The The Melian Revelation
Episodes 10

Valadin used Schalantir to brush off the lightning that almost grabbed his body. But not to mention being able to breathe a sigh of relief, the dragon's claws swung back towards him. He had intended to dodge, but then remembered Laruen who had taken refuge behind him. He unbundled his intentions and took the risk of running past the dragon.

Finally he arrived back near the steps leading to the altar. The sound of a loud debum accompanied by lightning sparks made Valadin aware that the Indigo Dragon was right behind him. Valadin braced himself to the steps, just as the dragon ambushed him. The dragon claw struck the front of the steps, leaving behind a deep, elongated scratch.

Valadin slipped his body between the rocks that made up the steps. Meanwhile the Indigo Dragon crept to its top, then perched on top of the altar while sticking out its long neck to circle the steps and search for Valadin, its tail whipping wildly nonstop.

Valadin could feel the heat from the lightning sparks on the dragon's tail stinging his face and ears. A second later the tail landed just half a meter away from him. It was only a matter of time before the dragon crushed him. The next instant Valadin heard a loud explosion. He looked up and realized something was hitting the dragon's back. The thing fell clanking in front of him—a throwing knife.

Karth has taken Laruen for shelter to the place of the Ellanese and is now throwing his knives at the dragon's back to distract the creature. Not wasting a chance, Valadin left his hideout and joined forces with Ellanese and the others. Not yet had time to catch his breath, Valadin has been greeted with debate

between Eizen and Laruen.

“Why didn't you help us earlier?” hardik Laruen's. “You're a Magus, right? Use your magic, fight the dragon!” The girl glared at Eizen.

Eizen's voice remained flat as he responded to Laruen. “Unfortunately I told you I'd help you?” tanyakanya. “I plan to wait until you fail then conquer the dragon alone.”

Laruen's red face burned with anger. He was about to ambush Eizen, but Valadin stopped him. “Nothing, Laruen,” said. “Eizen, right. We can't force him to help us.”

The loud thump that accompanied the lightning spark beside them shocked Valadin. Almost simultaneously Karth retreated back into the magic protector. He used an Ellanese protector to dodge the dragon's attack.

“You okay?” ask Karth. Valadin replied with a slow nod.

The Indigo Dragon wags its tail, just as an anxious cat looks at its prey. The creature hit the patron of the Ellanese several times as if looking for weakness. But soon the dragon realized Vestal's protective magic was not as easy to penetrate. He flapped his wings and landed on the altar.

“Are you guys just going to hide there until dawn?” ask the Keeper of Templia. “Or do you want to just give up now?”

“No,” replied Valadin. “We didn't come here to surrender.”

The creature grinned. “Then, let's see how long you guys can last.” And then, he wiggled his fingers.

It was also accompanied by a loud rumble, a blinding rain of thunderbolts dropped from the sky. This time Valadin could barely see anything but a white light.

Ellanese raised her staff high. “She is too strong. I can't keep a protector this big constantly!” yells. “You should get closer to me.”

Needless to say twice, Valadin, Karth, and Laruen closed in on the Ellanese. The Vestal closed his eyes. His white crystal was shining brightly, the magic protector he had once been

the area now narrows and covers the narrow area where they stand.

It was then that Valadin realized something, Eizen was not with them.

“Zen, come!” call Valadin from behind the magic shield. But Eizen was flinching. The man whispered, “Shesta,” then swung his wand. Instantly also his body was shrouded in something that resembled a shining egg shell.

The rain rained down on them nonstop. Thanks to the protection of the Ellanese, they were not injured in the slightest. But the longer the face of the Ellanese the more paled. Vestal's protective magic was indeed incredible, but the power of the Indigo Dragon was far above it. Valadin knew the Ellanese was running out of steam.

Valadin touched his partner's shoulder. “I'll help you,” whispered. He closed his eyes and focused his mind and all his strength on Schalantir. The sword emitted a warm and soothing colorful light, which then overflowed and entered the body of Ellanese and her other companions.

The light of Schalantir restored their strength. The magic protector Ellanese, who was barely crushed, now shimmered brightly. But contrary to his friends who returned refreshed, Valadin felt tired instead of playing. He had to exert all his strength to use that magic. Valadin only hoped that the power he had exerted on the Ellanese and the others was enough to win this test.

