Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

Mia separated Lynn's corpse from the man that killed her and tossed him into the sand, not caring how he landed. She gently stroked the cheek of her long-time friend.

"I'm sorry."

Lucius and Kalliope were mumbling about something a little ways away, and despite not hearing them, she knew it was probably for the best that she did not know whatever it was Lucius was spouting.

At this moment, the only thing that mattered was Lynn… and honoring her sacrifice. Marie and the Eroan soldiers had come down from their vantage point at the top of a large sand dune. Marie focused on healing Renton's wounds, while the Eroan's searched the cargo and checked the bodies.

Kalliope said something about looking for a shield, but it was clear she was unsatisfied with the options available since they all bore the insignia of Alorek.

"Mia. I'm sorry I couldn't keep up." Renton said between gasps of pain. Marie's healing magic was working slowly because while she could use it, she was not very proficient in it.

"Don't worry about it. You survived and you held off against a Master Rank with an enchanted spear… be glad for just that." Marie answered on Mia's behalf.

Mia fully agreed with the sentiment and nodded her head affirmatively before glancing back down at Lynn. She had pulled the cloak off her back and covered most of Lynn's body already, but she moved the hood to cover her face.

"Break down one of the wagons. We are building her a pyre. Leave the Alorek bastards to rot in the sand or become food for some desert beast." Mia ordered.

She walked over to where the spear lay and placed it inside her storage ring. It was valuable enough to keep there, and as the one who finished him off, it was her prize by rights. No one seemed to care to argue the point, which made her sigh in relief.

"Hey."

Kalliope's voice caught her attention. When she looked up at the beastman, she noticed how very close she was able to get without Mia noticing. Mia stepped back out of habit.

"What?"

"I think now is as good a time as any to resupply and report in at Fort Sella. Actually, we are about a day and a half walk from the fort as it is. We managed to circle around very close to my base from our attacks, so let's take the opportunity while it is here."

"Sure, I have to report this in to my Commander first."

Kalliope nodded and walked away to help construct the funeral pyre.

"Commander Laris, this is Mia. We took out another supply group on it's way to assist the Alorek forces at the Eroan border. We are a day away from Fort Sella and intend to detour to resupply and refresh. Also, we have taken one loss…Lynn…

"Also, it seems Alorek might be adding additional forces to their supply caravans. We faced a Master Rank and four Advance Ranks in this group. Be advised other teams may run into similar situations."

For several minutes she received no response. Then, "Understood, Mia… Is Lucius still with you?"

"Uh, yes sir? I'm not sure where he would go in this desert if I'm being honest."

"Keep an eye on him. Do not let him leave your sight. I'm sending you reinforcements."

"Understood, sir"

Renton and Marie looked at her with puzzled expressions. Lucius was still sorting through some of the supplies in the overturned wagons and on the people's bodies. It was obvious he had heard at least Mia's half of the conversation, so he was probably curious about the orders.

"We are clear to head to Fort Sella. Also, Lucius you stay with me at all times, Commander's orders. Also, we are getting reinforcements. Likely due to increased support amongst our targets."

Everyone nodded in understanding, even Lucius. It took them a little while, but soon enough they were ready to start Lynn's funeral. They would stay long enough to make sure her body was burned to ash, then they would set fire to the remaining supplies and leave the Alorek soldiers alone. She was adamant about that specific order.

Mia thought back to all the battles she fought with Lynn while they adventured. Lynn was the first one of the group she had met and how Mia found out about the Union changing its laws temporarily. She inspired Mia to become an adventurer and try to change her fate as a Runner.

Mia never really wanted to fight in the first place, so that's why she became a Runner. She used her mark and her Dark Magic to hide from pursuers and trackers, but never to fight and kill.

When Lynn talked her into being an adventurer, she realized she was able to adapt to such actions… if it meant she could have a more normal life. It was thanks to her that Mia got to experience even a few years of 'normal' and for that she was eternally grateful.

"I am sorry for the loss of your friend. Grief is powerful, so do not let it take you over on the field of battle." Kalliope said quietly.

"Of course. Thank you."

"By the way…"

"What is it?"

"When we arrive, since you ordered Lucius to stay by your side, that means you must also stay by his?" Kalliope inquired.

"Yes, why?"

Kalliope giggled. It was strange hearing such a girly sound come from someone who was clearly a well-trained warrior. "Then I suppose you will also meet my Uncle when we arrive. He is very interested in the rumors regarding Lucius."

"Oh right… you said someone was interested in him… who was that again?"

"Kalivas."

Mia nearly spit in surprise. She did not expect that Eroa's strongest warrior would be someone interested in Lucius, let alone imagine a world where she would meet him herself.

"Who is Kalivas?" Lucius' words cut through Mia's shock.

Kalliope answered for her, "He is my uncle. Though, not by blood. He is also the most powerful warrior Eroa has to offer and a Marked One like you."

"What is his mark?"

"The Mark of Enhancement. It grants him the ability to use enhancement spells at will and without casting or using an activation phrase. He is also able to use Mana Manipulation like yourself."

"What else can he do?" Mia was shocked to see an excited glint in Lucius' eyes. It was strange to see him interested in something that wasn't Rena.

"A lot of things… but I feel it is better that you talk to him about that. Besides, he's going to ask to fight you and I kind of want to see you get your ass kicked as punishment for how you treated me when we first met."

Kalliope's honesty brought laughter to the solemn air around the group. Everyone here seemed interested in watching their compatriot get knocked down a few pegs. They were also excited to see the great Kalivas fight. That was a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity.