【Story】(Route B) Chapter 1: Revisiting the Tower

Ch. 1　Revisiting the Tower

Part 1

“Not Friends, Just Partners”

A team of five was crossing the vast plain and heading to the lofty tower. Among them, the petite girl fixed her eyes on the young boy and girl in front of her.
The fact that the two looked completely like humans except for their arms and legs intrigued Hong Ai. Unable to hold herself back, Hong Ai stopped the girl out of curiosity. It seemed interesting to Hong Ai that the girl had webs between her fingers and a long tail behind her.
Hong Ai: Hey! Are you two dragons, just like me?
Ursula: Whoa—
Ursula was taken aback by the unexpected interrogation and hid immediately behind Novalis, who answered the question in annoyance.
Novalis: No, we aren’t dragons.
Hong Ai: But then why do your hands look just like mine— Urgh! That hurts! Why did you knock on my head again, evil witch? What if I get dumber because of you?
Observing the tension between Hong Ai and Novalis, Enoch and Ingrid came forth to ease the quarrel. Ingrid knocked on Hong Ai’s head right away and crossed her arms, and Enoch dared not interfere.
Ingrid: Don’t you worry. You’re dumb now anyway; it doesn’t make much difference if you get dumber.
Hong Ai: You…you— You’re impossible!
Ingrid: I’m impossible? You’re the impossible one here. You can tell they are humans at a glance, can’t you?
Hong Ai: Huh? Could it be…
Hong Ai covered her human eyes and observed with her dragon eyes instead. All of a sudden, she understood what Ingrid meant.
Hong Ai: You look like this because you were implanted with the power of Dracospirits… I’m sorry… I’m so stupid… Boohoo…
Ursula: Huh? Why…why is she crying?
Enoch: So… sorry. Hong Ai was a little insensitive. Please forgive her.
Ursula: We’re okay, it was all history. Right, Novalis?
Novalis: …
Enoch: Uhh… Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?
Novalis: … You have similar power as we do, that guy said.
Ursula: Yes, that’s what my Dracospirit has told me. It said you’re very special. You’re creation and destruction, nihility and reality, all at once.
Enoch: Huh, what a contradictory being I am… Anyway, let me take the chance to introduce myself to you. I am Enoch. Ingrid is the girl who’s wearing a hat, and this is little Hong Ai. Nice to meet you.
Enoch held out his hand for a handshake, but Novalis turned away indifferently.
Novalis: Sorry. I’m collaborating with you temporarily simply because Emma and Luna trust you. I have no intention of becoming your friend.
Ursula: Novalis! You…you’re being rude!
Enoch: No, it’s okay, it’s even better.
Surprisingly, Enoch was not at all irritated. He put his hand back and smiled.
Enoch: I prefer candidness to pretense. It’s perfectly natural that you don’t want to be my friend just yet, given that we just met each other not long ago in such a strange situation. But I’d at least like to be your partner, how about that?
Novalis: I’m starting to see why Emma and Luna have placed their trust in you… Sure, before things are settled, we can be… partners. It looks like our first challenge is on its way.
Enoch: Wh…what? What’s that sound…
Ingrid: No way, they’re Gnomes…
Thousands of bellicose Gnomes flocked to Enoch and his partners from the Enochian Tower. It seemed that they could arrive anytime.
Ursula: Ugh! What do we do now? Should we start a fight?
Novalis: Tut! We can’t waste time here!
Hong Ai: Haha, it’s time for the grand debut of Hong Ai the Runedragon!
Switching back to its dragon form, Hong Ai put Enoch and the others onto her back with a bright smile.
Hong Ai: To the top of the tower!

