Rebirth of the Nephilim

Chapter 709: True Hero

The first and last time Jadis had participated in Jocelyn’s ritual to meet with Valtar in his divine realm, it had been just her and the Oracle alone. This time, considering the circumstances and who was most involved, Jocelyn relinquished her usual spot. Instead, Jadis, Alex, and Wilhelm went together. In all honesty, Jadis wasn’t certain that she would even get the chance to ask any questions herself, as it was Wilhelm who most needed answers. Depending on the response given, Alex had a question of her own for the All Father.

Just as had happened during the previous occasion, when Jadis opened her eyes, she found that she was kneeling on a wide marble balcony overlooking the heavenly scenery of the afterlife promised to those who worshiped Valtar. The beatific perfection of idyllic peace stole Jadis’ breath away once more, and she couldn’t help but stare out at the landscape before her, mute in her appreciation despite the urgency of her mission.

“So… Beautiful…”

Alex’s murmured words, accompanied by the feeling of her lover’s hands on her arm, moved Jadis to turn and look at the Demon. While she had meant whisper back some form of agreement with her statement, Jadis’ throat only voiced a surprised gasp at what she saw. Alex’s form was changed again, back to the more demonic figure of wings and tentacles that had been granted to her by accepting the Demon Lord class. More significantly, Alex’s halo, the Mark of her new station, hovered over her head. Only, despite Jadis not having her Eyes of the Succubus active, Jadis could still see the black hole-like effect of Alex’s aura. The strange, almost mind-warping vision of power that the Mark exuded was even more prominent than it had been on the mortal plane. The effect was so strong that Jadis found she had a hard time looking at Alex, even when she purposefully kept her eyes away from the halo.

“This… will be a challenge.”

Tearing her eyes away from Alex, Jadis turned her attention on to Wilhelm. The man had moved away from them both at some point and was standing several feet apart from them, his gaze averted. His figure shone with a golden light, just as Jadis was used to with the Hero’s aura, but he was also wearing armor and had his sword at his side, unlike how he had been dressed down moments before inside of the Leviathan’s cabin.

“Something wrong?” Jadis asked, though she could guess that the man was having trouble dealing with Alex’s halo aura.

“It is… difficult to look at the two of you,” Wilhelm answered, his gaze still turned towards the interior of the cathedral upon which their balcony sat.

“The two of us?” Jadis asked with confusion. “I get Alex, but you’re having trouble with me?”

“Your beauty—” Wilhelm began, then cut himself off. After a moment, he started again. “You are an attractive woman, Jadis. It’s always easy to see, but one can ignore it, with effort. Your beauty here is much harder to overlook.”

Jadis raised an eyebrow at that explanation but didn’t comment. She understood from previously visiting the divine realm with Eir and Alex that her soul form was… distracting. It was interesting to know that the effect wasn’t just on her lovers, but others as well.

With their senses adjusted to the new environment as much as could be expected, the trio of supplicants entered into Valtar’s cathedral together, with Wilhelm taking the lead. As soon as they left the balcony and entered the main hall of the towering structure, Jadis saw that things looked very much the same as last time, yet with one striking difference. The marble arches and stained-glass windows that dominated the hall were as beautiful as ever, and the marble throne upon which Valtar’s colossal form sat was just as imposing as before. However, while the last visit had seen the God of Order and Justice sitting on his throne alone, this time, there were witnesses.

Men and women lined the hall, standing just inside of the arches on either side. There were members of all the different non-avatar races present, with only a few Seraphim mixed into the groups as well. Not one avatar of a different god was visible amongst those who had gathered in Valtar’s cathedral. Most of the watchers were wearing various forms of armor, with only a few wearing robes or similar equipment. Some of the people had on armor that looked foreign to Jadis, displaying styles and designs that she was only somewhat familiar with. A small number wore equipment that looked positively ancient to Jadis, showing antiquated armors that had probably fallen out of fashion hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago.

Overall, there weren’t that many standing to the sides, witnessing their interaction with Valtar. No more than a hundred men and women, Jadis estimated. Still, it was the first time Jadis had seen anyone other than a god when visiting a divine hall during an oracle ritual. She doubted that the timing was coincidence.

The massive form of Valtar loomed over them as they silently approached, his bearded visage stern. Whereas before his expression had been kind, evenly fatherly, when he had welcomed Jadis and Jocelyn during their last visit, the God sitting on his throne looked far more severe. Jadis couldn’t help but eye the huge sword that Valtar had one hand resting on. The blade was not drawn, but the reality that a being of true divine power was armed and capable of violence was not lost on her. Jadis didn’t think Valtar would turn his sword on Alex, not when he had done so much in the past to defend them all against Samleos, but the new situation shook her certainty.

“My son,” Valtar spoke as the three of them came to a stop on the dais before the God’s throne. “The reason for your visit is known to me. Speak the question you hold in your heart.”

