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[kaiser-dracon]

Calamity Wars Chapter 7 Sneak Peek

Fire and Thunder

The Ancient Times, War of Desolation

The clouded sky loomed over a desolate landscape. A once lush pain turned into a battlefield of death and misery was plagued by the wrath of a heavenly race. Fleeing caravan refugees stretched into the horizon from one side of a road into a large city.

High above the cliffs, a lone seraph was overlooking the desperation of humankind. His long sword was placed beside him as he sat down, losing himself in his thoughts. The decision he would make would turn the tide of the war forever.

He sensed the misery, sadness, and hopelessness of the human refugees down below. He raised his hand, looking at his white clear gauntlet. He calmly gazed into his reflection and coiled it in determination. Now it was a matter of time before all hell broke loose.

 A dark group of clouds advanced toward the city. Red lightning bolts jolted all over the sky as the people looked back in horror, recognizing it as their doom approaching. Mothers took their children and men let go of their belongings, grabbing their families and running to the gates in masses. 

The seraphim sat there in total calmness until the clouds stopped above him.

A harsh, strident voice called him from within, echoing with contempt and dissatisfaction.

“Why the human city still stands, Susanoo? No one shall disobey the command! Destroy it this instant!”

Susanoo opened his eyes and raised his head at the dark clouds above him, staring intently into them. “There is no need for more bloodshed. Those that were responsible for atrocities have been dealt with. I will not harm these innocent creatures.”

“You dare argue with me?!” A terrifying growl filled the sky and a thick red thunderbolt hit the wall of the city, tearing it down and another bolt hit the tallest tower. The boulders and debris rained on the people down below. Screams filled the air as the surviving refugees dispersed from the wreckage, each running away in different directions.

Susanoo pulled his sword and slashed it widely in front of him. A bright blue thunderous cut purged the red bolts and pushed back the crimson storm.

“Stop it. These people are innocent. We cannot do as we pleased with underdeveloped life, no matter how basic or young their civilization is.” Susanoo scowled with his long dark eyebrows into the cloud. “These will not pay for the crimes they did not commit!”

“You,” The voice darkened with hate, “If you do not obey the command, I will put you to death!”

Rays of light shined beneath the clouds and an army of seraphim warriors and beasts descended gracefully. They landed all around Susanoo, making a circle as they surrounded him. Susanoo swept a gaze over them. His stoic and calm gesture made every heavenly beast and seraphim warrior unease. 

One of the seraphim with a long spear and golden horns on his head stepped closer in fury. “You traitor! Why do you insist on taking the sides of the inferior insects?”

Another one with a golden mask joined the first one side by side in protest. “Why? You, who was the greatest among the seraphim… Answer us, Susanoo!”

The humans below looked above toward the elevated cliffs, watching the scene with dread in their eyes.

“I shall answer,” Susanoo turned to the seraphim and raised his longsword. “But I’ll do it with my blade!” 

In an instant and without warning, a sudden strike sliced through the two seraphim closer to Susanoo and their bodies instantly disintegrated in a brilliant light. The rest seraphim stepped back and readied their weapons before a bloodlust battlecry reverberated all around them. Susanoo dashed at the horde with eyes shining in blue light and his longsword trailing lighting bolts. It happened in a blink of an eye and another group of seraphim warriors perished in a wave of strikes unseen to normal eyes. 

A wave of heavenly beasts and warriors stormed Susanoo and a barrage of fire and wind artes bombarded where stood, but all the magic shots hit the empty ground. The Seraphim looked around in panic, searching for Susanoo before a flash of a blue thunderbolt passed beside them. The seraphim warrior bodies cracked and they burst into white light, shrieking in pain and agony.

Susanoo reappeared among the specks of lights; his gesture was calm as he didn’t even break a sweat. He raised his head again at the dark cloud above him as the gruff voice hatefully called his name.

“I should have expected this from a coward such as yourself,” A ball of red lightning shot from the clouds and zapped toward Susanoo. He raised his sword and it hit his guard with an insurmountable magical force. The blow emit a blast around the area and waves of destruction travelled around the continent, demolishing houses and tearing out the ceilings from walls. 

