The Next Generation (98)

"Hey!! Bring that over here!!"

"Alright! I've got it!!"

Construction was going smoothly on Arbok City's new training academy. It was on track to become the largest one in the world.

Komo passed it up everyday. He wanted to apply as soon as it was finished.

Komo was young, about thirteen years old. He had black hair, brown eyes, and freckles.

Another boy his age walked past him from behind. "Staring at old men build stuff again, Komo?"

It was Sura. He had dark red hair and eyes.

Komo looked at him. "It's been a year since they started! It's almost done! I cant wait!"

Sura scoffed and kept walking with his hands behind his head. "I don't know why, it's not like you know how to use energy."

Komo frowned. He couldn't say anything because it was true. He didn't know how to use his spiritual essence. But he was good at magic.

He called out after Sura. "I can still use magic you know! One day I'll be just as strong as the prince!! You'll see!!"

Sura waved his hand lazily. "Sure, whatever."

Komo balled his fists. *"I'll show him. If I can't use energy, then I'll become the best at using magic!"* he thought to himself.

Komo, Sura, and a bunch of other kids were the result of the new alliance that Arbok made with Titania.

They had came from King Judah's recommendations to live and study here.

Komo heard stories about the hero Akasan and how he saved Arbok from destruction several times. He was his idol. So of course Komo was ultra-excited to live in Arbok.

Everyone loved Akasan.

Whenever he'd appear in public girls would surround him and try to get an autograph.

Some boys would get jealous but they couldn't hide the fact that Akasan was simply an amazing person.

"Oh shoot! I'm gonna be late!!" Komo exclaimed. He ran off with his bag.

Komo happened to work as a part time delivery boy.

--

Akasan walked out on the terrace of the newly-renovated Royal Palace. He could see over the entire city. He took a deep breath as he enjoyed the cool wind blowing over his face.

A man walked up from behind him dressed in a suit and bow tie. He handed Akasan a scroll, bowed, then left.

Akasan opened it up. He read it:

"*Akasan, I wanted to personally thank you for your efforts here in our country. Over the past few years, many more efforts were made to ensure the future of our demihuman citizens. As king, I've made sure that everyone has realized their old-fashioned, primitive way of thinking, and I can see the light at the end of this long dark tunnel. It's all thanks to you. Sorry that it took so long to contact you. Word is starting to spread worldwide that you've become a prince. I'm very much proud of you, and I hope that you continue to do great things in the world. Also, I wanted to let you know that the Jade Islands offers their full support to Arbok as a trusted ally. It only makes sense in these times. Take care. -King Balta."*

Akasan smiled at the note. "Balta... so you're the one who became king... brings back memories."

Akasan felt happy. The world was slowly but surely coming together.

Arbok had three allied countries now. His dream was gradually becoming a reality. He walked back inside the palace and soon left.

He walked through the downtown marketplace and came to one of the buildings on the side of the road.

It was a magic item shop. Small, cozy, and very... purple friendly. He opened up the wooden door and walked inside.

Amun was standing at the counter pouring himself some obviously expensive liquor.

"Enjoying yourself?" Akasan asked.

Amun poured his drink. "You're late."

Akasan looked at the various items on the shelves. Lots of little trinkets and unique craftsmanship.

"I can't really walk through town without getting stopped a few times, and I don't like ignoring people." Akasan said.

Amun smiled.

Akasan looked at him. "You decided to show your real face?"

Amun took a swig of his drink. "As long as I hide my eye color, I should be fine. Norman doesn't exist anymore. He's off the grid."

Amun seemed proud of that fact.

Akasan walked up to the counter. "So, what did you need?"

Amun waved his hand, signaling Akasan to follow him. They went to the back of the store.

The back room was dim, as it was only lit by a single lamp sitting on a tall rectangular table. It shone on what looked like a map of the world.

Akasan frowned. "What kind of map is this?"

Amun frowned at him. "What do you mean? This is a normal map."

Akasan shook his head. He pointed at some landmasses. "This is Atlantia. It doesn't exist anymore. And neither does Alfheim. And Cell City isn't even shown here."

Amun put a hand to his chin. "So Atlantia fell as well hm? I haven't checked the northern countries yet. Akasan, this is a map from before I was born. You could say that this was the world before Nyx came to power. So naturally, there would be some things that might seem off to you. Even I have never seen Alfheim before, so I couldn't tell you much. I know very little about the country."