Valtar’s tone was not angry. Nor was it welcoming, either. A heavy solemnity weighed down over them all like a blanket, smothering any word or action other than respectful silence. A part of Jadis wanted to be offended by the fact that Valtar had not even acknowledged her or Alex’s presence yet, but that small part was stifled by the tone in the deity’s voice. Valtar was speaking to his child, which was something neither she nor Alex could claim to be. It wasn’t her place to get between a father and his son.

“All Father,” Wilhelm began, then took a sharp breath before continuing. “My faith in you is unshaken, and my duty to you has always been clear. However, in this moment, I find myself lost. Please, give me your guidance. Does my Oath as the Hero of Valtar require me to turn my blade against all Demon Lords, or just the one whose existence called me to your service?”

Jadis had not known how Wilhelm’s question would sound in the end. They had not had much time to discuss beforehand, and only a few variations had been tossed back and forth. This version was certainly more eloquent than Jadis had thought to word things, but she appreciated that Wilhelm had left the question open for all Demon Lords, and not just Alex. She could see that being a good way to make sure that there was no ambiguity about what a Hero’s duty was, though she certainly couldn’t imagine this same situation ever coming up again. But if it did, she supposed it would be good to have the answer written down for the record.

“Look around you, Wilhelm,” Valtar commanded, using his left hand to sweep the room. “Here stand the Heroes and their Companions of the past who took the same oath you have made to me to slay the evil that sought the destruction of Oros in their times. Each one fought a Demon Lord, and each one prevailed over the darkness that would have consumed their world if they had not taken action.”

Jadis’ eyes followed the sweep of the God’s hand, seeing the witnesses in a new light. These were not just random souls who had lived their lives worshipping Valtar. These were the men and women who had sacrificed all else in their lives to protect the mortal world from Samleos’ destructive will. These were true heroes. These were also possibly some of the most powerful people to have ever lived on Oros.

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And they were not necessarily on her side.

“Look into their eyes, my son,” Valtar continued, each word landing with the weight of a mountain. “See the legacy that you carry. Know that your actions do not reflect only on yourself, nor simply upon me, but upon the brothers and sisters whose mantle you now have wrapped over your shoulders. Do you see them, Wilhelm?”

“Yes, All Father,” the Hero spoke softly, his expression as grim as stone.

“Then, in answer to your question, I ask my own. What will you do should I tell you that your oath to me is to slay any and all Demon Lords who stand before you?”

Jadis felt her stomach fall out of the soles of her feet at Valtar’s words. Taking Alex’s hand in her own, she clenched her teeth, waiting for Wilhelm’s inevitable response. He was a comrade in arms, a man of true honor, and a proven friend. Jadis did not want to fight him. She wouldn’t if she had any other option. However, Valtar did not seem to be willing to leave either of them much of a choice.

Slowly turning to look back at Jadis and Alex, Wilhelm met their gazes for an endless moment. The pain in his brown eyes ached in Jadis’ own heart. When he did turn back to face Valtar an eternity later, he did so with his back straight and his shoulders firm. Meeting the All Father’s gaze, Wilhelm spoke loud and clear, so that every one of the past Heroes and Companions present could hear his words.

“If that was your answer to me, my lord, then my second question would be to ask you what I must do to have you release me from my oath, so that you might take back the mantle of Hero and pass it someone else who will do your will, for I will not draw my blade against an innocent friend. I will not.”

Jadis almost didn’t register what she had heard. When the full meaning of what Wilhelm had just said hit her, her mouth popped open in a soundless gasp. As the murmur of shock and surprise rose from the witnesses standing around them, she realized that she wasn’t the only one taken off guard by the Hero’s statement. Glancing to her side, she saw the mix of concern and wonder on Alex’s face as she stared at the back of Wilhelm’s head.

“I see the truth in your eyes, my son,” Valtar said solemnly, causing all other voices in the hall to silence. “Thank you for your honesty and your bravery. One cannot be truthful to others if one cannot be true to themself. May your honor and bravery serve you well in your fight against the one and only Demon Lord that your oath binds you to slay.”

Again, Jadis almost didn’t comprehend the meaning of the words spoken, her heart shooting so fast from her feet to her throat that she nearly stumbled from the sudden change. Even Wilhelm looked utterly winded as he staggered half a step, as though a massive weight had just been lifted from his back. He nearly choked on his words as he bowed his head, then lifted his gaze back up to meet the gentle smile of his God.

“Do—do you mean that I have no obligation to fight Alex?”

“Your obligation to me is to do what is just,” Valtar said, and it was like a warm blanket was being wrapped around their bodies. “Should Alex prove a false friend, I know you would do what is right. But your oath to me will be fulfilled by the death of the Demon Lord who is in the service of Samleos. I ask no more of you.”

When Wilhelm turned his gaze onto Jadis and Alex again, it was with such a look of relief that she thought that his legs might fold beneath him. Reaching out a hand, she took her friend by the shoulder and kept him steady, an utterly ridiculous grin plastered across her face.

