MLIII C1, P5- "Disciples Of Light"

"Disciples Of Light" is the fifth Part of "Miracula Luxia III" 's first Chapter.
It was released on 21.10.2021.
== Plot ==
After defeating the rogue Sholai who were hiding in the tunnels, Adam and Sharla are allowed to stay with the Awakened for a time. While they do so, Ellhrah explains their sect's principles to the them about the plan that he and the most trusted members of the Awakened devised not too long before they arrived and why they are trying to drive Trajkov's group out of this island for good.
It is clear that they cannot do it alone, though. Perhaps an extra warrior or two on their side might turn the tables of this hopeless battle.
Meanwhile, Donovan joins Yu-La and her team in infiltrating the eastern gates of the Geneforge Labs. Though horribly outnumbered by the enemies that intercept them soon after they arrive, their enthusiasm does not fade away.
Will both parties make their way in?
== Story ==
Ellhrah leads Adam and Sharla to his keep's training hall.
There, they see many serviles who are focused on performing a single task- training. Without any distractions, they do what they were told and they pay no attention to their surroundings.
However, it is clear that most (if not all) of them saw both newcomers when they arrived. Thus, they also know that the Sholai who invaded their home have finally been defeated.
Seeing that the two heroes have arrived in their humble hall, they turn around and bow to them.
Adam is amazed that he is regarded as a person with a certain authority, despite only being a mere adventurer. Unlike his father.
"I... think that they are happy to see us. For some reason."- He says to Ellhrah- "Why so?"
Ellhrah smiles.
"Of course they are! You are the people who saved us from a dangerous enemy that has resided inside our own settlement for a long time!"- He responds- "It is as if you freed them from a long and tiresome tyrrany. And I am sure that they are very thankful about it."
He looks at the warriors. They nod.
"See?"- He continues- "Every citizen inside these walls respects you for your good deeds and I'm sure that it is the same for the rest of our small sect."
Adam nods.
"I am glad to hear it."- He says- "So. What should we do now?'
Ellhrah looks at a nearby training dummy and nods.
"Come with me, children."- He says- "We may have defeated those vagabonds, but we still have a lot of things to do."
The three of them approach the dummy and stare at each other for a few seconds.
Finally, Ellhrah decides to break the silence. He shakes his head.
"I am sorry. This is not quite the training that I promised."- He apologizes- "I hope that you're not mad at me."
Adam shakes his head.
"It is okay, sir. There is no need to apologize."- He says.
Ellhrah nods.
"Thank you. Again."- He responds- "Now. The reason why I wanted to train you was something else other than altering your physical abilities. I asked you to come here, so I could teach you how to enhance your own minds."
Adam nods.
"We see."- He says- "And how can we do that?"
Ellhrah looks at the training dummy and sighs.
"All this time, I've been teaching my people how to respect their opponents. How to spare them when they are not a threat anymore."- He says- "But I never knew how merciless all of them have become. I lost many good warriors until I finally realized that there is no other way other than killing... or being killed."
Adam shakes his head.
"It is not true. Not everyone deserves to die!"- He responds- " It does not matter how evil they may be, some of them can still be spared!"
Ellhrah shakes his head.
"You come face to face with the truth and you still refuse to believe it?"- He asks him- "Perhaps your heart is a bit too noble. This might affect your decisions in the future, so be warned."
He sighs.
"Stiil, I will try to change your ways and make you understand how this world truly works, in the hope that you will see that your enemies are not going to be as merciful as you are."- He continues- "Now. Try to understand what I am saying as best as you can, because I will not repeat it again. I may be an understanding leader, but I am not a patient teacher. As much as some people like to think otherwise."
He points at the training dummy in front of him.
"See this dummy?"- He says- "What do you think about it?"
Adam looks at it and shrugs.
"It seems perfectly ordinary to me."
Sharla shrugs as well.
"Same here."- She says- "Nothing special."
Ellhrah nods.
"Correct."- He says- "But I want you to look closer. I want you to stare into its soul."
He looks at the dummy.
"Tell me what you see."
Adam concentrates and focuses his energy on analyzing the dummy's interior.
It does not take him long to realize that something is wrong. Terribly wrong.
"What?!"- He says- "I... I can sense great evil within it!"
Ellhrah nods.
