ULTRAMagic Interval - Epilogue
Previous | First | Eon 1
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Author’s note: This chapter will not make sense unless you have read Chapter 0. If this is your first book and you have not read chapter 0, please feel free to skip this chapter until you are caught up.
Milan’s journey back to the city of Ertheval involved boarding a special train, a standard steam engine that originated from a land that did not exist. The Ertheval Express was blessed by the old god, Threrth, of which the city-state was his creation. There was no map that could lead one to Ertheval, as the land existed outside of conventional reality. Milan could have just teleported himself and Aelia there, but the sound of the train rolling down the tracks and the occasional screeching of the train’s whistle helped ease his nerves after the chaos in Red River City.
Ertheval was a place of magic and terrifying wonder, consisting of gorgeous romanesque and Mediterranean architecture. Milan had grown up there and considered himself blessed to have been granted the privilege to live there. Aelia adored Ertheval to no end for its beauty and wealth of intellectuals and philosophers. If she could have moved and lived there forever, she absolutely would. Eventually the Ertheval Express arrived at Ertheval Grand Central Station, a magnificent building with touches of classical architecture. Given that he was one of the archmages of the city, Milan took a second to speak to a small handful of people there, all of them having looked up to him.
Milan had been feeling a great deal of crippling anxiety build up deep down back at Earth proper, but all of that melted away when he stepped out of the station with Aelia. Truthfully the both of them could only tolerate the vainess and selfishness of the bulk of humanity for so long. Milan was still steaming over what Sebastian had said to him, but he would have to put that all aside for the time being. Hailing a cab, Milan and Aelia were driven to the former’s mansion. While fairly big, it was a modest structure fitting in with the buildings around it. Milan’s pace was quick upon leaving the cab and paying the driver, of which Aelia noticed and had to walk briskly to keep up.
Upon entering his lavish, yet humble home, Milan exhaled quite loudly. “GOOD LORD, THAT WAS ANNOYING” he exclaimed. “If I have to hear one more stupid political argument from Earth proper again, I’m going to lose my mind!”
Aelia went up behind him and massaged his shoulders. “I know how you feel, dear. Rome wasn’t much better…although I recall our debates being vastly more civilized and mature.”
Milan facepalmed with a sigh. “Democracy and taxation were a mistake…” he groaned to himself.
Sensing that he was probably about to go on another rant, Aelia chuckled and set her basket down. She then noticed a new, large painting that was hanging on the wall across from the entrance. “Oh my, Milan? Is that a new painting?”
“Why yes it is. Somewhat recently I commissioned a recreation of ‘The Creation of Adam’ with a few personal touches I thought would fit it. Quite fitting I’d say.”
The painting was a magnificent replica, but Aelia could not help but notice a Satan-like figure lurking behind Adam in the added forest. “Dear, that dastardly little figure wouldn’t happen to be an homage to Milosh, would it?”
Milan went quiet and sighed. “I thought it was just a neat little addition back then, but in hindsight, yes.”
Stepping into the lounge to relax a bit, the couple were greeted by the sight of a woman sitting at one of the tables. She was a bit odd, having a ghostly presence with pale skin, yet wore a biker jacket and beat up jeans with an occult-looking revolver sheathed at her side. Her light blonde hair was tied back in a loose ponytail and her cherry red eyes gleamed in the afternoon sunlight. Notably she seemed to be enjoying toasted, buttered bread and a glass of wine. Upon noticing the two she looked happy to see them.
“Famine?” said Milan. “What are you doing here?”
She wiped her face and smiled. “Oh, just waiting for you to get back. And you brought Aelia too? Awesome!”
“It’s good to see you again, Famine,” Aelia replied as she sat down at the table. “I trust that War isn’t causing you too much trouble?”
“Oh you know, just the usual ‘World War III didn’t start’ and he wants to ‘blow Sebastian’s head off for failing to kill him’ nonsense.”
Milan snapped his fingers, causing bolts of energy to fly out of the room. “Well I hate to burst his bubble, but there will be no world wars on my watch,” he pointed out as he sat down.
“Which one?” Famine wondered with a chuckle.
“Yes.” This response made Aelia giggle. “So what’s up, Famine?”
