Long long ago, when a power ruled over anything — human or even creatures, all had no say in it. Basically, they all will surrender to the strong and cast aside the weak. They did so — in order to live. However, just in that very moment of chaos, all of that was destined to worsen when the evils began to occupy the earth — not to mention, the association of them had multiplied very crazily, to the point that humanity no longer hesitated to betray.

Decades of years passed. Due to the cruelty of constant torture, and pressure, heroes were born — whose long for peace and freedom. Hence, they state a war to fight those evil beings. The prolonged war continued, yet they bravely advanced against the evils, and forced them to retreat. Unfortunately, there were still many heroes who’ve perished in the war, bringing with them a verse of bravery that repeatedly chanted.

Will unceased!

Our home awaits!

They… will be remembered for life — to the younger generation, even a thousand more years would have passed.

As a result of the hostilities, the earth was no longer what it used to be, everything was destroyed along the bloodish battlefield. Behind all that, there was the dark association, in which they had to carry the blame many times. People despised them, or even cursed them in sight. There was also a hearsay spreading across — saying that the dark association had betrayed the world, but nobody knew the truth, nor held any evidence to prove.

Even so, still, karma as a payback — were what they’ve destined to haul all their life. They were banished in the long, long alley of darkness — to the land of nothingness, where there was only cold, and darkness of night remains.

While in the desolate place, a human girl was born. She was bound to live with karma all her life — not a single thing was fated to be good to her.

All the clansmen died under the evil ambush, leaving only her, who was only ten years old at the moment — and yet, their soul had yet to vanish. They’ll keep accompanying her, as the wishes said.

For years to years, the girl roamed in the same place in search of food, or maybe someone who was still alive as her, though it was futile.

Nothing left of her, other than the loneliness of seeing soul, and the vengeance she held, under the abyss of karma.

Nevertheless, only herself would be there for solace. She would curl herself up in her embrace, for how much she shed tears was of no use. Some offered consolation, but rather was not a fix. Her eyes long lost its light — for it reflected a sheer nihility. Simultaneously, her face was vacant as she faced the span outside the cave she was sheltering on, as if it had lost its complexion of color.

The moon was hovering aloft when its glow was acute atop the cave. A hazy brim was generated, radiating a medium saturation across the space. At least, the moon hadn’t abandoned her.

Then, time kept playing over, until the girl reached the age of an adult. She possessed the strength of the unknown, in which was accumulated by her fragileness.

In addition to that, a wailing of fear had long echoed from one end of the vacant space to the other, followed by the horrendous harmony laugh of a ‘things’. A quiet desperation crept into the voices, low, trembling, and nearly broken — Help! Help! Someone….Who can help me?

Suddenly a faint tapping of light footsteps echoed slowly through the dark cave, brimming with confidence and free of fear. Then, a modest figure, standing at just 5’1 appeared after the shadowy edge. It was a woman — under a man disguise.

Her cold ,yet low tone of alluring voice interrupted, so piercing to the core, “Tell me, who were you hoping for? When there’s no help left for you? Would you mind….telling me?”. What's more creepy was, the ominous smile that steadily appeared on her face.

The prey who’d yowl earlier, shrieked, then he groaned hoarsely “What do you want?”, he grew anxious, “What exactly do you want from me!”

Once again, the cold slender tone proclaimed as the woman moved closer. “I want….your head. Eat him up!”

As the ‘things’ received the order, they; the soul, which at first floating around her, instantly scrambled to eat the prey, leaving not a single piece behind — even his soul ceased to exist.

Under the torture of being teared upon, the hunt shouted madly, swearing at her. “You will surely meet your ends someday!”

Despite that, the woman did not hesitate at all. Even silence couldn’t overwhelm her — for she laughed. She was laughing out loud in ecstasy of delight and fulfilment. In addition to how absurd his declaration was when she had bore the so-called ‘ends’ with her all along.

In satisfaction, she decided to take a walk outside, but it was raining heavily, trailed by the jagged burst of light that came just before the growl of thunder through the hollow and dense ambience — as if it was going to punish her for monstrosity. Meanwhile, in front of her was the overflowing blood, with no evidence of the body — as if the man that had been captured earlier was just one of the dozens of prey she’d just killed.

