Lyte of Utopia
Arc I.5: “The Cosmic Guard”
Chapter I: “Restoration”
Episode II: “No Time for Rest / Dark Successor”
[The Southern Region – Apocalypse’s Island]
Rikito blazed through the night sky, stopping only once he was hovering over the island.
He peered upon the barren island, with only blackened sand and the ruined castle in sight.
Seems the UFA and Cosmic Guard have finished their investigation of the castle.
His arms raised overhead as he swiftly descended onto the sand. He began walking towards the castle, but paused— glancing at the craters left in the beach.
His mind quickly traced back to his encounter—
Rikito vanished, appearing in front of Bowl faster than he’d ever moved.
“Black Lightning Combination!”
He blurred, vanishing from sight, then reappeared behind Bowl — only for Bowl to catch him by the neck mid-attack.
“You’re predictable,” Bowl smirked, charging a dark slash in his free hand.
“Jack’s Blade.”
After his short reminiscing, Rikito slowly ascended the tall stone staircase.
Once he reached the top, he came to a stop, clenching his fists as he looked up at the massive castle.
Sweat slid down his temple as he thought, so this is where… my father resided.
He took a deep breath, then ventured into the dark castle.
[Central Region, Republic of Ron – A week after the ceremony]
Akira and Asuka flew through the baby blue sky.
“I thought you were rich. Why’re we here doing a mission?” Akira whined.
“I was pretty well off. But someone had to buy Fevee a new house,” The sass in Asuka’s voice was sharp.
“What about the money she got from selling her old one?”
“That’s nowhere near enough. We wanted to get a bigger one.”
“We?”
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
“Yeah, we’re going to live together.”
“Wait— what about me? You just left me homeless?”
Asuka’s sly smile widened.
“That’s why we’re here. So that you can get just enough money to go rent a UFA studio.”
Akira sighed, “So, what do we have to do here again?”
Rolling her eyes, she answered: “Our mission is to infiltrate this country and do some reconnaissance. The UFA has reason to believe that there’s some illegal technology being distributed here.”
“Hmm… the Republic of Ron, right? Why would they be harboring illegal technology? Especially with the UFA Mainland so close by.”
“They aren’t under the UFA’s jurisdiction. And since the Cosmic Guard isn’t heavily monitoring our planet, they can’t really do anything about it either.”
“I see. I’d rather just go up and ask them, but I’m sure they wouldn’t tell us they’re doing illegal acts.”
“Yeah. So instead, we’re going to meet with a guild master that’s allied with the UFA. Supposedly, he was a successful merchant from the Southeastern Region.”
“The Southeastern Region…” Akira looked down at the large continent coming into view.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been around there.”
The thoughts flooded back into Akira’s mind:
“Akira, you need to get out of here, NOW!”
“Move! Get out of here at once!” The shadowed man’s voice cracked like thunder as he shoved a child into the pod. His hands were shaking, but his gaze burned with urgency.
The hatch sealed shut with a hiss.
“Live,” he whispered.
Akira opened his eyes, escaping the darkness.
Just what are these memories? The Spirit told me that it used my dreams to communicate with me. But this one… feels different. What was the Spirit trying to tell me?
The two of them landed towards the edge of the island, venturing through wide, luscious plains until they reached a city.
They stood at a wide street bazaar, packed with traders, stands, horses, and barrels.
“This,” Asuka gestured in front of them, “is the capital city of Ron.”
[UFA Mainland]
Rayon walked into the headmaster’s office, the old man facing the large window behind his desk.
“Master,” he clenched his fists, “I want to move on to the next part of the training. Let me undergo the ritual.”
His eyes were sharp, their blue light piercing through the room.
The headmaster turned his chair slowly, then studied Rayon with his gaze.
He exhaled, “Rayon… are you sure about this? There is no doubt in my mind that you are an exceptional individual, but this ritual—”
“You don’t think I can handle it?”
“That’s not what I’m trying to say.”
“Are you saving it for him, then?”
The headmaster sighed, “This will be a long and grueling ritual. While he has already undergone the proper preparation, he has turned his back on me. He’s decided to live a different life, removed from fighting… he told me he’s started a family, in the south.”
“I can do it. Even without the preparation. I’ll do whatever it takes,” Rayon put his head down, closing his eyes as he squeezed his fists even tighter.
“Just please, let me at least try it.”
Rayon thought back to his struggle against Cette and Bowl.
The headmaster paused before answering. He stroked his beard a few times, combing through his long, white hair.
“Alright. I’ll let you undergo the ritual. But this will be nothing like the training you’ve done before.”
“Yes! I won’t let you down!”
He pumped his fists up.
Never again. I refuse to lose— to anyone, especially you, Akira. Next time, it’ll be my turn to save you.
[Apocalypse’s castle]
Rikito stepped into the shadowy castle.
The only light that could be found was the slight streaks of moonlight that managed to slip through the cracks of the damaged ceiling.
He lifted his left hand before his face.
Suddenly, violet flames burst out from his arm and illuminated the room. He lit the old lanterns mounted on the pillars as he stepped into the throne room.
According to what the UFA researchers said, this place was once a Utopian shrine dedicated to Caelestis, a god or ancient ancestor, no one knows. But considering that there are no records of him whatsoever, he must predate the Gods of Utopia.
He looked side to side as he walked to the center of the room, seeing remnants of ancient Utopian art, artifacts, and architecture.
Rikito revolted.
It seems like my father went and restyled the place to match his tastes… or maybe it was those three…
Rikito walked up a few steps of stairs before placing his hand on the ruined throne.
He silently ran his hand against the arm of the chair until he reached the back.
What’s that?
He looked past the throne— seeing a large, defaced statue of an ancient Utopian. Below it, there was a dark tomb with its lid halfway off.
He walked up to it, fully removing the lid as he looked inside.
It’s empty… this must be where he was sealed.
Suddenly, a light of violet and black aether surged out of the tomb.
“What the—”
Rikito jumped back, but the formless aether swirled around him.
As the cursed energy encased him in a storm of lost souls, he heard whispers from the departed.
What the hell is this!? Rikito put his arms up to protect his face.
The unintelligible spirits continued pestering him as the storm slowly shrank around him.
I have to get out of here!
He tried punching through the spirits, but it was to no avail.
Then what about this!
He fired a blast of aether, but it dissipated immediately.
Dammit…
The storm constricted, cocooning him in bands of violet energy like a living sarcophagus.
“ARGH!”
His screams continued for an hour until he finally passed out.
[Next Time on Lyte of Utopia]: “The Republic of Ron”
[Yield Levels]:
Rikito: 200m
Akira: 1b
Asuka: 5m
Rayon: 50m
Headmaster: 10m