“Thank you, Lourd Valadin,” Karth said. “But we can't keep this up. We've got to

find a gap to attack.”

“I know,” says Valadin.

He glanced at Eizen. The Magus looked relaxed. Since it only made a magic protector for itself, he did not use as much power as the Ellanese. Valadin knew Eizen was not willing to take orders from him, it was part of their deal when Valadin asked Eizen to join him. So Valadin must wait until Eizen realizes that the only way they can win is by working together.

Laruen took the arrow from his tube. “I've recovered. Now I'm sure I can shoot his eyes right. But that lightning is disturbing.”

“Patience,” says Valadin. “Don't shoot your arrows until it's time.”

The thunderous and long roaring dragon roar their conversation. The Indigo Dragon dropped more thunderbolts, roars and glints of dazzling light upon them.

The magic protector Ellanese was pierced in several places. Lightning streaks mercilessly barged in. Fortunately, Valadin and the others stood close to the Ellanese, where the magic protective power was at its maximum.

Ellanese defended her protector through the most devastating attack so far. The attack also ended the thunderous rain of the Indigo Dragon.

“Selicas Aeger!” Eizen's raucous voice suddenly sounded above that frenzy.

Valadin was stunned as the coral island trembled violently. From under the dragon's feet, stone stakes as big as tree trunks suddenly burst upward. The Indigo Dragon barely dodged, one of the pegs scraped the side of his body, peeling off some of his scales and showing his white, soft inner skin. But Valadin did not see any blood spilled.

“Sial!” maki Eizen, while the Indigo Dragon flaps its huge wings and straddles.

Valadin looked up, trying to catch the swiftness of the dragon's motion that was flying around in circles over the island. He could feel all his friends holding their breath, waiting for the next attack. But for the next few minutes, nothing happened. The flapping of the dragon wings sounded increasingly faint before it finally disappeared.

The sudden roar of strong winds from the sky pierced Valadin's eyes. He could not see what was happening until the dragon was so close to the surface of the island. The creature folded its wings back and swooped towards Eizen.

But Eizen was not at all daunted. He raised his magic wand. “Selicas Aeger!” roar again.

Giant pegs sprung up from the bottom of the island, forming a long, solid wall between Eizen and the dragon. Valadin knew what Eizen's plan was, unfortunately he had a premonition that it would not work.

“Soaring, Zen!”

Eizen paid no heed to Valadin's warning. He was unmoved inside his sturdy fortress.

Valadin watched the next incident as if everything happened in slow motion. The dragon lunged at the stones that Eizen bewitched. The lightning sparks around his body clashed

with a stone wall, it produced a series of fierce explosions. A deafening clash followed later. Boulders the size of an adult's head bounced off in all directions as the dragon pierced through Eizen's defenses. Some of his wings and scales were peeled off. But still no blood dripped.

Valadin was scattered when the giant reptile finally destroyed the last layer of Eizen's fortress and slammed into the Magus' body. Fortunately Eizen had time to cast protective magic, which saved him from fatal injuries or even death. But Eizen bounced away. He was unable to stand up, even moving his mouth to just cast protection magic was unable.

Instead after barely crushing Eizen, the Indigo Dragon landed perfectly on the altar. Realizing Eizen was still alive, he immediately swung his tail, which was like a big thorny whip, and pointed it right at the helplessly lying Eizen.

***

Laruen closed his eyes when the dragon's tail hit Eizen. He did not see what was happening but could feel a fierce collision when the dragon's tail hit his target.

Slowly Laruen opened his eyes. He was flabbergasted when he realized that the tail of the Indigo Dragon had not hit Eizen, but Valadin.

Lourd Valadin stood in front of Eizen, a shield clasped in his hand. He used his shield to withstand the attacks of dragon— to protect Eizen.

Eizen was as surprised as Laruen when he realized what was happening.

But the confusion did not last long. The Indigo Dragon swung its tail and slammed into Valadin's shield. This time mercilessly Valadin bounced back, narrowly hitting Eizen.

Laruen, Karth, and Ellanese ran together towards Valadin. It was fortunate that they did so because the next time the Indigo Dragon swung his finger and thousands of thunderbolts came back raining down on the island. Ellanese cast a protective magic just in time. For a while they were safe.