Part 2

“A Tough Flight”

In her dragon form, Hong Ai flew to the Enochian Tower at high speed, leaving flocks of Gnomes down below.
As Hong Ai carried their enemies away, the Gnomes could only squeak and stamp their feet grumpily. The victorious Runedragon Hong Ai looked behind her as she swayed her tail triumphantly.
Hong Ai: Haha, now you know how powerful I am! Alright, let’s fly all the way to the top—
Ingrid: Hey, idiot! Watch out!
Hong Ai: Huh? Woah—!
Ingrid drew Hong Ai’s attention back, who immediately found a huge rock at a near distance. With a gasp, she turned her body to dodge it. Averting the crisis, she retreated to the ground floor of the tower.
Hong Ai: Phew… What happened? Why are more rocks falling off?
Novalis: The energy in the tower has become even more unstable.
Ursula: Hmm… I can sense that someone is invading the tower… It’s at the end of Heaven… We have to go and stop it now!
Enoch: But the falling rocks might hit us if we fly to Heaven; it’s safer to go from the inside of the tower.
Ingrid: No, it’s too time-consuming. We can only fly up.
Enoch: It’s too risky…
Hong Ai: Enoch, don’t worry. It’s a piece of cake for me!
Hong Ai pulled herself together and took off again. This time, she concentrated on the locus of the falling rocks and moved swiftly between them. It all went pretty well at the beginning, but as time went by, Hong Ai became less focused and her movements less agile.
Hong Ai: Ahh!
Enoch: Are you okay, Hong Ai?
Hong Ai: I… I’m okay. It’s just a little scratch. I’ll be more careful!
Unfortunately, the rocks hit Hong Ai more and more frequently. When two rocks came in a row, she was dumbfounded and didn’t know how to react. Before she was hit, however, someone flew in front of her and conjured power to smash the threatening rocks.
Enoch: Novalis… Thank you.
Novalis: Don’t mention it… This is what partners ought to do. Ursula.
Ursula: Yes, I’ll help too!
With the help of Novalis and Ursula, Hong Ai was able to find the rhythm of the rocks again. Making her way between them, Hong Ai rose to the top of the tower hastily.
Suddenly, Enoch had a terrible premonition. After countless battles, he could now perceive danger with all of his senses. Subconsciously, his body reacted in advance and formed an elemental shield with his power.
Hong Ai: Whoa—!
A tremendous shockwave attacked them. Despite Enoch’s early defense, Hong Ai lost her balance and bumped into the walls. At the same time, an armored warrior descended gracefully from the air, with a pair of white wings spreading behind him.
Lucifer: Our paths have crossed again, the envoy of Faugn, and the Summoner of humans.
Novalis: … Don’t pretend that you know me, you shameless eccentric!
Enoch: Lucifer, please let us through, the world will be destroyed, and many innocent people will die!
Lucifer: That’s exactly what I want. To be reborn from destruction, and to repent at present for sins of the past. This is how a pristine future can be created.
Enoch: … Why… Didn’t Keepers live to protect the land and the weak? You’re going against Saint’s principles!
Lucifer: How did you know Saint… To protect… How ridiculous. Saint died in moroseness and despair because of the heinous Holy Gods and the ignorant humans!
Lucifer: Only we can demolish this sinful world and reconstruct a world in which everything is good and virtuous. I won’t let you get in my way!
Ingrid: Enoch, this guy is not going to listen to us. We can only defeat him.
Enoch: … Lucifer, I can’t let you go down the wrong way anymore! Instead of Saint, I’ll be the one to wake you up!

Part 3

“Saint’s Wish”

