The Void Wolf

If one were to travel beyond the Northern Mountains they would land in the Tel'vian Empire. A militaristic and authoritarian nation that demanded cooperation. An impartial council would elect a High Chancellor when the previous one either stepped down or died. In turn, the High Chancellor would select members of the council if they decided to do the same, in addition, they would also select a Vice Chancellor. Of course, there were certain laws, rules, and regulatory systems in place to prevent corruption. Not to say it didn’t exist, but those found guilty suffered very much. From the humiliation that came with being exposed and banned from the political system to being put to death, the severity of the corruption determined the judgment. Not even the High Chancellor was exempt from such a process.

A committee that could not be corrupted oversaw all investigation, the same committee was kept in check by the council and the High Chancellor. It was a complicated system in theory, but it kept the Tel'vian Empire whole.

The citizens rarely complained seeing as even those ruling weren’t exempt from punishment. Not only that, but the entire political system had nothing to do with nobility. If a farmer managed to pass the strict requirements even they could become a member of the council. If they were especially talented they could become a Vice Chancellor or even the High Chancellor.

The Punishment Committee was mostly made up of orphans and common people. They would be indoctrinated with nationalistic and stoic beliefs, thus giving them the reputation of being incorruptible. How do you bribe a person who sees very little value in the monetary gain? How do you threaten someone who is willing to die for their country? How do you persuade someone to follow your orders when they will only listen to one of their own?

The Punishment Committee was revered by the populace who were also deeply patriotic. Thus the Empire functioned very well in terms of politics. So no one was surprised when the Empire’s blacksmiths, craftsmen, alchemists, and mages all heeded the call to assist with a large project.

No one on the outside knew what the project actually was. While no one working on it dared to speak of it lest the Punishment Committee abducts them in the middle of the night. It should be noted that there were very little incidents where spies from different Kingdoms managed to gain something fruitful.

The Punishment Committee had eyes and ears everywhere, it could be said that they had perfected counter-espionage. Thus, no one was aware of the Mana Cannon. A destructive weapon capable of long range attacks, it could be wielded with a small team of mages, a team that didn’t need any particular talent.

The Tel'vian Empire rarely unveiled their projects, so to the other countries, it appeared as if their projects ended in failure and as result were swept under the rug.

If anyone heard that the Mana Cannon existed, they’d surely feel slightly threatened, but not as much as the latest project which would cause more than a stir.

Inside of an incomprehensibly large warehouse. People moved back and forth with energy, each one holding a look of awe whenever they gazed upon the latest creation.

“Make way, here comes High Chancellor Victor Orlov.” A man in a military uniform yelled as an escort of armed guards followed behind. In the middle of the armed guards stood one man, Victor Orlov. He had a large curly mustache, short blonde hair, and a pale skin tone.

Orlov's family roots were connected to the Old Kingdom, but more importantly, each generation of his family has held a significant political position since the Tel'vian Empire’s creation. Everyone in the warehouse saluted as  High Chancellor Orlov passed them.

A man who supervised the project as the chief engineer approached the High Chancellor and gave a salute, “High Chancellor.”

“There’s no need for that.” The High Chancellor shook his head as he placed an arm on the Chief Engineer’s shoulder, “Now, tell me is it ready to be operated?”

The Engineer showed admiration and nervousness but managed to respond properly, “Yes, Sir. In another hour or so it will be ready for its first flight.”

High Chancellor Orlov looked at the 800 foot long, ovular shaped heap of metal that stretched from one end of the warehouse to the other. It was an invention called the “Airship” when the concept was first introduced all the ministers on the council were skeptical, even High Chancellor Orlov was a part of that crowd.

Artor Tate, an eccentric alchemist and also the one who suggested it, happened to be the one who completed the “Mana Cannon” shortly after the Black Pillar incident. So, of course, the Empire provided him with the necessary funding and materials.

The project’s development was arduous and almost was scrapped several times. When Artor reached a significant milestone he asked the Empire to send out a call for assistance, thus speeding the project up.

High Chancellor Orlov sighed in amazement, “Where’s Artor? I need to inform him that the flight date has been moved closer.”

“He went back to his personal lab, Sir...May I inquire as to why we’re moving it's testing run to a closer date, Sir?” The Chief engineer asked nervously.

High Chancellor Orlov smiled as he leaned in, “I suppose it won’t be a secret much longer. Every ruling power will gather in a month and a half, and when that time comes we’ll make sure no one underestimates us.”

