Ascension of the Nephilim

The Midland Kingdom of Ever Day was the first kingdom beyond the Boundary of the Great Divide and was directly south of the main entrance of the Walls that Endured which would lead to the Highlands.

The kingdom was situated inside a large white mountain called the Ever Light Mountain. The stone of white had a great power that could contain the light of the star, and because the 'shade' of the Ygdrassil Tree couldn't cover this specific spot, it always had the light shining on it. So the evening would come only once in a few weeks. But even then, the light of the Ever Light Mountain would be so bright that it seemed like daytime.

Because of the constant light, Ever Day was considered one of the strongest kingdoms within the Midlands.

Through the charms of Mechiel and Scarlet, the group of Branze was easily accepted, and the kings and queens of this magnificent kingdom would meet with them.

Soon the carriage was about to approach grand halls, and they would soon step out in view of all the kingdom.

Branze could sense strong power around the kingdom and be satisfied.

"Conquerors... I could sense at least two. Many others are Cardinals! This kingdom will do perfectly! But, of course, you two have to play your parts well. Our success will lie on the both of you." Mezal smiled.

"Can you two charm a Conqueror?" Diana asked the two.

Scarlet had a dark expression.

"I don't think I can. I haven't tried. But the powers I have only increase the stronger I become. While our beauty will definitely affect their beauty, the power of Charm will not fully affect them. With Cardinals and Conquerors, the best that the two of us can do is attract them or gain our favor. But they will have control of their minds." Scarlet answered.

"I'm confident I can make them betray each other. But, my dear Scarlet, Charm is not just the power to lust. It's who we are. That's why you are weaker than me." Mechiel chuckled.

"What do you mean?"

"I guess a copy of Zelah can never fully grasp the power of Charm."

"So you are confident that you can give us the place, position, and authority we need to be able to steal all those items and force them to war?" Branze asked.

"Of course. Do you know the best way to attract a man, Father-in-law?" Mechiel asked.

"...No. But ... I mean, I've never tried to attract a man before."

Diana chuckled.

Mechiel was not insulted and also chuckled at Branze's joke.

"There goes Father-in-law with his unexpected timing of jokes. I sure did miss this." Mechiel laughed.

Branze was caught off guard.

"You're even hitting on father-in-law?" Scarlet frowned.

"Ask them if they feel that way..." Mechiel shook her head in disappointment towards Scarlet.

"You still don't know how to use Charm properly. I forget that you are younger than you look. And I am older than I look. I guess a child like you can never have the heart of a woman. Mother, where you offended? I am teaching my little rival here how to use it." Mechiel asked.

"...No. That wasn't flirting at all! It was innocent! That felt..." Diana had a bizarre expression.

"Very daughterly." Branze continued.

"Exactly." Mechiel smiled and turned to Scarlet.

"Scarlet. You don't have to attract them immediately. Charm can take time. Charm can take various forms. I am using Charm towards them, but not in the way you limit it. It's not just lusting. My Charm could hinder lust. After all, it would be awkward if I were with Kyros and gave unnecessary emotions to his relatives. When we infiltrate those places, you don't have to use your powers to tempt them to go after you. Let me show you... how!" Mechiel smiled as she stood up and pushed the doors of the carriage.

It was exactly at that moment that they arrived.

Outside the carriage was a grand gathering of many royals, nobles, and important personage of the kingdom.

But this gathering was formed to mock and scour at the arrival of the Lowland escort. As this Lowland alliance desired to send forces to this fortress to be trained, the leaders knew that there would be requests for support and for this kingdom actually to send support.

Kyros had known the great arrogance and scorn that the Midland kingdoms of Central Midland had for the Lowlands. This was one of the causes of its defeat. The Midlands refused to aid the Lowlands since many in the Lowlands were people who had fled from the Midlands for their crimes. As such, they saw the Lowlands as a region of corruption.

Even with the commands of the Highland Princess, Listrel Protos Endoxus, the support that the Midland lent was only from a few of the weaker kingdoms and cities of the Midlands who sought to establish trade.

But the strongest kingdoms sought it below themselves to participate in a trade deal with the Lowlands.

The carriage opened, and everyone waited to see the despised creature whom they all planned to mock.

But then, Mechiel's beautiful and flawless face appeared.

There was stunned silence.

The heart of the women yearned to have the beauty of Mechiel.

The heart of the men yearned to have Mechiel.

But in their yearning was a strange conflict of emotion.

Her beauty did not inspire lust. It inspired admiration.

Mechiel's expression was serious. Her poise was full of grace and elegance. It did not have the arrogance and superiority that she would always wear. Instead, her form suddenly transformed into that of a respectful and dignified princess.

She looked back to her onlookers. And when her eyes met theirs, it was clear that she was a woman of many troubles.

The power of Charm was erupting. No one could feel it because the power to draw the hearts of her watchers was not an obvious weapon that was hacking at them. It was a cunning power subtly moving toward their hearts, ready to make the stab.

At that moment, many men who yearned for Mechiel only had one thought.

The desire was not lust but chivalry. It was not the desire to take but to protect.

"I have to help her..." Many began to think.

Scarlet, Branze, and Diana saw Mechiel's lonely walk and couldn't help but be moved.

"It seems its possible. What a cruel power. Diana."

"I know. She has been using her powers on us. Her Charm. Right now, I can't help but feel that she has to be the one who will win Kyros's heart!"

"Don't forget that this Charmed Fallen will simply toss our son away if she gets him. We have to resist." Branze warned.

"No... That's real." Scarlet spoke softly.

"Real?"

"She's... asking for help. Asking us to save her... from becoming the Charmed." Scarlet felt a great pain in her heart. And she could understand the emotions that everyone felt but could not fathom.

"She wants Kyros. She truly loves him. But she's trapped in the kind of Fallen she is destined to become. Something has changed in her..."

"Are you... sure?"

"Yes... She's trying to tell us something that she can't even understand. Her heart is divided. She has this true love. And yet... She cannot truly give love because of what she is. Father, mother... Mechiel is dangerous. She could truly become one of Destiny soon! We have to do something...!"

"... I'll inform the rest. But right now, I think we still have time. Do not underestimate my son's wisdom. He must have known this, which is why he went to such a drastic extent to seal his memories. It's his way of keeping Mechiel in line. Let's keep this in mind and complete our mission. Kyros has fought so hard to make Mechiel his. If there is someone who can save Mechiel's conflicting nature, it will be Kyros. Scarlet, we will walk on ahead. You should follow. Can you use the same power that Mechiel is using?"

"I can try, father."

"... You should do better. Mechiel's Charm is too strong, that I am annoyed that you are calling me father." Branze sighed as he left.

Diana gave Scarlet a somber look as she followed Branze.

And the two trailed behind Mechiel.

As the Supreme Commander of the Alliance revealed himself, none of his supposed scoffers could mock or scorn or mock him. But everyone held their peace.