Chapter 18: The Mage of Flowers

As the situation in Orario kept worsening, the streets in utter chaos where it was difficult to tell the difference between friend and foe. Ais became a menace to the forces of Evilus.

With her small stature and quick attacks, she jumped through the crowded streets without problem, cutting down anyone she deemed an enemy using her intuition alone.

For Evilus, who concentrated their elite forces to restrict the goddesses and fight against Orario's top adventurers, all that were left were low leveled peasants. Most of them acting as suicide bombers alone due to lack of combat strength. 

She was truly free to move as she wished. The only threat being the bombers, but after observing how they moved before they exploded themselves, she had become confident in maneuvering around them and strike them down before they blew up.

Ais turned her gaze towards Central Park, where the bulk of Evilus forces were attacking. She had initially planned on going straight there as soon as she finished clearing the area she was currently in and rescued the civilians. But she had underestimated how many followers Evilus truly had. 

She couldn't manage to break free without leaving behind many defenseless to die.

She threw herself within the second floor of a building, breaking the boarded window. Looking around, the place was long abandoned, she turned and gazed back out to the streets, allowing herself a moment of rest before she returned to the fight. 

Merlin had taught her the importance of battle fatigue, she had even heard her teacher murmuring about something called battle continuation.

As strong as she was now, fighting a large-scale battle of attrition without allies by her side was more difficult than she had thought. Merlin of course had thrown her into high stress environments, especially with her illusions, but the training couldn't match the sheer scale of this scenario.

Ais looked down at her sword, the gift her teacher had given her, the blade covered in a thick coating of blood. As she fought, she could feel the blade was dulling, but it was enough to still cut through flesh with ease, only encountering problems if the enemy wore decent quality armor.

When she looked back out, she saw a distinct pink glow coming from Central Park. It was too bright to ignore and given how long she's been with Merlin and experienced her magecraft firsthand, she knew this had to be her teacher.

Then it came, her teacher's words filled her ears, a beautiful angelic voice, calm, gentle and clear. For a moment, she had thought back to her own mother's voice, and how she would speak to her.

But that moment was cut short as the final words were spoken.

"Hope of Avalon"

Suddenly her body felt light, but in a good way. Her fatigue was disappearing, the wounds on her body were healing at a visible rate, and her strength was not only returning, but increasing!

For Astraea and Hermes who stood right next to Merlin, their expression were filled with disbelief.

A soft, radiant pink light spilled from Merlin's staff, stretching outward across Orario. Within moments, the entire city was bathed in this gentle glow. As the light passed through the streets, tiny flowers began to bloom wherever the light touched. Sprouting in the cobbled stone, the buildings and debris. 

The entirety of Orario had become a garden.

And soon, everyone felt the physical effects of this spell.

Fatigue began to vanish from tired bodies. Wounds both minor and severe began to heal at a visible rate. And morale amongst the adventurers skyrocketed. Those who had just been at death's door, now healed, picked up their weapons and threw themselves into the fray.

Their bodies now enhanced by this mysterious magic, performing feats of strength and speed they could never have done before.

For Evilus, it was like a sudden tide of steel was washing over them.

This sudden morale boost started to cause issues among the gods and goddesses, for they no longer could command the children of their familia's. Only those with strong wills, mostly high levels were able to to restrain themselves.

The Freya familia, who had prided themselves on their absolute loyalty to their goddess, who would never disobey an order, were now struggling. A good portion of the familia had already left their posts to join the fighting. Ottar, Allen and Hedin were having trouble trying to reestablish their command structure.

Finn watched the turning of tides. His looked down at his hand clenched into a fist. He repeatedly opened and closed it. 'What a terrifying ability, even I find it hard to resist.'

But he didn't dwell too much on it. This was exactly what they needed and he wasn't going to let the opportunity go to waste.

Meanwhile, Merlin watched her handiwork with a smile.

Astraea had seen the spell being casted and its near instantaneous effects. She couldn't help but wonder, just how powerful Merlin was.

In a side conversation with the mage, she had learned that Merlin possessed no falna. As a goddess, she is able to discern truth from lie, so she knew Merlin was telling the truth. But that was even more baffling. 'How could a mortal become this strong?'

Astraea glanced at Merlin who held a bright smile on her face, not a trace of worry or fear despite the large scale battle. There was no sign of pale skin, sweat, or fatigue on her face, despite casting such a powerful spell that covered the entire city.

