Chapter 1 - Chapter 1 The Trinity

It has been 2 years since Mixarnt vanished from the western continent. Isla, the Sword Saint, rose from her room and was greeted by her two friends, Isao the Flower Maiden and Sylveria the Ice Hero.

"I've decided, I will search for Mixarnt." Isla said to them.

The three of them shared a determined look. Searching for their missing friend, Mixarnt, would be a perilous journey across treacherous lands. Still, the bond of friendship compelled them to take this risk.

"He vanished in that ruined portal, I wonder where he was teleported too. Isla searched for him on her own for two years but never found him." Isao said with a sigh, Sylveria's icy blue eyes narrowed. "As long as Mixarnt is out there, we won't rest until we find him. We'll prepare our gear and set out at dawn."

Isla nodded, her silvery white hair swaying. "Let's hope our combined strength can guide us through whatever dangers await. For Mixarnt's sake, we can't fail."

"Okay-" Before Isao could finish her words, the three of them found themselves transported to a white space where a divine goddess loomed over them. However, the three weren't amused; they harbored a disdain for the "Gods" Isla even wielded her spirit weapon, the sword "God Destroyer." an ethereal white, light great sword that has the ability to destroy a god.

"Welcome, adventurers... Yes, adventurers, not 'Heroes.' I am Destinia, the goddess of another world. I have summoned the three of you to save my world," Destinia said. Sylveria, Isla, and Isao remained unimpressed.

Sylveria's frosty glare pierced through Destinia's ethereal form. "Save the world? How original. We're not your pawns, Goddess. If you truly care about this realm, why not handle it yourself instead of burdening others?"

Isla crossed her arms, her 'God Destroyer' humming with contained power. "We have our own problems to deal with, like finding Mixarnt. So, either convince us of the urgency of this 'world-saving' business or let us be on our way."

Isao's delicate, flower-like features twisted in annoyance. "I'm wasting my breath even explaining this, but just so you understand - we're not interested in your divine dramas. Our quest is personal, and that's all that matters to us."

Destinia's expression remained serene despite the trio's hostility. "Your indifference is... refreshing, I suppose. Very well, I shall make this simple." The goddess said taking a deep breath.

"I need the help of you three to save my world from the evil deity Belzegor. Unlike the gods of your realm, who are often driven by greed, I am a goddess of far greater power. Your universe is made up of around 3,000 continents, each ruled by its own god, but my world exists separately from yours." Destinia continued, "The hero tasked with saving my realm instead succumbed to darkness. This unforeseen turn of events has left my world in peril. The evil now threatens to engulf everything we hold dear." She paused, collecting her thoughts before adding, "I implore you, brave souls, to heed my plea. Together, we must find a way to defeat Belzegor and restore balance to my homeland. Time is of the essence, as the shadow of the fallen hero's corruption grows longer by the day."

The unexpected twist raised an eyebrow among the group. An evil hero was a rare sight, and Destinia's words sparked curiosity amidst the initial distrust.

Sylveria's interest flickered. "An evil hero, you say. That does sound intriguing. Tell us more about this Belzegor and how exactly he corrupted the chosen hero."

Isla's grip on her weapon tightened, eager for the details. "If the hero fell, that likely means the land is already suffering. Describe the scope of the devastation, and perhaps we'll consider lending a hand to restore balance."

Isao's brow furrowed, but her voice took on a thoughtful tone. "This is fascinating. Share the specifics of Belzegor's powers and his control over the fallen hero, and we might see how we can contribute without getting tangled in your celestial politics."

Destinia nodded solemnly, "Belzegor hails from the Shadowplane, a realm born from the darkness within the cosmos. He wields immense power, capable of corrupting even the noblest of hearts. His influence seeps into the minds of others, sowing discord and temptation."

She paused, gathering her composure before continuing. "As for the fallen hero, Kaelith Sunshadow, he was once a paragon of virtue and courage. However, after being manipulated by Belzegor's whispers, he succumbed to the darkness within himself. Now, he serves as the primary instrument of destruction, his former allies fearing him more than the very evil he represents."

Destinia's expression turned somber. "He exploited a vulnerability in Kaelith, due to the latter's profound sufferings. Orphaned at a tender age and burdened with the fate of his world, Kaelith's path was fraught with adversity. His legitimacy as the holy sword's chosen wielder was questioned by the nobility and royalty, given his status as an illegitimate child of the sword's previous owner, the 'supposed' king."

Destinia continued, "Kaelith endured multiple tragedies - the assassination of his mother, the loss of his mentor, and the crushing responsibility of defending his realm. Moreover, he was forced to confront and slay his biological father, who had been forsaken by the very goddess overseeing them."

The goddess paused; her expression tinged with regret.

Isla's expression turned grim, understanding the heavy burdens placed upon the young hero. "That kind of suffering could easily lead to despair and corruption. No wonder Belzegor exploited those emotions." Sylveria nodded solemnly. "And now the entire world is paying the price for that hero's fall. We can't change the past, but we can work to mend the present." Isao's empathetic nature surfaced; her gentle voice laced with determination. "That poor soul, torn apart by destiny and human cruelty. If we can help him find redemption and save his world, then perhaps our journey won't be entirely futile."

Turning to Destinia, Isla asked pointedly, "So, what exactly do you need from us? And don't bother trying to spin this as some grand 'heroic duty."

"I require you to eliminate the corrupted hero, freeing his soul from darkness while also defeating Belzegor and the fallen goddess in that realm. Regrettably, as a high goddess, I am unable to intervene directly, despite the world falling under my jurisdiction."

Destinia said, "However, I can ensure that your memories remain intact even upon reincarnation into that world. Once you complete your mission, I shall promptly return you to your original reality. Furthermore, I will weave your fates together, allowing you to encounter one another again along with meeting Mixarnt."

The goddess sighed; her voice tinged with apology. "I apologize if these concessions are all I can offer. As such, you three will not be able to utilize your Spirit Weapons in this new reality. Nevertheless, I have faith that your skills and determination will enable you to overcome this handicap and achieve your objectives."

The weight of Destinia's words settled heavy on the trio's shoulders. Sacrificing their Spirit Weapons, which embodied their very essence as Saints and Heroes, was not something small to ask. Yet, the promise of restoring balance to another world, helping a tormented hero, and ensuring their own reunion with Mixarnt proved too compelling to refuse.

"We accept your terms, Goddess." Isla declared, her resolve evident despite the daunting prospect of facing such a formidable challenge without her God Destroyer. "We'll kill Belzegor and free the hero's soul, no matter the cost." Isla added and Sylveria nodded in agreement, her icy composure unshaken. "Our swords may be bound, but our determination remains unwavering. We'll prevail, for the sake of justice." Isao's delicate features were set in a resolute mask, her slender fingers tightening into fists. "Together, we three can overcome any obstacles."

With the power of Destinia's magic, the trio was reborn into the world of Gladiom. Upon awakening, Isla found herself as an infant, the child of a humble commoner. She gazed up at the unfamiliar faces, her small heart racing with the wonder and uncertainty of this new life.

Sylveria, meanwhile, emerged into the world as a royal princess, her destiny irrevocably tied to the ruling family of a kingdom. Her cries pierced the air as nurses swaddled her close, murmuring prayers to the benevolent gods.

Isao born of noble blood, her first breaths heralding a future woven with threads of privilege and obligation. Attendants tended to her every need, ensuring the continued prosperity of their esteemed house.