Chapter 5: The Seven Great Rulers

After bidding their farewells to Winnipeg, Lance and the gang make their way out of Lyssandria and continue their journey..

“So Carol, tell us more about yourself. You really held your own back at the bar? Where’d you learn to throw a punch like that?” Lance questions Carolyn, curious about her background.

Carolyn pauses reluctant to speak out.

"If you don't wanna tell us I completely understand." Lance says 

"No.. It's fine. After all, you guys are going through all this trouble for me," She replies back taking a deep breath

“Well for starters, my full name is Carolyn Estoc. As for where I learned how to fight, I had to learn in secrecy,” Carolyn says to the group.

“Ahh, the Estocs. Yes they’re a prominent family in this country. They are  well known for producing some of the finest warriors.” Fluffy remarks well aware of Carolyn's fine lineage.

Aria's eyes begin to light up.

‘Wow big sis! I didn’t know you were so famous!’ 

“Hmm.. If that’s the case, why did you have to learn in secrecy?” Lance asks with confusion

Carolyn’s voice takes a more somber tone.

“Simple, because within the Estoc family, females are forbidden to learn how to fight. It’s been like that for many generations.”

‘Whaa? But that’s not fair.’ Aria says back to Carolyn

 “Well that was the case, but I was just so eager to learn. I was taught how to fight by my father's twin brother, Roderick. Women learning how to fight is one of the greatest taboos one can commit within the Estoc clan. However my Uncle had a very caring heart, and he saw the passion emanating from my eyes so despite this, he taught me the Estoc art of fighting."

"I see. As a former nobleman myself, I know how dishonoring your family's creeds and teachings is likened to that of murder or betrayal. The consequences were dire, even during my time," Fluffy remarks.

 Precisely. My father is the current head of the Estoc clan, and when he caught wind of what Uncle Roderick was doing, he was to be punished by having his right arm cut off. He then exiled me from the family calling me an embarrassment. I never saw my Uncle again after that moment. I don't even know if i could face him after that happened.. After that I left my hometown and found my way to Lyssandria. I’ve been working at the Lovely Maiden ever since.” Carolyn ends with her arms crossed and her gaze 

‘Aw, that’s so cruel’ Aria says looking down in sadness.

“A cruel fate indeed. My deepest condolences Lady Carolyn.” Fluffy says

“THAT ISN'T RIGHT! Family should never harm one another for selfish reasons like that! Where’s your old man now? I got a bone to pick with him,” Lance yells out in frustration.

“It’s alright.. Really.. Don’t even give it a second thought. ” Carolyn replies with a fabricated smile

Lance seeing Carolyn trying hard to hold back her tears takes a seat.

“Don’t worry Carol, we’ll be all the family you’ll ever need..” Lance says taking a deep breath to calm himself down

“Thank you so much. All of you. You guys are the best.” Carolyn mutters as she begins regaining her composure.

Carolyn smiles giving a thumbs up to the group.

"I'll be fine. Your master always says no worries right?" 

“Thats the spirit Lady Carolyn! But back to the matter at hand. Going by Sir Lance’s intel he got from Knives back at the bar, Hellhound is not in Lyssandria itself, and that his hideout is somewhere out of sight from the eyes of the people. This poses a problem as this area is enormous Sire, it could take several days for us to scout the place.” Fluffy sighs sounding very discouraged.

Lance takes off his backpack and sets it on the floor.

“Maybe we should set up camp first before going on with any investigating,” 

Lance then orders everyone to line up in military fashion.

“Okay.. Fluffy go ahead and look for some ingredients for our Lunch this afternoon.”

“As you wish, sire!”

Aria you and Carol can go ahead and gather firewood so you can use your magic to start a fire

‘Sir, Yes sir! Let’s go sis!’ Aria says as she cheerfully floats towards a nearby forest

“Aria! Wait up!” Carol yells out

Before she leaves Lance grabs Carolyn by the hand as she turns and faces Lance.