"Very perceptive, my boy."- He says- "Yes. When the dummies in this room were created, I infused each and every single one of them with dark magic. An aura of pure evil that would unlock the hidden potential within an individual. Even people without an affinity to magic are able to notice it... as long as they do it seriously."
He sighs.
"Anyway. Now that you have seen what is hidden in the dummy, I want to enhance your newfound abilities even further."- He continues- "Can you please stare into its soul for a little longer?"
Adam nods and does as he is told.
A few moments later, he begins to see... something. Or rather, someone.
And they are very familiar.
"Your eyes betray it all."- Ellhrah says- "You can finally see the persona behind the darkness. You've become one with the darkest parts of your soul and you are trying to illuminate them."
He moves a little closer.
"Tell me."- He continues- "Is this person... evil?"
Adam's eyes grow a little wider.
"Did they do something bad to you?"
And some more.
"Did they take away someone whom you love?"
Adam's look is now filled with immense rage.
"Was it your mother or father?"- Ellhrah asks- "Your... sister?"
Suddenly, Adam snaps. It seems like he cannot take this pressure anymore.
He draws his weapon and tries to attack the dummy, swinging his sword with incredible power.
"That's enough!"- Sharla yells and pulls her friend away- "Leave him alone!"
She sees that he is very angry and hugs him, trying to comfort him as best as she can. She pats him on the head and gently whispers into his ear.
"It's alright, dear. It's alright."- She whispers- "This is not a reality. They're all safe. I promise."
Sharla's calming words seem to be having an effect on Adam. 
A few seconds later, he sits on the ground and sighs.
"That's right."- Sharla whispers- "See? There's nothing to worry about."
She looks up and glares at Ellhrah.
"Why did you do that?"- She asks him- "He's only a child."
Ellhrah nods.
"A child with incredible powers."- He says- "He is gifted and we must unleash his hidden powers as soon as possible."
Sharla shakes her head.
"But this is no way to treat someone who risked a lot to save you from evil!"- She yells- "Have some respect and leave him alone!"
She grabs Adam's hand and approaches the north exit of the room.
"If this is why you wanted us to be here, then farewell."- She says- "I refuse to watch my friend fall into despair."
Ellhrah approaches them.
"Stop!"- He says- "I... I did not know that this would happen. It's far more severe than I imagined."
Sharla turns to him.
"Is there anything else?"
Ellhrah nods.'
"I... just want to tell you more about us."- He says- "That is all."
Sharla sighs and decides to go back. Adam does the same.
"You see. Our goal has not always been to destroy our enemies."- Ellhrah says- "Our philosophy trains us to become neutral. To respect those who deserve to be respected, but also to refuse serving to anyone but their leader."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"But how do you survive on your own?"- He asks him- "Everyone is this world is allied to someone else. Even the strongest alliances require help when a situation gets too die. I am sure that it is the same for you."
Ellhrah sighs.
"Believe me. We've tried it before. Many times."- He says- "But we are tired of trying. Now, we wish to make the world a safer place to live in. To help those people, we must fight. And I am not doing it for myself, but for them."
Sharla nods.
"You said that you act as those people's leader. As the one who leads them in battle."- She says- "Judging from the things that you said to us, we can tell that you're genuine, but afraid of something. Have you always felt this way... or is our presence the one that throws you off-balance?"
Ellhrah shakes his head.
"Not at all. In fact, your presence has put both me and my warriors at ease."- He says- "All this time, we've been looking for brave warriors who are truly able to protect those for whom they care about. And I think that both of you fit the role perfectly. For that, I am glad."
Adam nods.
"It is an honor for us to help you, sir."
Ellhrah nods.
