Fable of Four Heroes

Long ago, Enceris was created by an omnipotent entity, Vi Dominus. The self-proclaimed ruler of the world, he was worshipped and deified by the nations and kingdoms. He granted them knowledge and explained the hierarchy of divinity. First were the Quod, lesser beings and humans who'd surpassed their limits to achieve divinity. Being born of man they understood the struggles of humanity the most and rose up to lead great nations and kingdoms for centuries. More than that, in times of strife they would become heroes that saved their nations.

Next were the Alfa, beings born with power beyond those around them. They would become known as angels, demons, or legendary beings. Their powers were not strictly for good however; some reviled humanity while others adored it.

Lastly, above even the Quod and Alfa, were the Veritas Ignis, also known as the Vi. They are the desires of the Quod and Alfa given form, existing for the purpose of that desire. They possess the power to create and destroy, to raise civilizations or erase them from existence. The years passed and Enceris prospered while they worshipped Dominus, who'd promised to grant their wishes in return for absolute loyalty.

Centuries later, Dominus' name would be challenged. Liberus, king of one of the largest kingdoms, would come to question Dominus' existence. If Vi existed for a single purpose and ceased to exist when that purpose was fulfilled, then why did Dominus still exist? He pointed out Dominus never stated his reason for being and that he'd been worshipped as a God to not be forgotten. The next day Liberus would bring these questions before Dominus but was murdered in front of thousands as Dominus fell from the sky, crushing the cart he was in. Dominus lifted his barely living body out of the cart and beheaded Liberus. This event would come to be known as Vocare ad Epanastasi and would change the fates of four humans.

Less than 3 years would pass before war was waged against Vi Dominus. Liberus' kingdom of Irela began to resent God. From there would rise four great and gifted humans. For their declaration of war against Dominus they became known as the IV Quod Aequitatis.

Belial, a revered warrior with the strength of an army. His presence gave morale to his peers and would inspire many to bear arms. For his pride and valor the peoples would symbolize him with Fire.

Lyra, a mage entwined with nature. It was said she could speak to animals, beasts, and spirits and rally them to her side. For her tranquil spirit and grace they would symbolize her with Water.

Caine, an archer believed to have killed the most. He seemed to never miss, his arrows defied the terrain to pierce their target. For his tenacity and resiliency he was symbolized by Earth.

Astid, a swordsman who'd devoted his life to kill Dominus. When his king was slain before him, he vowed his life to the blade. Acting in the shadows, his presence was almost hidden but his will was unbending. For his perseverance and devotion he would be symbolized by Wind.

They fought valiantly against the other kingdoms that were under Dominus's control. Along the way, the four heroes were met by two Alfas, one taking the form of an angel and the other of a headless knight. They informed the heroes that Dominus was a false god. His true identity was Alfa Lucius, a powerful being who'd deceived the human race for centuries to make a name for himself. Lucius was considered to be one of the more powerful Alfa, making him a formidable opponent. The Alfa taking the form of an angel was Alfa Marian, and the headless knight was Alfa Uther. They reunited once again in the climax of the war, in an empty field deprived of society or civilization.

"You four, the responsibility on your hands is greater than ever. This will be your final fight, are you prepared?" said Marian, who was ready to fight Dominus.

Astid stepped forward and looked at Marian. "Prepared? We've been preparing for three years, and I've been waiting to behead that monster the whole time. Of course I am ready. How about you guys?"

The three of them nodded. Belial stepped forward and spoke up, "Damned brat, don't speak for all of us. You're not the only one who wants to slay this beast."

"Beli, calm down. Now is not the time to get angry at each other." Lyra gracefully added. "Everyone, I am not sure if I will be alive after this. After all, my role in supporting you all is a dangerous one, who knows how easy it will be to pick me off once I am vulnerable."

"Don't talk as if the battle has been decided. We're all making it out of here alive." Caine said, worrying for Lyra. "Either way, It's not like your back isn't being supported. If that fiend tries to harm you, I promise you my arrows will pierce right through him!"

Lyra laughed. "Thanks, I wasn't trying to dampen the mood, just trying to bring reality into the situation, really. I'll always put up a fight!"

