Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 71: The World Powers of Zenkon

Wenlianna sits with Reignleif, Gwenesphia, Treia, and Kera’tai in a small circle on a large circular sofa in the secured area of the Citadel’s control room. Shek, Skloe, Thymeria, and Aoloan are busy baking nearby.

The magic artisan cradles the humongous egg in her lap, stroking the slightly rough, ceramic-like shell that contains her own distant relative-to-be, as strange as it is to think about. The egg is warm to the touch, but usually, the dragons are just carrying them around either in their arms or in special harnesses that Daniel made based on harnesses his world used for human infants.

“Great Aunt Reina,” starts Wenlianna gently. “I noticed that all three of you carry your eggs around with you, but there doesn’t seem to be much of a purpose that I can see. Do you not have to keep them warm?”

Reignleif replies softly, sitting closest to Wenlianna of the group, “We do. Dragon eggs hold heat really well, so we don’t have to tend to them every second. I believe it was so we could protect our nests if something came up. But, any time we’re holding it, we’re heating it with our bodies by heating ourselves up.”

“Would… an incubator not work?”

“It… would. And, Daniel made some for us that we use when we’re sleeping sometimes. But…” She blushes, keeping her mouth hidden behind the high collar of her blue mantle. “It’s… an indescribable feeling when for hundreds of years, it was impossible.”

“I see… Apologies.”

“No need. I don’t mind answering questions.”

Treia asks, “If you don’t mind me asking, do you help the babies hatch? The shell seems… really sturdy.”

Reignleif chuckles softly. “Ideally, no. It’s a rite of passage for a dragon to successfully hatch.” She blushes, scratching her cheek as she averts her gaze. “I… I think no mother would allow her child not to hatch, though. E-Especially now.”

“Because there are so few of you?” asks Gwenesphia gently and sympathetically.

Reignleif shakes her head. “N-No. Because the weakest dragon can still be strong, just as a human can be stronger than the strongest dragon.”

There’s a knowing chuckle with all of them, especially since Gwenesphia and Treia know that Daniel fended off a dragon, even if they didn’t witness it directly.

Reignleif adds to her thought, “Morthybargaron, the former lord of dragons, believed weakness was intolerable. He’d never give a child that can’t even break out of its shell a chance, and so many of them never hatched, even though they cried for help.” She trails off, with her gaze going distant.

Wenlianna says warmly to try to shift the tone as she pets the shell of the egg, “I don’t mean to brag too much, but I get looked down on because I’m not very tall, in addition to being a woman magic artisan. No other magic artisan has as many world-changing patents as I do, no matter how tall they are.”

Again, everyone chuckles together. Shek approaches, offering the taste-testing of her freshly baked bread. “Shek shortest one here, and Shek goblin queen. Shek no need tall.”

They all smile, agreeing warmly with the goblin, and then thanking her for the wonderful smelling bread.

However, the improving mood darkens quickly when a large and battered group appears in a teleport with Xyreko and a handful of other intelligent golems, including Balamae and Ucahote. “Stay calm!” snaps Xyreko. “He’ll recover!”

They all notice what she’s talking about immediately. Choul, who looks like he’s been tumbled through a rockslide, is carrying Daniel on his shoulders. He follows Xyreko to a bed that she summons with a teleport, laying Daniel down as everyone crowds around.

“What happened!?” screams Treia.

Ryuogriar answers, “Assassins. We defeated them, but they were ready for us. We’ve identified them as archoneldwyn.”

Confused, Treia still glances at everyone, looking for answers. Vaergraes adds, “They’re demon-kin, though I knew nothing of survivors of even halflings of the archoneldwyn.”

“Who are the archoneldwyn?” asks Gwenesphia urgently as Reignleif and Wenlianna crowd in. Daniel’s armor is battered, damaged, and covered in blood, and there’s at least two major punctures in the undersuit he attaches the armor pieces to. 

“They’re an ancient race believed to have descended and evolved from early dragons and demons,” explains Vaergraes. “There’s very little historical information. That said, they proved to be highly dangerous.”

Xyreko adds, “Shek and Skloe helped us capture some demon-kin infiltrators this time. The questioning is still in progress.”

“Demon-kin?” asks Treia in surprise.

Aoloan cautions, “Mind you, they were fighting human-kin outside minutes ago.”

“I’ll kill them all,” growls Geirahoel coldly, clinging to Daniel’s arm now that he’s on the bed.

