Chronicles of the Red Sovereign

I basically gave them the short version of my story which in my opinion gave them enough details about my real background. I told them about being Nyxtriel Wetcheit li Stedus, the famed goddess of war back in the Celestial Realm, and how mine and my clan’s story of being traitors were false. I also told them about being reborn as Luna Hysi of the Lyxi Clan which explained why Senior Trent often referred to me as ‘Your Majesty’.

Now that I think about it, I used to think I only took over Luna Hysi’s life twelve years ago. But it turned out I really was Luna Hysi, only that I lost the memories of my first eight years of life in exchange for my memories as Nyxtriel.

I know, it confused me a lot too.

I also told them about getting adopted by Archduchess Zaira Chrishni von Celestine, studying in the Imperial Academy in incognito, leaving the country after the demon attack, and arriving and staying in Avalon Isles for my training. I then recounted my training for the last five years.

Okay, maybe it was a bit lengthy and I wasn’t really a good storyteller. Thankfully, they seemed to get it.

“So, you’re actually a deity? A goddess?” Bernard asked.

“In my previous life yes. But I’m working on getting my powers back. It’s the reason I’m training really hard, so that my body can withstand such power.”

“You’re also a queen? Of an almost extinct clan?”

“Technically, only Senior Trent and I are the only ones I know that's still around. Senior Andrei knew my grandmother but she died years ago so it’s back to just being the two of us.”

Questions like those popped up among my friends and I was happy to answer them. Well most of them since I didn’t know the answer to some of their questions either.

When I finished answering their questions, they looked like they were satisfied with it and we moved to eating lunch. Bernard offered to show the ship they used to get to Avalon Isles and I was glad to go with it despite the questions I had regarding it.

-How did they arrive via ship when Avalon Isles is technically a floating island?

“So I guess ‘we’ are now going to be the Red Faction?” Thomas commented once we made our way outside the cabin.

“I suppose we are.” I replied.

“But I think we still need a domain.” Andrea also said, making me think about it.

-Oh yeah…

We reached an area a few ways away from my cabin. I was so sure it was an empty clearing. I used to do lots of training in that area but I was taken aback when I saw a massive ship in the clearing.

I was very confused though yet surprised at what was in front of me. It looked like a ship, but bigger than those I had seen. I think it was bigger than the Celestine Mansion back in the Celestine Territory. The ship was definitely not made of wood like most ships I know. It also neither had masts nor sails, and considering the lack of water, it made me question how the ship actually travelled.

“This is the SS Archangel.” Bernard said, motioning to the massive silvery ship. “It’s my beloved project that lasted three and a half years to complete. Come on in!”

I saw Bernard push something on his right ear and said; “Sally, lower the ramp and prepare the bridge. Also tell Ollie to meet us on the bridge.”

Bernard seemed chirpy as a section of the ship’s wall opened and a ramp was lowered. We all then entered the ship. I couldn’t help but marvel at the decorations once I got inside.

“This part of the ship is technically the welcome mat?” he shrugged and motioned to the room. “It probably won’t be used much since I designed the Archangel for long flights but I just thought it might be a good place to welcome guests you know. Before we start the tour, we should head to the bridge first.”

He led us to a long hallway which to be honest resembled the hallways of the Imperial Academy. There were glass panes on one side which enabled us to see what was outside, while on the other side were walls and doors probably for different rooms.

Minutes later, we reached a steel door. Bernard placed his hand on a small box at the side of the doorframe. With a beep, the door slid open and I was greeted with yet another view.

As Bernard said, it was the bridge. I asked him what the bridge was and he answered:

“The bridge is like the control center of any other ship. The SS Archangel moves because of the directive of those in the bridge and most of the chain-of-command stay in the bridge to issue commands.”

The bridge was a very spacious room with large glass panels at the front, making the outside visible. There were a lot of working stations in the room with glowing semi-transparent computer windows.

Of course I knew of computers. Athena loved talking about them. In fact, during my time in Avalon Isles, she and Hephaestus had been working on making a laptop based on magic.

“I suppose everything in this room is working via magic but the idea is based on things from your world?” I asked Bernard who returned a nod in response.”

“How did you figure that out?”

“You hang out with a former goddess of wisdom and former god of the forge you pick up a thing or two about their lives.”

He just gave me a look of understanding and a smile.

“Welcome back everyone.” suddenly said a female voice out of nowhere. “And welcome to the Archangel, Red Monarch and Anubis.”

I looked at Bernard and gave him a questioning look, but it was Anubis who said something first.

“That was an A.I.” he stated, his face morphing to that of a look of surprise. “You actually managed to make an Artificial Intelligence in Afasia?”

“What can I say? I love my toys.” replied Bernard with a small smile.

“Okay, time out.” I interrupted. “What the hell is an Artificial Intelligence?”

The others looked at each other; Bernard locked on Anubis’ gaze the longest. The former death god just shrugged his shoulders and motioned to Bernard.

“An Artificial Intelligence or an A.I. is basically an artificial spirit Lu- I mean Nyxtriel.”

-I guess the new name is still something to adjust to.

“I combined spirit magic and technology to create a new type of spirit. I named her Sally.” Bernard said with a giggle. “Sally, introduce yourself.”

“Greetings. I am Sally, the SS Archangel’s artificial spirit. If you have any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to ask me.”

-At least she’s on point.

I had dealt with spirits before. Usually they were manifestations of a swarm of powerful thoughts or a product of nature magic, which basically meant they just exist. The most powerful ones could be considered god-like and could command great power at the tips of their fingers.

I had learned of technology from the outer gods before, Athena and Hephaestus most especially, so I had an understanding what technology was and how it worked. They rambled mostly on what their previous world called modern technology which was very different and very advanced from what was used in Afasia. Technology worked awfully similar to magic, in a way, only that the foundations and power sources were different.

Yeah, it was a weird concept. Even for me.

“Nyxtriel!” Bernard called. “Meet Ollie, my boyfriend.”

Bernard motioned to the tall black haired young man next to him. He had a light tan on his skin and his forest green eyes sparkled with curiosity in them, the same eyes Bernard usually had.

-I suppose they’re two peas in a pod, considering they have the same hobby.

“Nice to finally meet the person Bernard really wanted me to meet apparently.” Ollie said and held out a hand.

I too his hand and shook it, and then flashed a smile. “And I’m glad to meet someone, apart from us, who could stand him.”

Ollie let out a small chuckle while Bernard gave me a glare.

“Let’s continue the chat later.” Bernard inserted. “Let’s have the tour!”

Nobody really said no.

***********

A/N:

Ever seen the anime/manga Karneval? I based the SS Archangel from the show’s Circus Ships. Also, I originally thought of adding a system but I vetoed it and just placed an A.I. instead with the whole technology stuff from Bernard’s brain. I do hope it works out though.