The humans below dispersed and took cover before raising their heads and noticing another entity fighting Susanoo. 

A hulking seraph, with an ogre-like body, was clashing his two hammers against Susanoo’s greatsword. Sparks of magical electricity surrounded them.

“Raijin,” Susanoo mumbled his name and stood firmly against the seraph’s push.

Raijin bared his fangs and his red eyes burned in hate. “You’re a coward who kills his own kin!” 

Susanoo spotted more hordes of seraphim descending and landing behind Raijin.

Raijin’s hammers glowed red, charging up in red bolts. “I will bury you along with those who you want to protect!”

The hammers released their energy and Susanoo backpedalled masterfully, dodging the blast. 

The new wave of seraphim warriors and beasts joined Raijin, standing beside him. “Humans are unnecessary for the stability of this world. They easily sin and succumb to their impulse desires! Your rebellious intentions are born out of ignorance. They must be purged not understood. ”

Susanoo gripped the golden handle of his sword and his eyes flashed in a bright blue. “You’re all afraid of them. But you failed to see through your ego and hate.” Susanoo’s white robes around his torso loosened and revealed trivial tattoos all around his muscles, lighting up one by one.”Not every human fails to resist the temptation.” 

The rest of the seraphim brandished their weapons and a female seraph stepped into the burning dirt that was the result of the thunder seraphs’ previous clash. She was unarmed and looked less threatening than others. She looked concerned. Susanoo recognized her; the third child, Kayda. “The four heavenly kings made it clear to you that is forbidden to make a pact with the humans. Step aside and I will make sure you’ll get a fair trial.”

Raijin pushed aside the smaller seraph and scoffed. “I don’t care about Tiamat’s judgement. I want to see him burned for his sins!”

Susanoo raised his sword skyward and held it with his two hands. “Little dragon,” He told Kayda, “Your mother fails to understand the compassion, and so did the four heavenly kings. Only the weak get sucked into malevolence and humanity is not weak!” Susanoo let loose a deafening battle cry and his blade shot a lightning bolt into the sky.

Raijin gritted his sharp teeth and a series of ethereal drums appeared behind him, rotating circularly. “Die, Susanoo!”

As the giant seraph reached Susanoo, he brought down his big hammers with great force.

The weapons hit something harder than an iron fortress and a blinding explosion engulf the cliff. 

Raijin’s shrieks of pain echoed around the beach and the ocean behind them and his body crashed in front of the seraphim. Smokes steamed from his reddish skin and he gasped in pain. Kayda and the rest noticed Susanoo’s battle stance n front of them. Blue lightning bolts zapped all around and Kayda flew away from the scene.

A battle ensued and the surviving humans watched from below. A father of two shed a tear of hope. “H— He’s fighting… For our sake.”

Another woman embraced her scared daughter. “For us, powerless people…”

A young man coiled his fist and raised it at the battle. “He is taking on all those gods by himself!”

An old man struggled to hold his frail body but made his way above everyone else on a broken wall. “Susanoo is a god!”

The old man cheered.

“He is our god!”

Avernus’ breath shortened. With a weak gasp, he woke up from his nightmare. Sweat trickled from his forehead. The world was dark and hazy, but a soothing voice and a pair of bright golden lights greeted him.

“Are you okay?”

Avernus’ anxiety dropped down immensely with Velvet’s presence, enough to regain his thoughts. “I’m… I’m okay now.” He locked eyes with Velvet. 

“You had a nightmare.” Velvet stroked his tousled hair and placed a hand on his wet forehead. “No fever.” Velvet was relieved.

Her concern painted a smile on Avernus’ face before he turned to see their kids still sleeping soundly in their cradle, with Orthie and Russ, their dogs calmly resting below them.

“That was a strange dream,” Avernus shook his head. “A battle, against a seraphim army. It felt so real. I could sense his emotions. His hope, his hate and-”

Avernus was interrupted as Velvet pulled him into her embrace and squeezed his face between her bosom. Avernus submitted and calmed down. 

“Shh. Don’t think about it.”

The heavenly feeling of Velvet’s softness and the rosy fresh smell of her skin robbed Avernus of his worries and he hugged Velvet on her waist. 

