God From The Abyss

Chapter 21: Chapter 021: The Awakening!

Selena was surprised, while the boy was worn down by the fight, he was in a way better shape than her husband.

Even as a Sage Rank mage, she somehow knew that she couldn’t protect her family whilst fighting that monster, for fear that he’d attack the children instead. And while the first three were Master Ranks and the last child not yet awakened, they wouldn’t fare well against Mikael whose aura had been strangely changing from Master to Sage Rank and back again, and who was so good in close quarter combat.

She had turned to the Duke after the fight had ended, awaiting his decision. Her children unsheathed their weapons too.

"We all go down together if need be, father. What are your orders, Sir?" Evander took charge more openly.

Mikael however, the object of their fear and indecision, was facing a more difficult problem and he frowned.

’This is bad. If the Duke’s family get serious, I fear I might not make it out of here.’

He still need time to reorganize the mana he’d absorbed and the essence lost. And during the fight, he had subtly cleaned off the blood that streamed down his nose, meaning that the backlash was almost here!

Meanwhile that woman, the Duchess was almost at the same level as her husband.

’Another of this ....Sage tier warrior. This is really, really bad.’

* * * *

Unaware of what was transpiring at the helm of the city, the streets were lit up by glowing mana crystals.

Traders haggled, guards patrolled. At a large church building, some devout members of the church prayed in fervent tongues. The city was bustling and bubbling with life despite the night getting older.

The Pleasure District was not left out. Men and women flooded the streets in search of a good partner for the night. The mild aphrodisiacs placed at various spots and the sensual dances at the front of some shops helped keep visitors aroused, while the call of beauties seeking patrons willing to spend their coins, completely unaware that terror might just be nigh.

"You have such beautiful white hair, Nyx. Like a cascading fall of brightest moonlight."

The hollow, dull red eyes stared back at her reflection in the mirror. A red evening dress, the tone of her eyes. Delicate features and cherry blossom coloured lips.

Tonight was to be her first time — for her purity to be taken away by a roving mad man. Her madam had decided she’d go to the highest bidder, since it was her first time, a novelty in these parts.

Long before now she had hoped, that her Prince Charming would come through the doors of the forsaken inn and swoop her into his arms and walk out with her into a life of freedom.

Long before now, she had desperately clung to her memories and emotions, as the only anchor keeping her tethered to reality.

But fate could be cruel at times, even to the kindest of souls. So after crying earlier in the evening, she had had enough. She steeled her mind, cleared them of nonsensical fantasies and troubled emotions, and focused on what was coming.

The woman behind her embraced her.

"Nyx, honestly, I hate the thought of you having to undergo this kind of life." The tears were flowing nonstop.

"Try not to dwell on it. Just bear through it with resilience and strength. I’ll be available for you at any time."

A single teardrop fell. Nyx was surprised as she felt the floodgates beginning to open. She believed she had readied herself for it. But in truth, there was no enough preparation for what was coming. She turned to the woman and hugged her tightly.

"I thought I was ready for whatever. But I’m scared. I don’t want this life, Lily. I’m scared. I still want to be saved."

CRACK.

The sound of something shattering, startled the two ladies.

A quick look at their surroundings revealed nothing to be breaking and yet the sound came again and again.

"Wait a minute, Nyx." Lily’s face lit up with joy. "Heavens be praised. Could it be? Let me see your forehead."

"Wha...?"

Lily began screaming in joy. Nyx gazed at her in absolute confusion.

"What’s wrong, Lily? Come on, talk to me!"

"Nyx, thank goodness! Thank goodness!"

"Come on Lily, you are scaring me!"

"You are saved, child. You’ve finally been given wings to fly to your salvation. Take a look at the mirror. Try to spot something unusual."

Nyx turned. She still looked the same — tired, dull eyes, a pretty face, a red dress. Though her tears earlier seemed to have ruined her makeup, there was some kind of mark on her forehead.

"Wait a minute. This mark wasn’t here earlier," she muttered as she felt it.

So a strange mark had appeared on her...

Realization finally hit her. She had awakened! Without going through the usual process of awakening, she had awakened!

Surprise turned to shock as her eyes widened and her mouth fell open.

"Lily, I’m now an awakened. Lily, I..." Tears choked up the rest of her words.

Lily could only nod and weep tears of happiness.

Ever since Nyx’s arrival some years ago, Lily had felt alive. She took her as the daughter she’d never have. Nyx was her morning star, radiating joy. She never wanted that joy to depart or be tarnished.

Finally, her radiance now burned brighter than the sun.

"Thank you, Goddess," she muttered.

* * * * *

"The duke and his family are under attack. Seal up the palace and get your asses over here. On me!"

Valerian drew his sword as he began coating his body with mana.

’That stranger dares think he could overthrow the Limnos household by himself. Such stupidity and arrogance. I do hope the Duke taught him what respect means, at the very least.’

He burst through what remained of the doors of the dining hall with the knights. But none of them were ready for what they saw.

The Duke was down, blood dripping from his lips and shoulder and the Duchess was on the defense with the children.

And yet somehow, the one standing tall and proud was none other than the white-haired young man.

In quick thinking, he slowly moved towards the Duchess’ group, his men forming a wall around them.

"Oh. Nice to meet you again, Valerian."

"Mikael! Stand down and get away from the Duke or we will resort to the use of extreme force and you’ll only have yourself to blame

"Oh! My apologies." He leapt back onto the long, wooden table, all smiles.

"Your Grace, what are your orders? I think we can take him out!"

Alan sighed. "Stand down, Valerian. Sheathe your swords."

"What?! Sir, we can take—"

" Stand down."