“Carol don’t worry about a thing, we’ll never turn our backs on you no matter what.” Lance says giving her a thumbs up.

“Now go on, you don’t wanna keep Aria waiting!” Lance says with a grin

Carolyn smiles and gives Lance a wink

“You got it ‘boss’!” Carolyn replies giving him a thumbs up back.

With that Lance and the gang went about with their day.

Several hours later..

Carolyn walks up to Lance and taps him on his shoulder.

“Hey Lance, speaking of Hellhound I’m curious about what that Black Wolves guy said back at the bar. He said you were an ‘Exalted’ just like Hellhound was, what exactly does that mean?”

“Hmm.. How would I explain it.. umm…. H-"

Aria floats in front of Lance and raises her right hand.

‘Let me explain it big brother! I think you might end up confusing her even more’

“Good Idea Aria!”! (‘Am I really that bad at explaining things?, Lance thinks to himself

Aria takes a deep breath.

‘Let me start with a demonstration… ‘

Aria surrounds herself with an intense aura of white light that begins to twirl around her furiously.

‘LEO! TIGRESS!’ Aria chants

Upon chanting those words an ethereal Lion and Tiger appear by Aria’s side..

‘As you're probably aware, this is magic. Conjuring to be precise. As for my levitation and telepathy, that’s magic as well. Why is that relevant you ask? Because as a mage, I or any other regular mage must expend mana in order to perform magic. Without mana, I would just be a normal girl and none of this you see or hear would be possible. However Exalteds are different. They are able to control magic freely. In other words, they can perform magic without ANY consumption of mana. How such a feat is achieved is still unknown to this day. Legend has it Exalteds are beings that are adored by the gods and therefore are blessed with this gift, but that's all speculation. What is certain however is that each and every one of these Exalteds are easily distinguished by their red eyes. Another interesting fact to take note of is that Exalteds are not limited to any one type of race. Whether it be the winged Divines, the Beastly ogres, or the plant based Floras, us humans, there are Exalteds born into every one of these races. As a matter of fact, every one of the Seven Great Rulers are Exalteds.’ Aria states as she dismisses her familiars.

“I see.. Mr. Winnipeg did mention something about the Seven Great Rulers. I’ve also heard stories of them from time to time, but who are they exactly?” 

“Oh that I can explain piece of cake!” Lance boasts with confidence.

“The Seven Rulers are the seven most powerful figures in this land. They each rule over large powerful kingdoms that are responsible for more than half of the country’s economy. Though most of the country is independent, like Lyssandria and many other cities across the country, and are therefore not subject to their laws. Despite that, their influence alone is enough to make drastic change within the country. These seven rulers are:  Jeremiah Saintcloud AKA The King of Heavens who’s a Divine that rules over the sky kingdom Ouranos. He has control of the skies and can whip up vicious storms at a mere whim. Though he has the appearance of an angel, he is notoriously ruthless in battle and has an extremely short fuse. Second is Adramelech Kain AKA the King of Abyss who’s an Ogre that rules over the scorched volcanic wastelands of Vesuvius. He has absolute control of earth and lava. Despite his demonic appearance he’s well known across the land as a chivalrous man with unquestionable honor. Next is Celine Grace Juniper AKA Mother Nature, and the only female among the Seven Rulers. She’s a Flora who rules over the lush green lands of Arrbor and has complete control over plants and nature in general."

"Wow this woman sounds amazing! I can't believe I've never heard of her!" Carolyn remarks.

"That's not surprising as her kingdom is closed off from the rest of the country. In fact it’s almost impossible to enter her territory due to the poisonous fumes excreted from the plants within her kingdom. Fourth on the list is Constantine Luminairis AKA the King of Shining Light who rules over the desert kingdom of Babylon. As his title suggests he is able to channel the power of light as bright as the sun itself. I don’t know much about him since his kingdom is at the edge of the continent, but apparently he’s a really swell guy who enjoys throwing a party as much as I enjoy a good battle. You also have Belethor Wilhelm AKA The Ice King who rules over the icy tundras of Glacidia, he of course has the power to conjure and bend ice to his will. Though his skills have diminished over the years due to his old age, he’s still a force to be reckoned with.  Then there’s Hannibal Faust AKA The Immortal king who rules over the kingdom of Lazarus, he is the most mysterious of all the rulers. As a matter of fact, before she was taken in by Lord Alaster, Aria was originally from Lazarus as well, but since she was so young at the time she knows nothing about that kingdom or their ruler.”