Enoch and his partners started a fierce mid-air battle against Lucifer. Confined by Novalis and Ursula, Lucifer was unable to take the overwhelming power of Enoch, who had become strong enough to withstand Lucifer’s attacks. Eventually, Lucifer was defeated.
Enoch launched a massive attack that burned a hole in the wall. Lucifer was lying in the gravel and paralyzed. Enoch tapped Hong Ai on the shoulder, and the latter then flew near Lucifer.
Enoch: Lucifer, it might be hard for you to believe, but the Saint that I know would never fall into despair and hatred because of others’ betrayal. If he were alive now, I’m sure that he would still choose salvation. It’s his wish.
Lucifer: …
Lucifer remained silent. Enoch had wanted to continue, but Ingrid placed her hand on his shoulder and shook her head.
Sorrowfully, Enoch had to give up and carry on his journey as Hong Ai flapped her wings and flew towards the top. Watching them as they left, mixed feelings churned inside of Lucifer.
Lucifer: Was I wrong… Saint… You’ll never forgive me…
???: “No, he will, my best friend. He’ll understand you.”
Lucifer: Is that so… Thank you… Michael…
Exhausted, Lucifer closed his eyes under the mellow light and sank into a tranquil dream. However, Enoch and his partners fell into danger—
Hong Ai: Urgh! What’s this! Let go of me!
Enoch: Hong Ai!
Ingrid: Tut! We’re caught! Everyone, brace your head!
When Hong Ai reached Nibiru, dozens of eerie tentacles extended from the city and grabbed Hong Ai’s head and limbs. She was pulled into the tower with immense strength—
Boom! Hong Ai and the others crashed into the wall inside, raising a cloud of dust and dirt. Enoch stood up dizzily, only to find that something was pulling on his right hand— it was the tentacle which had seized hold of Hong Ai! Clenching Enoch’s hand, the tentacle wiggled as if it were sucking on something.
Enoch: Urgh… My head aches… It’s trying to take away my consciousness!
???: Enoch, don’t move!
Enoch soon recognized who the melodious voice belonged to and followed her instructions. Then, as an elemental attack was launched, the tentacle seizing Enoch was eradicated.
Enoch: Phew… Thank you, Ingrid… What about the others? Are they alright?
Ingrid: I don’t know about the rest. This is the only one I found.
Ingrid lifted Hong Ai up as if she were picking up a cat. Now in her human form, Hong Ai’s body was covered with visible remnants of the tentacles. Her childlike face became exhausted with a pair of spiritless eyes..
Hong Ai: Put… put me down… Blaargh…
Ingrid: You’re useless!
Displeased, Ingrid eventually let her down. Hong Ai dashed to Enoch right away, hoping to get comforted. But before Enoch could say anything, they heard a shrill cry from the corridor.
???: Argh—！
Enoch: That must be Ursula!
Ingrid: Let’s go!
The three ran towards the corridor. Upon seeing what was in the corner, however, they pulled the brakes.
Hong Ai: The walls have been turned into balls of flesh… and they’re moving…
Ingrid: Something is eroding the Enochian Tower and Heaven…
Enoch: Let’s find Ursula and Novalis first. They could be in danger.
Entering the fleshy corridor, Enoch soon found Ursula and Novalis.
Enoch: Ah, there you are! Thank goodness you’re safe… Uh… Did something happen?
Observing the grim expression on Ursula’s and Novalis’ faces, Enoch asked with concern.
Novalis: No, nothing. Now that you’re here, let’s get going—
Ursula: No! I don’t want to go!
Ingrid: … What happened?
Ursula: My friends are trapped in that flesh ball on the ceiling!
All of them looked up and saw three massive flesh balls hanging above them. Two girls and a boy were trapped.
Hong Ai: Ah! What is this! So disgusting!
Ingrid: They must’ve been abducted by the tentacles. It looks like they’ll soon be fully absorbed.
Ursula: No way! I have to save them! They’re my friends… Agatha and Barbara. As for the other boy, my Dracospirit tells me that he was implanted with the power of Dracospirits, just like us…
Novalis: No, it’s too dangerous! What if we can’t save them, and we ourselves are swallowed up too!
Ursula: Are you telling me to turn away from this… I simply can’t!
Novalis: But… I don’t want you to get hurt…
Enoch: Then let us help.
Novalis: … But you have nothing to do with them…
Enoch: As a mage from Starmage, of course, I should help when someone is in need. Am I right, Ingrid?
Ingrid: Sigh, I knew you’d do it. Always minding others’ business…
Ingrid might sound like she was complaining, but an energetic smile spread across her face.
Ingrid: Let’s get rid of these disgusting creatures.

Part 4

“The Defined and Undefined”

