The Against All Odds

CH 10 - Emeric 2

As Leo was busy questioning what was happening to him, suddenly a soft and warm voice sounded in his ears. "You look surprised, Sullivan," said a woman wearing white armour, with a golden fringe by her side. "This is our true strength." His gaze was fixed on the line of troops in front of them.

Leo turned his head and saw a beautiful and graceful woman standing beside him. His face was full of gentle smiles. "Who's Sullivan?" thought.

Feeling that something was awkward, Leo looked at his hands to confirm something. He was shocked when he began to realize that he was wearing a black armour with a robe and fur around his neck. He fumbled the armor and felt that the material used felt very strong and sturdy. "Have I moved my body?"

His mind felt like it was filled with unfamiliar memories, he felt like he was going through something extraordinary. Leo looked around and felt surprised as he could now recognize the figure of the woman standing beside him. He felt like he had met her before, although he did not know for sure where and when.

"Queen Thelsysa?" ask Leo to be sure.

The woman smiled, "What's up Sullivan? What are you thinking now?"

Leo was a little surprised, worried that the woman who turned out to be a Queen from Thellidia Kingdom was suspicious of him.

Leo then shook his head, "Nothing, I just feel that we should win this war, in the name of the Kingdom and crush the demons of darkness." With a steady voice, trying to act normal, plus the help of foreign memories that just mastered the contents of his head.

"You're right, Sullivan." The queen drew her sword into the sky. "FOR OUR KINGDOM!" his stern appeal echoed throughout, expanding and being greeted by thousands of soldiers before him.

The roar of spirit from the soldiers who greeted Queen Thelsya, made Leo fixated. The noise was so strong that it felt as if it was deep into his chest. Plus new memories and facts are constantly being revealed in his mind.

While the festive sound continues to echo, Leo processes new facts that continue to flow into his mind. The world he had just explored, the World of Erder, turned out to be an endless world, with an incredible breadth. In it, there were many diverse kingdoms, races, and civilizations. Humans, Elves, Undead, Trolls, Ogres, Dwarves, Dragons, Spirits, and other entities coexist in harmony and opposition. Leo begins to understand the complexity of this world, especially the fact that humans themselves are divided into several different factions. There are IIlymeira, Pandora, Silvergate, Venomglaire, and Nythorian. These factions may not affect physical appearance, but rather other aspects, such as the magical powers they possess.

Everything becomes so clear to Leo, hinting that the tasks and roles expected of him in this world will become very complex and profound. Erder's world indeed felt like an extraordinary dream. The vastness of this world with all the history and stories contained in it exceeds anything he had ever imagined.

Leo began to ponder, "Does all this knowledge and memory belong to that person named Sullivan?" he touched his chin seriously, "Is there a big role I have to play in this world?"

"Sullivan's." The voice of Queen Thelsysa calling out his name woke Leo from his reverie.

Leo looked towards Queen Thelsya who was carrying an alluring silver glass. The glass was beautifully engraved and diamond-plated which exuded a spectacular sparkle. Leo received the glass attentively, and in it was a red liquid that emitted a mysterious sparkle.

Queen Thelsya raised her glass in a resplendent manner, then she calmly said, "Together, we will build a new world. A safe and peaceful world, a world where all factions can live in peace. King Nabis Sullivan and I, as Queen Thellidia, hereby swear, to realize all our dreams and goals!"

Leo listened attentively to the Queen's words, and although still confused by everything that was happening, he felt increasingly steadier in the steps he was about to take. With a determined heart, he raised his glass and added to Queen Thelsya's exclamation firmly, "For the new World of Erder!"

They also drank together. Leo felt the liquid flowing within him with a bland taste. However it was not a problem, as the cheers of the spirit of thousands of warriors began to fill the place. Leo and Queen Thelsya looked around, feeling the zeal and determination of the soldiers of Nabis and Thellidia who eagerly welcomed their vows. The aura of pride and unity was so strong in this moment. Queen Thelsya smiles at Leo, hinting that they have the full support of her kingdom. Leo felt his heart filled with the same spirit and desire.

Their joy all felt like the height of victory, but unfortunately, that happiness did not last long. Queen Thelsysa, who was still standing gallantly before Leo, suddenly paled and spit out a black liquid from her mouth. Leo quickly grabbed the Queen's body which started to slowly collapse.

Panic spread among everyone watching.

Queen Thelsysa, in her wounded position, is still trying to give Leo an explanation. "Sullivan," he muttered softly, "I know this is not what you're doing." Queen Thelsya held Leo's cheek weakly, her eyes slowly closed in Leo's grasp, while the atmosphere around them was filled with confusion and anxiety.

Leo felt paralyzed, unable to say anything. He only continued to hold the weak drooping body of the deceased Queen Thelsysa. He also still does not fully understand the relationship of closeness between Sullivan and Queen Thelsysa.

Until the sharp screams broke the silence. "It was the kingdom of Nabis that killed the Queen!" he shouted in a loud voice, accusing the Nabis side as the mastermind behind the death of Queen Thelsysa.

The shout broke the silence, and all eyes were instantly fixed on Leo and the people from the Nabis Kingdom. In an instant, he had been dragged into a conflict that he had not even understood.