Chapter 31 - Paradise Arrives (Patreon)

A massive galleon soared across the ocean toward the country of Zalevet, having departed from the Broken Bits weeks prior. Edwin Syn and his crew were onboard the craft. They had spent months away from home, and all aboard could feel the end of their destination was in sight.

“My Lord.” Elaine sauntered below deck into Edwin’s cabin. She wore loose, dark clothing, making her look more like a rogue than the right-hand and lover of Edwin Syn, commander of the HellKnights. “We are approaching the human city of Camden.”

“Good.” Edwin Syn was reading a book at his desk in his cabin. He closed it quickly, set it down, and sprang from his seat. “Have the locals begun panicking?”

“They’ve mobilized two ships,” replied Elaine without an ounce of caring. “They should be here shortly.”

“Fun.” Edwin’s tone was dry and bored. “I am eager to greet our guests.”

Edwin moved from below to the top deck of the ship with most of his crew. It consisted of him; Elaine; his assistant Hamilton, a sylph with long ears and a thin frame; multiple different Fey species, or as the humans called them, Devils; and a few handpicked, young archdevil HellKnights Edwin decided to bring along for experience.

The ships from Camden approached Edwin’s vessel with obvious reluctance. They stopped on either side of it.

“We can discharge mana from our cannons in a moment’s notice,” whispered Hamilton to Edwin. “Give the order, should you desire that outcome.”

“No need,” said Edwin, easing the tension on board. His normally bored, cold face shifted into a cheery smile.

On board one of the ships, a man in a military uniform with a bunch of decorations stepped onto the deck and moved toward the edge of the vessel. Though both ships were swarming with nervous soldiers, this man stood out amongst the crowd.

“We are soldiers of King Zalevet the Fifth, come to greet you,” said the man in an even voice that impressed Edwin. He knew what humans thought of their kind. “What is your purpose in these waters?”

Edwin stepped forward, fluid and free like a dancer performing his opening set on stage. “I come from Paradise. Our Lord, Oberon Syn, has gifted me the task of traveling the world and holding peace talks with other countries,” he lied. “Paradise wishes to step back into the world and build bridges burned and discarded by the past.” He clasped his hands together and half-closed his eyes, holding silence for a brief moment to enhance the tension.

The officer on the other deck stared at Edwin, his eyes examining him for lies. Even though he was reserved compared to the rest of his crew, Edwin still sensed his hesitation and fear. 

They are terrified. Edwin noticed. Our enemy fears our very presence to this extent? I’m surprised they didn’t send more warships. Or did they not bother, expecting to limit lives lost in case things turned violent? Edwin wasn’t sure, but he was amused either way. 

The officer eventually spoke, bellowing in a tone that tried to command authority, “Follow us, and dock your ship where we advise.”

Fool. thought Edwin. If we’re your enemy, you shouldn’t let us get closer, let alone dock. If this had happened in reverse, I would have ordered their vessel be boarded and stripped of weapons, sealed their mana, and brought the commander to shore myself in chains. How soft.

But Edwin didn’t mind. He nodded to his crew, and the ship began to move again. It followed the military crafts into port.

At the docks, a small army of soldiers awaited them, weapons drawn and marks glowing. 

Maybe they do have some sense after all. Edwin acknowledged. 

An imposing man, very different from the humans Edwin had met so far, stood at the front of the pack. He was dressed in dazzling silver, white, and gold armor. He had a square, strong face, a purposefully bald head, and a full, well-kept beard. His eyes were gray, just like Edwin’s. He was also taller than Edwin by half of Edwin’s height.

This must be their Commander Faust. Edwin noted as he stared at the man. There were very few people with gray eyes in the world, and Edwin knew the names of each one of them since they were in the same class of mana. Imposing. I like it.

With his hands clasped loosely behind his back, Edwin sauntered over to the edge of the ship. As his crew finished the docking procedures and lowered a walkway for him to cross, Edwin nodded to Elaine. “Just you. No one else.”