Choul points out as calmly as he can, “I think it goes without saying, we need to identify the source of these two assassins. They were able to intercept and incapacitate our strongest fighters, including her Grace, Hekate.”

Hekate snaps, “I was distracted! He only caught me off guard!”

Ryuogriar places a hand on Hekate’s shoulder, not to stop her, but to show solidarity. The dragon in human form growls distantly, “They caught us all off guard. And, their power was abnormal.”

Vaergraes and Illianna nod in agreement. In general, Vaergraes is considered one of the strongest mages in the world, well before Hekate became one of them. Hekate’s weakness mainly consists of inexperience.

Ryukana, who seems to appear from nowhere as she approaches, says apologetically, “I’m sorry I can’t do more. I’ve been reminded not to interfere.”

Geirahoel glares at her, but Hekate points out, “Then, why did you give Daniel magic?”

For those who weren’t present when Ryuogriar and Vaergraes successfully -if inefficiently- healed Daniel with magic, this is a shocking revelation. That includes even Ryukana. “P-Pardon?” she asks.

Hekate cocks her head in disbelief. “What? It had to be you, didn’t it? V-Vae and Ryuo were able to heal him with magic! It’s… It’s why he’s alive.”

“I… It wasn’t me. I…”

Xyreko adds, “Daniel mentioned recently that Nemaisol began resisting him. But, he was still able to use it.”

“I don’t know the cutoff,” chimes in Choul. “But, I believe the primary rule for using Nemaisol is simply having no mana. I was briefly able to manipulate Nemaisol with my foot after expending the last of my mana. Even minutes afterwards, I already can no longer draw it from my mana recovering.”

Thymeria offers a suggestion, “Could… Could that be it? There is a cutoff? Daniel’s armor contains magic, but he was still able to wield Nemaisol. In fact, he always wears gloves so he can use magic bags, correct?”

Wenlianna speaks up this time, “The mana remaining in leather is miniscule, but is obviously enough to manipulate magic-activated devices, as long as they don’t require mana for power. The metals that can hold mana are the same way, unless even more empowered by power runes, which is an artform I’m unfamiliar with.”

“So,” begins Hekate. “Daniel is getting magic from somewhere?” She looks around at everyone else, who ponders it.

“Regardless, your Grace, my ladies,” interrupts Choul politely. “Our mission is incomplete. With permission, I shall take what I can of mana restoratives and resume the assault.”

There’s a cold quiet. Choul is right, they still have a mission to complete; to attempt to capture the general. Regardless, it is less important to them now that Daniel is incapacitated for the time being, and they intend to march on Fort Twilight themselves. Even if the invading eastern forces don’t retreat, they’ll undoubtedly move their encampment to avoid being boxed in. But, Choul did wipe out most, if not all, of their supplies. It’ll be tough for them to continue their invasion just to avoid the cost of admitting defeat after the first day.

Xyreko points out, “We have over two hundred thousand iron soldier golems ready to march. Ranged analysis indicates many of the enemy soldiers marching to establish a siege front have been injured or exhausted by attempting to traverse the confrontation area, and they’ve lost over half of their equipment. We’ll dig out usable materials later.”

Hekate looks around, realizing quickly everyone is waiting for her response. Normally, Daniel makes a quick decision, but now they’re looking to her, since she’s officially the ruler of the Citadel. 

She swallows hard and asks, “I… Wh-What should we do?” She looks up at Ryuogriar, specifically, who is still standing directly behind her.

Ryuogriar looks at the others, and then at Daniel briefly. She says calmly, “We still have a mission to accomplish. We need to send a message. I shall assist Choul.”

“Me too,” declares Vaergraes. “I know I’m not the best one to talk, but invasions absolutely deserve to be countered, and this is our home. I wish to defend it.”

“Is there anything we can do to help?” asks Treia urgently. “I can’t sit here and do nothing again. Not after…” She glances at Daniel, looking away just as quickly. “After this.”

Gwenesphia nods in agreement with her, and Illianna suggests, “We’ll take a shuttle, if one of the golems can pilot it for us. From the air, we can search while launching attacks. I assume the two of you are familiar with Daniel’s elemental weapons?”

Both Treia and Gwenesphia nod confidently. “Yes. He showed us how to use them, though accuracy…”

“We’ll do what we can,” states Gwenesphia confidently, smiling at Treia. “Please include us.”

Illianna nods, looking to Vaergraes, who also nods in agreement.

Shek chimes in, “Sh-Shek stay here and care of Daniel.” Skloe nods in agreement.