Later on, the woman completely disappeared from that place, leaving the task entrusted to, as if fulfilled.

— And a new strength appeared in the Land of Light, which was the new build of humanity after the war. Now that evil had ceased to lurk around, the land had become more and more prosperous. Danger was vague in sight, and safety was stable more than anything.

Even the passerby finally had the time to meet and gossip again.

“Hey, have you heard? A new strength has appeared!”

"Wasn't that good? Now the evil would be more likely to be annihilated!”

“That might not be the case. I heard the one who leads this strength has extreme cruelty and is merciless. He was obsessed with torture! One more thing”, and this person whispered closer to the fellow others, “They rumoured to be always in a mask, and black coat veiling all over their body. Nobody truly had seen their face, nor a tiny bit of skin! Who would have known that the person we got close to right now was one of them or not?!”

Hearing all that, all of them reacted in an instant jolt, even the hair of the body rising in shiver, leading to them suddenly beginning to create distance from each other. To carry on the conversation, the other coughs to clear his throat. “I think not getting involved with this force was a very good idea. You must be very careful of him, who’s called, The Death Whisperer — Helcryne.”

And the others agreed with an anxious nod, though their curiosity still remains. “Why was he called The Death Whisperer?”

The topic continues, “Because not even you and I might know of our death. It came like a whisper, light and unpredictable — just like him, whose identity and reason was unknown. He just called Helcryne when he came into this land.”

“And how you might have received this information. Wasn’t it supposed to be top secret?”

The person waved his hand, “Aiyaa, don’t you know me? I’m resourceful!”

The fellow others laugh in awkward positions.

Who would have noticed that the noisy exchange throughout the jolly street would eventually reach the ears of who shouldn’t?

In a bustling street, followed by the hot news spreading like a hush of wind, a tall man who looked sophisticated, yet disheveled in a clean white vintage robe was walking slow-paced. His hair was long in a cold ice nuance. His foot wore no footing — appearing like someone who’s newly born onto this world, still rich in ignorance. His presence was as enchanting as the moon, and all ears towards the information.

He was waiting like there was something he’d looked forward to.

Whilst the other two were likely to be otherwise. One wore an ancient golden robe on him and was sitting in the inn, across the conversation of the ordinary folk — holding a cup of brewed tea. A hum of delight came out of him after a slurp of it. His mouth parted open as he asked the man with a muted purple robe in front of him, “Scholar — Daren Illy Schuyler, am I right? What do you think?”

The others laugh, but only to respond. It was an act of distant politeness. “Everything is good. Everything is good — “

Both of the men possessed a very mysterious equanimity — Ones that’s utmostly poised. With a glance and the level would be instantly unveiled. Their composition embodies a different kind of elegance, and stability. The scholar was more of naivety and simplicity, but the Master hinted at maturity, yet profoundly mysterious. Presumably, someone with a higher rank.

Daren cut the topic and changed anew. “Eh, I’ve heard that this new association was going to hold a competition — to scout a new prodigy for the association’s raid team. I wonder if Master Harlin Rivel would like to tag along, and see what kind of talent would emerge?”

Each time when early force arose, a raid team was a must as a commemoration of a pledged legacy.

Master Harlin Rivel, known as the youngest ever mage that took over one of the Land of Light biggest support’s associations. At the age of 25, he succeeded in mastering all of his master’s heritage, thus, gaining himself a solid footing and a title of ‘Master’. In response to Daren Illy, a newly crowned talented scholar — he gave a low and brief hum of agreement.

Both rose to their feet and set off.

As they glanced over, the echo of the places were filled with jolly conversation and whiz from all over the place — be it mage, be it warrior or any kind of other. It reached their ears from afar, infiltrating how magnanimous this time competition was. Hence, Daren Illy, and Master Harlin stopped at their pace, ascended the stairs, and went inside the designated place — Of course, someone was trailing. It was the man, who was keen enough to hear the gossip, and to see through the two destination planning, thus leading to the act.