The other Fey on the ship started to protest, but Edwin silenced them with a glance. 

“We are enough. The humans are already scared,” noted Edwin, laughter hinted in the back of his voice. “If negotiations fail and I am attacked, I will blow up a chunk of this city. That will be your signal to invade. But it should not come to that. We are not here to start a war. That decision will be up to the humans, should they wish for death.”

With logic and orders given swiftly, Edwin’s crew settled.

Nodding, Edwin stepped onto the docks with Elaine behind him. 

“You may leave me behind in a crisis, should you need to,” whispered Elaine.

“I will keep that in mind,” said Edwin just as softly. 

The two of them approached General Faust and the hundreds of soldiers crowding the docks. The air was thick with the scent of saltwater and dry wood. The afternoon sun shone overhead, glinting off the sea of armor that filled the area. Some of the men held their weapons. A few sparkled with mana particles of various colors, while others had skeletal structures visible in the gaps of their armor, and still others featured thin outlines of mana spreading over their bodies. Those who weren’t armed were channeling different elements in their palms and arms. All were ready to fight at a moment’s notice.

The only person not visibly prepared to kill was General Faust. He stood in heavy armor, mostly white with etchings of gold and silver to accentuate it. His gray eyes held Edwin’s.

I’d still win. Edwin decided at a moment’s glance. 

“An archdevil from Paradise has not graced these shores in centuries,” began General Faust. His voice was clear, calm, and powerful. He didn’t radiate even a fraction of fear because he had none. “Our men say you come to build bridges. Is this true?”

“What other reason would we have for entering your lands?” said Edwin with a smile.

General Faust did not flinch. “You’re not here for one of your own?”

Edwin’s smile did not falter. Confirmed. 

“One of our own?” Edwin’s words were laced with curiosity. “Whatever do you mean?”

General Faust said nothing. He studied Edwin’s face for the longest time. “You do not need to smile for me. I know of your kind.”

“But I’m a naturally cheery guy.”

A wordless exchange drifted between the two.

“The King wishes to help you with your endeavors,” said General Faust. “It’s in our interest as well.”

That little hint set fireworks off in Edwin’s head. “Wonderful. As soon as we do what we came here to do, we shall leave as soon as possible,” he said, hinting back.

General Faust nodded. He raised his hand, then opened it and pointed right.

Instantly, the tension broke down. The human stopped circulating their mana. A sea of codexes appeared as weapons were stuffed inside.

They’re physically putting them back into their codexes? Edwin thought, stupefied. Why such wasted effort?

Edwin and Elaine were guided from the docs into the city. The dozen guards who intercepted them now surrounded them like moss covering a tree. At the front, General Faust guided everyone, instilling order and calmness in the men with every step.

As they approached, getting away from the docks, the population of Camden was out in force. They watched from their rooftops and homes as the first archdevil in centuries, two of them, walked the streets of the city as if it were inconsequential. 

The buildings ranged from five-story structures to small one-story homes. The streets were lined with refined cobblestone, and the buildings were primarily constructed of the same materials. All the rooftops were shingled, with different colors signifying the various districts. From the port, the rooftops were blue, referencing the docking industry. As they entered the commercial district, the rooftops were a brilliant display of orange, yellow, and gold as far as the eye could see. 

“Are they real?” Edwin heard a child ask its mother as it looked at Edwin and Elaine.

The mother didn’t respond. She, too, was baffled as her eyes followed Edwin’s horns. 

Muttering followed them throughout their tour of the city.

Edwin stared ahead, unbothered. His eyes were fixed on the massive mountain before him. It was visible from the water and appeared even more monstrous now that he was on the ground. A large opening was carved at the bottom, and many chunks had been removed from the middle to the top. Structures were built along it from top to bottom, as if an entire community had blossomed around it. And it had. 

Home for the nobility. Edwin mused as he gazed at the artificial earth pointing into the sky. A great mountain of indulgence and fear, separating the rich from the poor. How very human.

