The ancient castle stood tall and proud, its silhouette commanding attention against the backdrop of the landscape. It had undergone a grand transformation, adorned with an abundance of extravagant and pompous features. Every inch of the castle seemed to shimmer with opulence and excess as if boasting its newfound grandeur.
The exterior walls were resplendent with intricate carvings and embellishments, displaying scenes of heroic battles, mythical creatures, and majestic landscapes. Gilded accents and ornate details adorned every archway and turret, catching the sunlight and casting a dazzling spectacle for all who beheld it.
"... They seem a bit humid and filled with moss," Aion thought. "She probably stored everything underwater for a while."
As one entered the castle, they would be greeted by vast halls adorned with extravagant tapestries, massive marble pillars, and glittering chandeliers hanging from intricately decorated ceilings. Every corner of the castle boasted luxurious furnishings, from plush velvet drapes to finely carved wooden furniture and exquisite artwork adorning the walls.
The throne room, the epitome of ostentation, featured an enormous throne crafted from rare and precious materials. It was embellished with gemstones and gold, reflecting the wealth and power of those who would sit upon it. Intricately designed stained glass windows bathed the room in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, casting an ethereal glow upon all who entered.
Just as Aion had expected, Mareia was sitting on the throne. Still, she wasn't alone… the other unknown five figures that ambushed Aion were there as well.
"Welcome, welcome… you are the truly resourceful, cursed king of the time," Mareia said.
Aion had a hard time controlling the urge to teleport behind the woman and behead her instantly. Still, he couldn't rush, not when the other enemies passed him such bad vibes. They didn't move a single inch, so it seemed that they were under Mareia's control.
"You find them more interesting than me?" Mareia asked. "How rude… Still, considering who you are, I suppose it makes sense."
The cloaked figures moved their hoods and then showed their face… Aion opened his eyes widely when he saw the lifeless bodies of his grandparents, uncle, Vangel's mother, and… a copy of himself.
While Aion never saw them, he could tell that those three looked like his mother… it was even easier since they weren't showing any emotion on their faces. As for the queen… Aion couldn't understand. She always seemed suspicious to him, and when she suddenly vanished… was she being controlled by Venga?
Aion was struck with disbelief and horror as he laid eyes on his own lifeless body, controlled by the enemy. It was a shock like no other, sending a chill down his spine. The sight of his own corpse, manipulated by another's will, left him feeling shaken to the core.
Aion couldn't help but feel a profound sense of shock and unease. The realization that his future self had met such a tragic end, and now his body was being used against him, was a heavy blow to his spirit. It stirred up a mix of fear, anger, and sadness within him, knowing that this was the fate that awaited him in that future timeline.
Yet, amidst the shock, a fierce determination ignited within Aion's heart. He refused to accept this predetermined fate. With every fiber of his being, he vowed to break free from the enemy's control and rewrite the path that lay ahead. The sight of his own lifeless body served as a wake-up call, urging him to reclaim his agency and forge a different future.
"Interesting, don't you think?" Mareia asked while smirking. "We found those corpses when they met their ends and decided to use them after their souls bought you some time. As for the other two, they are just a fun addition to our collection."
"You think you can use them agaisnt me?" Aion asked while furrowing his eyebrows. "You call me the cursed king of the time, and you think that I am this soft?"
"Well, under normal circumstances, this wouldn't be a real fight; while we can control their bodies, their abilities were half lost," Mareia said and then smiled. "Under normal circumstances, that is."
Aion's body tensed as he felt the ground rumble beneath him. His eyes widened in shock as he saw the entire floating city being swallowed by a massive wave, transforming it into a colossal bubble suspended in the sky.
The tremors grew stronger, causing the ground to crack and split open. Water surged upwards, engulfing the once-proud city in a torrential flood. Aion couldn't believe his eyes as the towering buildings and bustling streets disappeared beneath the expanding sea.
Within moments, the city was encapsulated within a gigantic bubble of water, floating high above the ground. The buildings inside were distorted by the liquid surroundings, their vibrant colors subdued by the ethereal glow of the water.
"How long can you hold your breath?" Mareia asked. "It seems that I destroyed a lot, but the city needed some serious renovations, so it is fine."
Mareia could talk underwater… it seemed obvious that she could; she was a mermaid, after all. A very annoying one, though… In any case, Aion couldn't move that well underwater, and when he tried to cast his magic to create a windshield, his mana dispersed.
"No, no, no. You can't use magic here, but we can," Mareia said.
The grand throne room, now submerged in water, was a haunting sight. Aion couldn't believe his eyes as he witnessed a chilling spectacle unfolding before him.
Beneath the murky waters, lifeless bodies swam with uncanny speed and precision. These corpses, controlled by the enemy, moved through the water with an unnatural grace. Their lifeless eyes stared blankly ahead, devoid of any spark of humanity.
Their limbs moved in perfect synchronization, propelling them through the water with surprising agility. The sight of their decaying forms, manipulated like puppets, made Aion bite his lips in annoyance. It was as if the enemy had harnessed the power of the water itself to enhance their macabre forces.
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