Before he wished for a second round of sleep, the sound of warning bells pulled both of them back. They jumped from the bed and slid into their outfits. The twins yawned and looked around in surprise before their parents planted a kiss on their foreheads, making them smile and leaving for the deck.

The dawn had arrived and Benwick along Eleanor were already distributing weapons. Benwick passed the binoculars to Velvet. “We got company.”

Velvet looked through the spyglass and spotted black ships pursuing a fleet of refugee ships. “Change course to intercept Dragoina’s battleships,” Velvet ordered, gesturing her arm at the front. “Full speed!”

Max entered the deck in confusion with eyes still half shut. “What’s going on?”

“Getting ready to fight,” Avernus said without turning to Max.

Max’s eyes widened in shock, totally waking up. “W-What?! This early in the morning?!”

Velvet gave Max a sideways look. “You can go back inside.”

After a few seconds of thinking, Max stepped back and took cover behind the main mast. “I-I think I’ll just watch from here, thanks.”

A figure crept behind Max and whispered into his ears. “Coward.”

Magilou’s breath made Max’s neck hair straighten and he jumped in fright. “What?! You!”

Magilou whirled a paper guardian on her index finger and yawned. “I almost missed sea battles.”

Eleanor jumped on the mast, traversing up. “I never thought I’d see the day we have to fight again. This is like a nightmare.”

Laphicet and Lailah came out of the crew quarters. They joined Velvet and Avernus with Laphicet focusing on the black ships. “I sense a tremendous amount of malevolence coming from the enemy armada.”

Velvet nodded. “Yes. I can feel it too.”

“We might need the Silver Flame for the cleansing,” Avernus said and looked at his hands. “If I still had the power to use it…”

“Or you can beat them up like you always do,” Magilou circled Avernus with her hands locked over the back of her head, smirking. “Truth be told, you are now more dangerous than you were before, even without your powers.”

“Thanks for the compliment, I guess.” 

Lailah stood by Avernus. “I will support you, brother.”

Avernus shook his head. “I appreciate it, but I want you to work with Eleanor from now on.” 

Lailah looked at Eleanor in surprise. “A-Alright. If that’s what you want.”

Zaveid rushed out of the cabin and growled in hate, cocking Siegfried and waiting for their inevitable combat eagerly. “We worked so hard for the peace. Time for payback.”

Velvet surveyed the Drogina’s ship formation. “We hit the smaller ones with canons in a quick pass and ram the second one. Then, we catch the main battleship before it can reach the refugees.”

Laphicet raised his hands and summon a powerful gust of wind, adding more speed to Van Eltia. Laphicet saw Velvet looking at him and immediately realized her request. “Don’t worry, Velvet. I’ll protect Elaine and Alistair.”

Velvet smiled. “Thanks.” With Avernus giving Laphicet a firm nod too.

As Van Eltia gained more speed, Max held on to the railing for dear life. Magilou approached her with a hint of mischievousness behind her smile. “To all passengers from the great Menagerie’s leader and superstar, Magilou Mayvin: please enjoy the next part of our show,” She moved closer to Max. “It’s the plundering time!”

Max blinked fast as he placed a firm hand on his hat and suddenly, aft canons fired together. The long-range barrage hit one of the smaller escort ships and a column of fire rose from the boat, splitting in half. 

“First one’s down!” Avernus yelled in victory. 

For the first time, Max felt the shake and sound of canons and the smell of gunpowder on the sea, as they painted feelings of fear and excitement at the same time. Contrary to what was happening, the twins were in the safe magical bubble in Velvet’s cabin, oblivious to the war outside and enjoying their time with their uncle Maotelus and their canine guardians.

“Fire!” With Velvet’s command, the canons rained death upon the surprised enemy and the second ship turned into a giant fireball. 

Avernus spotted the main battleship turning away from pursuing the refugee’s boats and the rest of Dragonia’s fleet followed suit.

“We won!” Max said, hoping that fight is already over. But Avernus turned to him, eyes filled with determination.

“No, Max. It’s just begun.”

“But we beat them! They’re not hunting the refugee’s ships anymore!”

