It all happened so suddenly: The volley of mana arrows soared through the air, the first set was nimbly avoided by the wyvern making a spinning motion to the side, Esperia clinging tightly to its back yet a secondary offensive was enhanced by a honing enhancement, the projectiles chasing after the wyvern and as a explosion of energy erupted from the impact, the shroud of smoke made it difficult to see what fate had befallen the airborne creature and its rider.

Amidst the clearing of the forest below two hooded figures approached from the outskirts, one having a bow drawn and the other wielding a greatsword. The first of the pair whispered. "I think we got her."

Yet the latter shook his head. "Don't underestimate her, she was the first champion chosen by Gaia."

And indeed, as the dust cleared the pair saw the wyvern was floating a few meters above the ground, seemingly unharmed while its master hopped off its back. Landing on the ground the pair readied their weapons, the bow user shooting a swift volley of mana arrows at his foe, but the vampire easily dealt with them by raising her arm, the arrows turning to gold and dissolving into gold dust.

The warrior lunged forward, greatsword raised and with a powerful swing attempted to cleave through Esperia, but instead of the desired effect the vampire parried the blow with her gauntlet.

"What is the meaning of this?"

She asked in a cold voice, yet the bow assailant declared grimly. "By order of Gaia you are hereby sentenced to death for breaching the taboo of searching for the Akashic Records. Considering you are unwilling to cease your search... The only outcome is to eliminate you!"

Esperia's eyes narrowed in a glare, her body expelling a thick crimson mist that obscured the battlefield.

By the time Lucretia would arrive at the scene she would find a grim sight. The bow assassin had been transformed into a golden statue, collapsed on the ground in a look of pure terror while its partner was held by the throat, the vampire lifting his body up as she declared firmly. "Gaia, I know you can see this: Stop sending people to their death, your efforts are futile."

Yet the man glared down at her. "Gaia's decision is just! The knowledge you seek is too dangerous to be in anyone's hands!"

Yet Esperia asked calmly. "Since when was seeking wisdom a crime punishable by death?" To which the man retaliated with "To kill one to save many is only natural as a champion of Gaia."

Esperia sighed softly. "Then so be it. 'Champion'".

A hand pierced into the torso of the man, making him scream in agony when after several spasms the body of the champion collapsed onto the ground with a heavy thud.

It was at this time Esperia noticed Lucretia's presence, her eyes gazing coldly at her. "Another champion send by Gaia? If so, you're late if you intended to help them."