Snap! The three flesh balls fell from the ceiling. Losing their connection with the main body, the tentacles soon withered and let go of the captured.
Enoch: Phew… Finally… We finally did it…
Hong Ai: I thought I was gonna die!
Barbara: It hurts… It hurts so much…
Agatha: Urgh…
Ursula: Agatha! Barbara!
After a fierce battle, Enoch and other team members finally managed to cut the connection between the flesh balls and the main body and save the three hostages. Now that her friends were saved, Ursula dashed forward to greet them, crying tears of joy. However, the crisis wasn’t over.
Barbara: They… They’re coming… Run!
Ingrid: I knew it… We’ve taken its food, it won’t let us go so easily… Don’t just stand there! Run!
Warned by Ingrid, Novalis carried Honor on his back while Enoch and Ursula helped Barbara and Agatha up, respectively. They had wanted to escape from the tentacles, but the injured members, though unintentionally, slowed them down. Soon, they were besieged.
Enoch: “Darn it… Are we doomed… ”
???: “Seems like you’re in trouble. I can try to help you.”
Enoch: Huh? Woah!
Before Enoch could make sense of anything, a dark hole emerged on the ground, which everyone fell into. After sliding through a convoluted tunnel, they were led to a bright exit.
The end of the tunnel was a bizarre room where everything was irregular and twisted, yet they still looked complete. It was the core of Nibiru.
???: I didn’t know you’re still alive, human.
Enoch: You… Yog-Sothoth!
In the middle of the space stood a woman who looked like a human above the waist, but some strange creature down below. She was Yog-Sothoth, the ancient demon that Zeus had imprisoned in the void. It was she who had exposed the dark sides of the Holy Gods to Enoch, and who had helped Enoch reach the end of Heaven.
Hong Ai: Hey! She has those terrifying tentacles!
Yog-Sothoth: Don’t worry, they won’t attack you.
Enoch: So… are you trapped by the tentacles too?
Yog-Sothoth: No, they bear no malice… Well, it’s not the right way to put it either…
Ingrid: Huh? What’re you trying to say?
Yog-Sothoth: They’re from the destructive origin. He… the great essence is about to awake, so the descendants of the same origin, like Cthulhu, Shub-Niggurath, Hastur, and I, were all summoned to return to our birthplace. It was meant to be the cycle of nature and the law of the world, but then he came.
Enoch: He?
Yog-Sothoth: Just like me, he’s a being whom you humans called “Ancient Demons”. But he and other descendants of his branch have different characteristics from Cthulhu. We originated from a definable shape, whereas they were born in undefinable accidents, so their desire for essence is different from ours.
Hong Ai: Hmm… I don’t get it.
Yog-Sothoth: Ha, in simple words, our nature is stable and complete, while theirs is unstable and defective. That’s why they usually have more aggressive dispositions. Especially him, the all-knowing demon.
Enoch: He’s Laplace, isn’t he?
Yog-Sothoth: Oh, you know him. You’re quite different from the time when I met you… You know your fate very well, poor thing. It’s too unbearable for you, fragile human.
Enoch: … But you need a weak human like me to fulfil your desire… Don’t you?
Yog-Sothoth startled for a moment and soon burst into laughter that persisted for quite a while, as if she had just heard a hilarious joke. She lifted Enoch’s chin with her right hand as her devilish face came closer.
Yog-Sothoth: Yes, you’re right. I need your help, that’s why I saved you just now. Laplace wants to dominate the essence before it wakes up, so that he’d get world-changing power. I want you to help me beat him.
Ursula: Then… why don’t you go?
Ingrid: She can’t.
Yog-Sothoth: Girl, you know quite something… That’s right, I’ve already connected myself with the essence. I could lose my sense of self anytime, so I can only rely on you.
Novalis: I’ll do it anyway, even without your orders— Urgh!
Ursula: Novalis! You… your back is soaked in blood!
Ingrid: You must’ve got injured when you were dragged into the tower. How did you endure it for so long?
Novalis: I’m okay, I can fight on—
But he was interrupted by a hug from Ursula, who was so worried about Novalis that she was about to cry.
Ursula: Please… Don’t go, don’t leave me… Why don’t you stay and take care of them together with me?
Novalis: Ursula… I just can’t let that guy do whatever he wants…
Enoch: Leave it to us, Novalis. We’ll shatter Laplace’s scheme!
Novalis: You… Ugh!
Suddenly, purple lights started shining on Novalis’ chest as if he were summoned. Other Dragon Spiritors were also emitting dazzling lights, which flew to the scar on Enoch’s chest, igniting the fervor in his heart.
Novalis: Faugn… You lent him your power…
Ursula: So did you, Dagon… and other spirits… They trust Enoch…
Novalis: … We’ll count on you, then.
Nodding his head earnestly, Enoch headed towards the end of Heaven with Ingrid and Hong Ai…