Avernus gave him a confident smile. “They’re not hunters, Max. We are the hunters and they are our prey.”

[kaiser-dracon]

can you give us dates of when either the story or arts get updated?

Since I don't have much free time, for now, all my efforts are going to the story. For arts, I only have one project which I will not resume until I release two chapters for CW and Lady Calamity's Delights.

The next chapter of CW will be released in the first to the second week of September.

[kaiser-dracon]

Will you show a velvet wedding picture?

One day yes. I have her wedding dress and the pose already.

[kaiser-dracon]

Finally done!

Velvet Crowe as she appears in Calamity Wars Saga.

[kaiser-dracon]

Happy 4th anniversary! (This is the day I started writing it)

It still needs a little bit of editing, but for now, here it is.

Happy that the journey made me able to work on my character development skill. I wish I had more time to be constant in my releases, but it is life.

Thank you to those who stayed with Velvernus until now.

[kaiser-dracon]

My Velvet is looking good. Time for another Avernus x Velvet artwork.

[kaiser-dracon]

The Law of the Wolf

A woman sits on a chair between her twins’ beds. A boy and a girl watch in anticipation as it was time for their bedtime story.

Mother: "Pay attention kids, this is the part of the story that is really important."

The mother opens an ancient book and begins reading from it. A lone woman with a long hair that resembles the woman is shown standing under the full moon.

Mother: "Now this is the Law of the Jungle, as old and as true as the sky. The wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the wolf that shall break it must die."

She flips the page, and a man with a long pony tail has joined the woman and they are facing off against hordes of monsters.

Mother: "As the creeper that girdles the tree trunk, the law run forward and back;"

On the next page, the same man and woman, but with different looks, are now fighting dragons and otherworldly monsters that look more menacingly than before.

Mother: "For the strength of the pack is the wolf,"

The woman is shown cutting a large dragon and the man summoned lightening bolts that vaporized the demon army behind it.

Mother "And the strength of the wolf..."

In the final page, a five-headed dragon with a new army of demons is meeting the man and woman head on.

The woman looks her kids in the eyes and her bright golden gaze imbues excitement in the twins as they pull their sheets near their mouths.

Velvet: "Is the pack."

[kaiser-dracon]

Avernus Asgard as he appears in Tales of Berseria The X2 Calamity Wars.

[kaiser-dracon]

Avernus is such an amazing OC you've designed! I'm curious if you have more super cool characters? Or is Avernus your only one?

Thanks for liking him! Avernus is the only one I draw. I had more, but I never went far and draw them. Visualizing Avernus was a must-do for me since I wanted to separate him from any SI (Self-insert) characters.

[kaiser-dracon]

Beowulf and the Sea of Ice sneak peek

After passing out, Velvet found herself back at the secluded place covered in still white, where her consciousness retreated when she hunted down Artorius and Innominat. The place she hadn’t visited for the past three years.

Velvet spotted two figures walking calmly toward her and stopped a few meters. She immediately recognized the spirits of her sister and her step-brother. A sense of nostalgia brushed her soul.

“Celica…Arthur.”

Those two were wearing their casual outfit from the time Velvet remembered them happy and alive.

“You’ve come a long way, Velvet.” Celcia smiled softly for her. “You’ve become strong. You protected your loved ones.”

Arthur acknowledged the same. “You did what I failed to do.”

Velvet’s heart suddenly skipped a beat as she remembered witnessing Avernus’ struggle when her ravenous arm devoured his malevolence. This wasn’t over as Arthur said. 

“But…” A dark shadow enveloped her heart; a grave fear loomed over her being.”My family is still in danger. What should I do? I don’t want to lose anyone. I don’t want to lose my family… I don’t want to lose Avernus!”

They both stared silently for a brief moment before Arthur spoke. “Avernus still lacks the self-awareness to know he is just a human. His mind is a storm of guilt, both his own, Claudin, mine and yours. Avernus is carrying all of our burdens by himself. He is still trying to protect you and undo what I did. Our sins are his, as well as his past.”

Celica nodded. “The burden of this world is too great for one man to bear, and the world’s sorrow too heavy for one heart to suffer.”