Laruen helps Karth finish Valadin. Valadin's face was deathly pale. His skin was flushed due to a lightning sting that flowed through the tail of the dragon.

“Mana Eizen?” ask Valadin. “Is she okay?” His voice was so weak, it was barely audible among the fierce bangs that occurred outside their protective dome.

Laruen realizes Eizen is approaching them. He thought that the man would at least feel anxious about Valadin's condition, but Eizen was just angry.

“Why?!” the hardic. “For what to protect me like this? You think I'll feel indebted and help you, do you!?”

But Valadin smiled instead. “Thank God you're okay,” he said slowly. “You are my precious friend, Zen. Where might I let you die just like that.”

Eizen barely blinked at Valadin's reply, then hurriedly turned his reddened face the other way.

Laruen gaped at the words sliding from Eizen's lips. He was even more shocked when he saw the Magus' face. The haughty and annoying smile that had previously adorned the lips of the man vanished already. Eizen looks confused. He was clearly struck to see Valadin willingly being seriously injured for his sake.

“No!” Valadin. “Do not blame yourself. Anyway we can still win this.” He's trying to get up.

Laruen. “Lourd Valadin, you should not fight in these conditions.”

“I don't plan on doing it,” Valadin said. “Again, Laruen, you don't need me to defeat this dragon.”

Laruen's jaw seemed almost loose when he heard it. “A-me!?”

“Ya,” replied Valadin sure. “With a little help from Eizen of course.” He turned to look at Eizen. “Will you lend me your strength and fight with us, Zen?”

Laruen could not help but glance at Eizen. The doubts that had previously overshadowed the Magus' eyes were no longer apparent. Eizen's eyes are back to normal, sharp and full of confidence. But Laruen could feel something different emanating there.

Eizen observed the Indigo Dragon perched on the altar for a while. Then he nodded. “I understand,” said. After that, he turned to look at Laruen. “You ready?”

Of course Laruen's nervous not a bitch. He hurriedly turned his eyes to Valadin. “What should I do?” tanyakanya.

“You remember my words earlier, Laruen?” ask Valadin. “The time will soon come. Don't waste.”

“Good.” Laruen. He still doesn't understand. But she knew Eizen would give her a chance. And this time, he can't miss.

Almost simultaneously, Laruen and Eizen stood up. The Magus brandished his magic wand towards the Indigo Dragon. “You ready?” ask again.

Laruen.

Eizen flicked his magic wand towards the steps. “Fargas Aeger!” yells.

A great shock shook the small island. The invitations under the dragon's feet were like trap doors. And before the dragon realized what was happening, the crack clenched rapidly, flanking both his hands and feet.

A second later, the lightning that rained down on them suddenly stopped. Laruen understood immediately. Just as Magus had to cast spells to use magic, the dragon also had to move its hand to launch a rain of lightning.

But Laruen can't shoot him yet. The Templia guards roared in wrath, writhing wildly and thrashing. And Eizen had no intention of letting him off the hook. Eizen's whole body shook. He desperately maintained his trap in order to continue gripping the dragon. After a power struggle for a while, the movements of the Indigo Dragon slowed down.

Laruen knew right away that this was his chance. Without wasting any time, he darted forward while stretching his bowstring all the way to the tip of the ear. Sparks of lightning flashed across the dragon's blue eyes, marking the target it had to be shot at.

Laruen removed his bowstring with a single smooth movement of his finger. The arrow he grasped slid fiercely and pierced through that huge blue eyeball, tearing apart the veins located right behind it. A silvery blue liquid flowed through the trunk of Laruen's arrow, then dripped down over the island.

With a last howl that froze the bones, the dragon wriggled wildly. He frees his hands and feet from the pile of rocks and makes Eizen jerk backwards. The Indigo Dragon raised both of its front legs into the air, then slumped to the side with a thump that made the entire island shake.

Laruen was stunned to see it. Valadin's right. He had injured the dragon, with Eizen's help.

“Good, Laruen.” Karth ran to him.

But Laruen shook his head. “No,” the rebuttal. “This is thanks to Eizen.” He looked at Eizen who was holding his wand back into his pocket.

Suddenly the body of the Indigo Dragon shone unusually bright. Amongst that dazzling bright light, appeared a figure of an unknown being.