At the very top of the mountain, a castle loomed at the edge as if it were watching the world below. Edwin made eye contact with it, as if someone inside were staring back at him. The sheer distance between him and the castle made that impossible, but there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind that made him react anyway.

Is that you, King? Edwin mocked. 

Edwin, Elaine, and their entourage of guards soon arrived at the base of the mountain. It was surrounded by a massive gate, with even more guards stationed inside, armed with weapons. The surrounding homes were all large and well-kept, featuring white rooftops that distinguished them from the rest of the city.

General Faust waved his hand, and the guards inside opened the gates. He stepped forward wordlessly, and Edwin followed with Elaine just behind him.

A massive plaza filled to the brim with men, women, and children spilled out before the archdevils. It bled into the mountain, where an opening larger than the tallest tree stood before them. Inside, an entire city of large homes—some on the ground and others carved into the walls—flourished.

The sounds of swords, spells, and screams filled the air, intriguing Edwin as they moved inside the massive mountain. 

Small groups of people of all sexes were training ferociously throughout the small city. Hints of smoke from fire spells singed the air. Wind and dust fluttered about. The spray of water moistened the interior. The shine of mana activating in all three styles shone like beacons speckled throughout the entire city.

“Very impressive,” noted Edwin honestly. He didn’t expect the humans to have gone to such efforts to train people. Building an entire city dedicated to it intrigued him and earned them a hint of his respect. “What is this place?”

General Faust did not turn around or slow his pace, but he did say, “We call it the Basement.”

“An interesting name.”

“Only the best are trained here. All of them, man, woman, or child, would die for the King.”

“Ah. Would he want that?” mused Edwin.

General Faust remained silent.

They crossed into the middle of The Basement, receiving glances and stares along the way. Even hardened warriors stopped to glance at Edwin and Elaine. No one could blame them. They were essentially myths come to life before their very eyes, and likely the source of many of their motivations to fight.

In the middle of The Basment, there was an odd tower that rose straight to the top of the mountain. It rose so high that it was difficult to see where it ended.

Edwin and Elaine arrived at its base. 

A giant lift capable of holding multiple wagons lay at the bottom of the structure. Large mana crystals were positioned on each end, and gears were next to them. Multiple soldiers stood nearby in standby. Every one of them had violet eyes. 

“I’m assuming this is the only way into the top of the mountain,” said Edwin.

“Unless you can fly or wish to climb,” remarked Faust as he crossed onto the large platform.

Edwin and Elaine followed.

The hundreds of soldiers following them went to join, but Faust halted them.

“Ensure the soldiers looking after our guest’s ship are doing well,” said Faust. The threat was obvious.

Soon, it was only Faust, Edwin, and Elaine on the lift.

General Gaist gave commands to the men surrounding the lift. They began working, charging the mana crystals around it with power.

Edwin watched the entire process, astonished, and even more so as they began rising into the air. I’ve grown used to our leader’s knowledge and abilities. To think this contraption would seem so primitive. The humans would faint if they saw Paradise.

“You’re a brave man,” said Elaine to Faust. “Alone with two monsters.”

“Do I have something to fear?” wondered Faust. 

Elaine bristled slightly, but Edwin laughed.

“I suppose there is not much you fear in this world, is there?” said Edwin. He leaned against the lift’s railing as it rose into the sky, casting a soft breeze over the three of them. It tousled Edwin’s hair. “Were you born with your eyes, or did you earn them?”

Faust’s expression relayed no emotions as he held Edwin’s gaze. “Earned them.”

“Ah. Good man. So did I.”

Not another word was said as the lift continued upward.

Eventually, they entered a slot in the stone ceiling that was perfectly spaced for the lift. It moved into that slot, granting the three of them access to the middle part of the mountain. Soldiers hurriedly worked to lock the platform in place. All the while, they shot worried glances at Elaine and Edwin.

They arrived in a massive space lit mostly with torches. There were no houses or citizens buzzing about. Though big enough to accommodate the lift, the space felt barren and boring. Its only use was to serve the lift.

