A Story of Evil

Chapter 196: The Summoners' Domain

The spell used by King Jubilee inside Sanctuary is the same one used on the old one. A runic magic that allows a person to teleport to a certain domain instantly. This is a feat which Jubilee alone is capable of doing. Using the runes on the old sanctuary as reference and, tweaking with it. Connecting it to the sacred runes below the new facility which allowed him to arrive at that result. With Shadow being completely transported to Queen Reoul's territory. Specifically, right in front of the queen's doorsteps.

"Welcome, the queen has been expecting you."

"That makes at least one of us." Sol said, a bit surprised at the outcome of what the king did.

In front of the group was the lady who greeted them. One dressed in fine linen clothing. Her hair is cut in pixie style and, as she raised her head, they saw her sapphire colored eyes. Clear and brilliant, as if these were truly gems. Floating beside her was a small devil, one which the group quickly realized was one of the girl's summoned monsters.

"I am Lumina Dantalion; your guide for this day." The girl added.

"I am Sol, the leader of Shadow." The young paladin said, offering his hand which Lumina simply looked at.

"That's good. Now, shall we get going?" She said, turning around as she walked towards the gates of the castle.

"I can punch her right?" Hendrickson suggested, irritated at how the girl disrespected Sol and his attempt for common courtesy.

"There's no need to do that. Don't forget we are on another monarch's territory so don't do anything stupid." Sol said as an order to everyone. They still had no idea what kind of person Queen Reoul is and, they weren't going to do anything stupid just to test her patience. Thus they followed Lumina's lead.

What the team saw within the castle grounds were soldiers and their summoned monsters. There were large leopards and panthers on the ground. And on the sky, a group of crows stared at the group. Something which Sol was sure to be another set of summons. More complex but, summons nonetheless.

As for the structures themselves, there was an impressively colossal castle in the middle of the whole place. It stood within tall brick walls with guard towers situated on top. The castle itself was also made of bricks. Ones designed to withstand any summoned monster going rampant all of a sudden. These same bricks are also resistant to most types of damage. This being a precaution added in case a group of summoners go against the monarchy. After all, the different summons can use different elements. Making all the powers of the other domains actually exist within Queen Reoul's domain. And so it is only right that a castle which could withstand almost any type of damage to be made.

"Can you move a bit quicker please? You can have your sightseeing some other time." Lumina suggested, irritating both Nathan and Cinder that time around.

"Can we burn her?" They offered.

"No. Like I said, stay calm." Sol rebuked as Shadow followed what Lumina said. Walking just behind the girl and matching her pacing.

Soon enough they found themselves inside the castle itself and, what welcomed them there was nothing like they've ever seen. There are two tall trees with their roots buried through the tiled floor. These stretches right through the ceiling of the ground floor. In the middle is a large fountain where bird type summons take their bath and, as soon as they've refreshed themselves, these fly through the small holes created by the trees. Allowing them to ascend the castle.

But there was one thing weird about it. That is, nobody saw any stairway. Nor was there any structure that seems to be used in order to reach the upper floors.

"Right this way."

"Uhm...Miss Lumina."

"What is it?" The guide answered, sounding a bit annoyed from having to stop halfway.

"It's just that I don't see any stairway here. So how exactly are we getting up?" Lumina simply sighed after hearing this.

"That's why you should just follow first and ask questions later." She said, moving towards one of the large trunks. She then made her imp sit on it and, just as it did, a part of the trunk began twisting and changing its shape. Until it turned into a door. A regular wooden door.

"Right this way." She offered, opening it for the others to pass through.

Sol took this invitation and went inside. One by one they passed by this door until Lumina herself finally entered. Closing the door behind them as the trunk returned to its normal state.

Sol has already come across various skills. Even the odd ones possessed by the monsters and the first generation. And even an all powerful skill such as what Pandora possess. But the door still got him amazed. Because as soon as he entered it, he found himself inside the office of Queen Reoul. There was no blinding light. No runes. No special effect that came with it. They were just there, at a loss on what to make of the transport.

"Good you're finally here." Queen Reoul began, with Sol bowiing down as soon as the queen spoke. The other members of shadows did the same. Still as confused as Sol was on how they suddenly got there. But remembering to perform basic courtesy nonetheless.

"At ease." Reoul said as Sol and his team stood up. Lumina then stood at the side of this team. Her imp still floating close by.

"Daughter, did you treat our guests properly?"

Everyone in that room got shocked even more. They wanted to speak about this but, held themselves back. Knowing that it was impolite to do so when the queen hasn't even given them permission to speak yet.

"Yes, of course mother." Was all that Lumina said.

"Really? The last people you escorted did seem a bit...damaged."

"That was years ago mother. Plus, they deserved it after disrespecting your name."

"Honestly, it's that attitude of yours that'll get you in big trouble one day." Reoul said, rubbing the skin in between her eyes. She then noticed the wondering look on Sol's teammates.

"Ahh forgive my rudeness. You must be shocked to learn that I have a daughter correct?"

"Yes your highness. I believe none of the other domains have been told of this." Sol said, knowing for a fact that details on family lineage was shared between monarchs and, to the general public.

"Well it's not like I wanted to keep her hidden. Although you have to ask the details from Lumina herself if you're really curious." Reoul added.

"Understood your highness." Sol said in reply.

"Right, let's get to the order of business shall we?"

The queen's presence was gentle yet authoritative. The same could be said with her voice. She had a sort of motherly aura around her and, at the same time this aura also exuded her royalty and elegance.

She explained everything to them in great detail. How they would stay inside her domain for a whole week. How they were to be given the [Summoning Cores] they needed for their mission. How they would also be given a tour around the domain and, how they would be shown the academy. The place where the group would potentially find the new recruits for Shadow. 

There were other facilities which Queen Reoul mentioned for the selection. But she said that, they would only enter on these if, they didn't find what they needed in the academy. Saying that the summoners on these areas aren't as orderly and compliant as the ones in the academy.

"King Jubilee stressed out that, you aren't allowed to leave this domain unless you have all five." Queen Reoul added.

"That means we could potentially stay here longer your highness." Sol said in reply.

"Sharp as ever I see." The queen said; impressed by Sol's quick thinking once again.

"Anyway, my daughter would be the one assisting you throughout your stay. If there is anything that you need or, if you want some questions answered, don't hesitate to come to her. I guarantee that Lumina will cater to all your needs."

"Yes I will mother." Lumina answered. A statement which Hendrickson and Nathan were already doubting at the back of their heads.

"As for your rooms, they have been prepared within the castle itself. It's the safest place within the whole domain so you can at least be at ease when you rest here for the night. Although getting to the rooms is a bit tricky. But, I believe it's nothing that you can't comprehend. As soon as your rooms have been shown and your 'keys' have been given, you can begin exploring the domain." Queen Reoul added, sounding as gentle and as caring as Miss Olivia.

"Now is there anything you'd like to ask?"

"Can we explore any location within the domain your highness?" Solomon asked.

"Unfortunately, I'm not as open with my domain as King Jubilee is. However, I will allow you to access most of the locations since, you're the special vanguards of all the domains." She said, with a cheerful smile flashed right after.

"Anything more?" Queen Reoul said. And since there was nothing but silence, she finally dismissed the group. With Lumina assisting them as they were finally showed to their rooms beginning their week-long journey within the Summoners' Domain.