I learned much from my mentor. Though I’ve had many now, I refer to the one called the “Chief Guide.” He’d been the one to teach me from the ground up. From the language of the Empire, to how to use the amazing power of Ether, he’d been the one to give me my first steps in this world. He was almost like a father to me… If only he could have seen me now. Would he be proud? I will never know, because those damned elves… they finally got him during the Battle of the Center Plains. And with poison no less... His death had been another turning point in both my life in this world, and the war with the elves as they fought to keep us from Axis Mundi. The demise of the Chief Guide awakened a righteous fury in me and my armies. I like to think that the speed and intensity at which we won the next several battles were because of him. The death we brought to our enemies was our requiem for him.

  -Excerpt from “The First Champion’s Reminiscence: Volume Three”

  Another month went by since Aleksi had been reassigned to a new mission.

  Galen’s life ever since had become a living hell.

  He hadn’t realized up until recently just how lucky he’d been to have Aleksi as his mentor. He’d come to realize that the man had been protecting him from much of what the Dominion wanted to do.

  How so?

  One need only look at his new, replacement teachers for the answer.

  Though, admittedly, the first was far, FAR better than the second.

  Milton had been given charge in regards to Galen’s studies. The scribe, though friendly and earnest enough, tried every day in a not so subtle manner to indoctrinate and convert him. He could tell the scribe was trying to warm him up to the Dominion, trying to instill a sense of pride and admiration towards the human supremacist nation.

  Today was yet another day of that.

  “Among all the Realms of Avani, the Athanasian Dominion has had the greatest technological advancements. The health and well-being of our people has also prospered over the past five centuries! Today, humans live longer and have more fulfilling lives than they ever did prior to the Great Fragmentation. Shouldn’t such prosperity be shared with the rest of the Realms?” Milton asked him.

  “Uh huh…” Galen responded, “and you mean to share that prosperity… by force?”

  “Not at all! We will make an offer to the other Realms, a proposition to work together for the good of the world and all the races. The Great Fragmentation has done so much damage to Avani. Undoing that catastrophe would be one such example where we can work together with the other Realms.”

  “Freeing the Dominion’s slaves, and doing away with slavery altogether would go a long way in establishing trust with the other Realms. That would show we really do desire peaceful coexistence,” Galen offered.

  To his credit, Milton hadn’t immediately shot down the idea as ridiculous, “An intriguing idea, Champion… However, we’ve already discussed at length why we cannot simply ban slavery out of the blue.”

  “I’m aware,” Galen sighed as he scratched at his neck anxiously, a habit he had begun to form in the past month, “however, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It simply means that doing so will require more time than I would like.”

  “Right you are,” Milton agreed.

  “So instead, how about this? We’ve gone over just how humanity has benefited from the technological revolution brought about by my predecessor. Humans in this world can live up to, on average, one hundred and twenty years. Admittedly, that’s even higher than the life expectancy of people from my world, which was around eighty years or so. Athanasius, when he came to power, then built upon what the First Champion started. And technological advancements in food, medicine, and even things like the airships you all have, have greatly eased and extended the lives of the citizenry. If slavery cannot be abolished right away, how about sharing some of that prosperity with the slaves and the other races present in Ignis and Branlyn?”

  Milton rubbed at his chin, giving Galen a curious look, “Elaborate, if you please, Champion.”

  “In sharing this prosperity with the slaves, we can give them easier lives, improve their health, and show those present here that humans don’t view them as bugs. The ones who had been slaves for the longest will see a shift in attitude for the better, and might ease some of the resentment that is no doubt present among them. We could make it so that those who own slaves, as well as the Dominion itself, have to take care of their slaves and give them better conditions and treatment. In doing this, gradually, we could steer the Dominion towards abolishing slavery altogether,” Galen explained.

  The scribe seemed to ponder on his words.

  This was something they’d engaged in after his studies. They had discussions and debates about various topics, usually related to whatever the scribe had him study. He’d been cautious, at first, to give his true opinions. However, the scribe had given him his word that no retaliation would be given if Galen’s opinion wound up contrary to that of the Dominion’s.

  According to Milton, they’d been ready for and expected him to have completely different values than what they were used to, as that had been the case with the First Champion. He’d been true to his word thus far, and Galen had grown more comfortable having these sorts of discussions. The two have had some interesting debates here and there, with both surprising each other on multiple occasions.

  Eventually, Milton finally said, “An optimistic proposition, Champion…”

  Galen frowned, “I’m guessing you think it can’t be done?”

  Milton spread his hands apologetically, “From what I know of the politics of the Dominion, the more conservative among those with power would oppose you. Sharing our prosperity with the elves we control?”

  The scribe shook his head at the thought.

  Galen clicked his tongue in aggravation, “Tch. If you, someone not much older than I am, finds that ridiculous, then I’m going to have a hell of a time convincing anyone else.”