Akasan frowned. He looked at Amun. "Do you know anything about demons?"

Amun's eyebrows raised. "The demon race? Sure I know of them. But they too disappeared before my time."

Akasan looked back at the map. He lowered his voice. "What about... a demon named Dante?"

Amun stroked his beard. "Ah, yes. Dante. The Demon King. He ruled over Alfheim for a period of time. Not much is known of him, other than that he's the one who had the crimson flame before you. The knowledge of Alfheim disappeared along with the rest of the country. If you want to know more, you'd have to ask someone older than Nyx!"

Amun started laughing. He took a sip of his drink. "Now that that's out the way, allow me to explain the situation at hand. I have a magic spell called Migration Flock. It sends out thousands of magical birds that fly all over the world. The spell is basically harmless. It's used only for gathering information. What my birds learn, I learn as well. This time I've only had them search the southern countries. Here's what I know."

Amun put his finger on the map. He was pointing at Hampton. "Hampton. The entire country's income is heavily reliant on slavery. They have angels, demihumans, and other humans altogether. The leader of this country is one of Nyx's Phantoms, Rose."

Akasan frowned.

Amun moved his finger. "Gon. A country of savagery really. The entire landmass is far behind in technological advancement, and has little to no laws. I believe it's used for experimentation of some sort. This country is ruled by another Phantom, Mykael."

Amun moved his finger again. "Olympia. Since I've last been, the country has become an absolute fortress. On the outskirts, there is nothing but snow and extreme cold. Every few hundred miles or so might be a small town. At the far south of the country, is a city called Olympus. That's where Nyx and the last Phantom named Jasper resides. The city is overflowing with powerful individuals, and there's a over a hundred walls of security between the outside and Nyx. I'll do a more in-depth scan later."

Amun pointed to one more country. "And last but not least, Urvenia. This country is protected by the Seventh Order, but has more freedom than other countries because of their king, Dabi. I haven't seen him, but word is that he's an archangel. Apparently they want you to visit their country for some unknown reason."

Akasan looked at Amun. "Me? Why would they want me?"

Amun took a sip of his drink. "You aren't very bright are you? I just said unknown reason. Think about it."

A bell rang at the front of the store. Amun walked over. "Coming! Welcome to my shop!"

Akasan thought about something. *"How smart does he have to be to keep track of so much information at once? Thousands of birds? So far away like that? That's amazing..."*

--

Komo finished his deliveries and sat down at a park bench and slouched back in relief.

He sighed. "I'm so tired of this work. Over and over..."

Two other kids walked over to him. A boy and a girl.

The girl waved enthusiastically. "Komo!! Hey!!"

Komo tilted his head up to get a look at who was calling. He smiled.

It was the twins, Yuri and Yari.

Yuri was the girl and Yari was the boy.

They were nearly identical if it wasn't for the differing genders.

"What's going on guys?" Komo asked.

Yari fist bumped him. "I wanted to train and work on some new moves, but Yuri insisted on coming to the park."

Yuri smiled. "It's because you always come here after work Komo."

Komo looked in the sky. "I ran into Sura earlier today."

Yari raised his eyebrows. "Sura? Speaking of, why are you two so distant now? You guys used to be like, best friends."

Komo looked at him. "Sura has a hunger for power. He's stronger than me, so he put some space between us. But I'm gonna prove to him that I can be strong too. Even if I can't use energy."

Yuri chuckled. "You're so goofy. You'll have to learn how to use your energy sooner or later, otherwise you won't make it far in the First Order. Do you remember who the king told us our instructor is?"

Komo nodded. "Prince Akasan. I know. But still. I believe in my strength."

Yuri shrugged. "Anyway, this Akasan guy. Isn't he like eighteen years old? He can't be that crazy, right?"

Komo stood up. "He is that impressive! He took down Nyx's daughter all by himself!! And he defeated Jack the Ripper, who was known for never being caught or defeated, even by several gods!"

Yuri held her hands up in disbelief. "Are you sure that those weren't just rumors? I mean, he *is* one of the Magi, so I'm sure he's strong, but I bet the three of us could take him down if we wanted to."

Yari nodded. "I'm also confident in our abilities. Let's show this prince what we can do."

Komo stood up. "You guys might be right, maybe I got a little overenthusiastic."

Yuri put his head under her arm jokingly and ruffled his hair. "You bet I'm right! You're plenty strong already!"