Surprisingly, though, Aoloan offers to join the second strike team. “I’ll join the strike team, if you’ll have me. Just…” She looks at Xyreko. “Daniel will be safe here, won’t he?”

Xyreko nods. “Yes. He will be monitored continuously, and Shek and Skloe will be able to assist in anything I need.”

She nods, and Kera’tai adds, “Then, I’m going, too.”

Wenlianna fidgets, and Xyreko adds, “I recommend you remain here, Lady Wenlianna. As a human, you will be the best choice of monitoring his condition.”

She nods softly. “S-Sorry, I’m… not a combatant.”

Hekate flexes her hand, but she’s unable to summon magic yet. “I-... Will my magic come back?”

“Yes,” reassures Vaergraes. “You’re too powerful to be sealed permanently. Though, it may take time to wear off. You are welcome to assist with ranged elemental weapons. After all, the most powerful sorcerer in the world, until recently, possessed no magic.”

Everyone manages an uneasy chuckle. The assassin proved that, while Daniel is crafty and can fumble his way through certain situations, he’s not all powerful. Far from it. And, these enemies came prepared to defend against his rifles.

“Xyreko,” starts Hekate. “The assassins were able to defend against Daniel’s fast rifle and his pistol. He also survived one of Daniel’s grenades.”

Xyreko nods, “Thank you. I’ll begin testing all known barrier spells and find ammunition to penetrate them. Though…”

Hekate slumps. “Daniel was armed primarily to minimize casualties. I know. Um… I’ll… I’ll talk to him when he wakes up.” She holds her black hair out of the way to kiss his cheek, saying tenderly, “You’re a big meanie, Daniel. Wake up quickly.” She then joins the strike team.

Geirahoel, who still hasn’t let go of Daniel’s arm, whimpers, “Ch-Choul…”

Choul perks up, replying, “I’m here, my Lady.”

She glares at him, saying sternly, “I-I’m going to trust you to find the leader of these invaders. I can’t go, or we won’t… We need them alive, so you have to succeed. If you fail… You will suffer.”

Choul bows politely, saying confidently and gently, “I will not return until our enemy is my prisoner, your Grace. Please look after my Liege.” He then says to the strike team, “Do what you will, and worry not about catching me in collateral. I can withstand the elemental weapons. I shall find the leader, if you would graciously suppress our enemies from the sky.”

They nod in agreement, and Ryuogriar says sternly, “You risked your own safety for Mukori, Choul. Prove your loyalty and complete his mission.”

“Leave it to me, your Grace.” Choul jogs to the exit teleporter, which puts him in the main control area, where he can transform and access the flyway.

Ucahote offers, “I recommend deploying the soldiers, then, with your permission, your Greatness.”

Hekate nods. “Do it. Overwhelm them and box them into Choul’s walls. If we lose half of our forces, take no quarter.”

Ucahote nods. “As you wish, your Greatness.”

Balamae adds, “Your Greatness, Sir Ucahote, I would like to recommend illusion magic of our central figures within the ranks of the golems to draw out any additional assassins, if they should be present.”

Hekate nods. “Do it. Play it however you need to.”

Ucahote nods. “It shall be done, your Greatness.”

With that, the strike team also departs, and the golems, excluding Xyreko, also vanish to continue their tasks. Xyreko kneels next to Wenlianna, who is sitting on the edge of the bed, while Geirahoel and Reignleif sit with Daniel.

Reignleif asks softly, “Tell us what happened, Geira.”

Geirahoel is still visibly upset, but she begins recounting the events, from the successful hindrance of the troops to the suddenness of the attack from the assassins.

Shek asks, “Daniel healed now?”

“Mostly…” admits Geirahoel. “They said that, although it worked, it was far more inefficient than normal.”

Wenlianna, still cradling Reignleif’s egg, pets Daniel’s arm with her free hand. “What I wouldn’t give to be able to test him with the artifact in Mornistae…”

Shek offers gently, “Shek give milk?”

“For what?” asks Geirahoel. “The only reason we didn’t give him more potations is that we already gave him a lot…”

“Shek’s milk heal!” claims Shek. “Shek blessed!”

Geirahoel sighs, but when she looks at Ryukana, the goddess makes a point of smiling gently and nodding. Geirahoel cocks her head, and the others notice, looking at Ryukana next, who appears to be simply sitting in a chair, watching over them.

Shek exclaims, “Shek no lie! Shek pray to Yavva, and Shek blessed! Daniel know!”

“What does that mean?” asks Geirahoel, now just trying to understand.