Velvet pressed her lips tightly as she already tasted them and dropped her head in shame. “I should’ve cared more for him. I should’ve never left his side!”

“They put a weapon in his hands and told him who they wanted him to be without giving him much of a choice,” Arthur said, “And now… he is trying to reconcile a lifetime of Shepherds’ misdeeds with a few years of his own as one of them.”

As adamant as Velvet was, she raised a clenched fist, trying her best to reassure herself. “I will stand by his side. Even if it takes an eternity, I will make sure he will not carry them alone.”

Arthur’s face became tense surprisingly. “I respect your conviction, Velvet, but you must know this; Doing what you believe is right as you have and as I had — doesn’t absolve us from the consequences of our actions… Someone must always pay the price.”

Velvet gasped in worry as an image of Avernus looking back at her with that haughty and assured smile and those eyes that pierced her soul flashed as Arthur finished his sentence. The fear of Avernus paying the ultimate price for what she did during her time as the Lord of Calamity darkened her heart. The dream suddenly ended and the anxious feeling pulled her into the darkness.

Velvet was suddenly back into reality. Her body was sore, but she felt familiar touches of warmth resting on her arms. It took a while for her to shed sleep from her brain. She opened her eyes and looked at Alistair and Elaine sleeping soundly in her embrace.

“My treasures,” Velvet mumbled and she smiled in contentment. Their calm faces made her forget the previous night and that dream for a moment. Velvet looked around the room and found she was occupying the whole bed with no traces of Avernus. She looked down and noticed her clothes were changed and babies were placed each between her arms. The ship rocked slightly, indicating that they were sailing on the sea.

Velvet quietly and carefully turned and placed her kids on the soft, white sheet of her comfortable bed before gently kissing their foreheads. She wanted to stay with them even more, but Velvet had to see Avernus to calm her heart. 

Then, as Velvet stood up, her legs began to fail and she nearly stumbled forward, before controlling and balancing herself. “I feel so weak.”

Velvet brushed her forehead as the room circled her head like she had a high fever. “I guessed I overdid myself last night.”

Velvet put her babies in their cradles and after a brief glimpse of her babies, she mustered enough power to walk toward the cabin door. Slowly opening it, Velvet heard mumbles echoing in the hallway. As Velvet walked down the corridor, she saw Platinum Knights sleeping on the ground with their weapons and helmets beside them. 

“We don’t have enough room for these knights.” Velvet passed on the small space between them and overheard Avernus’ voice coming from the meeting room. She paced and opened the door. Velvet nearly let out a sigh of relief at the sight of Avernus and leaned her exhausted body against the door frame.

Avernus was standing near the large table in the middle, pointing at the big map of Midgand decorated with small blue and red flags on each island, indicating the points of interest for Dragonia forces and whatever was left of the imperial legions. Heldalf with two of his knights was giving advice and exchanging battle plans. Avernus looked fine and still held up good enough for someone that had lost himself to malevolence. But she noticed his long hair turned into a white and silvery colour, with only tips remaining golden blond. 

Avernus raised his head as if he sensed Velvet’s presence. His eyes were still brimming with that pale spring green. Velvet softly smiled for him while leaning her weary head against the wall. Cutting himself short, he left the table and walked toward her. Velvet’s eyes silently followed him until he was within a breath distance and cupped his hands over her face.

“You still have to rest.”

Velvet caressed his hand in response. “Are you okay?” She whispered, “How do you feel?”

Avernus nodded in assurance before Heldalf joined them. “Lady Velvet, sorry to disrupt. I have talked with Sir Avernus and we agreed on us disembarking at Taliesin. We need to regroup before finding King Percival and his entourage.”

“That’s a good plan, we don’t have enough room for your knights anyway,” Velvet said bluntly.

Heldalf was taken back slightly before agreeing. “T-That’s right. I guess the famous Scourge of the Seas doesn’t have a place for us.”

Velvet turned to Heldalf, getting defensive. “So, you recognized Van Eltia?”

“Yes, ma’am. The ship that dogged the Empire’s fleet and waged war against Artorius and was the bane of Lucian Astor’s flagship Myrmidon is still the talk of legends.”