“Aside from wanting to see my favorite not-parents again? I’ve been doing a little digging into who Sebastian and Anne have been working for…”
Aelia took a calming breath as she had a bad feeling. “Oh dear, let’s hear it…”
Milan gave a frustrated chuckle. “I already have a good idea on who it is…”
“It’s highly likely that it’s Spiritus Lapsus Hecate,” Famine answered. “She’s also been recruiting again and I think she’s employing Gudrun to resurrect an old foe of ours…” she paused as a tray with cups, a tea kettle, and a plate of scones hovered onto the table. “I don’t want to alarm you, but I was playing Grave Requiem Overkill the other day and Anton Bloodthresher was glitching out like crazy.”
Milan put his head between his hands, looking visibly upset. “Not him not him not him…”
“How dreadful…” Aelia commented as she began pouring some tea. “Curiously, do we know if Sebastian had any hand in this?”
“I couldn’t tell you at the moment,” Famine replied after a sip of her wine. “I think I know their roadmap though. If Sebastian can’t claim Death’s power with the Khaos Cipher, Hecate will go after Atlantis over on Atlangea.”
“Implying she’s after Vita and Antonia…” Milan remarked. “Two of the strongest Spiritus Magni whose power she would covet…”
“And if that fails…” Famine looked around, as if she felt watched. “I think they’ll try to create another false Tyrant God. The Crimson God is trying to free The Sepulchure God, no two ways about it.”
Milan looked utterly confused. “Wait, just who in the blue blazes would they use? Certainly not Odo, Buster, or Will. Furthermore, we’ve been keeping better tabs on all known Vector Children and Deep Specters.”
“All known Vector Children and Deep Specters,” Aelia pointed out. “Implying our enemies may know something we don’t.”
Famine regretfully nodded. “I’ll keep looking into it.” Something was clearly bothering her as it was clear from her facial expressions. “Mom, dad? Regardless of what The Eternal Order does next, I… I think the apocalypse is going to happen no matter what. Old corpse face Death has been stirring left and right as of late. I don’t want to go back to sleep once it’s over…”
Seeing Famine’s distress plain as day, Aelia put her hands on hers. “Don’t worry, sweetie. We’ll either find a way to keep The Pale Rider asleep or you awake, rest assured.
“Thanks, mom…”
Milan groaned with a serious look on his face. “Curse that infernal mother of mine. I say once we finish our tea, we go straight to King Gunnar about this. I’d dare say it’s about time he gets back into contact with his sons, Englehart and Barna…”
Aelia could sense what Milan was planning and was fully on board. “And I shall get into contact with some unconventional assistance. I wonder if Cú Chulainn and Sun Wukong would be interested in joining The League…”
Famine nearly coughed on her wine. “Those two getting involved? That’s a bit of a long shot, mom.”
“Cú Chulainn shouldn’t be a problem with Ellen and Lugh’s help… Sun Wukong on the other hand may require some convincing, however.”
Milan shook his head and laughed. “Well we certainly have our work cut out for us, don’t we? There’s no rest for the wicked here…”
Back at Zal-Rint’s quarters in the Time Watcher sanctuary, Zal-Rint dissipated the memory and returned it to its place in the archives. “I did not expect Famine to show up so soon, but I also kind of did,” he remarked.
Ultimatum was quiet, getting up to pace. “Just who would they get for a second false Tyrant God?”
“I have an idea, but you’re not going to like it…”
“Oh please tell me it’s not Anton…”
Just then, ruckus could be heard at the entrance. “OH COME ON, SCHWARZES NEEDS ME.”
“No, Wynnstan!” a guard said as he tried to wrestle him back. “You need an appointment!”
Ultimatum laughed. “Wynnstan, good to see you again.”
Zal-Rint sighed. “Let him in, guards.”
Wynnstan looked a little smug as the guards frowned and left. “Now that’s what I’m talking about. Schwarzes, I… Jeez, why does it feel like it’s been four months in here?” He then gave Ultimatum a hug. “What’s the matter buddy?”
“Zal, give him the cliff notes…”
The time watcher grumbled and produced a thick packet of papers from nowhere. “Don’t break anything this time…” he warned.