Shek walks briskly with her own heavy belly to her own magic bag, which Daniel gave her. She withdraws one of the six-slot bottle carriers containing milk. Ever since they learned how productive they are, Shek and Skloe have been collecting and selling their milk to anyone who wants it.

For the present situation, Shek brings the bottles over, saying, “Shek milk blessed! Yavva say heal wounds!”

Geirahoel looks at Ryukana for guidance, but Shek insists, “Not Ryukana. Yavva. Goblin spirit of… mmm… good things.”

Ryukana gives nothing, other than to suggest, “It could be worth a try. It hasn’t hurt him yet.”

“B-But, if it’s just milk,” murmurs Geirahoel, gingerly touching her own chest.

“No! Shek’s milk blessed! Better now!”

Skloe nods. “Skloe milk no heal. Skloe not blessed…”

“Skloe no be sad. Skloe Shek’s best friend, and Skloe still goblin queen!” They hug each other, and Reignleif studies one of the bottles of milk.

Wenlianna, who is able to detect magic to a degree on her own, murmurs, “There do appear to be some magical properties to it… Though, I can’t measure the effects.”

Xyreko nods, “There are healing properties. And, as Ryukana said, it can’t hurt to try, since we all believed healing magic would not work on him.”

Geirahoel reluctantly nods, and she uncorks one of the bottles. She quickly asks, “Sh-Shek, may I?”

Shek nods happily. “Shek no lose if help Daniel! Shek happy to help.”

Geirahoel nods, saying gratefully, “Thank you, Shek.” She and Reignleif work together to carefully feed the milk to Daniel, ensuring he swallows instinctively before feeding him too much.

Regardless, it’ll likely be a matter of time before he actually wakes up.

***

Rikuto and his escort cautiously walk up the rocky cape overlooking a beautiful scenic shoreline at the far east. He had to ask permission to travel through Imperial territory, as well as make courtesy visits to the allied kingdom he had to pass through as well. It’s tedious, but everyone he could gather to speak with directed him to one name.

The cottage on the cape is rather quaint, surrounded by flowering trees and obscured from obvious view. A small path leads the way up the cape, and the royal guardsmen stay close to Rikuto as he cautiously approaches. From what he has heard, this person isn’t hostile, but they are a very powerful magic user. It may be the only chance they have to crack through the defenses around Daniel and find the disgusting superweapon he brought to this world. 

Making a rifle was one thing, since it could easily shift the balance of power of this world, especially since current intel says that Daniel was in fact able to slay a dragon with it. 

But, an atomic bomb is one of the worst things humanity has ever developed, and the scars still mark Earth nearly a century later.

Rikuto approaches the door of the cottage, hesitating only a moment before knocking on the door. He calls out gently, “Excuse me! I’m hoping you can help me.”

“I already know why you’re here.” The voice that replied comes from his right, startling Rikuto nearly out of his boots. Even at a glance, the person could pass for a divine being. Though he appears to be a man, his features are indescribably beautiful, with hair that reflects the sunlight, and skin that seems to lack all texture or imperfections, like a perfectly clear sky with a creamy fair coloring. His eyes are piercing, though, much like a hawk, and they study him with a calm intensity, but also with an air of already knowing all. His ears are fairly long, tapering to a soft point like a leaf.

“You need someone strong enough to deal with your enemies in the west.”

Rikuto smiles politely, replying, “I feel like that much would be rather obvious, given the state of current affairs.”

“But, one of them is capable of negating magic all over the world, am I right?”

“I… That’s correct, though I’m afraid you don’t understand. But first, am I correct in asking if you’re Senn?”

The man smirks cryptically, and Rikuto replies, “I am King Rikuto of the Kingdom of Mornistae.”

“Well, King Rikuto of the Kingdom of Mornistae, I am indeed Senn. And, knowing that you came looking for me, you undoubtedly know I am neutral in all conflicts in this world. I served my time before these kingdoms were even founded, and I owe no debts.”

“This isn’t about kings or kingdoms. It’s about a weapon. A weapon from my world that could destroy this one.”

Senn cocks his head curiously. “I’m surprised you so brazenly advertise that you’re an otherworlder.”

“I’ve heard tales that you’ve helped otherworlders like me in the past to protect this world.”

“That is true, but you weren’t there. If you believe modern times compare to those times, you are sorely mistaken.”

“I’m not trying to compare. I just need your help. Not as a king, but as a new denizen of this world. This weapon… It defies understanding.”