Velvet placed her hands on her hips, frowning slightly. “You don’t feel threatened? This ship’s crew was once the sworn enemies of the Empire.”

“It’s not like you are the Lord of Calamity,” Heldaf said, prompting Velvet to glance at Avernus. It seemed that the knights didn’t fully know who they really were. Heldalf continued, “And you helped us escape and defended the main temple. Besides, you’re involved with sir Avernus and Maotelus himself. Whatever reasons you had against the empire, I deemed them justifiable.”

“I appreciate your trust, but I don’t want more imperial legions on my ship,” Velvet said coldly “I want your men out as soon as we dock with Taliesin. I will give you enough supplies to tend to your men and then, you are on your own.”

Heldalf looked shocked but Avernus gave him an assuring glance. “We will discuss this more when we reach Taliesin, Heldalf.”

Relieved, Heldalf bowed slightly in respect and left with his knights.

Velvet’s frowned face softened as she turned to Avernus. He knew she was overprotective of their babies and would do anything for their safety.

“I need to debrief you on the events of last night.” Avernus placed a hand on her waist and guided her towards other cabins. Avernus slowly knocked on the room that Rokurou used to occupy and slowly pushed it open. Velvet saw Eleanor stirring something in a pot. The air was filled with the aroma of medicinal herbs. Eleanor’s eyes were focused on a bed nearby. Avernus fully opened the door and Velvet spotted Rokurou’s unconscious body. He was bandaged all over his torso. 

Eleanor noticed their presence and her worrying eyes fell on Avernus and Velvet. She placed the bowl on the table and moved toward them. 

“I’m glad you’re okay!” Eleanor said.

“I’m okay, but why Rokurou isn’t up yet?” Velvet wondered.

Eleanor ate her words, but Avernus replied instead. “Rokurou resisted my strikes, his bones were smashed all over his body.”

Velvet turned to him. “But with Laphicet’s magic, he should be okay.”

“Well, the thing is… Qingu’s domain weakened Laphicet’s power and he was cut off from the earthpulses when he sacrificed his true form to seal the throne. The potency of our artes is now…” Avernus sighed in slight distress. “... very basic. It takes a long time for anyone to recover their health or mana.”

Then a voice interrupted them from behind. “Rokurou is in better shape than Eizen.”

They turned to see Magilou standing in the door frame with two canes under her armpits and her left leg heavily bandaged. 

Magilou continued. “Even with my broken leg will take a few days to heal. This Qingu’s domain is aggressively suppressing everything. It’s on par with Innominat… maybe even worse.”

Velvet looked uncaring for Magilou’s injury. “I can send you off along with knights if you can’t keep up with us.”

Magilou’s eyes widened and fury steamed from her ears. “Are you kidding me?! We’re all in this because your beloved Avernus nearly wiped the floor with us! He should be the one to be left behind, not me!”

Velvet growled protectively. “Talk about Avernus like that and I will kick you into the ocean.”

Magilou huffed and surrendered. “Sheesh, Velvet. I thought being a mom would make you softer, but it made you even worse!”

Avernus moved between them. “Let’s forget about our usual banter for once. Velvet, we need to talk to Laphicet.”

Velvet agreed and they left for Eizen’s room. As they entered, they saw Laphicet standing above Eizen’s bed, holding his glowing hands over his senseless body. 

Magilou moved near the bed and shook her head. “Eizen’s life essence was almost extinguished. If it wasn’t for Laphicet, his blood was on Avernus’ hands last night.”

[kaiser-dracon]

My birthday is near and I always look back deeply to what I have done and what I have become.

Motivation doesn’t always come from positive vibes. Now looking back, my motivations mostly originated from being challenged or challenging others. From the simplest hobby to my work, it was all started because someone thought “I could not” or “I despised” what they stood for.

Now older, they are amusing to me. Why and what I did, all came into “move forward” kind of thing. I was stubborn. I’m still stubborn. Although, I didn’t need to take things seriously as I did.

Life isn’t easy and absolutely not fair. Be humble, but stay vigilant. Be nice, but prepare to unleash the monster when the time comes. Respect yourself first and put everything and everyone second. You don’t have much time. Life passes in a blink of an eye.

