. Wide-eyed, he scanned the space. He was still in the dungeon—though not the same room. This building was unfamiliar but similar: rock-formed walls, box-shaped, with an open roof. He sat on a bed covered by a black mattress.
"You're alive, human," came a voice from behind.
Allen turned sharply. His breath caught in his throat as he saw Lilitu, seated at the foot of the bed. Her eyes gleamed brighter than ever, her lips curved into a smile. She leaned in, her presence imposing yet oddly gentle.
"How long was I unconscious?" Allen asked, tension coating his words.
"About two days," she replied, brushing her fingers lightly over his shoulder.
"Two days..." Allen echoed, his gaze shifting between his own body and her face. "System," he called out—but nothing responded. No green panel. No voice in his head.
He inhaled again, calming the heat coursing through his blood. Seems the system's still hibernating. Lucky me. I should finish my quest before it wakes up.
He stood at once, Lilitu's hand slipping down his shoulder as he rose.
"What's the rush?" she asked softly.
Just then, the front door of the structure opened. Unlike a normal door, it slid downward like an aircraft hatch, controlled by twin chains.
Thalvron entered, his massive form bending to fit through the entrance. He dropped to one knee immediately, his head bowed in loyalty.
"My princess," he intoned. "The isolated building has been rebuilt, and the cosmic door is now secured with reinforced chains. We've ensured it won't open without intent."
Lilitu's expression hardened. Authority and dread mixed on her face.
"Well done, Thalvron. But I want more chains across that door. And if possible, entomb it so thoroughly, it's erased from reality itself. We can't risk the devil crawling up our backs."
"Understood, Princess," Thalvron replied with a smirk, exiting and pulling the door shut behind him.
That must be the door embedded in the ground from before, Allen thought. But what's it holding... or imprisoning?
"What's that all about?" he asked, turning to Lilitu.
"That door is a gate to chaos. Even my mother Lilith wouldn't dare touch it. You're better off staying far away."
Of course, Allen mused. She's not telling me everything. But mysteries can wait. Saving my balls comes first.
"I have an important meeting beyond the walls. I'll be leaving now," he said firmly.
"Why so soon?" Lilitu purred, rising to face him. "I've waited for you to wake... and we still have unfinished business." Her eyes fell to his groin with a devilish grin.
"It's urgent," Allen said bluntly.
"So... you're with the elves?" she asked, half-mocking.
"No," he replied. "I'm my own man."
"Then take me with you."
"I can't. None of them would accept you."
"Then I'll eat them," she replied, fangs glinting.
"That's exactly why I won't take you."
"Come on, Allen," she whispered, resting her hands on his shoulders. "Each time i look at you i see a devil and that intrigues me. I want to see him grow."
Allen gazed into her dark eyes. There was something... real there. Sincerity, maybe. Against his instincts, his mouth moved on its own.
"I promise I'll return. Eventually."
"Don't make me wait," she said, leaning in and pulling him into a deep kiss. Her fangs grazed his lips as black mist swirled behind her other arm that was stretched out, forming a portal.
Allen embraced the kiss, like two demons finding solace in the dark.
"What was that for?" he asked quietly when they broke apart.
"A sign of my loyalty," she whispered. "There's always a god in everything, and In this world, I've lived a thousand years. I've seen elves, demons, vampires, werewolves, and goblins. But you—you're the only human. The only unique one. That makes you my god."
Allen smiled and gently patted her head. "Your loyalty is well-valued."
Without another word, he stepped into the portal. Her eyes followed him until he vanished.
"That meant a lot to me, Allen... I'll be waiting."
Allen emerged from the portal just in front of the palace—a one-story marvel.
"Haaaah..." he exhaled, not in fear but relief. The wind kissed his skin like a sea breeze. Even the sun's heat felt soothing—weak, like a flashlight compared to the heat of the dungeon. The earth beneath his feet was cool and welcoming, unlike the molten terrain he'd just escaped. Tension buzzed in the air around the palace. Voices, sharp and commanding, hummed like murmurs.
Allen walked through the silver front door without hesitation.
"So none of the merges returned? Not even Elder Ravien?" a voice barked from within.
Iron grated in the air while he opened the door as heads turned to face Allen. Eyes wide. Tension thick.
What's going on...? Allen thought
He kept his gaze low, avoiding eye contact with the four terrifying elves seated at the long table. Primarchs. Elders. Masters of the Five Natural Elements: Wind, Water, Fire, Earth—and Uniqueness. The King included.
I knew you'd return, Allen, Kealion thought. Which means only one thing—you're the Copy System's new vessel....How else could you survive beyond the walls with no experience?
"I've returned with a report, my lord," Allen said, bowing slightly. His heart thundered under the weight of their gazes.
"Good timing, young merge," Kealion said, though his tone was without warmth. "Only you returned?"
"Yes, my lord," Allen replied, forcing a grin.
But Ravien... He should've made it... Kealion sighed inwardly.
"Hmph. Take a seat," Kealion said, gesturing to a chair opposite him.