As the overflowing light began to subside, Laruen could see clearly. At first glance, the creature looks like a graceful-faced woman with long, wavy hair. But then Laruen realized, instead of ears, the woman had a pair of wings that stretched wide on the side of her head. Like a bird, the woman floated before them. And

just like the Indigo Dragon, his entire body was shrouded in tiny thunderbolts.

“I Am The Aether Voltress.” His voice was loud and sharp. “You all have shown incredible strength and passed the test of my guard.”

The Voltress looked at them all in turn. His gaze stopped on Valadin, a smile full of mystery adorning his pale face. “You are a good leader,” he said. “But among all those who are here, he is the most meritorious in defeating me and deserves my power.” Voltress flapped her wings and approached Eizen.

“Receive this Sapphire Relic,” said. He placed something shining brightly on Eizen's palm. “With this, you can call me anytime. And I'll lend you

my power to you.”

Eizen snorted as it came into contact with his skin, slightly stinging him. Laruen leaned over to peek and saw in Eizen's hand a brooch bearing an indigo gem. The gem was emitting a silver spark of light like lightning, inside it was engraved runes that symbolized thunderbolts. The Sapphire Relic.

After handing over the Sapphire Relic, the Voltress floated onto the steps that had been shattered. “Your journey is still long,” he said. “Gather all Elemental Relics

from other Templia to get our strength the Aether.” Finished saying it, the Voltress disappeared as quickly as the moment she appeared. Like lightning snatching from the sky, the woman vanished from before them.

The atmosphere of the island was silent again, there were no more lightning strikes in the sky nor terrible rumbles. They were all speechless, stunned by the scene they had just witnessed. Suddenly Laruen remembered something.

“Lourd Valadin, your wounds,” the thrill. Laruen's cry seemed to resuscitate the Ellanese from her shock. He cupped his palm over Valadin's body.

“No need,” reject Valadin. “I can still hold it. Your energy must have drained after the fight.” But Ellanese ignored him and used her healing magic on Valadin.

Laruen pursed his lips in annoyance. At a time like this, he could only see and could do nothing to cure Valadin.

At that moment, Eizen knew that he was standing before Valadin. He grasped the Sapphire Relic with his right hand. Laruen almost forgot it was Eizen whom the Voltress chose to

gaining strength.

Ellanese glanced sharply at Eizen. “Do you intend to keep that thing for yourself?” tanyakene,

“Come,” replied Eizen. “Interest, anyway, so.”

“Save it,” Valadin said suddenly. “Bless you we can defeat that dragon. So if you want to have it, I won't prevent.”

Laruen did not trust his hearing. How could Valadin so easily give the Relic to Eizen. It was true that they would not defeat the Indigo Dragon without Eizen. But didn't Eizen also owe Valadin his life?

So they should be even, right? thought Laruen.

Then what about the continuation of this mission if Eizen really decided to keep the Sapphire Relic by himself. I don't know what kind of crime he's gonna do with the Relic.

A thousand and one questions raged in Laruen's mind. He almost voiced his objection when Eizen suddenly pulled Valadin's right hand and put down the Sapphire Relic

on it.

“Save,” he said briefly.

For some time that day, Laruen's jaw seemed almost out of place. He looked at Valadin and Eizen alternately, barely blinking.

Valadin. “You who defeated the dragon, Zen,” he said. “This elik is yours.” He thrust back the Sapphire Relic at Eizen.

But Eizen held Valadin's hand and clenched his fingers, then snorted. “I'm not that low until I forget to return the favor of the person who saved my life.” Her face flushed. “Again, I realize the severity of the tests we have to take later. With you guys, I have a better chance of getting the entire Elemental Relic.”

“So you'll stay with us?” ask Valadin.

Eizen nodded slowly.

But for Valadin, that was enough. “Thank you,” murmured.

Eizen did not answer. He turned around as he flicked his coat behind his back and walked towards the rubble that had previously been the steps and altar of the Templia Aether Voltress. Eizen sat in one of the rubble and was aloof there.

Laruen looked at the back of the man. Tonight they conquer their first Templia thanks to Eizen. Laruen felt he understood why Lourd Valadin wanted Eizen to join their group. And it wasn't because the Magus knew the Nurturing Rune to begin the test of the Aether, or because of its powerful magic ability.

Yes ... Eizen is as rumored. He is strong, dangerous, and unpredictable.