A grand hall slowly swallowed their sight, and when they got inside, the hall was more magnificent than it meets the eye. The interior wall was beyond measure, and it drifted along a starry light. Each pillar rose in a graceful curve, while beneath them was a floor gleaming with shallow water, as if reflecting heaven. All things within were cast in celestial gold — its appearance alone signified noble origin.

As the ceremony started, the inside circular hall was lined up with a person in black. They were the ones representing the fairness and decision-making throughout the match. No one knows where was the one true leader of the association as everyone looked the same, positioning the same, in addition of the manifestation of a perfectly regulated aura — such a quiet mastery of restraint.

The onlookers stage were just behind the judge, whilst the participant’s dueling arena was placed right before their eyes, in the middle.

It was quite a grand welcoming, and applause from people at first — people were competing real hard. However, amidst it, the emergency bell rang out urgently. To shout out such a loud clang, it only meant only for a sole thing — The enemy had laid an ambush!

Throughout the whole street, everyone who’d seen or heard the matters, continuously passed the news out loud, “The north forest had been breached!”

Helcryne, who heard it immediately, seemed to be moved by instinct. Without further ado, her body left her supposed place which was not meant to be revealed — and instantly disappeared from the stage, as if beholding with the wind, driving to the front row. Whilst the other in black just remained in place, unmoved. Just like, they were under a command of spell. Although so, even under it, their presence was far too overwhelming that some others couldn’t stay together in the same space. Hence, they also trailed behind, and set off to the uproar.

It was void, her movement lithing silence like falling snow — like a whisper of death itself, cold and callous.

Some could see, some couldn’t.

It didn't take long before she killed all the monsters with just her bare hands. The monsters whose body was torn apart by her lightning-like speed splashing bloods all over her black robes of veil — even the stench of blood shadowed on her like it was all as it should be.

Finally, all those who've seen it with their own eyes, were stunned into silence before they cheered for victory. They could hardly believe that the new force would manifest someone so incredibly strong, when at first, there was a doubt, which still remains within the people that abruptly evolves into hope — it starts to become visible again in an instant.

"Long live for the Land of Light! Long live for the Land of Light!"

Cries of grandeur echoed throughout the place, making anyone who heard it would feel goosebumps all over. Henceforth, it was a reminder to the enemy that their days will soon be reckoned with.

To think that they would launch a sudden attack in the very day, does they want to nullify the covenant before it grows stronger and threaten them in the future?

However, the leader’s minds work another way — No. Their sole intention wasn’t to exterminate, rather…an ability test? Otherwise, they wouldn’t leave their mess halfway unfinished. And why would they possess a monster instead of coming themself? Bet they were planning something bad.

Monsters were originally creatures, or might be a human itself. But upon the evil possession, their sanity was in full control with no ability to differentiate their surroundings, thus, madness overcame them in every action they made — If such, people would call them, ‘Monster’.

At the sight of such grandeur, some of the people which at first intended to watch the display of power, left bare in astonishment — that it even stirred the gaze of nobles. Whilst, ordinary folks just stayed in the world of blissful ignorance, and carried on the will and hope of humanity’s rise, completely innocent at every turn.

Now that the peril had abated, despite everything, no one left — the match pressed on. Nevertheless, both energy, and will, crackled through it more fiercely than usual. Was that the momentum caused from the previous battle?

The participant, as if defeating an enemy, fights till the heart is fulfilled — They were taking it too far!

But strangely enough, each side seemed pleased. Eyes brimming with blaze, their body was buoyant as if some kind of power was leading them through it. That — was the scene anyone could ever wish for.

The contest went on — and the new raid’s team took shape.

As a starter, and a proof of power and dominance, Helcryne as the leader must steer them toward ‘The Annihilation’.

‘The Annihilation’ was a demonstration of how much they can achieve for humanity 's prosperity and peace, thus, each time a group was established, they had to rise to a challenge. That was not an easy task. Sometimes, their own life was placed on the line as the bet.

Then, it’s not weird for the participant to be so energetic when the tournament went on, since being under the command of such a being, stable enough, would lower the risk of losing life — also, they will make a name for themselves from then on. Their path would be made easier like a flowing river.