"Anyway."- He continues- "As I said when we met for the first time, the Awakened are a peaceful sect. Out of all three that live on this island, we always aim high. While the others either serve their so-called "deities" who don't even care about their existence to the extent of forgetting everything and everyone else or prepare themselves to take their revenge on them for being abandoned on Sucia for so long and, likely, condemn themselves, my people have always strived to improve. Guided by the wisdom of our creators, we were the first to see that there is an entire world beyond this insignificant, small piece of land. After we came to an agreement with the Obeyers, we managed to use some of their boats on the docks to the east to reach the Mainland and see that wondrous world with our own eyes. We traded with the humans who lived there and our settlements on Sucia Island flourished soon after. We became a thriving community with a lot of resources that would allow us to survive for years to come. But our dear "neighbors", they became very... jealous of us. Both Obeyers and Takers attacked our caravans as they explored the island and stole our supplies. They defiled our name, tainted our ancestry with their evil actions. Of course, we had to endure everything that they sent at us with all of our might. But we grew angry with each passing month... until we weren't able to take it anymore. It was one year before the arrival of the Sholai when we finally made our move. After getting attacked by the Takers, we sent a small group of skilled assassins to attack them. At that time, they were still devising a plan that would allow them to reach and kill the Shapers. Unnoticed by their cowardly guards, our warriors took them by surprise and infiltrated their city hall. Once there, they found and killed the vile Gnorell- first leader of the Takers. A creature nearly as old as me who feel to the blades of those whom she angered with her actions. That was her last mistake and she paid for it dearly. After that, the Takers were too confused to act. They wanted to avenge their leader, but they were too cowardly to make it happen. Thus, they never attacked us again, even when Trajkov and his Sholai scum came to torment us. They never recovered from this and they never will."
He looks at Adam.
"I am sure that you will ask me about the moral of this little story. How it will affect your own decisions and the understanding of the world around you. Well, it is simple, my child."- He says to him- "Most people in this world are megalomaniacs. A bunch of lowly cowards whose egotism slowly plunges the world into total chaos, no matter if they realize it or not. While some may pretend to be your friends and try to gain your trust, others will try to surpass you and make you feel worthless. However, both of those sides will become the same side of the coin when you change. As you get more popular amongst the people of this world, some of them are going to show jealousy and wonder why you are chosen to be the hero and not them. They are going to hate you for always doing the right things, even when you are forced to risk your own live to keep them safe. They might even become villains themselves, driven by their mad desire to make you desperate."
He stares into his eyes, radiating a calming aura.
"Beware the dark ones, Adam. And remember."- He continues- "When in doubt, listen to your heart. Maybe it will be hard to understand it at first, but I am sure that you will find the enlightenment that you need soon enough. Keep in mind that there is always more than just a single path towards your goal. And if it requires you to fight, do not be afraid. Fight for your people, just like I am fighting for mine. In the end, I am confident that you shall emerge victorious."
Adam bows and smiles.
"Thank you for the advice, sir."- He says to him- "Your words have given me a new perspective, one that will help me survive this harsh world."
He sighs.
"I can tell that you are trying not to hurt me, but I can still tell what you meant."- He continues- "You... wanted to tell me that some people will betray me in the future and that I must be prepared to witness it with my own eyes. To see my loyal allies become my sworn enemies. You are trying to tell me that I will never truly understand the nature of any of them, no matter how close they are to me."
Ellhrah nods.
"It is true."- He says- "You never know."
He turns to Sharla.
"What about you, dear?"- He asks her- "Have you ever felt the desire to betray those whom you love to get what you've always wanted?"
Sharla's response is almost instant. In a few moments, she shakes her head.
"Never. I would never betray any of my allies. I would rather sacrifice what I have and what I would like to have to keep them safe."- She says and looks at Adam- "Especially for innocent children like Adam."
Ellhrah raises his eyebrow.
"I can tell that there's a very strong bond between you."- He says to her- "Are you... related to each other?"
Sharla shakes her head.
"I'm afraid not. I've never been a part of his family and I only met him with Donovan due to our common mission- discovering the mystery on Sucia Island."- She responds- "However, he told me his story shortly after our group was split in half. He told me how he was forcefully separated from his father and his sister four years ago and how his uncle and aunt had to take care of him. Even though they are good people, they are preoccupied with their own kingdom and thus he lived four long, hard years while feeling rather apathetic about Life and not striving to improve, like his classmates did. It's true that I may know him for less than a week, but it's clear that he sees me as much more than a simple ally in battle."
She looks at him and smiles serenely.
He smiles back.
"As you can see, he sees me as a sister. A person whom he truly trusts. A ray of hope that tries to seal the emptiness in his heart by treating him with kindness and showering him with love."- She continues- "Even though he may be young and untrained, he means a lot to me. It's true that I've always wanted to become more powerful, but I will gladly throw all of those desires away to protect him. And the world."
Ellhrah nods and smiles.
He takes a step forward and pats her on the shoulder.