[kaiser-dracon]

A gift from my friend (I will add her Instagram account after getting her approval) Avernus and Velvet in Calamity Wars.

[kaiser-dracon]

Sins of the Past Sneak Peek

The vacant halls of Loegres castle were under deathly silence. Qingu, the leader of the first Seraphim, walked between the broken chairs and shattered shields scattered all around the castle’s corridor. With an all-knowing smile, he navigated toward the king’s chamber and stopped in front of the empty throne.

Qingu paused, pondering the violent side of human history. “They wage war for a passing chance of sitting on this wooden chair,” He sat carefree on the throne, crossing a leg over the other and putting a hand under his chin. “Pathetic creatures.”

Footsteps broke the silence as someone ambled toward him. Qingu looked at the female seraph that entered the chamber; Kayda, the seraph of fire and his second-in-command. 

“The assault on the Empyrean’s Throne was a success,” Kayda said. “ Maotelus has been stripped of his connection to the main earthpulse. His silver flame is no threat to us. But we lost Goll to Avernus, and Velvet Crowe devoured Ethniu. She failed to kill her children, and Balor has been perished in the fight against Maotelus.”

Qingu remained calm despite Kayda’s tense voice. “The Fomorian casualties are of no concern. They were never truly part of us, sister.”

Kayda shook her head slightly in distraught at Qingu’s uncaring answer. “Vassan has been injured by Zenrus,” Kayda continued. “But Eclipse is tending to his wounds. She is reverting him back into his normal form with the Tablet of Destinies you gave her to seal the earthpulse.” Kayda waited for Qingu’s reaction to the news. Instead, he snickered.

“So, Maotelus forced Vassan into his dragon form. That is impressive, but Vassan will be fine. The Tablet holds power to death and life. Eclipse knows our mother’s gift better than any of us.”

“What about Zenrus? I suggest we send Raijin and deal with him immediately before he becomes a threat.”

“I need Raijin to devour Amenoch and capture the Water temple. Besides, Zenrus is not stupid but he is a coward to directly challenge us. We will deal with him after our seraphim brethren retake the domains from the Empyreans.”

Watching the inconsiderate reaction from Qingu, Kayda’s bent horns glittered above her crimson hair as she stepped closer in protest. “Why is Avernus still alive? You could’ve finished him off easily, but you’re dragging it on as if it’s a game to you.” Kayda suspected Qingu of an untold plan. “Tell me, brother, what is it that you truly want?”

Qingu smiled intently. “How much do you know about the human Claudin Asgard?”

“The head of exorcists and the previous king that lived for three hundred years? What about him?” Kayda asked.

Qingu turned his attention to a large painting of king Claudin that was partially illuminated by the scarlet moon, near the throne on the wall. “Do you know why he extended his life with an oath?”

“No,” Kayda said, placing a hand on her hip, looking impatient.

Qingu rose from the throne and walked closer to the painting, locking his hands behind his back and looking up at Claudin’s portrait. “Because he was scared.”

“Scared of what?”

Qingu turned to Kayda with a sideways smile. “His blood. Being a Shepherd is a double-edged sword. The power he and his ancestor carried was a curse, not a gift,” Qingu paused as his voice growled, “Susanoo gave it to them freely out of despair. His great grandfather, Meliodas, waged war and fell to the temptation of the unlimited power of the seraphim. Claudin shed a lot of blood too when he reunited the kingdoms, but his soul had no capacity for more malevolence. He made an oath not to kill any living creature to escape his dark fate.”

“Death was preferable to falling to malevolence…” Kayda mumbled, then her eyes flashed, widening. “Avernus carries the same blood too.”

“Correct. In fact,” Qingu said, turning fully to Kayda. “Avernus had a bottomless capacity to hold malevolence at bay when he travelled with mother. He is the perfect reincarnation of a seraphim soul inside a human’s body. But in order to persuade him to embrace the dark power, I had to give him a nudge.” 

Kayda’s draconic eyes glittered in surprise. “You intend to turn Avernus into a daemon?!”

