Chapter 231: Prime War [X]
Stonehenge, a majestic prehistoric monument, stands steadfast on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England.
This circle of towering stone monoliths, some reaching 9 meters tall and weighing tens of tons, has silently witnessed thousands of years of history.
Erected between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, its purpose remains a debated mystery—whether a temple for sun worship, an ancient astronomical calendar, or a site for burial rituals. Now, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic tourist attraction drawing millions from around the globe each year.
But today, no tourists or visitors are in sight. Only an ancient silence envelops the site.
In the center of Stonehenge, amidst the towering gray monoliths, stands a beautiful girl, like a princess within a faintly glowing magic circle.
She is none other than Alice Louise Ove Nafal, daughter of the Duke of Goddodin, a key figure in the world of mysticism and a special advisor to the Witenagamot, the highest council of Britain’s magical community.
Around Alice, dozens of high-ranking members of the Mage Association from various European countries stand in a circular formation.
Their long robes and hoods make them resemble, at a glance, a cult-like group akin to the Ku Klux Klan gathered at Stonehenge.
In reality, their assembly is about to commence a global-scale ritual.
Not only is Alice’s identity and background extraordinary, but her abilities as a Hime-Miko are recognized as top-notch among mystic practitioners. Thus, she plays a crucial role on this Day of Silence.
"Lady Alice, it’s time for you to begin."
Patricia Veve Ericsson—her personal head maid, a woman with a stern appearance and a strong aura of confidence—reminds her mistress respectfully.
"Very well. Let us begin." Alice nods gently.
Cupping her hands in front of her chest as if in prayer, she closes her eyes, and a faint light begins to pulse from her palms.
*BUZZ!*
The magic circle beneath her feet glows brighter, radiating intricate ancient patterns.
Her voice, initially soft, begins to echo among the ancient stones.
"Hear me, Guardians of the Dream Realm, who hide behind the veil of reality!"
Hear me, Weavers of Illusion, who command the threads of consciousness!"
"O Ancient Spirits residing in these mighty stones, lend me your power!"
O Earth’s Energy flowing beneath these feet, rise and heed my call!"
"In the name of Akasha, which records all that is and will be..."
"With the power of Gaia, which breathes life into every inch of soil..."
"We command the Universal Consciousness to bow!"
"We call upon the Gate of Eternal Sleep to open!"
"Breathe the soothing breath of Hades upon the soul..."
"Pour the dew of Morpheus upon every eyelid..."
"Let the Veil of Oblivion shroud the minds of humanity..."
"So that dreams become reality and reality falls asleep!"
"For the protection of humankind from unwanted eyes..."
"For the grand disguise that will cloak the war among the stars..."
"Sleep, O world! Sleep, O humanity!"
"Under this spell, consciousness shall halt, movement shall freeze..."
"For one full cycle of the sun, until dawn rises again!"
"Seal this phase! Soothe this soul! Close these eyes!"
"Sleep, O Earth! Sleep, O humanity!"
"With the power inherited from the ancestors, I command: SLEEP!"
As the final word leaves Alice’s lips, the light from the magic circle beneath her erupts skyward, forming a pillar of energy that pierces the clouds.
Simultaneously, from strategic points worldwide, similar pillars of light shoot into the sky, marking the start of the global sleep magic ritual.
*BZZZZZZ—*
At the same moment, magic circles in 195 countries, prepared in advance, emit light into the sky, resonating with the circle at Stonehenge.
*BZZZZZZ—*
From outer space, it would look like a giant web of light enveloping Earth’s surface, pulsing and flickering like a heartbeat.
*WHISSSSHHHH—*
The next moment, an invisible ripple filled with magical power spreads across the globe. Wherever humans are—on their beds, on park benches, even mid-conversation—they fall into a deep, unbreakable sleep until the spell’s duration ends.
"..."
All traces of human activity vanish in an instant.
Except for select individuals connected to mystic practitioners, 97% of humanity falls into a deep slumber.
"Lady Alice!"
Patricia rushes to catch Alice, who staggers and nearly collapses, swiftly wrapping her arm around the girl’s waist.
"Haah... Haah... It’s fine, Ericsson. I’m okay, just exhausted from using so much magical power." Alice whispers, her chest heaving as she breathes heavily.
Though her physical body remains bedridden at home, the use of astral projection and such immense magical energy still taxes her mind to the point of extreme fatigue.
The other high-ranking members of the Mage Association step forward, their faces filled with awe and relief.
"Awesome, Lady Alice! This ritual far exceeded our expectations!" an elderly, white-bearded Mage exclaims, his eyes gleaming.
"Your prowess is unmatched, Lady Alice! We made no mistake choosing you to lead this grand ritual." another Mage adds, bowing respectfully.
"This is undeniable proof of why you are the greatest Hime-Miko of this era! Now, Earth is safe from prying eyes." a woman in a deep blue robe says, her voice full of gratitude.
Praises pour in, filling the air around Stonehenge.
They all know that without Alice’s power, this global camouflage mission would not have succeeded so perfectly.
"The greater the expectations, the greater the disappointment."
"Don’t celebrate too early before true success arrives!"
Unswayed by the flood of praise, Alice interrupts, her voice weak but firm, cutting through the euphoria among the Mage Association’s leaders.
"Don’t forget, the outcome of the Prime War depends on the efforts of this era’s Campiones. If they fail, humanity’s fate ends here."
The atmosphere, previously filled with relief and excitement, grows slightly tense. The Mages exchange glances, realizing the truth behind Alice’s words.
"But, Lady Alice, with the extraordinary power of the Demon Kings, victory is surely ours!" a silver-haired Mage holding a carved wooden staff declares confidently. "The Kur civilization has repeatedly invaded Earth since ancient times, even from the earliest mythological eras. Yet, their attempts have always been thwarted by each generation of Campiones. This time will be no different!"
"Exactly! The Campiones are humanity’s blessing! They are our final pillar!" another Mage chimes in, his voice fervent. "With seven active Campiones, we have unprecedented strength!"
"History has proven no threat can breach the Campiones’ defenses! We’ve survived thousands of years, and we will survive again!" a young female Mage with spirited eyes adds, her fists clenched.
"I hope so too."
Alice doesn’t comment further on their near-blind confidence.
She merely shifts her gaze to the sky, where warships from outer space approach Earth.
Alice knows that, despite the Campiones’ unmatched power, war always carries unpredictable variables. And this time, the stakes are everything.