“It was only that one time! Jeez…” The arbiter took a couple of minutes to flip through the papers while Ultimatum gazed out into the heavenly expanse of the Time Watcher Realm. “So Blood and Will are in trouble?”
Ultimatum sighed. “Unfortunately…”
“Is there anything we can do?”
“Aside from playing our parts?” Zal-Rint put in. “Not much.”
Wynnstan threw the papers down on the table with a loud thump. “I hate that timeline gobbledygook.” Zal-Rint gave him a slight scowl as he went to Ultimatum’s side. “Schwarzes, as my father says, looks like we’re in for a bit of a rough ride.”
“I know and I hate it. I’d rather go back to being an ACF test subject in Universe-X090X than deal with the dread I’m feeling right now…”
“But then you wouldn’t be able to help your parents out,” Wynnstan reasoned.
Ultimatum groaned a little. “Good point…”
“Look, I don’t care what happens next-If Sebastian blows Will’s head off or anything of the sort, I’ll pump that dirtbag full of so much lead that it’ll make every world war ever look like a month long skirmish!”
This made Ultimatum laugh, alleviating some of his worries. “I don’t think you’ll need to, but I appreciate the thought regardless.”
Zal-Rint shifted in his chair and put the packet away. “Thankfully Will is a dullahan this time around, meaning Sebastian will be cursed to die if he dares commit such an atrocity.”
“At least we have that going for us,” Ultimatum conceded. It was easy to tell that he was still a bit depressed, however.
Wynnstan glanced between the two, thinking about what to do next. “Hey, how about we head over to the monastery for a bit? Aunt Ortrun’s back and she always has something wise to say about stuff like this.”
Ultimatum thought about it for a second and smiled. “You know what? Sure. A little fresh air after a month of being cooped up here will do us some good. Coming, Zal?”
“Sure,” he replied as he got up and followed the two out. “My schedule is fairly clear at the moment… and it’ll get him out of here,” Zal-Rint said with a chuckle.
“Hey, I’m not that reckless!” Wynnstan shot back. “Just on Friday’s and my birthday.”
Next: Eon 1
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
Master Post - Patreon
Author’s note: This chapter will not make sense unless you have read Chapter 0. If this is your first book and you have not read chapter 0, please feel free to skip this chapter until you are caught up.
Milan’s journey back to the city of Ertheval involved boarding a special train, a standard steam engine that originated from a land that did not exist. The Ertheval Express was blessed by the old god, Threrth, of which the city-state was his creation. There was no map that could lead one to Ertheval, as the land existed outside of conventional reality. Milan could have just teleported himself and Aelia there, but the sound of the train rolling down the tracks and the occasional screeching of the train’s whistle helped ease his nerves after the chaos in Red River City.
Ertheval was a place of magic and terrifying wonder, consisting of gorgeous romanesque and Mediterranean architecture. Milan had grown up there and considered himself blessed to have been granted the privilege to live there. Aelia adored Ertheval to no end for its beauty and wealth of intellectuals and philosophers. If she could have moved and lived there forever, she absolutely would. Eventually the Ertheval Express arrived at Ertheval Grand Central Station, a magnificent building with touches of classical architecture. Given that he was one of the archmages of the city, Milan took a second to speak to a small handful of people there, all of them having looked up to him.
Milan had been feeling a great deal of crippling anxiety build up deep down back at Earth proper, but all of that melted away when he stepped out of the station with Aelia. Truthfully the both of them could only tolerate the vainess and selfishness of the bulk of humanity for so long. Milan was still steaming over what Sebastian had said to him, but he would have to put that all aside for the time being. Hailing a cab, Milan and Aelia were driven to the former’s mansion. While fairly big, it was a modest structure fitting in with the buildings around it. Milan’s pace was quick upon leaving the cab and paying the driver, of which Aelia noticed and had to walk briskly to keep up.
Upon entering his lavish, yet humble home, Milan exhaled quite loudly. “GOOD LORD, THAT WAS ANNOYING” he exclaimed. “If I have to hear one more stupid political argument from Earth proper again, I’m going to lose my mind!”
