The Rise Of A Porter

It didn't even take more than a couple of minutes for Arnold's forces to mobilise. Even though he didn't have most of his army with him, Arnold knew, he was more than enough to get rid of the planet by himself. But he still wanted to take unforeseen circumstances into the account and decided to let his elite summons accompany him. 

In the meantime, he wore his armour and opened up a portal leading to Nilerea's world. Since he had blooded her, he could travel anywhere where she had spent some time. This was the main reason Arnold had decided to blood all of them rather than torture the information out of them. 

Once everyone was ready, they all walked into a world none of them had ever been to. Arnold's first concern was whether there would be oxygen on an alien planet or not. That was the reason he wore his armour prior to stepping foot on the alien soil. 

"It's safe, master." Talos informed Arnold, "There is breathable oxygen here. In fact, this world appears to be somewhat identical to earth. It's just ten times bigger hence the gravitational force is also higher."

Arnold didn't utter a word to acknowledge him. Instead, he opened up his visor and let the world greet him on its own. He closed his eyes as the fresh air of Alfheim grazed his face, calming his broken soul for a bit.

The light bathed Arnold's skin in along with the surface of the world. He looked at the trees and they looked as if they were dancing amongst each other with the wind guiding their every move like a careful instructor. 

No matter how far and wide Arnold's gaze fell, there was greenery and nothing else. The grass felt crispy under his feet. On one side of his army, the trees as tall as skyscrapers could be seen and on the other an everlasting field of grass and flowers.

Mysterious Hare-like creatures scampering away from them could be seen. Weirdly enough, although the sky was as bright as any sky could be, Arnold could still see the stars as they shine like silver snowflakes. Arnold could see and smell a lot of beautiful things.

It almost reminded him of the time he was stuck in the first transdimensional dungeon he had been to. However, this place was much more beautiful than that dungeon had been. 

He absentmindedly walked in and out of shady glades. The peace of the morning was soul-soothing. The forest's smell was fresh and organic. It was the purest world he had ever seen. In fact, it was the purest world any human had ever seen.

Arnold didn't remember how long it had been since he had felt such calmness in his life. It must have been when he held Aiden for the first time in his hands. Or maybe it would have been the life he lived after killing Hercules... that year was the best of his life. He had everything he had ever wondered about. 

But now, it all felt broken. He was willingly walking down on a path of destruction. All of a sudden, he started doubting his decision. Was reviving Nicole truly worth sacrificing so many people who weren't even aware of her existence? Why couldn't he just let her go and accept the present?

It wasn't the first time he had lost a close one. Being a warrior, he should have gotten used to this feeling right? Then why?

'Shut up...' Arnold's voice echoed in his head as his third eye opened.

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You have broken the curse of the Dark elves. You now see the world with no obstruction. 

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"... I got a bit overwhelmed," Arnold mumbled absentmindedly before drawing the visor back up to cover his face once again, "Despite its beauty, this planet is pretty dangerous. You should have told me about this earlier, Nilerea. Or were you hoping I'll lose myself and you'll be free?"

The high elf immediately went to her knees and apologised, "It wasn't my intention, master. I hadn't been here in so long I forgot about the defence magic the Dark elves might have placed to protect them from an invading army."

"It's better for me to stay inside my little cacoon then. I almost lost myself there for a second..."

The air Arnold had felt on his face, was carrying the charm of the forest. It was a curse placed by the elves to protect their sacred forest and the fact that he almost fell for it, spoke volumes. He was strong, but the elves magic was stronger... and that didn't even make any sense. 

He was someone even gods didn't try to bother and yet these freaking long-eared, attractive looking bastards dared to fool him?

"It's not them... someone must be helping them. Probably a god." Arnold then turned towards Nilerea again, "Which god does your civilisation preach to?"

"Lady Carollion, the elven goddess of moon, magic and warfare. Our creator and-"

"Just answer what I ask. No need to boast about someone whom I'll probably end up killing soon." Arnold tone felt like he was merely stating a fact, "Did any one of you feel as if you were in a dream too?"

All of his summons shook their heads. If they had sensed any danger like that they would have alerted Arnold beforehand. This meant the magic didn't work on the dead. Which was a relief because if he had difficulty freeing himself from the effect of the charm, he could only wonder what could have happened if all of his summons went berserk. He then looked at Nilerea and she shook her head as well. The spell didn't affect her either.

"Do any other species live on his planet that can endanger their safety?" Arnold asked Nilerea once again.

"No. Light elves and Dark elves are the only ones capable enough of causing harm to each other."

"And you are a light elf?"

"Yes, master."

"This barrier was created by dark elves?"

"You are correct, master."

"Since you are unaffected from the barrier. It's safe to say, this barrier was specially made for me then," Arnold shrugged his shoulders and turned to face the forest, "No wonder they were able to fool me for a second. I was wondering whether I should destroy such a wonderful place.. But now I'm sure I will destroy this planet."