"Well said, my dear."- He says- "I can see that you are genuine. You have a heart of gold and you always care for those who deserve it. If my respect means something to you, then you can have it all. You and Adam."
He turns to Adam.
"So. Let us return to the task at hand."- He says to him- "Now that you know the final part of our story and learned its moral, are you ready to hear our plans?"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Plans? But... aren't they private?"- He asks him- "Are you sure that you want to share them with us? If so, we might betray you like the Takers!"
Ellhrah shakes his head.
"Nonsense."- He responds- "I have seen many people in my life. I have studied their ways. And I know that you and your friend are worthy of being trusted, even more so than my own people."
He smiles.
"Not too long ago, a large band of Sholai came to our gates. They demanded us to release one quarter of the supplies that we have collected, in exchange for not being attacked by them and the Takers. Of course, we refused. That was the time when they captured five of our guards and killed them before our own eyes. We saw how they begged us to help them and tried to do so, but the Sholai stopped us. They mocked us and warned us that our lives are forfeit if we do not accept this offer."- He begins- "The next day, they returned. They made the same offer... and we accepted. Reluctantly, we gave them a quarter of our possessions and they left us alone. Of course, the demands continued and we slowly grew more and more desperate. We resented those tyrants and silently planned our next move."
He sighs.
"Sure. They may control this island right now, but this tyrrany won't last forever."- He says- "Right now, they sit in their labs, undisturbed by anyone. They ignore the rest of the beings who live on this island and regard them as nothing more than a lowly race. Even those who are their allies- the Takers. However, they are also unaware of what is happening in here. They do not know that a storm is brewing and that a rebellion shall happen soon. A war that will wipe them out for good and avenge those who fell to their wicked blades."
He looks at Adam.
"A few days before you arrived on Sucia Island, we talked to the Obeyers. We made amends and decided to work together and fight side by side to destroy the Sholai oppression... or fight valiantly and die trying."- He says- "Their leader- Rydell- said that they have trained a large force and that they are ready. They are still waiting for our command."
Adam nods.
"What do you want from us, sir?"
Ellhrah sighs and walks outside. Adam and Sharla do the same.
He looks at the woods to the east and thinks about something for a few minutes.
"I want you to... go into the town of Pentil. Be my faithful messengers. Talk to the Obeyers and tell them that we are ready to fight our common enemy. Assure them that everything will be fine and have Rydell send his forces to the east gates of the labs. Accompany them and make sure that nobody gets hurt."- He says to them- "In the meantime, I will talk to our council. We shall devise a plan and send our warriors at the same place as soon as possible."
He stares at Adam for a few seconds.
Even as they talk, it is clear that the old servile is testing the boy's loyalty and determination, eager to send him out in the world to chase his destiny.
"Make haste, my friends."- He continues- "Time is of essence and the Sholai may have already heard of what is going on. If so, we shall prepare to defend ourselves."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"But what if it is true?"- He asks him- "We do not want to leave you alone! We want to stay and help!"
Ellhrah sighs.
"Don't worry about us. We will hold them off."- He says- "The mission at hand is much more important. So, please. Get on with it and make me proud."
Adam and Sharla nod and bow down to him.
"We will, sir."- Adam says to him.
"We will."- Sharla repeats.
Ellhrah smiles and lightly touches their shoulders, like a priest who blesses his church's visitors.
"May the gods above protect you, children. May they always show you the path towards the Light and guide you towards it."- He says- "I will always believe in you and pray that you will come back safe and sound. Stay safe, both of you.
Adam nods.
"We will be back soon, sir."- He says to him- "Rest assured of it."
Having said that, he and Sharla leave the outskirts of Ellhrah's Keep, eager to reach Pentil and begin the final stage of their journey.
While watching them leave, Ellhrah reminds himself of what he did when he was younger. 
"I'm so glad that there's still heroes who are willing to sacrifice everything that they have to keep this world safe from evil."- He says to himself- "Good luck, Adam and Sharla. No matter what happens next, the Awakened shall always welcome you as one of our own. Both in body... and in spirit."
It has been two days since Donovan and his new allies began their journey. Now, they are on their way towards their destination- the eastern gates of The Labs.
"You seen to be nervous."- Yu-La says to Donovan- "Is something wrong? If so, speak up. I'm all ears."
Donovan looks at her and sighs.
"I'll never forgive myself for being such a coward."- He says to her- "I should have stayed there and protected them. Now they're gone and it is all my fault."
Yu-La smiles sadly and shakes her head.
"I already told you to forget about it. Those events remain in the past and I don't want you to let them taint your future."- She responds- "I'm sure that they're still out there and that they're also looking for you. Once we reach the gates and attack, news of our attempt to dethrone Trajkov shall reach the entire island. If so, I'm positive that your friends will hear about it and rush to your aid. They'll join us very soon."
Donovan nods.
"I genuinely hope so."- He says- "It's been only a few days, but it has felt like a whole year."
Yu-La sighs.
"Yeah. I know."- She says- "You always feel that way when you're separated from your loved ones."
Donovan looks at her.
"Have you... ever lost someone?"- He asks her- "I know that this is not the right time, but I'm curious."
Yu-La looks at him again, contemplating whether she should tell him what she knows or not.
Finally, she decides that it is not wise to hide anything from a good friend.
"My little brother. He and I came with this expedition together. He was a young warrior, recently accepted into our people's ranks as a royal knight. He was eager to prove himself to our council and become a trusted ally."- She says- "He was the first one to rebel against Trajkov after he went mad. And he... he paid dearly for it. He's not with us anymore. He's in a better place and I'm happy that he isn't here with us."
She barely holds back her tears.
"Just before he attempted to assassinate Trajkov, I talked to him. I begged him to... to not waste his life away like this. That some risks are not worth taking."- She continues- "However, he assured me that everything will be fine. That this world will change, with or without him. He believed that I would find a group of brave heroes who would stop Trajkov and end this madness. And he was right."
She wipes a tear from her right eye.
"He was the person who motivated me to look for people who can help us out."- She says- "I owe everything that I achieved to him."
Donovan sighs and shakes his head.
"Losing a loved one is depressing. It is often impossible to move on and I am a clear example for that."- He says- "A year ago, I lost my own father. The only family that I had left was him... and he left this world. He died when we fought a mysterious and evil being. At that time, he was possessing him. It clouded his judgement and used him to fight us when we finally faced it. Like a puppet, his strings were severed when my friend landed the killing blow, but so was his soul. He died in my arms and I... I never felt the same. He was the king of a kingdom called Goznor- my home. After those unfortunate events, the crown was passed down to me. I became his successor and ruled the land for a whole year, trying to finish what he started."
Yu-La nods.
"My condolences."- She says- "I didn't know that you lost someone, too."
Donovan sighs.
"His death is still haunting me, but I won't let it prevent me from helping people."- He says- "King or not, I am always eager to do whatever I can for all of them."
Yu-La looks at him.
"By the way. You mentioned that you used to be the king of a kingdom when we talked to each other."- She says to him- "What happened? Did someone throw you out?"
Donovan shakes his head.
"No. Not at all."- He says- "Even though I was now the king, the pressure was too much for me. I was destined to be a ruler, but I preferred to be an adventurer. A mercenary. A hero. And so, I decided to retire. I talked to our council about this matter and they agreed to chose a new monarch. So, I passed the crown down to a righteous paladin named Vehrn and trusted him to rule the kingdom in my absence. Soon, I joined the royal army of Thais as one of their most trusted mages and became what I am right now."
He sighs.
"That's all that I can tell you."- He finishes- "The rest is up to destiny. And fate."
One of the serviles approaches Yu-La.
"Miss! Sorry for interrupting, but the gates are just ahead of us. It looks like there are very few guards protecting them."- He informs her- "Shall we begin the attack?"
Yu-La nods.
"Of course. Attack them while they're still disorganized."- She says to him- "Kill as many of them as you can and leave the rest to us."
The servile nods and leaves to notify the others about their new orders.
"I can see that you've grown more confident. That's good."- Yu-La compliments Donovan- "I want you to remain the same way during the incoming battle."
Donovan nods and checks his staff.
"I may not be a good fighter, but I promise that I will do my best to support you in this attack."- He says- "From now on, we are allies. I care about you and I hope that you feel the same way."
He looks at the gates ahead of him and prepares to charge.
"But that's enough talking. Our enemies are over there and it is our destiny to defeat them... or die trying."- He says- "Let's go. I am ready."