Aelia went up behind him and massaged his shoulders. “I know how you feel, dear. Rome wasn’t much better…although I recall our debates being vastly more civilized and mature.”
Milan facepalmed with a sigh. “Democracy and taxation were a mistake…” he groaned to himself.
Sensing that he was probably about to go on another rant, Aelia chuckled and set her basket down. She then noticed a new, large painting that was hanging on the wall across from the entrance. “Oh my, Milan? Is that a new painting?”
“Why yes it is. Somewhat recently I commissioned a recreation of ‘The Creation of Adam’ with a few personal touches I thought would fit it. Quite fitting I’d say.”
The painting was a magnificent replica, but Aelia could not help but notice a Satan-like figure lurking behind Adam in the added forest. “Dear, that dastardly little figure wouldn’t happen to be an homage to Milosh, would it?”
Milan went quiet and sighed. “I thought it was just a neat little addition back then, but in hindsight, yes.”
Stepping into the lounge to relax a bit, the couple were greeted by the sight of a woman sitting at one of the tables. She was a bit odd, having a ghostly presence with pale skin, yet wore a biker jacket and beat up jeans with an occult-looking revolver sheathed at her side. Her light blonde hair was tied back in a loose ponytail and her cherry red eyes gleamed in the afternoon sunlight. Notably she seemed to be enjoying toasted, buttered bread and a glass of wine. Upon noticing the two she looked happy to see them.
“Famine?” said Milan. “What are you doing here?”
She wiped her face and smiled. “Oh, just waiting for you to get back. And you brought Aelia too? Awesome!”
“It’s good to see you again, Famine,” Aelia replied as she sat down at the table. “I trust that War isn’t causing you too much trouble?”
“Oh you know, just the usual ‘World War III didn’t start’ and he wants to ‘blow Sebastian’s head off for failing to kill him’ nonsense.”
Milan snapped his fingers, causing bolts of energy to fly out of the room. “Well I hate to burst his bubble, but there will be no world wars on my watch,” he pointed out as he sat down.
“Which one?” Famine wondered with a chuckle.
“Yes.” This response made Aelia giggle. “So what’s up, Famine?”
“Aside from wanting to see my favorite not-parents again? I’ve been doing a little digging into who Sebastian and Anne have been working for…”
Aelia took a calming breath as she had a bad feeling. “Oh dear, let’s hear it…”
Milan gave a frustrated chuckle. “I already have a good idea on who it is…”
“It’s highly likely that it’s Spiritus Lapsus Hecate,” Famine answered. “She’s also been recruiting again and I think she’s employing Gudrun to resurrect an old foe of ours…” she paused as a tray with cups, a tea kettle, and a plate of scones hovered onto the table. “I don’t want to alarm you, but I was playing Grave Requiem Overkill the other day and Anton Bloodthresher was glitching out like crazy.”
Milan put his head between his hands, looking visibly upset. “Not him not him not him…”
“How dreadful…” Aelia commented as she began pouring some tea. “Curiously, do we know if Sebastian had any hand in this?”
“I couldn’t tell you at the moment,” Famine replied after a sip of her wine. “I think I know their roadmap though. If Sebastian can’t claim Death’s power with the Khaos Cipher, Hecate will go after Atlantis over on Atlangea.”
“Implying she’s after Vita and Antonia…” Milan remarked. “Two of the strongest Spiritus Magni whose power she would covet…”
“And if that fails…” Famine looked around, as if she felt watched. “I think they’ll try to create another false Tyrant God. The Crimson God is trying to free The Sepulchure God, no two ways about it.”
Milan looked utterly confused. “Wait, just who in the blue blazes would they use? Certainly not Odo, Buster, or Will. Furthermore, we’ve been keeping better tabs on all known Vector Children and Deep Specters.”
“All known Vector Children and Deep Specters,” Aelia pointed out. “Implying our enemies may know something we don’t.”
Famine regretfully nodded. “I’ll keep looking into it.” Something was clearly bothering her as it was clear from her facial expressions. “Mom, dad? Regardless of what The Eternal Order does next, I… I think the apocalypse is going to happen no matter what. Old corpse face Death has been stirring left and right as of late. I don’t want to go back to sleep once it’s over…”
Seeing Famine’s distress plain as day, Aelia put her hands on hers. “Don’t worry, sweetie. We’ll either find a way to keep The Pale Rider asleep or you awake, rest assured.