Senn sighs, leaning back in his chair as he relaxes his seemingly impeccable posture.

“Perhaps. But, I do fail to see how your world could be destroyed if you were sent here.”

Rikuto rocks his head from side to side in understanding. “It’s… complicated. The possibility is there. Our world just learned how to handle them responsibly.”

“And this world can not? I don’t believe for a second that the gods would send someone capable of this weapon without a purpose.”

This time, Rikuto is confused. He looks at Senn skeptically. “Daniel’s summoning alongside my own was an accident.”

“There are no accidents in the realm of the gods.”

“With respect, I know there is. I spoke to the goddess that summoned us. She didn’t intend for Daniel to arrive.”

Senn sighs, plucking a leaf from one of the trees next to him. “There are only two gods. I won’t bore you with their names in the eldwyn language, but they are light and dark. And, nothing happens that they are not aware of.”

Rikuto is quiet. He heard through the grapevine that Daniel’s summoning was an accident, though he didn’t hear it from Ryukana himself. She did seem to be flustered that day she was looking for him, and then went to Fort Peony to do the same, which is where she revealed that his summoning was unintentional.

Either way, he’ll get nowhere battling the semantics of faith with the elven man. He needs to recruit the elf’s help, since he’s supposedly the only one powerful enough in magic to stand against the Demon Tyrant.

“Regardless, there was a dawnseeing vision, and the vision depicted the use of these weapons. I don’t believe that Daniel can be trusted. He comes from a country in our world where they allow violent weapons into the hands of everyday citizens.”

Senn scoffs. “Not so different from here, then, it seems.”

Rikuto sighs, trying not to be too exasperated, but he’s struggling. “I understand your skepticism. But, if you’ve seen what I have seen, you might be more willing to help.”

“I’ve seen something more important,” replies the elf as he slowly spins the leaf in his fingers, revealing a light and dark side to the leaf. “Have you had your dawnseer peer into the great river since, King Rikuto?”

“I… No. Our first court Dawnseer passed away under the immense amount of stress the visions were causing her, and then when Daniel detonated his weapons, the new Dawnseer nearly went completely mad. I’ve forbidden dawnseeing in the kingdom of Mornistae since.”

Senn sighs. “You come to our world, yet you don’t understand how it works. Forgive me, I know it wasn’t entirely your choice.” The elf seems to release the leaf, but it begins to float on a light current of wind created by magic, hovering over his hand. “All things have risks associated with them, like a leaf caught in the wind. It has no way of knowing where it will land, how high it will go, or when it will burst into flames.” To illustrate his point, he simply flexes his hand, and the leaf ignites, burning away in seconds. “All of these are possibilities, and one must accept risks in order to accomplish what it is they are meant to do. And for some, they are meant to simply fall from the branch to the ground, never taking risks on the wind.” He gestures at the leaves on the ground from the very same tree he plucked the leaf from.

Rikuto tries to remain patient. He knows the elf is getting to the point.

Suddenly, Senn stands up, stretching. “I could tell you, but just as you wish I could understand what you know, I shall show you what telling you would not fully convey.” The man walks to the door, opening it and welcoming Rikuto and the guards inside. The guards enter behind Rikuto, who briefly studies the spartan room containing a few tomes, simple furniture, and a couple of magic apparatuses that Rikuto can’t identify, showing different designs than the ones used regularly and serviced by magic artisans and artificers.

Senn pulls one such device out of its storage location on a shelf, setting it up on a rather ornate-looking stone table. He unfolds some fin-like arrays on the side, exposing a diamond-like crystal in the center. He explains, “This device will briefly connect our consciousnesses while I perform the dawnseeing. There will be very minimal burden on your mind, and I have already witnessed all I need to see. First, I will look into the past to observe what your Dawnseer saw before the event. Then, I will show you the current visions.”

Rikuto hesitates for a moment. He forbade dawnseeing in Mornistae to protect the dawnseers themselves. However, Senn is more in tune with magic than they are, and Rikuto has no jurisdiction over him.

He nods in agreement, and Senn provides him a seat. “The burden will be minimal, but it will still be intense. Do try to relax.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Senn places his hand on one of the fins, and he instructs Rikuto to do the same. Rikuto obeys, and Senn says gently, “I’ll begin.”

Rikuto makes sure he’s as relaxed as possible, keeping his eyes closed. He can feel magical energy swirling around, which he recognizes thanks to practicing his own spells. 

And, then, like suddenly finding himself in a dream, he can see activity all around.