The Chief Engineer grew speechless, all the ruling powers gathering in one place was a huge event.

High Chancellor Orlov laughed at his expression and turned to leave, “Make sure that message gets passed to Artor, would you?” He waved at everyone in the warehouse on his way out.

“Yes, Sir.” The Chief Engineer saluted. He was still stunned by the news, too many strange things had been happening recently. Ever since the Red Moon and Golden Aurora appeared, people had quickly become stronger, even Artor Tate was no exception. He used to seem like an old man on the edge of his life, but recently he’d gained a new vitality and hundreds of ideas. The Chief Engineer had even heard rumor of Artor wanting to develop a weapon to end all weapons, though it was never confirmed.

The Chief Engineer sighed as he went back to work with the thought of the world changing too quickly still lingering on his mind.

…..

Meanwhile, inside the Valkyrie’s Hall atop a mountain range. The Valkyries were gathered in a discussion.

“That boy never ceases to amaze me.” Lauren Thynne spoke as she looked at the ritual written on the paper, she sent a glance at Avery, who sat near the end of the table, before reading the ritual again.

“Mother, who will receive it?” A Valkyrie asked. A few Valkyries showed interested expressions but didn’t have any expectations of gaining for themselves or their daughters.

“Avery will, of course.” Casey said with assurance, “Especially after what we’ve found out.” she added on. The other Valkyries showed grim expressions in response to her words.

Lauren had long since been informed by Ira that the Golden Aurora was a signal of the barrier that restricted the various forces was removed.

She felt a significant difference in the quality of her magic and bloodline after the event passed. It was then they realized that every generation of Valkyries after the 2nd generation had very little change when compared to Lauren and her daughters. It became apparent that the delayed awakening was worse than previously thought.

It didn’t just signify the Valkyries taking longer to awaken, it signified the loss of growth potential. No one wanted to say it, but it was more than clear that the recent generations had very little chance of reaching the peak of their power or ascending to the Divine plane. If there was still a chance in the first place.

“Usually, I would suggest a fight for it, but Avery’s husband gave it to her. That being the case, she should decide what to do with it.” Judith spoke up.

Lauren nodded in agreement, causing everyone to look toward Avery.

“I’ll use it.” She said, originally she was going to give it to Aldis. After finding out that her overall potential would be locked with no natural way to increase it, she obviously couldn't continue to hold such thoughts.

“Then it’s settled. It should be no problem to carry out this ritual as soon as possible, right?” Lauren asked though it was clear no answer other than “yes” would be accepted.

Lauren had a high evaluation, which increased over the past few weeks. When Avery first arrived, she refused to hand over the saber Ira gifted to her. Each time a new Valkyrie arrived, they would usually take part in a ceremony where they abandoned the weapons they used before their bloodline awakened. It was nothing more sentimental than anything, but it was still necessary, since Judith, who was responsible for arming the Valkyries would forge new ones for them. In the end, Avery compromised by giving up her original saber.

Then, after finding out Ira’s abilities to summon the Red Moon, Avery was questioned about it by other Valkyries. To the surprise of the Valkyries, she refused to give any specific information. Lauren wasn’t upset but rather impressed with her unwillingness to yield.

“Yes, Grandmother,” Avery replied as she brushed her dark purple hair behind her ear.

After addressing a few more issues, such as the ruling powers gathering together. Lauren dismissed the Valkyries with the exception of, Casey and Avery. Lauren led them to a corridor which was blocked by a silver barrier. They easily walked through it and emerged on the other side. Behind the silver barrier were various hallways which led to the living quarters of the Valkyries. Continuing past them, they ended up deeper and deeper within the area. Eventually, they came upon a set of stairs and began to descend.

In a few minutes, they arrived at the Valkyrie storage vault. In addition of weapons and treasures, they also stored organic materials from past hunts, even going a few of Kara Thynne’s past “conquests” ended up in the vault.

Dozens of chests with small metal labels lined the walls along with shelves filled with small knives and daggers and tables holding armor pieces.

Lauren seemed to know where she was going and walked toward a worn chest in the far corner. It was the same chest that the Valkyries brought to Ira during the engagement dinner. The remains within it helped him create Harper’s bloodline, needless to say, they were powerful.

She ran her hand across the chest while showing a rare expression of nostalgia, “My mother left more than a few things behind before she left in search of her last battle. Of those inheritances, there should be something especially suitable for you.”