“Thanks, mom…”
Milan groaned with a serious look on his face. “Curse that infernal mother of mine. I say once we finish our tea, we go straight to King Gunnar about this. I’d dare say it’s about time he gets back into contact with his sons, Englehart and Barna…”
Aelia could sense what Milan was planning and was fully on board. “And I shall get into contact with some unconventional assistance. I wonder if Cú Chulainn and Sun Wukong would be interested in joining The League…”
Famine nearly coughed on her wine. “Those two getting involved? That’s a bit of a long shot, mom.”
“Cú Chulainn shouldn’t be a problem with Ellen and Lugh’s help… Sun Wukong on the other hand may require some convincing, however.”
Milan shook his head and laughed. “Well we certainly have our work cut out for us, don’t we? There’s no rest for the wicked here…”
Back at Zal-Rint’s quarters in the Time Watcher sanctuary, Zal-Rint dissipated the memory and returned it to its place in the archives. “I did not expect Famine to show up so soon, but I also kind of did,” he remarked.
Ultimatum was quiet, getting up to pace. “Just who would they get for a second false Tyrant God?”
“I have an idea, but you’re not going to like it…”
“Oh please tell me it’s not Anton…”
Just then, ruckus could be heard at the entrance. “OH COME ON, SCHWARZES NEEDS ME.”
“No, Wynnstan!” a guard said as he tried to wrestle him back. “You need an appointment!”
Ultimatum laughed. “Wynnstan, good to see you again.”
Zal-Rint sighed. “Let him in, guards.”
Wynnstan looked a little smug as the guards frowned and left. “Now that’s what I’m talking about. Schwarzes, I… Jeez, why does it feel like it’s been four months in here?” He then gave Ultimatum a hug. “What’s the matter buddy?”
“Zal, give him the cliff notes…”
The time watcher grumbled and produced a thick packet of papers from nowhere. “Don’t break anything this time…” he warned.
“It was only that one time! Jeez…” The arbiter took a couple of minutes to flip through the papers while Ultimatum gazed out into the heavenly expanse of the Time Watcher Realm. “So Blood and Will are in trouble?”
Ultimatum sighed. “Unfortunately…”
“Is there anything we can do?”
“Aside from playing our parts?” Zal-Rint put in. “Not much.”
Wynnstan threw the papers down on the table with a loud thump. “I hate that timeline gobbledygook.” Zal-Rint gave him a slight scowl as he went to Ultimatum’s side. “Schwarzes, as my father says, looks like we’re in for a bit of a rough ride.”
“I know and I hate it. I’d rather go back to being an ACF test subject in Universe-X090X than deal with the dread I’m feeling right now…”
“But then you wouldn’t be able to help your parents out,” Wynnstan reasoned.
Ultimatum groaned a little. “Good point…”
“Look, I don’t care what happens next-If Sebastian blows Will’s head off or anything of the sort, I’ll pump that dirtbag full of so much lead that it’ll make every world war ever look like a month long skirmish!”
This made Ultimatum laugh, alleviating some of his worries. “I don’t think you’ll need to, but I appreciate the thought regardless.”
Zal-Rint shifted in his chair and put the packet away. “Thankfully Will is a dullahan this time around, meaning Sebastian will be cursed to die if he dares commit such an atrocity.”
“At least we have that going for us,” Ultimatum conceded. It was easy to tell that he was still a bit depressed, however.
Wynnstan glanced between the two, thinking about what to do next. “Hey, how about we head over to the monastery for a bit? Aunt Ortrun’s back and she always has something wise to say about stuff like this.”
Ultimatum thought about it for a second and smiled. “You know what? Sure. A little fresh air after a month of being cooped up here will do us some good. Coming, Zal?”
“Sure,” he replied as he got up and followed the two out. “My schedule is fairly clear at the moment… and it’ll get him out of here,” Zal-Rint said with a chuckle.
“Hey, I’m not that reckless!” Wynnstan shot back. “Just on Friday’s and my birthday.”
Next: Eon 1
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
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