“That—that was two questions,” Wilhelm said after a moment. “I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to, but I—”

“Don’t you dare apologize, Willy,” Jadis squeezed the man’s shoulder. “Not ever. I don’t think I can ever repay you for what you just did.”

“We can start with a beer, when this war is over,” Wilhelm replied with a breathless laugh.

Shifting his attention to Alex, the Hero met her earnest gaze with a small smile.

“I leave the third question to you, my friend. Unless Jadis objects?”

“Not a chance,” Jadis gave Alex an encouraging smile. “Go for it, my love.”

“Thank you…” Alex whispered to the human. “Thank you…”

Squaring her shoulders, Demon Lord Alex slid forward on her tentacles, taking the center of the dais before bowing deeply before the God enthroned above her. Raising her head to meet the gaze of the All Father, the Demon voiced the question that mattered most to her. This question Jadis knew beforehand, and despite what others might have suggested, there was no deterring the woman from asking what she thought was the right question.

Alex always did have a mind of her own.

“Lord Valtar… Please… Tell me… As a… Demon Lord… What can I… Do… To best… Protect… Those that… I love…”

The silence that filled the cathedral felt different as Alex finished voicing her question. Glancing around her, Jadis saw all of the past Heroes of Oros staring at the Demon Lord who stood before their God in peaceful supplication, asking him for advice on how to defend her friends and family. It had to be a surreal moment for them.

“Never before has one of your kin entered my halls,” Valtar stated, his voice strong and ringing like a bell. “None have ever sought entrance except in their pursuit of death and destruction. And yet, Daughter of Samleos, I know you by your actions, and by your heart. If your soul was not spoken for, I would say that you would be welcome here in your afterlife. However, I know that is not an offer you will accept when the time comes, even though it is deserved.”

Lifting his piercing gaze from Alex for just an instant, Valtar looked deep into Jadis’ soul, causing her to tremble from the power and purpose that rested within those timeless eyes.

“In answer to your question, Demon Lord Alex,” Valtar spoke again. “I say that you already know in your soul what you must do. You have already begun your work. Do not falter. Do not fall. Be the Demon that you wish to be.”

The pronouncement was made with finality, and Jadis felt the force of Valtar’s words wash over them like a cleansing tide. Lifting his right hand from his sword, the God of Justice and Mercy passed his palm over Alex’s head. It was a small gesture, yet the depth of meaning behind it made all three of them shiver.

“Go now, Wilhelm of Crosswall, Jadis Ahlstrom, and Demon Lord Alex. Go and do good in all your workings, so that you may hold your heads high, and so that others may follow in your examples.”

Bowing low, all three turned away from the colossal divinity and walked together back to the balcony from which they had come. As they did so, Jadis saw the faces of the men and women who bore witness to their encounter with Valtar. Not all of them looked pleased, but there were more faces who were looking upon Alex with curiosity, or even hope, then there were frowns. Looking at them all, Jadis couldn’t help but wish for a few more moments to remain behind in Valtar’s realm, just to ask these heroes of bygone eras questions about what they went through to make their times safe. However, she knew that there was no time left for talking, as she could already feel the pull of her body on her soul as it drew her back to the mortal realm.

However, just before they reached the balcony and Jadis surrendered to the force that was taking her back to Oros, a man stepped out from the crowd and stood before her.

He was an elf, with dark red skin, long white hair, and bright blue eyes that stood out against his coloration. A long glaive with a burning blade was resting over his shoulder and a confident grin lit up his face. A confident and familiar grin, Jadis realized as she blinked at the elf. She knew this man. Or at least, she knew him from a portrait, as she was quite certain that he had died many decades ago.

“Do me a favor, would you kid?” the Hero said in an accent that was at odds with his casual wording and jaunty smile. “I’ve got a message for an old friend I’d like you to pass on the next time you’re in Eldingholt.”

Jadis could feel the pressure to leave Valtar’s realm mounting as she stared at the man. Already Alex and Wilhelm were starting to lose focus as their souls were pulled from her side. Not sure if she should be talking to the elf or not, Jadis mentally shrugged her shoulders. If Valtar wanted to stop one of his departed Heroes from using her to send a message, she figured he had more than enough power to send her away without another second to spare. Tilting her head to one side, she nodded at the elf.

“What do you want me to tell the emperor?”

Grinning even wider, the red-skinned elf gave her a wink.

“I though you might catch on quick. Tell that wolf pup that I fought by the side of a man of action, not petty words! I’m waiting for him, and Siri is, too. He better come to us with his head held high, knowing that he did the right thing!”

“I’ll tell him,” Jadis answered, a smile twisting the corners of her lips. “As soon as I can.”

“Good,” the Hero said as he clapped her on one arm. “Now, get out of here! This is no place for the living, you know! Get back to your body and help that human boy slay a real Demon Lord. I think that one will need the help.”