As for the spell, she had seen or heard of spells with similar effects, though on a much, much smaller scale. But what truly caught her attention was the morale boost. She couldn't help but compare this effect to the charm abilites held by the goddesses of beauty. Only their charm could raise morale to this extent in an instant, to the point of disobeying orders.

She shook her head. These questions could be asked later, after this was over. "Merlin, are you okay? Do you require mind potions?" Astraea wanted to help in anyway she can.

"Mind potions?" Merlin's face turned sour. "Ew! I hate the taste of those potions! Big no from me!"

Are you really acting like a child who refuses to eat her greens in this situation of life or death?!

"Only my simple-minded student could chug down potions with no complaint. I'd much prefer doing a Mana Transfer ritual." Merlin joked, thinking about how Ais could devour an entire stock of potions, enough to make a medium scale familia cry their eyes out.

'Mana Transfer?' Astraea had never heard of such a ritual, but... if it is what was needed, then she'd do it. How hard could it be? From the sound of it, she had pieced together that it was a simple transfer of mind. But as a goddess and Merlin as a mortal. She was worried that this ritual Merlin had suggested might not work, or worse, it could bring harm to Merlin. But she trusted Merlin, if she suggested such a ritual, then it meant that it would work.

"I'll do it!"

"Eh?" Merlin who was lost in her own thoughts, suddenly turned to face the goddess of Justice, face full of surprise.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Like, you're sure?"

"Absolutely."

'Aren't you a virgin goddess? Why are you agreeing to something like this?!' But seeing that steeled look on her face, filled with conviction. How could Merlin refuse? 'If she doesn't know, then there is no reason to tell her, I won't turn down free cuddles with a sexy goddess of Justice!' Of course mana transfer didn't need to be sexual, but Merlin wouldn't settle for less.

"Hehe... well, if you insist~"

Astraea quickly went on guard when she heard Merlin's voice. That was the face of a pervert! As a Greek goddess, how could she not recognize it when the leader of the pantheon is Zeus!

Merlin paid no mind, she would collect this debt at a later date. The strategy was to wait a long time so that the goddess would forget about it. Then suddenly return to remind her, then proceed to guilt trip the goddess into it! As a goddess of justice, once she made a promise, she wouldn't go back on her word so easily.

'Ah~ how sinful I am~'

Hermes and Astraea watched in disbelief as Merlin hugged herself with a heavy blush on her face. 'What is she doing?!'

BOOM

The shield around Merlin flared to life as a sudden magic attack slammed into it. Both gods struggled to stay standing as the blastwave hit them.

Merlin switched her staff from her right hand to her left, and in her right hand, a beautifully decorated ornate sword appeared. So beautiful, it would make even Hephaestus blush.

The figures rushing toward, dressed in the robes of Evilus. Jumped over the tide of adventurers, their only target was the one who had casted this spell, Merlin.

These high leveled members of Evilus who were being reserved for blocking the goddesses of beauty now many had to be deployed to eliminate this sudden mage who power seemed to have a similar effect to a goddess's charm ability.

Yet, they would never reach their target, as they were quickly intercepted. The Freya Familia had been waiting for an opportunity to remove these insects who dared to threaten their goddess who they worshipped with their heart and soul. Hedin quickly led his group to snatch this opportune moment.

They shared no words with Merlin, only focusing on the task at hand.

She didn't mind, she knew how these people operated. If she did exchange words with them, it would be an unpleasant conversation.

The artifact she had crafted floated up behind her, the gem in the center of it acting like an eye, was glowing blue, off and on again. Merlin tilted her head, she dismissed the sword in her hand and reached out to touch the artifact. Her eyes similarly glowed blue, though faintly.

Her gaze became distant, as if she wasn't looking at what was in front of her, but at something else entirely that wasn't in view. A bright smile bloomed on her face. She let go, and turned to face the two gods.

"It seems another interesting development has happened, so I'll be taking my leave."

""What?!"" Both gods said in unison. Merlin didn't answer, instead she took out a bracelet and handed it to Astraea.

"This is a little protective charm. It will be my stand in since I'll be ending my little bodyguard duty now."

"Do I get one?" Hermes asked.