It’s been a drawn-out month, and the raid’s team finally launched the assigned operation. Led by Helcryne, they marched down the street. Decoration in red was all over the building, and lit a bright aether lamp upon their passing, which summoned more greater applause. Aether lamps were a symbol of power — it only awakened if it sensed a greater essence being emanated. As it seems so, triumph is close at hand.

But in a strange way, how come — those in that group, were looking odd. As a matter of fact, one's body was often the reflection of hardship and unyielding discipline that were put, yet, buried under such excellence, left a barely perceptible crack. A wisp of weariness. Did their enthusiasm come before their will? If so, then it wouldn’t be good. It might be depleted before the mission even started.

Whilst, one in those teams spoke to the other. She was the so-called thief of the century, Darla Niellore, who was once a despised woman in many places she'd victimized before — for her flinch and witty move of fraud, pickpocketing, and stealing, however, upon gaining a role in an honorable job, she had successfully earned acceptance, as well as measurably support.

Darla started the conversation. She nudged her elbows to the other, leading him to awareness. “Hey, friend. What do you think of our leader?”

Though she appeared rather nonchalantly carefree, in the end, everyone was still a stranger — and one like this, were often misunderstood as a non-predatory, when in fact, they’re the one who must be taken caution of. Well, her earlier inquiry was to be questioned for, but the others on her side seemed quite inattentive enough. For trusting too much, he answered to her, “He was the oddest person I’ve met,…the most exacting and merciless one, as a leader. Though his teaching works better, it ultimately lacked human compassion. I wonder how he ended up being one.”

Seeing how troubled the other is, she momentarily redirected the course elsewhere. A light cough as the time to think of a subject, then, she decided on asking, “Come to think of it, I seem to forget who you were. What’s your name again?”

To make the request more realistic, she added with a light scratched on the back of her head, filled with innocence and confused complexion.

The other stared in disbelief. Recalling how many days they’d already spent together, and yet, even his name easily slipped away from her memory, just how absent-minded she was?

With a faint sigh, the other uttered his name in each character so that she might remember it this time. “Ezra Nevan”, then he shot at her with a meticulous look that said, “Grasp it well, this time.”

Even though Ezra was a kind person, he won’t allow such negligence — more when it comes to teammates. Apparently, this might convey a deeper meaning.

Witnessing how smooth their chat was, others couldn’t help but be swept along. A girl and two men, which was Mirea Sollyn, Vael, and Arzhel colt. Without a mistake, apart from Mirea, and Ezra, those three possessed something — something hidden and unidentified. But since Mirea, and Arzhel came from a well-known family, it might be easier to keep in check on them, while Darla and Ezra are still within reach. However, that man, Vael — there was depth to him. Something unimaginably complex.

During their slow march, they hadn’t realized. Helcryne had been observing them from afar — at the front. Her sight scrutinised every detail, processed every faint resound of voice, and kept to herself, calm, yet shrewdly discerning. All the details were already engraved on her mind, in silence.

Suddenly, a child, eager to catch a glimpse of the grand parade, was jostled out from the crowd, and crashed straight at Helcryne’s leg. Witnessing that, the incident drew anxious glances from the rest of the team. She was not a person one could approach, much less make physical contact with.

When a smile arrived first, the curve quickly dissipated when the child saw Helcryne gaze at her, leading her feet to a numb — and she staggered back to the line of onlookers, trembling. Realizing how she had frightened the child, her feet also took a slight retreat, and her hands lifted up towards the child’s forehead. No words said, but the brief unrecognizable glowing rune which suddenly appeared between the girl’s browline still made Ezra, and the rest uneasy. Given her attitude during those months of relentless training, they still found themselves in the struggle to understand — mistrusting her every action. Though, they could do nothing about it, and just went along in the parade.

Vael, as the man positioning in the end of the group, took a sneak peek upon the child — just let out a quiet, airy smile, and also trailed on.

The long march was finally halted at the front gate, and the entrance pushed open, breaking into sight, the true landscape of reality. Each of them were sheltered people, though they had always been well informed about things of lore lying past the gate, but upon seeing it themselves — they were still shaken, consumed by an intense sense of overwhelm. Knowing was easy, but witnessing it was where the real test began.