“It seems to be an odd way of living,” mentioned Edwin as General Faust began leading them out of the enclosed area. “The people here are separated from the rest of the world.”

“As is their wish,” said General Faust, not elaborating further. “This place was designed to secure the nobility and crown of Zalevet.”

“Oh, it is?” Edwin walked faster until he was right beside Faust. “Yet you’ve brought me into said sanctuary.”

“At the order of our King,” said Faust without missing a beat.

“What if I went crazy?”

“I’d advise against that, for your sake.”

“Ha!”

Faust said nothing after that. Edwin just smiled cheerfully as he maintained his side-by-side pace with Faust. Elaine walked behind them, slightly annoyed.

They passed through many different levels on their way to the top, encountering extravagant floors that served entirely different purposes every few levels. Some floors were entirely dedicated to growing food, others to bodies of water. Some were filled with art and theatrics, while others were medical. Still others brimmed with debauchery. 

The only common point was that nobles controlled each level with a mass of obedient servants simply grateful to live in the most secure, luxurious part of Camden.

There were areas where one could go outside the mountain. These were add-on spaces, more akin to botanical gardens, seemingly built into the side of the mountain. These, along with the many holes decorating the mountain, refracted an impressive amount of light inside. 

“Only stairs?” questioned Edwin as they continued upward flight after flight. 

Faust said nothing.

Every so often, nobles would glance at them. There wasn’t the usual fear that those on the ground had. Instead, they stared at Edwin and Elaine with ardent fascination, almost lust. Like they wanted to use and own them. 

The contrast intrigued Edwin.

Eventually, they reached a level where the stairs stopped and entered a small room big enough for five people at most. 

“Beyond here are the castle’s grounds,” mentioned Faust, breaking the long silence he’d held. “The King and his children live here, as well as those chosen to sit on his council. Very few people have visited this place.”

“And I’m assuming we’re the first Primordials. How exciting,” said Edwin. “You call us archdevils, yes? In our lands, we’re considered Primordials.”

“We’ll stick to known terms here,” said Faust rather bluntly. He opened the door and pressed through its threshold, gesturing for the others to follow. 

“I do not like him,” mentioned Elaine. She and Edwin hesitated in the small room. “He treats us like we’re inconsequential.”

“If only he knew the depths of our power and knowledge. In less than a year, we could rule this world if our Lord allowed us. I only find myself asking ‘why not?’ the more time we spend amongst them.” Shaking his head, Edwin added his smile back to his face. “Too many questions for now, best set aside for later. Come. Let’s go see this castle up close.” He offered his arm. “Shall we?”

They stepped out of the small room.

The area around them was flush with life. Beautiful reds, blues, and yellows decorated the space as flowers cascaded over it, interconnecting with blades of brilliant green grass. Trees of all kinds adorned the landscape, adding volume and depth throughout it. Magnificent ponds shone blue and brilliant amongst the landscape.

Interspersed within nature were massive mansions connected via natural pathways throughout the land. The entire population of some towns could fit in one estate. The buildings were pristine, white, and massive, reaching at least five stories in height and taking up as much space as several small homes.

All paled in comparison to Castle Zalevet.

The brilliant structure appeared to be made of the finest marble, intricately crafted and shaped to stand out atop the mountain even from down below. Its spires rose high into the sky, cutting into the brilliant blue atmosphere. Even the mansion surrounding it looked tiny by comparison. It was truly a structure of innovation, time, and care.

Humans sure are creative. Edwin thought, only mildly impressed by the architecture. If only they’d put this effort into other avenues. 

The castle was surrounded by massive balconies and open rooms filled with beautiful furniture. Lavish architectural additions decorated the building, and expensive statues lined the luxurious garden surrounding it.

On one such balcony, a man stood looking toward Edwin and Elaine. He had short blonde hair, was slightly overweight, and wore white robes lined with gold stitching. A crown sat atop his head. Older men in equally lavish garb surrounded him, looking at Edwin from behind him.