Merlin smiled. "Nope! I only give gifts to pretty girls. Though, I'll make an exception if you're willing to change yourself to be 'pretty' for me."

A sudden cold chill shot down his spine, a cold sweat broke out on his face. He didn't like those words, and his intuition as a god was telling, no, screaming at him to run away! "N-No thanks. I can take care of myself just fine..."

"Hm, what a shame. Oh well, bye bye~" With a flick of her staff, she disappeared in a wave of rose petals.

...

Within the Southern districts of Orario, a chilling scene unfolded. Countless adventurers had been slaughtered. Each one cut down with a single cut in a gruesome manner that left their bodies mangled.

A single surviving adventurer desperately crawling to safety. His guts dragging across the cobblestone road, but it didn't stop him. He was dying, yet he held a belief that if he could get to safety, he would live.

He held back his tears despite the pain. His hand reached out to pull himself once more.

CRUNCH

"AAHHH!!"

Until a armored boot slammed down on his hand, flattening it like paper. He continued to scream in agonizing pain once more, all hopes of survival had vanished.

"Noisy."

He tried to glance up at his attacker, only for his skull to be crushed by a large jet black sword.

"Is this all Orario has to offer? Since when did the adventurers become so weak." He spoke to no one. He was a tall man, clad in jet black metal plated armor from head to toe, with a dark crimson cape on his back.

He was met with silence. Only a silver spear that shot out from above had answered him. The armored man didn't even bother to raise his sword, he simply moved his arm, using his gauntlet to brush aside the attack with the flick of his wrist.

"What?!" Allen was astounded. He should have taken the man by surprise, his speed and strenght had increased due to Merlin's spell. Yet, this man had easily seen through his attack and even parried it with almost no effort.

"...Better. You are fast, like the wind."

The man continued. "But like the wind, you are also weak."

Suddenly, his hand moved faster than Allen could follow. His heightened beast senses scream to lift his spear. And within a mere instant, an unimaginable force launched him back.

The impact was so strong, that just blocking it nearly broke his arm. He didn't want to imagine what would happen if it actually hit him.

Allen felt his blood race, sweat dropping from his face. "What the hell did you do?!" He couldn't even see the attack. One moment the man was standing still as a statue, the next his weapon was thrust toward Allen's face.

"I simply scratched you. There is nothing to be surprised about." The man answered.

Allen was face to face with a foe he could not comprehend. His speed that he had so much confidence in, his speed that earned him the title Vana Freya, was now hopelessly outmatched. In just a single move, his confidence was shattered and any hope of winning against this man was lost.

"...So it's you." A third voice entered the fray. Hearing this voice, Allen knew it was his familia captain, Ottar.

The large boar man walked over, his blade still running with blood of those he slayed.

"Ah. Finally, a face I recognize." The man said. "So this cat must be your apprentice then?"

Ottar didn't speak. Hearing the voice clearly this time, all doubts were freed. Ottar's face cracked into a scowl, bullets of sweat clustered his brow.

No one would believe the sight if they saw it. The Warlord was afraid. The city's strongest was even more shocked then Allen was.

"...Allen, go back to Lady Freya. Protect her."

"Are you crazy?! I'm gonna tear this guy a new hole he'll be able to shit out of! Don't get in my way!" Allen's response so loud and filled with rage, that it almost concealed how hard he was currently shaking.

"Listen to me!!"

Ottar's raised voice caused Allen to freeze. "If you have even the tiniest respect for me as your captain, then go. Do it. If not for me, then for our Lady."

"...Tch" Allen set aside his own feelings and pride. He turned and ran. Running toward Freya as fast as possible, to warn her.

Ottar watched him disappear, before turning back to the black-clad man.

"You haven't changed," the man said. "Still a child who has yet to be weaned from his mother's teat."

The man slowly approached. There was an inescapable pressure in his voice. Ottar finally steeled himself, and spoke the conqueror's name. "Why are you here Zald? How can it be you?!"

...

Explosions were unceasing. Casted flames and embers drowned the streets. The constant sounds of bombs, blades and screams never ended.

One woman stood amid it all, silent and detached. Wearing a hood that covered her face, her eyes remained shut.

"What are you doing?" Came a voice, along with the sound of footsteps over rubble. The voice belonged to Riveria, the high elf and executive of the Loki familia.