She then opened the chest and reached in. The inside of the chest appeared to be filled with darkness, but that was due to the fact that it was a spatial storage chest. After a few moments, Lauren pulled out a metal box and closed the chest, before walking over to a stone table with Casey and Avery behind her.

“Mother, is that what I think?” Casey asked with a surprised expression.

“Yes…” Lauren showed a satisfied smile as she opened the metal box, “It’s the heart of a Phoenix.”

A wave of heat filled the room and a wild energy attempted to burst out from the orange-red heart. Lauren began to use her magic to restrain it. There were only a few beings that could rival Dragons in terms of control over fire, the Phoenix was one such being. It was a rare creature whose name encompassed every aspect of rebirth. While it was physically weak is was incredibly proficient with magic. Just injuring one could be considered an achievement, and many people would be willing to pay a huge sum to obtain one of its feathers for their magical energy alone. Before the barrier was removed it would be impossible to find one, but now it wouldn’t be surprising if one were to emerge on some corner of the continent.

Lauren continued channeling magic to restrain the Phoenix while she handed the paper detailing the ritual to Casey, “Avery, the table.”

Knowing that the Phoenix was attempting to reincarnate, Casey wasted no time in getting ready as she went to grab a dagger from a nearby shelf. Avery removed her clothes before laying on the marble table that was becoming increasingly hot. She showed no sign of discomfort as her bare skin was met with heat.

Casey stood over Avery and looked at Lauren who nodded in return.  She took one last look at the symbols written on the paper and began to carve them into the center of Avery’s chest.

Avery didn’t even flinch as the dagger tore through her skin. The room kept increasing in temperature as the heart grew slightly larger. No one showed nervousness as they continued with the process.

“It’s done,” Casey said as she stepped back. A crude circle made from weird shapes and symbols sat in the middle of Avery’s chest. Lauren lifted the Phoenix heart and placed it within the circle. Strangely enough, the heart, that began to emit flames, didn’t burn Avery at all. Not even a few seconds passed by before the Phoenix heart began to sink into Avery’s chest cavity. It was a peculiar sight, it seemed to pass through her flesh without leaving any marks.

Avery felt a warmth that immediately transitioned into an uncomfortable heat until it finally became an unbearable burning sensation that caused her to writhe in pain. She clutched her chest as she grit her teeth. Casey moved forward to use healing magic but was stopped by Lauren.

“You don’t know how it will affect the process. Just watch for now.” Lauren said calmly. The worst possible outcome would be Avery being reduced to ash. If that were to happen, it would be impossible to heal her.

While clenching her teeth, Avery clutched her chest, taking heavy and labored breaths, but otherwise enduring the pain. She turned to her side and coughed up blood which caused steam to rise as it hit the ground. Her blood boiled as her skin tone took on a reddish hue causing an immense pain.

After what felt like an hour or so, her skin withered and dried out, giving her a very a corpse-like appearance. If not for the sound of her breathing and occasional movement, one would think she had died. The temperature in the room began cooling down and her pain subsided. After a few more moments, Avery stabilized her breathing and began to stand.

A cracking sound emerged from the brittle skin covering her. As pieces of dead skin fell to the floor like a dry husk, a layer of smooth, blemishless, skin became visible. Her veins appeared to carry molten lava as they temporarily became observable, throbbing in a way that mirrored a heart beating. A pair of wings slowly became visible as they emerged on Avery’s back. Orange veins far more vibrant than the ones on her skin were spread across her wings like vines. It was clear that Avery had become far more attractive, just looking at her face could cause to feel an immense feeling of fascination. Her features reached what could only be described as completely embodying the term "beautiful". The strange symbols that were previously carved into her flesh had long since disappeared.

Lauren continued to observe with interest, while Casey stood to the side, having long since prepared Avery’s clothes.

“Amazing,” Lauren said, as she and Casey both nodded their heads. They weren’t commenting on her looks but rather the magic that could be felt by standing near her.

Avery retracted her wings and received the clothes from her mother. Her veins had returned to normal, as both her hearts had calmed down and begun to beat in synchronicity. After dressing herself she looked toward her Mother and Grandmother, who showed visible anticipation.

“Your mana?” Casey inquired.

“It has increased…” Avery closed her eyes momentarily opening them again, “And it feels...purer than before.”

Lauren looked at the paper which detailed the ritual, only to see the words fading. She showed no surprise since Avery had long since informed her of what would happen after she was told by Ira.

With a small burst of mana, she turned the paper into dust. “In any event, we’ll have to see just how much the heart affects you,” Lauren said with satisfaction.