It was the King.

He and Edwin made eye contact

Weak. Edwin thought. What else would I expect from a man who lives so far from what he rules?

-----

•

-----

Edwin and Elaine were given a vacant mansion used by guests of the King’s family. It had apparently been the home of one of the Ming’s mistresses before she was killed in an assassination attempt meant for her son. Since then, the estate had been left vacant.

They were the talk of the mountain—dubbed the Finger, as it looked like a giant pointed directly in the sky at the Gods. Edwin and Elaine could hardly go anywhere without being greeted. Even the whispers around them were kinder, as many felt their minds had been changed and that archdevils were more civil than they’d all thought.

The two were treated with the utmost respect and care. Edwin did not see the King the first day, nor did he mind. He was told the King needed to prepare. In the meantime, he and Elaine took advantage of the luxuries thrust upon them, the servants given to satiate their every need, and their bodies to alleviate the boredom when it eventually settled in.

The next day, they led into Castle Zelevet itself, into a small parlor where the King and his council were set to meet with Edwin. They were the first to arrive. Thirty minutes later, the King, his councilors, and Captain Fuast filled in and took over their seats.

Only Elaine acknowledged them, as Edwin was otherwise occupied.

 “My Lord?” One of the King’s council members called out to Edwin.

Edwin was staring out a massive window at the city of Camden. The parlor had an enormous window lining the entire wall, giving them an impressive view of the land below. They were so high up that people weren’t even distinguishable. The scenery looked planned and geometric, lacking uniqueness from so high up.

Edwin wore a simple black suit. It was comfortable and stretchy, a stark contrast to the robes and metals the humans wore. Elaine matched Edwin, donning a black dress. The difference in attire was not lost on the parties, nor was it ever openly addressed.

They’re so weak and far behind us technologically and militarily. Edwin thought. His time spent at Castle Zalevet had assured him of that. If we’d been monitoring them better, we’d have noticed sooner. Why hasn’t the Ancient One allowed us to act? Why have we been ordered to remain in Paradise for so long? What is happening to the world as we stew in isolation when there is a world we could be controlling with ease? Why must our kind suffer in any way to these beings?

There was no answer to those questions, and Edwin suspected there wouldn’t be for a long time. Not until he went home. Not until he completed his personal mission regarding the Guardian he heard rumors of. 

The King cleared his throat. It was an out-of-character action Edwin had not expected. In his mind, he thought the King incapable of even saying a word without asking someone else’s opinion first. But that was only based on appearances.

“My apologies,” said Edwin. He brushed away his thoughts. A smile forced its way onto his face at his will as he turned around to speak. “The view is stunning. I’m jealous you all get to see it every day.”

That was very much a lie. Castle Elandris sat on an island suspended above Paradise with a vast view of the ocean and the nearby landmasses. The difference between it and Castle Zelevet was night and day. Edwin almost felt like the current castle was mocking the one he’d idolized all his life.

There was an open seat across from the King. Elaine was already standing behind it like a guard. Edwin effortlessly crossed the room and sat down in it like a feather losing flight.

The King was across from him, resting comfortably in a chair, dressed in similar garb to what Edwin had seen when they’d first made eye contact. Faust stood stoic to his left, while the King’s councilors crowded around him from behind like a flock of interested birds.

“Once again, I must thank you all for your hospitality,” said Edwin. He made his voice as humble as possible. “I haven’t left Paradise in many decades. It is good to see the world is still filled with such innovation and beauty.”

His words touched the councilors, but Fuast and the King were not moved in the slightest.

“And we are honored to host a guest such as yourself,” said the King. His tone was flat and unwavering.

“The honor is mine.” Edwin relaxed into his seat. “Do believe the reasoning we gave for why we are here?”

The room became silent.

“No,” admitted the King.

“Excellent. That saves time.” Edwin placed his hands on his knees and leaned forward. “Our expedition stopped in Broken Bits for a few days and heard word of some sort of Black Horned Guardian in these lands,” he mentioned slowly. His eyes scanned all the men for reactions as he spoke. “What sort of monster is this?” He paused. “Is it one?”

The question was obvious and lingered in the air. Edwin had made his intention clear in a few simple words.

“Leave us.” The King said to his counselors.

Oh? Edwin was suddenly intrigued. The King now sat upright and exuded a level of power he had not seen yet since visiting.

The counselors looked to protest, but a single look from General Faust alleviated them of those desires. They wordlessly bowed to the room and exited, leaving only Edwin, the King, Faust, and Elaine in the room.

The King shifted forward. He seemed to grow in height in a single movement, and his body seemed sturdier. Even his eyes had a level of strength in them that Edwin did not expect possible from such a man.

He hides it well. Edwin noticed. I underestimated him. How exciting.

“We do not want war,” began the King. “We shall provide you with whatever you need to retrieve the girl.” His voice was cold. “The neutrality we’ve maintained is in the best interest of everyone, don’t you agree?”

Edwin’s smile dripped away. The bland mask that normally sat neutral on his face, the one that could never feel anything beyond selfish emotions, swallowed the King. “Is that so?”

“We did not take one of your own.”

“Oh? And why would we believe that?”

“Because that is what our people believe we did,” answered the King.

Edwin stared at the King for a while before resting back in the chair. “We know you did not steal one of our kind. Such a feat would be impossible and would have been discovered years ago. This is an incident outside your control. We see you as temporary carriers of lost product. Not thieves.”

The King relaxed. “Thank you.”

“Can you confirm that one of our kind resides in these lands, and that she is a female?”

The King nodded.

“Will you cooperate with Paradise?”

“Yes. We want her out of the country,” said the King. “Her very existence threatens our country.”

“Because she’s an archdevil?” said Edwin, almost bored that he had to mention it.

“Because she’s loyal to my son.”

Edwin’s brow furrowed. “Explain.”

“Do not speak to our King like that,” ordered Faust.

Edwin appeared in front of Faust in the blink of an eye, his nose a mere fingertip’s length between them. “I will speak to anyone how I wish.”

Faust did not flinch. “You may.” The outline of his body was glowing gray in waves that seemed to lap over Edwin. “But words have consequences. Are you prepared to face them?”

Edwin felt a strong urge to break General Faust and throw pieces of him off the mountain while making wishes and singing.

“Enough. Please,” hissed the King. “Formality be damned. We need this sorted out.”

General Faust sighed. “Yes, Your Grace.”

Edwin frowned. “A shame.” He returned right to his seat as quickly as he had left it. Gesturing, he leaned forward toward the King. “Please, continue.”

“I have three sons bearing the Mark of Succession on their skin. Two were born from my queen and another from a mistress. The third fled six years ago due to pressure from his brothers’ supporters. He eventually ended up in a small town called Sandy Branch, where he either befriended or enslaved an archdevil who had been living there.”

Edwin’s expression grew colder. “Enslaved?”

“There are many reports of it bearing a Mark of Enslavement.”

“Her,” corrected Elaine.

“Right. Her,” said the King. His eyes flickered from Elaine back to Edwin.

“Is this the mark your people use to enslave devils?” wondered Edwin, his tone like a winter blizzard.

“And humans.”

“But mostly devils.”

“It is difficult to change the prejudice of war, even centuries later,” argued the King.

“Especially when you’re enemy looks different from you.”

There was silence.

“Who is she?” asked Edwin.

“We do not know. From what we gathered, she was born and raised by a human family in that town.”

Edwin flinched. “She was born there?”

“Yes.”

“You are certain?”

The King nodded.

Edwin looked away. Then is she…no. She must be her daughter. Then…the girl must be—

“Your cooperation will be imperative for the success of my operation. Based on your information, it would behoove you to act and assist with expediency.” Edwin’s eyes narrowed. “Given what we know and what you’ve confirmed, this girl is the grandchild of our leader, the Ancient One Oberon Syn.”