Uther took the stand and unsheathed his large sword. He struck the ground with it and rested his hands on the guard. "Now then, get to your places. In a few moments, a magic circle will surround this sword. Lucius will be summoned to this area, and I will put a binding curse on him to assure he will not be able to leave the premises. Whether or not I live is a trivial matter, for I have waited my whole life to rid this world of corruption."

They all nodded their heads and got into position. Belial and Astid stood near Uther, only slightly further. Lyra was behind them, even further back. Caine was the furthest, who was hidden from sight but had a clear shot. The magic circle began to form, and the aura around Uther began to glow. It was now or never.

The silhouette of Lucius started to form, and Uther chanted: "Inimicos meos vincula; Astringe!". After the chant, the silhouette taking the form of Lucius seemed to be in pain. Uther reached into the silhouette to grab his sword, and the moment his sword was pulled from the ground, Lucius was released into the area with a massive explosion of energy.

"You fools dare challenge the God of this world? I will put you in your place!" Lucius yelled as he soared into the sky. However, as he looked up, the first thing he could see was Marian, who had already slashed her blade at him. The slash was so quick it seemed to go through his body. Moments later Lucius began to strike back, as he and Marian engaged in combat.

*"Here's the plan,'' said Marian. "When Lucius first appears, Uther will bind him to this land. He will most likely take the skies, where I will make the first strike, initiating the battle. Here, I will fight Lucius and most likely die. After our battle, he will be injured heavily and be unable to take flight. Caine, I want you to shoot near Lucius but never directly at him, for he will make you his next target. I want you to limit his movement. When grounded, Uther will restrict him yet again, freezing him in place. This is when you four begin your assault. Good luck."*

The attacks made by Lucius were so powerful that claw marks could be visibly seen in the air. Blow after blow, block after block, constant hits being traded between Marian and Lucius, it was sadly obvious that Marian was beginning to attack slower and weaker, while Lucius kept on with his assault. In that moment, Lucius' eyes began to glow, as he delivered a fatal blow to Marian, slashing right through the center of her body, an attack so powerful it broke through her blocking. The injured Marian moved forward and grabbed onto Lucius, and she temporarily restricted him from moving. With the rest of her power and life, she chanted: "Id est animam pro anima!" and began to glow, the clouds opened up and a streak of light had shone onto her. Her body began to emit the same light, as her life force was converted into an attack, a massive explosion of light and energy filled the sky, nearly blinding everyone. After the light dimmed down, Lucius began to fall from the sky, and Marian was nowhere to be seen.

"I've got you now!" yelled Uther, whose body began to expand from his armor to envelop Lucius. As he hit the ground, he was surrounded in the void that was Uther's body, but it was not long before this void vanished along with Uther. Both beings had given their life, Marian severely injured Lucius and Uther had restricted his movement further, lowering his fighting capability to a human level. The four heroes wiped the tears from their eyes, and they prepared their first attacks. Astid, in a fit of anger, rushed in for the first strike.

"You idiot, don't go yet! This wasn't the plan!" Belial yelled, attempting to recall his friend.

"I don't give a damn about the plan! His head is mine!"

As Astid dashed forward with his sword in hand, he was getting ready for an all-out strike, putting all his power into one attack. Lucius looked down at the man running at him, and the malicious smile on his face said it all: Astid had made a mistake.

"Come, little one. It is time for you to face judgement!"

Closing his eyes, Astid dashed forward towards the demon. With speed and precision, it seemed like he was going to land the strike. Lucius beckoned him with open arms, claws were ready to slash him the moment he got close. Before Astid's sword could make contact, arrows flew through the sky and pierced the beast.

"Astid, get your ass away from him!" Belial called yet again, "Return to your formation!"

Finally coming to his senses, he quickly came to a halt and ran back halfway. He turned around and entered his fighting stance again. Lucius, barely affected by the arrows, remained still. He was unable to move for a while, as he was still bound by Uther. Belial and Astid awaited the cue.

*"When Lucius is unable to move, we must strike powerfully. I want each of you to wait for me to call upon spirits, I will have them assist you. I'm sure they will listen to my calls, and they will definitely respect you all." Lyra said, plotting out their attack. "You will know when a spirit has accepted the call, the moment you understand, wait for everyone else. The cue will be when Caine shoots a special arrow that has been imbued with spiritual power."*

Astid was eagerly waiting, not just for the arrow but for him to know when a spirit had accepted the call. Moments later, Belial began to raise his voice.

"W-Woah…" he exclaimed in awe, as he looked at the edge of his spear which was being engulfed in flames. "Is this… spiritual power? Fire huh… it suits me well." Not only his spear, Belial could feel his entire body strengthen. He felt the power of the spirit coursing through him. A faint voice could be heard, only by Belial. *"Reach out your hand."* He did and to his surprise, a flame had risen from the palm of his hand. He stared in amazement, he couldn't feel the heat of the fire that the spirit was creating; that they were creating.

Astid looked at Belial. Suddenly, he felt a presence as well. He looked at the ground, as a spiral of wind was forming at his feet, slowly rising up his legs. "E-Eh?!" It took him awhile to realize it was a spirit, for the spiral quickly engulfed his entire body before dissipating. After the wind vanished, Astid felt his body had become more agile. Movement was easy and quicker, and he could process information faster. Recalling how Belial could emit a flame, he took it a step further. He brushed his sword with his left hand, and from the hilt to the point he felt the spiritual energy disperse from his hand out. The sword became as light and fast as the tendrils of wind that covered it. "Alright, that should do it!"

Belial, who had already begun to play around with fire creation, was getting into battle stance. Astid had been ready, and in that moment, an arrow came down from far away. It was at such a speed it shrieked through the air, an indistinguishable blur. Caine had no clue whether or not a spirit had accepted him, had learned through his arrows. As he touched them, they began to harden and sharpen. As he played around with it, he created the perfect set of arrows: powerfully dense and deadly sharp, insanely light and aerodynamic. These perfect arrows as they flew left a trail of wind behind them. As they struck Lucius, Astid and Belial began their attack. Lyra summoned beasts to attack Lucius from behind, as well as strengthened the spirits empowering the other heroes.

"I wanted to create a world… a world where there was no war between differences in belief…" Lucius began to speak, his body slowly regaining movement. Belial began to rush, but Astid reached Lucius first. He raised his blade and he struck Lucius in the chest, a flurry of unrelenting blows. "A world… where there was no war between nations…"

"Shut up! You created a lie, you lied to us all!" Belial yelled as he charged, lunging his spear into Lucius's chest. He pulled out a dagger and started stabbing Lucius.

"But you humans… started a war… anyways!" Lucius roared as he suddenly began moving. Belial flinched backwards instinctively, however Astid was still slashing him without stop. The beasts behind Lucius attacked as well; a large dire wolf gnawed at Lucius's leg. Nature also responded to Lyra, as Lucius's feet were being restricted by roots.

"Belial, keep attacking! Weaken him as much as possible!" Caine yelled as he ran forward. The closer he was, the faster his shots reached his target. As he ran, he shot multiple barrages of arrows that decorated the arms and head of Lucius. Nothing seemed to be piercing him, but the damage was definitely being done.

Belial, unsure whether of or not Lucius was even being injured, continued attacking. It felt as death was imminent, but he remembered that he was throwing his life into this attack. He shouted as he began igniting Lucius with fire. "Take this you damn monster!"

"Step back!" Lucius yelled, creating a shockwave that knocked back Astid and Belial and removed the spear and arrows from his body. He turned around quickly, ripping the roots off of his feet. He sprinted towards the dire wolf that was knocked back, and both the wolf and him charged at each other. Lyra attempted to stop him, but the roots under Lucius were decaying with every step he made. Lucius brought his fist down on the wolf, knocking it unconscious before picking him up and throwing him at Belial.

"Look out!" The wolf struck Belial before he knew it, and he was lthrown to the ground. Astid used his power to lift up the wolf, but as he was doing this, Lucius was already making his way towards him. Astid went into battle stance again but he did not charge in. As he approached, Lucius was preparing to attack, his arms in the air and his claws out. With one strike, Lucius struck down at Astid but hit nothing. Astid had used the power of his spirit to quickly evade the attack and he jumped at Lucius from behind. He climbed his body and began to strike his back while Lucius struggled to get him off. "You're insane!" Belial called out, as he reached for his spear. He stood up and began hacking at Lucius' legs. It appeared to be injuring him as he began to limp. He started burning his legs as well but Lucius kicked him far away, immobilizing him again.

"Belial!" Lyra yelled, as she ran over to tend to his wounds. She used healing magic to accelerate his recovery, however Belial was exhausted and barely conscious. "Don't worry, we're almost done here." She said, as she switched from support to assault. "Azure Crystallis!" Icicles began to form and launch themselves at Lucius.

"You… damned humans!" He cried in pain, as he began to charge at Lyra. "I don't think so, asshole!" Caine yelled back as he threw a massive rock at Lucius. The rock he threw was physically altered, just like his arrows. Each rock he threw was more powerful rather than precise, and Lucius was slowing down.

"Everyone, attack at once!" Astid yelled, as he jumped off of Lucius into the air, preparing a projectile of wind. "Anemos Lepida!" As he sliced through the air it created a blade of wind.

"Azure Lepida!" Lyra chanted as well, as a powerful slash of water traveled the air towards Lucius.

Caine picked up Belial's spear and began to change its physical structure. He made it as heavy and dense as possible. He made it sharper, and as he struggled to pick it up, he chanted as he threw the flaming spear: "Fotiaa Apergia!"

As each attack pierced through Lucius, he fell to his knees and was unable to fight anymore. "Curses…" he said, looking down.

"It's over," Astid said, walking towards Lucius slowly. "You pay right here." Suddenly, the ground began to shake. Astid attempted to begin running, but he was knocked off balance. "Shit!"

"It's over? Hahaha… if I die, then I shall die with my creation and you can watch as it happens!" A massive magic circle surrounded all of them teleporting them away. They returned to Lucius's main domain, surrounded by many kingdoms and nations.

"No… you can't!" Lyra looked on in horror, unable to do anything as she was low on mana. "Damn you!" Caine readied his bow once again, but missed each shot due to the shaking ground.

"It is time for judgement!" The ground began to rise, houses and pieces of earth being raised into the sky, clashing into each other. For miles and miles, the ground rose and kingdoms were being destroyed. "I will use every last bit of my life force to destroy what I have created!"

The heroes could not help but watch, as they were separated by the floating debris and sent away. Time passed and kingdoms were reduced to rubble and ruins. Large pieces of land were being launched into the ground, creating craters and explosions. It was a myriad of destruction, countless lives lost. In that final moment, Astid shakily arose from the rubble.

*"Now remember," Marian began to explain, "The Vi do exist. However, it is not the masses that call upon them. It is the voice of a true soul in distress." "So what you're saying is at this moment right now, I can call upon the Vi?" asked Belial. "No, It's not that simple. You have to truly be in distress, and your heart and mind have to be set on one goal. It sounds easy, but when a human is distressed, there are many things that go in on their mind. Both requirements contradict each other." "I guess so." "Now, there is one issue. The Vi have to possess a vessel, meaning the one who calls them will house that entity until they fulfill their task. This means both the Vi and the vessel will vanish." "Wait… are you saying It's a suicide pact?" "Precisely."*

Astid could barely see but looked around for his friends. Lyra was lying down nearby, bloody. Caine was on a roof unconscious. Belial was half buried under the rubble. He then closed his eyes and smiled, and then stared at Lucius. He took a deep breath and began to chant. "True danger waits before me, as I plead, let it not be in vain. If you are out there, please heed my call! I cry prayers, come to me, Veritas Ignis!"

His body began to shine. It felt as if a god had descended down to the world, a light so bright that it rivaled the sun. After it dimmed, Astid was no longer where he stood. His body had grown wings, and it left a trail of wind as it flew towards Lucius. With one strike, he cut the mad demon in half, and repeatedly slashed at his body until nothing was left but dust. The destruction stopped spreading, meaning some kingdoms were safe from the judgement that would reshaped the entire world. The result was quick, but the price was steep. He returned to the ground near Lyra.

"Why… why would you sacrifice yourself..?" as tears filled Lyra's eyes.

"I had to. I couldn't let that monster get what he wants."

"Astid…" she stumbled as she tried to stand up.

"Hey, you're still wounded… stay rested, I'll bring you to safety." He lifted her up and began to fly back to the kingdom of Irela, which was far away from the main domain.

"Astid… how are you able to be… yourself? Aren't you possessed by the Vi?"

"I'm not so sure myself. I think it was the wind spirit that had already accepted me that is possessing me."

"But what did you desire? Isn't Lucius already gone? Was that not your wish?"

"No… I wished for the safety of my friends. Lucius was in the way of that."

"But what about Caine? Was it okay to leave him there?"

"I need him and Belial to stay behind, I know they are strong and will soon be back in condition. They have to help the survivors. I've told them before already, after the battle, they have to return to the kingdom. Bring any survivors they can on the way."

Lyra had a sudden realization. She was the only one that needed to be brought to safety. "Put me down… put me down now!"

"W-Woah, calm down! You're still injured…"

"I don't care! I don't give a damn! Put me down and leave me here!" she cried out

"Lyra…"

"If we go back… If we get back to the kingdom, you'll die… You'll vanish along with the Vi, I can't let that happen!"

Astid stayed silent. "Hey, Lyra… Thank you." He used his power to slowly put her to sleep. "Astid… please don't… do…" "Sleep well, Lyra. Wake up to a beautiful world, one where we are free. Lead this world, establish a new belief. When you meet up with the others, have them help you. I want you to live happily, even if you have to do so in a world without me." Astid wiped a tear from his eye, as he began to approach the kingdom. "We did it. We challenged God, we won. We've saved our future. It's all thanks to you, to Belial, to Caine, all of us. Thank you."

After flying for hours, Astid had finally reached the kingdom. He made a grand entrance, as he looked like an angel coming down from the heavens. The people of Irela all gathered around as he landed on a platform, holding onto Lyra. They asked questions like, "Did we win the war?" or "Where are the others?" Astid stood there, still carrying Lyra, and began to speak to the people who would pave the way to the future.

"People of this great kingdom, I am here to inform you that the Quod Aequitatis have emerged victorious, and we have cleansed this planet of the mad God. In my hands right now is your new leader, when she regains consciousness, please allow her to be your new queen. I believe she will lead this kingdom to its true greatness. Trust her, have faith in her, believe in her and depend on her." Astid spoke powerfully, looking at both the people who were beginning to tear up and Lyra, who was asleep in his hands. "It has been an honor serving you as your temporary king. It has been fun going on adventures with everybody. It has been my duty to protect you all. If you are wondering where the other two are, I have left them to care for the survivors." Astid flew down into the crowd of the masses and called upon his most trusted friend, Dane.

"Yes, my liege?" Dane asked. Astid handed Lyra over to him, as he did so, his body slowly began fade into nothingness.

"In order to win this war, a sacrifice had to be made. But don't cry, for I will return one day. When your prosperity is breached, I will come back and bring salvation." Astid began to cry as his body slowly faded away. "I love you all, prove to me that you can give birth to a kingdom greater than ever!" Nothing was left but his echo in the air as his body had completely dissipated and the glow disappeared.

Meanwhile back in the mainland, Caine had awoken. When he came to, he was surrounded by the remains of destroyed kingdoms, rubble, and human bodies that were ripped apart. He was horrified and afraid, he was not sure what the outcome of the battle was. However, to his nature, he knew his first job was to search and scout for survivors. He made his way to a tall pillar, but when he began to search with his precise vision, there was not a sign of life for miles. He jumped down and rushed over to Belial, who was unconscious as well.

"Hey, wake up! We need to leave!" Belial's eyebrows began to twitch as he slowly awoke, his body sore and injured.

"Goddamn, what is this feeling? I can hardly move…" Just then, Belial looked around. The destruction of nations and the death of countless people who mindlessly followed Alfa Lucius. A sudden anger had forced him on his feet.

"What is this… Can we really call this a victory?" "There are no signs of life, meaning nobody is alive… including Lucius."

"Forget that, I don't give a damn! What kind of outcome is this?! We came here to save these people, yet now we walk among the dead!" Belial yelled in anger. Suddenly, there was a warped radiance that had appeared in the sky, one similar to that of Alfa Lucius.

"No way… What the hell is that…" Belial pointed at the light, getting Caine's attention. The light did not appear to have a silhouette or figure, but the ominous light was definitely the presence of Lucius. Moments later, it began to chant.

*"From the edges of my being to the center of my life, for all which that derives from me and ends by me, I shall not leave your legacy in vain."* Suddenly, the scrapped bodies of those who died began to rise from the rubble.

"What the hell is this?! We have to get out of here, Caine!"

Caine nodded. "North west to Irela, can you still move?"

"You think I have a choice? Go ahead, get outta here. I'll be right behind you."

"Alright." Caine began to sprint towards the long distance back to Irela. He was more agile than Belial and quickly jumped through the rubble. Belial remained. He wanted to know what was going on, and what this radiance was doing.

*"Your legacies shall be remembered by this world, even if they are forgotten by man."* The body parts began to scatter and launch haphazardly. Upon colliding with the ground, they formed large rocks that seemed to be runes of some sort. The people who had lost their lives had their bodies turned into artifacts, bound to the stone. Just then, the radiance began to take the form of Lucius.

"Shit!" Belial yelled, afraid that they might have lost instead of succeed. He reached for his spear, but he was too weak to engulf it in flames.

*"As for me, I shall be remembered as tragedy, a catharsis. Let my true name not be sullied!"* The ground began to shake, as the body began to sink into the ground, creating a massive hole. Belial watched as it slowly carved the planet, and to his amazement, the hole seemed to be taking shape. Stone began to form, making the hole seem like a structure built by man. There were floors, walls, and paths, and there were various elements. Belial stared in amazement until the hole was finally covered, and surrounded by a bizarre magical aura.

"Well, that answers my question. Time to leave." He began to walk home, the ground much more smooth with the absence of rubble and dead bodies. His eyes caught notice of a sword nearby. "Wait a second… could that be…" He rushed over to the sword. "There's no mistake, this belongs to Astid." He clenched his fist. "That bastard…" He picked up the sword and sheathed it, and was on his way back to Irela.

**Addendum**

The two heroes eventually met up, and they safely made it to Irela 2 months later. After their long expedition, they were met by Lyra, who had become the new ruler of the kingdom. They exchanged their greetings and Lyra assured that Astid did not die in battle, but he sacrificed himself to defeat Lucius and safely returned her. Lyra urged them to stay in the kingdom and to help it prosper, however they both declined. Caine left the kingdom and traveled east with his party and followers. There, he pledged to establish a new kingdom. It started out as a small town, but in a few years, the new kingdom of Scyte began to make its way onto maps. As for Belial, he left not with his followers but hand picked people who he admired and respected. He left north, and with the use of newfound magic, the kingdom of Ingram was quickly shaped. These kingdoms became to be known as the Three Great Kingdoms, however none had dared step back into the mainland. As time passed, it became blasphemy to enter the mainland. That did not stop Belial, who left his kingdom 20 years later to the mainland alone, carrying both his spear and Astid's sword. His goals and whereabouts were unknown, but what is known is that he never returned. As more time passed, the heroes had lived their lives and died of age, and their place was taken by their successors. Due to the absence of humans, new races began to appear, such as the Elves, Demihumans, Fairies and more. Each kingdom continued to prosper as they accepted each race peacefully, creating a unique society, advancing in technology, magic, and technique. The three kingdoms decided to begin exploring the mainland, which they had named the ruined land. They sent multiple expeditions to explore, and they found great treasures: Runes of old that told the stories of ancient times, artifacts that were unique and of their own kind, and structures that looked like they were built by ancient civilizations. However, there was one area in particular that piqued the interest of the current rulers. There was no visible building at first, but a powerful magic field. When excavated, there was a massive stone structure that seemed to lead underground. This structure was eerie, and the aura was ominous. As the expedition returned, the rulers had decided to give it an official name. The mysterious stone structure had come to be known as Uther's Dungeon