Episode 17

As Theodore and others entered the healing chambers, there were many people already waiting for their turn. The guard led them to the special chambers where Jason was already being healed. There were many high-level healers working on healing people and was a legend healer as well. She was healing Jason as his injuries looked quite deep. It was a tall room and had a big shiny crystal hanging from the roof. It wasn't a chandelier but was a large crystallized mana essence. After a while, she turned towards Vivian who was looking at her with a worrying look. "Don't worry dear. He's in much better health thanks to the first aid you did. He'll be fine with a few hours of rest." 'I hope he does." Suddenly a voice echoed in the room. It was Athena who spoke. "He is a friend of mine and I can't stand watching him suffer." She spoke in a determining tone. "Understood your highness." The healer then turned towards the attendants to tell them the procedures. "Don't worry, he'll be fine, why don't you come to join us?" Athena asked, looking at Theodore and Vivian before turning around. Looking at their allies getting treated the both left with Athena to the main chamber. "I believe the things that are happening are quite worrisome yet you should also share your views on it, I hope that won't be a bother." To her words, both of them had no answer. It really was difficult times and also they had some important information to share as well.

As they entered the main chamber, the atmosphere changed. It was so tense that they could even hear the fire that was lit in the lanterns in the room. There were 3 people already seated, Theodore's father The Ruler of Arboria, Evan; The Queen of Antioch, Chloe; and her daughter Catherine. Chloe looked somewhat hurt and Catherine was also beaten quite a bit. Seeing them Theodore and Vivian realized that they must have also come across the demon troops. It was well known that both Chloe and her daughter were illustrious powerhouses. They had the blessing of the place on them, making them one of the chosen people who could use Mana without giving a thought about the limit. In addition, Catherine was blessed by the wind spirit though trying to tame and wield the powerhouse at it's best. "Theodore, Vivian; I'm so glad to see you doing well. Where's Nic? And how are Merida's injuries? Is she doing okay?" Chloe asked, looking at them entering through the doors. "He is fine and he along with sister Merida are taking rest in the healing chambers. What happened to you? Is everything alright?" To his question, Chloe forced an awkward smile. "Damn those Demonoid, they got us good. We were preparing to leave for an exploration when suddenly our scouts saw swarms of enemy spawns closing in. It was impossible for us to fight back without any preparations and by the time we could gather our troops, they already had infiltrated The Capital City." Catherine replied while applying for medicine on Chloe's wounds. Her wind spirit was lying on the couch as well, it looked like it had taken some big hit and was recovering.

Discussing the course of events, everyone seemed to understand the situation a bit better. "Athena, you know anything about it? I don't doubt what he is saying, but is it possible? Is it possible that the seal on the Gates of Nine Hells is warring off? If that is so we might be facing a great war." Hearing this everyone felt a chill. The great wars that happened a long time ago were no joke. Millions died in those chaotic times. If what was happening continued, it'd lead the world again towards the great calamity. "I wish I could say it's all just nonsense but, as the things are going on, it's something far more grave than that. I believe that the main seal isn't broken yet as the numbers of the greater demon creature that are appearing is quite low. Why not seek some information about all this from the Plane Guardian himself?" her words made everyone startled. 'Plane Guardian? Here? And who is it anyways?' everyone was thinking such. She asked all of them to follow her. As they were passing through the lobby, Athena's daughter Diana joined them. She was widely known for her wisdom ability. She was also one the people who had the Plane's Will on her allowing her to gain the wisdom ability. For many years she had helped Athena in maintaining the kingdom. She was quite beautiful as well, it was common for such people to have a great amount of charm on them. The fact that they were blessed by the Plane usually made them quite attractive in appearance.

After walking for about a minute through the back garden they arrived at a temple. Even from the distance they could feel the bursting energy from the temple. As they walked closer, they could feel a warmth in the air soothing their minds. It was such a tremendous amount of energy that would terrify even greater demons. While walking they discussed a bit about the current situation and came to know that the war was at halt, but had done terrible damage though-out the kingdoms. Thousands were dead and millions were stranded or being kept as hostages. As for Aeneas no one knew where he went. It was quite a bad situation out there. As they entered the temple there were many monks who were meditating. It felt like this place was in another world, there was no trace of malice in the air and the aura that was surrounding the people was a bright one and soothing at the same time. "He must be inside, he's the one who is responsible for the peace in the southern territory. The recent matters must have made him busy." Saying this she continued leading others to the inner side of the temple. As they entered the core room of the temple they saw a man standing on a tall stone with a stick in his hand, he looked quite young and had a worry-free face as well. He looked like a young child acting adult, yet his aura was certainly higher than that of any person they'd ever met. "Looks like you made it in good shape Theodore." The plane guardian asked him in a calm tone. "How do you know that?" Theodore was puzzled. "Ha ha ha…. Kid, I know everything that happens in the southern region. They don't call me the Mage God for no reason. Anyways, I'll introduce myself first and you must have a lot of questions too. My name is Griffin, and Aeneas informed me of the danger." Hearing this Theodore's ears twitched, 'Aeneas knew this guy, a plane guardian? Then what he meant by meeting up with an old friend was this?' "You didn't have to spill the beans you old monk", suddenly a voice echoed in the room, to their surprise Aeneas was looking down at them from the highest window. "Besides it'd be good if you put up a show for them to show off your strength." He asked Griffin pointing towards a flying beast, a Chaotic Dragon.