The Against All Odds

CH 19 - Celestials

Minister Bastion who was previously filled with tension and chaos now feels silent. The twilight light crept slowly through the tall window, passing through the room that had been a silent witness of the great fight. The shadows created by the menhir that dominated the room seemed longer and mysterious with the arrival of dusk.

Damaged and destroyed wall debris creates striking visual damage amidst the beauty and grandeur of this room. The previously magnificent walls and ornate artistic reliefs have now suffered significant damage, omitting some of the beautiful details.

At a certain point, it could be seen the rest of the magic attacks and flashes of energy leaving marks on the walls and floors, adding to the impression of destruction and chaos that had engulfed this room. Everything creates a dramatic contrast to the beauty of the original architecture of the room which is now becoming more and more striking due to the damage.

Prince Gideon Emeric stands amid the damage and debris that witnessed the great fight. He looked thoughtful, his eyes looking deep at the trees waving outside the broken walls. The sense of victory that had approached him was now gone, replaced by mixed feelings that were difficult to explain.

Meanwhile, Leo Demhian sat with a serious face on top of a huge rock that had formed from the impact of the fight earlier. His expression reflected the severity of the task he had to endure, and he knew that this was only the beginning of a long journey that awaited him.

Prince Gideon finally decided to speak, his voice filled with a sense of introspection and regret. "Honestly, I still can't believe your story just now, Leo Demhian. But come to think of it. I think your words have a point as well."

Leo Demhian looked at Gideon with understanding eyes. "I know, I'm not forcing you to believe it either. But the most important thing now is that we have to unite and work together, it's not as bad as you think."

Gideon nodded, understanding that this moment was not the time for discord.

Leo looked at Gideon with deep curiosity. "Gideon, why are you so eager to kill me?" ask her with a curious tone.

Gideon sighed deeply before replying, "This is not a personal matter, Leo Demhian. It has to do with something much bigger than both of us." He explained meticulously, "There's something called Celestials, they come from another world, just like you. Their number was unknown, and not all Celestials had the potential to activate the powers associated with Menhir Bastion. The odds are about 50 to 50. If they succeed, they will have the strength of the faction that chose them."

Gideon continued, "There are five factions that can grant power to the Celestials: The Ilymeira, Pandora, Silvergate, Venomglaire, and Nythorian factions. And of all the Celestials that have ever existed, to my knowledge no one has ever gained as much power as you have now. The power of a tier 10 on your first day is incredible."

Leo listens seriously, trying to understand all the information provided. "But why was Thellidia Kingdom so eager to kill people who belonged to the Nythorian faction?"

Gideon further explained, "The kingdom of Thellidia hates people who come from the Nythorian faction, not only that, Ilymeira faction also became the target, because the two factions that make up the Kingdom of Nabis. King Sullivan, who led Nabis, dared to oppose the rule of Thellidia Kingdom. That's why the Kingdom of Thellidia wants to make sure that as much power as you have doesn't fall into the hands of people who could potentially fight them."

Leo pondered for a moment, digesting all the information he had just heard. His sense of confusion began to unravel, and he became increasingly aware of how much responsibility he was carrying.

...-...

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

"GET AWAY FROM ME!!!"

The scream of a woman who suddenly broke the silence of the room made everyone jump in shock. Leo, Gideon, Matilda, and Belladona all turned their heads toward the source of the voice with shocked faces.

Alisiana Adalloria, who is often called Alisha, had just regained consciousness from her long stupor, stood up with a trembling body and held the Minister of Bastion firmly. His face reflected an incredible confusion. He looked around him, looking at the fighters who looked much different from his former world.

Matilda, with a clumsy smile and her fiery red eyeballs, tried to approach Alisha to calm her down. "Eh, don't worry, Miss. It's just a little bit of chaos for a moment. It's okay."

However, Alisha's increasingly frantic reaction made Matilda feel ridiculous. Alisha continued to retreat away from Matilda, like avoiding a creepy monster.

Seeing Leo's whereabouts, Alisha immediately ran towards him and immediately hugged him.

In Leo's arms, Alisha cries with haru. She felt so grateful to have met Leo in such a strange place. Alisha held onto Leo's jacket tightly, as if afraid she would disappear again.

Leo gently stroked Alisha's back, trying to ease her cries. "Calm down, Alisha. I'm here, now it's safe."

Alisha nodded, but her cries still could not be controlled. "I'm so scared, Leo. Everything is too weird for me. What the hell is going on? Where's us?"

Leo looked at Alisha's face filled with tears with a warm look. "I'll explain everything to you, Alisha. But now, you need to calm down, okay?"

Alisha nodded and tried to ease her cries. He then releases his arms from Leo, but his hands still hold tightly to the sleeves of the black police jacket that Leo is wearing.

Meanwhile, Matilda, Belladona, Gideon, and the dozens of Thellidia Kingdom warriors secretly observed this scene.

Belladona smiled happily, her eyes tending to tease as she whispered to Matilda, "For the sake of the gods, Matilda, they are like a perfect couple, aren't they?"

Matilda frowned with a somewhat jealous expression. "Oh, yes, a perfect couple. Someone who protects Leo with her martial skills while in the hotel, like a very protective sister."

Belladona laughed amusedly. "Oh, Matilda, I know how you feel. But take it easy, I'm sure Leo has a special place in your heart too."

Matilda snorted lightly. "Don't joke. I'm just worried that Alisha will interrupt her every step."

Meanwhile, Gideon, who had just received a peaceful hand from Leo, looked at them with a gaze that was hard to explain. He wasn't too eager to join the conversation about relationships, especially after losing so badly in the fight. To that end, he chose to join Cayden and his team, although he also smiled briefly when he saw the closeness between them.

...-...

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

Time passed slowly in Menhir Bastion. The torches scattered in each corner of the room carried them from late afternoon to dark night. The glittering light of the torch provided a warm atmosphere and created shadows on the cracked walls.

Leo, Belladona, Matilda, and Alisha sat together in a corner of the room, chatting while trying to explain everything they had experienced to Alisha. Though still hard to believe, Alisha tries to accept all of those stories wisely.

Meanwhile, Gideon and his army approach Leo, with a serious-looking Gideon. "Leo Demhian, I have to go now. My father must be worried because I have not returned to the kingdom yet" he said in a sincere tone.

Leo nodded. "Of course, Prince Gideon. You need to go back to the kingdom immediately. Good luck getting there."

Gideon smiled and added, "I will report to the royal side that the matter at Dorston Citadel has been resolved. They won't be looking for you anymore." However, his smile faded as he gave Leo a stern warning, "But remember, Leo, never return to the territory of Thellidia Kingdom again. It's for your own good."

Leo nodded with a smile, "I'll remember that, Gideon."

The two of them shook hands as a sign of a respectful farewell. Gideon and his army then turned around and left Dorston Citadel for their kingdom, while Leo and his friends returned to the corner of Menhir Bastion's room to continue their conversation.