“Yes that Faust is a mysterious one indeed, in fact he was in power back when I was still among the living 3oo years ago.” Fluffy replies

“300 years ago? How can someone possibly live that long?!” Carolyn asks in shock

 “Well according to the history books,  he’s been around for even longer than that. The odd thing is rarely anyone has seen him in person, and anything that happens in the kingdom is shrouded in mystery. However there has been no record of any foul play on his behalf, so I wouldn't put too much thought into it. Last but not least you have my master, our King, Alaster Grand Infinium AKA the Supreme king who rules over the free kingdom of Isonomia. He has the ability to bend and alter gravity to his will. Lord Alaster's strength is legendary. So much so that he’s widely recognized as the strongest of the Seven Rulers hence his title of ‘Supreme King’.”

“Indeed he is. In all my years, I’ve never met a king as capable as Lord Alaster. Not only is his power unparalleled, but his benevolence and altruism is what truly seperates him from the rest.” Fluffy adds.

“And there you have it! Those are the Seven Great Rulers.” Lance says taking a deep breath after the lengthy explanation.

‘Wow Lance! You actually explained that perfectly! I’m very surprised! Good work big brother!’ Aria says gleefully

‘C’mon Aria, I know i'm not the brightest book on the shelf but me some slack will ya?’ Lance thinks to himself with tears rolling down his cheek.

“That’s amazing Lance! Then since YOU’RE an Exalted, does that mean your parents are Exalteds too?” Carol asks

Lance gets quiet for a few seconds.

“Honestly I couldn’t tell you. I don’t even know who my parents are or where I originally came from. All I CAN remember is that I woke up in an orphanage one day when I was a little kid, then about 9 years later I left the orphanage and ran into Lord Alaster, who decided to take me in as an apprentice. Anything before that is all a blur to me.” Lance says with a blank expression on his face

“I’m so sorry.. I shouldn’t have asked..” Carol replies with a tone of regret.

“Hey but don’t sweat it Carol! Everyone in La Familia has had their own fair share of grief in the past. But To be honest, I’m not worried about my past at all. Why worry about the past when I’m right here enjoying life with you guys in the present? As long as you guys are here the future is bright as ever!” Lance says with his usual bright smile.

“You know, you’re absolutely right! Carolyn says back to Lance

 As long as I’m with you, I have a future to look forward to.” She then whispers to herself

“What’d you say Carol? It sounded like you were mumbling something? And now you’re face is starting to get red! Are you catching a cold?” Lance asks placing his hand on her forehead.

”N-n-n-no I didn’t say anything, and I’m fine, really! Hey I think Fluffy wanted me to help with the cooking. Coming Fluffy!” Carolyn yells out in embarrassment as she dashes away from Lance

“Well if she can run like that then I guess she’s alright. Guess I’ll see what Aria’s up to” Lance says to himself as he walks off.

Several hundred meters from Lance and the group’s campsite a mysterious man watches them through his binoculars.

“Allen Kirkwood here. Yes I’ve spotted the target, I’m going in soon. With the amount of money you’re paying me, those kids are as good as mine.  Alright, you got it Hellhound..”

*click*

“Whoever this Hellhound guy is, he has some deep pockets. He was even generous enough to pay me half up front. It’s been a while since we last squared off Lance ol’ buddy ol’ pal. I’m eager to show you just how much stronger I’ve gotten. Hahahaha.”

THE BOUNTY HUNTER MAKES HIS MOVE! WHAT IS THIS MAN'S RELATIONSHIP TO LANCE?