At first, it’s disorienting, and his instincts try to look. People of all races, including races Rikuto doesn’t recognize, are fleeing. A black mass seems to obscure everything. Then, there’s a sudden, cataclysmic clap of thunder.

Or at least, Rikuto can understand that being what this world hears. He’s never shot a firearm himself, but he has watched plenty of movies and played plenty of video games, so he easily recognizes the sound of a rifle, followed by the cry of a legion of souls -to Rikuto’s ears- as they pass on. A bright point of light, cool and gentle, but very distinct, fades like a candle finishing the last of its wick as the scream fades.

A black dragon with triangular horns and a broad, spiky-looking tail, the mightiest of beings in the world, has been slain under the power of an otherworldly weapon.

And then, the figures; one is very much a human man, and though he can make out the hair color and physique, the haircut specifically, which is kept short, and the silhouette of his clothes could only be two people, easily narrowed down to one given the ‘staff of all four worldly elements’ he wields; very obviously an extremely large rifle to someone who has seen a rifle in movies and shows.

And, standing with the figure who Rikuto is almost certain is Daniel is a dark presence, but rather youthful in appearance. The person oozes magical aura from her body, and she appears to be fairly short, though her presence feels much heavier than Daniel’s. She has what looks like kemonomimi features, possessing mostly human traits, but with animal ears on her head and a big poofy tail, much like some kind of fox-girl. He can see, at certain angles, how the ears could look like horns, but they’re very clearly large fox-like ears. She begins cackling before a flash washes out everything, producing a very distinctive mushroom-shaped cloud that Rikuto recognizes all too well. For the briefest moment, a terrifyingly large figure, much like a colossal mold with grasping tendrils, is illuminated by the blast, and soon everything that Rikuto can process is completely dark.

He gasps as he opens his eyes, his mind panicking as he looks around. He’s back in Senn’s cottage, completely safe and calm, in spite of how real the vision felt. Even knowing it was a vision, Rikuto’s heart began racing, and now he’s trying his best to catch his breath.

“That is the vision your Dawnseers saw right up until the passing of the darkness; the brief moment when all of the world was without magic. Thus, the vision ended.”

“Th-That was it…” pants Rikuto. “The weapon… That cloud. It’s unmistakable. He really did it.”

“Mmm. Let us view the current horizon of the river, or the next dawn to be seen.”

Rikuto takes a few deep breaths, nodding. “Please. Show me.”

Rikuto braces himself for the next sumbersion into the strange sensation. It’s much like a dream, but almost more real-feeling than reality. 

Rikuto finds himself in the vision state once more, but… it’s vastly different. The contrast is almost stunning.

He finds himself in a broad field spanning as far as the eye can see until reaching mountains. A river flows gently in the distance. Birds are singing peacefully. Flowers are in bloom, some of which are in neat rows in the field and representing the blossoms of plants that will produce edible or usable vegetables.

Rikuto can see people working to weed the fields, as well as talking calmly. He can’t tell their race, but it definitely seems to be just a spread of people. He looks around, but the vision doesn’t change, and it’s peaceful.

And then, he spots Daniel. He’s walking with a crowd of people, including what appears to be the same kemonomimi girl, who very distinctly looks like a human princess, but with natural black fox ears and a big fluffy black tail. She grins and plays with children that are around them, and several other women are carrying infants. They wave at some of the workers in the field, who wave back.

Rikuto murmurs, “I don’t get it… What am I seeing?”

Senn’s voice finds him in the vision, “We are seeing the near future, located at the same location of the last vision.”

“Wh-What?”
“You seem to have realized what I had come to suspect. The two figures from the first are the man and the fox-eared girl, yes? Look at the horizon at the end of the river.”

Rikuto follows the river further away from him than where it disappears into a stand of sapling trees. There in the distance, he can see what looks like the sun-faded surface of something that was pitch black at one point, almost like a gigantic mold, staining the ground.

“The damage from the atom bomb?”

“No. The thing they killed with it.”

Rikuto is silent, and the vision changes. It shows armies fighting each other, still using swords and spears.

Rikuto starts to say, “What was the point of showing the peace of conquerors when…?” He trails off when he sees who is fighting. The people fighting each other are humans, gatonines, dwarves, boruans, and all of the other races of the various kingdoms of the imperial alliance… on both sides.

“Which is better?” starts Senn. “A conqueror who brings peace, or a liberator who brings war?”

Rikuto is completely without anything to say. It’s not that simple, but… it’s also not as simple as he tried to make it either.

***