  Milton gave him an apologetic look, “Forgive me, Champion. Old habits die hard, as they say. It is… difficult to think in a different manner to how you were raised.”

  Galen scoffed, “And I thought you all wished to do Athanasius’s will. Didn’t you tell me he wanted to gradually do away with the contempt the humans of this world have towards the elves and other races? If you were telling me the truth, then wouldn’t you be disrespecting his will by finding the ideas I proposed so outlandish and ridiculous?”

  Milton’s smile faltered for just a moment, but he quickly recovered as he pushed his glasses back up his nose, “Again, forgive me, Champion. It’s less that I find your ideas ridiculous and more that I’m simply imagining what the more traditional and conservative among the Dominion would think. Speaking honestly, I do think there is wisdom to be found in your propositions…”

  That was one thing that surprised him about the scribe. Milton was more open minded than he’d initially believed, and actually considered his opinions and ideas.

  Thus far, things didn’t seem too bad. So why did Galen have gripes regarding the two who’d replaced Aleksi?

  In Milton’s case, that was about to be answered.

  The scribe smiled, and Galen groaned in response. It was the kind of smile Milton gave whenever the subject was about to turn to theology.

  “Given how you’ve deigned to bring up Lord Athanasius, I think this is a good time to switch the subject of our discussion to a more theological one.”

  Galen rubbed at his eyes in a tired and annoyed manner, “Again?”

  When it came to converting him to Athurai, Milton wasn’t exactly subtle. On the contrary, he’d made it known to Galen that he firmly believes the new Champion should be an Athuraian.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  He, naturally, disagreed.

  Vehemently.

  And in spite of that, Milton hadn’t been discouraged in the slightest. Galen could at least give him props for that. Begrudgingly, mind you.

  “Now, now, Champion,” Milton began, “one would think I was going to torment you with how you act with this subject.”

  You basically do, Galen thought with annoyance.

  He glanced to Redian, resting in the corner. He wished he could open his mind and have Redian help him stay distracted through this, but Milton had scolded him the last time he did that. Now Galen was… well… not quite “forbidden” from speaking with Redian during his lessons, but rather he was “highly discouraged” from doing so.

  “Let’s see, why don’t we start by you telling me of your current faith? Or lack thereof if that’s the case,” Milton proposed.

  Galen frowned, Okay, that’s different.

  Previously, the scribe started these theological discussions by preaching at him about Athanasius and his glory.

  Sometimes for hours.

  Curious, Galen decided not to be completely obstinate… yet.

  “Well, I do follow a religion, to start with.”

  Milton smiled, “Very well! Tell me about it.”

  “Before I do…” Galen leaned forward in his chair, “why the sudden interest? No offense, Milton, but the past few discussions have been rather… one-sided. They’ve mostly been you going on and on about Athurai and Athanasius.”

  The scribe had the decency to look bashful, “Yes, well… I’ve come to that realization myself. That is part of the reason.”

  “And the other?”

  “Scholarly curiosity, you might say,” Milton adjusted his glasses, “we are talking about the religion of another world here. From my perspective, anyway.”

  Galen raised a brow, “Well now I’m curious. What about the First Champion? What did he believe?”

  Milton paused to think for a moment, “I believe there was something… It wasn’t much, however. Just a passing mention if I remember correctly. I believe that the First Champion mentioned his family from his original world had been religious, but that he himself was, at best, skeptical.”

  “Did that remain the case as he lived his life here?” Galen asked.

  Milton shrugged, “I’d have to look into it since, as I mentioned, these sorts of things were merely passing mentions in our records. Now, we aren’t here to talk about the First Champion. Though that was an admittedly intelligent way to stall. I’ll give you that. No, we’re here to talk about you, current Champion.”

  Galen sighed, “Alright, fine.”

  He leaned back and put his hands behind his head as he collected his thoughts. Finally, he began, “Well, I wouldn’t call myself all that religious of a person…”

  Milton chuckled, “It is rare to find someone so young be considered genuinely devout in any religion. Including Athurai, might I add.”

  Galen had to chuckle at that, “Yeah, okay. But in spite of me not being the most devout, I DO have belief in God.”

  “God… singular… so your religion follows a monotheistic belief system?”

  “Well, yes and no,” Galen chuckled at Milton’s confused frown, though the scribe seemed to push off his confusion as he asked another question.

  “I also note, honored Champion, that the words you used imply that you still have a belief in your God. In spite of you being in another world… interesting. Does this not contradict any of your previously held beliefs?”

  It was something Galen himself had been wrestling with ever since he’d been summoned to Avani. He shared some of the thoughts he’d had regarding the subject with Milton, “Well, I won’t pretend I know every single thing there is to know about my religion. But as to whether or not my being in another world contradicts my beliefs? Well, that depends on what the nature of my summoning was.”