After the lingering void that had emerged, Vael found his reason for closure. His foot slowly paced forward, while the eyes of others were beyond the gate’s reach, his were framed solely on her, Helcryne — as if, he had long been counting the days for this very moment. His bare feet carried him, slowly threading his way through the already disoriented line. His palms cupped on her shoulders softly, sending her a light, tingling — electrifying sensation. Her eyes widened in surprise, when her body instantly adopted a stance of discretion.

It was the first time thereafter that he saw her up close. Under the black veil of nothing would be seen, yet, the glow of her eyes ablaze blue, emitting a cold and distant presence — as it shot at him, carrying a superciliously empty gaze, yet drawing an irresistible allure at the same time.

Vael was not backing away — he was truly bound to her.

His lips curved on the sideway lightly, whispering something unspoken. His lips remained composed, but his eyes conveyed more than anything — like a smile as delicate as the wordless secret. Helcryne paused momentarily, trying to gouge out something that seems to have slipped away from the recesses of her recollection, but time was unforgiving. Everyone was ready, both mentally and physically, hence, they must parted as soon as possible.

Spurred on by the people’s cheer behind them, their resolve immediately arose high as they stepped forward, beginning their journey. They took one cautious step as their feet touched the sand. One moment, it felt like they were sinking, as if it was consuming them. The first time, the land felt unfamiliar, and steeped in a lot more strangeness. All of it made them slightly uneasy, but regardless of any hidden possibility, they did not turn back.

They’d been passing by more than one strange land, the desert, and unknown ruin before they finally arrived at the destination. Given their increased strength, it took them over a whole month, when a fallen ancient mansion came to sight.

“We’ve arrived”, Mirea led the conversation, while Arzhel was pitching up a fabric tent in front of the ruins. Darla and Ezra both collapsed onto a rest after wearied by the journey. They were laughing and teasing side by side, bickering over the winner of their bet. Whilst, Vael still holding onto a clung towards Helcryne — just like a barnacle. Though he wasn't constantly hovering around her, his eyes were.

Helcryne, on the other hand, after a round of inspection of the space, she reminded them, "Tomorrow is when our mission will start. You all may rest well tonight”, and the rest of the team nod in understanding.

“Vael. You — come with me”, Helcryne commanded him.

Receiving that, Ezra let out a heavy breath. “It was unfortunate of him.”

Darla takes over, "That' s his own fault. Who told him to persistently pester him?”

Mirea, though she looked a bit weak, like an over-sheltered lady, but when her mouth opened, they still feared it a little. She’d always spoken a fact no one can deny, thus, it always hurt their conscience, but also gave them a way to reflect. She uttered softly, “You mustn’t say that about Master, or it won’t be long before your turn arrives. Being such a gossipy won’t bring you good luck.”

Finished on setting up, Arzhel found himself chuckling when he heard those words.

Darla felt a bit disturbed, “Why do you keep calling him Master? It’s not like he’s our Master. He was just someone stronger than us, that was all?”

Arzhel interrupted the conversation. “But he did teach us. Out of respect, we should call him Master too.”

“How come you’re also —”, Darla was ultimately shocked by Arzhel’s attitude. She thought that they had grown closer amidst the long expedition, and yet, it might be false of her. She can only humph in dissatisfaction, and gulp back the words she’d wanted to say.

Behind the mansion was a land of glowing moonflowers, Vael followed Helcryne as she halted. That space was quite hidden, with only the light of the moon and the whispers of slow wind, no one would interrupt them. Thereupon, without more preamble, she speaks to him. “Who — are you?”

Hearing that, Vael was quite happy, rather than being afraid. It means that she notices him enough to interrogate him secretly.

Helcryne’s brow furrowed, sharp, and meticulous. “What are you smiling for?”

Vael was not beating around the bush as well. His finger lifted forward when he said, “Look behind”, and his body suddenly fell onto the ground. A group of flickering glows left the body, as if it was bringing along something else.