"This detestable noise shall never be repeated." The woman replied, her voice was unnervingly calm. "As my way of paying my respects, I am listening to it. For if not now, then when?"

"As painful as it is to listen, far more painful would it be to ignore them and regret it when they are gone. Is that not what it means to be alive?"

The woman turned around to face her, but Riveria was already furious.

"You have no right to speak of life, witch. Not when those people lie at your feet." Riveria's eyes were filled with rage.

The woman peered down at the bodies of the adventurers she had slain. Their bodies surrounded by flowers.

"They are detritus. Nothing more."

Riveria couldn't take anymore of this woman's disregard for life. "Very well. Then I shall eradicate you. Perhaps your life will atone for your sins!"

The elf deployed her staff and began muttering a spell. A glowing magic circle expanding out underneath her.

"Blow with the power of the third harsh winter, advent of the end - my name is Alf!

Wynn Fimbulvetr!"

A burst of ice cold wind burst out toward the woman, who appeared unbothered, making no move to even stop the spell from being casted.

"Ataraxia"

That one word spoken, shattered Riveria's spell, leaving her dumbfounded. "She canceled the spell... nullified it completely!"

Seeing his chance, Gareth jumped off the roof of a nearby building. He swung his greataxe down, using gravity to strengthen his attack.

"Gospel"

And with one word, Gareth was sent flying, as if hit by a semi-truck. He flew past Riveria and into a nearby building. He slowly pulled himself out from the rubble. While the woman continued to stand there, making no move to attack.

"You people are so noisy. Even after eight years, it's all the same."

"I've seen this power before..." Said Gareth, taking up a defensive posture.

"Yes, only once" replied Riveria.

And the hood that covered the mysterious woman fell back. Revealing her fair and beautiful face, her eyes closed shut, and the enchanting ash-gray hair.

""Alfia the Silence!""

Both of them were stunned.

"A member of the Hera familia! I didn't think any of you were still alive!"

"Why?! Why would you attack Orario?! Why would you side with Evilus?!"

Alfia spoke "it is disappointment. Disappointed in this city. Disappointed in you."

"Disappointed?! That's why you attacked Orario?"

"That's right. It is disappointment that calls us back to this city. It is disappointment that calls us to war."

"What are you talking about?!" Gareth shouted "what is it that disappoints you?!"

"Everything." She replied with a vague answer. "Orario is just one part of that."

Both adventurers felt themselves losing their cool. To attack a city, to slaughter hundreds of innocents, all because of disappointment? They wouldn't accept such an excuse.

"Do not insult us!" Riveria and Gareth knew they were no match for Alfia. But that didn't mean they would just stand to the side and let her run wild.

Alfia cared not for their thoughts, she continued speaking. "We allowed Zeus and Hera to grow arrogant, while gorging ourselves on their fantasies. We permitted their spires to rise, and so we alone bear the responsibility of bringing them down."

"The age of gods shall soon end. And we shall be the ones to end it."

"So perish, Adventurers. I shall return everything to silence, so vanish."

Alfia spoke and her magic triggered as she outstretched her right arm. All around them was a heavy pressure that seemed to shake the Earth.

From a distance, Ottar could feel and hear the magic taking affect.

Zald turned his gaze toward the direction, "Alfia has begun. We should too, no woman shall lead me." He turned his gaze back to Ottar, only to see not the boar man, but a beautiful woman walking up, with a skip in her step.

An ornate marble white staff she held horizontally in her hands behind her back. A bright smile on her face as if she was taking a stroll through the park.

Zald's eyes narrowed in his helmet. He felt nothing.

He didn't feel the sensation of a spell being casted, he didn't hear anything that could have told him what happened, he sensed nothing.

One second Ottar was standing before him, the next second an unknown woman had taken his place.

Similarly, after Alfia had casted her spell and the smoke cleared, the same woman that stood before Zald, was standing before her.

Riveria and Gareth were no where insight.

The unknown mage bowed to them, as if an actor in a play.

""Greetings, I am the Mage of Flowers, Merlin.""

She stood dozens of paces away, yet as she outstretched her hand, the space between them seemed to warp. It was as if she were standing right before them, offering a bright, golden-yellow flower to each of them.

"Champion of Zeus."

"Champion of Hera."

""I hope you may keep me entertained on this fine night.""

The daffodil fell between her fingers, and gently landed upon the stone.