  Milton frowned, “What do you mean?”

  “Well, is Avani another reality entirely, one different from my own? Or is it simply another planet with sentient and intelligent life in the near infinite universe? And if it’s the latter, then is Avani another planet in the same galaxy? Or another one altogether?” Galen met Milton’s eyes, “did the First Champion have anything to say regarding this?”

  Milton stroked his chin thoughtfully, “...No. The First Champion wasn’t one to ruminate upon the nature of the universe. At least, not anywhere to the extent that you seem to. Lord Athanasius, on the other hand… now he has asked such questions. He is as much a philosopher as he is a force of nature!”

  Aaaand here he goes again, turning the conversation back to his god… Galen thought with an eye roll, he’s persistent. I’ll give him that.

  Another thought came to mind as Galen turned over Milton’s response in his head, “Hey. You said Athanasius asked the same questions I did… does that mean he isn’t all knowing?”

  Galen already figured Athanasius wasn’t, since if the Emperor was all knowing, then he no doubt would have already known of his wavering interest in working for the Dominion. And the fact that he hadn’t been killed for that was proof that the Dominion’s ruler wasn’t omniscient. So he asked the question more to get a read on Milton’s beliefs.

  The scribe’s answer surprised him, “Lord Athanasius is the wisest, most intelligent being in Avani. Though even he does not know all that there is to know.”

  “Really? Then if he isn’t all knowing, then that means he isn’t all powerful either, am I right?”

  Milton shuffled his feet, clearly not liking this line of questioning, “No, though he is the most powerful being in all the Realms.”

  “So if Athanasius isn’t all powerful, all knowing, or all seeing, then why do you worship him?” Galen challenged.

  “Because, as someone born from the Ether itself, lord Athanasius is the closest thing to omnipotence and perfection that exists. Though one could technically consider him a demigod, the pure nature of the Ether he was born from overrides his human half, making him essentially a full god,” Milton explained.

  “So does power alone make him a god?” Galen asked.

  “Allow me to ask you, Champion. What of your God?”

  “He is all powerful, all knowing, omnipresent, all seeing, and all powerful.”

  “And does that make Him a true God in your eyes, Galen Daxton? One worthy of worship?”

  He thought about that for a long time. The theological discussion had shifted to a profoundly deep question.

  What exactly makes a true God?

  Before Galen could even try to give an answer to such a monumental question, someone knocked on the door, interrupting his and Milton’s discussion.

  Galen’s heart nearly stopped.

  The scribe frowned as he answered the door. As he spoke with the messenger, his eyes widened with surprise.

  “What? It’s already time?” Milton pulled out a pocket watch to check.

  “… Oh… my apologies, it seems I lost track of time,” Milton gave Galen a smile, a sympathetic one, and said, “Well, Champion, this has been an interesting discussion. Though it seems our time is done, for now. I will return once your training with Arawn is done.”

  Everything went numb in Galen’s mind.

  He constantly avoided thinking about the torturous training he’d been put through in the past month. But he could only do so for so long each day.

  His panic hit him like a freight train. His eyes widened, he began to sweat profusely, adrenaline began to flow, and his heart started to race.

  Not again…

  Even though he’d been healed using Arts, he could’ve sworn he could still feel the broken bones from yesterday’s training session.

  If it could even be called training.

  He shook his head vehemently, “No… No! I… Milton, I don’t want to train with that… that… monster! Not anymore!”

  He began to back away, feeling as though his life was in danger.

  Because it quite frankly was.

  Milton bit the inside of his cheek, “So he still refuses to tone things down, eh?”

  “You have no fucking idea!” he swore, rubbing his face with his hands.

  Damn, he was reaching his limit. He was astonished that he’d lasted this long without snapping.

  Milton had seen his growing distress with each day, and it seems today that he too has had enough, “Alright, if that man won’t listen to reason then I’ll see what I can do.”

  Galen paused, “What do you mean?”

  “I’ll send word to our… superiors. I’ve told Arawn repeatedly to stop pushing you so hard. Yet he’s ignored me each time. If he won’t listen, then I’ll tell someone who will. Someone who can reign him in. You’ll need to endure for another day, Champion. But I give you my word that I’ll do my utmost to make this session the last.”

  “Do you mean it? Really?!”

  “Yes. Just one more training session, Champion,” Milton smiled.

  “Oh, thank you!” he couldn’t help himself as he hugged the scribe tightly.

  Milton tensed, surprised at the hug, before he chuckled and awkwardly pat him on the back. The scribe gave him a smile of reassurance as he departed.

  Galen could already feel his body aching at the torturous training that was coming. He scratched at his neck as he felt the feelings of restlessness and anxiousness beginning to worsen, “Just one more session. Just one more. Let’s get this over with.”

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