“Not just any daemon,” Qingu looked at the scarlet moon, grinning softly. “The true Lord of Calamity. A great beast unlike any other. I will unleash him unto the world and the humanity will bend and break under his claws.”

Kayda joined him near the balcony. “What about the human Lancelot?”

“He will continue to serve his purpose. As of now, he is waiting to face Avernus in one-on-one combat. The trap is set.”

“Lancelot will get killed.”

“A necessary sacrifice of my pawn.” Qingu left for the interior and disappeared into the darkness as his voice became a whisper. “Go on and join Eclipse and Vassan. I will see to this matter personally.”

Behind the gates, Avernus and Max sneaked past the unguarded towers of the castle, moving in the shadows.

Avernus sized up the castle defenses’ strength. There were none. “Something doesn’t feel right.”

Max placed his lute back into his bag and kneeled beside Avernus. “They even left the gate open as if they are waiting for someone.”

“It’s a trap,” Avernus turned to Max. “Turn around and get away from here.”

Max corrected his hat before heaving a breath, controlling his frightened mood. “There is no way and promised to see this through. I’ve read about these coupe de tats in history books. Might as well experience it first hand.”

[kaiser-dracon]

Leo Fourcade from Tales of Luminaria and my Original Character, Avernus Asgard, from my Tales of Berseria story that was published in 2018 along with the character design. Coincidence or inspiration?

[kaiser-dracon]

will you ever show velvets kids or new art about the story?

I draw Alistair with Velvet before, but if you’re asking about both Elaine and Alistair when they’ve grown up, I have no plans for that. However, I’m in talks with a new group of artists to draw some scenes of Calamity Wars into manga format. I will release a new duo art for Velvet and Avernus in coming weeks. Most of my time is spending to move the story.

[kaiser-dracon]

The Last Therion Part Two

Velvet pinned the Seraph under her piercing gaze, studying the spirit’s movement. He swept a quick glance in disinterest and looked over at the temple behind, recognizing Maotelus standing guard in front of its gate.

Rokurou, Eizen, Lailah and Eleanor stood shoulder by shoulder alongside Velvet. Rokurou jerked his chin at the seraph, eager to put him down. “Is this one of the things responsible for the attack?”

Magilou joined them and crossed her arms over her chest. A sense of uncertainty flitted behind her eyes as she squinted into Seraph's face. “This thing seems to be different from what we’ve faced, idiot. So don’t be hasty.” Magilou advised with Rokurou scoffing.

Eleanor’s instincts alarmed the presence of the Seraph too, feeling a sickening dread in her stomach. “What is that thing?”

Velvet stepped closer, raising her voice at the Seraph. “Are you the one responsible for all this?”

The Seraph’s gaze shifted to Velvet, acknowledging her presence. His voice was cold and emotionless, devoid of any life. “You are… her. I expected something more intimidating.”

Velvet raised her therion arm, coiling in in a fist. “Why don’t you ask the daemon I devoured?”

The Seraph looked at her arm, noticing it radiating with magic and malevolence. “If she fell to you, that means she was weak. Every insignificant creature yields to a greater force and the cycle continues.”

Eizen came closer, punching his hands together. “As she said; why don’t you try and find out for yourself? We defeated more dangerous threats than you.”

The Seraph broke eye contact and stared at Maotelus, ignoring the team completely. “You have not earned my attention.” He bent and sat on an invisible chair, putting his leg over another in total calm. His body began to levitate from the ground, going up high. 

Rokurou jumped forward in anger. “Oi! Where do you think you’re going?! Come back here and fight!”

The Seraph waved his hand and howls of despair shriek from the jungle behind him. They spotted pairs of glowing crimson eyes piercing the darkness and coming straight at them. 

“Daemons!” Lailah yelled, positioning herself beside them and raising her arms, ready to conjure her fire artes. 

The ground shook beneath their feet. Velvet squinted into the darkness of the jungle, sensing an overwhelming horde coming right at them. “There are a lot of them! Get ready!”

[kaiser-dracon]

I’m so late to this meme, but better late than never :)

This was actually great practice. Eris is my favorite OC, but I draw her so infrequently. Her design will grow more consistent as I give her more attention :] I’ll post the full versions of these soon.