Helcryne hesitantly followed his words, and slowly turned her body backward. It was then, as if the world fell down to another. Dim light of stars were overwhelmed by the bright moon, and a field of moonflowers scattered all over the space — lighting in blue. Her eyes swept all over the place, mesmerized by the beauty when her gaze landed on something. It was a flat stone. A big flat stone, emitting such a cold, frigid ambience.

Then, someone appeared after a straight light of the moon fell upon it. It was a child, a male child she didn’t recognize well, but gave her a sense of familiarity.

Without realizing it, her eyes had shed a tear, which long enough hadn’t produced one. She had grown distant from such circumstances over time — thus, confused on how to treat it. Her finger continuously swept his cheek, and perplexedly asked herself, “What is this? How —”

Her thoughts got cut off when the child slowly grew into a man, as if there was a flow of time inside those spaces. She tried to reach it with her hands, but couldn’t. Was it merely just a projection of memory? But for what purpose? What does it mean to her?

Before her eyes, she had glimpsed over the ‘ghost of his heart’, swirling in quiet chaos. His gaze framed the world in silence, as if something was weighing over him. A mixed inexplicable feeling altogether in the flow of time. That man’s eyes were focused, in a low and sad tone, just like a voice, portraying something.

— Who are you? Who exactly are you?

Helcryne couldn’t stop thinking, given how the inexplicable also suddenly engulfed her whole. Like a part of herself was lost somewhere. The final whisper conveyed to her, “I’m the moon. Precisely…Your Moon. I’ll come for you —”, and the others were incomplete, just like they were lost in the exchange of winds between the portal of two worlds.

The space instantly crumbled down, and she found herself in the same place again. The body on the ground also came into consciousness, but one odd thing was the owner’s name, Emris Thallias — not Vael.

Then, who exactly was Vael? — that her heart suddenly shouted in loud emotions, which was not supposedly the chain of her?

After being questioned by Helcryne a few times, Emris relentlessly claimed that he was not Vael. He just knew that he had won the tournament, but could not recall how he got there with them. Upon reading the unshakable certainty on both his eyes, and the way he behaved, Helcryne decided to just go along at long last. This matter must be investigated, not to mention, how ‘that person’ seemed to vividly recognize her. At this moment, she couldn’t afford a single risk — she had to clear everything that was in her way.

With Veal disappearing out of thin air, Emris starts walking by his own body, following Helcryne in the back.

“Master. You’re back, and — Vael? You’re okay?”. Ezra spoke after seeing Helcryne getting near. His face looked — shocked.

Darla smiles, “Helcryne’s back!”. She even said this with a bright innocent face.

Mirea scolds her straightaway, “ Darla. Respect —”

Mirea’s words halted as she witnessed a terrifying scene. Helcryne, who held arrogance in her, recoiled from Darla’s careless action. She gave her a slap on the right, so she returned her both. She was not worth it to have a slap side by side with her. “Who told you to call me by my name?”, she uttered in a low, clean-cut voice. “Was that how you were taught respect?”

Her voice sounded like a sharp knife. One wrong action and you'll lose your head. They'd heard before — how terrifyingly cruel Helcryne was, but did not dare believe it. Now that they have seen it, it turns out to be more horrible than the words themselves. This is truly the well-known Villain. The true villain out of all.

“I did not even wronged you, so why di —”, Darla hadn’t even finished her word when Helcryne silenced her off. “Reason? You dare request a reason from me?”

First, it was Darla, and now, all of them were silenced as well. It was far too overwhelming for them to meddle in, thus, they could do nothing but zipped off their lips in submission.

“Go back to rest.”

Helcryne commanded them in short, dismissing the previous matter. Darla’s spirit sank, she felt disheartened, yet helpless to do anything. She’d merely called her by name and she was this mad, does she not want anyone to get close to her?

Mirea spoke, “I told you to not call her like that.”

Being treated in such disregard for the second time, Darla was not holding any more. Her quick spinal response, slapped Mirea on the face and argued with her, “You’ve never told me like that!”

With her cheek reddened, Mirea shot her back in a dark expression, “I told you to respect!”

The three men also tried hard to ease up the atmosphere, though they also received a slap in the process. Women's anger truly was the worst, and most scarier thing they had faced in their entire life. There was no cure other than sacrificing oneself — really, a tragedy.