Allen walked forward, eyes still lowered. Yet every elder's stare tracked him. Anger sparked in their eyes.
He sat, shaking slightly. Their silence roared louder than a erupting volcanos.
Not everyone appreciates my uniqueness, Allen thought dryly. But I don't care....I crush anyone who comes in my way.
"Isn't that the imposter who killed an S-ranked monster with a stone?" one elder growled. Caelen—Luminary of Wind Wisdom. Bald and proud, his skull barren of hair, gleaming like polished marble.
"This is an elders' meeting, not a gathering for lowly scum," Garric snarled. The Luminary of Water Wisdom had slick, amphibious skin and angler-like eyes.
"No greeting, no respect—"
"ENOUGH!" Kealion's roar cut them off. He slammed his palms onto the table, the echo like a thunderclap that could blow off ear drums. "Let the boy speak. No interruptions."
The room froze. Silence passed.
"Yes, my lord," Allen said. Then he took a breath and gave his report—detailing the cosmic door, the dungeon, the growing threat of vampires and other species, the monsters extinction, and Derrick's transformation but playing it in a way it was Lilituwho killed him. He left out his bond with Lilitu and the true battle's events.
"That's all."
"You're telling us monsters are being fed to one queen?" Amaterasu asked—the only female present. Crimson-eyed, with long pink hair, her presence radiated heat yet her skin gleamed without a single burnt.
"Exactly," Allen replied. "And when the monsters run out... elves and demons will most likely be next. We're like castles, trapped within these walls, waiting to be harvested."
"The entire team was taken out by a single vampire? And you survived?" Maxen asked, grinning. The Luminary of Unique Wisdom, his voice sharp and full of suspicion.
"Not just any vampire. A princess. I lived because I was a different."
Garric scoffed. "Hard to believe."
"Well, at least you can clarify the existence of vampires from King Eldrick," Allen answered, no shake in his voice. The anger of the elders had been diluted with much more fear and threats.
"How do you know that?" Kealion rasped, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"According to the princess, Eldrick's seed is part of her mother's collection."
"Collection?" Amaterasu asked.
"She gathered seed from the strongest men of each clan—demon, goblin, werewolf, vampire, in other to birth the devil himself"
Silence.
Too silent, that Allen thought if he just trigger a nightmare.
"I believe you," Kealion said. "A few days ago, our plan was to raise new generations with unique powers."
"And I supported that," Maxen added, as luminary of unique wisdim.
"But chaos is growing too fast. We must act."
"Then give your command," Garric replied. "Though I'll confirm from Eldrick myself before making any move."
"So be it," Kealion said, then gave his command. "Train every elf in your category of specialist to awaken their dark elf potential—in the right way."
Meanwhile, Behind the stairwell wall, Natasha and Elara listened. Desperation in their eyes. Hearts pounding.
"Understood," Maxen said. "But only because you command it."
"I value your loyalty," Kealion said. Then he added, "Effective immediately."
As the elders prepared to leave, Kealion's voice returned.
"In the presence of all, I seek to declare Allen an elder."
Shock.
An elder? Already? Allen's heart skipped. You just keep making rivals for me...that's your plan
"He's not even SSS-ranked or is he?" Garric protested.
"Then he'll duel one of you. Pick your champion."
Amaterasu smirked. "I'm fine with that. Who'll face him?"
Silence.
Then—
"I will," Caelen said, stepping forward. His silence through the meeting his his presence untill now.
"Very well. Tomorrow, noon. Courtyard of the Chosen. If Allen wins, he becomes an elder. If not—he's banished."
This is my way to confirm if you truly are the Copy System's host, Kealion thought. See you in a spare.
Caelen touched Allen's shoulder—a silent warning. His gaze was icy.
Allen trembled, but he didn't fear. He welcomed the fight. More interested than scared.
As the room emptied, Kealion whispered one final message.
"Try not to die."
Allen looked over his shoulder, no words—just a thought.
Whatever game you're playing, Kealion... I'll crush it.
He headed upstairs. Eyes heavy with fate, sweat crawling down his temple.
"You're back, King Allen!" Elara cried as her eyes caughthin in the hallway, running up to him, her body bouncing with excitement.
"Allen," Natasha called softly, close behind.
"Thank goodness you're safe," she said, stopping in front of him.
Allen smiled, their worried faces easing the tension in his chest. Yet, the heat they radiated was undeniable.
"Why so tense? You're both steaming?" he asked, ruffling their heads.
"We're heading to class," Elara said. "In other to awaken our dark elf powers."
"You already heard?" Allen asked, his smile widening.
"Yes. And my king," Elara whispered, "we must—in other to be worthy of your glory."
"Strong enough that you never have to lift a finger," Natasha added.
Allen chuckled. His eyes gleamed like a proud parent.
"In that case—whoever awakens their dark elf powers first gets a special gift from me."
"Seriously?" they chimed in unison, hands to their chests, eyes alight with determination.
"Then the game is on!" they shouted, darting past him with competitive fire.
Allen watched them go, a soft smile on his lips.
This kingdom might just survive after all.