Nameless King

The mention of the Great War was usually taken as just a crucial historical fact, but it was something that had long been forgotten and was forever in the pages of history, but Wain's words had a completely different meaning.

Now Nameless King is back, so if Wain spoke of the imminent outbreak of a second Great War, it was almost inevitable.

"King, do you believe a second Great War is about to begin?" Aurora asked with a worried look.

"Sure. However, it will take quite some time for such a massive event to begin. Moreover, if you haven't reached the Transcendence Stage by then, you won't be on the battlefield." Wain said calmly as he let some of his aura out. He was now on the Absolute Stage, but his latent power far surpassed Aurora's.

"What...? But, even if I couldn't reach the Transcendence Stage I will still fight with you! It is my duty!" Aurora exclaimed in a brave voice.

Wain shook his head, "That's out of the question. How long do you think you can hold out in battle against an Elf Progenitor or against someone like Sven? They would only need one swing to kill you, so the best thing for you would be to stay in Human World and protect our people."

Aurora wanted to object, but she just couldn't say anything. Wain was absolutely right, she had almost reached the pinnacle of power, but had not yet taken the final step, so those at the very top could easily throw her down just as she had everyone behind her.

"Well, you shouldn't be so frightened. The Great War will not begin soon, I, the ruler of the Arkan World, and everyone else need to prepare, the world will be relatively calm for some time yet." Wain sighed slightly as if he was ready to fight.

"I understand you. I'll try to make sure you don't worry about the safety of the Human World while you fight." Aurora said seriously with eyes as deep as the ocean.

"Hey... Are you really Wain...?" Zero suddenly asked with a frowned look.

"Hm?" Wain raised an eyebrow as he looked at Zero, her gaze was wary and she clenched her fists hard as if preparing to attack at any moment, "I see... Do you think I took Wain's body? I didn't, I can explain, though it's best if I show you."

Whooooooooooooooosh.

Wain stepped forward, turning into a blob of darkness as he appeared directly in front of Zero. She wanted to jump back, but didn't have time since Wain's fingertip had already touched her forehead, then a piece of his energy headed toward her as Wain launched Zero into her mind.

In a few moments, her mind was filled with all the memories they had shared as well as Wain's thoughts in those moments. The whole process took a couple of seconds, after which Wain removed his hand.

Zero's body trembled, then she looked at Wain and tears came out of her eyes as she ran towards him practically throwing herself at him.

Wain didn't expect this as for a moment he was puzzled, but he quickly answered her, holding her tightly to him with a slight smile on his face.

'Well, well, she has the same type of character as me, she is cold, calm, and suspicious, but when that armor comes off such a person becomes very sensitive for a short period.' Wain inwardly muttered with closed eyes as he too enjoyed Zero's sincere feelings.

"I'm sorry I didn't trust you... It's just, it was all too strange... I didn't know what to do..." Zero whispered that even Wain could hardly hear her.

"It's all good. As before, first of all, I've always been Wain Norheim, Nameless King is an identity for those I didn't consider close enough." Wain patted Zero's head, lightly mussing her hair.

"Ughum..." Zero nodded.

After a while, Zero stepped aside. She seemed to be calm again, but now there was a distinct warmth from her as if there was nothing left of the cold.

'Agh... I hope someday something will happen to me too that will allow me to feel the same warmth.' Wain wondered looking at Zero, then his gaze moved to Maria.

"Hm? Is there something you want to tell me?" Maria bowed her head in confusion. Unlike the others she was not so much surprised since she assumed that there was some kind of power inside Wain, she just didn't know what it was.

"Yes, I have a special conversation for you, but not now. Stay in Human World or Last Light so I can find you. As soon as I've dealt with all the urgent business, I'll come to you right away." Saying this, Wain stared at Maria as if he could look right into her soul.

Maria was not usually used to obeying someone's orders, except Gisle's, but she realized that Wain was serious, so she had no choice but to nod, "Okay, I hear you. I'll be in Last Light, Gisle probably has a lot of work for me already."

"Fine." Wain closed his eyes as he turned toward his already dead opponent. Virion lay on the ground with a blank stare while dark blood slowly pooled.

"Go away. You were the last people I wanted to talk to. Right now I want to stay here alone." Wain said quietly with a wave of his hand.

Maria, Aurora, and Zero looked at each other, nodded, and walked away in silence, understanding the situation. A powerful wind blew as only Wain remained at the top of the shining tree.

He walked slowly toward Virion, stopping in front of him. Virion wanted to kill him, but Wain felt a strange sense of gratitude since all of this had happened because of him.

"Well, we would never be friends, but as a mark of respect for your efforts, I will treat your soul accordingly." Wain uttered as suddenly a massive white soul flew out of Virion's body.

"The white color is special, it's much purer than Common Souls, because only people who are already ready to go to the Transcendence Stage can have such souls, it's pretty damn rare, especially considering he was in the Fourth Chronicle."